Provisional Policies Regarding Eucharistic Ministers
Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers have proven to be very useful in the appropriate circumstances of pastoral practice, and I am happy to grant the requisite permission for them whenever the need is perceived. The revised Code of Canon Law recognizes the existence of this lay ministry in Canons 230 #3 and 910, while the norms governing its function continue to be those in liturgical law in accordance with the principle of Canon 2.
Can. 230 #3: Where
the needs of the Church require and ministers are
not available, lay people , even though they are not
lectors or acolytes, can supply certain of their functions, that is, exercise
the ministry of the word, preside over liturgical prayer, confer baptism and
distribute Holy Communion, in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Can. 910 #1: The
ordinary minister of Holy Communion is a Bishop,
a
priest or a deacon.
#2: The
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is an
acolyte, or another of Christ’s faithful deputed in
accordance with Can. 230 #3.
Can. 2: For the most part the Code does not determine the rites
to be observed in the celebration of liturgical actions.
Accordingly, liturgical laws which have been in effect
hitherto retain their force, except those which may be
The Specific regulations in liturgical law governing the appointment and function of Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers are principally contained in the Instructions of the Congregation of the Sacraments, Fidei coustos and Immensae caritatis and Liturgiae instaurationes of the Congregation for Divine Worship. The qualifications of a Special Eucharistic Minister are succinctly stated in the Instruction Fidei custos. "A lay Christian who is to be chosen as a special minister of communion should be outstanding in Christian life, in faith, and in morals, and one whose mature age warrants the choice and who is properly trained to carry out so exalted a function."
I asked all pastors who need Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharistic to submit to the bishop a list of candidates. Verification is to be given by the pastor as to their being practicing Catholics and in good standing with the Church. These will be appointed for a two-year term. Those who have been Eucharistic Ministers may have their names resubmitted by their pastor for reappointment. It is understood, though, that if their names are not submitted for reappointment, their role as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister has ended.
In accordance with the regulations governing the appointment of Eucharistic Ministers, the persons named should be truly outstanding adult members of the parish. They should be fully instructed not only with regard to doctrine and ritual, but also proper decorum and reverence in carrying out their duties. They should go directly to the place where the person is to receive the Blessed Sacrament and at no time should the Blessed Sacrament be kept at ones home or in ones car. If the person who is to receive the Blessed Sacrament is not at home or is unable to do so, instruction should be given to return the Blessed Sacrament to the Church or the Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister themselves consuming the host. Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers should be prepared for problems that may face them in homes, hospitals, etc., having access to the Sacrament of Penance when needed of requested and be instructed on how they are to facilitate this provision. Those who wish to carry the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday to a sick relative or friend are certainly allowed to do so if they have received proper instruction.
With regard to the number of Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers named, they should be sufficient to meet the pastoral necessity of the parish. One of the reasons for periodically renewing the appointments of Eucharistic Ministers is to give pastors an opportunity to make desired adjustments gracefully, hopefully without hurting any feelings.