Role and Responsibilities:

During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) assist the pastor and deacons in distributing Holy Communion. It is a blessing to serve each member of the parish family through the Eucharist. These ministers also bring the sacrament to those who are sick and homebound. In this way, those who are unable to participate in Sunday Mass with the entire assembly can still share in the communion of sacrament and friendship. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are called to assist at daily Mass, weekend Masses, and special occasion Masses (e.g. First Communion, Confirmation, Holy Days, etc.)


Eligibility:

To be eligible to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion one must be a baptized Catholic, confirmed and under no canonical penalty. You must also be an active practicing Catholic and at least 18 years of age or a senior in high school. If you are married, your marriage must have taken place in the Catholic Church or have been blessed in the Catholic Church. You must also be VIRTUS trained and cleared.

Training Sessions are required:

All EMHC must attend an initial formation workshop presented by the Archdiocesan Office of Worship or a similar workshop. Parish based training is offered for those who minister at the altar and for those who visit the sick and homebound. Annual renewal training sessions are also required. Applications to be an EMHC are available at the church office, in the minister’s room of the church and via the document links to the right.

Archdiocesan Requirements:

According to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston's Pastoral Manual:

1. The candidate must be 18 years of age or a senior in high school.
2. The candidate mus be fully initiated in the church (having celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation).
3. The candidate must be a person of genuine Eucharistic faith, living exemplary Catholic lives and have sound psychological maturity.
4. The person must have no impediment to sacramental reception.