Homebound Communion – Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (sometimes abbreviated EMHC) is a lay person who is specially commissioned to help distribute Holy Communion when there is a genuine need.

Key Points

Ordinary Ministers: The ordinary (regular) ministers of Holy Communion are bishops, priests, and deacons.

Extraordinary Ministers: Lay men and women may be appointed as extraordinary (meaning “out of the ordinary”) ministers. They are not clergy, but they serve in support of the clergy when needed.
Purpose

They assist at Mass when the number of communicants is very large, making it difficult for the priest or deacon to distribute Communion alone in a timely way.

They also bring Communion to the sick, elderly, or homebound when priests and deacons are not available.

Requirements & Commissioning

They are chosen from the parish community, typically practicing Catholics of good standing, and receive training and formal commissioning from the parish priest or diocesan authority.

Their role is a service to the community, not a personal honor or permanent status.

Boundaries

Their role is limited to distributing Holy Communion (the Body and Blood of Christ). They do not consecrate the Eucharist—that is reserved to the priest during Mass.

They are to serve only when there is a true pastoral need, not to replace ordained ministers.

General Requirements

1. Baptized Catholic
   • Must be a fully initiated Catholic, having received Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion.
2. Age
   • Must be at least 19 years old.
     
3. Practicing Catholic in Good Standing
   • Regularly participates in Sunday Mass.
   • Lives in accord with Church teachings (for example, if married, the marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church).
   • Should be a model of faith for the community.
     
4. Devotion to the Eucharist
   • Must have a deep respect for and belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
     
5. Training & Commissioning
   • Must receive proper instruction in theology of the Eucharist, liturgical practice, and reverent handling of the Body and Blood of Christ.
   • Commissioned (formally appointed) by the pastor or bishop.

Additional Considerations

• Spiritual Life: Should be a prayerful person with a reputation for integrity and service.
  
• Health & Ability: Should be physically able to handle the role, especially if bringing Communion to the sick or homebound.
  
• Temporary or Permanent Mandate:
  • In many dioceses, EMHCs are commissioned for a set term (e.g., 3 years), renewable at the pastor’s discretion.