Manual for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

May 6, 2013
Sub-title: Orientation on the Role and Functions of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Objectives, that the Participants:

1. Have understood the role and functions of the Lay Eucharistic Minister
2. Have appreciated the value of the role and mission of the Lay Eucharistic Minister
3. Have committed themselves to fulfil their services in accordance with laws and norms of
the liturgy

Process: Lecture (about 1 ½ hour). This lesson maybe divided into two parts: Part 1 – Lecture
and part 2 – practicum.

INTRODUCTION

Today we see so many lay people who are already involved in various ministries and programs
of the Church. Some are in education and formation, others in worship and liturgy and still others
in social apostolate.

Various kinds of lay ministries have also arisen in the Church; some are dedicated to teaching
and formation, some to prayer and worship, and others to helping the poor and the needy.

We might be seeing the result of Vatican II document on the involvement of the laity in the life
and mission of the Church. This involvement among the laity points out to the growing
awareness that the laity, too, has a part in the ministry and mission of the Church.

This realization that the laity has a vocation as apostles to the secular world and evangelizers of
the Church’s mission in society has given rise to the term “lay ministry” to describe the active
vocation of all the baptized.

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DEVELOPMENT OF LAY MINISTRY IN THE CHURCH

Lay ministry is a new category of service in the Church. For many centuries, it was thought that
ministry and service in the Church belonged mainly to the clergy and the religious and that the
lay people have very little part in it.

Luckily, with the coming of Vatican II, some changes were introduced into the church. Some
functions which formerly were reserved only to the ordained clergy were now opened to the lay
faithful as well. In the liturgy, among the functions that were allowed to the laity was that of the
server, the lay reader, the cantor, the extraordinary ministry of holy communion, etc. In these
new functions both men and women were admitted to participate.

The GIRM (General Instruction on the Roman Missal 2002) has coined the term “Liturgical
ministers” to refer to all who perform services during liturgical celebrations. Among these
liturgical ministers are the “Lay Eucharistic Ministers.”

In previous years various names were given to those worked in the ministry. They were called
‘Lay Ministers (LM),” “Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist (EME),” “Extraordinary
Ministers of Communion (EMC),” or simply “Eucharistic Ministers (EM).” In most dioceses in
Mindanao, they are still called “Kaabags”; while in the Diocese of Marbel, they are called “Lay
Cooperators” or simply “Layco” for short.

The GIRM, however, preferred to call them “Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
(EMHC)” and urged the use of this term instead of the old titles EME or EMC. In our case, we
shall continue using the term “Layco” to differentiate this group from a new group called ‘Lay
Eucharistic Ministers (LEM)” or “Eucharistic Ministers (EM).”

In the Diocese of Marbel, we have two kinds of EMHCs: The Layco and the LEM. Both can give
Communion but they differ in function.Besides giving Communion, the Layco can preside at
Bible Service, deliver a sharing reflection, and bless objects.
The LEM, on the other hand, has only one function, and that is, to help distribute communion
during Mass. The training of the Layco is longer (4 phases), while that of the LEM is shorter (1
phase only).

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The LEM, too, is not expected to do the same functions as that of the Layco. In other words, the
term Eucharistic Minister and Layco are not the same. They refer to specific persons with their
own identity and must not be confused one with the other.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION IN THE DIOCESE OF

MARBEL

This section concerns matters that deal with policies and guidelines that pertain to ministry
leaders in general and to the EMHCs in particular.

Terminology

1. Ministry leader – general term used by DPA-I to refer to all who do works of service,
especially in various ministries and programs in the Diocese.
2. Liturgical minister – term used by the GIRM to refer to persons who perform specific
functions during the liturgy
3. Lay Liturgical Leaders (LLL) – term used in the Diocese for persons who preside at
Bible Service, give communion, do sharing, and bless objects. Another name is Lay
Cooperator.
4. Layco – is short for Lay Cooperator
5. Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) – common term used in the Diocese to differentiate a
member of this group from that of the Layco.
6. Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) – general term used by the GIRM
for persons who have been delegated to assist at giving communion.
Note: Strictly speaking both the LEM and the Layco are EMHCs. They differ, however, in
function and training. The LEM has only one main function – to help distribute communion. The
Layco, on the other hand, has other added functions besides giving out communion. The training
of the LEM is shorter (1 phase only) while that of the Layco is longer (4 phases).

Ministry

In the Diocese of Marbel, LEM is a separate group not belonging to any particular ministry.
They are under the direction of the parish priest in the meantime.

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In the parishes LEM shall continue with the sub-committee on Sacred Rites and may also be
called to attend some meetings and activities of the LLLM and LLM.

What is Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion?

In general, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy communion is a liturgical minister who assists the
priest at Mass and who renders specific supportive functions during liturgical services in the
Church.

In particular, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is a lay person, a man or woman,

who has been deputed (authorized) to assist the priest in giving communion during the Mass and
other liturgical ceremonies.

Classification

In the Diocese, we have two kinds of ministry leaders serving as EMHC – the Layco and the Lay
Eucharistic Minister. For practical purposes we shall call them Extraordinary Ministers of Holy
Communion.

Role of Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

According to DPA-I – the EMHC is a ministry leader

According to the GIRM – the EMHC is a liturgical minister
Other Roles

1. They are liturgical ministers with special authorization from the Bishop of the Diocese
2. Their service adds to the orderly and prayerful nature of worship
3. They enhance solemnity, grace and reverence in the liturgy
4. They model good liturgical participation to the assembly through actions, prayers, hymns,
and responses
5. Their service is voluntary and gratuitous
6. Duties and Functions of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

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Duties

1. To report at least 15 minutes before Mass

2. To attend meetings called by the parish priest
3. To know his/her scheduled assignment and note them
4. To look for replacement if he/she would be absent
Functions:

1. To help give out holy communion to the people at Mass

2. To get the vessels of consecrated host in the tabernacle before communion and put them
back (repose) after communion.
Other Functions according to the parish priest’s direction and discretion:

To give communion to the sick in hospitals and homes and bring viaticum to the dying
To distribute (impose) ashes on Ash Wednesday and assist in the kissing of the cross on Good
Friday.
Responsibilities of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

1. To shower proper respect and reverence to the Eucharist

2. To work in coordination with the Bishop and the priests
3. To give witness and set good example of good behaviour to others\
4. To shower charity and concern for others.
5. Selection of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Process

The parish priest invites some groups and leaders in the parish for the selection of candidates for
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy communion
Those selected are informed and invited. A candidate who accepts will participate in the training.
Training and Formation of lay Eucharistic Ministers

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Candidates for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion shall be given basic knowledge on
the theological, spiritual, liturgical and practical preparation to fulfil their role and functions with
knowledge and reverence.
Likewise, they should be provided with an on-going formation program on four areas of
formation: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral in order to help them develop in their
personal life and ministry.
This formation shall be provided by their respective parish in coordination with other ministries
and groups in the parish.
DIOCESAN POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

The DPA-I has established a uniform standard of policies and guidelines applicable to all
ministry workers and liturgical leaders
It is highly recommended that all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion be familiar with
these policies and guidelines
Found below are some provisions adapted and applied to Extraordinary Ministers of Holy
Communion.
Qualifications

1. Witnessing Catholic with pleasing personality

2. Physically, intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally fit
3. Must be at least be thirty to sixty five years of age
4. Be a resident of the parish he/she intends to serve
5. Has ability to read, write and communicate
6. Approved by the parish priest and the PPC
7. Possesses basic knowledge of the Creed, Code and Cult
8. Understands and accepts the principles and processes of BEC
9. Has satisfactorily fulfilled the required training/seminars
10. Has time and willing to work towards the realization of the Vision-Mission-Thrust
(VMT) of the Diocese of Marbel.
11. Rights and Privileges

They have a right to financial support from their parishes when sent to diocesan meetings,
seminars, retreats and recollections
They have a right to financial support from the diocese when they fulfil official function or sent
on official mission by the diocese.
Renewal

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 1. Commissioned extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion shall renew their
commitment every two years
2. Commissioned Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion shall submit in writing
application for renewal to the parish priest one month before commission expires
3. This renewal shall be preceded by a recollection or a retreat
4. Prohibitions and Sanctions

5. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are forbidden to join religious fanatical

group/s disapproved by local church
6. They are also forbidden to advocate violence
7. Those who violate these provisions shall be dismissed after due process
Cessation

1. Habitual absence from scheduled meetings and neglect of duties

2. Expiration of term of office or commission
3. Non-renewal of term or commission unless the term is extended by the parish priest but
only for three months
4. Permanent incapacity
5. Voluntary resignation and accepted by the parish priest
6. Obligatory resignation due to candidacy for an active position
7. Dismissal due to grave causes and loss of confidence as determined by the parish priest
Re-admission

1. If he/she meets the requirements and qualifies for re-admission

Jurisdiction

1. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion shall serve only in the diocese and in their own
parishes
2. To serve in another diocese or parish, they should have the permission of the bishop or of their
parish priest
NORMS FOR EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

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This Section deals with liturgical norms. Liturgical Norms are standards or rules that govern the
celebration of the liturgy. The norms given below are taken from the GIRM (General Instruction
of the Roman Missal 2022) and RS (Redemptionis Sacramentum 2004).

GENERAL NORMS FROM THE GIRM 2002 AND RS 2004

There are two kinds of ministers of Holy Communion: the ordinary minister and the
extraordinary minister. The ordinary ministers are ordained ministers: bishops, priests, and
deacons. The extraordinary ministers are non-ordained: instituted acolytes, religious men and
women, and other lawfully deputed faithful (GIRM 23).
“Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion” refers to lay persons who have been instituted or
commissioned to perform special roles and functions in the liturgy in accordance with the laws
and norms of the Church 9RS 154-156).
The roles and functions of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are under the
authority of the Bishop who issues liturgical norms as to how these roles and functions are to be
exercised in his Diocese (RS 21). Comment: The authority of the Extraordinary Ministers of
Holy Communion comes from the Bishop 9and not from the parish priest). It is the Bishop who
determines their roles, functions and terms in the Diocese.
The role and functions of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are supplementary and
provisional (RS 151). They may be appointed for a specific occasion or for a time depending
upon the Bishop of his delegate, the parish priest.
As liturgical ministers each Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion shall perform the role
and functions assigned to them.
Note: However, in case other ministers are absent during the Mass, they may serve at the altar,
read the readings, sing or read the responsorial Psalm, and read the intentions during the Prayer
of the Faithful. These functions, however, are temporary and for that one occasion only.

NORMS FOR GIVING OUT COMMUNION

The exercise of the functions of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is limited and not
automatic. They may help distribute communion only in the following instances:
When there is no priest or deacon
When the priest is incapacitated for a good reason
When the number of communicants is so great (RS 158)

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When the Church’s needs require it
When there are not enough priests of sacred ministers (RS 147)
In other words, the services of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are not needed if
there are enough ordinary ministers (priests and deacons0 for the distribution of Holy
Communion 9RS 157). Example of this instance is during the Mass of the Holy Chrism where
there are many priests present.
NORMS BEFORE COMMUNION

The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should go near the altar only when the priest
has received communion (GIRM 162). Option: in the Diocese of Marbel, however, they may
approach the altar during the singing of the “Lamb of God.”
The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion shall receive communion from the priest or
deacon, and shall also receive from the hands of the priest the vessel of hosts to be distributed to
the faithful (GIRM 162). Option: in the Diocese of Marbel, they may take the vessels of hosts if
indicated so by the priest.
Likewise, it is not proper for the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to take the
consecrated hot and give oneself communion, or to hand the host from one to another (GIRM
160). Option: In the Diocese of Marbel, they may give themselves communion if indicated so by
the priest.
NORMS FOR HOLY COMMUNION

The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion may not give communion to non-Catholics or
non-Christians who come forward for Holy Communion.
Only when there is a necessity or when the priest requests him that the Extraordinary Minister of
Holy Communion may assist the priest-celebrant in accordance with the norm of law (RS 88).
If the faithful receive communion standing, it is recommended that they give due reverence
before the reception of the Sacrament (RS 90).
Any baptized Catholic who is not prevented by law must be admitted to Holy Communion (RS
91).
Holy Communion may be received either on the tongue or on the hand. However, if there is a
risk of profanation, then Holy Communion should not be given in the hands to the faithful (RS
92).
A lay person may receive Communion more than once on the same day provided he or she
receive it within a Eucharistic celebration in which he or she is participating (RS 95).

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SPECIFIF NORMS FOR EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

The following Norms are to be observed and followed by each Extraordinary Minister of Holy
Communion. It is suggested that these norms be read by each EMHC and put to heart.

Appearance

Be neatly groomed and dressed. Wear appropriate clothes and shoes for Mass.
Avoid using heavy perfumed or cologne. For women – avoid wearing heavy makeup and
distracting jewelries.
Behaviour

Always ‘look alert’ at all times during the Mass

Do not slouch when sitting and do not look around unnecessarily
Participate in the prayers, responses, and songs at Mass
Avoid talking to one another
Avoid going in and out except in cases of necessity only
Be an example of active participation in the liturgy. Know and join in the prayers, singing and
responses in the Mass.
Uniform

Wear the prescribed uniform for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in the Diocese of
Marbel
Proper uniform for Men – white shirt with collar, or polo barong with a distinctive pin cross or
logo for men. For Women – white dress also with a distinctive pin cross or logo
Be sure that the uniform you wear is neat, clean and fits you properly.
Seats

Be seated in a place specially designated for you either in the sanctuary or with the people

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Your seats in the sanctuary must be arranged so that they are clearly distinguished from those of
the clergy and other ministers.
Do not seat beside the priest for such place is normally reserved for the priest concelebrant or
deacon.
Reminders

Attend the Mass for which you have been scheduled to serve. Do not come in only when its time
to give communion
You may receive communion at every Mass you fully attended. Otherwise, you may not receive
communion if you were not present the whole time
Approach the altar only at designated time, that is, during the singing of the “Lamb of God”
which is done before communion.
Wait for the priest to give you the host for communion. Do not take the host by yourself unless
the priest allows you to do so.
Hold the sacred host in your hand and wait until the priest has taken his communion. Only after
the priest has taken communion that you may take your own communion.
Wait for the priest to give you the vessel with consecrated hosts for communion. Do not get the
vessel by yourself unless you are allowed to do so by the priest.
Avoid actions that may look like you are a concelebrant in the Mass like, standing near the priest
in the altar or receiving communion with him.
Special Permissions

The following functions are allowed in the Diocese of Marbel:

Opening and closing of the tabernacle

Getting sacred vessels with consecrated hosts and putting the vessels back in the tabernacle
Transferring and distribution of consecrated hosts into other vessels before and after communion
Cleansing or purification of sacred vessels after communion or after the Mass
Commissioning

You need to complete the orientation program for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
in order to be admitted to service.

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When you are ready, you may undergo a simply Rite of Commissioning or Blessing from the
priest delegated by the Bishop.
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY
COMMUNION

This section serves as Practicum for the training of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
This part may be used for actual demonstration.

Before Mass

Arrive 15 minutes before Mass and get ready

Wash your hands before Mass and not before giving out communion (which has no liturgical
meaning at all).
Join the priest and other ministers at the back of the church for the entrance procession
Procession

Walk behind the Reader who carries the book of the gospels and ahead of the priest during the
procession
Bow (from the waist) in front of the altar together with the priest and other ministers
Go to your assigned seats and stay there.
During Mass

Follow the celebration and participate in the prayers, responses and singing
Communion

Approach the altar during the singing of the “Lamb of God.” Some of you may get the additional
ciboria of the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle and place them on the altar on top of the
corporal
Line up with other ministers to receive communion from the priest. When the priest approaches
and says, “The Body of Christ,” bow your head slightly in reverence and respond, “Amen.”

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Hold the consecrated hosts in your hand and wait until the priest has taken communion before
taking your own communion.
Take a ciborium (from the priest) and go down the steps of the sanctuary. Select an area for
giving out communion.
Carry the ciborium with dignity preferably chest high (Since you are carrying the Body of
Christ!)
Hold the ciborium with the left hand and cover the opening with the right hand to avoid having
the hosts blown away.
Show the host to the communicant and in an audible and distinct voice say, “The Body of Christ”
then place it on the communicant’s tongue or hand after the communicant answers, “Amen.”
Do this in an unhurried manner always conscious of the solemnity and dignity of your task.
Avoid doing this mechanically.
While saying, “The Body Christ,” give some eye contact to the communicant. By this you are
giving your ministry a personal touch.
After communion, bring the ciborium back to the altar for transfer of the remaining hosts to
bigger vessels and cleansing
Return the sacred vessels to the tabernacle and go back to your seat.
Note:

It is recommended that you bring with you a purificator to wipe your fingers with in case you
touch the tongue of the communicant. This cloth may also be used to wrap the host that falls in
the floor.
Scrupulously observe the rules of hygiene. Be sure that your fingers and fingernails are clean,
etc.
Of the host or a particle of it should fall, pick it up reverently and segregate it
Be sure that the communicant has put the sacred host in his/her mouth and has swallowed it.
Recessional

After the final blessing, line up with the priest and other ministers in front of the altar
Bow (from the waist) to the altar with the priest and other ministers
Join the exit procession walking ahead of the priest as in the entrance procession
In the sacristy bow to the cross with the other ministers and wait for the priest’s blessing.

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Prepared by:

Fr. Roming Buenaobra

DLC Director

October 2006

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TOPIC 1: HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF LAY LITURGICAL
MINISTERS
May 6, 2013
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History and Development of the Ministry of LLL
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Posted by justmecatholicfaith in .

TOPICS OF MODULES FOR THE TRAINING OF LAY LITURGICAL LEADERS

(LAYCOs))
May 6, 2013
PHASE I:

1. History and Development of the Ministry of Lay Liturgical Leaders

2. Human Dignity

3. Renewed Integral Evangelization

4. Basic Christian Community (BCC)

5. Ecclesiology (Church)

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PHASE II:

6. Sacred Scriptures

7. Christology (Christ)

8. Mariology (Mary)

9. Sacraments, Sacramentals and Blessings

PHASE III:

10. Social Teachings of the Church

11. Lay Spirituality

12. Fundamentals of Liturgy (with emphasis on the Eucharist)

PHASE IV (PRACTICUM):

13. Diocesan Guidelines for Laycos in the Diocese of Marbel

14. Roles and Functions of Laycos

15. General Norms in the GIRM and RS as Applied to Laycos

16. Practical Instructions to Laycos:

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a. How to Assist at Mass

b. How to Give Out Communion

c. How to Preside at Bible Service

d. How to Give a “Sharing” Reflection

Prepared by: Fr. Romeo Buenaobra (DLC Director)

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