| Extraordinary Ministers of
Communion What is the difference between Eucharistic
Minister, Extraordinary Ministers, etc? The priest, since he alone can
preside at the Eucharistic celebration, the Mass, is the only actual
"Eucharistic Minister." Any non-presider who distributes the
host or cup is a "Minister of Communion." By virtue of their
ordination, bishops, priests and deacons are "Ordinary Ministers of
Holy Communion." Lay persons who have been appointed to the task of
assisting in the distribution of Holy Communion, either at Mass or to
the homebound, are properly called "Extraordinary Ministers of
Communion" or EMCs. The distinction may seem trivial, but it is
important in that it reminds us of the unique status of the priest at
our celebration of the Mass. |
