EMHC

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish – Rotorua

“Serving Christ in the Most Sacred Gift”

“For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.”

— 1 Corinthians 10:17

In the heart of our Catholic worship is the Holy Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ given to us in love. At St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) are lay people entrusted with the great privilege and responsibility of assisting in the distribution of the Eucharist during Mass and, at times, bringing Holy Communion to the sick, elderly, or homebound.

This ministry is more than a task—it is a sacred calling of deep reverence, humility, and service to the Body of Christ.

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What Is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion?

An Extraordinary Minister is a layperson who has been trained and commissioned to:

• Distribute the Body and/or Blood of Christ at Mass when there are not enough ordained ministers

• Reverently assist with the flow and dignity of Communion

• Bring Holy Communion to those unable to attend Mass (in hospitals, rest homes, or at home)

The word “extraordinary” simply means they are not ordained clergy (priests or deacons), but are commissioned when needed to serve the faithful.

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Qualities of an EMHC

• A deep love and respect for the Eucharist

• A life of prayer and Christian witness

• Reverence, reliability, and a spirit of service

• Willingness to attend training and formation sessions

As Saint Mary MacKillop taught:

“Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.”

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Ministry to the Sick and Homebound

Our parish is blessed with many faithful who, due to age or illness, cannot attend Mass. Some of our EMHCs are specially trained to visit and bring Communion to these parishioners, offering not only the Sacrament but also a comforting presence of Christ and His Church.

This is a deeply rewarding aspect of the ministry that reflects the Gospel call to care for the vulnerable and isolated.

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Join the Ministry

If you feel called to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining this ministry. Training is provided, and ministers are commissioned by the parish priest for service.

To express interest or learn more, please contact the parish office or speak with one of our current ministers after Mass.

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A Prayer for Eucharistic Ministers

Loving God,

source of all holiness and nourishment,

You invite us to serve Your people at the table of life and faith.

Strengthen us to be faithful ministers of Your Body and Blood,

and grant that we may always approach this ministry with humility and reverence.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop, guide us in humble service at the altar of Christ.

– Aroha, Noho, Arataki – To Love, To Live, To Lead.