Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are those recommended by their pastors and their Deacons to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion.

There are two types of appointments:

• Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Mass -- Assists when the ordained ministers (priests and deacons) need assistance to distribute communion in a timely manner to those who are present at Mass.
• Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion outside of Mass -- Appointed to bring communion to the sick and elderly.

Qualifications of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion

• Must be 18 years old and have received all the sacraments of initiation.
• Must be "deeply imbued with the spirit of the liturgy, and they must be trained to perform their functions in a correct and orderly manner"
• Must be in good standing in the Church and have no public opposition to Church teachings.
• Should be a public witness to the faith and recognized as such in the parish where they minister.