An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, often called a Eucharistic Minister, is the term used in the Roman Catholic Church for members of the laity who have been authorized by the Church to distribute Holy Communion within or outside of Mass. The reason they are referred to as “Extraordinary” is because, as Canon 910.1 states in The Code of Canon Law, the “ordinary” minister of Holy Communion is a bishop, priest, or deacon. In other words, as a rule, a cleric is supposed to distribute Holy Communion. For this reason, if enough Ordained Ministers are present at Mass, Extraordinary Ministers should defer to them and not distribute Holy Communion. However, in St. John Bosco’s,  it would be completely unwieldy to have only Fr. Chris administering Holy Communion, due to the hundreds of people who are at each Mass.
 
Eucharistic Ministers are called to administer the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, in the form of bread and wine which has been consecrated at Mass to the faithful congregation who have gathered for Mass and to bring it to those who are unable to attend Mass, namely the sick and the housebound or those in prison. They are also called to become more like Jesus Christ themselves and the Ministers accomplish this by strengthening their faith from within and sharing it with all the faithful.

Those who serve as Eucharistic Ministers at St. John Bosco Church are not volunteers but are chosen especially by Fr. Chris, and receive their faculties from the Bishop. Those who are chosen to perform this important Ministry should bring a strong faith, a sense of awe, and an inclusiveness of others as the foundation for their Ministry. Eucharistic Ministers must be comfortable in establishing a relationship with each communicant in what is the most intimate moment in the Mass.

Specific training and instruction is given to those who are chosen to become Eucharistic Ministers, whereby special consideration is given to such candidates who are first reviewed and deemed by Fr. Chris, qualified to undertake such an important responsibility. Unlike Priests and Bishops, Eucharistic Ministers are under no circumstances permitted to consecrate unleavened bread as is done in the Eucharistic Prayer of a Priest or Bishop and may only distribute 'Holy Communion' which has already been consecrated at Mass.

Being an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is a humbling privilege and a joyful ministry! It can help to bring home the truth that each person coming forward to receive Jesus Christ’s Body and Blood, is made in God's image, is beloved by Him and that we are all related to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ's Body.