Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the clergy with distribution of the Body (and Blood) of Christ at Mass. This ministry is open to fully-initiated parishioners who are at least 16 years of age and who regularly share in the Eucharist. Extraordinary Ministers embody a mature Christian lifestyle of faith and charity, devotion and morality, service and stability, and live in ways that reflect their love for the Eucharist, their love for Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and their desire to serve Christ in others.

Volunteers in this ministry have the privilege of offering Christ’s Body (and Blood) to their fellow parishioners here at Saint Pius X which afford them the opportunity to come to know many more members of our parish family through a deeper involvement in the Mass.

How the Ministry Works:

• Volunteers who wish to become Extraordinary Ministers must attend a comprehensive training session per Bishop Rhoades
• Ministers will be commissioned yearly on the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
• Extraordinary Ministers are strongly encouraged to attend a spiritual retreat or day of reflection each year.
• Extraordinary Ministers submit Mass preference information and dates of unavailability for each schedule period at the request of the Liturgy and Music office.
• The number of times an Extraordinary Minister will be scheduled to serve will vary based on Mass preference and the overall number of Ministers available to serve at any particular Sunday liturgy.

Expectations:

• Extraordinary Ministers should arrive at Mass at least 15 minutes early, check-in with the Sacristan, and choose an assigned spot from which they will distribute Holy Communion.
• Ministers are expected to stay after Mass to assist the sacristan in washing the sacred vessels once they have been purified by a Priest or Deacon.