EMHC Formation Workshop

The administration of Holy Communion at Mass is an important liturgical ministry in the parishes of our diocese. In addition to bringing the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ to the people of God, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion witness to faith in the real presence of Christ by their actions and by the dignity and reverence with which they treat the Body of Christ.

Those who fulfill this ministry are to be fully initiated, active members of a parish. They should be of sufficient age (at least 15 years old), maturity and temperament to undertake this ministry. They must have no impediment to receiving Holy Communion and participating in the sacramental life of the Church. Candidates should be physically able to exercise this ministry.

Preparation for this ministry includes:

Formal instruction through the Office of Worship by attending a diocesan EMHC workshop. The EMHC workshop includes topics on liturgical ministry, the Mass, theology of the Eucharist, the Paschal Mystery and a review of diocesan guidelines.

Parish instruction as to local customs and responsibilities, hands-on practice, knowledge, and understanding of parish procedures and responsibilities and an opportunity for sharing with others in the ministry. (This also includes procedures for those will be taking Communion to the sick and homebound).

This diocesan EMHC formation workshop satisfies part 1 of the preparation for ministry. Attendance to this workshop does not guarantee a mandate from the bishop to participate in this ministry. A petition signed by the pastor attesting to the candidates suitability must be sent to the Office of Worship. Complete instructions and petitions can be found here.

This training is for NEW EMHCs only and does not count towards renewal for those with a current mandate.

All questions regarding the EMHC formation process should be directed to the Office of Worship at 407-246-4860.