Jil Tauch and Sarah Tambucci, Co-Chairs

An extraordinary minister of Holy Communion in the Catholic Church is, under the Code of Canon Law, “an acolyte, or another of Christ’s faithful deputed”, in certain circumstances, to distribute Holy Communion. The term “extraordinary” distinguishes such a person from the ordinary (normal, regular) minister of Holy Communion, namely a bishop, priest or deacon.

Canon law permits that “where the needs of the Church require and ministers are not available, lay people, even though they are not lectors or acolytes, can supply certain of their functions, that is, exercise the ministry of the word, preside over liturgical prayers, confer baptism and distribute Holy Communion, in accordance with the provisions of the law.” The term “lay people” does not distinguish between men and women. The extraordinary minister’s function is to distribute Holy Communion, either within Mass or by taking it to a sick person.

The extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may administer Communion only when the priest and deacon are lacking, when the priest is prevented by weakness or advanced age or some other genuine reason, or when the number of faithful coming to Communion is so great that the very celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged.

You may notice at the end of the distribution of Holy Communion some ministers will stand behind the altar and after the vessels are purified will receive a pyx (small container for hosts) filled with the Eucharist. The priest will give the Minister(s) a blessing and send them to the sick and shut-ins of the parish.

Like all other ministries of the Church, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion have completed the requirements requested for the Safe Environment for Children and have received instruction on how to fulfill the ministry itself. If you are interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please contact the Parish Office at 412-833-0031.

Ministry Scheduler Pro is used to schedule our Eucharistic Ministers. This program hosts an online, dynamic schedule that allows Eucharistic Ministers to request substitutes and update their available dates online.

Click Here to access the Resurrection Parish Ministry Scheduler Pro web terminal and log into your Ministry Scheduler Pro account.

Click here to View a Tutorial explaining how to use the web terminal.

If you have not received your email invitation to Ministry Scheduler Pro, please email:  [email protected]