The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Schedule

Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are bishops, priests, and deacons. These persons distribute Holy Communion by virtue of their ordination. “It is first of all the office of the priest and the deacon to minister Holy Communion to the faithful who ask to receive it. It is most fitting, therefore, that they give a suitable part of their time to this ministry of their order, depending on the needs of the faithful” (Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outisde Mass, 17).

Under certain circumstances, lay men and women may be delegated to distribute Holy Communion by a bishop (or a priest, on a single occasion). These persons are known as “Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion”.

The role of the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion does not replace that of the Ordinary Minister, but supplements it on a provisional basis (Redemptionis Sacramentum, 151). 

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Guidelines (PDF)