“The faithful who are [extraordinary] ministers of communion must be persons whose good qualities of Christian life, faith, and morals recommend them. Let them strive to be worthy of this great office, foster their own devotion to the eucharist, and show an example to the rest of the faithful by their own devotion and reverence toward the most august sacrament of the altar.”
Immensae Caritatis, Part I
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve an important role in the liturgical life of their parish, assisting in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ during Mass and, when needed, bringing the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. Those who are chosen for this ministry are invited to deepen their devotion to the Eucharist and to serve with humility. Individuals who are interested in serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion in the Diocese of Gaylord should reach out to their parish directly.
The Diocese of Gaylord has established the following policy for parishes:
Policy for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion*
The following form must be signed by all new Extraordinary Ministers and the local Pastor/Director of Parish Life then submitted by the parish office to the Administrative Assistant for the Office of Worship and Liturgy:
Permission Request for Certification of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
*Per the diocesan policy, those seeking to regularly serve as extraordinary ministers to the homebound, hospitals, or nursing homes must complete a one-time certification session. In anticipation of the upcoming Order of the Anointing of the Sick and of their Pastoral Care, this certification is currently on hold until more is known about the new translation. Therefore, currently the Diocesan EMHC Certification is the only requirement for homebound ministers.
- Diocesan EMHC Certification
The mandatory Diocesan EMHC Certification sessions are offered annually, typically in June, at parishes across the diocese. Per the diocesan policy, individuals who have received practical training from their parish may serve in this ministry for up to one year without the mandatory certification.
The 2026 Diocesan EMHC Certification Schedule is to be announced.
- Eucharistic Renewal | Recommendations for Parishes
Every three years, Extraordinary Ministers must receive further formation from their parish with the aim of deepening their Eucharistic faith. The resources below are intended only as examples which may serve this purpose, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Pastors and parish leaders are encouraged to use their own judgement and creativity in choosing what will most benefit the Eucharistic renewal of their Extraordinary Ministers.
• Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist | Formed
• Manna: Fanning the Flames of Eucharistic Revival | National Eucharistic Congress
• Elements of the Catholic Mass (video series)
• The Mass | Word on Fire (video series)
• A Biblical Walk Through the Mass by Dr. Edward Sri (video/book study)
• Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist by Brant Pitre (book)
• This is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic Revival by Bishop Robert Barron (book)
• Renewal and Reflection | Diocese of Gaylord
