The Extraordinary Ministers of Communion (EM’s) are members of the parish who assist the priest (the Ordinary Minister of Communion) in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at Sunday Mass. These Ministers are also scheduled on Holy Days and for other significant liturgies. Individuals who are Extraordinary Ministers should exemplify a lifestyle that is commensurate with that of a good and faithful Catholic.
A candidate for this ministry receives formation concerning the theology of Eucharist as well as training stressing the necessary reverence for the Blessed Sacrament and the mechanics of the Ministry here at St. Tars. Both of these requirements are fulfilled by attending a training session held at the parish. EM’s must be juniors in high school or older and are mandated for three-year, renewable terms of service.
Consideration is given to requests to be assigned with family members that will be ministering at the same Mass or not to be scheduled on days when not unavailable. Schedules are made for two month periods and are distributed two weeks prior to implementation. EM’s are responsible for securing a replacement when they are unable to fulfill an assignment.