The formation of the People of God and the ministers of the altar must, therefore, be unlike any other educational endeavor. Liturgical formation “must above all be spiritual,” through a familiarity with the rites and patterns of the prayer of the Mass is essential. Good liturgy is the product not so much of a well-known rubric as much as a well-trained heart.
Introduction to the Order of Mass
In this ministry, you must be examples of Christian living in faith and conduct; you must strive to grow in holiness through this sacrament of unity and love. Remember that, though many, we are one body because we share the one bread and one cup. As ministers of Holy Communion be especially observant of the Lord’s command to love your neighbor. For when he gave his body as food to his disciples, he said to them: “This is my commandment, that you should love one another as I have loved you.” (Book of Blessings #1875).
The above paragraphs highlight the Church’s vision of Eucharistic ministry. The ongoing renewal of the liturgy invites us to a deeper understanding of the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection and its connection to our daily lives. Bishops, priests and deacons, by virtue of their ordination, are the ordinary or usual ministers of communion at Mass. When the size of the assembly or the incapacity of the ordinary ministers requires it, the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist in the distribution of the Holy Communion.
How does one become a Eucharistic Minister?
If you would be interested in serving in the Liturgical ministry of the Eucharist, contact the coordinator, Margo Isola, eucharisticministry@stsimon.org