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Ordinary & Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Issue: What is an “extraordinary” minister of Holy Communion? What is the role of lay people in the distribution of Holy Communion? Response: An extraordinary minister of Holy Communion is an un-ordained person appointed by the bishop or his delegate to assist ordained ministers in the distribution of Communion. The “ordinary” ministers of Holy Communion are bishops, priests, and deacons, all of whom have received the sacrament of Holy Orders. The Church does permit the use of extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion under certain circumstances. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, quoting Canon Law, provides: When the necessity of the …Continue reading
