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Saint Thomas More Church - St. Thomas More Catholic Church

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ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH JUNE 23, 2013STEWARDSHIPSPOTLIGHT ONEXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNIONAn extraordinary minister of Holy Communion in the <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Church</strong> is, under the Codeof Canon Law, "an acolyte, or another of Christ's faithful deputed", in certain circumstances,to distribute Holy Communion. The term "extraordinary" distinguishes such a personfrom the ordinary (normal, regular) minister of Holy Communion, namely a bishop,priest or deacon.Canon law permits that "where the needs of the <strong>Church</strong> require and ministers are not available,lay people, even though they are not lectors or acolytes, can supply certain of theirfunctions, that is, exercise the ministry of the word, preside over liturgical prayers, conferbaptism and distribute Holy Communion, in accordance with the provisions of the law."The term "lay people" does not distinguish between men and women. The extraordinaryminister's function is to distribute Holy Communion, either within Mass or by taking it to asick person.The extraordinary minister of Holy Communion may administer Communion only whenthe priest and deacon are lacking, when the priest is prevented by weakness or advancedage or some other genuine reason, or when the number of faithful coming to Communionis so great that the very celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged.You may notice at the end of the distribution of Holy Communion some ministers willstand behind the altar and after the vessels are purified will receive a pyx (small containerfor hosts) filled with the Eucharist. The priest will give the Minister(s) a blessing and sendthem to the sick and shut-ins of the parish.Like all other ministries of the <strong>Church</strong>, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion havecompleted the requirements requested for the Safe Environment for Children and have receivedinstruction on how to fulfill the ministry itself. If you are interested in becoming anExtraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please contact Noreen Christiano at 412-833-4247.

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