Lay people who help distribute Holy Communion at Mass and to the sick are called Extra-ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. At the celebration of the Mass there are Extra-ordinary Ministers of the Body of Christ and Extra-ordinary Ministers of the Blood of Christ.
Sometimes they are incorrectly referred to as 'Eucharistic Ministers'. New ministers in this ministry will receive training and guidelines to follow.
The word ‘extra-ordinary’ indicates that they are not the ordinary or usual ministers of Communion. Ordained clergy are the ordinary or usual ministers.
Holy Communion to the Sick
We have a number of dedicated ministers who bring Holy Communion to the sick and housebound parishioners either in their homes or in a nursing home. Bringing Holy Communion to the sick links them with the parish community and nourishes them with the Body of Christ.
The following nursing homes and retirement villages are visited:
St Martin's, Symes Grove, Raynbird Place, Ashworth House, and Arcare Taigum.
Communion of the Sick - Lay Ministers (PDF)
Nursing homes we visit require that the ministers we provide have a Blue Card and a recent Police Check. The Parish Office will assist with completion of the relevant volunteer paperwork.
To register your interest or find out more about this ministry please contact the Parish Office.