The reception of Holy Communion is the most intimate act a faithful Catholic can enter into with Our Lord. Truly it is Christ Himself who is received when one receives Holy Communion. To this end, the Church has invited lay faithful to share in this beautiful act of distribution of Holy Communion. These ministers, called Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, assist the Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Bishops, Priests, and Deacons) in distributing Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to all the faithful.
While many refer to EMHCs as "Eucharistic Ministers", we recognize that the title of minister of the Eucharist is proper to the Priest alone, and because these ministers facilitate the distribution and reception of Holy Communion, their proper title is Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. (See below for more information)
If you would like to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please contact John Wallace at 916.833.7720
To request an EMHC to bring you Holy Communion, please contact Jean Pergande at 916.857.1695
More Information Regarding Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
From the USCCB site regarding Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:
In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord. When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, "the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion (GIRM 162)."
All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread or wine.
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From the Congregation of Divine Worship's Document on the Most Holy Eucharist, Redemptionis Sacramentum:
1. The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
[156.] This function is to be understood strictly according to the name by which it is known, that is to say, that of extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and not “special minister of Holy Communion” nor “extraordinary minister of the Eucharist” nor “special minister of the Eucharist”, by which names the meaning of this function is unnecessarily and improperly broadened.
Link for Redemptionis Sacramentum:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents
/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20040423_redemptionis-sacramentum_en.html#_ftn253