Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The role of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is to minister the Body and Blood of Christ to the assembled faithful.  Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion symbolize the service each of us is called to through our Baptism.  As lay ministers of Holy Communion, we bring the true presence of Jesus Christ to His people.

This ministry is open to adults who have celebrated Confirmation and who are free of any impediments to participating in the sacramental life of the Church. Candidate names are submitted to the Bishop for approval and final appointment.  A formal instruction and training program is required before ministers are commissioned.

To see an overview of this important Liturgical Ministry, please click here.

The primary function of this ministry is to assist the presiding priest with distribution of the Holy Body and Precious Blood at Masses held on Sundays, Holy Days and diocesan events.  

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are generally scheduled to serve an average of one (1) to  (2) times per month and every effort is made to schedule families together when members serve other ministries.

If you are interested in serving, please contact Peg Cello at 630-833-9336 or email Peg at stepchgo@aol.com

Dress Considerations for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

All that we say and do when we serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Mass speaks about our reverence for the sacred action that takes place during the liturgy.  That includes our demeanor and how we dress.  The focus at the liturgy is the Eucharist.  Anything that detracts or calls attention to oneself and away from that central point, including one’s dress, should be avoided.

General appearance, apparel, and accessories worn during the liturgy should reflect the dignity of the role of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in the sacred liturgy.  Accordingly, liturgical ministers should dress nicely and modestly.  Business casual attire (dress pants, slacks, or skirts with dress shirts or tops, conservative dresses) is always preferred.  Dress shoes should be the footwear of choice.  Nothing a minister wears should distract from the community’s prayer. Proper dress and appearance whenever one attends liturgy is an important commitment of every Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. .   

Appropriate Dress for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
 
For Women 
Dresses, skirt suits  (no shorter than 1 inch above the knee)
     Pant suits, dress pants   
                            Sweaters & blouses                          
Shoes (not sneakers or flip-flops)
 
For Men
Dress shirt with collars (tie is preferred, but optional)
Sport coats/Suits (optional during summer)
Slacks
Shoes (not sneakers or flip-flops)

The following dress is considered inappropriate
for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:
please dress appropriately if you are scheduled to distribute communion.

For Women
Jeans (no matter the cost or label)
Tube or strapless tops, spaghetti straps. 
Sleeveless/low-cut blouse or dress.
Bare midriff, bare shoulders.
Form fitting clothes or blouses.
Short skirts, shorts.
Thong shoes, flip/flops or beach footwear
Tights or leggings (unless worn under skirt or dress).
Tight or low cut slacks; Capri pants

For Men
Jeans (no matter the cost or label)
Polo shirts, golf shirts
T-shirts (with or without writing)
Shorts (dress or otherwise)
Thong shoes, flip-flops or beach footwear
Sneakers

"If you question if your dress is appropriate or not, it probably is not;   please err on the side of caution"

 
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
Information Form
 
To properly serve your preferences with regards to days, dates and times that you will be able to participate in the important roll of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion during a Mass at IC, we would appreciate if you could complete this form and submit it. 

Thank you for your cooperation.