Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

No. (But you are welcome to do so!) The diocesan Office of Worship encourages parishes and/or clusters to gather EMHCs every year to have a time of spiritual formation and time to ask questions and discuss the practical elements of the ministry. The diocesan Office of Worship is also developing ongoing opportunities for those ministers who wish to deepen their understanding of and appreciation for the Eucharist.

No. According to our Diocesan Norms, "Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may be commissioned to serve for two years. They may be commissioned again after that time. However, in this (as in all lay ministry) there should be a time of discernment on the part of the parishoner and pastor to consider prayerfully whether or not to continue" (no. 7).

Since this is an extraordinary ministry that is regulated by the diocesan bishop, bishops normally commission people for a fixed amount of time. At the end of that period of service there should be some discernment on the part of the person and the pastor as to whether or not to continue in this ministry for another two years. If both the person and the pastor are in agreement, then this person may be commissioned for another two-year term. There are no term limits.