The role of Eucharistic Ministers seems simple enough: to minister the Body and Blood of Christ to the assembled faithful. In reality, the role of each Eucharistic Minister is to draw faith from the people of God, to become more and more like the Body and Blood of Christ.
Eucharistic Ministers are called not only to minister the Body and Blood of Christ, but also to take on Christ’s likeness. The ministers accomplish this by strengthening their faith from within and sharing it with the faithful at communion.
To understand why one should become a Eucharistic Minister, it is important to reflect on these words quoted in the Eucharistic Minister Handbook: “Yours is a share in the work of the Lord’s Spirit who makes of us one bread, one body, the chalice of blessing. Yours is a work of ministering Christ’s body and blood to the body of Christ, the Church. Yours is service at the Lord’s reconciling table. You minister holy food to holy people in the holiest of all communions.”
Those who serve as Eucharistic Ministers should bring a strong faith, a sense of awe, and an inclusiveness of others as the foundation for their ministry. Eucharistic Ministers must be comfortable in establishing a relationship with each communicant in what is most likely the most intimate moment in the liturgy.
Training is required to become a Eucharistic Minister. Training is offered in-house, and is scheduled as needed.
Generally speaking, Eucharistic Ministers are scheduled about twice a month using an online scheduling program. Because of a continuing need for Eucharistic Ministers at Sunday and Holy Day masses, Eucharistic Ministers are encouraged to check with the Mass Coordinator to see if their services are needed. At special times of the year, such as Christmas and Easter, sign-up sheets are posted in the narthex.