EMHCs assist priests and deacons with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to the sick and homebound in their places of residence. Whether at Mass or in other special situations, the minister enables the recipient to share more deeply in the Body of Christ and experience the great love of the Triune God

The ministers perform this liturgical function to assist the priest and deacon who are the ordinary ministers of Communion. As Pope Paul VI noted, they perform this ministry to enable the assembly to participate fully in the sharing of the Body and Blood of Jesus.
 

Note on the Purification and Cleaning of the Sacred Vessels:

      The Archdiocesan Guidelines for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion provide that Eucharistic Ministers (EMHCs) are not allowed to assist in the purification of the sacred vessels after Holy    Communion.  They may however assist in cleaning them after the vessels are purified.  Please see the Archdiocesan Guidelines (click on the link on the left of this page), specifically par. ## 30 and 33.

      For the instruction on the Purification of the Sacred Vessels, please click on the link REDEMPTIONIS SACRAMENTUM on the left and scroll to # 19.