Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Blessed to Perform a Humble Service

For Tim McCarthy, who serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, sharing the Eucharist with his fellow parishioners during Mass is a profound, impactful experience.

“When I look down at the Eucharist when I’m distributing it, I have to fight every time to keep from tearing up,” Tim says. “It’s very emotional.”

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, or EMOHCs, are responsible for assisting the priest or deacon with distributing Communion during the Mass or to the homebound.

Tim has a long history of service in his nearly 30 years at St. Michael, but it took some time for him to come around to the idea of serving as an EMOHC. Through the Catholic Youth Organization, he coached sports — including track, volleyball, football, and wrestling — for 27 years. He also served in Youth Ministry and volunteered with the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) process.

“But I never felt that I would be able to be a Eucharistic Minister,” Tim says. “I didn’t like getting up in front of people, even though I taught kids. I also thought, ‘Who am I to be giving out the Body of Christ?’ I always receive the Eucharist on my tongue because it shows more reverence, but here I would be holding the Body of Christ. I felt unworthy.

“Others told me that it’s not about being worthy,” he adds. “I mulled that over for a long time. Eventually, I accepted the fact that at 62, it’s a way I can serve.”

A cradle Catholic, Tim was raised with an understanding of transubstantiation.

“It has definitely intensified that understanding,” he says. “Once a month, I serve in the Eucharistic Ministry. It’s a humbling experience.

“We’re all sinners, and here I’m handing the Body of Jesus to fellow sinners and who am I to do that?” he adds. “I love my faith and I know that the only way I could ever get to heaven is through mercy. The Eucharist is an incredible thing. I’ve been humbled through becoming a Eucharistic Minister.”

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are needed at Sunday Masses and for nursing home visits, hospital visits, and home visits.

Training for new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is held as needed. You must be trained and commissioned to participate in this ministry.

This is a commissioned ministry that lasts for three years. In order to serve, you must be confirmed, and if married, the marriage must be by the laws of the Church. There is an established schedule for each weekend Mass, and sign-ups occur throughout the year for extra Mass schedules (Easter, Christmas, and feast days).

If you are interested in joining this ministry, you may sign up on the parish website at www.stmichaelsgrfld.org/extraordinary-ministers-of-holy-communion or contact Christie Murphy at 317-462-4240 or cmurphy@stmichaelsgrfld.org.

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Tim McCarthy and his wife, Letsy