EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION: Actively Serving Our Church and Sharing Christ

While our priests celebrate Mass, they are quietly assisted by dedicated parishioners. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are one way that lay people can take a more active role in the liturgy. Extraordinary Ministers have the unique privilege of offering the Body and Blood of Christ to their brothers and sisters.

“When people come to receive Communion, I try to give each individual my undivided attention,” says St. James parishioner Scott Mason, who has served as an Extraordinary Minister for almost 15 years. “I hold up the host so they can clearly see it and give them a big smile. This should be a joyful act for me.”

Scott felt like it was his turn to serve the parish when he first got involved years ago. He and his wife, Patty, found that one thing led to another, and getting involved led them into more and more parish activities. They also wanted to set an example for their son, Sean, who is now grown.

“I wanted to teach my son that it’s important to serve my fellow person,” Scott says. “I hope I did that. We’ve been given a lot and we need to give back.”

While being an Extraordinary Minister is just one way to be involved — Patty often serves as a lector — Scott has found that this ministry has drawn him deeper into the liturgy.

“When I am an Extraordinary Minister, I pay more attention at Mass,” he says. “I feel like I need to prepare, so I sort of prepare myself through the Mass and get ready to serve. It deepens my experience.”

Both parishes have a structured schedule through a ministry scheduling app. Coordinated and trained by Deacon Dan Pickett, Extraordinary Ministers at St. John serve one or two times each quarter. New ministers have a half-hour training session with Deacon Dan and they go over their role with an emphasis on reverence towards the Eucharist, how to approach the altar, how to handle the Precious Body and Blood, and what to do if the host is accidentally dropped. Deacon Jerry Rutherford trains the Extraordinary Ministers for St. James.

There were some adjustments in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we return to Extraordinary Ministers offering the Precious Blood to the congregation, the ministry needs more parishioners to serve in these roles as we build back up.

There are many small ways to serve the Lord and the parish in the liturgy — as a lector, a cantor, an altar server, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and more.

“Pick a ministry and get started,” Scott says. “It doesn’t really matter which one, but hopefully one that speaks to your heart. There is great joy in serving others.”

If you’re interested in serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at St. John, please contact Deacon Dan at 918-766-5855 or dcn.dan.pickett@stjohn-bartlesville.org. St. James parishioners may contact the parish office at 918-335-0844.

Scott and Patty Mason