​Saint Charles & Saint George 
catholic church

At every Mass, there should be enough ministers of Holy Communion to ensure reverent and orderly distribution. Bishops, priests, and deacons are the ordinary ministers; when needed, priests may be assisted by other clergy or by properly trained lay Extraordinary Ministers.

​

Extraordinary Ministers should be carefully prepared spiritually, theologically, and practically, and always follow diocesan guidance. Their number should be limited to what is necessary, and all ministers must show great reverence for the Eucharist in how they act, dress, and handle the sacred species.

​

If any accident occurs (such as a spill), it must be handled reverently according to liturgical norms.

During Communion, Extraordinary Ministers receive the Eucharist after the priest and deacon. They do not receive as concelebrants, and must not wait until after distribution to receive. The proper formula is always: “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ,” with no additions or changes.

​

Sacred hosts and Precious Blood must be handled with care. Remaining Precious Blood is consumed or properly purified—never poured into the ground or sacrarium. Consecrated hosts are reserved carefully, regularly renewed, and never discarded or buried.