Time: As per the EMHC and Lector Schedule
Place: Good Shepherd Church and St. Margaret Mary Mission Church

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) assist the Parish Priest in his role as Eucharistic Minister.  EMHCs serve at the discretion of the Parish Priest to ensure a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion are available so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner.  Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord.  When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons.  If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, "the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose". (Note, extraordinary minister in this case means "not ordinary.")  Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion should receive sufficient spiritual, theological, and practical preparation to fulfill their role with knowledge and reverence.  In all matters they should follow the guidance of the diocesan bishop.  All ministers of Holy Communion should show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread or wine.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) who take Communion to the sick and homebound have a role in sharing the Church’s total ministry to the sick after the manner of Jesus.  In bringing Communion to the sick and homebound, the EMHC represents Christ and manifests faith and charity on behalf of the whole community toward those who cannot be present at Sunday Mass.  This ministry is a sign of support and concern shown by the community for its members.  Patients who are in the hospital find it a comfort and source of healing to have Holy Communion brought to them as often as possible. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may make Communion visits any day of the week in accordance with the schedule and the protocol of each hospital or long-term residential facility.  The EMHC becomes a vital link between the parish community and the member who is sick or homebound. It is beneficial for visits to the sick and homebound to occur after Sunday Mass so that the link between the parish liturgical celebration and the parishioner is maintained.  Taking a parish bulletin also helps maintain that link. The parish may also have a special blessing and dismissal for EMHCs after communion; the assembly is sending them forth to do their ministry on the behalf of the whole parish community.  EMHCs do not replace the ministry of the priest to the people, but rather extend and expand it so that all will have more regular contact with Christ in Holy Communion. More information on ministering to the sick or homebound can be found here.

To Become an EMHC:  EMHCs must be formed and trained in the theology of the Eucharist, understanding of the Mass, the spirituality of ministry, and Church, diocesan and parish guidelines.  To remain an EMHC, they should participate in ongoing theological and minister training.  If you are interested in receiving training to become an EMHC contact Stephen Guerin (931) 308-2526.

Time: As per the EMHC and Lector Schedule
Place: Good Shepherd Church and St. Margaret Mary Mission Church

The Lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel.  The Lector may also announce the intentions for the Universal Prayer and, in the absence of a psalmist, recite the Psalm between the readings.  The Lectors’ role is to give honor to the Word of God that they have received in faith and with gratitude.  The Lector proclaims the Sacred texts in a loud and clear voice.  The voice of the Lector should correspond to the genre of the text itself, that is, depending upon whether it is a reading, a prayer, an explanatory comment, an acclamation, or a sung text; it should also be suited to the form of celebration and to the solemnity of the gathering.  In summary, the Lector is a reader of the WORD, helping the parish share in the life of the Church. 

To Become a Lector:  If you would like to receive training to become a Lector, please contact Stephen Guerin (931) 308-2526.