Archdiocese of Baltimore clarifies norms for Communion ministers

Archdiocese of Baltimore Releases Guide for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

The Archdiocese of Baltimore has released new norms and a pastoral guide to help priests and pastoral communities manage extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. Archbishop William E. Lori issued these guidelines to emphasize the importance of the Eucharist. Julie Grace Males, director of the Office of Divine Worship, stated that pastors have frequently requested assistance with training these ministers over the last 10 years.

Under the new norms, individuals seeking to serve as extraordinary ministers must be at least 16 years old and have received baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist. Candidates must lead a life of faith consistent with the role, show devotion to the Eucharist, and possess the temperament to serve regularly. To be appointed, a pastor or chaplain must submit a written and signed request for the individual, who must also participate in a formation workshop.

While the Church has allowed lay people to serve as extraordinary ministers since 1973, universal practice requires local bishops to mandate these ministers for specific locations and time periods. The archdiocese released these clarifications because many ministers previously served indefinitely after a single training session or served in multiple parishes.