Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) is a lay member of the faithful or a person in religious or consecrated life who has been deputed (appointed to a particular task) to help distribute Holy Communion when a sufficient number of ordinary ministers are not available and when the Mass celebrant has determined that pastoral need requires their help.
The extraordinary minister is called extraordinary in order to be distinguished from the ordinary minister of Holy Communion, who is a bishop, priest, or deacon (Code of Canon Law, c. 910).
Meetings are held twice a year to keep the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion acquainted with church needs.