The Eucharistic minister is a servant. They are servants, not of the Eucharist but of the community since they serve the people of God with the Bread of life and the Cup of salvation. They should approach their task humbly, like a servant, recognising that it is a great privilege to serve their fellow Christians at the Lord’s Table-Altar.
Humility is not merely shown by genuflections and bowing but by the way in which the task is approached. The minister should act slowly and deliberately but without any pious exaggeration. Communion should be placed in the recipient’s hand firmly as the words ‘The Body of Christ’ are said and the cup-chalice should be given naturally in the same way.
Likewise, if Communion is received on the tongue, great care should be taken not to touch the mouth of the recipient. If Communion is given under both species, the lip of the cup-chalice should be wiped before it is given to the next person.
There are two types of Eucharistic Ministers. Firstly, an ordinary minister of the Eucharist, which is a priest and deacon and secondly, when occasions demand, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, which are properly trained lay persons. In addition, instituted Acolytes may also assist with distributing Holy Communion.
