The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life since in the Eucharist we receive Christ himself under the form of Bread and Wine.

By virtue of their ordination priests and deacons are ordinary ministers of Holy Communion. For pastoral reasons the Church also commissions lay people to distribute Holy Communion at Mass and during sick visits as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Extraordinary ministers are to be fully initiated Catholics (they have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, and if married, Marriage in the Catholic Church),   be at least 16 years of age, and demonstrate a deep reverence for and devotion to the holy Eucharist.  Special care must be exercised of those ministers who will take Holy Communion to the sick and aged, conducting themselves in a compassionate and understanding manner, always conscious of the serious obligation to respect the confidence of those to whom they minister.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC’s) are trained by attending a workshop coordinated by the Diocese of Brooklyn. Parishioners who are commissioned EMHC’s serve at both worship sites.  Please call the Rectory for details on registering for a workshop(718-326-2185/3326)