Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
(Eucharistic Ministers)
The Eucharistic Ministers is a body of lay people
authorized by the Church to help offer the Body and Blood of Christ to the
congregation at Mass. This liturgical ministry involves the energies of members
who are active in living out their faith and have a deep personal love of the
Blessed Sacrament and for the liturgical worship of the Church. All Eucharistic Ministers must be at
least 16 years of age and of good faith, having received the sacraments of
initiation. They are commissioned
by the Diocese. They receive
extensive training at the Diocese level.
With proper authorization, this ministry recruits qualified members of
the Church as the need arises.
They also assist the pastor by taking Holy Communion to the sick and
shut-ins of the parish.
All cohabitating Eucharistic Ministers must be living
within the precepts of the Catholic Church, that is, with the benefits of the
Sacrament of holy matrimony and not having been divorced. For further
information on this ministry, contact Mrs. Annmarie Alexander at (718)
712-9759.
Lectors
The reading of the Word is a most important part of our
liturgical celebration at Sacred Heart.
The Ministry of Lector is a work through which the Word (except the
Gospel) is proclaimed to the people of God. Our Lectors must be at
least 16 years of age, be of good faith having received the sacraments of
initiation, have the gift of a good speaking voice, read well and be capable of
imparting the word of God in a meaningful way to the congregation. They are assigned to read at Mass at
least once a month on a rotating basis.