Extraordinary ministers of holy communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, or EMHCs for short, assist the priest or bishop in distributing Holy Communion during the celebration of the Eucharist. These “extraordinary ministers” receive specialized training and instruction to ensure that they know what to do with the precious body and blood of Christ in every situation. EMHCs can choose to serve in a variety of ways: at Mass on Sundays, in nearby hospitals, or at individuals’ homes or residential facilities. Keep scrolling to learn more about each.


Requirements to volunteer in this ministry include:

  • At least 16 years of age
  • Fully initiated into the Catholic Church
  • Faithful and practicing Catholic
  • Manifest a love and reverence for, and devotion to, the Holy Eucharist
  • Receive the Sacrament of Penance regularly
  • Regularly available to perform the ministry


Serving at Mass

“In every celebration of the Eucharist, there should be a sufficient number of ministers of Holy Communion so that it may be distributed in a reverent and orderly manner. Bishops, priests and deacons distribute Holy Communion in virtue of their office as ordinary ministers of the Body and Blood of the Lord. When the size of the congregation or the incapacity of the bishop, priest, or deacon requires it, the celebrant may be assisted by other bishops, priests, or deacons. If such ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are not present, the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may also depute suitable faithful for this single occasion." (GIRM 162)


To Serve at Mass, contact: Bill Bena | 303-503-0654

Serving the hospitalized

In the Hospital Ministry we partner with Sky Ridge. We visit each Catholic patient who wishes to receive Communion on a room by room basis. We say a few prayers, provide Holy Communion, and offer spiritual support. 


Our goal is to provide Communion to the patients at the hospital 365 days a year, including Christmas, Easter and all major holidays. 


We ask all ministers to volunteer for one, two or more days per month. The estimated time for each visit is between one and two hours. 


We work very closely with the hospital in our ministry and must follow all hospital protocols. Therefore volunteers must attend a half day hospital orientation. 


To serve at the hospital(s), OR to request a visit at the hospital, contact: Ken Hood

Serving the Homebound

Holy Communion is brought to parishioners who are homebound and unable to attend Mass. This could be short or long term depending on the need. 


The day of visit is dependent on the availability of volunteers. Scheduled times are immediately following a weekday or weekend Mass. Time required is approximately 20 minutes per visit. A prayer guide is provided. 


The Homebound so look forward to not only Communion, but our visit!


To serve the homebound, OR to request a home visit, contact: Jan Morgan at 303-799-1036

Serving residential facilities

EMHCs  bring Holy Communion to Catholics residing in traditional and non-traditional settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living and group homes. For many of these residents, this is the only way they are able to celebrate this sacrament.


The visits occur on Sundays after 8:30 am Mass. Visits last from 15 - 60 minutes depending on the number of residents. Volunteers are asked to visit one time per month or more. 


The gifts you receive by this fulfilling ministry far outweigh the effort needed to participate.


To serve those living in Residential Facilities, OR to request a visit to a Residential Facility contact: Carol Pacheco