When the Scriptures are read in the Church, God himself is speaking to his people, and Christ, present in his own word, is proclaiming the gospel. The readings of God’s word must therefore be listened to by all with reverence; they make up a principal element of the liturgy. In the biblical readings, God’s word addresses all people of every era and is understandable to them, and a fuller understanding and efficacy are fostered by a living commentary on it, that is to say, by the homily, understood as an integral part of the liturgical action.

 

(General Instruction to the Roman Missal 29).

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.”

 

(General Instruction to the Roman Missal 162)

PLEASE NOTE: To be eligible to serve as Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, one must be fully initiated into the Church (having received Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. If married, the person must be married in the Catholic Church) and a practicing Catholic (one who receives the Sacraments and attends Mass regularly).

Guideline Highlights from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

1. Servers should be mature enough to understand and carry their responsibilities with care and reverence.
2. Servers should have received their first holy communion and normally receive the eucharist when they participate in the liturgy.
3. Servers responsibilities are
   1. To carry the cross and the processional candles
   2. To hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar
   3. To carry the incense and censer
   4. To present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people
   5. To wash the hands of the priest
   6. To assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary
4. Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy.
5. Servers should be seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon.