Who can distribute Communion during Mass?
In the celebration of Mass, receiving Communion on the tongue or in the hand plays a central role, as it directly pertains to the mystery of the Eucharist. At the moment of distributing the Body of Christ, a question sometimes arises: Who is actually authorized to distribute Communion? While priests and deacons are the ordinary ministers of this sacrament, laypeople may also be called upon to perform this service in specific situations. Let’s take a closer look at exactly who can distribute Communion during Mass and under what conditions this is possible.
Priests and deacons are ministers of Communion
Priests and deacons are the ordinary ministers of Communion. As ordained ministers, they have been entrusted with the mission of distributing the Eucharist during Mass.
Can a layperson distribute Communion during Mass?
Yes, a lay member of the faithful may be called upon to distribute Communion during Mass as an extraordinary minister, but only when there are not enough ordinary ministers.
This is the case:
- during a large gathering,
- in the absence of a deacon,
- or when the priest cannot distribute Communion alone.
The Code of Canon Law specifies: “When the need of the Church warrants it and ministers are lacking, lay persons, even if they are not lectors or acolytes, can also supply certain of their duties, namely, to exercise the ministry of the word, to preside over liturgical prayers, to confer baptism, and to distribute Holy Communion, according to the prescripts of the law.” (Canon 230)
The General Introduction to the Roman Missal adds: “In the absence of an instituted acolyte, lay ministers [...] may also be deputed to distribute Holy Communion as extraordinary ministers.” (No. 100)
The Church, however, emphasizes the exceptional nature of this mission. The Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacrament specifies: “If there is usually present a sufficient number of sacred ministers for the distribution of Holy Communion, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion may not be appointed.” (No. 157). It also adds that the layperson must be: "well instructed and must be those whose Christian life, morals and fidelity to the Church’s Magisterium recommend them.” (No. 46)
Can a woman distribute Communion at Mass?
Yes, women can be appointed as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion on the same basis as men.
The Catholic Church makes no distinction based on gender for this service. It is a mission entrusted to the faithful out of pastoral necessity, not an ordained ministry.
What is the difference between an ordinary minister and an extraordinary minister?
The Ordinary Minister
An ordinary minister of Holy Communion is a bishop, a priest, or a deacon. He performs this service by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders.
The extraordinary minister
An extraordinary minister is a lay member of the faithful commissioned by the Church to assist when necessary. Their role is temporary and does not replace that of ordained ministers.
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