Special Ministers of the Eucharist should prepare themselves by fostering in their lives a deep love for Christ, present in the Blessed Sacrament, by means of regular visits, meditation and spiritual reading. Be aware that what you hold in your hand is the very King of Heaven and Earth.

Please obtain a substitute if you are unable to be present for your assignment. This is a matter of common courtesy. Also, please do not wait until the last minute to do this. If Sunday Mass really is the most important thing we do all week, this should be on the top of the list of your priorities. In case of emergency on short notice, please call the person who is serving as Host #1 to notify them that you will not be available.

Please be in the vestibule at least 15 minutes before Mass begins and remember to sign in. This avoids last minute rushing around and confusion. Stations for host and cup are designated on the schedule (refer to the diagram following the guidelines.) The person who is listed as Host #1 should check to ensure that all ministers are present and, if necessary, make arrangements accordingly. Ministers should remain in the vestibule until all stations have been filled.

At the Sign of Peace all ministers are to proceed to the sanctuary in pairs. Upon reaching the front of the altar, bow together and proceed to the rear of the altar. Ministers of the host should enter and line up on the left side of the altar. Ministers of the cup should enter and line up on the right side of the altar. Allow sufficient space between ministers of the host and ministers of the cup to permit the priest to access the tabernacle.

All ministers will receive the Eucharist from the priest and then receive the Precious Blood from the deacon (when one is present.) If a deacon is not present, ministers of the cup will receive the Precious Blood from their cups, which will be distributed by the first minister of the cup to receive.

After all ministers have received their ciborium or cup from the priest, go to your station to distribute communion. When distributing the host, please use the formula "the Body of Christ." When distributing the Precious Blood, please use the formula "the Blood of Christ." Ministers of the cup near the altar should stand facing forward so that people in both the front center and side areas may receive the Precious Blood.

Please make sure that people consume the host as soon as they receive it. If not, please ask them to do so immediately. Do not allow anyone to dip the host into the cup. If a host drops to the floor, either consume it yourself, or place it back into the ciborium. If the Precious Blood spills, immediately soak up as much as possible with the purificator and signal to one of the altar servers for assistance.

With the exception of Host #4 and the Center Host positions, all ministers are to remain at their stations until the priest has returned to the altar. After distribution at their station, Host #4 will go to the choir loft to distribute the Eucharist when the choir is present. At all other times, Host #4 will proceed to the center of the break to assist with distribution there. After distribution at their station, the Center Host will also proceed to the center of the break to assist there.

After the priest has returned to the altar, ministers who have finished distributing should return through the center - not the sides. Ministers of the host return their ciborium to the priest or deacon and proceed to the left side of  the altar to wait for the other ministers to return. Ministers of the cup return their cup to the credence table, consume any Precious Blood remaining in the cup, and return to the right side of the altar to wait for the other ministers to return. After the priest closes the tabernacle, all ministers bow and return to their places in the congregation.

Please dress appropriately. This means "Sunday best." Unkempt, sloppy or revealing attire is not appropriate. All who serve as extraordinary ministers should have the proper demeanor, attire, and manners required of those who accept the honor of serving at the altar.

Remember, above all, that you are there to give honor and worship to God, the giver of every good and perfect gift. Learn to appreciate and love so wondrous a gift as the Holy Eucharist, God Himself dwelling among us.