Extraordinary Ministers   (EM's)

Extraordinary Ministers assist the Ordinary Ministers (Bishops, Priests & Deacons) with the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass.

An EM must be in full communion with the church, that is they must be baptized, confirmed and must have made their First Holy Communion and be at least 16 years old.  He or she must also demonstrate by his way of life their belief in the Divine Presence of our Lord in the sacred species.  This is a very privileged ministry and allows an individual to share his faith with those whom he serves.  Special training is provided twice a year and consists of both a discussion on the theological aspects of serving as an EM and on the specific logistics of serving as an EM in our parish.  Once an individual has completed training and upon recommendation of our Pastor, St. Gabriel’s will request the Diocese to commission that individual to serve as an EM at St. Gabriel’s Parish.   This commission is only for service at St. Gabriel’s, and no other parish.   Thereafter, the Diocese requires that an EM receive annual training in order to keep his or her commission current.

EM’s are scheduled on a monthly basis together with the lectors and altar servers. They are also permitted to request the Masses at which they prefer to serve.

If you are interested in serving as an extraordinary minister please contact Dan Murphy, Director of Music and Liturgy for St. Gabriel’s, telephone 480-595-0883 or e-mail music@stgacc.org.