Below are some key points that we would like to highlight about Extraordinary Ministers:

• Due to the nature of this ministry, all those wishing to serve as EMHC's must be trained and commissioned by the parish in which they will serve and deputed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Portland. 
• Commissioning is for a three-year term; it is not a lifetime commissioning.
• To be commissioned by Bishop Deeley and scheduled by the parish for ministry, all EMHC's must follow the Diocesan Safe Environment Policies. 
• EMHC's who ONLY SERVE AT MASS must have on file with the Diocese of Portland: a Volunteer Application, a Diocesan Background Check Form, a Department of Health and Human Services Background Chech Form (re-signed every 5 years), and a Code of Conduct. You will also have an active Virtus Account.
• EMHC's who VISIT THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND must also take a Protecting God's Children (PGC) Class, complete the monthly Training Bulletins in Virtus, and complete the annual PGC Refresher Training in Virtus. 
• If you are not in compliance with the Diocesan Safe Environment Policies, Doreen will be reaching out to you regarding what you need to be complete. If you are unable to complete the requirements, you will no longer be able to serve in this ministry.
• EMHC's who visit the sick and homebound should plan to receive the Eucharist while at a daily or weekend Mass. If you cannot visit the sick or homebound directly after Mass, then you should make other arrangements to obtain the Eucharist by calling the Pastoral Center.
• EMHC's visiting the sick and homebound should present themselves to the priest, deacon, or sacristan before Mass. Then sign-in, fill your pyx with the required number of hosts, and place it on the silver tray. 
• After the Prayer After Communion, the priest will call you forward to receive your pyx. You will return to your pew for the final blessing and then depart for your visit. 
• If you would like to be included on the schedule for weekend Mass and have not already done so, please reach out to [email protected]. 
• If you would like to visit to the sick and homebound, please let Gina know. We have several requests from individuals and care facilities to resume visits.

Would you or a loved one like a visit from a member of our parish community? These visits bring the parish to the sick, elderly, or shut-in and feed them both spiritually and emotionally. In addition, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion bring the Eucharist to homebound parishioners and spend some time in prayer and conversation together. We hope that parishioners will be uplifted knowing that they are still connected with and cared for by our faith community. If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact the parish office at 623-8823.