Ordained Catholic ministers like bishops, priests and deacons are known within the Church as Ordinary Ministers.

When sufficient in number, they are tasked with distributing the Eucharist to the Parish community. The lay institution known as the Extraordinary Ministry of the Eucharist or was established in January 1973 by Pope Paul VI to respond to the needs of the modern church. Today, Catholics are encouraged to receive the Body and Blood of Christ from both Ordained and Extraordinary Ministers whenever the Eucharist is celebrated and they do so in large numbers. 

Extraordinary Ministers help distribute the Eucharist when too few Ordained Ministers are available or are for some other reason unable to do so. They also assist when the time component of the liturgy would otherwise be prolonged, or when the sick or house bound in various places in the Parish (hospitals, nursing homes or private homes) require assistance to receive Communion on a regular basis.

In the Parish of St. Charles, Visitation to the Sick takes place on Sunday mornings. The Diocesan Bishop authorises our Parish Priest to appoint lay parishioners as Extraordinary Ministers in a manner he feels appropriate. They may be appointed for a specific occasion or for a stated period of time.

Those joining the ministry participate in a time of formation to deepen their understanding of the Eucharist and to learn about the practical needs of the ministry. Ongoing guidance and spiritual reflection is provided for those already involved.