1. Formal instruction through the Office of Liturgy by attending a diocesan EMHC workshop. The EMHC workshop includes topics on liturgical ministry, the Mass, theology of the Eucharist, the Paschal Mystery and a review of diocesan guidelines.
2. Onsite parish instruction as to local customs and responsibilities, hands-on practice, knowledge, and understanding of parish procedures and responsibilities and an opportunity for sharing with others in the ministry.

When the Pastor has determined that a given candidate meets the basic requirements outlined above, the Pastor or his representative is to submit the Petition for Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion along with the $10 registration fee (if paying by check) to the Office of Liturgy. The petition and other relevant documents can be obtained on this webpage below. In addition to correctly filled out petition, the candidate is registered for the desired EMHC workshop online. Links to the registration for current EMHC formation sessions being offered are below. If the parish is sending payment for the candidate, please select “pay by check” under payment options when completing the registration online. The check must be mailed with the completed petition. After the diocesan training is completed and all forms have been received and processed by the Office of Liturgy, the mandate is issued by the Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando for five years, expiring on December 31st of the fifth year.

1. The downloadable petition is a fillable PDF document. The requested information must be filled in electronically or typed. The bishop’s signature will not be affixed to handwritten documents.
2. The original petition and the $10 registration fee (if paying by check) must be received together in the Office of Liturgy for processing before the desired training date.
3. Because the pastor’s signature is necessary to attest to an individual’s suitability, no faxes, emails, or phone call registrations will be accepted. The original petition must be on file in the Office of Liturgy.

1. Online registration closes at 12:00 p.m. the Wednesday prior to the scheduled workshop. Walk-ins to EMHC workshops cannot be accepted.
2. The online registration only guarantees admittance to the workshop – it does not guarantee a mandate from the bishop to participate in this ministry.
3. The $10 fee for the workshop can be made either with a check or a credit card. If paying by check, the check must be enclosed with petition when mailed to the Office of Liturgy. If the parish is covering the registration cost, be sure to select “pay by check” under payment method during the registration process.
4. A complete list of available workshops and links to register are below.

It is most appropriate to celebrate the Order of Commissioning of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion when a new group of EMHCs has been mandated for the parish. The ritual is found in the Book of Blessings, chapter 63. The Office of Liturgy has provided a downloadable version of this blessing as well as a certificate of commissioning on this webpage below under EMHC Documents. It is not necessary to repeat this commissioning for those who are renewing a previously issued mandate.

1. The Pastor completes and signs the Petition for Renewal of Mandate for EMHCs.
2. The list of names of those whose mandates are expiring and that the Pastor wishes to renew upon their consent and eligibility is attached to the petition. The list may only contain those whose mandates are expiring the current calendar year.
3. The petition and the list are then sent to the Office of Liturgy for processing.
4. The Office of Liturgy will contact the parish EMHC Coordinator with any discrepancies.
5. Once the EMHC database has been updated, the bishop’s signature will be affixed to the Continuation of EMHC Ministry Petition granting a new 5 year mandate for those names on the submitted list and returned to the parish for record keeping.

1. All EMHCs should be partaking in regular formation. Examples of what the pastor may deem appropriate include: parish missions, mornings of reflection, parish bible study programs, diocesan and parish programs based on the Eucharist, and virtual workshops on the EMHC ministry from Liturgy Training Publications.
2. Renewal of EMHC Mandate lists may only contain those individuals whose mandates are expiring in the calendar year the Petition for the Renewal of Mandate for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is filed.
3. As in the past, any individual whose mandate lapses must retake the initial diocesan EMHC formation training and follow the process for NEW EMHCs as outlined on the EMHC Formation webpage.
4. There is no cost associated for the renewal of EMHC mandates.

Questions may be directed to your parish EMHC Coordinator, who coordinates the EMHC mandating process and renewal process with the Offices of Liturgy and Music.

If you would like to host EMHC and/or Reader Workshops at your parish, please call Kathleen Elbert.

Kathleen Elbert
Coordinator for the Offices of Liturgy and Music
Liturgy and Music
407-246-4860