These Ministers are properly called "Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion". The Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are the bishop, priest or deacon.

What does a Minister of the Eucharist do?

• The Eucharistic Minister offers communion to other members of the community at Mass, or brings communion to those who are unable to attend Mass;
• The Eucharistic Minister assists the celebrant at Mass in sharing the sacred Body and Blood of Christ;
• The Eucharistic Minister acts on behalf of the community when she or he brings Communion to the sick or housebound.