"Extraordinary" doesn't mean "special" — it means an exception to the ordinary rule. Dr. Brant Pitre traces where that concept comes from in Scripture, the Fathers, and canon law.
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion: Scripture, Tradition, and the Church's Norms
Dr. Brant Pitre examines the term the Church uses precisely — extraordinary minister of Holy Communion — and what it has meant across history. He starts from the biblical pattern in which high priest, priests, Levites, and laity each had defined roles around the sanctuary (Numbers 18; 2 Chronicles 23:6), and the notable exceptions, such as David eating the bread of the Presence, that Jesus himself cites. From there the session follows the tradition: Phoebe as diakonos in Romans 16, early accounts of the faithful carrying Communion to the dying and sick, and the careful limits set by the Fathers, Aquinas, and later the 1917 and 1983 Codes of Canon Law. Pitre presents the Church's current norms — including Redemptionis Sacramentum and Ecclesiae de Mysterio — factually, without polemic, showing how a genuinely exceptional provision is defined. The video is a guided tour of the historical and legal roots, not a verdict on any parish's practice.
Key passages & sources examined: Leviticus 16; Numbers 18:2-7; 2 Chronicles 23:6; 1 Samuel 21:1-6; Matthew 12:1-8; Romans 16:1-3; GIRM no. 100; Code of Canon Law §230, §910; 1 Clement 40-41; Tertullian, On Baptism 17; Eusebius (Serapion); St. Basil, Letter 93; St. Thomas Aquinas (ST III q.82); Ecclesiae de Mysterio (1997); Redemptionis Sacramentum (2004) nos. 157-158; St. John Chrysostom
What is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion? The session grounds the answer in the Church's own texts: an ordinary minister is a bishop, priest, or deacon, while a lay person may be deputed as an extraordinary minister under specific conditions set out in canon law and the GIRM.
Where does the idea of extraordinary ministers come from in Scripture and tradition? Pitre points to biblical exceptions and early-Church precedents — the sick and dying receiving Communion at home — and traces the concept forward. The full development is covered in the video.
When do the Church's norms permit an extraordinary minister? The video walks through what Redemptionis Sacramentum and related instructions actually say about genuine need versus mere convenience, without taking a polemical side.
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This is a subscription where the content is accessed online through your account. Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Mass Readings Explained' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Watch Videos' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
This is some outstanding advice for couples who are struggling in todays world and toxic culture. If you want to begin healing, find peace or just looking for advice; this is highly recommended.
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These are even more than I’d anticipated. I learned lots of interesting stuff but better than that, I was able to participate, to be present in Mass, in a deeper way the last two weeks. Thank you so much. And I’ve also told a friend about Dr. Pitre’s work. Thanks again, Patty Brown
This is a subscription where the content is accessed online through your account. Once logged in, you can access everything by going to 'Mass Readings Explained' in the main menu bar of our website, then 'Watch Videos' and then pick one of the options there. The calendar view works well for finding those Mass Readings that are in the near future and The Mass Explained will take you to videos in that series.
This is some outstanding advice for couples who are struggling in todays world and toxic culture. If you want to begin healing, find peace or just looking for advice; this is highly recommended.
The Mass Explained and the Mass Readings Explained
These are even more than I’d anticipated. I learned lots of interesting stuff but better than that, I was able to participate, to be present in Mass, in a deeper way the last two weeks. Thank you so much. And I’ve also told a friend about Dr. Pitre’s work. Thanks again, Patty Brown
