"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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Approximately two years ago, I began subscribing to "Mass Readings Explained". At the time I was the leader of a small group of Catholics in my parish who wanted to start a Faith and Fellowship group. We decided to concentrate in our meeting on the upcoming readings for Sunday's Catholic Mass. My Group loves Dr. Pitre because he brings so much to his presentation of the Sunday Mass readings. We are trying to convince the entire parish to follow Dr. Pitre's weekly review of Sunday's readings. I find that I listen to Dr. Pitre's presentation two or three times before our meeting and it helps me know when to stop and start the presentation so that we can engage in discussion about what we have just learned. Without hesitation, everyone in our small group of 8 would heartily endorse Dr. Pitre's work.
The first CD skimmed and skipped and I was not able to listen to it. I have returned it to you by mail so that you can test it and hear for yourselves the poor quality of the CD.
Hi Paul, we're sorry to hear about the issue with your CD. Please email me (Michael@CatholicProductions.com) a good address and I will send you a replacement.
I'm amazed by these lectures, I learn so many things and I hear so many things Ive never heard before. Love how dr Brant Pitre answers complicated questions at the end of the lectures.
Approximately two years ago, I began subscribing to "Mass Readings Explained". At the time I was the leader of a small group of Catholics in my parish who wanted to start a Faith and Fellowship group. We decided to concentrate in our meeting on the upcoming readings for Sunday's Catholic Mass. My Group loves Dr. Pitre because he brings so much to his presentation of the Sunday Mass readings. We are trying to convince the entire parish to follow Dr. Pitre's weekly review of Sunday's readings. I find that I listen to Dr. Pitre's presentation two or three times before our meeting and it helps me know when to stop and start the presentation so that we can engage in discussion about what we have just learned. Without hesitation, everyone in our small group of 8 would heartily endorse Dr. Pitre's work.
The first CD skimmed and skipped and I was not able to listen to it. I have returned it to you by mail so that you can test it and hear for yourselves the poor quality of the CD.
Hi Paul, we're sorry to hear about the issue with your CD. Please email me (Michael@CatholicProductions.com) a good address and I will send you a replacement.
I'm amazed by these lectures, I learn so many things and I hear so many things Ive never heard before. Love how dr Brant Pitre answers complicated questions at the end of the lectures.
