In the early church and for several centuries afterwards it was a common practice to have the non-ordained distribute communion at the celebration of the Eucharist.
They also served those who were not present by bringing the Eucharist to the sick or homebound.
Eucharistic ministers are called from the community as its representative. He/she is to be what they are. All are called to be the presence of Christ.
Eucharistic ministers have a variety of names: extraordinary or special ministers, auxiliary, or lay distributors. Technically, the Eucharistic minister is the "acolyte”. - The one who serves at the altar, preparing the altar table and the vessels and who gives communion to the faithful. Eucharistic ministers are not "almost priests'. The roots of their ministry are in the fact that they are Christian men and women. Baptism is our title to our ministry. By baptism and confirmation all Christians share in the priesthood of Christ and have the potential for taking significant responsibility for the public worship of our community.
The role of the Eucharistic Minister, like that of all liturgical ministries, is more than simply a practical function. The action of ministering the Eucharistic body and blood of Christ is, above all, a service of love performed in faith for the good of the community.
The minister's action is an invitation to share in the Eucharistic feast. We should be welcoming, open and affirming, each in our own way.