CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS: IMPLICATIONS FOR EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Abstract

This paper discussed the proverb- cleanliness is next to godliness as it could be applied to the extraordinary ministers of Holy communion in the Catholic Church. This group is responsible for the distribution of Holy Communion and visiting the sick with Holy Communion, with the approval of the local ordinary in their respective parishes in a given Diocese. They function only when priests and deacons are lacking. Attention was paid in this paper to the fact that these ministers must be attractive in appearance and go for regular Confessions. Integrity and uprightness must be their watch word and they must refrain from satanic worship among others. It was then suggested that reputable people are to be considered for this ministry, regular training should be organized for them and they must be well remunerated. For the purpose of this study, the phenomenological method of inquiry was employed.