Why “Extraordinary Minister” and not “Eucharistic Minister”?

The ordinary minister of Holy Communion is a bishop, presbyter, or deacon. (Code of Canon Law, canon 910.) Properly understood, they are the only Eucharistic ministers present at Mass, since they are principally the ones to confect and handle the Sacred Species.

This function is to be understood strictly according to the name by which it is known, that is to
say, that of extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and not “special minister of Holy
Communion” nor “extraordinary minister of the Eucharist” nor “special minister of the
Eucharist”, by which names the meaning of this function is unnecessarily and improperly
broadened. (Redemptionis Sacramentum, 156)

While it has been popular practice, and in some parishes the term is still used as a shorthand to
speak of those who will assist with the distribution of Holy Communion, we will, to the best of
our ability, begin to use “Extraordinary Minister” to properly identify those who serve in this role.
Using right language preserves the dignity of the sacramental nature of the priesthood, which
can foster needed vocations, as well as make clear that this role is fulfilled by the laity only
because of a lack of priests.