 Who can distribute Holy Communion to the sick? Can extraordinary ministers clean the pyx?
 According to On Certain Questions, issued in 1997, "A non-ordained member of the faithful, in cases of true necessity, may be deputed by the diocesan bishop, using the appropriate form of blessing for these situation, to act as an extraordinary minister to distribute Holy Communion outside of liturgical celebrations ad actum vel ad tempus or for a more stable period." The commentary on the Code of Canon Law says that true necessity constitutes a lack of clerics and a definite need to distribute Holy Communion. If both of these conditions are not met, the practice is illicit.
According to the Notitae #238 "The remarks on the priest, deacon and acolyte [concering permission to clean vessles] are applicable to a special minister who lawfully distributes communion." Therefore, lawfully appointed extraordinary ministers may clean the pyx. However, it should be remembered that the water used to clean liturgical vessels, if not drunk, is to be poured down the sacrarium.
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