Question
What are the requirements to become a Eucharistic [Communion] Minister?
--Ruling in Rochester
Answer
It depends on your pastor and diocese. Each one has their own specific requirements, since there are general guidlines in Canon Law. Usually one must be fully initiated and a proper role model. Some dioceses regulate an age, such as18, but others do not. Some pastors regulate for the parish too.
Other information from the HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism, copyright 1995:
Eucharistic (Communion) minister, a person who distributes the Eucharist either within or outside of the celebration of Mass. The ordinary minister of the distribution of the Eucharist is the priest who presides at the celebration. However, when there are large numbers of people receiving Communion, various assisting ministers are employed. When present, the deacon distributes the cup and may also distribute the host. Special ministers of the Eucharist, both men and women, are permitted to function in the distribution during Mass when deacons and acolytes are not available and in the bringing of Communion to the sick (Immensae Caritatis, 1973).
Extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, a nonordained (hence "extraordinary") person who distributes Holy Communion to the faithful. Since 1973, diocesan bishops (or their delegates) have been authorized to appoint nonordained Catholics to administer Communion at Mass and to take the Eucharist to the sick or dying. This appointment (for which a rite of commissioning exists) may be either permanent or limited to a specified period. The principle supporting this "extraordinary ministry" is outlined in the 1983 Code of Canon Law (can.230.3), which states that laypeople can exercise the ministry of the word, preside over liturgical prayers, confer Baptism and distribute Holy Communion whenever the needs of the Church require it, or whenever sufficient ordained ministers are not available. Thus, extraordinary eucharistic ministers may be appointed whenever the lack of ordained clergy would unduly lengthen a service or whenever the spiritual needs of the infirm in homes or hospitals require it.