May extraordinary ministers bless communicants with the consecrated host?
The short answer
Absolutely not. Blessing with the Eucharist is benediction, reserved to a priest or deacon. Extraordinary ministers may expose and repose the Sacrament but may not give the blessing with it.
What such a minister is doing amounts to giving benediction with the Eucharist, which is reserved to a priest or deacon.
Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass (91) says special ministers may open the tabernacle, place the ciborium on the altar or the host in the monstrance, and return the Sacrament to the tabernacle after adoration, but it is not lawful for them to give the blessing with the Sacrament.
Bring a copy of the document to your pastor and explain what you have observed during the distribution of Communion.
Continue exploring
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- Is "Eucharistic minister" the correct title for a layperson who distributes Communion?Q&A
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- May extraordinary ministers approach the altar before the priest receives Communion?Q&A