Like many Ministries in the Catholic Church the role of Eucharistic Ministers advanced speedily after Vatican II. However, their role goes back to the life of the early Church when lay people took Holy Communion to the sick in their homes and sometimes in their neighbourhood. So the role of Ministers is not new but a return to the life of the first centuries of the Church.
Eucharistic Ministers are commissioned to help Priests in their Parish. They are to give the Eucharist to people during the celebration of Mass, take Holy Communion to the Sick and Housebound and celebrate a Eucharistic Liturgy when a priest is not available; this latter normally takes place on weekdays but may also, in the not too distant future, take place on Sundays.
Your prayers for Eucharistic Ministers - and for all Ministers - will be much appreciated.