When people fall sick or are unable to attend Mass, they still greatly desire to receive Holy Communion. Pastoral Care ministers to the aged, sick and homebound become the channel through which our parish family reaches out to these sisters and brothers. The priests, of course, do their part to visit, bring Holy Communion, and anoint the sick; however, they cannot do it alone. We need lay ministers to visit the homebound and bring Holy Communion.

By bringing communion to the aged, sick, or homebound, the minister of Communion brings the faith and charity of our whole community to those who cannot be present at our Eucharistic Celebration. This is a sign of support and concern from our community for those who may be absent from the Mass -- uniting us together as the Body of Christ. 

Laypersons may be trained as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to fulfill this need in taking the Eucharist to those at home, in a care facility, or the hospital. 

If you are have questions or are interested in volunteering for this ministry, please contact Fr Michael Gazzingan to discuss preparation. We are always in need of ministers for Pastoral Care.

Pastoral Care Ministers are:

• baptized and confirmed Catholics who attend Mass weekly
• trained Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
• careful to observe the proper liturgical rite in sharing Communion outside of Mass
• willing to listen to those we visit with an attitude of love and respect 
• current with the Diocese's Safe Environment requirements 

When the Eucharist is brought to the sick, it is carefully transported in a pyx (small closed container) with the minister showing proper reverence for the Eucharist at all times. The family or attendants may be asked to prepare a space with a linen cloth upon which the Blessed Sacrament will be placed next to a lighted candle. The minister should invite friends, family, and those who care for the sick to participate in the liturgical rite and receive communion, in accord with the usual norms. Care should be taken to make the occasion special and joyful. Afterward, the minister also ensures that the vessel is properly purified.

If the sick wish to celebrate the sacrament of penance, it is preferable that the priest make himself available for this during a previous visit.