If you cannot make a scheduled date, please do what you can to find your own sub. If you can't find someone to fill in for you, please call he office and let Sandy know you are not available.
Thank you for leading the praying after the 9:45 AM Mass.
Click for a “Rosary Cheat Sheet”, or look for one the wardrobe of the staging room.
Thank you for leading the praying after the 9:45 AM Mass.
Click for a “Rosary Cheat Sheet”, or look for one the wardrobe of the staging room.
Procedures and Pastoral Notes Concerning the Rite of Communion with the Sick and the Homebound
AS YOU BEGIN THE VISIT
• Share greetings and introductions; give some ideas from the homily and the bulletin if the person shows interest in the parish.
• After listening to the conditions and desires of the person who is sick, ask if the person desires Communion at this time. Invite the family to receive Communion also.
• Bring and offer extra copies of the Visiting Liturgy sheet for the Parishioner and family to follow along.
THE RITE
• Pace the ritual with sensitivity. Be aware of the sick person’s ability to follow.
• Adapt to the situation of each visit.
• If the family suggests setting a simple table with candles and holy water, agree with this but do not insist upon it when the family is not ready or unfamiliar with the practice.
• Give a small portion of the host to a person who has difficulty swallowing. Check with the nurse or doctor in cases of special feeding.
• Wait for the person to swallow the host. Offer water if necessary. Be prepared with a cloth in the event that the person has problems.
• Take time to pray reverently and to be present with the sick person and the family.
• Be sensitive to the proper time to depart. Frequently Asked Questions about Taking Communion to the Sick and the Homebound
WHEN DO I TAKE COMMUNION TO THE SICK PERSON? It is best to take Holy Communion directly from the community’s celebration of Eucharist in the church to the person in the home. If this is not reasonable, and no substitute is available, please take It as soon as possible, showing respect for the presence of Christ.
IF TAKING HOLY COMMUNION IS ONLY PART OF MY VISIT WITH THE SICK OR HOMEBOUND PERSON, SHOULD PRAYER AND COMMUNION BE AT THE BEGINNING OR END OF OUR TIME TOGETHER? There is no set rule but most people find it more comfortable to spend some time in conversation before sharing prayer and Holy Communion. The conversation could include ideas from the homily and reassurance that the parish community prayerfully supports that person. If the sick or homebound person prefers time for private devotion, it is suggested that you visit before prayer and indicate that you will leave immediately after distribution of Communion so as to allow time for quiet reflection and devotion. This respects the privacy of the person while also honoring the importance of communal prayer as part of Eucharist.
WHAT PRAYERS DO I SAY WHEN I TAKE COMMUNION TO THE SICK? The attached prayer liturgy is encouraged for use at MMR Parish. It is also permissible to use the prayers in the booklet, Communion of the Sick, which is based on Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rite of Anointing and Viaticum, the official rite of the Catholic Church. Since your focus should be on the needs of the sick or homebound person, you may adapt the prayers to fit the situation. Consider the person’s illness, pain level, tiredness, and ability to concentrate; also be considerate of others who are responding to that person’s physical needs. If longer readings are desired, you may use the scripture reading from the day or Sunday or choose any appropriate reading from the Bible.
IF OTHERS ARE PRESENT, SHOULD I INVITE THEM TO PRAY AND RECEIVE COMMUNION WITH THE SICK PERSON? Yes, others should be invited to join in prayer. All Catholics who are participating may be invited to receive Communion.
ARE THE SICK OR HOMEBOUND REQUIRED TO FAST AN HOUR BEFORE RECEIVING COMMUNION? No, they may receive Communion at any hour and need not adhere to the normal fasting regulations.
AS YOU BEGIN THE VISIT
• Share greetings and introductions; give some ideas from the homily and the bulletin if the person shows interest in the parish.
• After listening to the conditions and desires of the person who is sick, ask if the person desires Communion at this time. Invite the family to receive Communion also.
• Bring and offer extra copies of the Visiting Liturgy sheet for the Parishioner and family to follow along.
THE RITE
• Pace the ritual with sensitivity. Be aware of the sick person’s ability to follow.
• Adapt to the situation of each visit.
• If the family suggests setting a simple table with candles and holy water, agree with this but do not insist upon it when the family is not ready or unfamiliar with the practice.
• Give a small portion of the host to a person who has difficulty swallowing. Check with the nurse or doctor in cases of special feeding.
• Wait for the person to swallow the host. Offer water if necessary. Be prepared with a cloth in the event that the person has problems.
• Take time to pray reverently and to be present with the sick person and the family.
• Be sensitive to the proper time to depart. Frequently Asked Questions about Taking Communion to the Sick and the Homebound
WHEN DO I TAKE COMMUNION TO THE SICK PERSON? It is best to take Holy Communion directly from the community’s celebration of Eucharist in the church to the person in the home. If this is not reasonable, and no substitute is available, please take It as soon as possible, showing respect for the presence of Christ.
IF TAKING HOLY COMMUNION IS ONLY PART OF MY VISIT WITH THE SICK OR HOMEBOUND PERSON, SHOULD PRAYER AND COMMUNION BE AT THE BEGINNING OR END OF OUR TIME TOGETHER? There is no set rule but most people find it more comfortable to spend some time in conversation before sharing prayer and Holy Communion. The conversation could include ideas from the homily and reassurance that the parish community prayerfully supports that person. If the sick or homebound person prefers time for private devotion, it is suggested that you visit before prayer and indicate that you will leave immediately after distribution of Communion so as to allow time for quiet reflection and devotion. This respects the privacy of the person while also honoring the importance of communal prayer as part of Eucharist.
WHAT PRAYERS DO I SAY WHEN I TAKE COMMUNION TO THE SICK? The attached prayer liturgy is encouraged for use at MMR Parish. It is also permissible to use the prayers in the booklet, Communion of the Sick, which is based on Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rite of Anointing and Viaticum, the official rite of the Catholic Church. Since your focus should be on the needs of the sick or homebound person, you may adapt the prayers to fit the situation. Consider the person’s illness, pain level, tiredness, and ability to concentrate; also be considerate of others who are responding to that person’s physical needs. If longer readings are desired, you may use the scripture reading from the day or Sunday or choose any appropriate reading from the Bible.
IF OTHERS ARE PRESENT, SHOULD I INVITE THEM TO PRAY AND RECEIVE COMMUNION WITH THE SICK PERSON? Yes, others should be invited to join in prayer. All Catholics who are participating may be invited to receive Communion.
ARE THE SICK OR HOMEBOUND REQUIRED TO FAST AN HOUR BEFORE RECEIVING COMMUNION? No, they may receive Communion at any hour and need not adhere to the normal fasting regulations.