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Homebound Ministry:
Volunteers bring the Eucharist to the parishioners who are unable to attend Mass. In bringing the Eucharist to our homebound parishioners, we are also telling them that they are still part of our parish community and that the rest of the community is one with them, and we are praying for them.
Who May Serve:
All parishioners are encouraged and welcome to join this Ministry who are fully initiated, meaning you've celebrated the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion, are a practicing Catholic and a good role model for the congregation. If married, must be married in the Catholic Church, if single living exemplary Catholic lives and have a sound psychological maturity. (No one can volunteer for this ministry if living in cohabitation with someone or civilly married) You must also be a registered member of of the parish.
You must first be commissioned as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister by your Parish Priest for the specific parish for a period of up to three years. A signed affidavit will be kept in your parish office. Recommissioning is mandated every three years. Our weekly Pastoral Care EMC's may distribute the Body of Christ to our homebound parishioners, hospitalized and in care facilities. Other qualifications also include:
- Must completed Safe Environment Training as outlined by the Archdiocesan of Seattle Policy.
- Must be available during daytime hours in order to actively participate in the ministry
- Must have reliable transportation and auto insurance.
- Must be commissioned as a Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister.
- Must be trained in the basic Extraordinary Minister procedures as well as the procedures for Extraordinary Ministers who work in the area of Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying as required by the parish.
- Must be at least 25 years of age.
- Must have attended a parish deputation ceremony at Mass
Procedures:
The Body of Christ (Host) is to be placed in a pyx. It is not to be carried in a handerchief or any other receptacle. If the Extraodinary Ministers of Holy Communion accepts the Host for the sick dring Communion, they are to go immediately to the sick at the conclusion of Mass. He may also take it from the Tabernacle. Jesus is then to be put into the pyx and use a carrier and put it around the neck close to the heart. It is not respectful or proper for a minister to have the Sacred Host with him or her while visiting after Mass with other parishioners. It is not allowed to put the pyx in the pocket or purse, it must be around your neck. If for any reason a sick person is not able to consume the Host immediately, it is to be returned to the church and put the consecrated Host in the tabernacle. It is gross negligence to leave the Host in a room for a sick person to receive at a later time. For no reason should any Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion carry the Host around while shopping or engaged in any other activity, nor should it be kept in one's home overnight. Hosts are to be brought to the sick immediately. Holy communion Hosts that are not consumed by the recipient are to be returned to the tabernacle immediately or if distance or other circumstances prevent, the Host may be consumed by the minister.
For any adult who is willing to serve communion to the homebound, we are badly in need of Homebound Ministers. If you are interested in becoming a homebound minister, contact the church office at 360-748-4953 or email: office at wlpcatholic.org.