Posted on 01/07/2017 10:00:31 AM PST by Salvation
My church has a crew of about 20 lay members who take the Holy Eucharist to the infirm.
That is probably quite true for every Catholic parish although the number of ministers may not be so large.
As a courtesy to the shut-ins?
Correct, I bring communion to a group of elderly at an assisted living facility every week. It is a joyful experience that I look forward too, and Jesus gets to ride on my motorcycle on the way over. I learned quickly though that I have pay close attention to them to ensure that they actually consume the Host, as some of them are just barely able to function. I have had to bring back Hosts that have been spit out. I am supposed to consume any extras but in that case....ahem....no way.
Some of the people have told me that they break off a small piece of the host for those people. Are you allowed to do that?
As pointed out in the article, it’s a good service for those who are unable to get to a church.
Yes, we can break the Host if there are not a sufficient amount (the number of people varies from week to week) or in cases where it appears the recipient would not be able to handle an entire Host. And that is what I do, now that I have some experience. Last week I gave a woman in hospice just a tiny fraction because she was in such pain after receiving a shot of some sort.
I don’t know aCatholic priest that doesn’t homes,hospitals and nursing homes.
Because it still has worth for the soul. You hear the readings from the Bible, the prayers, the consecration. If you are actively watching and listening you are saying the prayers and are participating, what could be wrong with it?
It doesn’t replace your obligation to attend Mass if you are able but the Mass is the most beautiful prayer to God. If you aren’t able to attend Mass it prepares you to receive the Eucharist when someone brings it to you and you can always pray for spiritual communion.
Thank you for posting this. I have the same situation. 73 and no longer driving, living independently, pretty much a shut in and no family to help me. Thank God for the internet and EWTN! It is not really the same as being as being at Mass in person but very very happy to have it.
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