Office of Liturgy

The Ministry to the Sick and Homebound

and
Distribution of Holy Communion

+
A Sample Rite for Distribution of Holy Communion
to the Sick and Homebound
in the Parishes of the
Catholic Diocese of Saginaw

Roman Missal III Workshops June 2011

Catholic Diocese of Saginaw
Office of Liturgy
Implementation of the 3rd Typical Edition of the Roman Missal

The Ministry to the Sick and Homebound

& Distribution of Holy Communion
Pastoral Instruction:
The faithful who are ill are deprived of their rightful and accustomed place in the
Eucharistic community. In bringing Communion to them the Extraordinary Minister of
Communion [EMHC] represents Christ and manifests faith and charity on behalf of the
whole community toward those who cannot be present at the Eucharist. For the sick,
the reception of Communion is not only a privilege but also a sign of support and
concern shown by the Christian community for its members who are ill.

I. Practical Considerations for Extraordinary Ministers of

Communion to the Sick and Homebound

• Know that the relationship with the person who is sick is a key factor. The
minister brings the comfort and concern of Christ.
• Be aware of feelings that may arise when you enter a person’s home or room –
the person’s appearance, hospital equipment, and the environment. When it is
difficult to look at the person because of their physical condition, concentrate on
their eyes.
• Take proper time for introduction and personal sharing. Listen attentively.
• If you are uncertain or suspect sensitive conditions, check with the family or the
nurse for more information.
• Be sensitive to feelings of loneliness and depression. Consider the situation and
desires of the person who is sick and make decisions based on this information
before beginning the Communion Rite.
• Be prepared in the face of refusal or rejection by either the person who is sick or
by a family member. Be ready to offer modified services in such cases.
• If the person does not wish to share Communion at this time, ask if they would
like to share in a short blessing prayer.
• Be aware of making referrals when other services are needed (e.g. confessor,
counselor, doctor, etc.). Do not try to solve problems.
• If the sick wish to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance, encourage them or the
family to be in contact with the parish priest. You might also offer to relay the
message yourself.

June 2011
Catholic Diocese of Saginaw
Office of Liturgy
Implementation of the 3rd Typical Edition of the Roman Missal

• Keep confidences at all times.

• The pastor, pastoral administrator or parish staff/ trainer of EMHC for the sick
should be available to those visiting the sick in order that they might share their
feelings and experiences and/or address any pastoral issues.

II. Procedures and Pastoral Notes Concerning the Rite of

Communion with the Sick and the Homebound

BEFORE VISITING
• Make sure that your ministry is coordinated with the pastor, pastoral
administrator of parish staff/trainer in order to provide a comprehensive pastoral
care in the parish community and to avoid any duplication or “lone-ranger”
ministry within the community.
• Collect information about the person who is sick and other helpful information for
your visit to the home or hospital.
• Make sure the visitation to the sick and/or homebound is scheduled in advance
and invite family members and/or others to be present.
• Carry the Blessed Sacrament in a pyx. Have respect and reverence for the
presence of Christ.
• When transporting the Blessed Sacrament to the sick, ministers should avoid any
activity not in keeping with the reverence due to the Blessed Sacrament.
• Wear attire appropriate to the ministry.

AS YOU BEGIN THE VISIT

• Share greetings and introductions; give some ideas from the Sunday homily and
the bulletin (if the person shows interest in the life of your parish).
• After listening to the conditions and desires of the person who is sick, ask if the
person desires Communion at this time. Also, invite the Catholic family members
to participate and receive Communion.
• Bring and offer extra copies of the liturgical rite/order of worship for the sick
and/or homebound, as well as for family members to follow along.

THE RITE
• Pace the ritual with sensitivity.
• Be aware of the sick person’s ability to follow and participate.
• Adapt to the situation of each person and each visit.

June 2011
Catholic Diocese of Saginaw
Office of Liturgy
Implementation of the 3rd Typical Edition of the Roman Missal

• 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 family, nurse or doctor in cases of special feeding issues.
• Wait for the person to swallow the host and 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.

III. 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 (either Sunday or a weekday Mass) in the parish church to the person in the
home. If this is not reasonable, and no substitute is available, please take the Blessed
Sacrament 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 your use. 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
June 2011
Catholic Diocese of Saginaw
Office of Liturgy
Implementation of the 3rd Typical Edition of the Roman Missal

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.

WHAT IF THE SICK PERSON IS UNABLE TO SWALLOW THE ENTIRE HOST?

Water may be offered to the sick person receiving Communion to aid in swallowing the
host. If warranted, just a small portion of the host can be offered if the person is too ill
to receive the entire host. The remaining portion of that host must be consumed by
someone who is participating in the prayer or by you as minister of Communion.
Remember that the divine presence in the Blessed Sacrament is the same regardless
of the size of the portion of the host. Consult with the family concerning the condition of
the person regarding swallowing.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE HOST IS DROPPED OR THE PERSON REMOVES IT

FROM HIS/HER MOUTH?
If the host is dropped and there are no health concerns, the host may be picked up and
consumed. If the dropped host presents health concerns or the person removes the
host from his/her mouth, it should be dissolved in water and the water poured into the
church sacrarium, not down a drain. Of course, if anyone declines or refuses to receive
Communion, you would respect this wish.

WHAT DO I DO WITH THE PYX WHEN I AM NOT USING IT TO TAKE COMMUNION

TO THE SICK?
The pyx should be kept in a safe and respectful place when not in use. Take the pyx to
the community’s celebration of Eucharist on the day of visiting the sick. When a
minister no longer needs the pyx, it is returned to pastor, pastoral administrator, parish
staff/trainer or to the parish office.
Credits:
Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, North Wales, PA
Source: Adapted from Dioceses of Green Bay
Attachment: Liturgy for Visiting the Homebound

June 2011
RMIII Workshop

A Sample Rite for Distribution of Holy Communion to the

Sick and Homebound in the Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw
with the Reception of the 3rd Typical Edition of the Roman Missal

INTRODUCTORY RITE

GREETING

All: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Minister: May the peace of the Lord be with you (and all who live here) always.

All: And with your spirit.

PENITENTIAL ACT

Minister: My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us call
to mind our sins.
[Option A:]

All: I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have
greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in
what I have failed to do,
[And, stricking their breast, they say:]
through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault;
therefore, I ask blessed Mary, ever-virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and
you my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

[Option B:]

Minister: Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.

Minister: Christ Jesus, you forgive sinners: Christ, have mercy.

All: Christ, have mercy.

Minister: Lord Jesus, you heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy.

June 2011
RMIII Workshop

Minister: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to
everlasting life.

All: Amen.

READING OF THE WORD

[The Minister may proclaim the day’s reading(s) and Gospel; or may choose a short reading or one of
the following verses from Scriptures:]

† Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and find life
burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders
and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your soul will
find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.” [Matthew 11:28-30]

† Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you live in me and I
in you, you will produce abundantly. Apart from me you can do
nothing.” [John 15:5]

† Jesus says, “I myself am the bread come down from heaven. If anyone
eats this bread he shall live forever; the bread I will give is my flesh for
the life of the world.” [John 6:51]

† Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to
the Father but through me.” [John 14:6]

† “We have come to know and believe in the love God has for us. God is
love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” [I John
4:16]

RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Minister: Now let us pray together to the Father in the words given to us by our Lord
Jesus Christ:

All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against
us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

June 2011
RMIII Workshop
[The Minister holds up the Host:]

Minister: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.
Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

All: Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say the
word and my soul shall be healed.
[The Minister distributes Holy Communion.]

Minister: Body of Christ.

All: Amen.

CONCLUSION

Minister: Let us pray …

[The Minister recites the “Prayer After Communion” of the day or other prayer(s) for health and
healing, such as:

Loving God, we thank you for the nourishment you give us through your holy gift. Pour out your Spirit
upon us, and in the strength of this food from heaven, grant us strength, healing, and peace. We ask
this through Christ our Lord. Amen.]

All: Amen

Minister: [And making the Sign of the Cross:]

{ + } May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to
everlasting life.

All: Amen.

Credits:
Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish, North Wales, PA
Saint Brigid of Kildare Parish, Midland, MI
Catholic Diocese of Lansing – Office of Worship
Source: Adapted from Dioceses of Green Bay
Attachment: Liturgy for Visiting the Homebound

Revised: June 16, 2011

June 2011