ministry of care
“For I was sick and you visited me...”
What is eucharistic ministry of care?
Since the early days of our Church’s history, Holy Communion has been brought to the sick and homebound as an extension of the Mass. As Catholic Christians we are called by Jesus to serve those in need: the hungry, homeless, vulnerable and sick. Jesus’ words from Matthew 25:36: “I was ill, and you cared for me” [2] are at the heart of the Eucharistic Ministry of Care (EMOC) mission.
There are many Catholics in our community who are unable to attend weekly Mass due to illness or injury or because they are homebound. They have the opportunity to watch the livestream Masses from St. Simon and Jude Cathedral, but they are unable to receive our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist at that time. Therefore, trained Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are commissioned to bring Holy Communion, prayer and church community information (e.g. church bulletins or seasonal information) to people who are homebound, in care facilities, hospice facilities and hospitals.
Eucharistic Ministry of Care at St. Clare of Assisi
The St. Clare of Assis Eucharistic Ministry of Care strives to serve the registered members of our parish, as well as those who are permanently and/or temporarily in our parish boundaries, who are among the sick and homebound.
PLEASE NOTE: Our services are provided for the sick and homebound. If you are physically able to attend Mass, we advise you to attend at a Catholic Church near you. Most facilities offer transportation, or you may want to consider Uber or Ride Share to transport you, which will enable you to fulfil your weekly obligation to attend Mass.
Consider Volunteering as an Extraordinary Minister of Care
Extraordinary Ministers of Care bring communion, prayer, companionship and compassion to the sick and homebound. Extraordinary Ministers of Care are commissioned by our Bishop, through the Parish Pastor, to be witnesses to the suffering of our members and to follow the Gospel message to care for those who cannot care for themselves.
Are you being called by Christ to this lifegiving ministry? If so, please feel free to reach out to us for more information. You will have the opportunity to choose the environment to which you will bring Holy Communion, i.e., private homes, care facilities, hospice facilities and hospitals. You will then receive training and guidance as you embark upon the ministry of serving the sick and suffering.
The basic time commitment varies from 20 minutes a week (for homebound) to one hour a week/month (for care center). You may serve more frequently if you desire.
Need an extraordinary minister of care or to get trained as an extraordinary minister of care? contact karen or alivia!