Last week we talked about why we bring Holy Communion to the Homebound and provided some key terms and requirements to be a minister. Today, we turn our attention to the “How”.
Whether you regularly bring Holy Communion to the homebound as a member of our Homebound Ministry or just from time to time for a homebound family member or friend, you are acting as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. When doing so, the simple form described below is to be followed.
1) Minister can optionally read a brief Scripture passage. Recommendation is the daily Gospel or mentioning a few words from that reading. Alternatively, the reading below can be used.
A reading from the Gospel of John (14:23)
Jesus answered: “Anyone who loves me will be true to my word, and my Father will love him; we will come to him and make our dwelling place with him.”
2) All make the Sign of the Cross
3) Minister says, “At the Savior’s command, and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say…”
4) All say the Our Father
5) Minister removes Host from the Pyx, holding up for all to see, saying, “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.”
6) Communicants say, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” (you can help them, as needed)
7) Minister says, “The Body of Christ”
8) Communicants say, “Amen”
9) Minister communicates (gives) the Host to the Communicant, either on the tongue or in hand.
Pause to allow time to fully consume the Host and for internal prayer or reflection.
10) Minister invokes God’s blessing using the following prayer or a prayer of their choosing.
“May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.”
11) Communicants say “Amen” and All make the Sign of the Cross.
12) Minister says, ”I will leave you now in the presence of Jesus. Please pray for me and for the Church.” Remind Communicants that Jesus remains physically in them for ~15 mins.
In the final week, we will go over the proper way to care for Jesus in the Eucharist. If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a Homebound EMHC, contact Mike Aprile at mikea@stisidore.church or 586.286.1700 x2120.
“It is not to remain in a golden ciborium that He comes down each day from Heaven, but to find another Heaven, the Heaven of our soul in which He takes delight.” – St. Therese of Lisieux
