Our call as Ministers to the Sick and Homebound is to be present to the patients as they attempt to find God in their life situation, by listening to them.  Christian presence is the gift we bring to the sick.  Confidentiality, respect of the patient, and acceptance of them for whom and where they are, are the gifts inherent in this presence.

What is the Ministry to the Sick and Homebound?
The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion brings the comfort of Christ in the form of the Eucharist to those who cannot come to church.  We bring the Church to people who cannot physically come to church.  In this way, the sick and homebound are united to the Body of Christ present in our community.  We continue the healing and compassionate ministry of Jesus, as members of His Body.  It is always in Jesus’ Name that we visit.
 
This is not a private but a public act of representing the Church as an institution and as a parish.
 
What is required to become part of this ministry?
Members of the Homebound Ministry MUST be trained as Eucharistic Ministers. 
This ministry provides training and the new minister is also mentored by an experienced Eucharistic Minister to the Sick and Homebound. 
 
The ministers must have completed all Sacraments of Initiation ( Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, & if Married) in the Catholic Church and an active member of St. Maria Goretti Parish who participates in weekly mass, communion services, and a person of prayer.
 
He/she practices of understanding with the attitude of love and respect when they visit.
 
What is the time commitment?
This varies, daily, weekly, monthly, etc. This will be determined according to the needs and schedule of the one visited and the minister.

If you have a relative or friend who is homebound and would like to be visited by a Priest or an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please call the office at 916-647-4538.

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