As members of Christ's body and by virtue of our baptism, we are all ministers of Christ's healing. Homebound visitation is one way in which we minister pastorally to those in our parish community who are unable to attend Sunday Mass.
Pastoral visits are an opportunity to make God’s presence immediate and real to the homebound person through prayer and the reception of Communion. The early Christian community began the practice of bringing Communion to those who were unable to gather with the community. Today this practice is still an important ministry in the Church. The worshiping assembly embraces and prays for those unable to be present and commissions some of its members to go forth and bring the Body of Christ to its absent members.
Praying with another person can be a very powerful means of sharing our relationship with God and bringing His real presence to the homebound. This prayer may take the form of praise and thanksgiving, petition for needs, an opportunity to express feelings, request for forgiveness, for healing or longing for a closer relationship with God and the community. Whatever the need, the minister can be a caring partner in the prayer.
The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion visit the elderly, the sick and the homebound and bring them the Body of Christ in Holy Communion. Just as importantly, the ministers visit with and listen to them. Saint Anthony’s Church has communion ministers who will bring communion to your home on First Friday morning of the month. The priest is also available for visits upon request.
The office can make arrangements for you to receive other sacraments in your home or a facility
-- Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). Contact the parish office to schedule a homebound visit.