Elderly and Homebound

This ministry provides an extension of the parish community to those unable to gather for the celebration of the Eucharist when homebound in the nursing home or hospital. This is a wonderful ministry of keeping the faith of Jesus Christ strong with the parishioners who cannot attend Mass due to illness, injury or age. This ministry allows these parishioners to receive Jesus Christ through Scripture and Holy Communion. This ministry reassures the homebound and the sick that they are valued members of our faith community.

“It is a wonderful thing to be alive! If a person lives to be very old, let him rejoice in every day of life.” (Ecclesiastes 11:7-8)

As early as 150 A.D., Saint Justin Martyr noted that in Rome, deacons took Communion to those Christians who were absent from the assembly because of illness or imprisonment for their faith. We continue this ministry today.

Who are the Homebound?

It is our hope that our Homebound Ministry will reach adults of all ages, including:

• a man in his 30s who is out of work for 18 months because of a back injury;
• a woman in her 40s with chronic fatigue syndrome;
• a woman in her 20s confined to bed for several months because of a difficult pregnancy;
• a father who cannot care for himself alone, and now lives with his son;
• a stroke victim in her 50s who must move in with her brother and his family;
• people in long-term or short-term health facilities; people receiving extensive rehabilitation.

Parishes try their best to keep an up-to-date list of those parishioners who are in nursing homes, assisted living, or are homebound.

Purpose of the Homebound Ministry


The Elderly/Homebound Ministry, of course, varies from parish to parish. However, most provide a social connection to individuals who would benefit from a visit from a fellow parishioner. This ministry, through volunteer effort, visits residences, nursing facilities and other home situations of parish members. Reasons for visits range from providing spiritual support to a friendly visit to someone who just wants to make a new friend. The goal is to offer parishioners an encounter with other parishioners to experience God’s goodness through the kindness of others. It is a way to meet the spiritual needs of our homebound members by bringing the Eucharist to them, and making available to them anointing and confession (via priest).

What Homebound Ministers Do

• Visits on a regular basis with opportunity to receive Eucharist.
• Birthday and “Thinking of You” cards.
• Bring the parish Sunday bulletin to them.
• Assist at Masses and Communion Services in area nursing homes and hospitals.

Do Parish Priests Visit the Homebound?

Yes, but because of other duties that priests have, they are not able to do it as frequently as the ministers of Holy Communion. The Second Vatican Council has given local parishes, and all of the people of God, an awareness that all of us share in the priestly duties of our Church. One of those duties is to visit those who are ill and a priestly duty that lay people can perform is to visit the sick and bring them communion.

Confession and Anointing of the Sick for the Homebound?

Only a priest can give absolution in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) and administer Anointing of the Sick. If a person wishes to receive either of these sacraments and is homebound, he or she needs to contact the Parish Office and arrange for the priest to visit.

Practical Considerations

• Know that the relationship with the person who is sick is a key factor.
• Be aware of feelings that may arise when you enter a person’s home or room. If you find it 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 so you are aware of what the sick person desires or prefers before beginning the Communion Rite.
• If the person does not wish to share Communion at this time, ask if they would like to share in a short blessing.
• Be aware of making referrals when other services are needed (confessor, counselor, doctor, etc.). Do not try to solve problems.
• If the sick person wishes to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation, 
contact the parish priest.
• Keep confidences at all times.