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Sir_Knight
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And if “2 cleared adults” are not available, then what?
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Sir_Knight
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And given the fact that more priests are not available, what do you suggest?
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jmcrae
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Then the lone adult is taking the risk that anyone they visit can make a false accusation against them, for any reason whatsoever, including not liking your haircut or your tone of voice, or the fact that you are not a priest, and you have no defense - no witness who will affirm that you did your duty as required, and that nothing happened.
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Philomeena
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“And then what” is not my point. My point is that this thread is full of respnses calling for the severe punishment of a volunteer EMHC. No one-NO ONE on this thread, including the OP know the real story here. It is a sad state.
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Phemie
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If the diocese says ‘two cleared adults are required’ and you don’t have 2 available you don’t go. You don’t do it with kids, you don’t do it with vulnerable adults either. It’s sad that it has come down to that, but that’s reality today.
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Denversdad
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As long as there is only one side provided, it seem uncharitable to castigate the actions of the absent party. None of us would like that done to him or her.
Having said that, my mom does pastoral care. She had to deal with a man who had idealizations of her. When she did not respond to his perceptions, he acted out in anger and spread stories that were pure fantasy. I am of course not saying that’s what happened here, but it does happen.
Also, depending on the level of anxiety that was demonstrated in the past, perhaps the individual had been told that an additional EMHC would be visiting in the future, and when the plan was confirmed, the recipient balked.
We really don’t know. I would presume the EMHC discussed the situation with the priest or deacon prior to/after the visit. But we just don’t know.
Having said that, my mom does pastoral care. She had to deal with a man who had idealizations of her. When she did not respond to his perceptions, he acted out in anger and spread stories that were pure fantasy. I am of course not saying that’s what happened here, but it does happen.
Also, depending on the level of anxiety that was demonstrated in the past, perhaps the individual had been told that an additional EMHC would be visiting in the future, and when the plan was confirmed, the recipient balked.
We really don’t know. I would presume the EMHC discussed the situation with the priest or deacon prior to/after the visit. But we just don’t know.
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Sir_Knight
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And those who are ill or homebound can no longer receive our Lord.
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jmcrae
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Actually, my experience is that when you tell people they will be working with a partner, they are far more likely to volunteer. The reason there is a shortage of volunteers is that people are afraid they will be stuck with a whole task, all by themselves - tell them they will have a partner, and this fear goes away - they are way more likely to participate.
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joandarc2008
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Just a thought in some dioceses or in some parishes - under the Virtus programs administerring Communion is a two person job especially if the person administerring is a different gender than the person receiving. It is because just like children we need to make sure we are protecting adults that cannot always protect themselves. So therefore we make sure that there are two people. It also keeps people from getting accused of theft. You may want to call your priest and see what you can work out. Maybe he can bring you the Precious Body and Blood.
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joandarc2008
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ByzCath - Dear Brother could we please have a ruling with some authority before this gets out of hand. God bless.
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jmj603
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So by your own admission, trying it your way for 10 years has failed to attract sufficient vocations to this ministry. Hmmm…
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joandarc2008
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Brother David,
I wish to apologize for my fellow people. Sometimes we get a few jobs like EMHC, get a few degrees from KofC, teach some CCD- maybe join a lay order and somehow forget to show respect to the Consecrated Religious who are nice enough to spend the little time they have between prayers and work to come on here and answer our question even though we are not their flock. So if no one on CAF has said it today thank you and God bless. Pax et Bonum.
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CradleCath
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I suggest that everyone is these parishes needs to renew their prayers for more vocations. They should also look back at the history of their diocese. Were they short of priests 50 yrs. ago? If not, why now?
Also, what about the fidelity of the diocese…are the priests & Bishop who are part of it, faithful to Catholic teaching? Are you using only Altar BOYS? Serving at the altar has always encouraged vocations to the priesthood. Next…I’d look at the diocese who do NOT have a priest shortage. IOW., look at what the winners are doing & do more of that. There are areas in this country who do NOT have a “priest shortage”. For instance, Lincoln Ne:
Stats in the area of religious vocations in the diocese of Lincoln:
In the last five years, 19 young men were ordained priests, and currently 46 young men are in seminary studies for the Diocese of Lincoln. There are 114 diocesan priests in active ministry, 71 of whom were ordained after 1967. There have been no defections from the priesthood since 1976.
ad2000.com.au/articles/1993/sep1993p4_808.html
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CradleCath
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I’m sorry that you are leaving this thread, as your posts are among the kindest. I agree with you that few seem to really understand anxiety/panic disorder. If the OP. is suffering so badly from this that he/she has developed agoraphobia, as often happens with tremendous feelings of panic, he/she is literally at the mercy of those who serve her. I have a friend…a long time friend who suffers from panic disorder accompanied by agoraphobia. She lives in another state. About once a week, I try to call her. If she is having a good day, she’ll answer her phone. If not, she doesn’t answer. Since she hasn’t left the house during the past 3 years (could not even attend her own Mother’s funeral), I know she’s there & would talk to me if she could.
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Sir_Knight
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You are basing your conclusion on the assumption that the reason people are not volunteering because they fear doing this alone. However, the the ten years that I have been doing this, I have never had that fear and not a SINGLE person has ever verbalized that fear either. Surely if that fear was a major factor, somebody would have said something about it at least once.Actually, my experience is that when you tell people they will be working with a partner, they are far more likely to volunteer. The reason there is a shortage of volunteers is that people are afraid they will be stuck with a whole task, all by themselves - tell them they will have a partner, and this fear goes away - they are way more likely to participate.
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Sir_Knight
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MY way? Since when is this “my” way? I’m not running it nor did I offer it as an approach to be followed. How is it “my” way?
I ask again, how many years experience as an EMHC are you basing your conclusion on? Or are you a Monday morning quarterback? Try signing up and becoming one. Do it for a few years. Make your suggestions for a few years. See how they turn out and then get back to me because until you actually experience the interaction with the people that you minister to, the religious of the parish that guide you and your fellow EMHC, you do not understand anything about it.
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jmj603
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It’s always hard to admit when you’re stuck in a rut.
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Sir_Knight
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Those who have not done it, have not point of reference to speak from to those that are doing it.
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jmj603
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zab
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