Found a pyx in old purse--a year old--what do I do with the Host?

[ethel]

In July of 2004 my dear friend was dying of cancer. The pastoral associate at my church asked me to take the eucharist to her. I was honored. I called ahead to let her know I was coming, however her husband said it wasn’t a good day for her. He asked me to call back in a day or two. Within a couple of weeks she died having never received the eucharist I was holding onto. I soon forgot I had the eucharist. Now, more than a year later I came accross the pyx in my old purse. I opened it and discovered the eucharist still inside, but with bugs on it. I feel terrible. I do not know what to do with the eucharist. Please help me.

 

[Peggy_Frye]

A defiled host such as you describe should be taken immediately to your priest for proper disposal. The host will be broken into small pieces, dissolved (thoroughly) in water, and then poured it into the sacraium or on the ground. Do not try to dispose of it yourself.

Resolving the guilt you feel over this incident, should be discussed with your priest. He will give you the help and comfort you need. God bless you. You are in my prayers.

Taking the Eucharist to a sick person:

A priest or deacon, or an extraordinary minister who takes the Most Holy Eucharist when an ordained minister is absent or impeded in order to administer it as Communion for a sick person, should go insofar as possible directly from the place where the sacrament is reserved to the sick person’s home, leaving aside any profane business so that any danger of profanation may be avoided and the greatest reverence for the body of Christ may be ensured (133).