Taking Communion to the Sick/ Extraordinary Ministers

[desertanthony]

I have recently been asked to take holy communion to catholic residents in our local nursing home. Where can I find guidelines as to how this should be done and what sort of prayers should be said when giving it? I have been told by people at our church who are already doing this that they often give the residents holy communion while they are eating their meals (I though there was at least a 15 minute fasting requirement even for sick individuals).

Along the same lines, where is there information regarding the use of extraordinary ministers (EM’s) at mass. I have questions such as: When is it appropriate for extraordinary ministers to approach the altar?, May EM’s consume the remaining precious blood without the priests approval? Do EM’'s need to be approved by the local bishop and what kind of training do they need?

Any help that I can get will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

desertanthony:

I have recently been asked to take holy communion to catholic residents in our local nursing home. Where can I find guidelines as to how this should be done and what sort of prayers should be said when giving it? I have been told by people at our church who are already doing this that they often give the residents holy communion while they are eating their meals (I though there was at least a 15 minute fasting requirement even for sick individuals).

Along the same lines, where is there information regarding the use of extraordinary ministers (EM’s) at mass. I have questions such as: When is it appropriate for extraordinary ministers to approach the altar?, May EM’s consume the remaining precious blood without the priests approval? Do EM’'s need to be approved by the local bishop and what kind of training do they need?

Any help that I can get will be greatly appreciated.

The information you are looking for will be found in the “Pastoral Care of the Sick”. Nursing homes and hospitals are difficult to pin down, because each person you visit may have different degrees of ability, when receiving. Yes, you are correct in general everyone is required to abstain for one hour prior to receiving Holy communion, if that is possible. There is an exception for those who are ill. That if they cannot abstain for the usual hour, then 15 minutes is acceptable or in some rare cases a few minutes. Some may be able to participate in a full “Communion Service” others may not have the ability to to fully participate but can observe and listen to the prayers. Others may not even be able to focus enough for even a short reading. A small piece of the Host can be placed in a small amount of food if necessary or the person has difficulty swallowing. Always have a cup or water and straw ready.

Before you do this you should be fully trained by someone at the parish and alll your questions answered. You must know what to do when different and sometimes difficult situations present themselves. It is not something that you learn in a few hours or by reading the book.