Those who were baptized in the Catholic Church as infants are to be led to eucharistic communion when they reach the use of reason (generally the age of seven). Enrollment in a parish CCD program should occur in grade one when suitable formation is begun to augment the formation that occurs within the Christian family.
Children in second grade are invited to the Lord’s Table if they have been prepared at least two years. Contact Faith Formation for more information, ext. 107.
We at St. Benedict recognize the ongoing need to provide Sacramental ministry to those who are homebound. One obvious aspect of this is sharing the Eucharist with those who, due to illness or infirmity, cannot join the worshipping community at Mass. While this has, of course, always been a part of our parish’s mission, we would like to ensure that everyone who could benefit from this ministry has the opportunity.
To achieve this, we need to identify those in our community who are in need of this special ministry. Also, we are asking for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who would be willing to carry the Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass.
In our desire to become more aware of the real needs of all our members, we are exploring a number of possibilities. A Health Ministry is one of these, and hopefully others will become evident as the Abbey Community Ministry expands. However, this particular ministry is, at its heart, liturgical; it flows from our coming together around the Lord’s Table. Indeed, for the ministers providing Communion for the homebound, it is a continuation of the weekend Mass at which they themselves have received the Eucharist. By following the special rite for celebrating Communion in the home, we can join our absent brothers and sisters to our Sunday celebration.
The Extraordinary Ministers will receive instruction and be provided with a booklet of the Rite of Communion, which includes an Introductory Rite, a Penitential Rite, a Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of Holy Communion and a Concluding Rite. While this format does not preclude personal interaction, it is every bit a true liturgy, and should be carried out with all due solemnity. Since this is not a social visit, but one of the rites of our Church, the communicant is not expected to offer refreshments and, in fact, is discouraged from doing so.
Please note also that one need not be homebound for an extended period to request Communion in the home. A person may suffer an illness or injury, or perhaps be recovering from surgery, and is only temporarily unable to attend Mass (e.g., several consecutive weekends). Those who find themselves in such a situation should not hesitate to request Communion in the home. For more information on becoming part of this ministry, or about receiving Communion at home, please contact Jay Speca at 724-941-9406, ext. 114.
