Since the earliest Christian times, communion has been brought as an extension of the congregation's worship to sick or homebound persons unable to attend congregational worship.  Our Lady of the Lake’s Homebound Ministry provides three of the greatest gifts anyone can receive: Eucharist (God Himself), Love of Christ and Community of the Church.

     “The faithful who are ill are deprived of their rightful and accustomed place in the Eucharistic community. In bringing communion to them the minister of communion represents Christ and manifests faith and charity on behalf of the whole community toward those who cannot be present at the Eucharist. For the sick the reception of communion is not only a privilege but also a sign of support and concern shown by the Christian community for its members who are ill”

(Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rite of Anointing and Viaticum, 73).

Homebound Ministry Commitment

Our intent is to make the Sacraments available to all Catholics who would like to receive, but are unable to attend Mass due to injury, illness, advanced age, or circumstance.
 

What We Do

---

We distribute the Body of Christ to Our Lady of the Lake parishioners who are homebound and unable to attend Mass. Our visits include a communion service, prayer, reading the Word, delivering a brief reflection, providing a church bulletin and spending quality time with those parishioners who are unable to leave their homes. We can also arrange for the sacraments of anointing and reconciliation as requested.
 

How It Works

---

     If you or a loved one are unable to attend Mass due to age or a debilitating condition, or you have had surgery and cannot come to Mass during your recovery, call Gary Grashoff at 985-373-5502 or you can call the Parish office at 985-626-5671. Request communion at home or in your rehab facility and arrangements will be made for an Extraordinary Minister of Communion to visit. Most visits are made on a weekly basis with the time arranged between the minister and the homebound person.
 

Interested in Serving in this Ministry?

     As a Homebound Eucharistic Minister you extend the community of the Church to those who are unable to attend Mass and Church functions. As a Homebound Eucharistic Minister you share three of the greatest gifts anyone can receive: Eucharist (God Himself), Love of Christ and the Community of the Church. Matthew 25:36 “I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” You cannot imagine the joy you will bring to those who cannot leave their homes, not to mention the true friendships you will develop through this ministry.

Time & Training Required

---

In order to become a communion minister who can provide Communion to the homebound:

• You must be accepted as an extraordinary minister by the archdiocese for a three-year commitment.  Training is provided and Safe Environment training is required.

• Your initial Homebound training will include your first visit with the program Coordinator with detailed instruction.

• You must be available to make regular weekly visits to your assigned homebound.

• You must be available by phone to help fulfill unscheduled requests or substitutions

Helpful Attributes

---

     Excellent candidates for this ministry are people who are out-going, enjoy visiting, appreciate the Catholic faith and sacraments, pray daily, and understand the respect and dignity due to the elderly and the ill.

 

If you are interested in joining this ministry or just finding out more about our ministry please call Gary Grashoff at 985-373-5502.

God Bless and May Jesus live in your heart – Forever!