Purpose of the Ministry
The Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) to the Sick and Homebound Ministry extends the Eucharistic life of our parish to Catholics who are unable to regularly attend Mass.
Trained and approved ministers bring the Body of Christ to those who are homebound, sick, recovering, or living in a care facility. An EMHC provides Holy Communion and pastoral connection but does not replace the sacramental ministry of a priest.
How the Ministry Works
1. Request
The parish office receives the request and gathers the necessary information.
2. Assignment
An approved EMHC is assigned. Whenever possible, the same minister will continue visiting the individual.
3. Visit
The minister contacts the parishioner or caregiver, establishes an appropriate schedule, and brings Holy Communion according to the approved Catholic rite.
4. Communication
The minister keeps the parish informed of significant changes or additional pastoral needs.
Who Is Considered Homebound?
A homebound person is someone who is unable to regularly attend Mass because leaving their residence is difficult, unsafe, or unreasonable due to age, illness, injury, recovery, or physical limitations.
Homebound status may be temporary or ongoing and may include someone who:
- Is elderly, frail, chronically ill, or has limited mobility.
- Is recovering from surgery, hospitalization, illness, or injury.
- Lives in a nursing home, assisted-living community, rehabilitation facility, or similar setting and cannot attend Mass.
Being homebound does not necessarily mean someone can never leave home. A person may attend necessary medical appointments while still being unable to regularly participate in Sunday Mass.
Requesting Holy Communion
To request Holy Communion for yourself, a family member, or someone in your care, contact the St. John Neumann Parish Office at 740-965-1358 or fill out out the Parish Office Intake form and email to litmin@stjohnsunbury.org. The parish office will gather the necessary information and connect the individual with an approved EMHC to the Sick and Homebound.
All new requests should begin with the parish office rather than being arranged privately with an individual minister. This helps us provide consistent pastoral care and ensures no parishioner is overlooked.
If you are interested in serving as a EMHC to the Homebound please visit the page below.
