Ministry to the Homebound

"The gift of life, God’s special gift, is no less beautiful when it is accompanied by illness or weakness, hunger, loneliness, or old age. At these times human life gains extra splendor as it requires our special care, concern, and reverence. It is indeed in and through the weakest of human vessels that the Lord continues to reveal the power of God’s love." - Terrence Cardinal Cooke, 1983

Members of St. Mark Church regularly minister to those who are unable to leave their residence by providing regular pastoral visits and the reception of Holy Communion. Homebound visitors provide support to homebound persons through their presence and careful attention.

Pastoral visits are an opportunity to make God’s presence immediate and real to the homebound person through prayer and the reception of Holy Communion. The early Christian community began the practice of bringing Communion to those who were unable to gather with the community. Today this practice is still an important ministry in the Church. The worshiping assembly embraces and prays for those unable to be present and commissions some of its members to go forth and bring the Body of Christ to those who are absent.

Praying with another person can be a very powerful means of sharing our relationship with God and bringing His real presence to the homebound. This prayer may take the form of praise and thanksgiving, petition for needs, an opportunity to express feelings, requests for forgiveness, for healing, or longing for a closer relationship with God and the community. Whatever the need, the minister can be a caring partner in the prayer.

Our Parish has trained homebound ministers who are available to visit those who are unable to gather with the assembled community; providing the reception of Holy Communion, being a prayer partner, and engaging in social conversation. These visits are arranged at the mutual convenience of the homebound person and the visiting minister.

This ministry is headed by Sr. Angelina Giramma, M.P.F., Parish Outreach Coordinator.