Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and Homebound Ministry (EMSH)
Who We Are & What We Do
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist (EMs) receive additional training to take communion to those who can no longer attend Mass on weekends due to a health or personal situation.
Why We Exist
Our Catholic Catechism reminds us that we are to devote ourselves to fellowship, prayer, and to the breaking of bread (Communion). When someone is unable to attend Mass on a regular basis, our Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick and Homebound (EMSH) take the fellowship, prayers, and Communion to them.
Who We Serve
Our volunteers visit any Catholic in our surrounding community whether they are a registered parishioner or not. This includes those in local nursing, assisted living facilities, and at home.
Volunteer Opportunities
Once trained as an EMSH, the Pastoral Care office will schedule each volunteer on an every four-week rotation to visit either a facility or homebound recipient. Volunteers attend Sunday Mass during which they are blessed and sent forth directly from Mass to the recipient. All needed supplies such as a pyx and burse to hold the host(s), prayer books, and name tags are available through the Pastoral Care office.
Special Requirements
Confirmed adult volunteers must first be trained as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist (EM) and then receive additional training to become an EMSH. Because we work with vulnerable individuals, all volunteers must complete a safe environment VIRTUS training and background check to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.