Care Ministry: Bringing Christ to Those in Need

A missionary is someone who brings the good news of Christ to another. When Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth, in the Gospel of Luke, she became the first missionary because she literally brought Jesus with her to share with her cousin. Elizabeth was filled with joy as she replied, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42).

The volunteers involved in the Care Ministry are similarly missionaries for our parish as they bring the Body of Christ to those who cannot come to receive Him at church. The Care Ministry seeks to bring the Holy Eucharist to those who are unable to leave their homes to attend Mass. They also visit with these people and keep them connected to the parish community.

This is a relatively new ministry for St. Paul. Sandy Thomas, Mary Jane Clark and Sharon Fletcher answered the call and were trained by Fr. Moreno in November. They began going out to visit the homebound parishioners in December.

“When Father arrived in our parish, he saw a need for this ministry so he asked for volunteers,” Sandy says. “We did some training with him and he showed us how to use the book that we have. It is a short Communion service. We open with prayer, read the Gospel, read the general intercessions and pray the Our Father. They receive the Eucharist and we close with prayer. It is a beautiful service.”

After the service, the members sit and visit with the parishioners, sharing the different things going on in the parish. They give them a weekly bulletin and see if there is anything that they may need. Being homebound can be isolating and lonely, but this ministry seeks to make sure that these parishioners are still a part of the parish family.

“We are extending the presence of the Eucharist to people,” Sandy says. “They are a vital part of our parish. For so many years, they were very active in the parish themselves. One person that we visit was an usher for

many years. Another played the piano for the parish. They gave so much when they were able to, now it is so important to stay connected with them and give back to them.”

The Care Ministry members visit the homebound on Sundays after church, usually starting around 10 a.m. Two members attend each visit together.

“It is so rewarding to see their joy when we come visit,” Sandy says. “It is a great privilege to get to spend time with these parishioners and help keep them connected to the parish. They are so grateful, but truly I feel like they give me more than I give them.”

If you know of any homebound parishioners who would like to have the Care Ministry visit, or if you are interested in more information about becoming a volunteer in the Care Ministry, please contact the parish office at 940-569-1222.

(From left) Mary Jane Clark, Sandy Thomas and Sharon Fletcher