Ministry to the Sick and Housebound

“I was sick and you visited me” Matthew 25:35
Visiting and comforting those who cannot attend Mass due to age or illness is the heartbeat of our community.  When we offer our support to the sick, the elderly, the housebound and those in any kind of need in our parish and in the wider community, we are living out Jesus’ teaching.  

Sacrament of the Sick – This is not just for those who are actually at the point of death.  Anyone who is seriously ill, or frail and elderly, or expecting to have major surgery, should ask for this this Sacrament.  The anointing brings spiritual and sometimes physical healing, and can be received more than once if needed.

Holy Communion – Eucharistic Ministers can bring Holy Communion to parishioners who are unable to attend Mass, whether temporarily or permanently, at home, or in residential homes.  Please contact the parish office on 01344 425729 if you or a friend or relative would like this, regularly or during temporary illness. All ministers have been police-checked in accordance with the rules.  The parish priest can also call to administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation to the housebound on request.

Hospital and Nursing Home Patients – Because of the Data Protection Act, hospitals do not now automatically tell chaplains or parish priests that a Catholic has been admitted.  If you or a friend or relative goes into hospital or a residential home, temporarily or permanently, it is necessary to ask explicitly for the chaplain or your parish priest to be told, or for you to tell them yourself.  Do encourage any sick friends to ask for the Sacrament of the Sick, even if you or they have lapsed from regular practise of the faith.