• Volunteers who wish to become Extraordinary Ministers must attend a comprehensive training session, per Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

• Ministers will be commissioned annually on the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).

• Extraordinary ministers are strongly encouraged to attend a spiritual retreat or day of reflection each year.

• The number of times an extraordinary minister will be scheduled to serve will vary based on Mass preference and the overall number of ministers available to serve at any particular Sunday liturgy.

• Extraordinary Ministers should arrive at Mass at least 15 minutes early, check in with the sacristan and choose a spot from which they will distribute Holy Communion.

• Ministers are expected to stay after Mass to assist the sacristan in washing the sacred vessels once they have been purified by a priest or deacon.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priests with the distribution of the Body of Christ to those who are sick, homebound and unable to come to the church for sacraments. Homebound parishioners are still an integral part of our parish and are in communion with us, even though they are not physically present at the Eucharist.

Because Saint Pius X takes seriously our baptismal call to care for the sick, we work to provide comprehensive ministry to the sick, the homebound and their families. Helping the homebound feel that they continue to be part of the Body of Christ and remain in communion with us is an important part of this ministry.

• Parishioners take communion to the homebound on Sundays and as needed. Each minister will call and let their homebound person know when they will be coming.

• Each minister will be provided with a Communion Pyx and a burse to carry the Eucharist to the homebound.

• Ministers will also be provided with a Rite of Eucharist to the Homebound prayer book to be used to pray on the visit.

• Ministers notify the ministry coordinator of any difficulties or problems which may arise.

• Homebound ministers should be confirmed, in good standing in the Church, 18 years of age, have transportation and regularly share in the Eucharist.

• Attendance at an annual training or day of reflections is strongly encouraged.

• Ministers should have some experience with visiting the elderly and those who are sick.

• Ministers are expected to take Communion to their assigned homebound person on their assigned day.

Saint Pius X parishioners visit area nursing homes and assisted living facilities in order to bring Christ to our sisters and brothers who cannot join us at the parish. Volunteers lead weekly prayer services with Communion to the homebound.
 

Click here for a list of the senior residences we serve and their service times.