Visitors to the Homebound Ministry bring the Holy Eucharist to parishioners who are unable to get out to attend Mass.

Members of the “visitors” team are trained Eucharistic Ministers. “To assist the priest with the presentation of the Blessed Sacrament is a wonderful and fulfilling privilege” said Mary Haikes who organizes the visitors program. “Eucharistic Ministers who further serve as visitors find very special spiritual fulfillment in bringing the Eucharist to those who couldn’t receive the sacrament otherwise.”

Visitation responsibilities rotate among the ministers. Once there, the visitor conducts a service with readings and prayers before the reception of Holy Communion.

The visitors benefit as much or more than the people they visit. There is a connection that develops with the homebound. Some of these parishioners do not have much family or many other visitors, so they especially look forward to a team members’ visit. And, when a relationship develops, many of our ministers reach out at times with an occasional visit or phone call.

In addition to spiritual fulfillment, visitors have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping St. Bernard’s priests. With the shortage of priests today, they can’t always visit the homebound as often as they would like.

You are invited to join this very special team of ministers in performing their blessed visits. It is an opportunity to extend your Christianity and to do something for your fellow parishioners.

To learn more, please email Dotty Driscoll at [email protected].