Ministers are those entrusted to perform a special function for the members of their community. One of those ministries is assisting priests in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and at other times when the Eucharist is taken to the home bound and hospitalised. The people who do this are called extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist.
Some people are asked to perform just one of these services, some assist in all phases.The man or woman who has been appointed by the Bishop, as recommended by the priest, to be an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, should distinguish themselves by their Christian life, faith and morals. They should also cultivate the devotion to the Holy Eucharist and be an example to others, by always showing reverence for this most holy sacrament. It is the Bishop’s decision as to the length of one’s term.
RC Chaplain – PRI and Murray Royal hospitals
Fr Tom would like to request that parishioners let him know if anyone is in hospital so that the person’s spiritual needs can be addressed.
The generic chaplain helps out when she can with referrals but with her added responsibilities she is not always available. There have been a couple of times when parishioners have been in for a couple of weeks before Fr Tom is notified and often when he has been in the ward but missed the person!
Fr Bogdan is the RC Chaplain for PRI and Mgr Drysdale is the RC Chaplain for Murray Royal and they should be contacted if someone requires his ministry. For proper planning amidst so many other calls on him, it is very helpful if he knows in good time whether Catholics are in the hospital.
The tear off slip on the bottom of the bulletin can be handed in with the collection, to him directly, or you can phone the presbytery. It is, finally, the responsibility of the patient or the patient’s next of kin to take this on board whenever possible.
Many thanks for your help in this matter.