Update for Holy Communion to the Homebound and the Sick (4/27/25)
As Catholics, we believe that Holy Communion is the real presence of Jesus Christ. As such, great care and respect is called for when one takes communion to the homebound. The Diocese of Green Bay has updated their Norms and Guidelines for the Diocesan Practice of Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion, so we are updating how we bring The Eucharist to the homebound and the sick.
1. When preparing to receive the Eucharist to bring to the homebound and the sick, please have a pyx and also a burse to put the pyx in. The burse goes around the neck on a string that carries the pyx over your heart when transported. The burse is available before Mass by seeing the Sacristan or stopping by the parish office. If you would like your own burse, you are welcome to purchase one on Amazon or a Catholic Bookstore. 2. To receive a host for your pyx, please come up in the line to the priest and be prepared to tell them who you are taking communion to. We want to know who our homebound are. (If you come to a Eucharistic Minister they will ask you to move over to Father’s line.) 3. One is to go directly, after Mass, to the person they are taking communion to. They are not to stop for breakfast on the way, or wait until later in the day or the next day. A pyx is not meant for storing the Eucharist, it should be taken directly to the person where the Sacrament will be distributed. The Blessed Sacrament should be treated with utmost reverence and care. 4. After each use, the pyx should be purified. A simple method for purifying a pyx is to pour a small amount of water into the empty pyx, swirl the water around in order for the pyx to be fully washed, and then pour the water into a drinking glass which is then consumed by the individual purifying the pyx. Dry it out before next use. 5. When taking the communion to the homebound please follow the guidelines in giving them communion. Call the office and talk to Fr. Jason to get trained. 6. If the person you are taking communion to cannot receive for some reason, you are to prayerfully receive the host and purify the pyx as usual.
We will implement this starting next week, May 4th weekend.
If you have any questions, please contact our Liturgy Coordinator, Jami Duvall at (920) 652-7811, or one of our parish priests.
Update on Proper Disposition to Receive Holy Communion (5/04/25):
Dear Parishioners,
Last week, there was an update for those who take Holy Communion to the Homebound and the Sick. It came from the Norms and Guidelines for Diocesan Practice of Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion.
Section Two of that document speaks about the proper disposition for receiving the Eucharist. We are to come to the Eucharist with clean consciences and properly disposed souls.
What is the proper disposition for receiving Holy Communion?
First, there is the need to quiet one’s mind, heart, and lips prior to Mass. Even before arriving at Church, it is desirable to spend time in prayer at home, especially with the readings for the day. Try to arrive at Mass early. At Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, within the body of the Church, one is highly encouraged to be quiet before Mass. This is for both our own preparation and as a courtesy to others who are preparing. Silence is an important thing that allows God to speak to us. This silence should only be broken for the pre-Mass announcements and preludes.
Second, we are to fast from food and drink for at least one hour before Holy Communion. Note, this is before Holy Communion, not before the Mass. Exceptions are made for water and medicine.
Third, it is highly encouraged that a person go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) regularly, “so as to come to the Eucharist with a clear conscience.” What does regular Reconciliation look like? If one has committed a grave sin, one should try as soon as possible to go to Reconciliation. If one is not aware of grave sin, getting on a regular schedule of Reconciliation such as once a month or once every other month is a good practice.
Fourth, “the faithful may not receive Holy Communion when guilty of grave sin” or when in gravely sinful life situations. In extraordinary circumstances, one may receive communion in a state of grave sin if one has made a perfect Act of Contrition. An example of such a situation is being physically unable to make it to Reconciliation before Mass.
Fifth, those unable to receive Holy Communion for whatever reason are encouraged to pray a Spiritual Communion. In this prayer, we invite Jesus into our hearts to be strengthened even when we cannot receive him sacramentally.
We are challenged by the Lord Jesus Christ not just to merely receive Holy Communion, but that our reception should be fruitful. Having the proper disposition will help us.