Ministers of care, both lay and ordained, are sent to bring the comfort of personal presence and prayer to those who are sick, homebound, isolated, or suffering. This book contains the official rites they will need to bring Holy Communion to, and to pray and share the Gospel with, those who cannot regularly worship with their parish community on Sunday. It includes the official rites they will need from the Book of Blessings and Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum. These rites include: -Communion in Ordinary Circumstances -Communion in a Hospital or Institution -Celebration of Viaticum outside Mass -Orders for the Blessing of the Sick -Order for the Blessing of a Person Suffering from Addiction or from Substance Abuse -Order for the Blessing of a Victim of Crime or Oppression -Order for the Blessing of Parents after a Miscarriage -Visits to the Sick and to a Sick Child -Pastoral Care of the Dying To further assist in this important ministry, this book also includes: -The Gospel for Sundays and holydays of obligation for Year B -New explanations of the readings for Year B -List of patron saints for the sick and the suffering
As an extension of the compassionate ministry of Jesus, ministers of care go forth from the Eucharistic celebration so that they may share the Word of God and holy Communion with those who are sick and cannot attend Sunday Mass. The Catholic Handbook for Visiting the Sick and Homebound compiles in one place all the rites a lay minister needs to perform this ministry with great care and sensitivity. The rites have been adapted for lay ministers and include those for sharing holy Communion and Viaticum, visiting the sick, blessing the sick and those who suffer, and praying with those who are dying. The Gospel texts for Year C, explanations of the readings, and a list of patron saints for those who are sick and suffering are also included in this resource, allowing ministers to more easily bring the Sunday Gospel to those in need. The 2025 edition includes the new translation of the rites from Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery outside Mass.
This resource offers pastoral guidance for collaborating with families, preparing the liturgical environment and music, selecting prayer texts, scheduling liturgical ministers, and ways for your parish to be a source of comfort, strength, and hope.
The Catholic Handbook for Visiting the Sick and Homebound 2020 is the essential resource for lay ministers of care, especially extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. This portable, annual resource has been updated to include all the official rites a lay minister will need from the Book of Blessings and Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum to bring Holy Communion to as well as to pray and share the Gospel with those who cannot regularly worship with their parish community. These rites include: Communion in Ordinary Circumstances Communion in a Hospital or Institution Celebration of Viaticum Outside Mass Order for the Blessing of a person Suffering from Addiction or Substance Abuse Order of Blessing for the Victim of a Crime or Oppression Order for the Blessing of Parents after a Miscarriage Visits to the Sick and to a Sick Child Pastoral Care of the Dying The full Gospel text from Sunday Mass is provided along with an explanation of the reading that lay ministers can read to those they visit. The explanations have been written with the needs of the sick in mind.
The Catholic Handbook for Visiting the Sick and Homebound 2019 is the essential resource for lay ministers of care, especially extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. This portable, annual resource has been updated to include all the official rites a lay minister will need from the Book of Blessings and Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum to bring Holy Communion to as well as to pray and share the Gospel with those who cannot regularly worship with their parish community.
Adoration is love, and eucharistic adoration is love of Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament. In the Gospels there are few people who understand love for Jesus as well as Mary Magdalene, which is the reason she is a prophetess of eucharistic love. This work is an extended meditation on the life of Saint Mary Magdalene, known as the "Apostle to the Apostles" because the Risen Christ appeared to her first and then sent her to announce the Resurrection to the apostles. Based on the biblical texts traditionally associated with Mary Magdalene, this book helps readers to learn from her inspiring example and to enter more deeply into adoration of Jesus Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. In telling the story of Mary Magdalene's profound conversion after a life so steeped in sin that the Lord had to expel seven demons from her soul, this book shows how she is a shining witness to the transforming power of an encounter with Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene is the perfect model for those who have experienced the redeeming love of Christ and who seek to deepen their devotion to him and to the Eucharist.
God knows what's on our minds and in our hearts, but we still need to verbalize our innermost thoughts, feelings, and intentions. That's prayer. In this easy-to-read, down-to-earth introduction to conversation with God, you'll discover, or rediscover, what you need to be able to "pray without ceasing." In this brief booklet, author, mom, wife, and Secular Franciscan Barb Szyszkiewicz helps you strengthen your connection to God through prayer. You'll learn: How to pray alone and establish an intimate connection with God How to pray with the whole Church What the saints teach us about prayer When to pray, including formal and informal times for prayer Different styles and methods of prayer, including the prayers of the Church, adoration, meditation, music, art, and journaling Your connection to God in prayer can happen anywhere, at any time. No special equipment is needed, and no dress code, no reservation, no admission fee. All you need is an open heart and a willingness to engage with our Creator.