Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick

St. Gerard Majella Parish has a special concern for the sick since we have a pastoral responsibility for The Prince Charles Hospital and the Holy Spirit Northside. Like Christ who showed a special concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare of those who are ill is continued by the Church in its ministry to the sick and dying. This ministry is the common responsibility of all Christians, who should visit the sick, remember them in prayer and celebrate the sacraments with them. The family and friends of the sick, doctors, pastoral carers and priests have a particular responsibility and share in the ministry of comfort. Through words of encouragment and faith they can help the sick person to unite their sufferings to the passion and death of Christ for the good of God's people.

The pastoral care of the sick person is suited to the nature and length of the persons illness. An illness of short duration in which a full recovery of health is possible requires a more intensive ministry, whereas an illness of longer duration which may be a prelude to death requires a more extensive ministry. An awareness of the attitudes and emotional state of the sick person is indispensable to the pastoral care of the individual.

The parishioners of our parish who visit the sick share with them the Word of God proclaimed in our assembly from which their sickness has separated them. Prayers are drawn from the psalms or from other prayers and litanies. Because the sick person is prevented from celebrating the eucharist with the rest of the community, they are invited to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ. Through this action the sick are united sacramentally with the Lord and reunited with the eucharistic community from which their illness has separated them.

If you would like to share in this important ministry you can contact

Fr. Gerard chermsidewest@bne.catholic.net.au or the Partoral Care Departments of The Prince Charles Hospital or the Holy Spirit Northside.