Holy Cross Parish is committed to ensure the sick and housebound are fully connected to parish life and if people are unable to attend Mass then a team of Eucharistic ministers are available to bring Holy Eucharist to them either in their homes or in the care homes where they reside. They are prayed for at Mass and through the parish prayer groups.
Special ministers are trained and all have a DBS (Disclosure and Barring service) as stated in the parish safeguarding policy. A risk assessment is carried out by the Coordinator and parish priest and Special ministers are allocated appropriately to those requiring a visit.
The parish recognises the invaluable ministry of prayer that the sick and housebound can offer.
The parish priest will also visit people intermittently and whenever requested, they can bring the Sacrament of the sick and be available for Reconciliation.
If someone is admitted to hospital there is always a Catholic Chaplain connected to the hospital who can be requested to see you or your loved one. Please ensure you request this from the nursing staff but do let the parish now so we can pray for them.
As well as home visits there are several opportunities to attend a special Mass for the sick and housebound usually in the summer as well as a New Year service and celebratory lunch.
Twice yearly usually Advent and before Easter the parish walks together visiting some of the housebound and praying with them.
You can find and read our lone visiting policy.
For further information about any of the above ministries please contact Lesley Allen on 07729785843 or email: lesleyaallen@btopenworld.com
Download the Taking Communion to the sick or housebound formation materials