Homebound Ministries

St. Mary’s Homebound Ministries includes all aspects of ministering to those of our parish family who cannot come to church on a weekly basis because of illness or injury. Volunteers bring the love of Christ, through their prayers and friendship and/or by bringing them Holy Communion. We are the continuing presence of their parish family for them, so they know they are loved and not forgotten. Volunteers will receive the necessary training so you will be comfortable with this important Corporal Work of Mercy. Please note: All Homebound Volunteers must complete the required paperwork and training for that ministry (see links below).

Volunteers are most welcome in one or more of the following ministries. Please sign up via Flocknote or contact the Homebound Ministries Coordinator (see right margin).

Communion to the Homebound

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who have been commissioned for homebound ministry bring Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament weekly to those who are homebound in a senior living facility or at their home address.

Note:  If you are homebound and would like an EM to bring you Communion, please contact our Communion to the Homebound Ministry Lead (see margin on right).

Hospital Ministry

Since the health condition of those who are in the hospital is usually more serious or fragile, we strive to bring Holy Communion every day to Catholics who are hospitalized. Extraordinary Ministers are assigned one day a week, although anyone desiring to serve as a substitute is most welcome.

Note:  If you are in the hospital and would like an EM to bring you Communion, please contact our Hospital Ministry Lead (see margin on right).

Friendship Ministry

The St. Mary’s Friendship Ministry visits our parish family who are homebound or reside in a Senior Living Facility. Preferably, our Friendship Ministers visit in pairs, sharing the love and mercy of Christ by sharing smiles and building friendships. Volunteer opportunities are more flexible for Friendship Ministers. They depend on the amount of time you have available to visit, usually weekly or biweekly.

Senior Living Facility Masses

When an Assisted Living Facility has a small community of Catholics, we do our best to have Holy Mass once a month at their facility for them. Our Sr. Living Mass volunteers for each particular facility visit each of the Catholic residents prior to Mass so that all have the opportunity to attend, and they may also help the sacristans set up for Mass.

Note:  If You are Homebound and Need a Priest

If you or your loved one are homebound and would like a priest for the Sacraments of Confession or the Anointing of the Sick, please call the office at 803-649-4777. Please keep in mind that the individual, their family member, or their caregiver must request the priest; while they can assist you with the call, the EM’s and the Friendship Ministers do not have the authority to call for a priest for you.

Diocesan/Parish Requirements for all Homebound Ministers

In order to be cleared to visit the homebound as a representative of St. Mary’s, please complete the following and submit each of them to our Safe Environment Coordinator (SEC) at the parish office (please include a note that it is for Homebound Ministries).

Additional Requirement for Communion to Homebound and/or Hospital in order to become an EM at St. Mary’s—please complete and submit to Parish Office for the pastor’s signature: Application to become an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist