Pastor's Pen - Jan. 11, 2015

Please use a PYX
It is a great and noble tradition of the Church for loved ones to bring Communion to the sick or shut-in. It is a reminder to us that:
“If one member suffers in the Body of Christ, which is the Church, all the members suffer with that member (1 Corinthians 12:26). For this reason, kindness shown toward the sick and works of charity and mutual help for the relief of every kind of human want are held in special honor.”
It is thus especially fitting that all baptized Christians share in this ministry of mutual charity within the Body of Christ by doing all they can to help the sick return to health, by showing love for the sick, and by celebrating the sacraments with them.
The obligation to visit and comfort those who cannot take part in the Eucharistic assembly may be clearly demonstrated by taking communion to them from the community’s Eucharistic celebration.
When the Eucharist is brought to the sick, it should be carried in a pyx. (A PYX is a small container in which one can carry the consecrated host, to the sick or those otherwise unable to come to church in order to receive Holy Communion.)
If you have need of a pyx to bring someone communion, we have pyxes available for you to borrow (and a booklet with prayers). They can be found in a basket on the gift table. Please feel free to take a pyx and use it as you need. Simply bring it with you to communion, have it open, and present it to the minister who will place a host in the pyx. When you no longer have need of the pyx, please return it to the basket.
When taking the Eucharist to the sick or shut-in take only what you need for that day’s visit. Be mindful that you carry the Blessed Sacrament with you. Be sure to treat it with the respect and reverence that is due it.
Know, also, that when you bring the Eucharist to your loved one, you are also bringing the prayers of the entire community with you. Please, also, remember that you can write the name of your loved one in the Needs of the People Book/Parish Book of Intentions. These prayers are lifted up at the Masses celebrated each day. Thank you for your ministry to those who are unable to be with us during our weekend celebration.
Fr. Chuck