The Catholic Handbook for Visiting the Sick and Homebound 2027

Ministers of care are sent to bring the comfort of personal presence and prayer to those who are sick, homebound, isolated, or 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 Homeboundcompiles in one place all the rites a lay minister needs to perform this ministry with great care and sensitivity. It includes the lectionary readings and official rites in a portable, accessible manner, allowing lay ministers of care to bring holy Communion to, and to pray and share the Gospel with, those who cannot regularly worship with their parish community on Sunday.

The essential resource for lay ministers of care, this resource includes:

• The Gospel texts for Year B
• Explanations of the readings
• A list of patron saints for those who are sick and suffering
• Texts of all the rites for sharing holy Communion and Viaticum, visiting the sick, blessing the sick and those who suffer, and praying with those who are dying.

The 2027 edition includes the new translation of the rites from Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery outside Mass.