Q Sometimes, one or more people go up and stand facing the altar at the end of the Mass and Father says something to them. What is going on?

A These people are members of the Homebound Ministry. The Homebound Minister(s) are getting the consecrated Eucharist to bring to their shut-ins and the sick members of our parish community . If you listen closely, you will hear Father say the following prayer:

Take with you not only the most Blessed Sacrament we have celebrated, but also the Word of God which we have heard, as well as the love of this parish community, and ask for the prayers of those whom you visit in return...

You will then see the Homebound Minister(s) put the pyx containing the host(s) into a small black pouch called a burse, which is worn around the neck. The ministers carry the pyx in the burse which is worn close to their heart to transport the Holy Eucharist to the homebound. From the church, the ministers go to the homebound's home or nursing home and hold a short communion service with them and administer Holy Communion. St. Catherine's parish wants those members confined to home to feel like part of the parish community.

A pyx is a small round metal container for holding the Eucharist.

A burse is a small black pouch worn around the neck to carry the pyx containing the host(s).

Sometimes, one or more people go up and stand facing the altar at the end of the Mass and Father says something to them. What is going on?