Question about "Sick Calls"

[Deidre]

So, what's the actual procedure for distributing Communion in a case like this: when the priest comes to visit someone who's sick, but not actually dying, so the Communion isn't Viaticum?  Is there a specific procedure?  Surely it's not just: "Well, here you go, hope you feel better!"  Is any part of the Mass incorporated? Thanks!

[Paul]

Here's the rite from the Rituale Romanum. There's another rite, in the chapter on Extreme Unction, called "On the Visitation and Care of the Sick", but that rite does not include Communion.

 

                                                                             

On Communion of the Sick

The faithful are bound by precept to receive   holy communion when in danger of death from any cause.

Even if they may have communicated on that   very day, nevertheless, it is strongly recommended that they receive a second   time when at the point of death.

As long as this danger continues, they are   allowed and should receive holy Viaticum more than once, on different days,   if the confessor so advises.

2. Holy Viaticum for the sick   should never be deferred unduly, and those having the care of souls should be   most concerned that the sick receive it while fully conscious.

Yet care is to be taken above all lest it be   brought to the unworthy--whereby others could be scandalized--unless they   first have confessed and have made the necessary reparation for scandal publicly   given.

3. The pastor should exhort a   sick person to receive holy communion even when not grievously ill nor in   imminent danger of death, particularly on the occasion of some high feast,   and let him never decline to administer it.

4. Great care is to be   exercised lest the most holy Eucharist be administered in a case where there   might occur some irreverence to so great a sacrament, such as delirium,   incessant coughing, or the like.

The sick, even those who are not bedridden,   may take some liquid nourishment, except alcohol, if owing to their illness   they cannot observe complete fast up to the time of receiving communion   without grave inconvenience. They may also take medicine either in solid or   liquid form (except alcohol), providing it is truly medicine prescribed by a   physician or even one of the common medicines.

It is left to the prudent judgment of the   confessor to determine under what conditions the sick may be dispensed from   the law of fasting without any time-limit whatsoever.

5. But no one is to have it   brought to him solely for the purpose of adoring it or having it in his presence,   whether out of devotion or under any other pretext.

6. The bearing of this holy   sacrament from the church to the home of the sick must be done decently,   covered with a clean veil, publicly and with honour, holding the sacred host   before his breast with reverence and fear, always preceded by lights.

Holy communion should never be carried to the   sick privately or secretly, except for a just and reasonable cause. Logged

[Tradglad]

I dont think you need the Mass because the host usually is already consecrated. Its already Jesus.  I know at my old parish , select EMs would take communion to the ill and shut in. They were blessd by the priest they  were given Jesus in the lil carrier ( the name escapes me at the moment) and sent directly to the people in need. They were told to share what was in the Gospels and readings. I have never seen a tradition last Rite (although, I was a recepient of that sacrament at birth).

[Tradglad]

Wow Paul..thats impressive. Has anyone seen that done....It looks like you have  to process and candle bearers!!!!! I have sen priest make visits with small cases never this involve.

[AdoramusTeChriste]

They were blessd by the priest they  were given Jesus in the lil carrier ( the name escapes me at the moment) 

I believe that you are talking about a pyx.

[Paul]

Wow Paul..thats impressive. Has anyone seen that done....It looks like you have  to process and candle bearers!!!!! I have sen priest make visits with small cases never this involve.

It's definitely an impressive rite, and one emphasizing the great importance of and reverence due to the Blessed Sacrament. It's clear, though, that the rite doesn't take into account modern transportation, nor the longer distances nowadays, where it's no longer the case that everyone lives only a few minutes walk from the parish church - note also the mode of transportation specified in no. 13.

[Tradglad]

yes..a pyx..I had a brain fade lol. Ok..I am waiting...lol