Meet Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound

The entire Catholic Mass is a gift. For those of us who are able to attend each week, we may take for granted the most important part of Mass — that is, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. For those in our community who can’t leave home, receiving the Eucharist is always a gift and a joy.

Our Lady of Lourdes parishioner Jeanette Ploof spent more than 15 years bringing the Eucharist and a friendly face to those who were homebound and in care centers across Little Falls. She spent some of her Fridays, Sundays and other times during the week delivering this important gift. She saw a need, so she did what she could to help.

Jeanette passed away on Sept. 8, 2020, at the age of 87 and left a space in the ministry of bringing the Eucharist to homebound parishioners. Jeanette’s daughter, Jean Grams, says this ministry was so important to her mother.

“She never left them without prayer and people were always so happy to see her,” Jean says.

All of the ministries in which Jeanette served our parish and community are a testament to her deep faith. Jean says her mother just always believed that you should give back. In her younger years, she taught religious education. She also made the baptismal garments, ran the Fancy Works booth at the yearly bazaar, quilted, served in the Mission Circle, worked on funeral luncheons, and did a lot of organizing over the phone for various ministries.

“She was gone more than she was home,” Jean says. “She just always wanted to make sure others were cared for. She was a selfless person and a special, special lady.”

Jeanette was truly tireless in her commitment to serving others. With her passing, there is a need for someone to continue her work of bringing the Eucharist to those who are homebound throughout the Little Falls area.

Peg (and Jeff ) Winkelman, who would occasionally substitute for Jeanette, says this ministry is so rewarding because we are bringing people Jesus, the Greatest Gift. She shares a story of bringing the Eucharist to a woman with Alzheimer’s — the woman was very agitated when Peg first entered her room at the nursing home.

“When given the Eucharist the woman calmed down, closed her eyes and raised her hands in perfect reverence,” Peg says. “Jesus used our presence to bring His presence to her. Even in a time of confusion, we can still recognize and acknowledge His presence.”

Peg hopes that more people will volunteer to bring the Eucharist to the homebound. She says this is a beautiful way to give of your time and represent our faith community, which is a wonderful act of stewardship.

Michele Rosha also brings the Eucharist to those in hospice. She also agrees that bringing the Eucharist to those who are homebound is such a gift.

“People do really crave the Eucharist, for Jesus to be brought to them in their home,” Michele says. “They are so appreciative of it. It is such a beautiful ministry.”

Jeanette’s daughter, Jean, hopes people will volunteer to fill this role that was so important to her mother. She says after her mother’s passing, family members found a paper she had written in 1949. In it, she wrote, “God alone is the one to Whom we must dedicate ourselves no matter what state of life we choose. We must give our lives to Him.”

If you would like to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to the Homebound, please contact your parish office — Holy Family at 320-632-5720, Our Lady of Lourdes at 320-632-8243, and St. Mary’s at 320-632-5640.

Our Lady of Lourdes parishioner Jeanette Ploof spent more than 15 years bringing the Eucharist and a friendly face to those who were homebound and in care centers across Little Falls. She passed away in September 2020.