Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound

Bringing the True Presence of Jesus to All of Our Faith Family Members

The entire Catholic Mass is a gift. For those of us who can attend each week, we may overlook the most important part of Mass — that is, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. For those in our community who are unable to leave their homes, receiving the Eucharist is always a gift and a joy.

Curt and Monica Blaske serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the homebound. They experience the same joy in having the privilege of bringing the Eucharist to the homebound as those who receive it.

“Whenever we bring the Eucharist to someone, it makes me stop and think how devoted we all should be to the Eucharist,” Curt says. “When we give them the Body of Christ, they just light up. It’s uplifting for them.”

Monica and Curt had served as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion during Mass. About 10 years ago, Fr. Todd Schneider asked the couple to start bringing the Eucharist to the homebound. This opportunity to serve was a perfect fit with Monica’s nursing career in hospice and home care.

With about three volunteers or sets of volunteers per week, Curt and Monica distribute the Eucharist about once a month, after the St. Paul’s 8 a.m. Mass, to four to five people throughout the area, sometimes traveling to Padua and Little Sauk. In all, distributing the Eucharist throughout the area takes just over an hour.

“A lot of people have the initial fear or discomfort of going into someone’s home,” Monica says. “It takes time to get accustomed to that. With hospice and home care, I was very comfortable going into people’s homes.”

The ministers use a small container, called a pyx, to collect the consecrated hosts after Mass. This keeps the Eucharist protected as they go out. The couple leads a series of prayers and Curt reads the Sunday Gospel. Then, they distribute the Eucharist.

“Sometimes people even ask what the sermon was about,” says Monica with a laugh. “We really have to be paying close attention.”

Curt and Monica want people to know about this ministry — not only to volunteer, but to also be aware that it is an option for themselves or family members if homebound. However, with COVID-19 restrictions currently in place, this ministry is on a hiatus for the time being.

The couple finds real joy in visiting those who are isolated and being able to bring them this gift. They have appreciated getting to know parishioners they don’t know. They also really enjoy being able to serve in this ministry as a couple.

“This reminds me of how the disciples go two-bytwo to spread the faith,” Monica says. “It makes me think about what it means to be a disciple. It also keeps ever present the idea of the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and what it means to bring Him to other people.”

For Curt and Monica, this ministry has been an important part of their stewardship journey. They believe everyone has talents to be used to give glory to our Lord. For them, this ministry fit because of their desire to make the sick and elderly feel welcome in our parish.

“A lot of people are reluctant to start getting involved in any stewardship,” Curt says. “No matter what your talents, there is something you can do around the church. No matter how small, your input would be appreciated.”

Overall, the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound Ministry is a huge blessing to Curt and Monica, as well as for everyone to whom they deliver.

“Basically, by the time we leave, they feel better and so do we,” Curt says. “They are always very grateful that you took time from your day to do this.”

Anyone who is interested in serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to the Homebound in either St. Paul’s or Our Lady of the Angels may contact Marjorie Roering at 320-352-6044 or nanaroering@outlook.com.

Monica and Curt Blaske celebrate their son’s wedding at St. Paul’s. The couple enjoys serving as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound.