How to Prepare for Communion in the Home
Sometimes it isn't possible for people to go to church for Mass because of physical limitations. Missing Mass can create a longing for fellowship with people in the church and a time of Communion with God through the Eucharist. Fortunately, homebound individuals can prepare for and share in communion in the home. The minister or priest at the local parish should be able to come to your home to share Communion. The same God visited at the church can be visited in the home, because He is in both places.
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Instructions
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Create a quiet environment for the time of Communion. Some time before the priest arrives, turn off the television, radio or other media to prepare for the Communion in the home.
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Spend some time in prayer, talking with God before the priest arrives. The caregiver can pray with the parish member or give the member some space to pray on his own.
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Sing a couple of songs to God. You can choose to sing the songs on your own, with a hymnal or you can play some music and sing along with it. The home should take on an atmosphere of reverence and worship.
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Prepare a table covered with a linen cloth for the priest or minister to set the Communion elements on until they are needed. Place lighted candles on the table. A vessel of holy water may also be placed on the table.
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Assist in choosing some of the prayers and readings during the Liturgy of the Word. Caregivers are encouraged to join in the Liturgy of the Word with the minister and the sick person.
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Use the time with the priest as an opportunity to partake in confession and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During the time of confession, the caregiver should quietly excuse herself to another room to give the priest and parish member privacy.
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Spend some time in thanksgiving to complete the time of Communion in the home.
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Tips & Warnings
Provide a glass of drinking water for the sick person just in case he has difficulty swallowing during Communion.
If the sick person cannot meet the minister at the door when he arrives, a caregiver should meet the minister and lead him to where the sick person is.
Don't take Communion in the home lightly. You should treat this time with the same respect, reverence and dignity you would if you were attending Mass at your local church.
