JOB TITLE: Eucharistic Minister to the Housebound

RESPONSIBLE TO: Parish Priest

ROLE PURPOSE: To bring the Eucharist into the residences of housebound people.

Main responsibilities:

1. To bring the Eucharist from the parish church to people in the community who are housebound, due to heath, age or disability.
2. To follow the instructions given by the diocese for the reverent conveying of the Eucharist and to follow the appropriate format for administration of the Eucharist.
3. When visiting people either in hospital or a residential home, to respect the boundaries and regulations of the organisation, particularly by notifying someone in a supervisory position of your presence in the home.
4. To be respectful of the homes of people in the community.
5. To be willing to administer the Eucharist prayerfully.
6. To be aware of difficulties for some people with swallowing the Eucharist and therefore accommodating the size of the portion of the house to enable comfortable reception of the Sacrament.
7. To be sensitive to the fact that doctors, nurses or social services may call just before or whilst the Sacrament is being administered and that medical care should take precedence.
8. Willingness to talk with the people to whom the Sacrament is being brought, recognising them as part of the Body of Christ.

Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults:

1. To familiarise themselves with the diocesan policy.
2. To refer any concerns about a child or vulnerable adult to the Safeguarding Rep in the parish.
3. To be willing to participate in basic child protection training.

Person Specification:

1. To have reverence for the Eucharist.
2. To have a clear understanding of the Eucharist as a sacrament of unity, reconciliation, community and individual empowerment and healing.
3. Full acceptance of the Church’s teaching on the Eucharist and the Mass.
4. To be available to bring the Eucharist on a regular basis to those in need.
5. To recognise that Jesus is present in the Eucharist and in the people to whom it is being given.