Communion Of The Sick

Bishop Eric Menees Communion of the Sick

Friends, last week, we concluded the service of Ministry to the Sick. As we continue our examination of the Pastoral Rites in the 2019 BCP we move today to the rite of Communion of the Sick.  The rite of Communion of the Sick is intended for use by both clergy and licensed laypeople. This service is intended to extend the communion table on Sunday to include the sick and those who are shut in. This service can be held in a home, a hospital, or any institution, wherever the sick and lonely are.  This first section is a shortened version of the Liturgy of the Word and serves as a reminder that we are a people of word and sacrament.  A layperson can either use the suggested scriptures or share the scriptures from the Sunday service. Equally, they can either share a short reflection of their own or the sermon delivered from the pulpit.  I pray that you will prayerfully read this first section thinking of how to reach the sick and lonely.

Communion of the Sick This rite is used when the consecrated elements are brought from an earlier celebration of Holy Communion.  The Minister says  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2  The Minister continues  Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.  A psalm may be prayed. Psalms 23, 62, 103, and 145 are particularly appropriate.  One of the following Gospel lessons is read, or the readings appropriate to the day.  God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.” john 6:51, 55-56  Reflection on the Lessons may follow. Additional prayers may be offered.