From each of the Sunday Masses week by week, those commissioned as Extra Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion, as well as the priests, take the Blessed Sacrament to those who are sick and housebound in the parish.
This is an ancient rite in our Church, one that was revived following the Second Vatican Council. One of the earliest martyrs of the Church, St Tarcisius was killed as he took Holy Communion from the weekly gathering of the young Church, to those in prison.
About 40 parishioners of St Clare's parish are served by the Ministers who take Holy Communion to them in their homes. This is a linking with the Eucharistic Community. As the Ministers are dismissed the community present at Mass remembers and prays for those who will be united to them by Holy Communion being brought to their homes.