Parishioners responding to the call to serve in this Ministry are specifically trained by our pastor and/or a lead lay person for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Ministry volunteers act as compassionate visitors, offering a vital pastoral link between the Parish and the residents of the nursing home. Service in this ministry is designated only for St. Luke the Evangelist. You share in Christ's loving ministry to His people as you visit with and/or offer the Eucharist. You recognize the Body of Christ in those with whom you visit and ultimately you act as the Body of Christ by your full participation in the life of the parish and the wider community through your service in this ministry. You will be acting as a bridge between the assembly and the nursing home resident, thus “bringing communion” to them in several ways. You bring the Church to those in the nursing home by sharing your time, the bulletin, news of the parish community, the Word of God from the Sunday liturgy, and the Eucharist. You connect them to the community when you listen and, if given permission, to share their news with others. You allow them to contribute to the ministry of the Church through their support, work and prayers for the needs of the Church and the world. Members serving in this ministry bring Holy Communion to residents of two local nursing homes on Sundays. If you are aware of a parishioner who is in one of the two nursing homes we visit and they would like to receive the Eucharist please call the St. Luke’s office at 919-848-1533. If you are interested in serving in this very necessary ministry to the sick and aged.