Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are lay men and women mandated by the Bishop to assist clergy in the distribution of Holy Eucharist. They assist the priest at Mass and bring Holy Communion to the sick, homebound and those in care facilities when the priest cannot.

To serve, one needs to be a registered parishioner over the age of eighteen, a fully initiated Catholic, uncompromised in sacramental life and living in a manner consistent with Catholic faith and morals.

If you are interested in learning more about serving within this ministry, contact the parish office.

Each Sunday, we have a dedicated team of Eucharistic Ministers that bring the Eucharist to those seniors who are physically unable to come to mass. You may have noticed us being   dismissed from mass after communion.

Where do we go?

To Green Knoll/Genesis, a Nursing Care facility, and Centerbridge and Avalon, Senior Assisted Living facilities, all located in Bridgewater just a few minutes from St. Bernard.

What do we do?

At Green Knoll, each of the two assigned ministers visit approximately 30 residents in their rooms to bring the Eucharist to them. At Centerbridge and Avalon, one minister conducts a service for about 25 residents that includes the Sunday readings, a brief reflection, and distribution of the Eucharist.

When do we go and how long does it take?

After the 9:00 mass each Sunday, (after the 8:00 mass in the summer months). The time to   visit the rooms at Green Knoll/ Genesis is approximately one hour, and the service at Avalon and Centerbridge are about 15-20 minutes long.

How often do the ministers serve?

Generally about once a month.

Over the past few years, the number of ministers has declined due to retirements, relocations, etc., and we are in need of some new members of our ministry. All ministers receive training and orientation before they are placed on the schedule. We wil also provide shadowing necessary for you to feel confident and comfortable to serve.

Our extended community who reside at these facilities have the same desire as we, for a relationship with Our Lord through the Eucharist. The only difference is that we are able to participate at Mass every Sunday. Please consider and discern to be part of this special ministry.

If you are interested, please contact Monique McKeon at [email protected] (Centerbridge and Avalon).