Ministry to the Sick

Jesus spent much of his time on Earth ministering to and comforting people struggling with illness or injury. Here at St. Monica, we follow in his footsteps by reaching out to the sick and injured in two ways: 1. anointing those who are ill and 2. bringing the Eucharist to people who are homebound, in nursing homes, or in the hospital.

Annointing of the Sick

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament that is offered to those who are seriously ill or have grown weak under the burden of years. If you or someone you know wishes to be anointed, please call the Parish Office and one of the priests on duty will arrange a convenient time to visit you in your home, nursing home or hospital.

Additionally, during the church year, we schedule a number of times to celebrate the sacrament of Anointing within the celebration of the Eucharist. Usually once during the fall and once during the spring, we will offer the sacrament in a community setting.

Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick

Celebrating the Eucharist is at the very heart of our faith. However, because of illness or injury, many of our fellow Catholics in the Santa Monica area cannot join in the celebration. To ensure that these community members stay connected to us, St. Monica sponsors the Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick through which volunteers or Eucharistic ministers bring communion to Catholics in area nursing homes and convalescent centers, individual homes, and the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center. These volunteers are a wonderful “invisible army” that works quietly, diligently, and lovingly to bring our Lord to those who could not otherwise receive communion.

Please contact us if you or a loved one would like to have a Eucharistic minister visit you and/or if you wish to volunteer.