The Catholic Handbook for Visiting the Sick and Homebound | 2026

Ministers of care are sent to bring the comfort of personal presence and prayer to those who are sick, homebound, isolated, or suffering. This book contains the official rites lay ministers will need to bring holy Communion to, and to pray and share the Gospel with, those who cannot regularly worship with their parish community on Sunday. The 2026 edition includes the new translation of the rites from Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery outside Mass.

As an extension of the compassionate ministry of Jesus, ministers of care go forth from the Eucharistic celebration so that they may share the Word of God and holy Communion with those who are sick and cannot attend Sunday Mass. The Catholic Handbook for Visiting the Sick and Homebound compiles in one place all the rites a lay minister needs to perform this ministry with great care and sensitivity. The rites have been adapted for lay ministers and include those for sharing holy Communion and Viaticum, visiting the sick, blessing the sick and those who suffer, and praying with those who are dying. The Gospel texts for Year A, explanations of the readings, and a list of patron saints for those who are sick and suffering are also included in this resource, allowing ministers to more easily bring the Sunday Gospel to those in need. The 2026 edition includes the new translation of the rites from Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery outside Mass.