Ministry to the Homebound at El Cerrito Royale

Many years ago, a ministry was started by St. John’s Parishioners to bring Holy Communion to the sick and elderly Catholic community at the nearby assisted living facility, El Cerrito Royale (ECR). This ministry was begun by former parishioner, Joann Harbour, and grew with the addition of several other committed volunteers. Although there are many not mentioned here, some of the faithful volunteers included John Baker (who labored faithfully at ECR for 17 years), Tom Kennedy, Larry Mundy, Christine Hickey, Kathy Klatt and the late Eric Ewen.

Throughout the years, the ministry continued unabated. It was not until the COVID pandemic, which began in 2020, that it had to be discontinued. The facility was on lockdown—in order to protect the frail health of its elderly community—and no one from the ECR ministry was allowed in to bring Communion. It was not until March 2023 that the lockdown was lifted and we could, once again, bring Communion. We now have a dedicated group of volunteers—Ricardo & Susan Gonzalez, Carol Mansinne-Shafer, Nora Adachi, Marsha Conwill, Victoria Tannady, Brian Umpierre and Sharon Ewen—who take turns each Sunday morning to assure that our Catholic elderly receive our Lord through Communion. Each one of us has a unique approach to our visit each week but it always centers around sharing the readings and encouraging discussion with everyone present. We also play hymns (some even perform their own music!) and enjoy sacred silence for private reflection. And, although there is much that the elderly residents have forgotten, we have discovered that they never forget their prayers, which are so ingrained in their hearts and memories. Everyone who is involved has expressed their love for this ministry, the consensus being that we receive so much from the ECR residents, who are always so grateful to be remembered and able to participate in receiving Communion. Perhaps Susan Gonzalez expresses it best: “We feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to serve the Lord through this ministry and we reap the rewards through the laugher, smiles, and the shared love for our Lord.”

The Catholic bishops and the Church encourage this ministry and emphasize it as a way to extend compassion and care to those unable to attend Mass. Perhaps most importantly, it ensures that they remain connected to the Eucharist and the larger faith community. It is both a blessing a privilege to be a minister of Holy Communion to the homebound at El Cerrito Royale.