Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

A team of dedicated volunteers at Tucson Medical Center (TMC) is providing a vital service to hospitalized Catholics by delivering the Body of Christ to those in need. Comprised of six women and two men, these Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion have undergone extensive training to ensure they can provide the Sacrament of Communion to patients at the hospital.

The team, which includes individuals from six parishes in two vicariates, partners with St. Cyril of Alexandria parish and the Spiritual Care department of TMC to carry out their ministry. In 2023 alone, they ministered to over 20,000 patients and 8,700 visiting family members. The numbers speak to the importance of their work, with more than 70% of those visited choosing to receive the Eucharist, up from 40% before the pandemic.

TMC serves patients from all over southern Arizona, including areas like Safford, Douglas, and Benson. For these individuals, it is not realistic to expect their local parish to support their spiritual needs in the hospital. Even local parishes would struggle to provide the Eucharist on a daily basis, which is why the combined efforts of this dedicated team are so crucial. They ensure that all patients have the opportunity to receive the body of Christ, particularly those who have been homebound for extended periods and have not received communion since their last church visit.

The impact of this ministry is profound. Many patients are overcome with emotion when given the chance to receive the body of Christ, as it brings them comfort and solace during a challenging time. In instances where a patient cannot or chooses not to receive communion, the eucharistic ministers offer alternative prayers such as the Our Father or a Hail Mary. Each minister has their own set of prayers to provide comfort to patients in need.

Being in the hospital can be a difficult experience, and the ministry provided by this dedicated team is invaluable for those receiving treatment or facing a devastating diagnosis. The Eucharist plays a vital role in helping patients cope with their situations and the future implications they may face. The volunteer Eucharistic ministers at TMC offer a level of care that would be challenging to replicate with other available programs.

The work of these volunteers is a testament to the power of faith and compassion. They fulfill a crucial role in supporting the spiritual needs of hospitalized Catholics, ensuring that the Body of Christ is delivered to those who need it most. Their dedication and commitment make a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families, providing them with comfort and solace during their time of need.

As the Gospel of Matthew reminds us, "When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?" These volunteers embody the spirit of this verse, bringing the Body of Christ to those who are ill and in need within the walls of Tucson Medical Center.