The pastoral care of the sick and aged is the responsibility the entire faith community. Remembering the sick in prayer, by celebrating the sacraments with the sick, and in visiting the infirm, the entire faithful share in the pastoral care of the sick. (Pastoral Care for the Sick, no. 43)
The faithful who visit the sick help them to pray, sharing with them God’s word proclaimed in the assembly from which their sickness has separated them. (Pastoral Care for the Sick, nos. 46, 54-70)
To provide frequent communion to the faithful who are ill and deprived of their rightful place in the Eucharistic community, it is important to remember that receiving Holy Communion is an important element of visiting the sick. Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who visit the sick should receive additional formation, and mentoring, in addition to that necessary to serve in the parish community. (Pastoral Care for the Sick, nos. 51, 71-96)
