Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion in Hospital

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion in Hospital
Question from David Landry on 4/29/2008:

Dear Fr. Levis, I am considering becoming an EMHC at a local hospital. When I went to discuss this ministry with the chaplain at the hospital, I realized that I there may be times when I will be encountering a patient who has not been to church for many years and has not seen a priest before I see them, and yet I am instructed to offer them Holy Communion. My own feeling is that I should not offer Communion but ask if they would like to see a priest (in order to receive reconciliation).

A book I was given, "Visiting the Sick" by Patti Normile, on p. 82, says: "Patients may seek your sanction to receive Holy Communion if they are uncertain of their status with their Church and with their God. This decision rests between the patient and God. No one else knows the condition of the patient's heart and soul. Suggest that the patient wait and pray about whether to receive the Eucharist if uncertainty exists. The ultimate responsibility is the patient's." I'm not satisfied by that answer, for several reasons.

I have brought up my question with the chaplain, and she says that I should ”Offer the person Communion. If there is no problem in their mind, then it is not our place to tell them that there may be one in ours. That is, unless they ask, in which case, “they” have opened the door, so to speak.”

What do you think?

Thank you very much and God bless you.- --David
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 4/29/2008:

Dear David, No one should receive the Eucharist when conscious of being in the state of sin. The Extraordinary Minister prudently should give the patient a chance to decide his spiritual condition. He might suggest that a priest is available for confession if the patient so desires. Yes, the responsibility basically is with the patient. The minister of the Eucharist acts on the decision of the patient. Fr. Bob Levis