A Single Tear of Joy

By Deacon Cliff Donnelly

Every Sunday after Mass, Juanita brings Communion to a local long-term rehabilitation facility. She has been doing this for almost eight years, and it is anything but routine. Her ministry began when her pastor asked if anyone in the congregation would be interested in visiting residents at a nearby care center. She volunteered, unaware of the profound impact it would have on both her spiritual life and the lives of those she would encounter.

Juanita was placed at a facility specializing in the long-term care of stroke victims. She recalls her first visit, feeling overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sounds and smells of an active healthcare center. Most of the residents had been there for years, and the facility, which housed around fifty patients, was at full capacity. Many were confined to their beds, wheelchairs, or walkers, dependent on caregivers for their daily needs.

The activities director handed Juanita a list of six residents who had requested visits from representatives of the Catholic Church. As she made her way through the hallways, introducing herself to each one, she realized they were lifelong Catholics who had suffered debilitating strokes. Their inability to attend Mass and receive the sacraments was beyond their control, creating a deep spiritual void. Despite her initial apprehension, Juanita accepted the challenge, trusting that God had placed her there for a reason.

Her first visit was with Elena, a woman who had experienced a severe stroke and was now confined to a wheelchair, her left side completely paralyzed. Elena’s only means of communication were sounds that, though unintelligible, carried deep emotion and intent. Despite the challenge, Juanita committed herself to weekly visits, bringing Communion to Elena and the other Catholic residents.

Each Sunday, Juanita brings the Eucharist, consecrated at that morning’s Mass, to the facility. Her first stop is always Elena’s room. No matter what she is doing, Elena stops, turns off her television, and makes the sign of the cross. Juanita greets her and begins the Communion rite from the Pastoral Care of the Sick, a guide published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Elena struggles greatly with her condition. Every week, she lifts her paralyzed arm with her right hand, lets it fall to her lap, and then shrugs, as if to say, “Look at me. I don’t know how this happened, but this is my life now.” Yet, without fail, after receiving Communion, a single tear of joy slides down her cheek. It is a tear of deep gratitude and spiritual fulfillment. Juanita, too, often finds herself moved to tears, overwhelmed by the privilege of bringing Christ to those in such need.

Over the years, Juanita unknowingly brought Communion to individuals who were in their final days, providing them with Viaticum — the “food for the journey.” On one occasion, she visited Robert’s room for six consecutive weeks, but each time, he was asleep, and she chose not to disturb him. On the seventh week, Robert was awake — frail and weak, but alert. When Juanita asked if he would like to receive the Eucharist, he could not speak but nodded emphatically. She placed the sacred host on his tongue, and he received it with reverence. The following Sunday, when she returned, Robert’s room was empty. Upon inquiring at the front desk, she learned that he had passed away that week. Unbeknownst to her, she had given him his final Communion, preparing him for his journey to the Lord.

This was not an isolated occurrence. Several times, Juanita would visit residents one week, only to return and find their rooms empty the next. Understanding the gravity of her ministry, she has at times called upon priests to anoint those who were near death and to hear confessions when requested. On Ash Wednesday, she distributes ashes, and in January, she brings parish calendars — small but cherished reminders of faith and connection to the Church.

As with many who serve in ministries outside their parish, Juanita often wrestles with feelings of guilt, believing she receives more joy from her visits than those she serves. But in truth, she is doing God’s work, becoming a tangible sign of hope and love for those who might otherwise feel forgotten.

The need for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in hospitals, care facilities, and rehabilitation centers is great. If you feel called to serve those who cannot attend their local parish, reach out to your pastor. As Sacred Scripture reminds us, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Mt 9:37). Perhaps, like Juanita, you will discover that in bringing Christ to others, you too will find Him in ways you never expected.

(Deacon Cliff Donnelly is Director of Prison and Jail Ministry for the Diocese of Colorado Springs.)