Sick, Communion of The

Sick, Communion Of The, is the celebration of the Lord's supper in a private house for the benefit of one so ill as to be unable to attend the church. Of this there are many instances in antiquity. Paulinus, bishop of Nola, caused the eucharist to be celebrated in his own chamber a few hours before his death. Gregory Nazianzen informs us that his father communicated in his own chamber; and Ambrose is said to have administered the sacrament in a private house in Rome. It has been the constant usage of the Christian Church to permit persons dangerously sick to receive the sacrament in their own homes. The Church of England has a special office for the communion of the sick..