Homebound Visits Become a Hallmark of Love

August 18, 2025

by Ann Pierson

“He is just a godsend, literally.”

For Mitchela Cross, mother of four special needs children, Father Nick Stark has been a godsend in every sense of the word.

The pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Carlisle has ministered to her family for half a decade, bringing Jesus to them in the Eucharist and catechizing her children. Father Stark displays Christ’s love each time he walks through their door.

Right Time, Right Person

Father Stark’s visits to the Cross family began while he was still a seminarian. He was assigned to homebound ministry in the summer of 2020.

The timing of his assignment was perfect.

Cross, who drove her family to Christ the King Parish, could no longer drive due to mobility issues. Her husband, William, could not drive the family during Mass times.

Additionally, her family was immunocompromised as each of Cross’ children had different special needs. These factors made in-person Mass impossible.

Despite their circumstances, faith remained a priority to Cross. After each of her children’s adoptions, she made sure her children were baptized and attended Mass. Their circumstances would not change how important their faith was.

“To Mitchela’s great credit, she has been very consistent in wanting her children to receive the sacraments regularly,” Father Stark said. “She thinks it is very important, and I think it is very important.”

Father Stark was ordained in 2021. His assignments at Christ the King and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton meant he could continue home visits with the Crosses.

Communion Together

Father Stark’s visits are a highlight of the week for the Cross family. When Father arrives, one of the kids is always at the door before he arrives.

Father Stark befriended the children quickly during the visits. They asked him questions about superheroes or video games but would also ask Father Stark about the life of the Church and the sacraments.

“It’s just amazing to see [my kids] when they learn something,” said Cross. “Their eyes light up.”

During each visit, Father Stark celebrates a communion service at a space the Cross family sets up. If the children become distracted, Father Stark and Cross gently guide their attention back towards the Lord. He even allows their dog, Marvel, to sit with them during the communion service.

Cross says the communion service feels custom-made to their family, with Father Stark speaking with each of her kids individually based on their needs.

“I never felt so openly served by someone who is modeling Christ-like behavior,” Cross said.

Father Stark’s relationship with the Cross family impacts how he ministers to other children in his priestly ministry.

“To be with this family… was one of the first opportunities in [my] ministry to closely connect with children who are curious about the faith and be able to talk to them about it,” Father Stark said.

Gathering the Harvest

Cross is grateful for Father Stark, knowing their lives would be dimmer without the light he brings to her family.

“It’s been a great experience for all of us,” Cross said. “[I’ve] never dreamed my family would be so lucky to be a part of a spiritual team with someone who would be so willing share his love of Christ.”

Father Stark views his ministry as taking Christ’s command to heart. There are many people hungry for their faith and the sacraments but need others through homebound ministry to bring the Lord to them.

“It does give me life in my priesthood to be able to bring the Lord to people,” he said. “This is very important to me especially if we’re going to take Jesus at his word… “the harvest is abundant but the laborers are few” … there are so many people who are desirous of the faith.”

Father Stark is grateful for the chance to serve the Cross family and bring Christ to them.

“For me, this has been a blessing,” Father Stark said. “They welcomed faith even when it might be difficult to practice their faith.”

Father Stark encourages those who also cannot attend Mass to contact their pastor for homebound ministry.

“Reach out to [your] parish,” he said. “Ask for that type of engagement with [your] church.”