 Healing Ministry
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” When we suffer sickness or loss of any kind we are like sheep . . . vulnerable, lost and empty.
The Healing Ministry exists to reach out and actively listen, to provide support, practical information, education, and referrals to other resources, and to provide respite and faith support to anyone in need. If you suffer from a chronic condition like Alzheimer’s or stroke, or have a serious illness like cancer, or if you have lost a loved one to death, divorce, or separation, this group exists to help you.
We encourage you to take advantage of the knowledge, skill, and understanding available through this group, which offers valuable practical and emotional support gained through their experience.
You are welcome to join us as we meet every second and fourth Sunday at 1:00 pm in the church library/conference room. Our group is on going and open to visitors and members. We plan to divide our 90 minutes into two parts: (1) business of the group (2) sharing in further education of our group about grief and healing. We will announce guest speakers several times a year.
With their permission, names of parish members who are ill in the weekly bulletin and in the weekly Development Office Express so we all know who wants prayer.
Below are the names, contact information, and some background about the illness or loss with which we are most familiar. The group members are volunteers who offer their support freely. They’re not offering professional help or advice. You are encouraged to contact any member at your convenience. Please keep this list handy for future reference, and of course you can always call the church office. If you want more information about the Healing Ministry, please contact Mike Ryan or John Calzavara.
Mission
The ministry exists to reach out and actively listen, to provide support, practical information, education, and referrals to other resources, and to provide respite and faith support to anyone in need.
Scope
The ministry will personally contact those who suffer from or provide care for those with serious illness, chronic conditions such as stroke, or the loss by death, divorce, or separation of a loved one. The ministry will ensure that we listen to those affected by these situations with respect and compassion, offering support as circumstances suggest.
The ministry will assemble a central collection of resource, education, and referral information useful for dealing with these conditions. Typical services will be to engage in regular conversation, to invite them to scheduled meetings, to provide other support such as transportation or meal preparation as we are able, and to offer to pray with the person. We will maintain a prayer list for all we serve, and intend to host an annual Mass and celebration of the lives of those who battle illness and those who have died.
We will use regular meetings to improve our skills and knowledge of the best methods of support, how to listen, and how to offer help to those in need. We will invite local speakers to help broaden our awareness and sharpen our skills.
Limitations
This is a volunteer organization and support group that does not represent the parish or the diocese in its efforts. We will not offer nor create any impression that we are qualified to provide professional counseling, advice, therapy, medical or ethical advice or direction.
We will not provide physical, financial, transportation, or other support or services except at the individual personal discretion of the volunteer(s). It shall be clear that the responsibility and initiative is that of the individual volunteer, not the group or the parish.
We will take no actions which obligate or result in the parish being responsible or liable. At this time our services will be targeted to St. Edwards parish members, but may expand in the future.
|