Ministry of Care - St Stephen Protomartyr

Ministry of Care

Ordinary people ministering to ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

To Catholics, separation from The Eucharist adds another dimension of pain to the "disease" of physical illness or weakness. Through the generosity of Our Ministers of Care, Our Eucharistic Lord is brought to parishioners in their home, nursing home, or hospital.

Do you have fears about this ministry? Ministry of Care training will enhance the gifts you already have and prepare you to minister to those in need in a very special way. You will also receive support in doing it and will be able to reflect with others on what is helpful in working with the sick.

You Can Help!
Variety: Visit individuals or groups in Homes, Nursing Homes, or Hospitals.
Flexible Scheduling
Work in Teams or Individually
Help Yourself by helping others.

Ministry of Care, What is it?
This beautiful ministry reaches out to the sick, elderly and handicapped by bringing prayer, presence and The Holy Eucharist to those in the hospital, nursing home, or homebound in their own homes. This service is delivered by lay individuals or teams directed by the Ministry of Care Coordinator.

How Does One Receive The Care?
It is important to the parish to stay in touch with its sick and/or elderly and tend to their sacramental and spiritual needs. If a person cannot attend Mass, even for a short period she/he is urged to request a Ministry of Care visit. As soon as possible, the sick person or a family member is asked to call the Parish Office and request that Holy Communion be brought to the home, nursing home, or hospital.

For a homebound person, the Ministry of Care Coordinator will assign a Minister of Care to visit. In the case of a patient in a nursing home or hospital, the Coordinator will alert those who minister in the respective place to seek out the parishioner and add him/her to the list of those to be visited.

Who Can Be a Minister of Care?
Compassionate Men & Women who are:
Regular participants in the Eucharistic liturgy
Loving, caring, and willing to spend time with the sick and suffering
Good listeners
Open to sharing prayer and faith with the sick
Willing to undertake the necessary initial training for the ministry (six 2-hour sessions)
Committed to enriching training in ministry via quarterly meetings.

How Does One Begin?
Contact the Coordinator of Ministry of Care for an interview
Attend initial training sessions (held in fall and/or spring) in the school meeting room.
Be commissioned for this ministry by the diocese and the parish
Choose a particular type of care ministry
Apprentice with an experienced minister, visiting a homebound person, or patients in a nursing home or hospital

For More Information:
Call the Office at 847-824-2026 or REGISTER here.