Ministers of Care

Ordinary People Ministering to Ordinary People In Extraordinary Circumstances

WHAT IS IT?

This beautiful ministry reaches out to the sick, elderly and handicapped by bringing prayer, presence and Eucharist to those in hospital or nursing home or at home.  This service is delivered by lay individuals or teams directed by the Ministry of Care Coordinator.           

HOW DOES ONE RECEIVE THIS CARE?

It is important to the parish to stay in touch with its sick and/or elderly and tend 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 her or him to the list of those to be visited.

WHO CAN BE A MINISTER OF CARE?

Compassionate men and 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?

1. Contact the Coordinator of Ministry of Care for an interview.
2. Attend initial training sessions (held in fall and/or spring) in the Deanery.
3. Be commissioned for this ministryby the diocese and the parish.
4. Choose a particular type of care ministry.
5. Apprentice with an experienced minister, visiting a homebound person, or patients in a nursing home or hospital.

To Catholics, separation from 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, and/or Hospitals
• FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING
• WORK in TEAM or INDIVIDUALLY
• HELP YOURSELF by HELPING OTHERS

To Learn More

Call:      Holy Archangels Parish Ministers of Care Coordinator at 847-885-7700
Write:    Holy Archangels Parish Ministers of Care Coordinator
               St. Hubert Parish
               729 Grand Canyon
               Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Complete the form below.