Why a health ministry?

During the time of Jesus, people came to him to “listen to him and to be healed of disease.”  The Gospels make it clear that Jesus healed the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. He cared about the emotional or spiritual ills that went along with the physical ones.

We are also called to visit the sick, bind up the brokenhearted, welcome the stranger, and comfort all who mourn. Health ministry demonstrates God’s presence and compassion to all in our community, and is a way we can carry out the commission of Jesus to his disciples, to “preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick.” Sometimes medical care can seem impersonal and difficult to access, but health ministry brings resources directly to the community. And at a time of priest shortages, health ministry provides an additional way for the community to maintain a connection with those who can’t come to church.  Health ministry is a lively and creative response to the spirit of the Healing Christ within his community in Little Flower Parish.

Functions of the Pastoral    Associate for Health and Senior Ministries

• Health educator

• Personal health counselor

• Referral source and liaison with community resources

• Coordinator of volunteers

• Health advocate

• Staff liaison for Family Life Commission

What is Health Ministry? 

The Pastoral Associate for Health and Senior Ministries is an experienced Registered Nurse who works with the Parish Staff and Pastor as a team.  While this ministry is not “hands-on” nursing care, the parish nurse serves the parish in the following ways: 

• Visits parishioners in the hospital, in their homes, or in extended care facilities
• Counsels about health-related issues
• Assists in obtaining health services
• Provides health screenings
• Coordinates volunteers for health ministry, including Christopher, Gabriel and ElizabethMinistries
• Provides health promotion programs and activities
• Facilitates development of support groups
• Provides a professional listening ear
• Offers bereavement support
• Helps integrate health and wellness into the liturgical and sacramental life of the community
• Acts as a resource to other members of the parish and school staff

The Nurse is In!

Because my ministry often takes me out of my office, and can result in an unpredictable schedule, I am sometimes difficult to reach. In order to have a time when you can be sure to contact me, I will be in my office Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Of course, I will often be in the parish center at other times, and will continue to return phone messages, make house calls and “mouse calls” (replying to email). My hope is that I will be more available and convenient for you to contact me with questions or concerns. Please call 357-8352 ext. 29.

Georgia Impicciche