St. Rita Parish Health Ministry
“Do you want to be healed?”
-John 5:6
Health and well-being belongs to the very heart of our faith. Believing in the healing power of Christ, St. Rita seeks to minister to the body as well as the soul. In addition to ministry of our Parish Nurse, the St. Rita Health Ministry Council strives compassionately to serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our parishioners through Christ’s loving example. This involves responding to parishioners in need, promoting health wellness and education, resource referrals, advocacy and support.
But what does a Parish Nurse do?
A Parish Nurse serves our community by bringing together faith and health into one complete reality. She does this by coordinating the parish’s response to members that are sick, elderly or handicapped. She works closely with other ministries in the parish so that homebound members receive the sacramental and material care they need and deserve.
A Parish Nurse also provides quality counsel on such issues as navigating healthcare systems, questions about medications, and about caring for current health problems such as flu outbreaks. She will also help you with your plans as you transition from your hospital to your home or another care facility. She will also help refer you to the appropriate medical professionals for your particular healthcare need.
A Parish Nurse is also an educator. Throughout the year, she will provide parishioners opportunities to learn about various health issues. She is a remarkable resource for both individuals and groups. Also, from time to time, she will organize health and blood pressure screenings as well as other proactive well-being opportunities.
A Parish Nurse empowers others to serve their brothers and sisters in our community. From volunteer recruitment and training, a Parish Nurse encourages and enables every member of our community to care for one another.
A Parish Nurse fosters a culture of care. In addition to recruiting and training parishioners to serve the needs of others, she develops and fosters support groups and other helping communities throughout the parish.
These are just some of the blessings we receive from a Parish Nurse and the St. Rita Health Ministry! If you’d like to be a part of this vital ministry, feel free to contact us right away!
Also, if you are in need and would benefit from this ministry, don’t hesitate to contact our Parish Nurse or the Pastoral Center right away.
Following Christ, I hope to serve you with love and compassion.
In Christ,
Bernadette May, R.N.
St. Rita Parish Nurse
972-934-8388 ext.318