Ministers of Care
Romans 12:4-6 "For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them..."
Who are Ministers of Care? We are clergy, religious and lay people who work together to serve the sick, homebound, elderly, persons with disabilities, the bereaved, and those in hospitals and nursing homes. The diocesan group was formed in 1988 at the instigation of Bishop O'Brien who writes, "The Ministry of Care is a vital aspect of parish life because it deals with the reality of life -- illness, loneliness, death, isolation and other areas that are a part of our journey to a deeper union with God."
When our parish was established in 1995, a small group of parishioners began visiting the sick and homebound and residents of adult care homes. They joined the diocesan Pastoral Ministry of Care for training and support, and affiliation that continues today.
When Mayo Clinic Hospital opened in the fall of 1998, we worked with the Patient and Family Services office to establish guidelines for bringing Holy Communion and visiting the Catholic patients who request to see us. Our parish priest is on call to administer the Sacrament of the Sick, and Ministers of Care go to the hospital three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Presently, we are making 120 to 160 visits each month.
Announcements of Ministers of Care meetings and training will be provided in upcoming parish bulletins. You are welcome to come and see whether this is a ministry for you.
Paula Garlick, Coordinator of the Pastoral Ministers of Care for Mayo Clinic Hospital
Johnna Minniti, Coordinator of the Pastoral Ministers of Care for the homebound and hospice