Health Care Ministry

Saint Patrick Parish

Health Care Ministry
What It Is . . . and Isn’t !

Jesus invites us all to wholeness - to choose life and live it to its fullest. The Saint Patrick Parish Health Care Ministry takes a holistic approach to health care, bringing together faith and health to promote the wellness of and serve the needs of the members of the Parish.

The Mission Statement of the Health Care Ministry

The Health Care Ministry of Saint Patrick Parish empowers members of our faith community to become more active in caring for their physical, emotional and spiritual well being, and to reach out with Christ's healing love and compassion to all people, from the beginning of life to the end of life.

Today, the health care system is complex. People of all ages have trouble getting needed services and frequently do not know what help is available. Often the Parish staff is asked about healthcare issues for which they have no training. Out of these and other recognized needs, the Parish Health Care Ministry was born. The Parish Health Care Ministry combines nursing and ministry to help individuals of all ages with their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. They work closely with the pastor, clergy and other parish staff to promote health by focusing on prevention, the appropriate use of resources and by responding to people in need.

The activities of a health care ministry require the members of the team to fulfill the roles of health educator, counselor, referral advocate, facilitator of volunteers, and role model of the integration of faith and health.

Health Educator: Raises health awareness and promotes an understanding of the connection between lifestyle, personal habits, attitudes, faith and well-being.
Health Counselor: Assists parishioners in exploring health care choices related to illness or wellness by discussing personal health issues when meeting with people in their homes, in the hospital or in nursing homes.
Health Referral Advocate: Aids and supports parishioners in a range of needs, from helping them to speak with healthcare providers or payers, to accessing services or explaining their health needs to family members.
Health Facilitator: Trains and supports both lay and professional volunteers to meet the diverse needs of the Parish, thereby extending its caring mission.
Health Role Model: Interprets faith and health issues, serving as a role model for the promotion of holistic health.

The members of the Parish Health Care Ministry are not primary health care providers.

They are your Brothers and Sisters in Christ and are willing to assist as fellow Parishioners. If there is an opportunity for us to help you by getting information about a health issue, we can be contacted through the Parish Office at 978-683-9416.

WebMasters
Anne Bradley at ContentMaster@SaintPatrickParish.com
Paul Croteau at WebMaster@SaintPatrickParish.com