Perspectives
  Theological
  Medical
  Legal

Documents
  Articles
  Church
  Four Things

Resources
  Hospice &    Palliative Care
  Five Principles
  Find A Hospice
  Parish Info

FAQ

Contact

Section One: Parish Health Ministry
What is health ministry and how can it benefit the parish?

Health refers to the overall well-being of the whole person and the community in which the person lives. The term health is one of the many translations for shalom or wholeness. The health of the whole person includes conditions that are physical, spiritual, emotional, relational, and interpersonal. The health of the community relates to the circumstances in which people live-such as the level of safety, the quality of the environment, the strength of the economy.

Health is a dynamic process. Healing, teaching and loving are signs of God's presence. Many Gospel accounts highlight Jesus' acts of healing. The Church continues this healing mission, and is conscious that at times physical symptoms may have roots in psychological or spiritual concerns. Therefore, the Church -attends to the needs of the whole person-body, mind and spirit. It acknowledges the interrelationships of all aspects of the human condition and promotes healing on many human levels and within societal structures.

Parishes can be instrumental in promoting the well-being of their parishioners as well as the larger community. The Church's leadership in the healing ministry of health and wellness is a necessary link in the everyday lives of people. It demonstrates God's love and care for those in need. Outreach, healing and welcoming people to health are all aspects of evangelization. Church members and families, as members of larger communities, are called to witness to God's love by developing healthy lifestyles for themselves, and caring for others. We are called to extend this notion of stewardship to the whole of society.

Every parish has members facing issues such as substance abuse, chronic illness, teen pregnancy, stress, ethical healthcare decisions, loneliness, grieving, and other challenges. Parishioners often look for help with these concerns and ways to improve their overall health. A cohesive, wholistic parish health ministry can assist them.

Health ministry presents opportunities for evangelization and outreach. Health ministry can also promote stewardship by empowering parishioners to take personal responsibility for the gift of life given by God. Health ministry encourages members of the parish to use their talent and experience to promote the healing mission of the Church. For example, visiting the homebound, offering bereavement support, advocating for the unborn and the disabled, and educating on issues of health and healing can be components of health ministry.

Programs such as Elizabeth Ministry, which supports women in their childbearing years; Project Rachel post-abortion ministry; and RAINBOWS, a program of support for children who have lost a parent through death or divorce, can fit within the umbrella of parish health ministry. Referrals to Catholic Charities and community health agencies are other possibilities.

A parish nurse can also provide services such as health monitoring and screening, and personal health counseling. Parish committees and parishioners can support and contribute to health ministry programs in many ways.