Pastoral Care Ministry flows from the very ministry of Jesus.
Through the various dimensions of this ministry, we try to extend the compassion of the life of Jesus and the Christian community to others.The mission of Pastoral Care is to provide care and healing to those in need through a variety of support groups, one-on-one listening, prayer services, enrichment programs and retreats.
Do You Know Someone Sick or Homebound?
As printed in the March 2018 Newsletter
Written by Fr. Bryce Evans
The same Lord Jesus who went about healing the sick and infirm in Galilee is at work today in His Church, meeting the sick, consoling and strengthening them by forgiving their sins and offering them His healing touch. This happens primarily through the Sacraments of the Church, through Eucharist, Reconciliation and Anointing, wherein Christ’s presence and power are effectively communicated through sacred signs instituted by the Lord. The Letter of St. James (5:14-16) describes one such sacrament when he writes:
“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
Thus, one of the most important ways in which the Church ministers to the needs of the sick and dying is through these sacraments, and the priests of Holy Name of Jesus are eager to serve the sick and the dying in this unique capacity.
The ministry to the sick is not limited to the sacraments, however. Holy Name is also blessed with a host of lay volunteers, who are eager to visit the sick and the homebound in order to offer them comfort, prayer, companionship and a listening ear. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are also able to bring our Eucharistic Lord to those who are unable to be present for Holy Mass, so that those suffering from pain and loneliness can know their closeness to their Suffering Lord. In these and other important ways, the faithful of our parish continue the work of Christ.
In the past it was easier to accomplish this important work, as hospitals and care facilities would ordinarily notify local parishes if one of their members was admitted to their care. However, with recent privacy restrictions, these lines of communication have been cut off. Fortunately, most hospitals have a priest assigned to care for Catholic patients. At the same time, we rely more than ever on the charity of friends and family to let us know when one of their loved ones is in need. If you know someone who sick, homebound or approaching the end of life, please let us know by contacting our office or Fr. Evans so that we can do our best to serve those in need.
Special mention should also be made of emergency situations, when due to extreme illness or imminent danger of death, there is a more urgent need for priestly care. There are special gifts that only a priest can give in such hours and the priests of Holy Name of Jesus make it a top priority to attend to those in a crisis situation. So please do not hesitate to notify us. Our emergency line for after-hours calls is763-233-0259.
Thank you for your help in continuing the mission of Jesus here at the parish of His Holy Name.