“After we both retired, we signed on as Eucharistic ministers, bringing communion to the sick and shut-ins. This service is greatly appreciated, and gives us a great deal of satisfaction spiritually by reaching out to those whom we have served these many years.”
Marcel and Edith Richard

“I do it for the people and especially for God. The shut-ins and those in nursing homes are the ones who appreciate the Eucharist most since they are unable to participate with the congregation
at Mass.”
Mickey Clark

“Parish nursing is a way of using my talents. Love, faith and knowledge are gifts from God not to be wasted.”
Ann Marie Leary

“A parish nurse is a registered professional nurse who as a member of the ministerial team of a congregation, provides holistic nursing services to the members of the congregation. With the church organization as their base, parish nurses promote wellness by holistically addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the congregation members.” Schank, Weis, and Matthews

 

Ministry of Care

Each week a number of parishioners bring the Eucharist to the home-bound, who cannot by reason of illness, infirmity, or age, get to Mass. Prayers are said, Scriptures are read, the Eucharist is given, bringing healing, strength and a source of unity with Jesus and one's fellow parishioners..Those engaging in this ministry are trained, approved and commissioned by the parish.

In addition to bringing the Eucharist to the homebound Sacred Heart mails out the bulletin to those who are homebound and wish to keep up with parish life.

Members of the clergy go out to area nursing homes and celebrate Mass, bring Eucharist and offer Anointing of the Sick.

Please call the Parish Offices at 508-947-0444 to arrange for services to the homebound.

Parish Nursing

To express the healing ministry of Christ, the Parish is blessed with nurses who coordinate a healthcare ministry. Among the events sponsored by this group are monthly blood pressure screenings after Sunday Masses. They also coordinate a Bereavement Group and offer workshops on a variety of health subjects. The nurses seek to establish with parishioners a personal contact wherein they can provide compassionate concern and act as a resource for healthcare information.

Bereavement

The loss of a loved one is a wound to the entire self, it affects the survivor physically, emotionally, psychosocially, and spiritually. It involves a journey that is often devastating, lonely, and confusing. Frequently, healing can occur by being with others who will listen to your story and with whom you can share that journey. Everyone responds to grief in his or her own unique way, but can draw strength and support from others who are walking a similar journey. Participation in a Bereavement Support Group offers an opportunity to work through the grieving process in an emotionally and spiritually supportive environment. At Sacred Heart the Bereavement Support Group is facilitated by two of our parish nurses who are members of the Health Ministry Team at Sacred Heart Parish and have expertise in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, end-of-life/bereavement issues, and education of professional and lay groups. The Bereavement Support Group meets periodically. Please call the Parish Offices to inquire as to the next sessions.