Parish Health and Wellness

The Health Ministry Program was developed to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of parishioners. Because healing and caring activities were part of the ministry of Jesus, they are part of the church’s ministries as well. Across the country, nurses are working in churches to help people improve the health of body, mind and spirit. As part of the church staff, these nurses provide a caring outreach by listening to needs and helping people connect with services.

The Focus of Health Ministry :

The focus of parish health ministry is on prevention and health promotion.

St. Mary’s Health Ministry Mission Statement :

The Parish Health Ministry enhances the caring community of The Church of St. Mary and it assists members in health promotion and illness concerns. This ministry is the responsibility of the Parish Nurse Coordinator. The Parish Nurse is a registered nurse who is willing to work to promote the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of parishioners.

Parish Nurse Activities :

The parish health ministry is not a substitute for pastoral care, medical care, community health nursing or social agencies. Rather The Church of St. Mary’s Parish Nurse Coordinator works in partnership with theses disciplines by undertaking the following activities:

• Leading or arranging educational programs on health-related topics.

• Providing health-wellness information

• Promoting physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

• Referring parishioners to community resources and assisting them with understanding the health-care system.

• Recruiting and coordinating volunteers within the congregation willing to assist others in need.

• Discussing health concerns with parishioners; making home, hospital and nursing home visits.

The Parish Nurse Coordinator does not provide physical care, administer medication, draw blood or do other invasive procedures. She focuses on health promotion, not “hands on” physical care.