Our Lady of Lourdes |
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Worship & |
MINISTRY OF CARE
OF THE SICK & BEREAVED
This is one of the oldest ministries in the Church, dating back to the earliest times
when those at Mass brought the Eucharist home with them to those unable to come.
Here at Our Lady of Lourdes, over the years, the various priests and others have reached
out to the sick, the elderly, the homebound, the dying, the bereaved and those who reside
in nursing homes. This ministry is a powerful witness to God’s presence and a
significant means of sharing God’s healing power. It is both a sign of hope and an
intimate sharing of the good news.
In more recent years, with the drop in the number of active priest’s and the
increasing participation of lay people in the Church, it has become possible to offer the
Eucharist more regularly to those mentioned.
Generous volunteers from the parish have been trained and are now bringing Eucharist to
those who are unable to join us for worship. They represent the faith community and
witness to the fact that as members of the Body of Christ we truly serve one another.
If the Lord is calling you to respond, please call (205) 836-2274. Training will be
provided.
Throughout the year many people in the parish lost members of their
families through death. Parish volunteers prepared delicious meals for those families who
wished to return to Our Lady of Lourdes after the burial or a food tray was taken to the
home, if desired. This effort has been deeply appreciated.
Those who volunteer to assist in this ministry are persons who care and who are willing to
share life’s struggle with others. They are sensitive, empathetic and compassionate
as they journey with people in times of pain, loss and stress.
It is important to remember that these ministers are ordinary people, called to minister
to ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. They become "gift bearers"
from parishioner to parishioner, distributing the Gifts of the Spirit each according to
need. This is a vital ministry to all those who serve in this capacity.
Your cooperation in letting us know when members of your family enter a hospital or need a home visit would be deeply appreciated. We do want to visit, but we need your help in providing us with the necessary information. This is all the more necessary now, as many hospitals are no longer willing to provide this information to parishes.
If the Lord is calling you to respond, please call (205) 836-2274. Training will be
provided.
Fr. Andy Kennedy