Health Ministry Training, Mar. 3 and 10

By Eileen Birch, Parish Nurse

During this holy season of Lent, I would like to share some thoughts on the Healing Ministry of the Church. What does the word `healing’ mean? It means much more than treating a disease or disability. The root of the word “heal” means wholeness. As Christians, we believe that wholeness has our relationship with God as the center and it involves harmony among all dimensions of our life. Healing actions are characterized by reflecting Jesus’ ministry, by promoting wholeness and peace, by relating between the person helping and the person hurting, by sharing of self, and finally by attending to specific human needs.

During Jesus’ life, he devoted much of His time to healing physical, emotional and spiritual ills. His charge to his disciples included preaching, teaching and healing. The ministry of health and healing is central to the life of the church. All Christians are called to live lives of peace, mercy and healing.

To live healing lives, we must be responsive to our own spiritual needs thus cultivating compassion. We grow in sensitivity to the struggles and suffering of others while being fully present and willing to help our fellow persons who are in need of some assistance.

The Health Ministry program here at St. Mary’s is an opportunity for anyone willing to offer their time and talent to be instruments of God’s healing. Our health ministers serve a variety of parishioners who need respite care, emotional or spiritual support, transportation and assist with shopping. The expectation is that each minister will help the needs of the program by committing some time each week or month. Training takes place this year on March 3 and March 10 from 7 pm until 9 pm. Please call Parish Nurse, Eileen Birch at 508.925.7647 to register.