MISSION: Rooted in Catholic Church teaching on the dignity the human person from birth to natural death, the parish nurse will work within a parish health stewardship team to develop educational and other activities within the parish to enhance wellbeing of body, mind and spirit of all parishioners.
"Health care is not simply a response to disease. It is holistic, lifelong engagement of the meaning of life. Catholic parishes are in a unique position to contribute to the experience of healthy living just by fulfilling their purpose as a parish." - R. Blasinast
The health stewardship team:
Is composed of parishioners who work in many areas of health care---physical therapists, nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physicians, speech therapists, social workers, respiratory therapists, alternative therapists.
Sees each individual as a person made in the image and likeness of God
Promotes good stewardship of the gift of life at all stages
Recognizes the importance of faith in healing and health
Uses holistic approach to promote health of mind, body and spirit
Promotes healing ministry within the parish through liturgy, education, networks of support and recreation
Recognizes the mystery of suffering: strives to alleviate suffering and to recognize the potential of suffering to draw us closer to God
Functions of the Parish Nurse and Health Team
Praying for the health and healing of parishioners Examples: healing liturgies; individual prayer intentions; scripture; praying with family; home and hospital visitations
Assessing needs of parishioners Examples: parish survey; ongoing dialogue with parishioners; home visits; collaboration with parish groups
Health Education Examples: information re: health topics such as diabetes, heart conditions, Alzheimers; home safety, drug abuse prevention, cancer prevention and treatment, CPR; presentations on prayer, ethical issues related to health, church teaching on stewardship of the body, dignity of the human person at all stages of life
Advocacy within health care and community systems Examples: Encouraging communication between parishioners and health care providers; serving as liaison between parishioners and health care providers and other community resources
Health Monitoring Examples: blood pressure monitoring; vision, hearing, blood glucose screenings
Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Examples: exercise groups; weight reduction programs; stress reduction education; nutritional information
Referral to needed services Examples: Follow up from screenings mentioned before; referral for assistance with transition to new home; referral for spiritual care; referral to educational materials to promote self care
Counseling and support Examples: Bereavement support; visitation during hospitalization and illness; support to family members; welcoming new parishioners—especially new babies! What parishioners can do:
Tell us what you need, how we can help
Call us up—for example: you are going to have surgery and you don't have all the information you feel you need. We will help you get the information and support you need
Keep telling us what you need and how we're doing
JOIN THE TEAM
If you are interested in helping connect faith and health in the parish
If you want to help with home visits, educational presentations, serving as a resource and support You don't have to be a licensed health care provider. We need both professional and lay members on our team. Contact: Pat Cary, RN Parish Nurse 503 285-4539 x 512
