Pastoral Care Outreach

For I was ill… and you cared for me. ~ Matthew 25:35-36

The parish Pastoral Care Outreach minister offers holistic care in collaboration with the parish staff (friars, ministry coordinators, and parish nurses). Members of this team are responsible for visiting parishioners at home or in healthcare facilities (e.g., nursing homes).

The visiting team members offer emotional support, prayer and Holy Communion. Team members are asked to make a preliminary assessment of the needs of those visited for possible referrals to other parish ministries. Team members participate in a training session and are invited to come to monthly reflection sessions. These monthly sessions enable the team members to support each other through prayer and socializing, and to learn about topics pertinent to their ministry.  Please contact the office at 860-756-4034 if you are interested in becoming a member of this team.

As a Pastoral Care Outreach Minister for many years, I have the privilege of visiting and bringing Communion to recovering or homebound parishioners.  Last week I paid a visit to Elsie who will enter her 90^th year this month.  

This first visit after a pandemic pause was different, though.  When it came time for Communion, after Elsie received the consecrated host, she bent her head in prayer and issued a deep groan.  It was the type of sound issued when a significant thirst is quenched or when a lack of food is satisfied.     

The groan was guttural emanating from her body, from her essence deep within.  I don’t believe she was aware of the sound that emerged spontaneously as soon as the bread touched her lips.  And, the sound, only grew in strength and duration as she fully took in the host.

I, too, bowed my head, knowing I was present to a sacred moment, an intimate moment between Creator and created being where what is holy dwells.

a member of the Pastoral Care Outreach Team