The Pastoral Visi or September/October 2009 Volume 8, No. 1 Dear Coordinators, This has been a very busy summer for our office. Let me start off by welcoming all those who minister to the inmates in our prisons. The office of Health Care Ministry has been asked to support the prison ministry on an interim basis. When I was first asked, this scripture passage came to my mind. 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' (MT 25:37-40) I think we all can relate to this passage. As I reflected on this passage, it became quite clear to me that no matter where we minister we are doing the work of Jesus. Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. We are made in the image and likeness of Jesus, when we minister to others we minister to Jesus. Thank you all for the work you do in the name of the Archdiocese of Boston. please let me know at jgreer@rcab.org or 617-746-5842. I want to set up a data base of parish nurses and the ministry they are providing and bereavement ministry and programs. Once again, thank you for all you do for those in need in Jesus name. Jim Mass of Hope and Healing North Region Blessed Sacrament Saugus October 18, 2009 2:00 PM For Those Who Are Sick and Infirm, Their Loved Ones, Caregivers, And All Who Seek Healing Another area we are looking to support better is in parish nursing and bereavement ministry. If you are involved in either of these ministries,
Pastoral Care to the Sick and Homebound workshops St. Mary Parish, Hull Wednesdays, Sept. 23 to Oct. 28, 2009 7:00-9:00 PM Co-Instructors: Ginny Allen, Sr. Paula Tinlin Sacred Heart, Lexington Tuesdays, Oct. 6 to Nov. 10, 2009 10:00 AM to Noon Instructor: Kelly Dunn Saint Bridget, Lexington Wednesdays, March 3rd to April 14th, 2010 (No class on Mar 31st) 7:00-9:00 PM Instructor: Kelly Dunn Blessed Sacrament, Walpole Thursdays, March 11 to April 22 (No class on April 1) 1:00 to 3:00 PM Instructor: Betty Couble Information/Registration: E-mail: Joanne_Gaffney@rcab.org; 617-746-5843 Fee: $40 (A registration form that may be copied and can be used for all the workshops is included in this publication. Please fill in the correct location and starting date.) Spiritual Companioning Holy Listening October 21, 2009 St. Joseph Retreat Center, Cohasset 10:00 AM 2:00 PM Presenters: Nan Bouché, Judy LoGerfo, Joan M. McCarthy, CSJ, Judy Talvacchia Information: 781-383-6024/6029 E-mail: Retreat.Center@csjboston.org www.csjretreatcenter.org BEREAVEMENT MINISTRIES The Office of Health Care Ministry will be supporting the bereavement ministries here in the diocese. I would like to put together a data base of parishes who are providing bereavement services. If you are providing services or know a parish that is Please e-mail me at jgreer@rcab.org or call 617-746-5842 with the contact person name. We have a small library of resources. We will publish a list in a later newsletter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PARISH NURSES I am looking to set up a data base of all the parish nurses in the diocese so that we can better support you. If you are a parish nurse please e-mail me at jgreer@rcab.org ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~A Daily Prayer for Justice and Mercy Jesus, united with the Father and the Holy Spirit, give us your compassion for those in prison. Mend in mercy the broken in mind and memory. Soften the hard of heart, the captives of anger. Free the innocent; parole the trustworthy. Awaken the repentence that restores hope. May prisoners' families persevere in their love. Jesus, heal the victims of crime. They live with the scars. Lift to eternal peace those who die. Grant victims' families the forgiveness that heals. Give wisdom to lawmakers and to those who judge. Instill prudence and patience in those who guard. Make those in prison ministry bearers of your light, for all of us are in need of your mercy! Amen.
Mornings\afternoon of Prayer for Parish Pastoral Visitors and Ministers of Communion to the Sick SPEAK THE WORD AND MY SERVANT WILL BE HEALED MATTHEW 8: 5-135 This day will focus on the growth in faith that happens as we follow Jesus and witness the healing power of his presence. The Office of Worship and Spiritual Life and the Office of Health Care Ministry offers regional Mornings and Afternoons of Prayer for Pastoral Visitors and Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick. This year's schedule: Sunday, January 31, 2010 1:30-3:30 PM Saturday, February 27, 2010 10:00 AM-12:00 Saturday, March 6, 2010 10:00 AM 12:00 Saturday, March 13, 2010 10:00 AM-12:00 Saturday, March 20, 2010 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Our Lady s, Lynnfield Holy Family, Duxbury St. Francis, Dracut St. Theresa, Sherborn St. John s, West Roxbury There is no charge for these Days of Prayer You are welcome to attend any of them. To register: Call the Office of Worship and Spiritual Life at 617-779-3640
Coping with Grief and Loss Bereavement Support Groups 6 Tuesdays - 6-7:30 pm Sept. 22 to Oct. 27, 2009 Caritas Good Samaritan Hospice 310 Allston St., Brighton. Margo Steinberg, LICSW 617-566-6242 6 Tuesdays 5:30 7:00 pm Oct. 6 to Nov. 10, 2009 Caritas Good Samaritan Hospice 3 Edgewater Drive, 2nd Floor, Norwood Deborah Mattia, LICSW 781-769-8282 Advance registration required. Brighton deadline: Sept. 18 Norwood deadline: Sept. 30 Share this newsletter with parish volunteers by making copies or by downloading additional copies from the website at: www.bostoncatholic.org; Open Offices/Ministries link; Select Health Care Ministry; select Publications; Click on The Pastoral Visitor for the latest editions. Resources Facing My Own Suffering - DVD (32 min.) This program brings insights of spirituality to bear on one s own limits in the face of illness, suffering, and death. Suffering With a Loved One - DVD (33 min.) This program explores the role of caregivers in the light of our faith in Christ, who shepherds and cares for us. Towards Death With Hope - DVD (31 min.) This program explores the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the Christian s journey through death-understood as a part of life-to new life in Christ. The three DVD s are available for loan through the Office of Health Care Ministry. E- mail at Joanne_Gaffney@rcab.org or call 617-746-5843. There is no charge for this except for the postage for return. Caritas Good Samaritan Hospice is currently accepting applications for its next volunteer training session, which starts Oct. 5, 2009. The training session will be held weekly on Monday evenings from 6:00 8:00 PM. At Caritas Good Samaritan Hospice in Brighton. Please contact Ellen Casserly, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Hospice office at 617-566-6242 for more information. The Pastoral Visitor is published by the Office of Health Care Ministry for the Pastoral Visitor Project. Executive Committee Deacon James F. Greer, Director Karen Murray, Coordinator Health Care Ministry, RCAB Ministry to Persons with Disabilities, RCAB 617-746-5842 e-mail: jgreer@rcab.org 617-746-5679 e-mail: karen_murray@rcab.org Joanne Gaffney, Assistant Director Sr. Mary Corripio Health Care Ministry, RCAB Coordinator of Ethnic Ministries, RCAB 617-746-5843 e-mail: joanne_gaffney@rcab.org 617-746-5805 e-mail: sister_mary_corripio@rcab.org Mary Ann McLaughlin, Co- Director Nan Rafter, RN, Pastoral Associate, Parish Nurse Office of Worship and Spiritual Life, RCAB St. Mary Parish, Franklin 617-779-3640 e-mail: mmclaugh@rcab.org 508-528-0029 e-mail: Nrafter@stmarysfranklin.org Sr. Anne D Arcy, Associate Director Sr. Christine Smith, SBS, Pastoral Associate Office of Worship and Spiritual Life, RCAB St. Katharine Drexel and St. Patrick Parishes, Roxbury 617-779-3640 e-mail: sister_anne_d arcy@rcab.org 617-445-8915 chrissmithsbs@yahoo.com
Pastoral Ministry Courses 2009-2010 Registration Form Individual Information Please Circle: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Rev. Dn. Br. Sr. Name: Home Address City/State Zip Code Phone (Work) Phone (Home)* Fax: E-mail: Name of Parish: City where Parish is located: Fee to be paid by: Individual Parish Course Name: Pastoral Care to the Sick and Homebound Location: First Class Date: Fee: $40 Registrations and checks (payable to the Office of Health Care Ministry) should be mailed to: Deacon James F. Greer, Director Office of Health Care Ministry Archdiocese of Boston 66 Brooks Drive Braintree,MA 02184-3839 Information: 617-746-5842 e-mail: jgreer@rcab.org