Minister of Care

Ministers of Care

Twenty years ago, St. Agnes discerned the need to reach out to nursing home residents who were separated from their homes and families. We sent lay ministers of care to distribute Communion to those who no longer had the opportunity to receive the Eucharist. That parish group gave to as many as 10 people at a time when Sage Nursing Home was privately owned before it became Marian Franciscan Center in 1985.  It has since closed permanently.

The present trends in elder care are that nursing homes have fewer care givers and more staff turn-over, and that all kinds of care, including pastoral care, has been and continues to be decreasing. Our aging family members and Parish members who cannot receive elder care in their family homes are being forced to move to institutional homes. There is a great need for us to reach out to these separated family members.

According to the "Spirituality of Aging Inventory' done by our parish several years ago, the aging parishioners expressed a desire to keep in touch with the parish, receive weekly Eucharist, and talk with lay ministers (as well as parish staff). Elders in the inventory also said they would like to discuss their relationship with God, the approach of their own death, the loss of a loved one and other spiritual needs. Some also wished to discuss being alone and troubling relationships.

We invite parish members to join our group of dedicated and experienced ministers who meet weekly, support each other, discuss our concerns, and pray together. The residents we visit are very appreciative of our efforts to pray with them, bring the Eucharist to them and visit with them. Besides bringing the Eucharist we also bring comfort, hope and friendship. The visits are a mutually rewarding experience. There are also special opportunities for visits by families and individuals of all ages.