Purpose: Christ calls us to visit the sick. It is one of the corporal works of mercy. The Pastoral Care Ministry is a beautiful, privileged experience to bring the Eucharist and pray with those who are sick, suffering or dying, whether at home, in the hospital or in assisted living. The Pastoral Care Ministry unites those who cannot join us for Mass with their St. Lawrence parish family and is a sign of the parish’s support and concern for them.
Activities: Pastoral Care Ministers bring Holy Communion to the sick and homebound as requests are made through the Parish office. Some requests are for parishioners who are temporarily unable to attend Mass due to an illness or surgery. Sometimes a request is due to a long-term illness or hospice at home scenario. In addition to the homebound, Pastoral Care Ministers bring Communion and pray with Catholics who have been admitted to the hospital and those who reside in assisted living facilities.
Volunteer Time Commitment: Pastoral Care Ministers decide where, when and how they want to serve. Every minister is unique in their time commitment and comfort level. We welcome any amount of service a minister can provide, whether during the week or the weekend, weekly or monthly. We are happy to provide guidance and answer questions if you are curious about the ministry but are unsure what is the best fit for you.
Volunteer Requirements: Must have received the sacraments of Communion and Confirmation in the Catholic Church; if married, must have been by a Catholic priest or deacon or subsequently convalidated; receive the sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year; attend Mass every Sunday and holy days of obligation; live a life in conformity with the teachings of the Catholic faith; registered parishioner at St. Lawrence. Must complete a diocesan-administered background check and fingerprinting, an online “Safe Environment Training for Access to Vulnerable Adults” program offered by the diocese, and a 60-minute training session at St. Lawrence.
Other: The ministry needs Spanish-speaking Pastoral Care Ministers. Contact: Luisa Long, LLong@stlawrence.org
