Saint Francis

By virtue of our Baptism, all Catholics are called to serve as Christ. The Role of Clergy is critical, but there are also opportunities for Lay Ministry in the care of the sick. A person’s needs can exceed the Sacraments and counseling

For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat:

I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink:

I was a stranger, and you took me in:

Naked, and you covered me:

Sick, and you visited me

The St. Francis Ministry to the Sick is a group of lay volunteers devoted to caring for the sick of St. Maria Goretti Parish.

Spiritual works of mercy involve many different forms of prayer (Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy) as well as fasting and other sacrifices.

Corporeal works of mercy involve helping with the physical needs of persons who are sick such as errands, child care, meals, grocery shopping, etc.

There are two different types of lay volunteers involved in the St. Francis Ministry to the Sick:

Friends

The first type of volunteer is a Friend who is a dedicated pastoral care giver. A Friend is someone who keeps in contact with the person who is sick and their family to ensure they are being cared for properly.

Helpers

A Helper is someone who is involved in helping those who are sick, but is not a primary care giver. A Helper is someone willing to do individual tasks such as devoting an hour of prayer or running an errand.

Neighbors

A Neighbor is a St. Maria Goretti Parishioner who is sick or a person who needs assistance providing care to someone who is sick.

If you are a Neighbor, please complete the information form found on the back page of this pamphlet and return it to the Parish Office. A Friend from the St. Francis Ministry to the Sick will contact you regarding your need.

For more information, please contact the St. Francis Ministry information line at (317) 867-3213 Ext. 229.