St. Maria Goretti

“Let us serve with charity and humility.” -St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis Ministry is a group of lay volunteers, under the guidance of clergy, devoted to assisting St. Maria Goretti parishioners and their families in spiritual and physical needs of the sick, injured, homebound, dying, elderly, despairing and grieving.

What is the Saint Francis Ministry to the Sick?

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

Care includes both spiritual and corporeal works of mercy.

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, driving someone to mass, respite care, meals, etc.

There are three components to the St. Francis Ministry to the Sick, and two special types of lay volunteers involved.

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 parishioner who is sick and their family to ensure they are being cared for properly and have the support of the SMG community.

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 running an errand, taking a meal, respite care, grocery shopping, driving someone to mass.

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 parishioner in immediate need, please contact the Parish (317) 867-3213. The St. Francis Ministry to the Sick will contact you regarding your specific situation.

Resources:

http://www.in.gov/gpcpd/index.htm
The Governors Council for People with Disabilities

http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/
Indiana Institute on Disability and Community

http://www.aboutspecialkids.org/
ASK is your connection to family support in the state of Indiana

http://www.arcind.org/upload/assets/pdfs/helpfulresources/introductionto_indiana_medicaid_waiver.pdf
An Introduction to Indiana’s Medicaid Waiver Program for Home and Community Based Services
 

Recommended Faith Based Books / Videos:

Amazing Gifts, Stories of Faith, Disability and Inclusion
— Mark Pinsky

I Believe in You, A Mother and Daughter’s Special Journey
— Michelle Gianetti, R.N.

Faith, Family, and Children with Special Needs
— David Rizzo

Raising Good Kids: Back to Family Basics
— Dr. Ray Guarendi

A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms
— Lisa M. Hendey

The Handbook for Catholic Moms
— Lisa M. Hendey

Helpful Website Links

http://www.usccb.org/
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

http://www.ncpd.org/views-news-policy/policy/church/bishops/pastoral
Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities

http://catholicmom.com/family/special-needs-parenting 
Catholic Mom

http://www.prenatalpartnersforlife.org
Prenatal Partners for Life. Concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child),

http://foryourmarriage.org/marriage-and-a-special-needs-child/
An initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops