Ministry to the Sick

"I WAS SICK AND YOU VISITED ME"

ARTICLE 5 from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
      

1503 - 1506    Christ's compassion toward the sick and suffering moved Him to accept our infirmities as His own.  His preferential love has not ceased through the centuries and He continues to draw the very special attention of Christians toward all who suffer in body and soul.  He invites His disciples to share in His ministry of compassion and healing.

  The Ministry to the Sick

of St. Joseph Church was formed to assist the priest by distributing Holy Communion to parishoners that are homebound, in nursing homes, hospice and extended care facilities and the hospital. 
            

Responsibilities:  Ministers go out on weekly and bi-weekly routes.
Helpful Attributes:  Strong spiritual commitment to Christ and His Church.
Time Commitment: Varies
Training: Diocesan training provided at regular intervals.
Fingerprinting Required:  Yes.

Coordinator: Laurie Spang
Contact Information: (863) 294-3144 ext. 225 or lspang@stjosephwh.org

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Our Ministers follow the Lord into the following facilities:
Please Note 
Due to HIPPA Laws, you must notify admission personnel that you are a Catholic and request Ministers to the Sick at St. Joseph Church to visit you.  If you are admitted to Winter Haven Hospital Friday through Sunday please call the Church Office as the Chaplain's Office is closed on weekends.

Winter Haven Hospital
Southern Gardens
Lake Alfred Assisted Living
New Horizons
Life Care
Winter Haven Health and Rehabilitation
The Meadows
Auburndale Oaks
Spring Lake Nursing Home (Mariner)
Consulate (Wednesdays)
Spring Haven
Wedgewood
Good Shepherd Hospice
 Lake Howard Heights
Home Visits
(local Winter Haven and Auburndale)

Field Notes from our Ministers
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" My invitation into this ministry  was sudden,  like St. Paul's on the road to Damascus, and I couldn't say no.  I was and still am continually inspired and lifted  by the faith filled response I see to Christ who I am priviledged to accompany and serve."
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     "The gratitude expressed to me by those who could not otherwise receive the Sacred Host is misplaced.  It is I who am grateful,  I who receive,  I who feel the Lord's presence and His Spirit coming over me... a blessing beyond description."
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"Before I give the Eucharist, we join hands and recite the Lord's Prayer together.  As we look into each other's eyes, I see a glow of spiritual contentment come into that person's eyes and I thank Jesus for allowing me to bring Him to that person."