Health Ministry
Our ministry is guided by a vision that is Gospel-centered, inclusive of all peoples, and based on the holistic philosophy that an individual is an integrated whole…body, mind, and spirit.
Our goals are simple:
- To provide opportunities for parishioners to recognize and address their health needs.
- To offer health-related educational programs.
- To provide support to other parish ministries.
- To provide a liaison role in connecting parishioners to community resources and services.
St. Mary’s Health Ministry began in 1996. Within the first year of its formation, the Health Ministry conducted a survey of parishioners. This survey identified stress and loneliness as the chief health concerns among parishioners. Programs and services, as well as liturgies, have been developed and provided to address these concerns. Among these have been the formation of a Mom’s group, Mind/Body Connection, and methods to reduce stress. Other programs include nutrition and healthy eating, Natural Family Planning Education programs, first aid for ushers, pediatric CPR and first aid course, along with monthly blood pressure screenings. The Health Ministry has also helped to plan and coordinate special liturgies for expectant parents, a Mass of Remembrance for those who have experienced a pre-term loss, and biannual Anointing Masses for the sick and elderly. All programs are offered to members of our cluster parishes in Medway and Millis.
In addition, we are fortunate to have a parish nurse who assists parishioners with their health concerns, serves as a medical resource for the parish, and advises the Health Ministry.
Mission Statement
St. Mary Health Ministry, an outreach of St. Mary Parish, is rooted in the compassionate witness of Jesus and the belief that our ministry is guided by a vision which is Gospel-centered, inclusive of all peoples, and based on the holistic philosophy that the individual is an integrated whole—body, mind, and spirit.
Our goals are simple:
- To have the Health Ministry integrated into the mission of the Church.
- To provide opportunities for parishioners to recognize and address their health needs.
- To offer health-related programs and work in collaboration with and provide support to other parish ministries.
- To provide a liaison role in connecting parishioners to community resources and services.
Name of ministry or group: Health Ministry
Meeting days and times: First Tuesday of the month, at 10:00 a.m.
Location of meetings: Olive Branch, 10 Main Street
Total number of members: 11
Examples of activities or ministry’s work: Healthy eating programs, heart education programs, end of life issues, health insert in bulletins, assist with Anointing Masses—2x a year
Time commitment for a member: 10 meetings a year—help with programs
Who is eligible to join: Anyone interested in promoting health
Contact person: Nan Rafter
Title / Position: Pastoral Associate
Email: nrafter@stmarysfranklin.org
Phone: 508-528-0020