One Church Square Franklin MA 02038 Rectory Office Phone: 508-528-0020

Parish Nurse

The Parish Nurse, in collaboration with Health Ministers, works to develop programs that meet the needs and interests of St. Mary’s parishioners.

Recognizing the need for health promotion and disease prevention, the Parish Nurse addresses the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of individuals, and serves as a liaison between priests, and medical and social services.

Through education, counseling, visitation, health screenings, referrals and advocacy, the parish nurse can assist members of St. Mary’s to lead healthier lifestyles.

For information or to make a referral call Nan Rafter RN at the rectory, (528-0020). Every contact will be kept confidential.

Pastoral Visitors

Pastoral Visitors visit and may bring Holy Communion to our homebound parishioners in Franklin, the sick at Milford Hospital and the residents at Franklin Nursing Healthcare Center.

The essence of this ministry is to listen and respond, to share prayer and sacrament, and to make present God‘s love and the Church‘s care to those in need. Pastoral Visitors are educated in Eucharistic Spirituality and the dynamics of visiting the sick.

Pastoral Visitors are Eucharistic Ministers who go out and visit the sick and homebound. There are more than 50 visitors who minister in homes, Franklin Nursing Home and at Milford Hospital on a weekly basis.

Home Visitation

includes bringing the Holy Eucharist and the parish community out from the church into the home. They also provide respite and friendly visitation when needed.

Hospital Visitation

includes weekly visits to the sick at the local hospital and bringing the Holy Eucharist to the Catholic patients.

Nursing Home Visitation

includes a weekly Eucharistic service and individual visitation to the residents.

On-going education and support are provided at meetings held throughout the year. These meetings provide a time to mutually share "their stories," as well as provide education by speakers on topics related to their ministry. For more information, contact Nan Rafter by email: nrafter@stmarysfranklin.org or call the rectory, 508-528-0020.

Name of ministry or group: Parish Nurse

Meeting days and times: Usually meet with Health Ministry

Who is eligible to join: Any R.N. interested in holistic nursing. Parish nurses complete an endorsed curriculum course.

Contact person: Nan Rafter

Title / Position: Pastoral Associate / Parish Nurse

Email: nrafter@stmarysfranklin.org

Phone: 508-528-0020