Holy Cross

Mission Statment

The Ministry of Care is an exciting, major ministry at Holy Cross because we service 13 major care facilities, 3 major hospitals, numerous group homes, and a large elderly population. The Ministers of Care serve approximately 20,000 patients and family members annually.

This ministry is about caring for and ministering to the emotional/spiritual needs of the sick and dying, primarily within the Holy Cross parish boundaries. This ministry takes place in the personal homes of patients as well as patients in care facilities (nursing homes and group homes) and the three hospitals in our boundaries, Banner Baywood Heart Hospital, Banner Baywood Medical Center and Mt. View Medical Center.

Ministers of Care combine pastoral care with administration of the Holy Eucharist. Such pastoral and Eucharistic care motivates the spiritual encounter of the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit among and within the patient, the Minister of Care and the Eucharist.

The biblical basis of the Ministry of Care may be found expressly in the following two biblical citations:

Matthew 25: 34-40

…the King [Jesus] will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Sirach 7: 33-35

Be generous to all the living, and withhold not your kindness from the dead. Avoid not those who weep, but mourn with those who mourn. Neglect not to visit the sick — for these things you will be loved.

Requirements:

1. Catholic in good standing (especially no marital impediments);
2. Age 18 yrs or older;
3. Registered Parishioner;
4. Completed Ministry of Care Workshop training;
5. Excellent character;
6. Takes his/her faith seriously;
7. Knowledgeable about and follows pastoral care policies and procedures as established by the Coordinator.

Time Commitment

This ministry does not require a great deal of time. The average amount of time involved is about 2.5 hours, including transportation to and from the patients. For example, you might serve once a week in a nursing home for about 2 hours; you may want to participate in our Hospital Ministry at either Banner Baywood/Banner Heart Hospitals or Mt. View Medical Center; or you might choose to make no more than three home visits a week at your mutual convenience with your patients. It’s good to realize that, as a volunteer, you are always free to take time out for vacations and individual needs.

If you feel called to the Ministry of Care, please contact the Parish Office at (480) 981-2021 and leave your name and telephone number. Our Ministers of Care all hope that the Holy Spirit will inspire you to consider being a certified Minister.