St Ailbe Ministers of Care was placed under the 
Wings and Direction of Deacon Bruce McElrath 

Mission statement: This Ministry's mission is to offer a “Sign of Christ presence” and to visit and bring the Eucharist to the sick in their homes, hospitals or nursing facilities. 

Ministers of Care: This Ministry is one of St. Ailbe's tangible 
extensions of our care and concern for one another in times of 
need. St. Ailbe Ministers are trained lay persons serving St. Ailbe 
members by giving prayers, words of encouragement and the 
Holy Eucharist to those who have the following needs: every 
Tuesday or Thursday visit those who are hospitalized at Trinity 
hospital;  visit those who  are in nursing homes; visit those who are homebound; visit those facing serious or terminal illness, 
Visit those who are grieving; or facing life transition; or 
experiencing faith crisis.*** (See note)

Expectations: We are in need of more men and women to carry 
out Jesus healing mission to the sick and shut-ins. Should be an 
outgoing and caring person. The following is required for 
participation with this group: Must be Catholic in order to give the 
Eucharist. Must acquire the knowledge of the process of illness, 
aging, death, and dying and must be willing to take a 6 week course which is mandated by the Archdiocese.  A Certificate is given after  completion of training . 

Meeting Time:  9:00 A.M. Quarterly,
Church Hall, Umoja Room. Attendance is important.

*** NOTE
Due to recent legislation regarding patients' rights and healthcare privacy, hospitals are no longer permitted to give out the names and religious preferences of their patients without the explicit request of the patient or their family. Because of this, a priest or Minister of Communion who has come to pray, visit or give communion may be unaware of other parishioners who have been admitted and would like a visit but have not notified the parish. We ask that parishioners help us remain informed about fellow parishioners who are hospitalized, or who are in a nursing home or homebound.

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POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVER
Caring for others starts with caring for you. If you care for an 
older family member, spouse, friend or other relative this  program 
is designed to help you manage the pressures of caring. Our 
expert class leaders will guide you through proven lessons that 
will improve your well-being while you are caring.
Norma Mullens, Class Leader
Angela Johnson, Assistant Class Leader
             

"GIVING" IS YEAR ROUND WITH THE MINISTERS OF CARE

The Ministers of Care wanted to be like the Wise men that came bearing the gifts for Jesus,  (Matt 2: 10-11). They wanted to share their love and do something to bring joy and happiness to others. They realized that simple little gifts can bring so much to Seniors and those in nursing homes. So they went to nursing homes bearing gifts, singing Christmas Carols and reading scriptures. Every year they have a Christmas party for St. Ailbe Seniors and everyday  they bring the Eucharist to the sick in their homes, to the hospitals and nursing homes.

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THIS PAGE                                        by   BARBARA GREEN

"God sent Jesus to show us the way". 
If you are interested contact: 
Deacon Bruce at the Rectory  (773) 374-2345 

 Click here for Printable Volunteer Form