Pastoral Care Ministries
of St. Mary of the Visitation Parish
We have a compassionate, dedicated ministry team to walk with you through any challenging period of life
"It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters." Mother Teresa When Sadness Strikes or a new member arrives- a family is there - and that is the goal of the Neighbour Ministry. We seek to be a network of names of parishioners that would be willing to provide a kind card, a warm dish, a helping handy hand, a friendly voice, a compassionate ear to welcome (or comfort) a fellow member of our Family of Faith. |
Small Groups: We feel that a small group is the best pastoral care delivery system. Groups are available in all life stages, and meet weekly. Check out our small groups page to learn more and find a group that’s right for you.
Sacrament of the Sick: Each year our parish offers an Anointing of the Sick Mass during annual devotions to St Anne in July and around the World Day of Prayer for the Sick (February 11th). All parishioners who would like to receive the grace of this Sacrament are invited to participate. This Sacrament is also offered upon request at any time for those under going serious medical treatment, preparing for surgery. Please contact the parish office at 519 658 4443 to arrange a visit to celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick.
Holy Communion to the Homebound: Ministers of Communion to the Sick also bring communion to those who are sick or confined at home and at St Luke's Place each Sunday morning. Homebound Parishioners are also visited upon request by our Pastor - Please contact the parish office at 519 658 4443 to arrange a visit.
St Luke's Place / Nursing Home: Our parish offers pastoral care to the residents of our local senior's residence - St Luke's Place. In addition to weekly visits by our Ministers of Communion to the Sick on the Lord's Day, a monthly Mass is celebrated for the residents by our Pastor. Ministers of Care, who are Volunteers from the parish, assist in getting residents from their rooms to the Chapel at St Luke's for this celebration. Each December our high school youth group—Da Crew—also prepares Christmas Gift Bags for the residents each year. If you are able to help with this, you can email the Parish Office
Residents at other local Nursing Homes, who are parishioners, are visited upon request - Please contact our parish office at 519 658 4443 to arrange a visit.
Hospital Visits: To ensure a visit when hospitalized please make sure to indicate at registration that you are a Roman Catholic and a member of St Mary Parish. Communion is brought to the patients at the hospital daily and weekly upon request - contact the Pastoral Care Office at the Hospital.
Funerals
The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult
experiences of life. The prayerful support and assistance of your Church family
can be indispensable and our Bereavement Ministry is here to help. Bereavement
Ministers can walk you through the planning of a traditional Funeral Mass, a
simpler style prayer service, a graveside committal, or another appropriate
remembrance of your choice. Contact our Parish Office (519 658 4443). They will
return your call promptly.
CARE GROUPS
Chat: Grief is a painful, confusing and isolating time; without a doubt, one of life's most difficult experiences. Where can we turn for answers to our questions? Where can we find support, empathy and understanding? This small group helps provide answers and remind you that you are not alone. Contact Parish Office for meeting times.Act 2: Life change is never easy, but at a later stage of life it’s particularly isolating. Come together with others to realize there is a "second act" and you are not alone. This divorce and single again group meets on Thursday evenings - pre registration required.