The Mission of Faith Community Nursing / Health Minsitry
Faith Community Nursing and Health Ministry have their roots in Jesus’ mission to bring about the reign of God. Jesus restored health and wholeness to the body, mind and spirit of those whose lives he touched. Jesus taught his disciples to go and proclaim the good news and to heal the sick (Luke 9:2). By caring for those in our parish communities who are in need, parish nurses and parish ministries of health team members participate with Christ in bringing about the life of God in our own day.
What is Faith Community Nursing?
The Faith Community Nurse is a Registered Nurse who acts under the Nurse Practice Act to provide:
- Integrated health and healing
- Act as an advocate in matters of health
- Provide education regarding issues of mental, physical and spiritual health
- Provide personal counseling regarding health
- Facilitate and develop support groups related to issues of health
- Act as a source of referrals and as a liaison with other health care providers
- Train and act as a resource for other Ministry of Health Volunteers
What is Health Minsitry?
Health Minsitry Teams are open to health care professionals who are not nurses, as well as anyone who is interested integrating health & healing with faith & service within the local parish setting.
The Goal of Faith Community Nursing / Health Minsitry
The goal of Parish Nursing and Parish Ministries of Health is to participate in the ongoing transformation of the faith community into a source of health and healing in collaboration with the pastoral staff and the congregation.
Spirituality
Faith Community Nursing / Health Minsitry promote the intentional integration of the practice of faith with the practice of health and healing. As a result, personal spiritual formation is essential. Faith Community Nurse and Team members regularly share in prayer and reflection on the impact of faith on health and healing, as well as the ways in which faith sustains them in their ministry.
Faith Community Nursing in the Archdiocese
In 2005, Providence Medical Center made a commitment to Faith Community Nursing in the municipality of Anchorage by appointing an RN as coordinator, educator and resource person for Catholic parishes and churches of any denomination interested in starting a Faith Community Nurse / Health Ministry team in their local church community. Currently there are nine Catholic parishes with Faith Community Nurse /Health Ministry teams within the Archdiocese. In addition, Health Community Nurses from around the city meet on a monthly basis for prayer, continuing education and support.
Faith Community Nursing / Health Minsitry TraininG
Two Opportunities to Become Involved in Faith Community Nursing
Faith Community Nurses of Alaska and Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries in collaboration with Providence Health System Alaska are sponsoring two up-coming training courses for nurses interested in parish ministry. Parish Nursing focuses on “whole-person” care “including the patient’s spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
For Registration Information click here: Regirstration 2012
