Parish Nursing: A Parish Ministry of Health
The Mission of Parish Nursing / Parish Ministries of Health
Parish Nursing and Parish Ministries of Health 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 Parish Nursing?
The Parish 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 Parish Ministries of Health?
Parish Ministry of Health 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 Parish Nursing / Parish Ministries of Health
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
Parish Nursing / Parish Ministries of Health promote the intentional integration of the practice of faith with the practice of health and healing. As a result, personal spiritual formation is essential. Parish Nurses 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.
Parish Nursing / Parish Ministries of Health in the Archdiocese
In 2005, Providence Medical Center made a commitment to Parish 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 Parish Nurse / Ministry of Health team in their local church community. Currently there are three Catholic parishes with Parish Nurse / Parish Ministry of Health teams within the Archdiocese. In addition, Parish Nurses from around the city meet on a monthly basis for prayer, continuing education and support.
Parish Nursing Health Ministry TraininG
Two Opportunities to Become Involved in Parish Nurse Ministry
Parish 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”, according to Sr. Jackie Stoll,op, ANP, Archdiocesan coordinator for Parish Nursing and Parish Ministries of Health. The first course will be offered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Soldotna and will be held October 11, 12, 13 and November 1, 2, 3 2007. The second course will be offered January 10- March 6, 2007 at Providence Medical Center in Anchorage.
- Download Registration form for Anchorage (pdf File)
- Download Registration form for Soldotna / Kenai (pdf File)
For More Information
| Sister Jackie Stoll, OP, ARNP Parish Nursing Consultant Archdiocese of Anchorage 907-297-7736 jackie.stoll@caa-ak.org |
Linda Shepard, RN |
