Ministry of Care

Ministry of Care
Our Ministers of Care visit those who are ill, homebound or handicapped. They bring Holy Communion to their homes, hospital or in area nursing homes.
Training is required by the Archdiocese and is provided by this ministry. On-going formation is offered to remain current.

Contact Information: 
Judy Salzman @ [email protected]  or (847-431-8123)
Or contact the Parish Office (847-362-2073)
 

Ministry of Care has been so close to my heart for many years. I guess it began with the failing health of my own parents in 2001 and I saw them so joyful and strengthened by the visits of a Minster of Care who brought Eucharist to them at home. Shortly after that, I was able to journey with a dear friend in my former parish through the challenges of his aggressive brain cancer and eventually to the time of his death.

I wanted to be there for others in these very special moments so I responded to the notice in the parish bulletin and went through the series of training classes. This decision has brought me a greater insight into the sacred path we all must follow, that of trust and faith in our loving Jesus.

When I minister to someone in their own home, bringing Jesus Christ Himself into this very intimate setting, I try to be Christ to them in my words, actions and service. I love this ministry and the effort that goes forth is far surpassed by the graces and blessing I personally receive when I experience the reverence, gratitude and sometime tears of joy in the eyes of the homebound receiving Our Lord.
~Arlyss Lasecki

Becoming a Minister of Care at Advocate Condell Hospital, has been a very spiritual step in my faith journey. Having been a Eucharistic Minister for 32+ years, I felt the call to do more. What??? I did not know. At that time, my dad's health began to fail. He was unable to attend mass, so a Minister of Care would come and give him the Eucharist at his home or in the hospital. He so looked forward to the visit and receiving the Eucharist. Upon experiencing this, I knew what my call was...to become a Minister of Care. My choice was to minister at Advocate Condell. Visiting the Catholic patients, I bring them spiritual healing and they are so very appreciative. Even tho my time with the patient is short, it is very meaningful, as they are anxious, scared, confused, in pain, depressed, lonely, fallen away from the church or their faith. I am happy (and I know my Dad would be) that I answered the call to be a Minister of Care...bringing the Eucharist to those not able to go to His table. Answering God's call to this ministry has enabled me to take another step in my faith journey.
~Judy Salzman

I have been a Minister of Care for about fifteen years. Presently I go to ManorCare Health Services and Spring Meadows, both in Libertyville, where I bring the Holy Eucharist to the residents there every week. Being a Minister of Care has definitely changed my life. I feel very honored and humble to be able to bring Christ in the Eucharist to those who might be suffering in some manner, either from pain or loneliness, or who are not now able to attend Mass for one reason or another. While visiting with the residents, I am able to join them in conversation and comfort them when necessary. This makes me think of others instead of myself and to be more sympathetic to their needs. Carrying Christ with me from room to room, or distributing the Eucharist as part of a Communion service, is something I could never have envisioned for myself; and as a result, my faith has been greatly increased. Also, when I see the reverence in how the residents receive the Eucharist, sometimes with tears in their eyes, it reminds me how important the Eucharist is to people and how blessed I am to be a part of this ministry.
~John Lieske

In response to our call to ministry, after finishing our Called and Gifted Lay Ministry Formation, we chose to be Ministers of Care at Winchester House in Libertyville. The residents we minister to are in rehabilitation or permanent nursing care, and any resident identified as Catholic is considered to be part of the St. Joseph’s parish community. On Monday mornings, we work to bring the wheelchair bound residents to the main floor to celebrate the Holy Mass at 10:30. Ministers of Care also bring the Eucharist to residents on the 4 floors that are unable to attend the Mass. Twice a year we assist priests to give the Sacrament of the Sick to the Catholic residents. Through these simple acts of service, we experience the residents’ profound love of Jesus in the Eucharist—they are deeply reverent and prayerful! We sometimes think that we are visiting them, but in reality, they are sharing the presence of Jesus with us, and inspiring us to grow in our own love for Him. We invite you to prayerfully consider joining us as we minister to our brothers and sisters in Christ at Winchester House, and constantly experience Christ in a new way.
~John and Joan Brodarick

Libertyville Towers was built in the late 1970’s as a residence for ambulatory seniors. My call to Ministry of Care was the result of my not being able to assist with my mother’s care during her advancing years. With God’s help, I have been able to help others.

After Mandation, I was assigned by the late Sr. Ramone to assist Joyce Quilty at the Towers to minister to the Catholic residents. Each Wednesday morning at 6:30 am Mass is attended; the Eucharist is taken to the Towers and reverently distributed to those attending the 8am Word and Communion Service. If anyone is unable to attend, the Eucharist is taken to them in his or her rooms. After the Service, coffee is served which affords a little time for some serious discussion. Unfortunately, due to family concerns, Joyce reluctantly resigned last year. She is greatly missed by all. Bringing the Eucharist to the homebound has been and continues to be a most rewarding and spiritual experience.
~May Hitzeman

Why Ministry of Care? There are probably as many reasons for becoming a minister of care (MOC), as there are ministers. In my case several tough years as primary care giver for my soul mate, my dear departed wife, Betty, were my inspiration after losing her in late 2006. As she became more isolated in her COPD, the only times she received her Lord were when confined at Lake Forest Hospital. Those were special experiences for her.

So my involvement as a MOC was basically payback and a desire to bring a similar peace to those who were patients at Condell. It is indeed a moving experience to observe the peace our ministry brings to those we serve. And, yes, it becomes even more personal when we serve known parish members. In my case, it has been a blessing to be able to serve a veteran with whom I served in Alaska during the Korean War a few times as his health worsened.

Fulfilling? —YES! Heart warming? —YES! Closer to Christ? —YES! Why didn’t I join MOC years earlier?? Frankly, as I look back on my retirement years, it was one of the big mistakes in my faith life.
~Jim Tielke