Visiting the Sick

Visiting the Sick

“I was ill and you cared for me.” (Mt 25:35)


Contact Persons:

For English-Speakers:
 Mary Ellen McGuire, Pastoral Associate
 919.942.6230
(Email address below)

For Spanish-Speakers:
 Juan Ramirez (bilingual)       o  Carlos Torres Hernandez

Mission Statement/Purpose
 Ministry members bring Eucharist to Catholics who are sick or homebound. We visit UNC Hospitals, area health care facilities, and homebound parishioners.

Major Accomplishments
 About 100 parishioners bring Eucharist to our Catholic brothers and sisters who cannot get to mass due to illness or lack of transportation. We help keep people connected by praying with them, having Christian fellowship together, and offering Holy Communion. This is a ministry of hope, encouragement, faith and compassion.

Major Activity
 Ongoing visits to Catholics who are sick or homebound

Meeting Frequency
 Frequency and time is up to the minister.

HOSPITAL: monthly for 2-3 hours Sundays or weekly for several hours on a weekday. Some share shifts while others go solo.

 HEALTHCARE FACILITIES: Every 3-4 weeks for 2 hours on Sunday.

 HOMEBOUND: As frequently as is decided by both parties (some are weekly, some are monthly).

Meeting Venue
 Hospitals, health care facilities, and private residences.

Estimated Time Commitment for Volunteers
 In addition to above “meeting frequency” we have optional large group training or reflection sessions several times each year. We also have a Lenten retreat on a Saturday.

Special Skills
 Comfort around sick or dying people. Comfort in medical facilities. Compassion, ability to pray with someone else, love for the elderly. Must have your own transportation. Must be a confirmed and practicing Catholic.

Additional Information
 Participation in this ministry includes the following:

• training as Eucharistic Ministers
• attending a 2-hour training session to learn best practices and the prayers of the Rite
• completing the Diocese of Raleigh volunteer application, includes references and a background check
• shadowing other ministers for a period of time until comfortable to begin solo visits