We all know what it feels like to be sick and at home or in a hospital. It is isolating and often very painful. The presence of visitors can often lift-up the heart of a patient and remind them that they are not alone. “Visiting the sick” in our world can mean reaching out to those who are “sick at heart” from being lonely and forgotten and who are regularly deprived of the basic human need called “friendship.”
Jim O’Connor’s students thought they knew him — until last November, when senior Pat McGoldrick learned they didn’t know the half of him. (CBS photo)
A heartwarming news story that lent itself to “Visiting the Sick” that was featured on CBS’ “On the Road” in which Steve Hartman meets students of St. Francis High School who thought they knew everything about their math teacher, Jim O’Connor. But what they found out at a local hospital taught them a life lesson.
What Can I do?
Homebound Ministry: This ministry reaches out to our parishioners who are homebound, and provides opportunities for volunteers to visit and for Eucharistic Ministers to bring the Eucharist.
Hospital Visitation: This corporal work of mercy is relatively easy to do. And our service and outreach programs at St John’s have several ways to help: The Chaplain’s Office at Newton-Wellesley Hospital welcomes volunteers to visit the sick and Eucharistic Ministers to bring communion on a weekly basis.
Nursing Home Visitation: This ministry reaches out to nursing home residents in three area facilities: Newton Health Care, The Falls at Cordingly Dam, and Elizabeth Seton Residence.
Visit our Service and Outreach page on the web for more information about these and other service opportunities.
