Parish Health Ministry

As Christians we are to care for the life and the gifts God has given us. Our goal is to promote and carry out this task with the highest regard for individual dignity and personal choice.

Parish Health Ministry brings together health professionals and lay volunteers who work independently to promote good health and provide helpful services within the parish community.

St. David Parish Health Ministry interacts with present ministries within the parish. They exchange ideas and information and help each other meet the needs of our parish community.

The following ministries are part of St. David Health Ministry:

Parish Nursing - the cornerstone of the health ministry. It is the art of linking Spirituality and Health. It promotes an understanding of the relationship between lifestyle, attitudes and well-being. Parish nurses provide blood pressure screening which is offered monthly. Date will be listed in the parish bulletin.

Home Visits - The parish nurse, upon request, can visist a parishioner's home and assess the needs of a particular situation and be a health advocate. The nurses may provide referral sources, health counseling, compassionate care and a listening ear.

Nutrition and Exercise - A program is being explored that can be offered for St. David parishioner participation. The family that prays together, dines together and exercise together will be healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Stay In Touch Ministry - Provides friendly support by telephone for isolated parishioners, shut-ins and care givers needing socialization and support

Bereavement - In January 2002 an 8 week bereavement course was provided at St. David to help family and friends cope with the loss of loved ones. We plan to offer this annually.

Card Ministry - Cards are sent to surviving family members throughout the first year of their loss.

If you would like information or would like to be a part of this ministry, please call 215-659-1413 or 215-242-0393.