Ministry to the Sick is a pastoral ministry of caring for those people hospitalized, in nursing homes, or confined to private homes. Ministers to the Sick (MTS) are trained and developed to conduct a pastoral visit with time to listen to and pray about the concerns of the sick or shut-in person and to share Eucharist with them. The Diocesan Office for Lay Ministry Development coordinates this ministry in the Diocese, and provides the initial certification training and continued education programs to continue the ongoing development of ministers.

Qualities of a Minister to the Sick:

Ministry to the Sick and Shut-In is a ministry to people at vulnerable and painful times in their lives. The person who serves the sick and shut-in needs to have certain qualities and gifts, including:

·         A listening presence

·         Compassion and empathy

·         A non-judgmental attitude

·         Confidentiality

·         Commitment and follow-through

·         Prayerfulness

·         Gentleness of manner

·         Commitment to continuous training and spiritual development

Certification/Re-Certification:

Ministers to the Sick represent the Church and serve as its evangelists, so it is necessary that they be trained and developed for this responsibility. The Diocesan MTS certification is obtained after completion of the 2-day Basic MTS Training and the 1-day Eucharistic Ministry training workshops. These trainings are offered throughout the year at different parishes. The pastor or MTS Coordinator recommends those to be trained and certified as ministers. Ministers of the Sick must complete eighteen (18) hours of continuing education in order to be re-certified at the end of their three-year mandate. Nine of these 18 hours should be educational development and the other nine should be spiritual development.

Diocesan Policy requires fingerprinting and a successful completion of a criminal background check for all individuals involved in this ministry, and other specific ministries in the parish. The fingerprinting policy applies to any person who is entrusted with the care and supervision of children or who, in their ministry, have regular individual contact with the elderly or disabled. The purpose of the policy is to ensure the safety of all those entrusted to our care. Please contact the parish office with questions or for assistance related to this matter.

Call the parish office at 407-277-1702 to contact the parish MTS Coordinator, Mary Lou Varnes, or Deirdre Sweet, Fr. Roland or Fr. Brian if you desire to be trained as a Minister to the Sick.