Pastoral Ministries

 Ministers to the Sick and Homebound: These ministers visit nursing homes and homebound parishioners on a regular basis. They pray with them and bring Holy Communion.

Hospital Visits: The Priest, Pastoral Associate or Parish Nurse visit the Madison hospitals on a regular basis. If someone you know is in the hospital, please contact the Parish Office at 831-6531.

Parish Nurse: The parish nurse facilitates the health ministry including the young and old, active or homebound, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families at St. Bernard's. The Parish Nurse will:
     * Assess the physical, emotional and spiritual needs through individual consultations and/or group survey.
     * Plans individual programs to meet needs as these needs are identified.
     * Counsel parishioners on personal/individual health issues.
     * Teach health-related classes and facilitate group discussions.
     * Organize health screening.
     * Refer parishioners to various cost-effective community health resources.
     * Recruits and coordinates volunteers to help with visitations, transportation and meals for those in need.
     * Works with the Parish Health Commission.
(The parish nurse does not compete with home care agencies. Rather, the nurse cooperates with them by helping individuals find the care they need and promote clear communication with caregivers.) Please call the Parish Office, 831-6531, for more information.

Education and Support Programs

Befriender's: This program was developed by Pastor Willard Lund in consultation with guest speakers, family members, trained professionals and others to help build stronger communities by helping people to respond to personal difficulties. We all find ourselves in the dark at some point. How can we encourage people? What can we say to our family and friends who are experiencing difficult situations? How can we express genuine sympathy, care and concern? 

Care Team Ministry: This group of individuals offers rest and relief for primary caregivers, friendly visits and phone calls, will do shopping and other errands, offers assistance with mail, reading, sorting, organizing and correspondence and will assist with other non-medical needs as appropriate. For those being served, the Care Team enhances capacity to maintain an independent lifestyle, provides quality respite time for caregivers and provides confidential assistance from members of your parish. The Care Team welcomes all questions or inquiries about services offered. Contact the parish office at (608) 831-6531 for more information.

Grief Stepping Stones: Educational series offered by Hospice Care which examines the grief process in three consecutive sessions. It is not intended to be a support group; presenters offer practical information and advice.

Grief Support: Support sessions are available for adults who have lost a loved one, spouse, parent, child, relative or friend. Sessions are held as needed. The Parish Minister or Parish Nurse attends to individual bereavement needs.

Share the Care: A team of people working together to provide support with meal planning, shopping, errands, or just to give the caregiver a little rest time. Will work with the Parish Nurse.

For more information on any of these ministries, events or organizations, please call the Parish Office at 831-6531 during the Parish Office hours, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to Noon and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM or email: parish@stbmidd.org.