The purpose of Ministry of Care is to assist the pastor in caring for the sick and homebound of the parish community. Ministers of Care bring the Eucharist to those parishioners who are homebound because of illness or old age in order to connect them to our Sunday liturgies. It is our intent to bring the comfort and peace of Jesus Christ and the care and concern of the parish to those in need. This ministry lets them know that they are not forgotten members of the parish.

Have you ever been ill, vulnerable or afraid?

Do you have a compassionate heart that you would like to share with others?

Jesus says: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Mt. 5:7).
“For I was ill and you cared for me… Whatever you did for one of these least brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mt. 25:36, 40).

“Care is being with, crying with, suffering with, feeling with. Care is compassion. It is claiming the truth that the other person is my brother or sister, human, mortal, vulnerable” (Henri Nouwen). Ministers of Care will tell you that they receive more than they ever give. It is truly a blessing to be present, to listen, to pray and bring Christ to those who are ill.

We here at St. Mary of Vernon are especially in need of Ministers of Care who bring communion to the patients at Advocate Condell Medical Center on a Saturday or Sunday once a month. This requires additional training through Advocate Condell as well as the training through the archdiocese.  

-If you feel that Ministry of Care might be something you would like to do and you would like more information, please contact the parish office at 847-362-1005. 

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives!

Days and times will vary depending on where the Minister of Care chooses to serve. Most scheduling preferences can be accommodated.

Personal home visits

Hospital visits at Condell Medical Center

Communion services at retirement homes and extended care facilities including:

• Autumn Leaves
• Brookdale of Vernon Hills
• Hawthorn Lakes/Willows
• Spring of Vernon Hills
• Sunrise Assisted Living
• Victory Center
• Warren Barr/Wellshire

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."   I John 4:7-8

For more information on volunteering or needing a visit from a Minister of Care, please contact  the parish office at 847-362-1005.