The Compassion Ministry is an extension of pastoral care and concern offered by lay ministers. The Compassion Ministry is rooted in the love of God manifested by the love and care shown to our neighbors.

The Ministry may be accessed by all parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton or anyone living within the parish boundaries by contacting the Pastor, Associate Pastor, or the Church Office at 721-1686. All activities are provided in a confidential manner at no cost. Care is provided mutually agreed between the Ministry Coordinator and the parishioner.

A Compassion Minister is a parishioner who has completed a series of training classes to enhance their helping skills, desires to offer support and assistance to another parishioner in their time of need, has made a commitment to a personal prayer life, and has been commissioned by our Pastor to provide, on behalf of the parish, a confidential loving response to other parishioners.

Following is a list of what the Ministry offers:

ANTHONY FAMILY SHELTER
Four times a year, on the second Saturday of March, June, September and December, compassion ministers provide the noon meal at Anthony Family shelter.

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES
There are three assisted living facilities in the parish. Ministers visit residents in the facilities and assist with some of the planned activities for those who are living there.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
The bereavement ministry is one of the special programs of the Compassion Ministry. This ministry offers a one-to-one support for parishioners who have lost a family member through death. A Mass is offered for the deceased person and a minister is assigned to pray for the family and to maintain contact, either through phone calls, notes or with a visit for the year following the death.

In November every year, the ministry invites all parishioners who are grieving a loss to attend a special memorial Mass for the deceased. The Mass is followed by a dinner.

CHILD CARE
Ministers are available for childcare on a short-term basis when the family has a need for assistance. The care may be provided in the home of the parishioner or in the minister’s home.

HOMEBOUND
Respite care for caregivers, and visiting parishioners when they are homebound, are services provided by this ministry. Housecleaning and help with yard work are also offered for those with a need.

MEALS
Compassion ministers prepare and deliver meals to families on many occasions . . . to welcome newborns, when there is someone sick in the family, and for other events.

MINISTRY TO THE INCARCERATED
This ministry is still in the planning stages.

MOTHERS MINISTRY
As an affirmation of the parish’s commitment to the sanctity of life, the Compassion Ministry offers a special program for mothers, in which an experienced mother is paired with a mother who has recently given birth or has adopted a child. The minister offers prayers and support, and, may offer assistance with tasks if the new mother would like some help.

A Mother’s Tea is held yearly in October. Mothers with children under the age of two are invited to come and bring their young children for refreshments, entertainment and socializing.

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE
Parishioners, who are unable to drive to Church, or to appointments, may call the ministry and transportation will be provided for them. This is an ongoing service.