Love to the Very End
by Annella Wehlage and Lisa Mitchell
“It is a great act of charity to care for those suffering from bodily wounds, from mental depression, from a despairing heart. To love to the very end is the supreme teaching which Jesus and Mary have left us.”
(Meditation on the 13th Station from “The Face of Christ, the Face of Man” Meditations by H.E. Msgr. Giancarlo Maria Bregantini, Archbishop of Campobasso-Boiano)
Palliative care outreach in its present form was a cherished goal of Sister Ivy Maccan, a Sister of Saint Martha, who retired from her position with Spiritual Care in 2014. She was well aware from her work in Lethbridge hospitals and nursing homes that many people lost connection with their home parish due to chronic illness, impaired mobility and end-of-life issues. If parishioners could not come to the church, Sister Ivy hoped the church would go out to them. In the summer of 2015, palliative care outreach was born. The ministry group received their inaugural blessing and formal installation on October 15, 2015.
Palliative care ministry, both inside the hospital and in private homes, is coordinated by Annella Wehlage, Coordinator of Roman Catholic Spiritual Care at Lethbridge Hospital. Wehlage gets referrals from parishes, the palliative team, physicians and nurses. Working with her assistant Lisa Mitchell, she visits and reviews all candidates. Once assessed, individuals who qualify are assigned to a member of the Palliative Ministry group. The group member will then visit the sick person regularly to be a link between them and the parish community.
Palliative ministry members are trained to offer mindful and compassionate presence. They also pray with and for, the sick and dying. If requested, they take Holy Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass.
One volunteer with the Catholic Palliative Ministry had this to say:
“I enjoy this ministry because I can bring companionship and friendship to individuals unable to attend church services. In turn, I receive the same benefit from those I visit. This ministry allows me to share information about what is happening in the parish; from general conversations to simply praying with our friends during the visit. Through the act of giving of my time, new friendships are created. For those unable to join outside activities, it is our way of letting them know that they are not forgotten and are a very important part of the life of the parish and the community.”
“I also enjoy the closeness of our group. We meet once a month and are kept current through education and information updates presented by Annella and Lisa.”
Compassionate volunteers (from both Lethbridge parishes) are always needed. If you feel called to this Work of Mercy, namely visiting the sick and disabled, please contact the All Saints parish office at 403-327-8931.
(Meditation on the 13th Station from “The Face of Christ, the Face of Man” Meditations by H.E. Msgr. Giancarlo Maria Bregantini, Archbishop of Campobasso-Boiano)
Palliative care outreach in its present form was a cherished goal of Sister Ivy Maccan, a Sister of Saint Martha, who retired from her position with Spiritual Care in 2014. She was well aware from her work in Lethbridge hospitals and nursing homes that many people lost connection with their home parish due to chronic illness, impaired mobility and end-of-life issues. If parishioners could not come to the church, Sister Ivy hoped the church would go out to them. In the summer of 2015, palliative care outreach was born. The ministry group received their inaugural blessing and formal installation on October 15, 2015.
Palliative care ministry, both inside the hospital and in private homes, is coordinated by Annella Wehlage, Coordinator of Roman Catholic Spiritual Care at Lethbridge Hospital. Wehlage gets referrals from parishes, the palliative team, physicians and nurses. Working with her assistant Lisa Mitchell, she visits and reviews all candidates. Once assessed, individuals who qualify are assigned to a member of the Palliative Ministry group. The group member will then visit the sick person regularly to be a link between them and the parish community.
Palliative ministry members are trained to offer mindful and compassionate presence. They also pray with and for, the sick and dying. If requested, they take Holy Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass.
One volunteer with the Catholic Palliative Ministry had this to say:
“I enjoy this ministry because I can bring companionship and friendship to individuals unable to attend church services. In turn, I receive the same benefit from those I visit. This ministry allows me to share information about what is happening in the parish; from general conversations to simply praying with our friends during the visit. Through the act of giving of my time, new friendships are created. For those unable to join outside activities, it is our way of letting them know that they are not forgotten and are a very important part of the life of the parish and the community.”
“I also enjoy the closeness of our group. We meet once a month and are kept current through education and information updates presented by Annella and Lisa.”
Compassionate volunteers (from both Lethbridge parishes) are always needed. If you feel called to this Work of Mercy, namely visiting the sick and disabled, please contact the All Saints parish office at 403-327-8931.