What Is The Visitation Program?

The Visitation Program is that part of the Ministry of Care which consists of providing services for the Bereavement, Homebound, and Hospital Ministries. These programs respond to the needs of the sick, elderly, homebound, and bereaved members of the Parish community. Training is necessary for these programs and is offered once a year.

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What Is The Bereavement Ministry All About?

This ministry offers consolation and support to parishioners who have lost a loved one. The major responsibilites for those parishioners whom volunteer for this ministry are to:

• Meet with the family upon the death of a loved one to plan the Funeral Mass;
• Attend the wake service and share the readings, etc., with the presiding deacon;
• Attend the Funeral Mass as a minister of hospitality to the family and friends; and
• Follow up by being in touch with the family in the days and weeks following the funeral with cards, phone calls, and whatever contact the family seems to care for.

Note: This ministry also prepares and carries out the yearly Remembrance Mass.

Ministry of Care offers training sessions at least once a year for volunteers interested in being involved in the Bereavement Ministry.

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What Is the Homebound Ministry All About?

The Homebound Ministry consists of Parishioners who are not able to leave their homes. This ministry is staffed by volunteers who are trained in Archdiocesan programs through the Ministry of Care. Our volunteers visit the homebound to provide them with the following services:

• To pray with them;
• To listen to their needs and concerns; and
• To share the Eucharist with them if desired.

What If You Know Someone Who Is Homebound?

If you know of a neighbor, family member or friend in the parish who is a shut-in and would like to be visited, please call the Parish Office at (847) 358-6999 and leave the name, address, and phone number of anyone you think we should know about. We do phone ahead and check with the person before a minister visits.

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What Is the Hospital Ministry All About?

The Hospital Ministry brings comfort and reassurance to St. Thomas Parishioners at Northwest Community and St. Alexain Hospitals by talking, listening, praying, and sharing the Eucharist if desired. Volunteers are scheduled to visit Parishioners Mondays and Thursdays, choosing times at their convenience.

If someone you know is hospitalized and would like a visit from one of our volunteers, please contact the Parish Office at (847) 358-6999

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Are You Interested In Volunteering?

If you are interested in being a part of any of these rewarding ministries, you need to participate in a six-session training program which is provided once a year. Please call the Parish Office at (847) 991-8050 to register for the next training program.

Where Can One Obtain More Information?

You can obtain more information about our ministry by contacting the Parish Office at (847) 358-6999 or through our email service at stovparish@stov.org. The Parish Office will then put you in touch with one of our representatives.

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