Pastoral Care

Human Needs Ministry
This ministry strives to improve upon the issues of accessibility and inclusion within St. Matthew Parish for those persons with disabilities. Participation in this ministry is open to all ages and abilities. (Melissa Hoerner, 355-6289; mahoerner@comcast.net; Linda Tortorelli, 352-1048, ltortore@illinois.edu)

Hospital Ministry
If you would like a priest to visit you while in the hospital, contact the parish office. (359-4224)

Ministry to the Sick
This is a ministry of extraordinary ministers who bring the Eucharist to those who are confined to their homes or in nursing homes. They also share prayer and fellowship and bring any particular needs to the attention of the parish priests, staff, or other ministries. (Jill Schneider, 356-9639)
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Bereavement Committee
The Bereavement Committee was established to assist individuals in St. Matthew Parish community who have experienced the loss of a family member. They are prepared to provide a funeral meal, make visits, say prayers, lend books from the bereavement library, provide a listing of resource materials, as well as simply listen and share from mutual experiences. (Anne Weber, 356-5387, aweber13@comcast.net)

Elizabeth Ministry
The Elizabeth Ministry is designed to reach out to women during special times of motherhood. Women can share experiences and concerns through personal visits at home or in the hospital. The ministry is also involved in pregnancy support, celebration of birth, post-miscarriage support, fertility issues, and infant/child crisis support. (Kristin Hummel, 356-6914, horsehummel@yahoo.com; Melanie Michael, 355-4917; Mary Horn, 355-0556, dwhorn@uiuc.edu)
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Parish Nurses
Parish Nurses focus on the promotion of health related to the values and beliefs of the faith community they serve. They access the healthcare delivery system, provide information about medications, home safety, nutrition, instructions on care skills, and act as advocates at healthcare and physician appointments. They function as part of the pastoral care team visiting parishioners at hospitals and selected nursing homes served by St. Matthew. To access the confidential parish parish nurse line call the parish office.  (Joanne Huff, 352-4471; jhuff@mymailstation.com )

Social Action Ministry
Social Action Ministry includes education in Catholic social teaching, direct service to those in spiritual, emotional or physical need and advocacy and action to help change conditions which allow the continuation of injustice. (Ruth Ann Evans, 398-5687, revans@parkland.edu)

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