ST. SIMON STOCK COMMISSIONS PARISH NURSES

On Sunday morning May 1st , parishioners at St. Simon Stock parish dodged the rain drops to get to 9:30 Mass. As in many parishes on the first weekend in May, the First Communicants were dressed in their finery and a treat for all to see. But on this Sunday, in addition to the new Communicants, there was a new ministry about to be introduced and officially commissioned in the parish.

The new ministry is the Health Ministry of Parish Nurses. It is made up of a group of nurses, with various talents in specialties such as: critical care, operating room, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, adult health, pediatrics, school nursing, community health and education of future nurses. These seasoned professionals have accepted the invitation to become Parish Nurses, and the rich diversity of their experience will benefit all those who will be cared for by them. What is unique about this ministry is that it treats healthcare as a combination of mind, body and spirit, seeking to care for the whole person, and not just their physical ailments.

Deacon John Rich gave the homily speaking about service with and for others in the name of Jesus. The Parish Nurses were called forth to be commissioned by their pastor, Father James Dabrowski. They stood together at the foot of the altar, with joyful faces and  pledged their service to their faith community. The new ministry took St. Marianne Cope as their patron, who was a nurse and missionary to the lepers on Molokai, in the Hawaiian Islands, and is a shining example of prayerfully servicing the needs of the body, mind and spirit.

After mass, the newly commissioned nurses greeted parishioners and shared how the ministry will serve the parish. All enjoyed a special breakfast in the church hall and perused through information on healthy living which was on display for anyone needing some pointers on how to live a healthier lifestyle.

The new ministry members are: Celeste Codario RN; Mary Druding MSN, CRNP; Ritamarie Giosa MSN, RN, CNP; Eileen Iuliucci RN, CSN; Chuck Warrington MSN, RN, NP and Ellen Wisniewski RN, BSN.

VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Congratulates the Parish Nurses of St. Simon Stock!