“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
— Matthew 25:40
The Mercy Team is a parish-based ministry, composed of compassionate, caring individuals dedicated to supporting Catholic life by helping parishioners live with dignity and remain connected to the Sacraments and our parish community. Rooted in the Corporal Works of Mercy, volunteers offer practical, compassionate assistance and in-home support for the elderly and those undergoing medical treatment.
Mercy Team ministry members are not “home-health aides”, rather they help to provide practical assistance with non-medical and personal care tasks. Frequently, Mercy Teams ministry members complement home-health aide services arranged by a family member.
Mercy Teams are home helpers. Through these simple acts of mercy, the Mercy Team helps parishioners experience Christ’s love in everyday life and strengthens parishes as caring communities of faith.
VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services provides Mercy Team training to help members understand their role and equips them with skills to serve effectively and compassionately in this ministry. The goal for training is for Mercy Team members to feel comfortable, supported, and prepared to engage in helping others with compassion and care.
Parish-based Mercy Teams are led by a Mercy Team Coordinator, who meets with individuals requesting assistance and determines best how to mobilize the team members to meet identified needs.
VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Care Coordination often refers individuals to Parish-based Mercy Teams. All services are voluntary and will be directed by the parish coordinator of the ministry once the arrangements are finalized. All services are voluntary and, once arrangements are finalized, are coordinated and directed by the parish’s Mercy Team Coordinator.
Parish Nurses, retired healthcare professionals, and social workers often serve as excellent Mercy Team Coordinators due to their ability in assessing needs and providing care. However, anyone with a basic knowledge and passion for caring for the elderly or those with disabilities, are well suited for this role.
Currently, there are several Mercy Teams in parishes throughout Diocese of Camden compassionately serving others through this ministry.
For more information on starting a Mercy Team Ministry in your parish or if you need assistance connecting to a Mercy Team, please email Andrea McManus, Director of Parish Nursing, at andrea.mcmanus@camdendiocese.org.
