Parish Nurse Ministry

The Parish Nurse Ministry is specialty area of care integrating nursing and ministry in parishes across the Diocese of Camden.  This healing and teaching ministry follows Christ’s example to care for the whole person – body, mind and spirit.

There are 33 Parish Nurse Ministries extending Christ’s healing presence to our faith communities through education, advocacy, and spiritual support.

While Parish Nurses do not provide direct hands-on medical care, they play a vital role in empowering parishioners to take charge of their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. 

With resources and support from VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services, Parish Nurse Ministry assists parish communities with a wide variety of health and well-being outreach, including:

• Parish health fairs with community health resources
• Health screenings
• Physical, mental and spiritual health education
• Healing Masses and services
• CPR training classes at parish centers
• Exercise programs

Who Are Parish Nurses

Parish Nurses are licensed professionals—often from a range of healthcare experience—who minister within a faith-based setting. Health professionals from varying backgrounds in medicine have been integrated into this ministry as well and bring their unique gifts and talents. 

Roles of a Parish Nurse

• Health Educator: Offers guidance on how faith, lifestyle, and health are interconnected across the lifespan.
• Health Advocate: Promotes self-care and wellness within the faith community.
• Personal Health Counselor: Supports individuals with health-related concerns in a confidential, compassionate manner.
• Facilitator: Coordinates health and well-being events and organizes parish volunteers.
• Healer: Provides a ministry of presence, prayer, and holistic healing during times of illness or crisis.

For more information about Parish Nurse Ministry, please contact Andrea McManus, Director of Parish Nursing at 856-583-6120 or andrea.mcmanus@camdendiocese.org