Gesu Parish Health Ministry

Do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.

HEALTH MINISTRY SHARES THE MISSION OF
JESUS CHRIST...SHALOM

When Jesus appeared to the apostles for the first time after the resurrection, he said, "Peace be with you," repeatedly. The Hebrew word in these verses (John 20:19-29) is "shalom" - a word which means "peace," but carries with it so much more. "Shalom" means a "wholeness and an integrity in which all the facets of one's life are in harmony: one's physical, spiritual, emotional and moral health, and one's relationships with God and others." It is a concept that no one English word can convey. That kind of wholeness and integration, where everything in one's life is in perfect order, is what Jesus wishes for his followers. The church was given the task to carry on that mission of Jesus - to lead humankind to renewal, restoration, and wholeness.

FOR I WILL RESTORE YOU TO HEALTH; OF YOUR WOUNDS I WILL HEAL YOU, SAYS THE LORD.

Jeremiah 30:17

CURRENT GESU HEALTH MINISTRY ACTIVITIES
2008

Note: If you are feeling caled to serve in any of the following ministry activities, please call the Parish Nurse, Marcia, at 414-288-5288.

Blood Pressure Monitoring and General Health Counseling is available at Gesu Parish every 2nd Sunday weekend, following Saturday evening and Sunday morning liturgies. Blood pressure checks and counseling may be obtained at other times, by appointment with the Parish Nurse, Marcia; call 414-288-5288 for an appointment.

Faith in Recovery Support Groups - The VISION of Faith in Recovery is the belief that spirituality plays an important role for faith communities to support individuals and families dealing with mental illness. Group discussions are decided upon by the members. A daytime group meets each 3rd Monday of the month from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. All are welcome! Call Marcia at 414-288-5288 if you have questions.

Semi-annual Blood Drives - Each year Gesu takes on the challenge of hosting blood drives on days of special need for the Blood Center. Our winter drive takes place on Martin Luther King Day, always a Monday in mid-January. The winter blood drive includes a chili-fest, home made chili recipes donated by our members, for the hospitiality of our donors. Our summer drive is always on July 5th, unless it falls on a weekend, in which case it moves to the very next Monday. In the summer we provide an ice cream treat of some sort.

Grief Support - Individual grief support, grief resources, and referrals to available grief support groups are available through the parish nurse. If you are hurting due to the loss of a loved one, there is no need to go through it alone. You are not going crazy, although it may feel like it sometimes. Call Marcia at 414-288-5288.

Gesu Visitation Ministries - "In the name of our Lord we worship and serve our community. Depending on God to enable us, our purpose is to bring people to Christ, to strengthen people in Christ, and to maintain people with Christ for ultimate peace and health in Christ." Trained Gesu lay ministers visit members who are home bound or confined to long term care facilities. Others are trained to distribute Holy Eucharist to Catholics who are hospitalized at Aurora Sinai Samaritan Medical Center. These individuals must meet all of the volunteer training requirements established by the hospital. If you or someone you know are in need of communion or visitation, please notify Marcia at 414-288-5288.

Power of Attorney for Health Care Document - Legal forms, education and guidance are available through the Parish Nurse. This is a must have legal document for everyone who reaches the age of 18 and older. Please contact Marcia at 414-288-5288 if you are interested in learning more, if you need copies of this legal document, or desire help with completing the document.

Veteran's Healing - Veteran's Healing is a new ministry effort initiated in 2008. Our mission is to "support our troops" once they have returned home from war. Veterans of all eras, as well as their family members and loved ones are welcome. "Vet's Listening Sessions" are scheduled every Monday evening at 7pm in the Parish Center. Listening Sessions are not considered therapy, but are designed to provide a safe and confidential setting for Veterans to share their stories. Sharing stories is a vital step in a veteran's healing process after returning home from war. Listeners are trained and dedicated individuals (both veterans and civilians) who offer support through listening, as well as provide information and resources for those living with PTSD. Call Marcia at 414-288-5288.

Gesu Health Ministry Commitee - Members of this committee meet approximately every six weeks to plan Health Ministry activities at Gesu. We are always looking for new ideas, new inspiration and new members. Our 2006/2007 members include: