Ministry of Care
When the Church cares for the sick, it serves Christ himself in the suffering members of his Mystical Body. When the Church follows the example of the Lord Jesus, who 'went about doing good and healing all’ the Church obeys his command to care for the sick.
~ Pastoral Care of the Sick
The Ministry of Care includes taking the Holy Communion to the elderly, the sick and the infirm. It involves sharing in prayer and the word of God during these visits. These visits may take place in the home, at the hospital bed, or in any institution that provides basic care and day-to-day living arrangements to the elderly, the sick and the infirm.
The OLGC Community reaches out to the sick and infirm by:
Ministry to those who are away from the Sunday community as a result of a short term illness or condition for approximately a month;
- A weekly visit from an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, bringing the Eucharist for the length of the time one is recovering and is away from the Sunday assembly.
Persons who know that they will be unable to attend Mass because of illness or recovery from surgery, etc., should contact Maria Romero, 703.896.7419 to arrange for a minister to visit with Holy Communion.
Ministry to those who are away for the community for an extended period of time because of long-term illness, disability, or condition;
- Journeying with the homebound through prayer with reception of Holy Communion;
- Weekly visits to listen, comfort, encourage and strengthen the homebound;
- Arranging for the sacrament of the sick and the sacrament of reconciliation
Persons who know that they will be unable to attend Mass because of long-term illness or disability, should contact Maria Romero, 703.896.7419 to arrange for a minister to visit with Holy Communion.
Ministry to the community at Iliff Nursing and Rehab Center
- Mass is celebrated monthly on Thursdays;
- A Service of the Word with Communion is celebrated weekly;
- Ministers of Care make visits to the Catholic residents, who cannot attend the services;
- The residents benefit from our Joy of Christmas Giving outreach project in December;
- OLGC School, Youth Ministry, and Young Professionals reach out to the residents through hand-made cards throughout the year, as well as Christmas caroling.
Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated communally twice a year in October and March.
However, if you have a family member who would like to be anointed before surgery, or needs a visit from a priest for final Anointing of the Sick with the Viaticum, at the end of his or her life, you should contact Maria Romero, 703.896.7419 to arrange a visit.