In our gospels, we proclaim a Lord who suffers with the suffering, who grieves with the grieving, who knows our isolation and our pain. Every Christian is called to the tasks of healing and comforting and companionship.
— Handbook for Ministers of Care, Liturgy Training Publications
Ministry of Care
Ministers of Care are ordinary people called to minister to ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Parishioners are commissioned by Divine Mercy to bring the compassion, prayer, and communion of the parish, and the church, to the sick and homebound. These ministers are commissioned to bear witness to the suffering of parishioners and of Christ. This is a ministry of presence: the presence of the minister of care, and the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. At Divine Mercy, we bring the bread of life, the Eucharist, to someone who cannot come to either of our worship sites. We have ministers who are trained to bring the Eucharist to our members in the hospital, nursing homes, in rehab centers, and to those who are homebound. If you would like to become a Minister of Care or if you know someone who would benefit from a weekly visit or some companionship during an illness or period of rehabilitation, please contact: Liz McGowen, Director of Pastoral Care and Outreach at the Parish Office, [email protected] or 847-446-0856 ext. 108 Caregiver Support Group
Caregiver Support Group -- Parishioners who are caring for loved ones gather weekly for an informal discussion to share experiences and offer each other support. As of August 1, 2023, we are meeting via Zoom at 2 pm on Thursdays. For the link and details please email Liz McGowen, [email protected]. Bereavement Ministry
Coming Soon. Family Life Speaker Series
In early 2023, our Pastoral Care Committee administered a survey to the Divine Mercy Parish community. We found that several "family life" issues were on parishioners' minds. Our Family Life Speaker Series is an effort to address those concerns. Details about our fall presentation are below:
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - How To Talk To Children About Scary Things Dr. Karen Cassiday, PhD, of the Anxiety Treatment Center of Chicago, will help parents learn concrete tips and age-appropriate strategies to feel good about discussing life's difficulties and disasters with their children. Click here to see the slides from the presentation. |
Anima Christi Prayer
Soul of Christ be my sanctification. Body of Christ be my salvation. Blood of Christ, fill all my veins. Water from Christ's side, wash out my stains. Passion of Christ, my comfort be. O good Jesus, listen to me. In your wounds I would hide, never to be parted from your side. Guard me when the foe assails me, guide me when my feet shall fail me. Bid me come to you above with your Saints to sing your love. Forever and ever, Amen Pastoral Care Family Life ResourcesPARISH RESOURCES
Below are organizations and resources that serve the Divine Mercy Parish community. If you need help figuring out where to turn, or do not see what you need, please contact our director of pastoral care, Liz McGowen, at Lm[email protected] or 847-446-0856 ext. 108. She is also available most weekends after the Sunday morning Masses if you prefer to speak in person.
RESOURCES FOR THE SICK, HOMEBOUND, AND ELDERLY Available at Divine Mercy Parish:
Family Service of Glencoe Emily Mysel, MSW, LCSW, Senior Program Manager, 675 Village Court, Glencoe, IL 60022, (847) 835-5111, www.familyserviceofglencoe.org
Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois 1723 Simpson Street, Evanston, IL 60201, (847) 332-2678, www.mealsonwheelsnei.org Intake may be done by phone.
161 Northfield Rd., Northfield IL 60093, (847) 784-6000, www.nssc.org This organization offers support and resources, learning programs, counseling, caregiver support, memory care programs, fitness and wellness programs, adult protective services, personal money management, and housing resources. Each day offers multiple options for seniors to connect with others. New Trier Township Offers a food pantry, emergency housing assistance, and other resources for residents of New Trier Township. Contact Jeanne Winsted Rosser, LCSW, General Assistance Director, 739 Elm St., Winnetka IL 60093, 847-446-8201, [email protected]. Northfield Township Resources are available to residents of Northfield Township, including a food pantry. RESOURCES FOR COUPLES & MARRIAGE Retrouvaille Helps couples find consolation, strength, and encouragement. This is a long-term program in a group setting with retreats. www.helpourmarriage.org The Holbrook Center at Catholic Charities Counseling, including marriage counseling. www.catholiccharities.net/behavioral-health-programs/adult-counseling/; 312.655.7725. Catholic Therapists Maintains a list of counselors who understand Catholic teaching on the permanence of marriage and can help couples work toward saving their marriage; www.catholictherapists.com Directory of Therapists Dr. Bill Doherty, a leader in the marriage field, maintains a national registry of marriage counselors who believe marriage is an important personal, professional, and social value; www.marriagefriendlytherapists.com Family Service Center The Community Mental Health Center for New Trier and Northfield Townships may also be able to assist. Their intake phone number is 847-251-7350; www.familyservicecenter.com. They serve everyone from children to older adults, with multiple languages available, and take PPO and sliding-scale payments. Please know that a referral from your doctor may also be an option. RESOURCES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Wings Program, P.O. Box 95615, Palatine, IL 60095; www.wingsprogram.com; email [email protected] Wings is our local domestic violence provider, who can offer counseling, emergency assistance, and shelter for individuals and families. Emergency Shelter and 24-hour crisis assistance: 847-221-5680 Housing, counseling, and mentors: 847-519-7828 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE); TTY for the hearing impaired 1-800-787-3224 RESOURCES FOR BEREAVEMENT Suicide: LOSS Program www.catholiccharities.net/behavioral-health-programs/loss-loving-outreach-to-survivors-of-suicide/ For other resources, please contact our parish director of pastoral care, Liz McGowen, at 847-446-0856 ext. 108 or [email protected] RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH Family Service Center This is the Community Mental Health Center for New Trier and Northfield Townships. Their intake phone number is 847-251-7350; www.familyservicecenter.com. They serve all ages, with multiple languages available, and take PPO and sliding-scale payments. Youth mental health: If you have concerns about your child's mental health, a good starting point is with your pediatrician and the staff at your child's school. Our parish director of pastoral care would be happy to talk with you and answer questions. These additional resources are also available for parents: CATCH Program 847-373-4661; www.catchiscommunity.org CATCH offers many resources for parents, including parent support groups and information. This is a wonderful local resource founded by parents who want to help other parents. Erika’s Lighthouse This organization helps facilitate suicide prevention and positive mental health in schools through community advocacy and ambassadors. Many local schools have chapters of this organization. Find out more at their website, www.erikaslighthouse.org Resources for Addiction and Recovery Coming soon |
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& OFFICE HOURS The Divine Mercy Parish office is located at our Sacred Heart Church site, 1077 Tower Road in Winnetka, and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. It's always helpful to call first! TELEPHONE NUMBER > 847-446-0856 |
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