About Precious Elder Ministry
By The Rev. Patricia Horkey
June 21, 2015
June 21, 2015
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Mission Statement
St. Hugh’s Precious Elder Ministry seeks to bring hope and healing to the elderly—and our neighbors in the Mountain Communities (and beyond)—with dignity and respect; we will offer compassionate care and encourage a sense of belonging and connection to God and the People of God through Intercessory Prayer, Holy Eucharist, Anointing and Reconciliation. |
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Called by God
As Christians we are called by God to live into our Baptismal Covenant in which we promise to “respect the dignity of every human being.” As Episcopalians we use intercessory prayer within our worship and within the rituals of our sacraments and sacramental rites for those who find themselves on the margins of our society because of this disease. The Apostle reminds us that within the Body of Christ, "If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26 NRSV) As baptized Christians, we are living sacraments, "outward sign[s] of an inward grace" living and united as we are in and through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As living sacraments, each of us is a healer with a soul, offering liberation to the oppressed through our particular rituals that are celebrated in worship within the presence of God and one another. |
Our Ministry of Hope and Healing
As Episcopalians, our sacraments, sacramental rites and rituals provide connection with God, the church, the community, and with ourselves. Also, through our rituals, both clergy and lay ministers are able to offer a moment in time that provides spiritual healing for individuals with Alzheimer's disease/dementia: those who find themselves in a "sea of pain, suffering and confusion”
As living sacraments, through our rituals we are able to manifest Christ to one another and, by our presence, we affirm these individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia to be beloved children of God.
By our presence we assure them that they are not alone, nor will they be forgotten as they journey in life with this disease.
Our church’s treasures of Prayer, Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Unction (anointing of the sick), are all spiritual gifts that offer hope and healing to individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia and to those who lovingly care for them.
As Episcopalians, our sacraments, sacramental rites and rituals provide connection with God, the church, the community, and with ourselves. Also, through our rituals, both clergy and lay ministers are able to offer a moment in time that provides spiritual healing for individuals with Alzheimer's disease/dementia: those who find themselves in a "sea of pain, suffering and confusion”
As living sacraments, through our rituals we are able to manifest Christ to one another and, by our presence, we affirm these individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia to be beloved children of God.
By our presence we assure them that they are not alone, nor will they be forgotten as they journey in life with this disease.
Our church’s treasures of Prayer, Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Unction (anointing of the sick), are all spiritual gifts that offer hope and healing to individuals living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia and to those who lovingly care for them.
—From our trifold brochure, Precious Elder Ministry
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How do we best communicate with someone living with Alzheimer's/dementia? With "compassionate communication." Read our essay, Compassionate Communication posted July 14, 2015. |
