Health Ministry began at our parish in the year of 2003 to minister to the people of St. Hedwig when faced with a loss of their loved ones.  The pastoral leaders felt a greater need to do more than just arrange for a funeral.  Today the St. Hedwig Health Ministry strives to provide spiritual, physical and moral support to families through the Health Ministry Teams described below.

Gifts needed for this ministry are a strong faith and a comforting spirit.  If you are a practicing Catholic with a desire to serve others and would like more information regarding this ministry, please contact the parish office at (562) 296-9000.
 

Health Ministry Teams

Bereavement Support Group:
This ministry comforts the bereaved survivors and offers assistance at the time of death in coordination with a priest.  This ministry also assists the family in planning the funeral liturgy with music, readings, and other requests of the family.

Caregiver Support Group:
If you are caring for a loved one, including someone with dementia, Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease, please join us for refreshments and discussion.  We meet on the second Friday of each month.  For more information see the Caregiver Support Group webpage.

Liturgy Coordinators:
This minister contacts immediate the family upon the death of a loved one, and assists in arranging the Catholic funeral rite.  Vigil, Funeral Mass, Memorial Mass, Graveside Service.  During the selection process, the minister assists with the selection of scriptural readings, selection of music, and other various ways to encourage family involvements.

Vigil Team:
These ministers preside at the Vigil services.

Visitation Team:
These ministers make themselves available for visits to the grieving members of the family to be present and listen as the pain and sorrow are shared.

Timothy Ministry:
These ministers keep in contact with the family through ministry of writing letters, sending helpful literatures, and anniversary letters to keep them included, prayerfully in the community.

For more information contact:
Cynthia Dickey, Adult Faith Formation Director
(562) 296-9030