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Senior Life Ministry

The Parish Nurse program is undergoing a revitalization and will now be called the Senior Life Ministry. We invite you to join us on this journey!

We are truly grateful...

The Senior Life Ministry is made possible thru the generosity of the Joseph R. and Mary S. Macharney Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Through this program, we are able to provide community support services to senior citizens in the San Pedro Catholic Church Parish which includes outreach, friendly visiting, hospital and nursing home visitation, crafts, telephone reassurance, and much more. Our seniors are very blessed here at San Pedro to be a part of such a generous gift! and for that, we are truly grateful!

Direct Office: 909-698-0098
E-Mail: office@sanpedrocc.org

Senior Life Ministry

This Ministry promotes the holistic health of the Parish. It is committed to providing ongoing education, as well as serving as a liaison between the resources that are available and the elderly who are in need of these resources.

This program has been made available through the generosity of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Macharney in the form of an endowed bequest to provide support services to senior citizens in San Pedro Catholic Parish.

Arimatheans

The name, Arimatheans, comes from Joseph of Arimathea, who tended to our Lord, after His death. The Arimatheans is a group of caring Parishioners who attend funerals and memorial Masses as representatives of the faith community. At San Pedro, there are regular instances where there are very few to no family members able to attend the funeral liturgy. The Arimatheans is a ministry of support to the grieving families as well as a sign of respect for our deceased parishioners.

Bereavement Program

Twice yearly, a 7-week course offered for those wishing to learn to live in a new normal without their loved one. The Bereavement Ministry also sends remembrance cards to the surviving members at one, three, six, and 12-month intervals as well as Christmas and Easter greetings.

Bloodmobile

Although part of the county program, the Bloodmobile arrives on San Pedro campus every 3 months allowing able parishioners to donate life-saving blood. An opportunity is taken at these times to reinforce the help that may be given to as many as 3 people per unit in need of this life-saving gift.

Equipment Loans

Walkers, wheelchairs, canes, shower chairs, commodes, donated by parishioners are available on loan to seniors in need.

Hearing Assistive Devices

Hearing Assistive Devices are available each weekend allowing those with a hearing impairment to clearly hear everything that is said at the Altar. They can be picked up from the Ushers before the Mass begins.

Helping Hands after a Hospital Stay

When an elderly person comes home after a hospital or rehab stay, it is difficult for that person to do the housekeeping tasks that must be done. This program gives them 6-8 weeks to fully convalesce before returning to their previous level of living, safely and comfortably in their own surroundings.

Home Alone

The elderly living alone may choose to be called on a daily basis. This gives them and their families “up North” the security of knowing they’re not hurt or worse. If there is no answer, a procedure is in place to check on the individuals.

Lunch & Learn

Opportunities are provided each season to have qualified professional speakers address topics that the parishioners have requested. Lunch is provided after the discussion. This enables parishioners to meet with friends and enjoy some social contacts as well as gain meaningful information on health topics.

Medical Alarm System

Medical Alert buttons provided to parishioners who live alone and not able to afford the service themselves.

Respite Care

Several volunteers are available to provide 1-2 hours of respite to senior parishioners caring for homebound spouses or family members, enabling them to do errands, shop, or attend classes on their own.

St. Clare Prayer Shawl & Blanket Ministry

Monthly meetings for those who knit, crochet, and quilt. Shawls and blankets are made for those who are chronically ill, having surgery, in nursing homes/rehab. White christening blankets are made for the newly baptized infants of the parish. Baby booties, hats, blankets are also made and donated to the local pregnancy crisis center.

Miscellaneous

The nurse’s office is open from 9:00 -2:00 pm weekdays. There is an open door policy but calling ahead ensures she is not out of the office on a home/nursing home visit when you arrive. There is a confidential voice mail attached to the nurse phone line and all are encouraged to call 941-423-7139.