Angels of Mercy

The Angels of Mercy began in September of 1998 from a need of a Holy Faith parishioner. The name was chosen to model the compassion of Blessed Mother Teresa, who was known as an “angel of mercy.” The Angels of Mercy provide temporary, compassionate care for members of Holy Faith Church and pray for those who are ill or in need. They primarily serve the elderly who are homebound or in nursing homes as well as parishioners who are recovering from an illness or surgery and have limited support from family and friends. They visit, send cards, telephone, provide holiday baskets and provide meals on a short term basis for those recovering from an illness or surgery. It is their hope to provide these services with love, compassion and grace.

Parish Nurses

Our Parish Nurses have a unique way of being companions on the journey for the sick, lonely and elderly. They understand health to be a dynamic process that embodies the spiritual, psychological, physical and social dimensions of the person. They are registered nurses who volunteer their time and talents in monitoring the health needs of our parishioners, especially on the first Sunday of the month, after the 9:30am Mass. In addition to having a listening ear, they provide a Blood Pressure Clinic and make available literature for healthy living. These Parish Nurses have an active license to practice in the State of Florida. They are committed to the faith teaching of the Catholic Church and have a caring spirit.

Outreach Ministers of Holy Communion

Among the Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion (EMC’s) are those with a special ministry to the sick, the infirm, the weakened elderly and the homebound. These special ministers have taken to heart the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew “freely you received, freely give.”(Matt. 10:8.)  Bringing Communion to their brothers and sisters in Christ is a ministry of compassion, of following Jesus. They know that as they have received grace, strength and peace from the reception of Holy Communion, they will bring the same strength and peace to those who can no longer come to a Eucharistic celebration. These ministers bring Jesus, the very Bread of Life, to comfort and strengthen the sick to embrace the Cross of Christ in their life. These Eucharistic encounters with Jesus also bring the promise of Eternal Life.

Responsibilities of EMC’s to the Sick:

1. Volunteer for this ministry with a generous spirit of compassion and time.
2. Receive training from the Director of Special Pastoral Care to be qualified for ministry to the sick and infirm.
3. Be fingerprinted and have a criminal background check, since the sick, infirm and the aged are considered to be among the vulnerable population.
4. Complete volunteer reference form which the parish checks.
5. Be commissioned by the Bishop of the Diocese.

Places of Ministry

Holy Faith Catholic Church ministers to the health facilities within our parish boundaries. Both the outreach ministers of Holy Communion and the Angels of Mercy serve these facilities. This includes our homebound parishioners, North Florida Regional Medical Center, 12 Nursing Homes and Two Retirement Centers.