Care Ministry Mission:

Our Goal is to improve the quality of life for elders in our parish
and in assisted living centers by:

•  Providing an atmosphere of support, understanding and acceptance within the parish
• Providing an opportunity to discuss experiences and share information  
• Encouraging new relationships through parish fellowship activities 
• Preventing feelings of isolation through home visits and fellowship activities 
• Educating individuals about aging issues and concerns 
• Referring individuals to community resources and information

Most of us, at some point in our lives, will care for an aging family member or friend.  A vast majority of caregivers (85%) care for a relative or other loved one. Navigating the many rewards and challenges of care giving can be difficult.  Finding support from othersand educational resources can make the journey a little easier.    

On the 3rd Thursday of every month, please join us in the South Classroom of the parish center as we learn about topics related to care giving and find support from fellow group members who are caring for a loved one. Educational topics will incorporate the needs of the group, and may include guest speakers, relevant articles and videos. 

Any person who cares for an aging loved one is welcome, no matter what kind of care situation you and your loved one experience. Our first session is Thursday October 18 from 6:00-8:00 PM in the South Classroom.  Please feel free to call the parish office for more information. 

Strong for Life 2.0 is an exercise program designed to improve strength, flexibility and balance in adults 60 years and older. The 45-minute class consists of exercises targeting the trunk, arms and legs. All movements are done in either sitting or standing positions and can be modified to fit the individual participant’s needs. The class is offered through a partnership with Providence Community Connections and the George Fox University Physical Therapy Program.

• Classes are free – but all participants must enroll.
• To enroll, participants must provide a release form from their doctor and a complete a short orientation.
• Please contact the parish office for more information or to enroll in the class.
• Classes are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00-10:45 AM in the South classrooms of the parish center.

This ministry is a special combination of hospitality and Eucharistic Ministry. A Homebound Minister represents the parish by bringing Holy Communion to those who are physically unable to gather with the congregation. Ministers to the homebound visit sick parishioners in their homes and assisted living centers; and use the ritual, Communion for the Sick, by sharing a Scripture reading and distributing the Eucharist.

To request a visit or to be considered as a Homebound Minister, contact Deacon Bill Bloudek.

St. Francis hosts a 13 week grief support group program called GriefShare.  This group is a Christian based program used by churches all over the country. Each week, participants view a video clip about a topic essential to recovering from the hurt of grief and loss. A group discussion about the video, as well as a general support time, follows. Each participant also receives a workbook with a daily Bible study, grief processing tips, exercises, helpful articles and resources. The group is facilitated by St. Francis lay ministers.

Information on upcoming sessions will be in the bulletin and on this webpage in the Fall.  Please feel free to join us if you have experienced a loss of a family member or friend through death, no matter when the loss occurred. The cost is $15 for the workbook. Please call the parish office with any questions or to register.

Weekly topics:

• Is This Normal?
• Challenges of Grief
• The Journey of Grief (Part 1 and 2)
• Grief and Your Relationships
• Why?
• Guilt and Anger
• Complicating Factors Stuck Lessons of Grief (Part 1 and 2)
• Heaven
• What Do I Live for Now?