Pastoral Ministry
Heidi Gieske is the Pastoral Minister at St. Bridget’s, but the work of pastoral care belongs to all of us. We want to help people continue to feel connected to their faith and their church community even if they are sick, or having some difficulty. Heidi is involved with visiting members of our community who are homebound, in the hospital, or in local care facilities. We bring the Eucharist as well as encouragement and comfort to many in the community.
Heidi reaches out with bereavement support to families who have
lost loved ones. She is present to assist families during funerals and to
check in with them afterwards with care and support. Heidi works closely
with Fr. Al, and lets him know when he is needed to Anoint or visit our
community members. He is so very willing to come to you.
We have Homebound Eucharistic Ministers and Befrienders trained to bring
the Eucharist to parishioners in their homes. For more information
click on the links for Eucharist for the Homebound or
Befrienders.
On
the first Thursday of the month, Fr. Al offers a mass at the Parmly Nursing
Home Chapel in Chisago City starting at 10am. On all the following
Thursdays of the month there is a faithful group of volunteers who conduct a
Eucharist service in the Parmly Chapel at 10am. Anyone is welcome to
attend the monthly mass or Eucharist service.
If you would like us to visit you in the hospital you need to let us know
you are there. The hospital does not automatically contact us. We
would be happy to come if you desire a pastoral visit or would like to
receive the Eucharist.
We have a beautiful caring community. Every time you reach out with love and
support to each other you are giving each other pastoral care and building
the body of Christ.
If you are interested in volunteering to help with this ministry, please call Heidi at
651-257-2474 ext 3 or you can email her.
Father Al Backmann and Heidi Gieske