Parish Ministry

‘It is not enough for me to love God, if my neighbour does not love him’
St. Vincent de Paul 

The Daughters of Charity, in collaboration with parish teams, are striving to make this dream a reality in the following parishes:

As sisters work in many parishes they are walking the pathway of synodality.

Synodality is the way the Church listens, discerns, and walks together.

Synodality is not simply a Church initiative or a new trend introduced by Pope Francis, but a deep rediscovery of what it means to be the People of God journeying together. It is the way God is calling us to be Church today or as Pope Leo XIV said recently, “it is a word that aptly expresses how the Spirit shapes the Church.” And this is a cause for profound hope.

To be a pilgrim is to walk with purpose. And our purpose is rooted in Christian hope: the conviction that Christ is risen, that love triumphs over death, and that God is leading us even when the road ahead seems uncertain. As Easter people, we proclaim with our lives that “Alleluia is our song!” Hope is not a vague optimism, but a virtue anchored in the promises of God. In these times of global uncertainty, ecclesial change, and spiritual hunger, we need this kind of hope more than ever; hope that walks, listens, and acts.

Many Parish sisters take part in the parish preparation for the children preparing for the reception of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.   Some parish sisters are gifted in music and collaborate with others in developing a Children’s Choir, encouraging and supporting the parents and leaders involved.

The continual education and development of leadership within the context of parishes is a key aspect in pastoral ministry. Some sisters are involved in the exploration and development of the Ember Programme.  The development of ministries in the Adult faith model: Baptism Faith Friends; Ministers of Word and Eucharist; Bereavement Ministry/Bethany; Funeral Team Ministry.  The development of Adult Faith Programmes including for Advent and Lent.  An important aspect of these programmes encouraging and helping people to pray.

Other Pastoral care activities include Communion calls to the sick and the elderly housebound and visiting bereaved families.

Pastoral Parish Ministry

My life and work as a Pastoral Care Sister in Corpus Christi  Parish in west Belfast, engages me with many and varied tasks, but most importantly with people of great warmth, welcome and strong Christian faith.

Since my arrival in June 2016, I have been involved in preparing new parents for the Baptism of their children.  I visit the recently bereaved and attend the funerals of their loved ones.

I support the parishioners on their faith journey, by preparing and facilitating prayer, liturgies and helping them promote devotion to Our Lady through the Marian Association.  The Prayer Ministry in the parish is certainly “alive and active” particularly through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament two days every week.  This experience of the parish community praying together supports me.

The highlight of my day, is visiting the sick and housebound and having the privilege of bringing them Holy Communion and praying with them. I know these are special graced moments for both of us.

Working as a Parish sister, for me is both nourishing and enjoyable.

Kathleen McErlean DC