By Janette Byrne
PARISH NURSES are Registered Nurses who care for the mind, body and soul of the parishioners in their church following the example of Christ and the Gospels.
The duties of the parish nurse are tailored to fit the needs of their congregation and communities. Some of their responsibilities might include health education, personal health counselling, liaison to community health resources, coordination of volunteers and integrator of faith and healing.
Listening and being attentive is how we learn the needs of our parish. For example, at St. Hilda’s St. Luke’s a questionnaire started this process of listening. Health education was a major request which prompted the development of the Speaker Series. The past three years we have covered end-of life issues, mental and social health issues including homelessness.
During the Depression presentation, one of our parishioners felt safe to stand up and express their lived experience with depression to the entire group. This would not have happened otherwise.
This year the Speaker Series will explore chronic diseases. In addition, we hold Blood Pressure Clinics once a month. In October following the service, we partner with Yurek’s pharmacy to facilitate a Flu Shot Sunday providing flu and covid shots to those who wish to be vaccinated.
This makes the parish a safer place for worship and for gathering. The parish also enjoy lunch following the Flu Shot Clinic which deepens their fellowship and relationships. Bulletin boards and announcements in the church bulletin are also used to promote health education.
Parish Nurses representing the Roman Catholic, Anglican, United and Evangelical Lutheran faith communities in Elgin and Middlesex counties have organized the Canadian Parish Nurse Ministry (CAPNM) Biannual conference in conjunction with the (CAPNM) Board of Directors. It will take place on April 24-26, 2026 at Best Western Stone Ridge Inn, Talbot Road, London.
For more info and registration go to: https://www.capnm.ca/events/2026-conference/
Another identified topic of interest was Grief and Bereavement support. In response, an eight-week Grief and Bereavement Support Group was developed. This program has evolved into an ongoing group that continues to meet on their own monthly beyond the formal program.
Spiritual care is a core duty of the parish nurse. Parish nurses connect with parishioners formally and informally. We visit those who come to church, those in hospital and in long term care, those who are homebound. This is where we walk alongside the parishioner listening to each person’s needs, issues, concerns and fears.
It is also time for us to assist them by networking with community resources, counselling them to enhance their health, connecting them to the minister upon request, and praying with them. For instance, partnering with the March of Dimes to get funding to replace a battery for a scooter, facilitating the completion a Power of Attorney document for health, providing transportation to a doctor’s appointment and providing advice on how to get connected to and to prepare their questions for Home and Health Community Supports.
At St. Hilda’s St. Luke’s our Pastoral Care Committee meets every two months, coordinate visits, review parishioner’s needs and supports each other.
Recently we have received spiritual care education from our minister. This education is very helpful and is ongoing. MAID is a polarizing treatment that causes people to feel isolated, fearful and embarrassed. Supporting parishioners and their families through this process while maintaining trust and support is a delicate undertaking. It requires education.
One of the topics that was covered in our Speaker Series on End-of-Life was MAID. This information, support from our minister, Parish Nurse, Pastoral Care Committee and congregation provided a safe and supportive environment for the person and their family to participate in our worship services and feel free to ask their questions and talk about their concerns at any time. Our parish supported them during the illness, the death, the funeral service and beyond in their bereavement process.
It is an honour and privilege to accompany the parishioners as a Parish Nurse. By advertising the sessions on the parish sign, the wider community was welcomed to participate. In this way, the parish became a safe place for those who share common concerns. Finally, the Parish Nurse Ministry partnered with local health care professionals to address sensitive issues. Our hope is that the Parish Nurse Ministry helps to make God’s Kingdom become more real in our area.
For more information about the Parish Nursing events ongoing at St. Hilda’s St. Luke’s please visit: https://hildasite3.weebly.com/from-the-desk-of-the-parish-nurse.html
If you are interested in learning more about Parish Nursing or the training required, please visit the CAPNM website: www.capnm.ca.
Janette Byrne is the Parish Nurse at St. Hilda’s St. Luke’s Church in St. Thomas.