BY: JULIE JONES
Since 1992, Pope John Paul II has celebrated World Day of the Sick on February
11, the day on which the church celebrates Our Lady of Lourdes. This celebration
has had three consistent themes. First, it reminds all to pray intensely and
sincerely for those who are sick. Second, the celebration invites Christians
to reflect on and respond to human suffering. Finally, this day recognizes and
honors all persons who work in health care and serve as caregivers. The following
service is designed to honor all three themes.
(This service incorporates the "Shared Statement of Identity for the Catholic
Health Ministry" developed by the Catholic Health Association. This service
could be adapted to use other resources from this project, including the video
and/or the small printed cards. For more information, contact Ed
Giganti at 314-253-3506.)
CALL TO PRAYER
Leader
On this World Day of the Sick, we gather along with many others throughout
our nation and the world. We join together to pray for the needs of those who
are ill and suffering, to recognize our responsibility to respond to this suffering,
and to recommit ourselves to service in the healing ministry of the church.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Leader
We begin today with our prayers for those who are suffering,
For those who feel overwhelmed by their sickness and pain,
For those who are living with chronic illness,
For those who are struggling with mental illnesses,
For those who are dying in our hospitals and homes,
For those who have no access to health care,
For all the special intentions in our hearts,
ALL
God of healing, hear our prayers.
READING
(Mk 6:53-56) After crossing the lake, Jesus and the disciples came ashore
at Gennesaret and tied up their boat there. No sooner had they stepped out of
the boat than people recognized Jesus. The crowds started hurrying about the
countryside and brought the sick on stretchers wherever Jesus went. Wherever
he appeared — in villages, in towns, or in the countryside — they laid down the
sick in the open places, begging him to let them touch just the fringe of his
cloak, and all who touched Jesus got well.
RESPONSE
Leader
We remember that the work entrusted to us is part of a long tradition of
responding to those in need. Today, this service has an institutional presence
of which we are an important part. We respond by recognizing our role in the
ministry of Catholic health care.
ALL
We are the people of Catholic health care, a ministry of the church continuing
Jesus' mission of love and healing today.
READER 1
As provider, employer, advocate, citizen — bringing together people of diverse
faiths and backgrounds — our ministry is an enduring sign of health care rooted
in our belief that every person is a treasure, every life a sacred gift, every
human being a unity of body, mind, and spirit.
READER 2
We work to bring alive the Gospel vision of justice and peace.
ALL
We answer God's call to foster healing, act with compassion, and promote
wellness for all persons and communities, with special attention to our neighbors
who are poor, underserved, and most vulnerable. By our service, we strive to
transform hurt into hope.
Julie Jones is project administrator,
Mission Services, at the Catholic Health Association, St. Louis.
Copyright © 2002 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
For reprint permission, contact Betty Crosby or call (314) 253-3477.