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Family Life
Bereavement Ministry
The pain of losing a loved one to death is something that comes
to all of us sooner or later. Our Catholic faith tells us that in death
our lives change—not end—thanks to Christ’s victory over death. And although
this is wonderful knowledge, there is also great comfort that comes from
the love and support of family, friends and a faith community.
St. Luke Bereavement Ministry’s mission is to serve as a resource for
families and parishioners who are suffering through the death of a loved
one. They provide immediate comfort, emotional support and other assistance
as needed.
One of the services they provide, on behalf of the community, is a meal
following the funeral. In addition, they can provide a list of local Grief
Management Support groups when needed.
Couple
to Couple League
This is a ministry for married and engaged couples. It is presently
led by two parishioners, who are a certified teaching couple for the Couple
To Couple League. This is an interfaith Natural Family Planning Program
that works in cooperation with the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese.
The teaching team gives instructions in the SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD, which
is medically safe, highly effective (as effective as the pill ) and morally
acceptable. This method is a far cry from the old calendar rhythm
method and is not the Billings method.
The series consists of four classes (one class each month for four months).
Each class is about 2-1/2 hours. The nominal charge per couple covers book
and course materials. The team usually meets on Saturdays. The series usually
begin in January and again the latter part of August or beginning of September.
Elizabeth Ministry
Elizabeth Ministry is a parish-based outreach to women
in special times of motherhood. It is scripturally grounded in the relationship
between the Blessed Virgin Mary and her cousin, Elizabeth. The purpose
of this ministry is to affirm, support, encourage and assist in response
to the needs of women during the childbearing years. Due to social change,
many women don’t have extended family nearby to support them.
Elizabeth ministers are not counselors, but women willing to share their
experience. Through this ministry, women become mentors to other
women in the parish -- Offering companionship, encouragement, prayers,
and understanding. The main areas of involvement include: Pregnancy; Celebration
of Birth; Grandparent Support; Miscarriage or the death of an infant or
older child; help during times of crisis; help for couples wanting to adopt;
Family and Prayer Support.
Homebound
Homebound volunteers minister to those who are temporarily
or permanently "homebound" due to age, illness or disability. They may
take Holy Communion to a homebound member or help by shopping or running
an errand, or provide transportation to the doctor. Or maybe just a friendly
visit or phone call is all that is needed to let someone know we care.
 Those
who engage in these relationships report that they receive much more than
they can ever give. It is the desire of our community that all parish members
are served and feel that they are important, valued and belong.
In addition to personal visits, St. Luke sponsors periodic lunches in
the community room for our homebound members and senior citizens.
Hospital/Nursing
Home
Volunteers in this ministry are Eucharistic Ministers who serve
the Catholic patients at Northshore Medical Center Hospital and the residents
of the Living Center Nursing Home. They provide spiritual nourishment through
the sacrament of Eucharist, prayers and friendly interest and concern.
The nursing home visits include leading songs, reading scripture and
Holy Communion. And, of course, personal room visits are made
for bed-ridden residents. If you would like to share yourself in
this important community service, please call the ministry leaders.
Marriage
Encounter
This is not for troubled marriages. Marriage Encounter attempts
to make good marriages better by teaching communication techniques. They
sponsor Marriage Encounter Weekends, which are held at area motels, usually
at the Day's Inn Hotel in Diamondhead, Ms. If you are interested
in enriching your marriage, look for Weekend dates in your bulletin, or
contact the ministry leader.
Retrouvaille
Someone once said "Marriages may be made in heaven, but they
take a lot of work on Earth."
Without attention and care, marriages wither. Couples slowly and
quietly drift apart or are being torn apart by terrible words and actions.
Many are married in name only, or just stay together for "the sake of the
kids." For many, it has been ages since they knew the joy of a loving
relationship.
Retrouvaille is helping couples put the pieces back together and rebuild
loving relationships. Retrouvaille is a French word meaning "rediscovery."
It is Catholic in origin and orientation, but is open to all married couples
regardless of religious background.
If you want to talk to someone, or if you want more information, or
if you want to register for the Retrouvaille Program, please call the Archdiocese
of New Orleans Family Life Apostolate at (504) 861-6243. Or visit
Retrouvaille
on the web.
Sanctity
of Life
The purpose of this Pro-Life ministry is to make people aware
of their responsibility to help educate the local and national community
on the subject of abortion and its consequences and to provide information
about alternatives. It is also the ministry's goal to make its voice
heard on the necessity of carefully protecting life at every stage and
in all circumstances, whether unborn, handicapped, abused or aged.
Meetings are held once a month. This group holds a special Prayer
Service on Respect Life Sunday during October and participates in the Slidell
Life Chain, annual, national, nonviolent, public demonstration supporting
LIFE.
Senior Citizens
Christian Association
St. Luke Senior Citizens ministry is open to any man or woman,
55 years old or older. They meet once a month, on the second Wednesday,
at 1:00pm in room 3. They are a social & service ministry that assists
with various church events and enjoys group "get-aways" such as lunch and
other field trips. Occasionally they invite speakers to address topics
of interest to "seniors." New members are always welcome!
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