Visit the Sick
“For I was … ill and you cared for me … Whatever you did for one of these least brothers [or sisters] of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:35-40).
This corporal work of mercy means spending time with a person who is suffering from some physical, emotional, or psychological ailment. Below are some suggestions to consider:
- Reach out to someone who is sick, troubled, lonely, or in a nursing home through a visit, call, card, or email.
- Spend time volunteering at a nursing home – Get creative and make use of your talents (e.g. sing, read, paint, call Bingo, etc.)
- Take time on a Saturday to stop and visit with an elderly neighbor.
- Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick family members on a one-time or periodic basis. Give caregivers time off from their caregiving responsibilities so they can rest, complete personal chores, or enjoy a relaxing break.
- Next time you make a meal that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and give it to a family in your parish who has a sick loved one.
- Participate in Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowl program this Lent. Pray for, learn about, and contribute to help the poor and suffering of the world.
- If your health permits, donate blood. If you have not done so, sign up to become an organ donor.
- Add someone who is sick or in need of comfort to your daily prayer list. Include those suffering from mental illness.
- Pray for hospital staff members, health-care workers, and caregivers.
Stories from our Diocese
Scripture Quotes
"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world" (2 Kings 8:29).
"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need" (Romans 12:13)
"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14).
Bishop Robert Deeley
The message of Jesus is comfort for the sick and the poor. The everlasting mercy of God assures us that God is with us. We, the community of the faithful, have a special role to play in the care of the sick. Reaching out to the sick is an invitation that Jesus gives to us all. We have learned in this time of pandemic that it is not always possible to visit but it is possible to make a phone call or send a note or card. These connections are the heart of being human and caring for each other. They are the heart, as well of the Gospel. They are the life of the Christian. Such gestures are the way we become merciful as the Father is merciful. They remind us that the Gospel calls us, in all ways, to be concerned about the needs of those around us.
