Mission
The mission of the Health Ministry is to demonstrate Sacred Heart’s commitment to the physical health and well-being of our Catholic community. Through education and advocacy, the Ministry Team will help parishioners make the best choices for maintaining health, lowering health risks, preventing illness and managing diseases already present, including assistance with navigating an ever changing health care system.

What we are
A Heath Ministry is a faith-based health and wellness program that combines the skills of health professionals, clergy, and lay individuals to promote “health and healing as part of the  mission and service of a faith community to its members and the community it serves.”

What we are not
Health Ministry does not practice direct or hands-on health care, nor will the ministry dispense or administer medications, blood tests or other invasive procedures. Health Ministry does not take the place of or compete with existing community or parish staff roles but is a partner with them.

Examples of Health Ministry Activities
Education — promoting wellness and spiritual support by integrating faith and health (newsletter articles, bulletin boards, monthly programs, etc.)
Assisting — advocacy and finding resources in area; home & hospital visitation
Listening — health counseling, advocating personal responsibility, and socialization to decrease isolation
Training — Coordinating volunteers, organizing support groups
Health Screenings — Blood pressure, health fairs

How You Can Join
Do you have a heart for people and a special talent you want to share?  You can help us with blood pressure screenings or other activities and events.
You do not need to be a medical professional to join us.  Many of our duties are non-medical such as setting up for events and activities, staffing tables or booths at events, paperwork, and making telephone calls.  Anyone with a desire to share time and talents is welcome.

Contact Information
If you need our help or want to volunteer please email health@sacredheartmanassas.org  or call 703-216-5668 and leave a confidential message.

Upcoming Events
    Preparation for Birth and Baby Classes (All information presented is consistent with Catholic doctrine.)

September 7 - 6:30-7:15 p.m. OB: What to bring to the hospital and expectations for a vaginal delivery versus C-section.
7:20-8:15 p.m. PEDS: Realistic expectations for breastfeeding and formula feeding options
8:15-8:30 p.m. Cord Blood banking/3D 4D ultrasounds

Participants  for our upcoming Health and Wellness Fair include LA Boxing and Max Muscle offering interactive exercising for kids and adults; a personal chef who will demonstrate healthy food preparation, Virginia Runner (just in time for all those new athletic shoes everyone needs), Arbonne skin care, FREE spine analysis by ACT Wellness Center, FREE seated massage by Piedmont Massage Therapy School, blood pressure screening, an abundance of health and wellness information and much more. Come and bring your friends Sunday September 12, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the parish hall. Join us after Mass!