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You are here: Linked Ministries Respite Care

Respite Care

The linked parishes together have a Respite Care ministry sponsored by the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW). It is a program to support parish families who care for an elderly or disabled member in their home. Respite Care is a commitment to the concerns and needs of individuals. Volunteers assist by providing companion services; when the care givers need to do errands, shop, etc. This offers families the opportunity to leave the individual with a trained volunteer for a short period of time (2 – 4 hours, weekly, semi-weekly, etc.) and it gives the family of the elderly person respite from their constant care giving.

Some things a volunteer might do are:

  • Provide assistance in walking or eating;
  • Positioning in a bed or chair;
  • Moving a person from bed to chair or vice versa;
  • Recognize emergency situations and respond to them;
  • Only administer medications if absolutely necessary.

All volunteers must go through a day of training, at no cost to them. Training is arranged and provided for by the NCCW at a local hospital. It consists of presentations from physical therapists, nurses, etc. Volunteers are insured when they complete this training. In addition, all volunteers must meet the requirements of the safe environment program of the Green Bay Diocese, including the Virtus class.

If you are a person who is a good listener, can keep confidentiality, have a flexible schedule, and is sensitive to the basic needs of the older person, this might be an area of ministry for you. If you are interested, or have questions, please contact Arlene Anderson, Team Leader, at (920) 863-6291 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you are in need of this service, you may request an assessment from our pastoral staff. Either Father Ron or Sister Gerri will make a home visit, and some information will be obtained. The individual’s needs will be matched up with a volunteer, and then a second home visit will be made by Arlene Anderson and the respite care volunteer. If the match seems appropriate a visiting schedule will be developed.

The Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

Hail Mary

Hail, Mary! Full of grace, The Lord is with thee, Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen