Diaconal Ministries Resource Manual
23
Hospital Ministry
D
eacons are privileged to minister in the lo-
cal hospitals. To listen when patients have
needs or family members receive difficult
news about their loved ones. Often, the people
need a willing ear and an understanding
heart. Many speak of having a feeling of peace
because of the deacon's presence as a rep-
resentative of the Church. This small gesture
makes an incredible difference to the patient
and the family.
The deacon may be asked to visit with a
patient or provide viaticum to those that are
dying. He may also help by arranging for a
priest to come for a final anointing. At a Cath-
olic Hospital, the deacon also assists at Mass,
ministers to the patients, staff, or members of
the nearby community.
Love and compassion to see the sick and dy-
ing with the eyes of Christ and to minister to
them as they are shown the way by God, the
ultimate healer of all.
i
Deacon Michael Graf ner
deaconmgraf ner@gmail.com
Deacon John Wehrman
johnbevw@msn.com
"
"
I was ill and you care for me.
Mt. 25:36
