Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Clovis

WHO WE ARE
This ministry is a combined effort of health related professionals who want to share their gifts of talent and time in an effort to improve the quality of life in our faith community - physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. If you want more information about how you can be an important part of this ministry, your inquiry will be warmly received and welcomed.

WHAT WE DO
Our Health Ministry offers health education, referrals, resources, health advocacy, spiritual support, counseling and home visits to those in need. Aside from assisting visitors in their office, members are active throughout the year coordinating and/or providing:

• Blood pressure screening and monitoring
• Communal Anointing of the Sick for those with serious, life-threatening illnesses
• OLPH Annual Blood Drive
• Coordinating Home Visitation Ministry
• First Aid Station at our annual festival
• Provide Health related materials for parishioners and health information
• Annual St. Raphael Health Care Mass in honor of all Health Care Workers
• Preventive healthcare workshops and events
• AED / CPR program
• Card Ministry - sending a prayerful message of encouragement, comfort, or congratulations from you on behalf of our members and the parish staff.

Holy Communion and Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease affects 1 in 133 Americans. It is an immune disorder caused by an adverse effect of wheat products (gluten) on the intestinal wall. Catholics who suffer from this condition may experience significant digestive tract damage and pain after consuming Holy Communion. Consequently, these brothers and sisters are unable to participate in the partaking of the Eucharist.

However, there is good news. Catholics who cannot receive Holy Communion due to Celiac Disease may receive the Precious Blood alone. Remember, that one receives the "whole Christ" in either form. At Our Lady of Perpetual Help, those with Celiac wishing to take the Precious Blood only, should simply remain in line for communion and bow when passing the Eucharist as they continue in line for the cup. Remember, one should not receive the Eucharist without consuming the entire host. Additional information may be found at catholicceliacs.org