Home-Bound Connections

Parishioners who are unable to be physically present for liturgies and activities on our campus are still very much a part of the Sacred Heart Community. Weekly bulletins and even this web page are intended to keep those who cannot attend mass regularly up to speed on what's happening at Sacred Heart; what is available, and what is needed.

We maintain a list of homebound parishioners - typically 60-80 people at any given time. Please call the office (313) 278-5555 for information on participating in any of the following activities. Often, we know someone is homebound if they call. Please do call!

Worship:

Prayers for the Sick
Parishioners who are ill are welcome to add their names to the Prayer List published each week in the Guardian. Please call the office to add a name, and also to update us when a name should be removed. (Names are not added without specific request in respect of privacy.)

Prayers of the Community
All homebound parishioners are regularly remembered in the Prayers of the Faithful during Sunday liturgies.

Prayers of the Homebound
Homebound parishioners are specifically asked to offer their prayers for our community and the intentions of the Holy Father. Those who have expressed interest are provided with worship materials including prayer cards, intention requests and reading material, either by mail, or in home visits noted below.

Communion
First Friday Communion calls are made each month to the homes of those requesting. Please call the office if you would like to be added to this list, or if you are able to serve as a Minister of Communion.

Anointing of the Sick: A Sacrament of Healing

Sacramental Anointing of the Sick is celebrated in a communal setting on the second Saturday of each month following the 4:30 PM mass.

Pastoral Visits
Home and hospital visits by members of our pastoral staff can be arranged by calling the parish office. Visits might include discussion, prayer, and celebration of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Anointing of the Sick as desired.

Christian Service & Social Outreach:

Year Round Holiday Greetings
Members of the Christian Service Commission send greeting cards on behalf of the parish each month to remind homebound members that they are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dinners for the Homebound
Delicious hot dinners are delivered by volunteers to homebound parishioners to celebrate special days each month: St. Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas and more.

Christmas Packages
Handmade treasures and small gifts are collected all year long to prepare Christmas packages which are delivered with warm greetings each year.

Adopted Grandparents
Classrooms at SH School 'adopt' a homebound member of our parish, and interact with them throughout the school year. Students typically provide cards and letters, prayer support, and occasional visits, at the 'grandparent's preference.

Parish Nurses & Medical Equipment
Our Parish Nurses are a caring resource to help parishioners connect with appropriate medical and community support.

Education

Maybe you could come now?
With opening of our Parish Hall, programs which were hard to get to previously are much more accessible now. There are no stairs between the parking lot and hall, and no stairs into the hall. Restrooms are close and accessible. The room is large and easily accommodates wheel chairs. Please consider joining us if you are able for the Generations of Faith (all ages) Programs.

Our Parish Library
Books and Video/DVD references are available for loan from our parish library. Pick-up and delivery of materials can be arranged by request.

On-line Information
Significant Catholic resources are now available on the web. Consider the references listed on any of our pages as a starting point. Care should always be taken to understand the source of material being reviewed, and caution should be used in providing any personal information.

Home Delivered Publications
There are many excellent Catholic publications available for home delivery. All parishioners are encouraged to consider home delivery of The Michigan Catholic for a Catholic perspective on current events. Recommendations on additional publications can be made by pastoral staff following discussion of your interests and needs.

Stewardship:

Facilities
We strive to be good stewards of the parish facilities, which includes working to make them accessible to as many parishioners as possible. The church has ramp access on both east and west doors. The north entrance, nearest the new hall, where the restooms (designed to accommodate wheelchairs) are located still has several steps. The Hall is completely accessible. Parking remains a challenge. The circle drive and parking lot spaces nearest the church are marked for handicap parking. Cars may pull on to the Military Ave. sidewalk for loading and unloading near the ramp. (There is a curb cut to facilitate this.)

Sharing Time and Talent & Treasure
Homebound parishioners are encouraged to continue supporting their parish and community as they are able. Prayer is a powerful action and we ask all parishioners to pray regularly for our parish. Assisting with telephone calls and thank you notes are other areas of service. Those who knit or crochet support our annual Christmas project with St. Christine's by providing hats, scarves & mittens, or baby blankets for a local pregnancy center. All sorts of talents are involved in providing handmade gifts that go to all of our homebound members. What do you have to offer?
Donations for support of the parish, which cannot be brought to the Offertory at Mass of course may be mailed.