Poughkeepsie, New York
 
 
 
 
             
   
   
PARISH CARING MINISTRY
 
The entire question of addressing the requirements of the elderly, the shut-in, the sick and the needy has always been a consideration for the
Christian. Here at Holy Trinity, we have tried over the years to meet these necessities. In the winter of 1985, a group of concerned parishioners met to form a group which was simply called "TheCare Givers." Its purpose was to reach out to that segment of our parish who needed help. These interested men and women and the parish staff felt it was important for those homebound, the ill and those in nursing homes to: know that they were still a part of the Holy Trinity family and that people cared about them. This ministry was "living out" the gospel values of healing and service, a response to the beatitudes and a call to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
 
Although the parish works as an informal referral service to professional agencies when the need arises, the emphasis is on one-to-one service and companionship between parishioners. Care giving is habit forming. The urge to help has spread to other areas as you can see from the description below. Those involved in care giving at HolyTrinity still feel that they are just beginning, but are trying to put into practice the ideals of Vatican II which described the parish as a "caring community."
   
   
   
   
     
   

Annointing of the Sick - There are few things as frustrating as being sick. If your health is seriously weakened because of sickness or age and
                                   you are a practicing Catholic, you may benefit from this communal sacrament offered during the Easter Season and                                    in the Fall.

Blood Drive ----------------- In February and August, we ask for your donations of blood, the "gift of life" for someone else.

Coalition for the Homeless - On January 18, 1991, we began our voluntary participation in the local shelter for the homeless at the Hillcrest
                                         House on the second Wednesday and third Friday of each month.
     
    First Saturday Handicapped Mass - Each January, we host this Mass and luncheon for the disabled of our Catholic community.

Helping Other People - Sacred Scripture reminds us how the early Church community looked out for each other's needs. The HOPProgram
                                  allows for the opportunity to provide assistance to fellow parishioners with transportation, repairs and maintenance,                                   companionship, shopping, nutrition and health care services and light housework.

Lazarus Society - Our parishioners' outreach of support to those who have lost a loved one.

Mass and Breakfast for the Bereaved - In November, we remember with prayer and fellowship all those from our parish who have died.

Mass Interpreted for the Deaf - The hard of hearing participate in Sunday liturgy through the gift of American Sign language.
     
    Miracle of the Loaves - Mindful of the needs of the poor, we collect non-perishable food and cask donations to feed the hungry of
                                  Poughkeepsie at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some 1,500 families benefit from our generosity.

Parish Nurse Program - Integrates the experience of those parishioners in the health care field with the needs of the sick and elderly to                                      promote a healthy lifestyle.

"The Merry Mailmen" - On occasional mornings after 9:00 Mass, parish-wide mailings and bulletin formulation are coordinated by volunteer
                                 men and women. This is a tremendous service to our community.

Transportation to Sunday Mass - A bus is provided for the elderly parishioners each Sunday for 9:00 and 10:30 Masses. Coordinated by the
                                                Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

Widow/Widowers - Is a self-help support group under the direction of a certified grief counselor that meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each
                            month.
     
     
     
     
     
               Holy Trinity parish is a Christian community in the Roman Catholic tradition, called to serve one Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit