Archdiocese to partner with a new ministry to support caregivers

This coming year, the Archdiocese of Newark is partnering with a new ministry to bring expansive, faith-based caregiving support to caregiving parishioners through participating parishes. 

Several resources are out there for caregivers, but one, in particular, offers a Christ-centered curriculum to address the spiritual needs of caregivers, along with their practical and emotional needs.  

This resource is Nourish for Caregivers, a non-profit that supports and empowers caregivers through the gift of faith, meeting caregivers where they are, and supporting them in churches, healthcare facilities, and homes across the country.  

“Caregiving is certainly ‘faith in action’, holy work sharing compassion, loving and tenderness to others,” said John Kalinowski, Coordinator, Ministry of Loss & Healing for the Archdiocese of Newark’s Family Life Office.

“We do walk by faith, knowing that our Lord Jesus walks right alongside us, and when needed, his strong arm supports us.” 

Kalinowski said a caregivers support ministry will provide the tools for those in a caregiving role to better serve and to cope with their daily tasks. 

The holidays, specifically the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, are a difficult time for caregivers. Over 53 million Americans are juggling the challenges of life, health, career, and caring for an aging, ill, or disabled adult or child. More than half of caregivers who were surveyed report feeling depressed and isolated, and 63% of those caregivers report significant stress levels, Nourish for Caregivers cited.  

According to the ministry impacts and data outcomes listed on its website, caregivers paired with Nourish for Caregivers reported that 99% felt supported and less alone, 94% felt their faith and prayer life enriched, and 93% reported their stress levels decreased. 

Nourish for Caregivers began as a single workshop to support family caregivers in 2015 at St. Mary of Gostyn Church in Downers Grove, Ill. After a two-year pilot, the program launched in 2018 and received its non-profit status in 2019. Nourish for Caregivers is now serving caregivers in over 90 communities, including health care and home care, as well as church communities. 

For now, caregivers can log onto nourishforcaregivers.com to get free support, join a Tuesday morning Zoom support group, or register for a mini-retreat.   

For more information on the program within the Archdiocese of Newark, contact the Family Life Office at familylife@rcan.org.