South Africa has an enormous challenge in confronting major health problems. We are in the centre of an HIV/AIDS pandemic, TB is rampant and Poverty and unemployment make it difficult to respond effectively. The Parish have embarked on a care programme that is Parish based.
The Health Programme consistes of a group of Volunteer Carers called HBC (Home Based Carers) who visit and care for the sick in the parish - all the sick not only HIV/AIDS!.
They are under the supervision of qualified Nursing Sisters in the parish. They visit, care, supervise medication & nutrition and pray for the patients in their care. They would also advocate for them with regard to social grants and pensions.
Education Programme
Above Br Greg Kennedy and volunteers assist learners with their homework and extra Mathematics, Science and language needs. In the background computers provide computer assisted learning or are used to complete assignments and do research.
The parish provides an encouraging supportive environment for learining and the young people are making full use of the facilities available to them.
A typical visit to a home would be: Greeting, asking how they are, listening, medical care - cleaning & dressing wounds, checking medication, advising the family on care, sometimes even cleaning the room - freshening the bed and clothing - and even cooking. The HBC would also bring patients and family members up to date with new treatments and diets to assist in their healing.
The HBCs would spend time listening to the patient and the family and help them to access the help that is available to them. They would also pray with them putting their needs and concerns before the Lord.
The new multipurpose building comprises three classrooms with folding doors opening into a large hall.
Three quarters of the funding for this structre came from the fundraising campaigns of Fr Mike Braken's home parish of Clane in Ireland. The IMRS and St Mark's Parish funded rest of the costs.
The parish is grateful for all the support and encouragement for the Health and Educational and Parish Development programmes that are operating from this new facility
Through the work of the Caregivers and their Supervisors people are presented to the Pastoral Care team of the Parish who may require special care and support.
After careful preparation some are assisted in acquiring specialised help. The Pastoral Team Advocates for those needing ART at local clinics. Many are assisted directly by the parish.
