By Barb Arland-Fye
Catholics from several parishes in the Davenport Diocese are among 17 graduates of the Genesis Health Ministry Program intended to help parishes to better minister to body and soul of their parishioners. The 17 were anointed and commissioned as health ministers by Dr. Erling Larson III on April 27 at Genesis Health System-East Campus, Davenport.
Fifteen of the new health ministers are registered nurses; one is a physical therapist and the other is an occupational therapist. They come from different faith backgrounds and parishes, but share a commitment to the spiritual wellbeing of parishioners and others they serve in their profession.
During six days of classes held over a three-week period in a retreat-like setting, the 17 bonded through experiences of prayer, dialogue with instructors, and one another. They shared stories, laughter and tears.
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