Parish Nurse
The Parish Nurse Ministry promotes whole-person health by integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual care within the life of the Church. Recognizing that faith and health are closely connected, our Parish Nurse serves as a compassionate resource for parishioners, helping them navigate health concerns while supporting their spiritual well-being.
The Valley Parish Nurse Program (VPN), established in 1989 through a partnership between Griffin Hospital, Catholic Family Services, and local faith communities, is the longest continuously operating Parish Nurse Program in the world. Parish Nurses work closely with clergy, healthcare providers, and community agencies to provide education, counseling, referrals, advocacy, health screenings, and pastoral support.
The Parish Nurse Serves As:
- Health Educator – Offering health education, screenings, and wellness programs.
- Health Counselor – Providing confidential consultations and visits to homes, hospitals, and nursing facilities.
- Facilitator – Organizing volunteers, support groups, and parish wellness initiatives.
- Resource & Advocate – Connecting parishioners with healthcare and community services.
Join the Parish Nurse Health Cabinet
Our Parish Nurse, Rayna, is building a Health Cabinet made up of parishioners of all ages and backgrounds. You do not need to be a healthcare professional—only a compassionate heart and a desire to serve others.
The Health Cabinet meets four times each year to plan educational programs and wellness initiatives for the parish. Past programs have included diabetes education, fall prevention, CPR training, and healthy aging. Rayna also maintains a health information board in the church hall foyer and has secured grants that provided an AED for the parish.
For more information about the Parish Nurse Ministry or to join the Health Cabinet, contact our Parish nurse Coordinator, Rayna Salemme, MA, BSN, RN, at 203-231-1619.
If you have concerns about your health, please consult your healthcare provider for medical evaluation and treatment.