Hannibal parish Cancer Patient and Caregivers Support Group
Holy Family Parish in Hannibal has formed a Cancer Patient and Caregivers Support Group.
The group meets monthly to provide prayer and support for cancer patients and their caregivers.
Contact with people in need of prayer often begins with a card that shares that group is praying for them and lists services that can be provided.
As part of the group’s outreach, members provide eucharistic minister visits, lend prayers and support when the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is administered, give caregiver respite, provide gas cards and give other assistance.
The group spent a year passing out cancer awareness ribbons and information after weekend Masses, along with posting information on the parish Facebook page.
A private Facebook page was also established where prayer requests, emotional support and information on various cancers is provided including links to additional information.
Monthly Cancer Awareness information is now published in the parish bulletin, with a summary of the national cancer of the month being shared.
Also provided are names and phone numbers for people experiencing cancer and/or caregivers to call for help.
“Most of our calls come from people thanking us for our outreach or wanting to talk,” said Holy Family parishioner Frank Di Tillo. “Being able to share about this disease with someone who listens and also understands the nuances of treatment is often the best comfort and support.”
He pointed to Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burden and so shall you fulfill the law of Christ.”
Holy Family’s Cancer and Caregivers Support Group meets the fourth Monday evening of each month at the Parish Center.
Members also occasionally we go out to dinner as a group.
