As we complete oursecond year of opera-tion, we at VITALityCatholic HealthcareServices are happy toshare this Year inReview for 2017. As

you will see, our services have grown tobecome an even greater influence in thelives of so many. This year, in all ourservices combined, we have touchedthe lives of over 56,000 people in SouthJersey.In this Year in Review, you will see

the people we service and how we haveassisted them.Our Chaplaincy service has expanded

to include even more facilities and ourMinistry With the Deaf and Disabilitiescontinues to reach out to more individ-uals and families who require specialassistance to both learn about their faithand celebrate it as a family.Our Care Coordination and Resource

Help Line has seen a tremendousincrease in the number of requests forhelp and our expanded staff of nursesand social workers continues to meetthe needs of so many within ourDiocese. The expressions of gratitudereceived from so many families andindividuals, confirms our effectivenessin the services we provide to assistthose who require help as they strugglewith the challenges of aging.Our parish based programs of

Stephen Ministry and Parish Nursingcontinue to grow in numbers as moreand more parishioners respond to thecall to help their neighbors throughtimes of loss and health battles. Weapplaud those parishes and individualswho have taken on these vital ministriesof caring.And finally, we are very happy to

announce the opening of a secondParish Senior Social Day Center – TheRenaissance Center at St. Andrew the

Apostle in Gibbsboro. Through thiscenter and through the successfulSenior Center at St. Peter’s in

Merchantville, the lives of more andmore seniors are being “re-energized”through the solid connections and dailyactivities that these places offer. Wethank these parishes for their profoundcommitment to offer joy and hope tothose who have served and supportedthe Church for so many years.These are people and their families

who are struggling with the infirmitiesof age and the challenges of disabilitiesand seek guidance for care needed.People who have sustained loss in theirlives and seek a compassionate caregiv-er to journey with them through diffi-cult times. People who are acutely sickand seek the presence of Christ duringtheir anxiety of hospitalization.Families with children with disabilitieswho seek the community resources forcare and a continued connection withtheir Church to celebrate Mass as afamily. Senior members of our commu-nities who seek continued social con-nections within their parish to battle thedepressing effects of isolation andstrive to stay well and independent inliving. These are the lives to whom

VITALity brings hope, care and com-fort. These are the lives we cherish withrespect and dignity. These are the liveswho reflect the image of Christ to us.These are the lives you care for throughyour support of VITALity. I hope you continue to pray for and

support the work of this compassionatehealing ministry of the Church of SouthJersey.

Deacon Jerry JablonowskiExecutive Director,

VITALity CatholicHealthcare Services,Diocese of Camden.

February 16, 2018 Catholic Star Herald S1VITALity

VITALity Year in Review

HEALING AND COMFORT COMMUNITY AND SOCIALIZATION

INCLUSION AND WELCOMECARING AND LISTENING

HEALTH AND WELLNESS GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE

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On behalf of the fineemployees and volun-teers who serve thepeople of South Jerseythrough the caringministry of VITALity,allow me to introduce

you to the VITALity Year in Reviewfor 2017. Having now completed itssecond year of operation, VITALityCatholic Healthcare Services of theDiocese of Camden has grown to be avaluable healthcare resource for ourregion, serving the needs of the elderlyand those with disabilities, along withtheir families and caregivers. Thebreadth and scope of their work havegrown to make a profound difference

in the lives of so many. Our dedicatednurses, social workers, priests, dea-cons and lay men and women of ourdiocese have answered the call to be acompassionate presence within ourcommunities, bringing the healinghands of Christ to embrace so many inneed of comfort, hope and a renewedsense of well-being.In the pages to follow, you will see

that VITALity has continued to touchthe lives of many and impact their

health and wellness, both physicallyand spiritually. Whether in theirhomes, the hospital or their parishes,our staff has been there as advocate,guide, educator and compassionatecare giver. Testimonials offered are thebest way to see how so many liveshave been helped by VITALity in theirstruggles with illness and aging.Let me offer my personal thanks to

you, the faithful men and womenthroughout the Diocese of Camden,

who, through your generous support ofVITALity and the House of Charity-Bishop’s Annual Appeal, allow theseprograms to continue to grow and tosucceed in reaching out to many inneed. May God grant peace, hope andhealing to those in need of His care,and to those, who through uncondi-tional love, provide care to those inneed. May He sustain them with Hisgrace.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D.Bishop of Camden

VITALity is touching the lives of so many ...

The HospitalChaplaincy Program con-tinues to provide spiritualand emotional support tohospitalized patients, theirfamilies and the staff ofthe hospitals served inSouth Jersey. The chap-laincy team partners apriest chaplain with a dea-con or lay minister toserve as an associate chap-lain, along with womenreligious who serve aspastoral associates. Theyare greatly supported bymore than 200 volunteerEucharistic Ministers whoassist the pastoral careteam in bringing Holy Communion tothe Catholic parishioners. This yearchaplaincy support from VITALityCatholic Healthcare Services has beenadded to Ancora Psychiatric Hospital inHammonton and Samaritan Healthcare& Hospice in Voorhees.Our chaplaincy team brings Christ’s

compassionate and healing presence tothe facilities we serve. Their ministryincludes administering or arranging forthe administration of the Sacrament of

the Sick and Sacrament of Penance,conducting pastoral care visits, andoffering Holy Communion, prayers andspiritual resources. The Chaplaincyteam also assists the local parishes andpastors by informing them of parish-ioners who are hospitalized. The teamhas also been instrumental in connect-ing the patients with the other health-related services that the diocese offersthrough VITALity Catholic HealthcareServices.

Staffed by RN’s and Social Workers,VITALity Care Coordination providesassistance to individuals and families tohelp navigate the often complex andconfusing maze of healthcare optionsand support services available to main-tain a safe living arrangement at homeor develop plans for a transition into amore protective and service intenseenvironment. As personal healthcarepartners, VITALity staff provide advo-cacy, guidance and support to helpaccess appropriate needed medicalservices and connect families withsocial service agencies who can providethe essential help in dealing with theirhealth issues.Staffed by knowledgeable and caring

operators, the Resource and Referraltoll free number 1-888-26-VITALity(1-888-268-4825) provides valuableinformation about healthcare servicesand community resources that can

address the pertinent issues related toaging and disability. Callers are con-nected to the resources they need toprovide appropriate care and support.During 2017 VITALity staff received

820 calls (an increase of 51% over lastyear) and our nurses and social workersmade 1119 visits to over 800 persons inneed of help with their healthcare issues(a 62% increase). Due to extensive outreach and coop-

eration VITALity has collaborated withhospitals, physicians, and homecareagencies to assist even more individualsto receive care coordination.

S2 Catholic Star Herald February 16, 2018VITALity

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Care CoordinationResource and Referral Help Line

Hospital Chaplaincy

My husband Jim had the misfortune of suffering a major stroke and brainhemorrhage in April of 2017. In those early days when it was not certain if Jimwould pull through, he and I were helped enormously by both Father ErnestAmadi, the priest chaplain and Mrs. Nancy DiSeveria, the associate chaplain atKennedy Hospital. I saw firsthand how tenderly they prayed for him and howcaring and concerned they were and I am so inspired by their faith and love forhumanity....Nancy was such a compassionate listener and offered much wisdom on

God’s love and kindness. It was very inspiring to be with her and Father Ernest.We have since met Nancy and Father Ernest at the Rehabilitation Unit at

Inspira Medical Center in Woodbury where Jim is so much improved from theperson they saw at Kennedy. Their positive spirit and their wonderful faith hasmade such a difference to both of us. The chaplaincy ministry of the Diocese ofCamden at South Jersey hospitals and medical facilities is a truly wonderfulresource. I express my heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude for the servicesthat the Diocese has made available.

Annual Spiritual Report

Total number of pastoral care visits with patients: 136,234Pastoral care visits with staff and the families: 8,827Holy Communion: 66,570Sacrament of the Sick: 5,672Baptisms celebrated: 25Total number of pastoral care hours by chaplains: 25,064

Number of hospitals/facilities: 18Priest Chaplains: 9Deacon Associate Chaplains: 3

Religious Sisters: 3Lay Associate Chaplains: 3Eucharistic Ministers: 223

“The care coordinator isexcellent, dedicated andconcerned. She helps me thebest she can and has donean excellent job. She hasmade living at home a lotsafer for me. I sleep a lotbetter knowing she’s helpingme.”

“This has been a greatrelief to use because navi-gating this world of Medicaid andDDD is completely overwhelming. Itis nice to have someone guide and

point us in the right direction and it isgreatly appreciated. To have that sup-port is important. We don’t feel like weare alone.”

Pastoral Care Team

Healing and Comfort

Guidance and Assistance

Top 10 Services• Insurance Assistance• Nutritional Services/Meals on Wheels• Housing/Assisted Living• Prescription Assistance

• Catholic Charities Referrals• Financial Assistance with Utilities• Home Health Aides• In-Home Medical Care• Transportation• Companions

(in order of frequency)• Dementia/Alzheimer’s• Amputation Dysfunction

• Cancer• Mental Illness• Diabetes

Over 50 Types of Health Services Arranged

Most Common Client Diagnoses

Senior Groups / Day Centers

Seniors are vital members of eachparish community. Feelings of loneli-ness and isolation can impact both thephysical and mental well-being of ouraging population. In order to avoid thisnegative affect, VITALity is dedicatedto support and assist in the developmentof Senior Social Day Ministries across

the Diocese, with individual parishesproviding a facility which affords theopportunity for the elderly of a parish tocome together on a daily basis. ParishSenior Social Day Centers are dedicat-ed to enhancing the lives of seniors byproviding mental, physical and spiritualactivities, shared friendships, intergen-erational interaction and nutritionalmeals which supports their health and

well-being to live independently.We were pleased to announce in

September of 2017 the opening of TheRenaissance Center at St. Andrew theApostle in Gibbsboro. In addition, St.Peter Senior Ministry in Merchantvilleis celebrating its 7th year as a fruitfuland vibrant center. Both Senior DayCenters are open to all self-sufficientindividuals age 65 and over.

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Parish Senior Ministries

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Ministry With the Deaf andPersons With DisabilitiesCommunication is a very

integral and important part ofthis ministry. There are per-sonal interactions and rela-tionships that continue todevelop within the communityof persons we serve. This min-istry of Love includes minis-tering to families and personswith disabilities from birth todeath: providing them withReligious Education,Sacramental and FuneralPreparations, assisting them inworship, Youth Ministry,Social Services, visiting thehomebound as well as hospi-tals—ministering to all cul-tures, all faith groups, all ages.

In addition, VITALity advocates forand assists parishes in the developmentof Masses of Welcome and Inclusion,where the families of children with dis-abilities, and in particular, Autism, arewelcomed into the parish worshipingcommunity to celebrate special adapt-ed Masses which are suited to theneeds of all those present. TheseMasses allow the entire parish commu-

Community and Socialization

Life to the Fullest

In 2017 VITALity fully introducedour Senior Health & Well BeingMembership Program “Life to the

Fullest.” Membership is free andenrollment is open to all South Jerseyresidents age 65 and over. It allows fordistribution of important health, spiri-tual and lifestyle information, keeping

members engaged and connected withtheir parishes and diocese in matters ofhealth and wellness. During 2017VITALity staff visited over 50 loca-tions which include parish based sen-

ior clubs, senior community centers,senior housing residences and seniorhealth fairs to provide health educationand inform them of the free resourcesVITALity provides.

Building Health AwarenessVITALity presentations — 33 to Senior Groups/Communities

VITALity Participation in SeniorHealth Fairs — 15 Health Fairs

Lives Encountered fromPresentations and Health Fairs —6,000 community members

Building Solid ConnectionsSenior Social Day CentersSt. Peter’s Senior Ministry: 275members; 4,500 visits to the center

St. Andrew’s (RenaissanceCenter): 88 members; 720 visits tothe center

Building Community“Life to the Fullest” Membership:730 members

“I like themeals, gettingout of thehouse, social-izing, activi-ties, meetingnew people.”

“I’ve met great people to sharetime with during my retirement …prevents loneliness.”

“This program is amazing, I’mmeeting new friends, and greetingold ones.”

“It’s so nice to see people enjoyingtime together, and to feel wonderfulagain!”

Inclusion and Welcome

The various Deaf/DisabledMinistries advocated forand served over 1,000people.

nity to pray and worship as one family,inclusive of their sisters and brotherswith physical, emotional and develop-mental limitations. Through this min-istry, VITALity advocates for inclusionand welcome of all within our churchcommunity.

Parish Nursing is supported throughVITALity which subsidizes educa-tional opportunities along with grantsto each parish to support the localwork of the ministry. Parish nursesand the healthcare ministry volunteershave made a difference in various set-tings. This ministry has been at theforefront of health education with freehealth screenings, one-on-one coun-seling and educational talks and class-es on relevant subjects. There are arising number of healthy lifestyleclasses going on at individual parish-es; Matter of Balance, Project HealthyBones and Take Control of YourHealth. Parish Nurse and HealthMinistries have encouraged manyindividuals and families to become

more active and involved in theirhealth and wellbeing.Parish Nursing is also addressing

issues in the community such as endof life or “The Talk” and the OpioidEpidemic. VITALity has been col-laborating with various state agen-cies to provide Deterra drug disposalbags for unused and out of datedrugs around the home along withdisposal site information to parishesthroughout the diocese in an effort tobe part of the opioid epidemic solu-tion.There are now 38 parishes with

parish nurse programs with 134 parishnurses and 141 health ministry volun-teers serving within the Diocese ofCamden.

S4 Catholic Star Herald February 16, 2018VITALity

We have many needs for care in ourparish and our community: Peopleexperience divorce, grief, terminal ill-ness, loss of job, relocation, retirement,hospitalization, loneliness, being acaregiver to a loved one and many otherstresses and challenges. StephenMinistry empowers the laity in spiritualcare of people who need supportthroughout the crisis they face.Stephen Ministry is a program

through which selected lay members ofa parish are trained and organized tohelp provide one-on-one confidentialChristian care to members of theirparish and their community. This pro-

gram provides the parish with a team ofskilled caregivers who are equipped tobring Christ’s comforting and healingpresence to people who are experienc-ing many stresses in life. It is a lay min-istry based on the idea that allChristians are called to and gifted tominister to others. Stephen Ministry is away people with special gifts for caringcan use those gifts to bring Christ’s loveto people in need. Stephen Ministers areeach assigned a care receiver and meetwith that care receiver for about an houra week. This caring relationship willlast for as long as the care receiverneeds it.

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Health and Wellness

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Caring and ListeningStephen Ministry

“I wanted to be sure to let you know how much the Stephen Ministry, and inparticular Barbara, my Stephen Minister, mean to me. Barbara came to me at avery dark time in my life. I had just lost my mother who was also my best friend.I felt so alone and had a feeling of desolation and depression. We started meeting every week and Barbara would listen to me with compas-

sion and understanding. She made it possible for me to begin to heal. Initially,we met once a week for several years. Now we are meeting every two weeks andI always look forward to our meetings. I feel that Barbara is a good friend and Itruly appreciate the time we share and the fact that she takes time from her busylife to meet with me. . .I am so grateful for what God has done for me, especial-ly through the gift of Stephen Ministry and my church, reassuring me that Godhas not abandoned me and I do not have to deal with my struggles all alone.”

Stephen Ministry at a Glance

Stephen Ministry Parishes: 14Trained Stephen Ministry Leaders: 30Trained Stephen Ministers: 213

Care Receivers: 200+

Parish Nursing

One older parishioner told her parish nurse; “I feel safe when I see you atMass.”

To date Parish Nurse Grants have provided for:40 Artificial External Defibrillators (AED)275 Volunteers trained to provide CPR/AEDNew BP cuffs and first-aid kits in various parishesEducational materials and books for classes and workshops

Number of contacts by the Parish Nurse Ministry:Healthy Body — Health screening, counselling and education: 6,131Healthy Soul — Visitation, phone calls, spiritual support: 3,452Healthy Community — Outreach, collaboration and safety: 1,452Total: 11,055