The Health Ministry Welcomes New Leadership

Dr. Garry FitzGerald is the leader for the Health Ministry at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.  Dr. FitzGerald has a background in family medicine, preventive medicine and public health.  He has been a parishioner at Saint Patrick Catholic Church for over 20 years with his wife Cathleen, a former professor of Public Health Nutrition.

Bringing Experience in Public Health to Saint Patrick Catholic Church

For the past 20 years Dr. FitzGerald has commuted to Loma Linda University Medical Center in California where he has served as the Vice President for 800 Faculty Medical Group physicians.  He also served on the Committee for Christian BioEthics and as an Associate Professor in the School of Public Health.

Faith and Wellness Go Hand In Hand

Dr. FitzGerald’s goal is to ensure that Saint Patrick Catholic Church is a parish where faith and wellness go hand in hand; to assist each parishioner in becoming the whole person Christ intended them to be.

It is not the soul alone that should be healthy; if the mind is healthy in a healthy body, all will be healthy and much better prepared to give God greater service. Saint Ignatius

Transitioning to a Blue Zone Parish

The Health Ministry is a pastoral care ministry that will work to meet the health needs of our faith community.  Dr. FitzGerald is developing a vision and action plan for the ministry.

The Health Ministry is transitioning Saint Patrick Catholic Church in to a “Blue Zone Parish” this year. A Blue Zone Parish is a parish where faith and wellness go hand in hand to assist each parishioner in becoming the whole person Christ intended them to be.

What exactly is a Blue Zone?

In 2005, National Geographic identified five places in the world where people live longer and healthier, without medications and disabilities. Blue Zone map

These places became known as Blue Zones, and researchers have found that these people live a lifestyle that includes a healthful diet with daily exercise, and they place an emphasis on family, purpose and religion. It was also found that churchgoers lived longer than non-churchgoers.

Check out the full article on Blue Zones as it appeared in National Geographic.

On The Blue Zone Journey

During Lent 2016 Saint Patrick Catholic Church kicked off  a “Meatless Fridays During Lent” campaign— as a way to combine the spiritual and physical benefits of good nutrition.  The Health Ministry provided weekly Meatless Friday recipes during Lent and encouraged families to go meatless on Fridays during Lent.

2017 Recipes for Meatless Fridays in Lent

Health Ministry Promotes Longevity

The Health Ministry leader’s strong connection to Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) brings 2-minute videos that reveal the secrets of living a long and healthy life to the faith-community at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.

According to the Pew Research Center, health information is the most searched topic on the web. With nearly 75 percent of internet users searching the web for health inquiries, it’s becoming a go-to source for health information.

Standing

The first in the series of videos presented to the faith community at Saint Patrick Catholic Church was Standing!  Did you know that the average American spends 13 hours a day doing this. Some researchers call it the “new smoking.” In fact, you’re probably doing it right now— sitting. But getting up and moving periodically throughout the day is key to protecting you from developing chronic diseases.  Watch the video to learn more.

The Live It Series

The health series unveiling simple ways to live healthier, longer comes from the place where people live the longest. Check out the online video health series, Live It, featuring 2-3 minute long videos which unveil the secrets of living a long and healthy life. Highlighting Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) research, each episode features simple tips to live healthier, longer.

I want to support the Health Ministry by sharing my talents

Dr. Garry FitzGerald

253-383-2783 ext. 4100

health@saintpats.org