Sister Bernice Smith, SDS, serves at St. Mary’s Parish, a large suburban parish in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, of 5,000 members. She is St. Mary’s Homebound Minister.

“I visit homes, hospitals and nursing homes. 
I also coordinate a group of volunteers who visit our homebound parishioners each week.  We all try to connect the person to their parish and to let them know they are cared about.  We also try to assist the caregiver if there is one,” Sister Bernice said. She emphasized how much she  enjoys the visits herself.

“Many of our homebound have learned to live with their limitations.  They are so positive and an inspiration to me. We often have delightful conversations. They are faith-filled people who are enjoying life and recognize how precious each day is. We want them to know they are remembered,” she pointed out.

"One of the greatest responsibilities of any parish is to assist the sick. We believe that prayer is an important part of the healing process and the process of acceptance." I think Sister Bernice is a blessing to our parish..  She has such good judgment and inspires trust,” her pastor, Father Dan Pakenham, said.

“I try to be a good listener.  I cannot change the circumstances but the person needs to be able to talk about their situations. Possibly, I can bring some objectivity and they know I will hold any confidence.  We have many in-depth faith-filled conversations.  The visits are precious to me.  I ask the homebound to keep our parish in prayer as we do them.  They are our prayer partners as they face huge challenges,” Sister Bernice continued.

How does she handle the dying and / or those terminally ill?

“In most instances they have made their peace with God.  This is a sacred time for the person, their families and me.  It is not an easy time, but there is a real sacredness about it.  "They are trusting me with their story,” she responded.     

" I also admire the caregivers. We try to assist the caregiver, " Sister Bernice said. "They, too, are on a sacred journey as they care for their loved ones "are met.”

"In nursing homes and hospitals, we try to make sure the spiritual needs of our parishioners are met," Sister Bernice explained. "All of this is a gift to me".