St. Mary's Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN

Dear Viewers, Peace to all in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas. This is the Year of Grace. Happy St. Nicholas Day, December 6th. He was a Bishop from Myra of Lycia known for his generosity to those in need, his love and protection of children, sailors, and ships.

About the Coordinator... A Parish Nurse is a... The Basic Parish Nurse Ministry Program is... Examples of Parish Nurse Ministries... St. Mary's Parish Nurse Newsletter... Notes from Students & Clients... Home Page

December is nationally recognized for National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, Handwashing Week 7-13th, World Aids Day on the 1st , and Christmas Day the 25th. As this is the season of giving, let's focus on the word gift. Gift is defined by Webster's Dictionary as the act, right, or power of giving; anything given, present or favor. A special talent or aptitude. The Modern Catholic Dictionary (Hardon, 2004) states a gift is voluntary transfer of something to another person. Christmas, especially, is the time to give toys to children. Thus, it is important to give safe toys to protect children of all ages. Consumer, please, read all labels regarding the safety of the gift of toys for children. Visit www.cpsc.gov. It is said that it is better to give then receive. The act of giving is Christmas love and charity that help to heal the heart and spirit of the giver and the receiver. May all receive this healing at this blessed time of the year. Hebrews 3:13 states, "Encourage one another daily, while it is still today." John 3:16 states, "Yes God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him may not die, but may have eternal life." My book, A COLLECTION OF PARISH NURSE NEWSLETTERS is available at www.dorrancebookstore.com; Eden Book Store (1877-627-5653) toll free. Ocooch Book Store (1-608-647-8826).