Book Review: Health Care Manual is Theologically Grounded   Community of Care: A Parish Ministry of Care Manual Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (Novalis 2010)   by Fr. Allan Savage   This is a parish resource book recommended for a Ministry of Care in the parishes of the Diocese of Regina. An immediate strength of the book is that the practical advice given in the manual is theologically grounded.    “When using this book, be sure to read the first three chapters first. Resist the temptation to jump immediately into chapters dealing with practical aspects of this ministry,” writes Fr. Kaptein.  Thus, this is a manual for ministers of Christ’s grace, not merely for well-intentioned volunteers.    The programme, being theologically-based, encourages an approach to caring for one another in the parish community. This requires a good working relationship between the Pastor and the Parish Council. To this end, the programme examines the pros and cons of several models of ministry. In the examination, the over-riding notion is that healthcare is a ministry, not a job.    A chapter entitled, “new wineskins for new wine,” is devoted to the Parish Nurse as a member of the ministerial team offering unique contributions to the healthcare of the parish, spiritually and physically.     In the manual, the needs of those being served as well as the selection, training and support of parish ministers is presented in such a way that allows parishes to customize training to fit their unique situation. The relationship between the liturgy and a Ministry of Care is given careful examination. Prayers for the sick, anointing of the sick, communion and the sick are all grounded in the theological perspective of Vatican II. As well, there is a chapter on “associated ministries” within a community of care which focuses on contemporary approaches to healthcare.    This manual, which addresses a true need in our parish communities, is user-friendly and contains the basics of a Ministry of Care that reflects more than mere compassionate volunteerism.    The book is available through the library at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1222 Reaume St., Thunder Bay (open weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or through Novalis.