| Allison Munden

Caring for Those Who Serve: Priest Wellness Ministry Making an Impact

In January 2024, Bishop Gregory Parkes established a new role within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg to ensure that all priests have access to personalized, holistic healthcare.

In February 2024, Megan Mehaffey, RN, stepped into the role of Priest Wellness Coordinator, and the impact of this ministry has already proven to be significant.

As a registered nurse, Megan coordinates care for both active and retired priests across the Diocese. In this unique ministry, she blends her professional expertise with her Catholic faith, offering compassionate, attentive support to those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

In her personal witness, Megan shares: “Through my role as a Wellness Coordinator, I have the privilege of accompanying our priests in very real and human ways. Sometimes that looks like being present at a doctor’s appointment, helping schedule care, answering questions, or simply walking alongside them during moments when support is needed most. Our priests give so much of themselves to serve their parishes. This ministry exists to ensure that they, too, are cared for, supported, and strengthened so they can continue answering God’s call with generosity and joy. For me, this ministry is a quiet but powerful reminder that when we care for one another, we are living out our call as children of God.”

Megan brings a wealth of experience to her role. After graduating from nursing school, she worked on a post-surgical oncology floor in a head and neck unit before serving as a travel nurse in states across the country, including New York, Arkansas, North Carolina, Indiana, Texas, South Carolina, Florida, and Colorado. She first learned about the Priest Wellness Coordinator position through a close friend and felt called to apply her skills in service to the Church.

The value of this ministry is deeply felt by those it serves. “The Priest Wellness Coordinator position has proven to be invaluable,” said Monsignor Mike Muhr, Director of the Ministry to Priests. “The priests who utilize work with Megan speak very highly of this service. It is a great support to me in my ministry to priests, knowing there is someone readily available to help them navigate the complexities of today’s healthcare system.”

The Priest Wellness Ministry is made possible through the generosity of those who support the Catholic Ministry Appeal. By helping ensure that both active and retired priests receive the care they need, this ministry allows them to remain focused on what matters most: serving the people of God with healthy hearts, minds, and spirits. For more information about the Catholic Ministry Appeal, click here.