If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.”

I John 3:17-18

 

 

Dear Parishioners of Saint Joseph’s,

 

Our parish is blessed with so many different ministries. One of them is the Ministry to the Elderly and Homebound. It started more than 20 years ago!

 

Many of you may think the only purpose of this ministry is to bring our homebound parishioners communion, twice a year sponsor Anointing Masses and luncheon, provide transportation for those capable of attending Mass and send birthday and anniversary cards.

 

Yes, those are a big part of this ministry, but there is so much more. If you could spend the day with Gloria Favor, our coordinator of this ministry, you would see how many times the telephone rings with questions, needs and pleas for help: “I cannot pay my rent this month and may get evicted.” or I need shoes badly.” or “I am living too far away from my mother, can you arrange she has a visitor from time to time?” or “I’m afraid what the doctor might say.”

 

Gloria also has a group of devoted people ministering to the rest homes. The ministry buys house slippers and socks and collects soap and shampoo for them. A group of parishioners known as “The Sistine Choir” sings at the rest homes. The happy faces of the patients show how welcome they are. Quoting Marybeth Varcados, one of our choir members, from an article about this group, “Ministering in a nursing home can change you. Your heart melts, your emotions break. You grow spiritually, that is for sure.”

 

The Ministry to the Homebound and Elderly relies on the generosity of the parishioners of Saint Joseph’s to fulfill our mission. Please consider becoming a volunteer or making a donation to this worthy cause.

 

 

 

Emmy Hoehenrieder

Member of the advisory group of the Ministry to the Homebound and Elderly