Dear Friends
Prayers for Peace
Week of August 5, 2019
Prayer Requests
Dear Friends:
Seven years ago my wife, Monica, and I would go to visit our moms at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle. Hers was in assisted living, mine in nursing care.
I hope I never forget what the chaplain, a nun, said to us when we told her Monica's cancer had returned and she had at most a year to live.
"Now my prayer for you is peace."
It meant so much to both of us. Clearly, it was what each of us would need over the coming months.
There were times of peace. A miracle would have been, well, miraculous, but somehow both of us strongly suspected that wasn't going to happen. Wasn't meant to be. Wasn't part of God's oh-so-hard-to-understand plan for her. For me. For us.
Why not? Why not! It can help to read what St. John the Caregiver (that is, St. John the Evangelist), wrote of Jesus' teaching on peace. What Our Lord told his apostles, and what he tells us:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid" (Jn 19:27).
During Monica's final months on earth, both of us had what could be called "pockets of peace." Moments, times, occasions. And they were wonderful.
Since her death, the same has continued for me.
I'm certain that members of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver, who have promised to pray for you and your loved one, are -- in their own words and in their own ways -- asking the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to give both of you those same "pockets."
I join my prayer to theirs.
Bill
- - -
This week we're so pleased to welcome Mary W. of California as the newest member of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver. Please keep her and her intentions in your prayers. She has promised to pray for you and yours.
And again this week we cordially invite you to join the Friends of St. John the Caregiver! (FSJC's programs include YourAgingParent.com and CatholicCaregivers.com.) You can find out more about becoming a member here.
No meetings, no dues. All we ask is that you pray for caregivers and those receiving care. Our members include caregivers, care-receivers, and those who support both (including quite a few former caregivers).
You can:
sign up on-line here
or call us toll-free at 1-800-392-JOHN (5646)
or
print and mail an application form.
God bless you!
Bill