Dear Friends
Caregiving
(Always Has Been and Still)
Is Pro-life
Week of October 16, 2017
Prayer Requests
Dear Friends,
For caregivers:
I was so pleased to see the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops included a prayer for caregivers in its 2017-2018 Respect Life Program.
(It was ten years ago that the bishops invited Monica and me to write a special section on caregiving.)
And in its 2017 Respect Life Statement, chairman of the Committee on Pro-life Activities, Cardinal Timothy Dolan wrote:
"How do we respond when our aging parents are
in failing health? Do they know how much we love them and cherish
each day given? Do we ensure they know they are never a burden to
us?
"In our own challenging times, do we ask for support? When others
offer a helping hand, do we receive it?"
I have no doubt there are tens of millions of caregivers, just like you, who are answering God's call, his invitation, to take care of a parent, spouse, child with special needs, family member or friend.
Some of you have shared your stories, and your concerns, with me. And in the midst of those challenges, you've asked for support from a variety of sources and gratefully accepted it because...
Because you love. It's that simple and that complicated.
You love your parent, spouse, child with special needs, family member or friend. And at times the demands of that love, that caregiving, can be overwhelming.
I really liked the theme the bishops chose for this year's marking of Respect Life Month -- "Be Not Afraid" -- but...
Maybe it would be kinder to say "Be Not Afraid... All the Time." Sometimes you are afraid. I'm sure that's true for every caregiver. I know it was for me when I was helping Monica, especially in the last year of her life.
Your love and your faith don't take away all the fear all the time. They do make it possible for you to offer care when those fears seem overwhelming. When you feel as if you're in this all alone.
You're not alone. I'm sure of that, too. The God who asked you to help his beloved son or daughter is always with you.
Always.
Right here, right now. As Monica used to love to emphasize.
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This week we're so pleased to welcome Robert M. of Texas as the newest member of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver. Please keep him and his intentions in your prayers. He 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