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Our Parish Ministry Outreach Program began
in 1981. As the years have evolved, this ministry has taken on some
changes. We allow these changes to take place and we feel that if
we follow the Lord’s guidance, we will be reaching the people
who need us the most. We continue to try to be neighbors in the
truest sense of the word.
We are blessed to have adult volunteers who visit our homebound
.
Our Eucharistic Ministers bring Holy Communion to those who are
no longer able to get out to church.
Some of our parishioners visit the adult homes weekly to bring the
Eucharist. Others meet with a group in the adult home to pray the
rosary.
We keep contact with our elderly with friendly telephone calls or
visits.
At holiday time, our 7th and 8th grade volunteers, our Y.C.S. -
Young Christian Students visit the elderly and bring a small token
gift from the parish.
Each homebound person receives a plant at Christmas. Our confirmation
students deliver them. Several of the parents drive their children.
Our Ministry of Praise is a prayer ministry in which more than 200
parishioners have pledged to pray for the needs of the Church, the
world and especially the needs of our own parishioners. Every other
month, each member receives a letter listing special intentions.
We also send birthday cards to the members remembering their special
day.
Sister Anne Behre, meets with a group every Tuesday after the 9
A.M Mass in the Sacred Heart Chapel. They spend the time praying
and preparing for the Sunday readings. This group is open to all
who care to join them.
During Thanksgiving and Christmas, the food and gifts we receive
are overwhelming. We are happy to share them with those local people
who are in need as well as contributing to our cluster parishes.
The school children collect food and other personal items which
are given to the Little Sisters of the Poor for use by their residents.
As people become less able or are in need of further assistance,
we direct them to the correct agencies to get help. Some of these
agencies include the Department of Aging, Catholic Charities etc.
Our advocates for disabilities try to be aware of the special needs
of those in the community. As a result of this, the church and school
have become wheelchair accessible and large print hymn books are
available
St Francis de Sales celebrated the Mass of
Anointing on October 20, 2007. Our Gym was transformed into a place
of worship on one side and café on the other. Many parishioners
along with caregivers and family members came to experience God’s
healing presence in this Sacrament.
As usual, we were blessed to have a few members of our parish choir
lead us in song. We are grateful to Vera Powers, Liz Graham, Ronnie
and Ed Quinn who lent their voices and helped us with the singing.
Brigid Conroy proclaimed God’s healing Word.
Monsignor John Brown, Father Lou De Gaetano and Father John Wtulich
moved through the rows reverently praying over and anointing each
person.
Our elderly friends listened attentively to Monsignor Brown’s
comforting homily. His words were just what they needed to hear.
Our Gym was transformed into Holy Ground for this special occasion.
The weather cooperated. Because the day so nice and sunny, our homebound
were able to get out. This yearly event is something our seniors
look forward to.
After the Mass, many of our friends remained to enjoy some coffee
and cake and share fellowship with each other. We were grateful
to the many ladies who graced us with their presence and helped
with the coffee and cake.
We were grateful too, to our roving photographer, Fr. Lou for giving
us once again the opportunity of showing off our seniors.
We could never have done all of this without the help of the people
behind the scenes. Thank you to Dorothy Brenna, Pat O’Brien,
Joan Sweeny and of course our very own Howard Cienski who set up
and stayed until the very end to make sure everything was left in
good order.
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