You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40
Hello everyone! The Ministry of the Month for April, Marian Ministry of Care, follows the two commandments above every day. Marian indicates Mary our mother is present. The selection of the name came from a group of people who prayed about this ministry, and believed this ministry should be about The Visitation, Luke 1:36 – when Mary visits Elizabeth, her cousin. Soon after Mary was told that she would carry the Christ child, she left to visit Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary went in haste to help her cousin during Elizabeth’s time of need. Likewise, this Ministry visits those in our parish who are at a difficult time in their lives. We receive calls from people who are homebound, or from their family. Because of illness or old ago, they find themselves unable to leave their home to come to the church. They are searching for someone to come and pray and to bring our Lord Jesus into their home and their bodies. They are looking for someone to care about them. They are looking for someone who will take the time to bring the church to them. Our ministry brings them God’s word and His love in the Eucharist, as well as care and companionship.
The Marian Ministry of Care also visits people in our local nursing homes. A monthly Mass is held for these residents. Beautiful music is played, and the residents sing. The Word of God is broken open for them, and the Eucharist is given. After Mass we pray the Rosary. The residents could not be more thankful for our presence and our gifts of music and the Eucharist. There is also a Communion Service held monthly.
Please join us! What we need are people willing to volunteer a few hours a month to “love your neighbor as yourself.” How much or how little time you have to give is up to you. This is a flexible ministry, and is filled with so many rewards. And if you don’t feel prepared, we will help you with whatever is necessary. Please see our display in the church Narthex throughout the month of April and leave your name on the clipboard on the table. Or, please contact Debbie at 412-956-3105 or dklinvex@gmail.com. Thank you!