Dear Friends
A Caregiver's Advent ... and Christmas
Week of December 3, 2018
Prayer Requests
Dear Friends:
If you're a caregiver, I come bringing good tidings of great joy: you've got Advent covered.
No, this year you may not be able to decorate the house -- inside and out! -- the way you did in years past.
No, you may not have the time or the energy to send Christmas cards ... or even emails.
No, you may not be able to host a holiday gathering or Christmas dinner at your home, or attend either at someone else's.
Midnight Mass? Impossible. Mass on Christmas day? Maybe not.
Often with caregiving, it isn't "business as usual." You know that. In the same way, for the same reasons, it may not be "Advent and Christmas as usual."
And that's okay ... in the eyes of God
That seems like a bold thing to say but consider:
--As the "first Advent" came to an end, Joseph and Mary could find "no room in the inn." But you, you!, have opened your heart, your home, and your life in new and generous ways to "make room" for your care-receiver.
--As we say in our "Prayer to St. John, Patron of Caregivers": "...Pray for us, that as we go about our many caregiving duties, we may never lose sight of that truth which Christ revealed to His disciples: 'Whatever you did for one of these, you did for Me.'" Now you are making room for the Child born in Bethlehem.
--As you feel bad because your Christmas shopping and gift-giving is limited, remember this: What you're giving family and friends, to multiple generations of others, is an example of persistent, persevering, love in action. A timeless gift. A priceless gift.
Thank you for what you're doing. Bless you for what you're doing.
You remain in my prayers and in the prayers of the members of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver around the world.
--Bill
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And if this is your first Christmas since the death of your care-receiver, you -- and others who are concerned about you -- may find these helpful. They're from an upcoming book for widows and widowers that I'm finishing now.
Grief and
Faith at Christmas
What
Your Grieving Friend Wants for Christmas
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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.