Dear Friends
Taking
a Look at 'The Principles
of Catholic Caregiving'
Week of June 14, 2021
Prayer
Requests
Dear Friends:
As you well know, caregiving can be day by day, and night by night. This month we invite you to take a look at part of the "big picture," and to take a bow. None of us is perfect, but consider for a moment the many amazing -- and challenging -- things you're doing in caring for a loved one.
With that in mind, here are "The Principles of Catholic Caregiving":
Love and respect
Whether you’re caring for an aging parent or other older family member, a spouse, a child with special needs or a friend, the bond between you and your loved one is like no other. You probably realize that this relationship — though seldom ideal and never perfect — remains a tremendously important part of your life. You’re now being given the opportunity — the challenge — to “honor” your mother and father, to love your spouse, to care for your child or friend in a new, different and more demanding way.
Caregiving is pro-life
The “culture of life” includes providing care for a loved one who is sick, elderly, disabled or frail. A cornerstone of respect for human life is compassionate care for the most vulnerable among us at all the stages of life, from the moment of conception until natural death.
The spirituality of caregiving
Caring for a loved one is a vocation, a calling from God. It’s a mission and a role a caregiver accepts in the name of love and it is Love itself who accompanies both the caregiver and the care-receiver on this journey. An awareness of the presence of God, fostered by a turning to both formal and informal prayer, helps you offer loving and compassionate care.
The prinicples is the first of of three sections in "The Basics of Catholic Caregiving." You can find all of them here.
And a gentle reminder: Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself.
You remain in my prayers,
Bill
- - -
This week we're so pleased to welcome Stephanie R. of Louisiana 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 online here
or call us toll-free at 1-800-392-JOHN (5646)
or
print and mail an application form.