Mail comes in all shapes and sizes from coupons, to utility bills, insurance statements, newspapers to those advertisements that try and get you to buy, buy, buy. It seems though, even with all the nonsense pieces cluttering our boxes or the bills that lay waiting to be paid, we still search through those envelopes knowing that there can always be something special waiting for us. Perhaps something that reminds us that someone else was thinking about us. Something that can put a smile on our face.
The Ministry of Praise at Saint Alphonsus Liguori does just that - puts smiles on faces, reminds others they are loved and gives individuals a special role in our faith community that they can take part in from home. How? Through the mailing of a special newsletter delivered to people in nursing homes or those who cannot leave their home.
"Everyone is called to live the faith in an active way," explained Kimberly Overmyer, Director of Faith Formation at St. Alphonsus Liguori. "There are individuals who cannot be physically active at the parish campus, so we started a prayer ministry to bring to them."
Within the pages of a Ministry of Praise newsletter, readers will find a list of prayer intentions submitted from parishioners and those of Pope Benedict XVI. There is a list of upcoming feast days and short stories about specific saints. Lastly, before the final page is turned, readers catch up on news from the parish and the wonderful happenings with our families and students participating in programs.
"Those who receive the newsletter are a great blessing," explained Kimberly. "They are praying for all us, our intentions, our parish, those preparing for sacraments, those who are sick and those who have passed. And at the same time, we remember to include them in our prayers. It truly brings ministry beyond the walls of parish buildings."
A small team of parish volunteers compile the newsletter by each completing one specific task that even though simple, is a fulfilling part to making each seasonal booklet special.
Parishioner Kate Shay, has been helping with the newsletter since its first issue three years ago. "I love that quote by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta when she said, 'I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.'" The quote will run through Kate's mind as she helps with the newsletter.
Whether finding photos, researching a prayer, writing about parish news, placing content on pages or gathering stories from parish youth and children, volunteers can be any age and even work from home.
Kate also visits many of the nursing homes, as a volunteer for Parish Friends and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She will come across the newsletter laying on an end table or chair as residents discuss how they enjoy seeing the photos and using the prayers.
Volunteers who help with Ministry of Praise, encourage others to submit something to share such as a note of thanksgiving, greeting or maybe a story from a recent retreat or event. Kate reminds individuals, "There is the thought, that the writing has to be long, but it really doesn't have be long at all."
Reflecting on the experience, Kate shares that the ministry is truly a witness to the "unification within the body of Christ, where even though people are not physically together, they are still praying together as one body."
A special thank you to the "prayer warriors" who are lifting us up with their prayers to God ... may we continue to keep them in our prayers too.
If you would like to help prepare these special newsletters or submit content, please email Kimberly at [email protected].