Diocese of Toledo, Ohio

Browsing From the Pastor

A Unique Opportunity to Witness to Our Faith During the Week

   St. Mary School has a unique custom. Normally, when school is in session, the 3rd and 4th grade classes come to the Arbors at Mifflin Care Center when I celebrate Mass there to be with the residents who attend Mass. What an upbeat experience this is for the residents! A number of persons who live in nursing homes don’t get many visitors. Those of us who don’t live in a nursing home or care center can easily take the presence of others for granted. We associate with a number of persons in a variety of situations each day. From time to time, new persons come on the scene in our neighborhoods, schools and work settings. The presence of others keeps life invigorating and exciting.

   When we are confined to a care facility, we are no longer able to be up and about with others. Living in a nursing home can get to be boring, monotonous and lonely. For some residents, persons to whom they were close have died. For some, members of their families have moved out of the area in which the care facility is located.

   What a blessing the mere presence of our children and their teachers must be as they walk from St. Mary School to the Arbors at Mifflin Care Center when Mass is celebrated there! Their presence and participation at the Mass is no doubt experienced as a breath of fresh air by the residents who come to Mass.

   A number of us like to come to Mass during the week in addition to attending Mass on weekends. This practice is highly commendable and is to be encouraged. A standing invitation is extended to all to come to Mass at our extended care facilities. At times, residents in our area facilities were very active and involved in their home parishes. If I resided in a nursing home and persons from the parish to which I belong came for Mass, this would be very refreshing and upbeat for me. Your presence would bring back a number of happy memories. The parishes to which we belong are meant to be experienced as our extended families in our Lord.

   Participating at Mass with residents at an extended care facility offers a ready-made opportunity for witnessing to our Faith beyond the setting of our parish. Coming to Mass at a nursing home can offer a sense of vibrancy and freshness to our own faith.

   Please watch the bulletin for opportunities to participate at Mass with residents of area extended care facilities. Normally, the schedule for these Masses is as follows: on the first Tuesday of the month during the school year at the Arbors of Mifflin Care Center; on the first Thursday of each month at the Lexington Court Care Center at 9:30 a.m.; on the second Wednesday of each month at Country Meadow Care Center at 2:00 p.m.; on the third Tuesday of each month at the Primrose Retirement Communities Center at 2:00 p.m.

   Please consider coming to one or more of these Masses if you are able to do this. Your presence, caring manner and participation in the Liturgy can really contribute to making the day for persons who reside in these facilities.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Nelson Beaver – Pastor 

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