The Best We Know
Over the weekend I was checking my social media accounts - I hadn’t had time during the week to really read anything - but I realized I had missed a lot! Two, weddings, a baby shower, births of 3 babies, a baptism, 2 funerals and an engagement. That is a busy week! I read the posts and was a little overwhelmed at the beauty of life. Even in the pandemic, people have found ways to share their lives in beautiful ways. Live streamed weddings and baptisms, Zoom showers, small safely distanced funerals and videos of powerful moments captured and shared.
Being overwhelmed wasn’t a bad thing - it was a really good thing. It made me happy actually that people are resilient, managing, creative and insistent. There may be a tiny deadly germ out there - but love is bigger and love wins.
I want to talk about one of the events a little more though - it’s the one I struggled with most. A friends’ son committed suicide. His funeral was as beautiful as they come. I wasn’t able to go to the funeral, but I have been praying like mad that their faith community in Texas will be there for the family in the days to come. It’s normal to get busy and move on to new things - work must be done, groceries gotten, doctor appointments kept - but still. There is a family and friends and co-workers who will never be the same again. Can we stop for just a moment to think on on the ways a parish community could reach in just now?
A phone call from the Pastor or Pastoral minister once a week for the next few weeks would be lovely.
A meal dropped off before the weekend - would help to remind them that people remember their pain
A card or note - just thinking of you - would go a long way to ease their loneliness.
include the family in daily mass intentions - and let them know it’s happening - it’s a powerful balm to know the community prays for you.
Stop by to check in - not empty handed , but with a treat or flowers - the intentionality will be appreciated.
An invitation to talk - whenever - given along with your cell number - is a reminder that grief is not something one is finished with
You know all this, but with the pandemic, have we been able to do the things we know would help, support or help heal those suffering? Along with the funeral, all those special moments need acknowledgement. New parents need us to ooh and ahh over the baby. The engaged couple needs people to be excited, asking about the proposal and wedding plans. The first time parents, need to be assured that all will be well and they may just need all those things they unwrapped and some sage advice too.
There have been proms, quinceaneras, promotions at work, achievements in sports and school that need attention too. Paying attention to the details, the little things is what matters. If we are going to re-engage as parish communities - it can’t be without knowing and acknowledging all that has happened to our people. They have stories to tell and need to talk about the beautiful events of their lives as well as the losses they experienced. That is really our work over the next several months. We will help you do that with ideas, projects, resources and prayer. Stay tuned!
As for today, take a look at your social platforms and respond to all the events that have happened in your own circle and make note of those that need more than just a heart emoji or hand clapping! It will be a gift to you as well!
Peace,
Jane
