Karolee Cronk (left) and Ann Azure (back) visit with Lilah Orlando (right) at the Little Rockies Retirement Center.

Often emphasized in our Stewardship articles is the importance of welcoming and hospitality in our churches— whether a warm hello to the new couple and to the little children or a greeting to the regular parishioners and to the visitors.

However, there are parish members whom we sometimes overlook–not out of indifference, but often forgetting to think of them in our busy lives. These are the parishioners unable to attend Mass regularly or at all—the elderly, the disabled, the ill, the caregivers. We should remember them, not only in our prayers, but by our actions: a phone call to a shut-in to brighten the day, a card to an ill parishioner to let him\her know he’s not forgotten (you don’t have to know him\her well, as a kind thought is always appreciated). A special little treat or a small bouquet can lift the spirits of the homebound. Often the elderly or disabled find it very difficult to get to church; a visit, including a prayer, or even the offer of a ride to Mass might be gratefully received.

Then there are those parishioners who are caregivers and unable to leave their loved ones to attend Mass. Kind gestures can be made: an offer to sit with the loved one so that the caretaker can attend Mass or run to the store or get a haircut. A little break could be thankfully accepted. Or stop in and visit a few minutes. Often a caregiver feels cut off from what was once the normal life, and the support of friendship is important in helping cope with the daily responsibilities. These are simple little things we can do to show our caring and concern for parish members who are not able to be at Mass with us each week. And don’t forget the prayers!

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