Homebound

Two Churches, One Parish Family

Often the time we feel the most in need of Christ and His Church is ironically when we are homebound. Sometimes we are sick or injured for a period of time and we can look forward to being once again united in the Mass. In some cases being homebound becomes our way of life. Watching the Mass on television is a wonderful way to join in prayer what about receiving the Eucharist? What about being with a community of Christians? How do we keep connected?

Let us know! The biggest step to staying in contact with us is letting us know of your situation. Often people will call us and ask us why we didn’t come to visit them when they were in the hospital. Our response is: When were you in the hospital? How are you feeling now? Why didn’t you call us so we could pray for you? HIPPA is a wonderful way to keep your private information private and truly has provided a service for people. With that said because of HIPPA we cannot call the hospitals to find out if any Boxford, Byfield, Georgetown, & Rowley people are there. We certainly cannot look at the patient register to see if we recognize any names. The ONLY way we know when you are ill is if YOU have someone contact us. You are not bothering us when you call. Even if we cannot run over to the hospital to see you while you’re there we can pray for you and we can check on you during your recovery. We cannot stress enough that we need for you to let us know.

Each week we send the bulletin out to those who are homebound. If you are computer savvy it is online at saintmaryparish.org. The bulletin has the readings for the week, scripture reflection by Scott Hann, the people in the parish in need of prayer, local events, Archdiocesan events, message from Father Carroll, and often time photos of previous events. If you know of someone who would appreciate getting the bulletin sent to them please let us know.

We can work together to get a Eucharistic minister to bring you communion once a month. This way as you pray with the Mass on television you know that on a regular basis you will be able to receive as well. If you are interested in being on the communion call list please let us know. Are you are being called to provide this wonderful service to your parish? If you are please call the Rectory and inquire about becoming a Eucharistic Minister for the homebound.

Sometimes people ask me what they can do for the Parish when they are at home with nothing but time on their hands. Pray. We need prayer warriors for our parish. We need people to pray for the people in the bulletin, the strength and unity of our new parish, vocations, all of our ministers, not to mention praying for our children in religious education. This is not a small thing. One of our acts of mercy is to pray for the living and the dead.

If you are a knitter or crotchetier we need people to make prayer shawls. If you have not seen them they are beautiful, soft shawls that are created with a simple trinity stitch. We have people who may not be able to knit who will donate the money for supplies for those who are homebound who can knit. If you are interested in knitting or crocheting prayer shawls please let us know. Donations to the Prayer Shawl Ministry are accepted at anytime.

I know that those of you reading this most likely came to Mass today. We need you to spread the word to those among us who are homebound. Please don’t keep this a secret. All churches have some sort of program of the homebound. If your family lives in another parish please have your family members call their parish and let them know. Be Christ to someone!