Magnolia Manor ALF update!
by Jim Plautz on 04/28/16
Magnolia Manor ALF has been an ongoing success, for two years.
22 Christians attended our Communion Service Sunday (4/24/16), and about 16 Catholics celebrated holy communion (I offer blessings to the others). Jennifer, a protestant, attended for the first time in several months (I caught her in the hallway, and with her permission, wheeled her into the dining room). She enjoyed it tremendously. You could tell. Stephanie had stopped attending when a family member objected to her attending a Catholic service. She will be back next week.
Yes, we offer Catholic's communion and read the Catholic liturgy before I summarize the Homily Pastor Malley gave at 7:30AM mass. But the Lords Prayer and the prayers we offer ALF residents at MM, are applicable to all Christians. Everyone is welcome to come and pray together.
It's been almost two years, and I've gotten to know most of the residents. That helps, because I get there an hour early while many of them are finishing breakfast. I make the rounds to each table, say good morning and remind them of 9:30 "church". We share stories which makes our communion service a friendly environment.
But make no mistake, these people, especially the Catholics, look forward to worshiping together, and receiving the Eucharist, on Sundays. I pray that I may attain the depth of faith that many of these older citizens exhibit. Many are in wheel chairs, and few have an opportunity to occasionally attend Mass on Sundays. They appreciate my visits and let me know. It's a very satisfying experience.
Jim
22 Christians attended our Communion Service Sunday (4/24/16), and about 16 Catholics celebrated holy communion (I offer blessings to the others). Jennifer, a protestant, attended for the first time in several months (I caught her in the hallway, and with her permission, wheeled her into the dining room). She enjoyed it tremendously. You could tell. Stephanie had stopped attending when a family member objected to her attending a Catholic service. She will be back next week.
Yes, we offer Catholic's communion and read the Catholic liturgy before I summarize the Homily Pastor Malley gave at 7:30AM mass. But the Lords Prayer and the prayers we offer ALF residents at MM, are applicable to all Christians. Everyone is welcome to come and pray together.
It's been almost two years, and I've gotten to know most of the residents. That helps, because I get there an hour early while many of them are finishing breakfast. I make the rounds to each table, say good morning and remind them of 9:30 "church". We share stories which makes our communion service a friendly environment.
But make no mistake, these people, especially the Catholics, look forward to worshiping together, and receiving the Eucharist, on Sundays. I pray that I may attain the depth of faith that many of these older citizens exhibit. Many are in wheel chairs, and few have an opportunity to occasionally attend Mass on Sundays. They appreciate my visits and let me know. It's a very satisfying experience.
Jim
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