USA West Province Newsletter • San Francisco, California July 02, 2018 lajara Province and Fr. Juan Car- los Solis, Director of the House of Theology, for their warm hospital- ity and for opening their doors to the possibility of joining them for this blessed occasion. Fr. Chris Ford, from the Australian Province and studying at Don Bosco Hall, Berke- ley, also attended. Fr. Gabino Her- nandez, Provincial for the Mexico Province (MEM) was also present, accompanied by several members ONE NATION UNDER GOD of his province. UNITED IN PRAYER
Br. Gustavo Ramirez, our new Dea- JULY BIRTHDAYS con, chose to be ordained in Gua- Dear Salesian Sisters and dalajara to make it easier for his Brothers, family and his parents, in particular, Fr. Chinh Nguyen...... 24 to attend the ceremony. The family Fr. Chuyen Nguyen...... 26 Last Saturday I had the grace to at- lives around an hour or two from Fr. Powanat Kitsawat...... 30 tend and participate in the Ordination Guadalajara. Because of age and of three deacons in Tlaquepaque, health issues, being ordained close Jalisco, near Guadalajara in Mexi- to home made it easier for them to PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK co. The Salesians have a school of attend. Following the Liturgy of Theology in Tlaquepaque around 20 Ordination, all in attendance were Fr. Lucian Lomello, SDB minutes from the Provincial House. hosted to a buffet lunch in an out- Br. Jerry Weirich, SDB Br. Gustavo Ramirez from our San door courtyard belonging to the Fr. Jesse Montes, SDB Francisco Province was ordained a Salesians and part of the pastoral Br. Pat Maloney, SDB deacon along with two other broth- center. Although, we wish to have ers from the Province of Mexico a greater number of vocations to our Fr. Armand Oliveri, SDB City (MEM) in the Iglesia de Cristo Salesian life in our province, we Fr. Arthur Lenti, SDB Resucitado next to their Pastoral are grateful to God and his Mother, Center. The retired Archbishop of Mary, for the two new deacons they Leon, Jose Guadalupe Martin Raba- have given to us: Gustavo Ramirez REST IN PEACE go, presided over the Ordinations. It and Fabian Cardenas. May this was a beautifully and well prepared time of intense preparation for Br. Phil Mandile, SDB Liturgy with a good participation of their Ordination to the Priesthood 1942-2018 Salesians, family, friends and young be a time of interior conversion Br. Tony Matse, SDB people. I am grateful to Fr. Hugo and growth in imitating Christ, the 1928 - 2018 Orozco, Provincial of the Guada- Good Shepherd and in ministering INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 1 to those God sends them, especially, of Novices for the Salesians of the the young, the poor and most vul- United States. Fr. Joe has spent the nerable. There are no dates set for last two years studying at the Grego- their Ordination to the Priesthood. riana and has finished with a summa That will come about with greater cum laude. We congratulate Joe for discernment, prayer and time for his excellent work and the success necessary preparation. Usually, six he has had. We have missed Fr. Joe months to a year is the traditional in the province in the last two years time of preparation. However, the and are looking forward to his re- time chosen is usually done in con- turning in the middle of July. Joe sultation with the candidates, the has taken his studies seriously and formators and provincial council. is very passionate about formation. We are pleased to have Joe back This week many of our camps be- and enrich not only our novices gan their summer sessions. Our with his depth and knowledge, but only Salesian run resident camp (in also enrich the rest of the province. the whole United States), Camp St. CONGRATULATIONS, JOE, AND Francis, began its season yesterday, WELCOME HOME! We thank Sunday, July 1st. Let us keep our “ Formation” one of his goals for Joe for his work and dedication! young people and their leaders in our his six year period as Rector Major. THANK YOU! prayers. If we can stop by and visit We here in the Western Province that would be wonderful. Actually, have also made Formation one of The province continues to support visiting any of our camps, resident our goals and priorities of our Prov- formation at all levels. As I men- or non resident, would be great. Our ince Organic Plan. When I speak tioned in one of my last letters in In- Brothers and Sisters and counselors of “Formation,” I am referring to Touch, a group of Salesians and lay feel supported when we can stop by, SDBs and laity. people from all of our schools met say hello and visit a while. And, of at Mater Dolorosa Retreat House in course, our daily prayers are greatly Two years ago, the province sent Sierra Madre in the month of June to appreciated. Fr. Joe Nguyen to Rome to study plan and begin the process of orga- and prepare for the role of Director nizing a systematic program for our This week, in Orange, New Jersey, Salesians and lay collaborators min- several of our Salesian confreres istering in our schools. The meeting involved in our Formation Houses consisting of several days went very are meeting for three days of forma- well and the very dedicated group of tion planning. From our province, Salesians and laity, under the guid- we have sent Fr. John Itzaina, our ance of Br. Al Vu, our new coordi- new delegate for formation, Fr. John nator of schools, committed to meet Roche and Fr. Itchan Laygo, both several times during this next school on the Formation Team at De Sales year in order to continue their plan- Hall and working with the young ning and coordination. I wish to men who are entering as candidates thank them for their work and com- or are pre-novices. Together with mitment to the Salesian Charism representatives from our Eastern and Preventive System. Province, they are meeting to come to a better understanding and coor- And, again in the area of Forma- dination of our formation programs. tion, the province has sent Fr. Jose Please keep them in your prayers. Lucero to study for three summers at Creighton University in Omaha, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime made Nebraska. Jose started last summer INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 2 Province Calendar 2018-19 Province of St. Andrew the Apostle San Francisco, California As of June 11, 2018 May, 2018 August, 2018 and is now1 doing TUhis second sumInitial- Formationpromise Evaluations to be close due. to us and12- 14give SU-TUeveryone weProvincial encounter Council with Meeting love, mer of studies1-5 for TUa degree-SA in SpiriProvincial- us Visitationthe confidence – Provincial not to fear but to kindness, pastoralSalesian, sensitivity,Richmond listen- tual Direction and Accompaniment. Residence proclaim, San Francisco his message with courage14 TU ing, accompanyingInstallation ofthem Master with of Novices; our 2 WE Members Meeting, St. Francis, Admission to Novitiate, Richmond Jose will finish next year Watsonvillewith a and @strength. 10:00 AM The Archbishop15 chal-WE Salesian styleAssumption of welcome of Our Ladyand em- Masters degree.3 Again,TH our thanksMembers lenged Meeting, those Richmond about to be ordained25 SA bracing all Blessedwith joy. Maria Troncatti to Jose for his6 commitmentSU to growSt.- Dominicto be Savio pastors who are close26 to the SU This TuesdayBlessed we Zeffirinocelebrate Namuncurá our In - (Not Celebrated this Year) (Not Celebrated this Year) ing in his depth6-8 in SUthe-TU area of SpiriProvincial- people, Council to Meeting, be fathers and brothers,30 TH dependence Directors, Day (July Pastors, 4th). PC: Meeting This to tual accompaniment and enrichingRichmond patient, merciful, loving the poor day is a significantbegin 2018 -2019day for @ Richmondmany of 12 SA Salesian Family Day, the province. Spiritual accompaSt.- Johnand Bosco living H.S., Bellflowera witness of povertySeptember, and us, 2018 especially, for those of us who niment is greatly13 neededSU today, esSt.- Marycelibacy. Domenica Mazzarello I have always loved the grew up in this country. But, this pecially, among our young people.(Not Celebratedwords this Year)spoken to those being5 or-MO day meansLabor many Day things to many 15 TU Diaconate Ordination, St. Dominic 9-11 SU-TU Provincial Council Meeting, Formation is essential if we are Savioto Church,dained 6:00 when PM, presented with the people. ForProvincial some, House, it means San Francisco free- grow and lead the province intoBishop a Davidbook O’Connellof the Gospels: “Believe12 -what18 WE-domTU from Rectorslavery-Major’s and tyrannyVisit and new and great16 future.WE Please praySt. Louis you Orione read, Teach what you 12believe WE permission Rectorto do- Majorwhatever arrives, we SFO want; @ 11:14 AM 16 WE Members Meeting, Watsosnville Will Stay @ Provincial House 9/12-16 for our men17 who THare preparing forMembers and Meeting, live what SJB, Bellfloweryou teach.” This12 will WE to others itFr. might Angel meetmean w/ Provincialpossibili -& roles in the22 province TU and for moreTrust Meeting,come Provincialabout if weHouse, take our spiritual ties, power,Council might, @ wealth, 3:00 PM being #1. vocations to our Religious life. San Franciscolife seriously. @ 10:00 AM We need to identify13 TH But, as Christians,Fr Angel visitsthis JulyRichmond 4 repre and- 24 TH Mary Help of Christians Berkeley 26 SA Graduation,with SJB, Christ, Bellflower the Good Shepherd.14 FR sents God’sFr. blessings Angel visits and Watsonville, challenge School In his homily26 to thoseSA being ordainedGraduation, We St.learn Francis, to identify Watsonville with Christ and to open our& heartsParish and doors to the to the Diaconate28 MOlast Saturday Memorialin learn Day to imitate him. When 15we fall SA immigrant, Fr. the Angel orphan, visits Corpus the Christipoor, @ 12:30 PM Guadalajara,June, Archbishop 2018 Jose en- in love with Christ we are able to the vulnerableFr. Angel and visits those SS P&Pwishing @ 2:00 PM and speaks to Northern SDB’s couraged the3 brothersSU to be openProvincial to transmit Council, this Provincial love to House others. But, we to dream and make a difference in Mass @ 5:00 PM, God’s direction4-8 andMO inspiration.-FR ReProvincial- must Council, allow Villa the Maria, grain to fall to the the world. It would be hypocritical SS Peter & Paul w/Fr. Angel and Santa Cruz, MO Begins@ 10:00 AM, flecting on the first reading from the ground, to die and be transformed. to stand up S alesianand fight Family for (Reception, Religious Dinner) Ends FR w/ Lunch 16 SU Fr. Angel flies to Long Beach @ 8:54 am. Prophet Jeremiah,8 FR who was calledBl. StephanWe Sandormust allow our ego and selfish Freedom and not fight for the free- Will Stay @ SJB 9/16-18 by God and11 felt-13 inadequateMO-WE becausePrincipals’ desires Meeting to – dieSierra and Madre be open to the dom of all our brothers and sisters, 16 SU South, Mass @ 3:00 PM, 17-22 SU- FR Retreat at Three Rivers of his youth and inexperience, the possibilities presented to us by God especially, St.those Dominic living Savio around w/ Fr. Angel us. and 17-23 SU-SA SYLC 2018, Camp St. Francis Saleaian Family, Perpetual Vows for Archbishop23 reminded SA us of God’sSt. Joseph in Cafassoour daily lives –to reach out to May the blessings we have received Br. Peter Le (Dinner & Reception) 30 SA Diaconate Ordination, Tlaquepaque, be shared with those who today are 17 MO Fr. Angel - St. John Bosco HS, Mexico not yet freeSchool or able Assembly, to dream. Bellflower July, 2018 @ 8:30 AM With warmFr. regards Angel –and Don gratitude, Bosco Tech, School 4 WE Independence Day Assembly, Rosemead, 1:00 PM 7 SA Bl. Maria Romero Meneses, FMA Fr. Angel speaks to Southern SDB’s 18 WE Finance Advisory Meeting, – Don Bosco Tech Chapel @ 4:00 PM Provincial House, San Francisco Fr. Angel speaks w/ SYM – St. 24 TU Dedication, SJB Stadium, 6:00 PM Joseph’s @ 6:00 PM followed by 29-3 SU-FR Salesian Retreat, San Juan Bautista Dinner with SDB’s, FMA’s and Renewals of Professions, Aug. 3. Fr. Ted Montemayor,Young People. SDB 18 TU Fr. Angel departs SJB for Soto Street Fr. Angel – Salesian HS, School INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 3 Assembly, Los Angeles @ 9:00 AM Fr. Angel departs LAX – in the AM. 22 FR Bl. Joseph Calasanz-Marqués and Bl. Henry Sáiz Aparicio, Priests and 93 Companions, Martyrs
Diaconal Ordination of Br. Gustavo Ramirez, SDB, in Guadalajara, Mexico June 30, 2018
‘Believe what you read. Teach what you believe. Practise what you teach.’
INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 4 SALESIAN MISSIONARY INTENTION IN THE LIGHT OF THE HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTION For vocations to Salesian life. So that the Lord of the harvest may send numerous holy vocations to become Salesian Brothers and priests at the service of youth.
INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 5 CAMP SALESIAN 2018 AT SALESIAN FAMILY YOUTH CENTER OF LOS ANGELES JUNE 18 - JULY 27 Registration is open! We are accepting applications!
INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 6 JOIN US FOR A SUMMER OF AMAZING ADVENTURE A summer resident camp experience for boys* ages 7-14 Sponsored by the Salesians of Don Bosco, San Francisco Province in the Monterey Bay town of Aptos, California WEEK 1: JULY 1-7, 2018 Incursion: Battle of the Wisher’s Cube Come help our superheroes find the ancient Wisher’s Cube before the whole galaxy is destroyed!
WEEK 2: JULY 8-14, 2018 The Secret of Kalkus Enter the mythical world of Lafkenche and discover a land of pure imagination.
WEEK 3: JULY 15-21, 2018 Galaxy Wars: Rebels Rising Follow a band of rebels and try to take down the evil insurgence!
WEEK 4: JULY 22-28, 2018 * a special week of co-ed camp for both boys and girls ages 7-12 Beyond the Kingdom Discover the travels of Dodger and Nui, an unlikely pair who are forced to become allies to return home to their kingdom of Namai. For more information or to register: www.salesianym.org/campstfrancis (562) 925-2250, extension 203
INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 7 Tournament Proceeds Provide Tuition Assistance & Scholarship Support Check-in for the scramble format event will begin at 7 a.m., followed by a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The ROSEMEAD, CA – June 28, 2018 – The Alumni awards buffet will be hosted immediately after the Association of Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bos- tournament. Visit www.boscotech.edu
INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 8 Meeting of the International Specifically, the participants offered ideas and sugges- Commission Youth Ministry and tions for the preparation of a document on Salesian Youth and Family Ministry which can offer motivations Family and criteria for discernment for the reflection and future actions of pastoral operators. (ANS - Rome) - From June 22 to 24, at the Salesian Headquarters in Rome, the International Commission The themes at the heart of the Commission's reflection Youth Ministry and Family met for the first time. This took inspiration from some central chapters of the Sale- Commission, coordinated by the General Councilor for sian Youth Ministry Framework of Reference, the third Salesian Youth Ministry, Fr Fabio Attard, SDB, assisted edition of which was published in 2014. By alternat- by the collaborators of the corresponding Dicastery, is ing group and assembly sessions, international experts composed of 15 other people, Salesians, laity and lay ex- studied how the family questions Salesian charism, the perts on this theme, from the five continents. mission and history; asked themselves how the Salesian "family spirit" dialogues with the Preventive System and A first objective of the meeting was to gather the essen- the Pastoral Educational Community; and how Salesian tial guidelines that emerged from the International Con- educational planning for pastoral care can be or become gress "Youth and Family Ministry" (Madrid, 27 Novem- a true family experience. ber-1 December 2017), promoted by the Salesian Youth Ministry Dicastery. At the Congress, celebrated amidst At the end of the meeting, a Drafting Group was formed the two Synods of the Bishops on the Family, the prom- which, starting from the ideas gathered during the meet- ulgation of the apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia of ing of the Commission, shall work on a document on Pope Francis, and the Synod of Bishops on "Youth, faith "Salesian Youth Ministry and Family" that could repre- and vocational discernment", about 300 delegates came sent a support for pastoral workers in the Provinces, a together from the Salesian Provinces of the whole world. tool to integrate with the most recent Magisterium of the Church in this field and to enrich the patrimony of the In addition to evaluating the Congress and sharing cur- Congregation's own ideas and thoughts - not only, but rent challenges in the sector, members of the Internation- also - in view of a future edition of the Framework of al Commission were asked to draw up a proposal that Salesian Youth Ministry. could help the Youth Ministry Dicastery to plan pastoral initiatives for the near future. INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 9 N. 115 - July 2018
Newsletter for Salesian Missionary Animation Publication of the Missions Sector for the Salesian Communities and Friends of the Salesian Mission
he Papal Letter Maximum Illud accompanies us as we move towards the extraordinary missionary month of October 2019. One of its most original and incisive themes is,T undoubtedly, the prophetic and enlightened insistence on the promotion of "indigenous clergy". We express this today in our context and in our shared vision as “missionary animation and vocational animation”. It is very significant that not a few of the younger Regions and Provinces of the Congregation are today a source of missionary vocations ad gentes: for example, India, Africa, Vietnam, etc. This is very rooted in our Salesian way of being missionaries, in which, "missionary action mobilizes all the educational and pastoral commitments proper to our charism" (Constitutions 30). Among these, vocation animation "is the crown of the whole of our educational and pastoral action"(C 37). Blessed Zeffirino Namuncurá is a very eloquent icon of this vocational touch in all our Salesian missionary praxis. He is a mature fruit of the first great missionary project of the Society of St.
Francis de Sales. While being totally Mapuche, he wanted to become a Salesian and thus "be useful to his people". Fr Guillermo Basañes, SDB - Councillor for the Missions
e present in this issue an interesting initiative
towards youth missionary associationism W proposed by the Pontifical Mission Societies. Good practices such as this can guide us in our own missionary animation within our Salesian youth ministry.
Here is the proposal for "Missionary Youth". It is a service of missionary animation offered by the Pontifical Missionary Works for the Propagation of the Faith. It seeks to awaken, animate, educate and sustain the universal missionary spirit of all young people. It helps them realize their local and universal mission. "Missionary Youth" does not intend to be, or to organize, a separate youth movement; Instead, young people become "yeast groups", getting involved in the missionary animation of other young people. The Missionary Youth proposes "to spread among Catholics, from their childhood, a truly universal missionary sensitivity. It will stimulate an efficient collection of support for the missions. It ought to awaken vocations ad gentes and for life" (Cf. RM 84 and the General Statutes). "Considering the character proper to the missionary education of the young, the Work will offer a missionary service for the young": For all young people. Some of them will be organized into "yeast" groups to help in the missionary ani- mation of young people. Animators (priests, religious and laity). They will use their experience, offer their services and be a part of 'Missionary Youth'. Children who were already in the 'Holy Childhood' will be special invitees to the Missionary Youth. They are most welcome to the pre-youth Missionary group (first level of Missionary Youth). Some young people link their apostolic group to the Missionary Youth, without losing the identity they already have of their group; others get involved as members of "yeast" groups (while continuing in the youth groups they already belong to); other young people participate and collaborate in the services of Missionary Youth, even if they do not become members of it. Missionary Youth proposes: MISSIONARY YOUTH MISSIONARY To strengthen Christian life and missionary formation to respond to the needs of a new Church; To promote and live the universal missionary spirit, in the group, in families and with other young people To mutually support the discernment and maturation of missionary vocations among the young; To promote spiritual and material cooperation for the universal evangelization of non-Christians; To be prepared to go out "beyond all borders" to evangelize, as per the needs of the universal Church, taking into account the possibilities of each young person.
INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 10 “LIVING WITH ME MUST HAVE BEEN A CHALLENGE FOR OTHERS!” was my childhood dream to ecome a riest. alesians It were luc y or I was luc y that we came in contact with each other. I came to the as irantate when I was only years old. he exam le of alesian missionaries such as r. astelli and r. gidio ola of adras rovince ca tivated me. I wanted to e li e them. In the novitiate and ost novitiate I was an active mem er of the issionary rou . s a student of hiloso hy I continued to ursue my missionary interest. inally I was given an o ortunity to go to an ania for ractical raining. I was only years old. If I say I had difficulties eing a missionary it would sound li e I am com laining. I have a solutely no com laints a out my missionary calling. ut I did face challenges – meaning tough encounters and ex eriences which were also o ortunities for learning and for dee ening my missionary calling. ne of these challenges was having to live with other missionaries from different cultures countries languages etc. I suppose living with me was equally a “challenge” for them! I believe that prayer, community life and enthusiasm for our vocation hel us overcome such hurdles. y greatest oy is seeing the fruit of my la our – my little missionary endeavours. I was a teacher and a school administrator for years. I have seen my students doing well in life. hey have ecome riests religious doctors artisans civil servants etc. I re oice also that some missions that I left in their infant stages have grown into large hristian communities. I am delighted when eo le acce t me as one of them. y resent wor among refugees in northern ganda has given a new im etus to my vocation. eing a alesian issionary is a calling within a calling. ou are art of a large army of evangeli ers of the young reaching esus to many people in Don Bosco’s way. The most important requirement to be a Salesian Missionary is that you be “proud of being a Salesian who is very ha y and enthusiastic. ou need to e courageous and e open to new experiences without any fear or doubt’. Fr. Lazar Arasu SDB, A Missionary in Uganda, from Madras-Chennai Province, India since 1990
itness of alesian issionary anctity Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni SDB, Postulator General for the Causes of Saints Blessed Maria Troncatti aughter of ary el of hristians among the huar of cuador. It was said of her he had visitors from our community riests as well as other confreres. alesian sisters went to her to consult her. hey would tell her a out their concerns and their lans. he had for everyone a word of encouragement understanding and willingness to hel . amilies of uc a visited her as well as from acas and other areas. he listened to everyone atiently giving them the time they needed. he always encouraged advised and hel ed. he huar families visited her. he new the secret ath into their hearts. ll of us found her a rudent and generous counselor a sym athetic mother. he accom lished this s iritual direction of souls with the rosary in her hand offering the mysteries of the sufferings of hrist his oys and his trium hs to those who a roached her.
For vocations Salesian Missionary Intention to Salesian life
So that the Lord of the harvest may send numerous holy vocations to be- come Salesian Brothers and priests at the service of youth. Young people need consecrated Salesians, friends, brothers and fathers, who serve full time and with all their heart. We pray that the testimony of Salesians and communities may be meaningful and fascinating for the young, and that the pastoral care in the Provinces may present the beauty of religious consecration to the young people of today.
INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 11 excess weight or obesity, or even at risk for weight- Weigh In On related conditions. This is why it is so important for you Your HealthChanging toRoles realize that YOUR –WEIGHT DOES MATTER! Let me begin by going into the physiological compo- By SheilaFrom Kun RN, BA, Care BSN, MS Dependentnent of a fat to cell this Care week. From Wikipedia Giver in its defini- (Salesian Cooperator) By Sheila Kun, Cooperator tion of Adipocyte: Adipocytes, also known as lipocytes and fat cells, are the cells that primarily compose I am approaching the subject of weight gingerly. Why? I adipose tissue, specialized in storing energy as fat. don’t want people to think that I am critical of you just because you might be on the “heavy” side. I want to have a deeper understanding of weight and how that affects your health. For the coming weeks, we will unravel how our weight could change our health and more importantly what can we do about it. I dare not offend you by making broad statements about weight or obesity. Hence I was extremely happy to come across this website “Weight Matters” in their introductory statement about why weight matters. It begins with an opening statement which reflects my belief and my Wemotivation have seen to begin ourselves our conversation evolved like on butterflies, weight. from said before, unless you live in a vacuum, there is no way being child dependents on our parents for guidance on that you could turn away and run. all the developmental milestones, college education to independenceThe issue of weight into adulthood. matters to Wepeople have in flourished many different under Since avoidance is not an option, perhaps we can bet- theways. nurturing It evokes and many care differentof our parents emotions and and families. can often Dur - ter prepare ourselves so that we fulfill our purpose – to ingbe thisdifficult phase to oftalk our about life, with we yourdo not healthcare have special provider, skills love God and serve His people. We begin our loving tospouse, be a “care friend, giver”. loved As one long or others.as we obey our parents and care in our own family. I am stealing the helpful hints followThe most their importantrules, we arereason fine. why In youngweight adulthood, matters is we from Julie-Allyson Ieron, author of the book “The Over- honorbecause our of parents your health. by respecting them. But now as they whelmed Woman’s Guide to Caring for Aging Parents.” age, how do we honor them while balancing their needs The three C’s of caregiving: andThere meeting are many our ownhealth obligations? implications Our that role accompany has gradu - ally changed from a fairly simple role of a child to that excess weight, such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep of a caregiver and being responsible for the wellbeing of ourapnea parents and or others. elders Sometimes in the family. weight can even affect emotional health as well. It is not uncommon for some- Your homework assignment from the Care Ministry this Howone dodealing we learn with this weight new role? issues I think to be we affectedcan ease byinto week: get your weight and height ready. Next week we thedepression caregiver or role a lack with of certainself-confidence. basic principles that need will need these measurements to know your BMI (Body to be engraved in our hearts – to honor, to respect, to Mass Index). valueGaining and excess hold onweight to them and realizingdearly. Without the health these implica prem- - ises,tions there is not will always be no the kindness, easiest thing no love, to recognize. and no patience. In fact, The Care Ministry welcomes your Youmost might Americans go the do other not realizedirection that of they a very are affected dark corner by comments/suggestions: [email protected] – resentment, depression, anger and fatigue. As we have
INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 12 Calmness: being calmed and measured, you are not go- key role in allowing the seniors to verbalize their needs ing to rush things through, but to carefully sort out what without hiding their limitation or illness. It is not easy are the identified needs of your seniors and plan accord- to acknowledge one’s limitation – not able to remember ingly. If you need to consult your siblings, your families routines, not able to keep up with the daily activities and and whoever that might be affected by the care of the feeling shameful the burden they might impose on you. senior, then do so. It is a family affair. So create the conversation, identify special needs early and most important of all, facing what you don’t want Comfort: for someone with a chronic or terminal illness, to face. cure might be unlikely. The best next thing is to provide comfort, both physical and emotional, to alleviate the Aging spares no one. It is everyone’s reality. Let us learn discomfort and symptoms of suffering. You do it with a how to age gracefully and care with compassion like our tone of voice that is cheerful and uplifting. Sometimes, Blessed Mother. My prayer for the month of May and just by being there (be present) is a good comfort mea- in celebration of the 150 anniversary of Mary Help of sure. Christian: Dear Mary, in caring for our elders, I want to emulate you. May I have the understanding, tender love Compassion: a caring attitude, a gentle voice, a ques- and patience that you had shown us. May I honor the tion of concern and perhaps a warm embrace is a good elders by respecting and meeting their needs. And in dif- gesture of sending the message that you care. You are ficult times, you will show me the way. the messenger of God. What would Jesus say or do in this situation? The image of Jesus holding his lamb in his Your homework assignment from the Care Ministry this arms comes to mind – our elders need that hug and reas- week: reflect on how you could better serve a senior in surance that they are precious. your family.
I personally would add another C – Communication. We The Care Ministry welcomes your may not be available 24/7. Sometimes one little mes- comments/suggestions: [email protected] sage, one phone call, one gentle reminder conveys our best intention and kindness. Communication also plays a
INTOUCH • July 02, 2018 13