The spring meetings were filled with prayerful, interesting and informative topics.
One speaker gave a presentation on the subject of mental illness. With 27 years’ experience in the community working with the mentally challenged, the woman spoke from first-hand experience. The causes, the affects, the challenges were underlined. Within the spirit of our faith community, members were encouraged to show the caring and compassion of Jesus when encountering the mentally challenged. Call on the Holy Spirit for guidance and support. Members had the opportunity to ask many questions to better understand and be supportive to all members in our community. The evenings prayer time focused on the sufferers, their families and caregivers.
At another meeting, a member shared her recent mission trip experience with the Missionaries of the Poor in Kingston, Jamaica. Many of the residents at the facilities in Kingston have been abandoned by their families because of physical and mental disabilities. Infants, children and adults are often brought to the facility and dropped off. Most come from very poor families where caring for the disabled in an additional strain on the household. Volunteers began the days with mass and following breakfast, helped in the kitchen and housekeeping areas. After chores were completed, there was time to become acquainted with the staff and the residents and to share and pray.
A potluck supper meeting rounded out the spring season. Members enjoyed each other’s company while sharing a bountiful table of fresh salads, meats and luscious desserts. For summer reading suggestions, members shared their favourite picks and traded books.
The monthly meetings resume again in September with more opportunities to pray and share together.
