Serving My Lord and Savior

by Jená Hartman, Birthline Coordinator

When I began to volunteer for Birthline nine years ago, it was a “nice” thing to do, meeting delightful people and assisting those in need.  Six years ago, when this permanent position of Birthline Coordinator was created and offered to me, I began to realize the impact this ministry has for the community and for the Archdiocese.

It has taken many people, in various capacities, to help the 1,200+ families during this past year.

• The phone volunteers who schedule client appointments.
• The volunteers at the Catholic Center who receive donations, sort the donations, clean equipment, replace batteries in donated toys, and escort the Birthline clients to their cars or bus stop with their layettes and items received. 
• The parishes that keep “donation bassinets” in their churches to gather weekly donations from their members. 
• The parishes that have annual donation drives for Birthline. 
• The school children who sponsor diaper drives or “birthday parties for Baby Jesus.”
• The retail stores that donate clothes and baby items. 
• The gracious people who send financial gifts to Birthline.

During these past six years, I have had the privilege of meeting many social workers representing several social service agencies, homeless shelters, healthcare providers and legal offices.  These entities have learned about Birthline, send their clients to us and know that we attempt to share and provide for the needy families in the best way possible -- in a spirit of caring and love for a precious Baby who was born in a stable in Bethlehem many years ago.  Professionally, this would be termed “networking.” 

Personally, I call it “serving and loving my Savior.”  This position, as Birthline Coordinator, is a far cry from my educational background as well as my professional experience of being a food technologist.  However, managing this ministry has been more fulfilling than a fancy title, company travel and generous paychecks.  Each day, Our Lord uses me.  He uses all of the volunteers.  He uses the various other departments here at the Catholic Center who assist Birthline in many ways.  He uses my director and administrative assistant to give this ministry new ideas and support.  If we really think about it, Birthline and the families whom we help is more-encompassing than we realize – we (the many working together) are serving our Lord.  In turn we receive His blessings. Scripture tells us “in giving, you shall receive.”  I receive every day.  The Lord uses me every day.  We help people every day.  Isn’t it wonderful? 

Feel called to give gently used or new baby items to Birthline?  Find at out more here.  For more information about Birthline, including volunteer opportunities, please visit the Birthline webpage.

The Season of Giving and Caring

by Joni LeBeau, RN, Health Ministries Coordinator

Love is not measured by what we say, but by what we do.

Four and one half million adults in the United States have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the past year.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 21 percent of households have members who require the caring attentiveness of others.  The impact of the work done by Caregivers adds up to an economic value of over $450 billion dollars per year.  Many care receivers are able to maintain their independence and remain part of their communities because of caregiving.

Caregiving is not an easy task - it is demanding, challenging, gut-wrenching, exhausting and rewarding. Sometimes it seems what is needed to be successful is the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon and the virtue of St. Teresa of Calcutta.

As a caregiver you are a loving, giving, courageous person.  You are one who answers the needs of your loved one.  Rest assured your life is better and blessed for your efforts. I like to believe that caregiving is an opportunity to understand, to grow closer, to forgive, to remember, to share, and to validate life’s relationships. 

Success relies on prayer and the willingness to share the burden.  Involve your family, your parish family and community. All have resources available to help you. 

Caregiving should never be a solo activity, when you invite others to participate you are offering them the opportunity to be an active participant in God’s loving touch.  Don’t hesitate to ask!  Caregiving is important work, one worthy of support from family friends and faith communities. 

 

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To learn information about caregiving, please visit the Catholic Health Association website.

Catholic Charities Indianapolis sponsors monthly caregiver support groups for family members/friends who are caregivers of older adults. Meetings are open to the community and are a way for adult caregivers to share and learn from each other. Please confirm attendance and for additional information, contact Monica Woodsworth at 261-3378 or mwoodsworth@archindy.org.

Northside:
Date: Thursday December 15 2016, 5:30 – 7 pm. ONE WEEK EARLY DUE TO CHRISTMAS.
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 4610 N Illinois Street 46208
Topic: open discussion

Southside:
Date: Monday December 12 2016, 5:30 – 7 pm. ONE WEEK EARLY DUE TO CHRISTMAS.
Location: St. Mark Catholic School, 541 E Edgewood Avenue 46227
Topic: open discussion

Dec 17, 2016:  Free caregiver social event. Attend with your loved one or on your own. Mind-Body-Soul Connection hosts these events throughout the year in different areas of the city. Details here.

Access CICOA’s free caregiver video series anytime here.