January, 2003

 

Ministry To Sick & Aged News for 2003

 

“ What We Do Makes A Difference”

            The Older Americans Month theme for May 2003 will be “What We Do Makes A Difference.”

            Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country.  Every President since John Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities.

            Many of the MSA Volunteers are sharing their retirement time with the sick at Memorial Hospital and residents of Belleville area nursing homes.  What they do makes a difference in the lives of fellow residents.  Also the staffs of the Pastoral Care Dept., at Memorial Hospital, and the Activity & Social Service Depts. In the nursing homes make a difference in the lives of those in their care by supporting the work of the MSA.  The Staff of the MSA is grateful for all of these very special people because “what they do makes a difference.”

            Look inside this Newsletter to read about the BIG difference our volunteers have made.

 

Mrs. Colleen Hopp, Activity Director at Memorial Convalescent Center

And MSA Advisory Board Member, and Mr. Bob Raab, MCC Resident,

“make a difference.”

Since our beginning in 1974, Bob has helped bring residents to Mass. 

Colleen ministers to her residents and to the MSA.

 

 

 

 

Volunteer Renewal Day Set For May 3

          MSA volunteers are invited to gather at the Motherhouse of the Sisters Adorers of th e Blood of Christ in Ruma, IL., on Saturday morning, May 3, 2003.f

            Spring is a season of rebirth, renewal and new life.  Each year we offer our volutneers the opportunity to “come aside for a while” for time for reflection and prayer.  And we conclude with a meal together.  Our time together is also a renewal for our Ministers of the Eucharist, fulfilling the diocesan 3-year requirement.

            This year the Sisters at Ruma will be our hosts.  Join us and spend a beautiful Spring morning on the picturesque grounds of their Motherhouse.  You will be given “food for the spirit and food for the body.

            More information on the Spring Day of Renewal is being sent to the MSA volunteers.

 

 

25th Annual Summer Outing for Nursing Home Residents: June 11, 2003

            The 25th Annual Summer Outing for Nursing Home Residents has been set for Wednesday, June 11, 2003, at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 2620 Lebanon Ave., Belleville, IL.

            All MSA Volunteers and supporters are invited to share in the Silver Anniversary celebration of this event.  BUT – please contact the MSA to RSVP prior to June 1, 2003.

            Special additions are being planned to mark the 25th celebration of this event for our elders who reside in nursing homes.

 

 

Residents and Fr. “The Soda Jerk” Neff enjoy the 24th Annual Summer Outing

June 26, 2002

 

 

 


Schedule of Events for 2003

 


JANUARY

8 – Catholic Charities Leadership Conference for diocesan agencies at the Diocesan Pastoral Ctr.

 

FEBRUARY

6-8 – National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved Board of Directors Meeting in St. Louis.

9-11 – Attend World Day of the Sick study day in Washington, DC, representing the Belleville       Diocese

13 – Presentation on the Sacrament of Anointing to the RCIA class of Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Waterloo, IL, at Gibault High School.

 

MARCH

6 – Southwestern IL Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board meeting

22 – Attend Diocesan Youth Conference, Gateway Convention Ctr., Collinsville, IL, to present the “Sr. Mary Simpson Award” to outstanding youth group from the Belleville Diocese

 

MAY – Older Americans Month

3 – Day of Renewal for MSA Volunteers at Ruma Motherhouse.  (We will carpool).

8 – MSA Advisory Board Meeting

27 – Fr. Myles Sheehan will present “Recovering Our Traditions…Catholic End-of-Life Issues” at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.

 

JUNE

5 – SWIAAA Advisory Board Meeting

11 – 25th Annual Summer Outing for Nursing Home Residents

 

JULY

10-12 – Toledo, OH, bereavement training conference sponsored by the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved.

12 – 29th anniversary of the establishment of the MSA!

 

AUGUST

7 – SWIAAA Advisory Board Mtg.

 

SEPTEMBER

4 – SWIAAA Advisory Board Mtg.

25 – “Rauchenfest” fund-raiser for MSA

 

OCTOBER

1 – International Day of the Elderly

 

 

NOVEMBER

13 – MSA Advisory Board Meeting

30 – MSA Christmas Party for MSA Volunteers & Staff

 

DECEMBER

4 – SWIAAA Advisory Board Meeting

 

 

 

Medical Equipment Loan Program

            The MSA has been able to help many who need a wheelchair, cammode, walker, crutches, etc.  We loan this equipment free to persons of all ages who are living in private homes or apartments and need assistance.

            During 2002, the MSA was able to transfer some of our equipment to the Daystar Program in Cairo, IL, for use by people living in the southernmost part of our diocese.

            Your generous gift of equipment made this possible.

            We have a special need for wheelchairs that are in good useable condition.  To donate a piece of equipment, or to borrow something, call the MSA office at 235-9991.