Glimpses of Ministry - California

Sr Marlene's Ministry to the sick and homebound

The Ministry to the sick and homebound plays an important part in the life of the community in Tracy, California, which has a large number of older, homebound people, 60% of whom are in their 80s and 90s. This ministry was begun by Sister Mary (see below) over twenty years ago. Now Sister Marlene co-ordinates about 64 volunteers, both men and women, who attend the local hospital, three convalescent/retirement homes and private homes. There are regular training classes and support meetings for those who minister, as well as two special Masses during the year when the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is offered, followed by celebration lunches.Twice a year Penance Services are organised.The youngest minister to the home-bound is Jessica Bern, aged 14, who helps to bring people in for a Eucharistic Service. She is joined by Dan Parillo who, with his wife Dorothy, is a trained minister to the sick and homebound.

Sr Maureen's Parish Ministry

Sr Maureen O'Brien writes: I cannot count the times I have been asked if I have retired. I tell people that Daughters of the Cross never retire. One ministry just follows another. I began teaching in 1960, two years before entering the convent. From being a full-time classroom teacher I moved into administration both on the school level and on the diocesan level. I am honoured to say that I was the founding principal of Holy Cross College, Bury – a college which few thought would survive let alone grow into the wonderful institution that it is today.

For over 30 years I have been privileged to work in California living and spreading the charism of the Congregation. Since 2002 I have been working in ministry for St. Bernard’s Parish where I have lived for most of those 30 years. 

People look a little surprised when I tell them that my chief work is arranging funerals and ask if it ever makes me depressed. The opposite is true. It gives me the opportunity to journey with those who are suffering for, though we know we should rejoice that someone has gone to the Father, death can be a painful and vulnerable time. It is a time when people find it hard to think, to sort out their emotions. I know it is the Lord who gives me the words to say to families as I help them discern the kind of services they want for their loved one, to choose appropriate readings, and accompany them as they meet with the funeral directors. (See further details on this ministry from St Bernard's website).

St. Bernard’s is a very large parish which seems to grow day by day. Each year there are about 110 funerals. However there are two other areas in which I work. New parishioners register with the parish receiving information about the Church and its many activities. I make sure each new family receives a phone call within a few weeks, letting them know that they are welcome to our parish community and answering any questions they might have. There is a small group of English-speaking and Spanish-speaking parishioners who help me with this work. 

Our parish motto is, "St. Bernard’s Parish – A Community of Good Stewards".  I am a member of the stewardship committee and responsible for data management. Parishioners are asked to complete an annual stewardship commitment form indicating in which ministries they would like to serve. Currently there are 37 opportunities for people to serve in parish life. All the information received has to be collated and given to appropriate ministry leaders.

Read Sr Maureen's account of her vocation

Back to class for Sister Mary

For several years now Sr Mary Lancaster has been teaching, not the young students she had taught in Tracy for so many years, but adults. Most of them are the parents of the children who will soon be preparing to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The participants have found that there is much to learn about the Church and have enjoyed the process. The classes are open to all adults. Many grandparents as well as parents are delighted to have the opportunity of learning more about their faith. Some people have even attended each year since the classes began and they enrich the discussions with their experience as parents and their love of the Church. There are ten classes offered every week at various times, including Saturday mornings. This gives parents the opportunity to come whilst their children are attending their religious education class. Between 250 and 350 parents register each year.

Sr. Ann Venita's Parish Ministry in Manteca

Sr. Ann Venita Britto lives in Stockton California but works at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in nearby Manteca. She serves as Pastoral Minister to the seniors in the parish, the sick, as well as those who are in care homes and the homebound. She also ministers to the lonely and bereaved in the parish, by ministries such as conducting grief support sessions, for instance.

Besides caring for the spiritual needs of these groups, Sister Ann also brings joy and excitement to the lives of the seniors by organizing luncheons for them as well as bus trips and other outings. Once a week she goes to a prison nearby accompanied by three Associates to pray with the prisoners