Amado Antonio Caballero Ⅲ
When was the last time you uttered the words, “I need help”? Are you afraid to ask for help? For most of us, it is a phrase we only use as an absolute last resort. The society where we are living does not encourage that. It urges us to be independent, self-reliant, “do it yourself”, stand on our own feet and be competitive.
However, our Church teaches us otherwise; it puts more value on collaboration and journeying together. Pope Leo sets us an example. Standing before the assembled Cardinals from all over the world, he said: “I wish to ask you for your help. The ministry which the Lord has entrusted to me cannot be carried out alone. It requires your experience, your pastoral wisdom, and your knowledge of the Churches and of the peoples entrusted to you. I am counting on you to help me. I need your support: strong, explicit, and public. I need to feel sustained by you.”
The example given by Pope Leo reminds us that the Church is not an island, but rather a community. Church is a communion. We become one when we take the role of the Good Samaritan. We reach out to care and serve. And we can see this clearly in the example given by our patron St. Paul. In his many letters to early Christian communities, Paul expressed his gratitude to different communities for their contributions to his missionary activities. He equally thanked individuals for their help, support and visit while he was in prison.
Following the example of St. Paul, I also say, “I ask for your help”. Our parish is currently building a new parish ministry dedicated to visiting the sick, elderly and the homebound members of our community. The ministry is called Pastoral Care Team, (Homon Team). Many of our older brothers and sisters are isolated, unable to join us for Mass, and quietly carrying heavy burdens. And as a parish community, we want to reach out to them, listen to their cry, and make them feel that God cares for them.
Jesus said to his disciples, “I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…’ ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.”
How can you help our Homon Team
We are looking for compassionate volunteers to visit, listen and pray with our homebound
Brothers and Sisters. No prior experience is needed; training will be provided.
- To volunteer: contact [Name] at [phone number]
- To request a visit: If you or a loved one cannot attend mass and would like a visit, please notify [name/phone number]
Follow me!
