Have the Conversation – CARE FACILITIES
Hello Fellow Catholics,
You may be rejoicing recently because “things” seem to be getting back to a sort of “normal” again. We are certainly with you on that!
However, you will want to be aware of a serious matter that appears to be stubbornly resisting “back to normal practice” when it comes to the elderly. Most Seniors who live in long-term care facilities are still unable to practice their Catholic faith!
Spiritual Practice is essential, not optional!
Every Catholic is part of the Body of Christ—the Church. Sadly, many Elderly have not been able to participate at Holy Mass or receive the Sacraments due to the Covid crisis which locked down their living residences. Many Nursing home policies continue to restrict access to religious practice.
We, Catholics can help change this situation by simply speaking up for Seniors! It has been effective to change Nursing home policies with a simple conversation. One phone call or an in-person visit can be a policy-changer. It is merely necessary to ask that the Mass, distribution of the Eucharist and regular times for Reconciliation be re-instated and to point out the vital importance of the Sacraments to Catholic residents.
During one visit, the Nursing home pastor asked how to connect with the nearby Catholic parish, to get in touch with Communion volunteers. The volunteer contacted the nearby Catholic parish and put him in contact with the appropriate ministry. She also suggested that the facility set aside a room each week for Confessions and suggested the pastor organize rosary groups. Upon leaving, the pastor thanked her for taking the time to contact him.
Another volunteer with limited time, called on a local nursing home to inquire about their spiritual practices. He explained to the pastoral director that he is Catholic and an advocate for seniors. During the visit, to his delight, the volunteer learned of the extensive religious ministry efforts of the pastoral staff to fill the spiritual needs of the seniors during the Covid restrictions. However, at the same time, the volunteer was able to encourage and thank staff and highlight the importance of the Sacraments for Catholics. It was a win-win!
Will you make at least One phone call or make One visit to a care facility asking them to reinstate Masses and provide regular opportunities for residents to receive the Eucharist and have times offered for Reconciliation?
As Catholics, we know that the end of life is a preparation time for the transition to eternal life. We believe that at this critical time, no one should be deprived of Jesus in the Eucharist, His Grace, His comfort, His tender Mercy, His very Presence!
Do you see Jesus in the face of our isolated, lonely Seniors? Many Senior residents are unable to ask for themselves and have no advocate to help or speak for them.
We are a group of Catholic lay persons, Sacraments for Seniors, who are concerned about this, and we hope you will be concerned too, concerned enough help raise the issue with those who make decisions for nursing home facilities.
If you decide to take this important but simple step, to be a voice for Catholic elderly living in nursing homes, you will find the attached Zip-file documents to be helpful. It includes a Fact card, a trifold brochure and sample narratives to use for conversation. You can get more information by contacting HALO at or leaving a message …