Parishioners@Home Outreach
When St. Teresa of Calcutta came to the United States, she marveled at a facet of poverty she had never encountered to the same degree in India. She was astonished to discover that in one of the most affluent nations in the world she would find so many people neglected by their families, suffering in solitude, alone. Many of the people she encountered had all of their material needs met, but they suffered from a deprivation of love and care that Mother Teresa found inexcusable in a nation such as ours. Even in our own Basilica parish, there are those among us who are unable to leave their homes to come to church and pray; there are those whose families and friends have died; there are those who, for whatever reason, find themselves alone and suffering.
The members of the Parishioners@Home Outreach Team offer their time and energy to reaching out in friendship to those who have no one to care for them. Guided by Deacon Steve Wulf, the members of this team will seek to minister to Jesus in the lonely through letter writing, sending cards, making home visits, and spending time with the lonely. Volunteers who will actually be sent into people’s homes for visits will be trained to bring Holy Communion to those who request it. They will also undergo background check screening and training in the prevention of abuse of the elderly.
If you are interested in volunteering for this outreach team or if you know someone who might benefit from their pastoral care, please contact Deacon Wulf.