In Need of Encouragement

[MarieVeronica]

This Sunday morning, when I got up… it was raining. Not hard, but hard enough to hear on the roof. So I listened to the (NOAA) weather report. They called for an 80% chance of rain and thunderstorms in the morning and afternoon. Based on that report… I made the decision NOT to take my mother and I to Mass. This decision is never made lightly, as Sunday Mass is the most important event in the week.

Well, here it is… about 30 minutes later. And the sun is shining brightly! The birds are twittering, and the flowers blooming. Based on the decision I made (not to get us to Mass… because of the weather)… we’ve already had a heavy breakfast… and can not get ready for our regular Mass in time to be there.

It is not an option to go to a later Mass… because my mother is severely disabled, physically. It is only with extreme difficulty that I am able to get her in and out of the Church, and seated in her “usual” pew. Plus, she has Alzheimer’s. “Routine” and “Familiarity” is very important for her. I rely heavily on the kindness and assistance of the ushers at the 10:45 a.m. Mass. People outside of the 10:45 a.m. Sunday Mass… do not know of her limitations, which could be problematic. Nor, do I have anyone who can sit with mother… so that I can get to a later Mass by myself. We are alone.

Logic is telling me that I’ve not committed a sin. Because I made the decision, based on the best information available and our specific circumstances. But my heart is longing to attend Sunday Mass… and the enemy is taking full advantage. And is whispering in my ear “Well, you’ve made another mistake… you dummy. God is gonna be so mad at you for not getting to Mass today”.

I don’t know why I posted all this. I guess I’m just feeling really lousy about the way it turned out. Please pray for me… and all Caregivers. We need your prayers so much. Thank you.

 

[forgetmenot]

You are in my thoughts. I don’t think you’ve done anything wrong. Since it’s Sunday, there are so many wonderful spiritual programs on, including Mass. Take the time to watch.

 

[Mini_gerbel]

This Sunday morning, when I got up… it was raining. Not hard, but hard enough to hear on the roof. So I listened to the (NOAA) weather report. They called for an 80% chance of rain and thunderstorms in the morning and afternoon. Based on that report… I made the decision NOT to take my mother and I to Mass. This decision is never made lightly, as Sunday Mass is the most important event in the week.

Well, here it is… about 30 minutes later. And the sun is shining brightly! The birds are twittering, and the flowers blooming. Based on the decision I made (not to get us to Mass… because of the weather)… we’ve already had a heavy breakfast… and can not get ready for our regular Mass in time to be there.

It is not an option to go to a later Mass… because my mother is severely disabled, physically. It is only with extreme difficulty that I am able to get her in and out of the Church, and seated in her “usual” pew. Plus, she has Alzheimer’s. “Routine” and “Familiarity” is very important for her. I rely heavily on the kindness and assistance of the ushers at the 10:45 a.m. Mass. People outside of the 10:45 a.m. Sunday Mass… do not know of her limitations, which could be problematic. Nor, do I have anyone who can sit with mother… so that I can get to a later Mass by myself. We are alone.

Logic is telling me that I’ve not committed a sin. Because I made the decision, based on the best information available and our specific circumstances. But my heart is longing to attend Sunday Mass… and the enemy is taking full advantage. And is whispering in my ear “Well, you’ve made another mistake… you dummy. God is gonna be so mad at you for not getting to Mass today”.

I don’t know why I posted all this. I guess I’m just feeling really lousy about the way it turned out. Please pray for me… and all Caregivers. We need your prayers so much. Thank you.

oh oh. Go to EWTN website and they have mass on there!
here is a link

ewtn.com/tv/index.asp

go to television and watch it on the o’l PC

 

[CB_Catholic]

I can’t see where you have done anything wrong. If your mother is severely disabled it could be dangerous to try to take her out in heavy rain and a thunderstorm, and I’m sure your concern is for her safety. And your concern about disrupting her routine is quite valid, as people with Alzheimer’s can become quite agitated and difficult to handle when their routine is interrupted.

God knows the situation and your heart, and I am also sure that he is quite pleased that you are taking care of your mother so lovingly.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

I’m sorry that you didn’t get to mass, knowing how important it was to me in the 1 1/2 years I was my mother’s caregiver. You did the right thing, given the information you had.

Isn’t there any way you can find someone to sit with your mother on Sunday mornings or a weekday morning so you can go to mass and maybe out to breakfast, even if it’s at McDonalds? You need a break and something to look forward to.

Sometimes a parish or diocese will have a parish nurse program. It is worth asking your pastor if there’s any help the parish can offer. Sometimes even financial help is available which you could use to hire a qualified aide for a couple hours. Don’t refuse to look into this because of false pride. If you take help now you will be able to help someone else in the future. My parish doesn’t have a St. Vincent de Paul Society but the priest has funds to help people going through a tough time. This is kept very confidential but last week there was a note in the church bulletin that help is available.

You should at least consider asking if communion could be brought to you once or twice during the week. In most parishes this is available but you have to let the pastor know you desire it.

 

[Spiller]

This Sunday morning, when I got up… it was raining. Not hard, but hard enough to hear on the roof. So I listened to the (NOAA) weather report. They called for an 80% chance of rain and thunderstorms in the morning and afternoon. Based on that report… I made the decision NOT to take my mother and I to Mass. This decision is never made lightly, as Sunday Mass is the most important event in the week.

Well, here it is… about 30 minutes later. And the sun is shining brightly! The birds are twittering, and the flowers blooming. Based on the decision I made (not to get us to Mass… because of the weather)… we’ve already had a heavy breakfast… and can not get ready for our regular Mass in time to be there.

It is not an option to go to a later Mass… because my mother is severely disabled, physically. It is only with extreme difficulty that I am able to get her in and out of the Church, and seated in her “usual” pew. Plus, she has Alzheimer’s. “Routine” and “Familiarity” is very important for her. I rely heavily on the kindness and assistance of the ushers at the 10:45 a.m. Mass. People outside of the 10:45 a.m. Sunday Mass… do not know of her limitations, which could be problematic. Nor, do I have anyone who can sit with mother… so that I can get to a later Mass by myself. We are alone.

Logic is telling me that I’ve not committed a sin. Because I made the decision, based on the best information available and our specific circumstances. But my heart is longing to attend Sunday Mass… and the enemy is taking full advantage. And is whispering in my ear “Well, you’ve made another mistake… you dummy. God is gonna be so mad at you for not getting to Mass today”.

I don’t know why I posted all this. I guess I’m just feeling really lousy about the way it turned out. Please pray for me… and all Caregivers. We need your prayers so much. Thank you.

There is no sin. I see it’s difficult for you not to beat yourself up – I am the same way. Maybe meditate a bit on the Mass where the celebrant says: "…Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Your tried with the best of intentions. He’s aware of that. Now all he wants is for you two to enjoy the day as best you can…

 

[DL82]

You’ve done nothing wrong, but why not go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation anyway, just for your peace of mind, and to shut the tempter up once and for all! You don’t have to commit a mortal sin to confess, and you can always receive the graces of that Sacrament to strengthen your conscience and banish scrupulosity and doubt in the future.

Peace to you!

 

[kristie_m]

You should at least consider asking if communion could be brought to you once or twice during the week. In most parishes this is available but you have to let the pastor know you desire it.

I was just thinking this same thing. :yup: