Impressions

Cancer Support Group - Impressions
                Early in this ministry five years ago we started with a handful of volunteers who came to each meeting with the hope of helping others, anyone touched by cancer.  This tradition continues today as the group still asks each other some of the same questions.
                “Why don’t more people come?” They are out there needing something that might strengthen their hope for a future that at this time seems rather bleak.  Over 30 years ago having a bout with colon cancer the solution was quick and effective - snip-snip, and they were done.  We never thought about seeking support.  We handled it the best we could.  We moved on and didn’t get hit with another cancer until 2001.  This one changed everything.  “Stage four, incurable, maybe six months.” Couldn’t get treatment from the VA.   We worried, prayed and thanked God for everyday that followed.  It was tough going.  “A second opinion saved my life and Jan‘s devotion to the Rosary and her faith saved us. The simple fact that we were in this parish changed our lives, and we made the decision never to leave here. 
                So five years into this ministry leaves us with that same question and the follow up, “Can we do better, and if so, how?” By better we used to think that more attendance is the key.  Now we know better.  Attendance remains about the same.  Ups and downs with peaks about 18-20 and lows about 10-11.  For some reason every meeting has new people coming.  Seeking something, different for each person.  Sometimes they tell us. Sometimes we figure it out. 
                Feedback is rare which I take to mean something is missing.  Good feedback, also rare, is always good to hear -  you know, maybe we are doing something right sometimes.  Most feedback is about these articles in the Sunday bulletin.  FYI: tell us what you need from a cancer support group.  Meals?  When company comes unexpectedly or a planned visit?  Transportation to medical appointments?  Errands - grocery shopping (provide a list, please), and whatever you need.  Maybe someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through. 
                Here’s the simple message for today and everyday: Thank you for your continued prayers, for your faith, for your caring.  These things are so real that everyone who comes to a meeting, even one time, receives the grace that all of you bring to the table.  Christmas is the celebration of life, the birth of Jesus.  Cancer support is a celebration of birthdays, another, and then anther. 
                So, with that in mind the group continues, not just for one evening a month at meetings, but as part of the life in this parish, “A people who believe and belong - The Kingdom of God is where you are.” God bless you all.  Merry Christmas.  Happy New Year.
                Last meeting of 2016 was November 17, 3 ^rd Thursday of the month.  First meeting of the New Year: 4 ^th Thursday, January 26, 2017, 7: 00 - 8:30 p.m. Faith Formation Center, 2 ^nd floor Conference Room.  Come.
                Questions, feedback? 210-497-8613/210-616-1129 or email: [email protected].