Held in God’s Care: A Powerful Beginning

Our first gathering of Held in God’s Care, a new pastoral conversation series at Mary, Mother of God Parish, was a meaningful and moving start to what we hope will become an ongoing source of support, connection, and guidance for our seniors.

The goal of this series is simple but important: to ensure that no one in our parish walks the later seasons of life alone.

We were blessed to have Deacon Paul lead our opening discussion. He began by focusing on one of the most important—and often overlooked—steps in preparing for the future: choosing a Health Care Agent, someone who can speak on your behalf if you are ever unable to do so.

Deacon Paul walked us through the practical steps:

• Choosing the right person—someone who knows you well, respects your wishes, and will be available when needed 
• Having the conversation—taking time to share your values, your faith, and what matters most to you 
• Completing the form—making it official by documenting your wishes and signing in the presence of a witness 

While these conversations can be difficult, they are also deeply important. As Deacon Paul reminded us, this is not about fear—it is about peace of mind. It is about ensuring that your voice is heard, even if you are unable to speak for yourself.

One key takeaway that resonated with many was this: The person you choose should not only be someone you trust, but someone who is accessible—someone who will answer the phone when the call comes.

This simple but powerful insight helped bring clarity to what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming decision.

Beyond the practical guidance, the gathering created space for honest conversation. Participants shared their concerns, asked thoughtful questions, and helped shape the direction of future sessions by identifying the topics most important to them. This is exactly what Held in God’s Care is meant to be: a place of listening, learning, and walking together in faith.

We look forward to continuing these conversations on the last Thursday of each month following the 8 AM Mass at St. Ita church (5500 N. Broadway), and we warmly invite all seniors—and those who care for them—to join us.

Because in every season of life, we are reminded: we are held in God’s care—and we are not alone.