Mass at Misericordia
by Linda Buchalo
There are many times that I truly appreciate Misericordia, but Saturday Mass is one occasion when I always feel grateful that my son, Andy, lives here. The entire ceremony is a testament to all that is good in the Misericordia community. This article is my personal story of the two reasons why this liturgy has so much meaning for me.
As a child, going to church was something I tolerated because I wasn’t given an option. I didn’t really learn to appreciate the Mass until I was older and began to understand more about the faith that I had always practiced. Andy has always been tuned in to liturgy. Many times, when I was cross or impatient with him, he reminded me what the priest said at his homily. If the presider skipped over a word or even a prayer, Andy would be sure to bring it up after Mass. He always looks forward to going to church. One of my concerns for Andy was finding a place where he can attend Mass, grow in his faith, and continue to participate in something that is very important to him.
One of my delights at finding a home for him at Misericordia is that he has many opportunities to practice his faith and has become even more involved. He loves singing and now sings in the choir at weekly Masses. When asked to sing for a funeral, Andy is always happy to do so. He understands the importance of being there and providing support for those who are grieving. And he recognizes that it is a joyous occasion when someone finally goes home to the mountain top.
But Andy’s love for liturgy is not my only reason for appreciating the Saturday Mass at Mis. Each time I attend, I marvel at what I see. This is an occasion when one can really see the best of Misericordia. I sometimes bring friends, both Catholic and from other faiths, and those friends have also witnessed this.
Saturday Mass is a gathering of families, friends, neighbors, staff, and residents from all areas of Misericordia. It’s a place where everyone comes together to celebrate, help each other, and share in the joys of life at Mis. While Saturday Mass provides the opportunity for Catholic residents to practice their faith, residents of other faiths are also welcome to attend and participate in the liturgy. Indeed, this service is a coming-together of everyone and should serve as a model for all. Residents participate fully, serving alongside the priest as altar servers, giving the readings, announcing the petitions, distributing communion, acting as ushers during communion, and singing and signing the songs.
In this setting, staff can be seen caring for the residents as they push wheelchairs, put on or take off coats, hats, and mittens, and attend to everyone’s needs. It is a place where you see many examples of the loving care that Misericordia residents receive from staff, family, and friends.
On one occasion, I saw a resident on her way to communion turn around and get confused about her direction. After a couple of circles, staff gently turned her in the right direction and made sure that she got safely up to receive communion and then safely back to her seat.
I love the homilies. Though geared to the residents, they seem very well-suited to me. They are down-to-earth, interactive conversations that concentrate on reminding all of us to live our best lives. Be kind to one another. Be respectful to staff. Don’t lie or say bad things about others. Be responsible with your duties. And love one another-- great advice to live our lives as best we can until that day when we, too, dance on the mountain top.
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