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Misty
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| Posted: Oct 08 2014 at 2:36pm | IP Logged
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Please pray that God was teaching me as much as my children today.
After trying to find a place to volunteer with 7 kids (16 yrs to 4) on a regular basis I went to where my grandma had stayed for 2 years until her passing. I asked if they would have Catholics who would like to pray the rosary as a group every other week. They thought this was a great idea and even asked if I could come weekly. To which I said we should try bi-weekly and if there was a good turn out we could see about changing it after the holidays.
This was a big step for me as I have never lead anything like this but I felt I was being told to offer this to this 'home' which has all aspects of elderly in it.
Well, I got everyone on board, cause this might come as a shock but my kids are not the elderly type, they are not 'on fire for Christ' and they were not super excited about going. Although, they did go and were very obedient about it.
We got there and went into the chapel area and got a couple chairs out for others thinking only a few might show up for this 1st time and many of the residents are wheelchair bound anyway. We had printed out a coloring sheet of the rosary and we each worked on a section (done together each sheet as a family) to give to each person who came. I also made 2 different size copies of the prayers that would be said. I was ready.
 No one came
My kids said now what. I said we're here and we'll say the rosary. We did and then we put our stuff back and went home. This was my biggest fear, no one showing up.
My friend works there and said she just doesn't think anyone really knew about it and that Chris the man who set this up with me was gone so he didn't come around to 'get' anyone.
Please pray that on the 22nd we have a better turn out. I wanted to show my kids that even the elderly still want to be involved in their faith, that this would be 'fun', and we'd be a light to people who (as we saw visiting my grandma for 2 years) rarely get outside visitors.
Thanks for listening and for praying for my intentions that the Lord would lead those to our rosary group and we could be a light to others in the building who may not know Jesus.
Misty
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Misty
Mom to ds16, ds15, ds13, ds11, ds8, dd6, dd4
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SeaStar
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| Posted: Oct 08 2014 at 2:56pm | IP Logged
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I will pray- Blessed Mary will surely bless your work here.
It is discouraging, but turn it over to God...
Can you get a list for next time, and if no one shows go from room to room and ask if you and your kids can pray three Hail Mary's with the Catholic folks? We have done that before...
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
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10 Bright Stars
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| Posted: Oct 08 2014 at 8:20pm | IP Logged
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Well, just so you know if it is a nursing home type setting, you actually usually have to go and collect them. I was involved in the Legion of Mary for years and they go to nursing homes to say the Rosary with residents. Usually, there is a "list" that you can get from the nurses station if you call and let them know you are from such and such a church and that you are interested in visiting the Catholic residents, for example, of the home. (Although we would visit other residents as well.) Anyway, you have to go from room to room, asking each and every resident you would like to come if they want to come. Then if they are in a wheelchair etc., someone has to actually wheel them in! Then, expect low "seeming" enthusiasm while praying, but they are actually grateful and just are elderly and can't often show their gratitude, but they really do appreciate the visits. Also, consider just visiting room to room with your family and then asking if they would like to join you in a decade, or even an Our Father/Hail Mary sort of thing. If not, say good day to them, and then pray for them as you walk to the next room. Or, consider joining the Legion! They do this all the time and you will have support in numbers from them. Don't be discouraged though. We often met with disappointments such as this and had to remember, "It is not the result that matters, but the intention." Your intention was for you and your family to go out to reach out to the elderly and you said the Rosary anyway. So, it really doesn't matter if anyone shows up! (I mean, it would be nice, and better from a worldly point of view, but from a spiritual point of view, doesn't matter.) So, don't be discouraged, and let the kids know that they earned graces regardless of whether or not anyone showed up! Be positive about it! That way they won't be afraid to try things like this again. God sees them. God sees you. 
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Kim married to Bob (22y)
Mom of 11 blessings:
Bobby 19, David 17, Noah 14,
Mary 12, Gracie 10,
Isabelle and Sophia 8,
Gabrielle 6,
William Anthony 4, Joseph 3 and Luisa Marie - born in M
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10 Bright Stars
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| Posted: Oct 08 2014 at 8:26pm | IP Logged
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And just as an aside, often the elderly do NOT seem enthusiastic about things. They can't help it, but I just wanted to caution you about telling the kids it would be "fun". Not sure how old the elderly are that you are visiting, but keep in mind that they are often depressed due to just older age, the fact that they are in the home, physical ailments etc. My kids go all the time and when I used to go with the kids, there are often scary things such as people making strange noises, strange smells and sights, and sometimes the residents are downright cranky! So, I would caution against calling it "fun" and instead let them know that it is a great sacrifice they are making in their time to go. They are giving service to the Lord in going, and it may very well be unpleasant for them. Perhaps the place you are going has younger older people, but where were often visit, the residents can be out of it, hostile etc. So, it is definitely a "WORK" of service for kids and it would take very special kids to call it "fun". (All meant in kindness!!! Comes off as preachy, but didn't want the kids to get the wrong idea if it wasn't fun.)
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Kim married to Bob (22y)
Mom of 11 blessings:
Bobby 19, David 17, Noah 14,
Mary 12, Gracie 10,
Isabelle and Sophia 8,
Gabrielle 6,
William Anthony 4, Joseph 3 and Luisa Marie - born in M
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Kathryn
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| Posted: Oct 11 2014 at 7:58pm | IP Logged
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My daughter often dances with her ballet troop at nursing homes and sometimes maybe only 1 or 2 show up but they put on a smile and perform. I never thought about people going to get the folks to bring them but that's a thought. They typically list things on the board and those that are able and want to come, attend. I wonder if you could go to the nurse's station when you get there and ask if they know of anyone interested, could they get them? Even if it's 1, 2, or 3 souls.
A second idea, when we've done carol singing before we've done it thru the halls. Is it possible to walk and pray the rosary thru the halls? If you have an "enthusiastic" response from someone you could leave something you've made with that person?
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Kathryn in TX
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MaryM
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Our experience at the Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home where our group helps with talent shows and All Saints party each year is that someone on staff does need to go get the residents. Very few can or do come on their own. We usually have the kids go around with staff to get residents and encourage them to come down. I will second what Kim said about getting a list of the residents who are identified as Catholic so that you knew which rooms to focus on. And hopefully if the man who you set this up with is there on future days that piece will be taken care of.
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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setonmom
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| Posted: Oct 14 2014 at 5:49pm | IP Logged
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At the nursing where my family member is you have to "get" the residents.
Keep in mind that many of the people there are there because they have dementia. For someone with dementia, it can be too complex a task to remember when rosary is, remember where it is, decide to go and then go.
The nice thing about the rosary is it is automatic, and people with dementia cans still remember how to do it.
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Anneof 5
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Usually residents where my mom live get a weekly schedule where such things are listed on the calendar. I know my mom tries to make it to things when she can but sometimes falls asleep during the day or just forgets. Reminders would be great or someone coming to get her/personally invite her would make a difference. She is somewhat depressed and unusually shy and timid in her old age and just stays in her apartment when getting out would do her a world of good! God bless you for your efforts! They are appreciated not just by the residents, but their family members who cannot be there at all times. Don't give up!
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cathhomeschool
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| Posted: Oct 21 2014 at 2:28pm | IP Logged
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Misty, I have been praying for your intention!
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Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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Misty
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| Posted: Oct 22 2014 at 6:58am | IP Logged
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Thank you for your continued prayers. Unfortunately our family is really sick and with 9 of us it just keeps spreading, fever, chills, congestion, the whole nine yards. Which means we'll no be doing rosary this week.
BUT that isn't all that bad after calling and letting Chris know he said it might be better anyway as the information wasn't on the October calendar but is on the November calendars so turn out will be better he hopes.
Thanks for the hugs and support. I know we are doing the right thing if it's not a rosary group it will turn into something the Lord wants to use us for!
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Misty
Mom to ds16, ds15, ds13, ds11, ds8, dd6, dd4
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juliana147
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Hope you all feel better, soon, Misty. I've been praying!
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- Juliana
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Booksnbabes
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| Posted: Oct 28 2014 at 5:22pm | IP Logged
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Praying that November goes better. The sacrifice you are making will bear fruit--whether you get to see it in this lifetime or not!
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Wife to wonderful DH, mom to SIX beautiful gifts from God!
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4Real Forums : We Pray to the Lord
Topic: No show at group rosary
