Since November 2006 I have been volunteering in pastoral care in our senior citizens’ home: I visit the residents, pray with them, also with people of other faith, accompany them as they die and on their last journey in life, which is also important for the relatives. If we get the funeral date and the relatives so wish, we will attend the funeral ceremony. There are also single residents who only have one carer and have no relatives or with whom they have no contact. On such occasions I often stand alone with the undertaker at the grave and can pay my last respects to the deceased with a prayer.
At the beginning of my job I had other options: I could play with the residents, sing, read to them and drive them into the garden. Small trips into the city were also possible. Since there have been several employment assistants in the facilities, they have taken on care and employment for the elderly.
The commemoration days of the Holy Patronage of the four living areas: St. Catherine (April 29), St. Michael (September 29), St. Theresa of the child Jesus (October 1) and St. Luke (October 18). Oct.) we shape together by praying, singing and looking at the life of the saints. Afterwards there is a festive coffee table.
During the Easter penance we offered a service with anointing of the sick with the priest of our parish in our chapel, which was well received.
In an emergency and on request, our chaplain also donates the anointing of the sick to the sick in the living area.
In November we celebrate a memorial service for all those who died last year. On this occasion, the photos of the deceased are exhibited and a candle is lit for each. In this way, the memory of your deceased roommate comes to life again.
As a church service representative and communion helper, I have the opportunity, especially now during the corona pandemic, to give communion to my fellow sisters and residents.
We haven’t had a St. Measure more in-house. If possible, we take part in the services in the parish church.
Sister M. Priska