debval

Catholic, Wife, Mom, Teacher - The views expressed on this website are mine and mine alone.

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@JSchmeezy @RaminNasibov I used this to teach economics and engineering to my kids 👍 So much fun

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@PappaSciarappa I wish. Had my back fused 4 weeks ago. We’re starting LifeTeen and Edge. I’ve done it at my previous parish. Officially starting work on Monday. Next year I’m 100% there.

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@elonmusk @aaronburnett You succeeded 110%

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@Sachinettiyil I have never seen a bishop smile as much at Bishop Fernandes.

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@BishopBarron Congratulations to them! I have to think that this is your version of grandchildren :)

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@cecsquared Proof that there are no 'throw away' lines in Scripture. This line hit me when I was teaching a bible study last year. I thought that if St. Joseph was buried in Jerusalem he would have sought out his bride while she was mourning the loss of her son. 🤯

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@Not_the_Bee @bonchieredstate We have one an exit down. Yes, it has caused traffic issues for the first few months it was opened. Now, it's no big deal. Buc-ee's did pay for the street changes that needed to be done to make sure the congestion was minimal.

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@cecsquared I’m with you on this one. I don’t get it.

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@KatiePMcGrady Way more family time switching to a homeschool co-op. We had a lot of flexibility for traveling but also in our day to day life. School days are generally shorter. Also we were military so I could packup our curriculum and visit family while my husband was deployed.

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@Joeinblack I work for the church. You have to have thick skin.

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@TheHappyPriest Jesus overload

[Catholic HODL ✝️🇺🇸🇻🇦⚡️ @PaxAeterna]

1. Parish-Level Prevention Strategies (Most Important)
Make notification routine so the parish learns early:
• Encourage self-reporting: Regularly announce in bulletins, at Masses, on the parish website/app, and in new parishioner packets: “If you or a loved one is seriously ill, entering the hospital, nursing home, or hospice, please call the parish office immediately (even if you’re not ‘active’). We have a priest and lay ministers ready to visit and provide sacraments.”
• Create a simple “Sick & Homebound” form (online + paper) that families fill out on admission. Include fields for patient name, facility, room, diagnosis, and preferred contact.
• Build a Pastoral Care Team: Train lay volunteers (Eucharistic ministers and visitors) to check in with elderly parishioners, those with recent illnesses, or known health issues. Many parishes already do hospital and nursing home rounds.
• Annual or quarterly reminders: During Anointing of the Sick Masses or “Ministry to the Sick” talks, emphasize early notification.
• Update registration: Ask new or returning parishioners for emergency contacts and permission to reach out during health crises.

2. Improved/Supplementary Form Letter for Parishes
Send this proactively to all local hospices, hospitals, and nursing homes (not just reactively). It educates staff and invites partnership.

[Parish Letterhead]
[Parish Name] · [Address] · [Phone] · [Email] · [Website]
[Date]
[Administrator / Pastoral Care Director]
[Hospice Name]
[Address]

Re: Partnership for Catholic Patients’ Spiritual Care – Anointing of the Sick & Sacraments

Dear Administrator,

As the [Pastor/Pastoral Care Coordinator] of [Parish Name], I am writing to strengthen collaboration so Catholic patients in your care can receive the sacraments they desire, especially Anointing of the Sick.

Many Catholics enter hospice without their parish being notified, and staff may not realize this sacrament requires an ordained Catholic priest. We want to make coordination seamless.

Quick Facts for Your Team:
• Anointing of the Sick is for serious illness, frailty, or terminal diagnosis (not only imminent death).
• It can be repeated as needed.
• Full Last Rites include Anointing + Confession + Viaticum (final Communion).

Our Request:
Please add the following to your intake/admission process and staff training:
1. Ask every patient (or family): “Do you have a religious preference or parish affiliation?” and record it.
2. If Catholic, offer to contact their parish (or call us directly at [Parish Phone / Emergency Line]).
3. Allow prompt priest visits—we will respond quickly.
4. Note sacramental needs in the care plan.

We are happy to provide:
• Training sessions for your staff on Catholic end-of-life practices.
• Laminated reference cards for nurses and social workers.
• 24/7 priest contact information.
• Periodic visits by our Eucharistic ministers where permitted.

Accommodating religious needs supports patient dignity, family satisfaction, and compliance with healthcare regulations on spiritual care.

Thank you for the compassionate work you do. We look forward to partnering with you. Please contact me to discuss or schedule a meeting.

Sincerely,
[Priest/Deacon Name]
[Title]
[Parish Contact Info]

CC: Local Diocese Office of Pastoral Care

3. Additional Systemic Improvements
• Hospice Intake Question: Suggest (or advocate for) a standard religion/spiritual needs question on all admissions: “Would you like us to notify your faith community?”
• Diocesan Support: Ask your diocese to create a centralized “Catholic Hospice Liaison” list or 24/7 referral line that any facility can call.
• Family Education: Add to the original letter: “Please notify your parish priest or office as soon as hospice is mentioned—even before admission.”
• Local Partnerships: Invite hospice staff to speak at parish events or host joint training.

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@HoneyTongueMuse We have one at the next exit. We only go when people come to visit and want the experience.

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@BackwardsFeet This is so funny because it's so true!

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@RockofLifeNI Prayers for your father and your family. Offering up my recovery from back surgery for all of you.

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@FlanaganOnFaith Leo

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@cecsquared Offering up my back surgery recovery for you.

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@cecsquared I’m having my back fused tomorrow. Prayers for the surgical team and my recovery would be appreciated. I’ll offer up my recovery for yours.

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@TaylorRMarshall @msirilla1 Thank you for your perspective. I think it’s very valuable as we navigate interacting with our separated brothers and sisters.

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@crousselle Some days that’s the only homily God wants you to hear!