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Please click on any of the following ministry links for additional information:
Bereavement Ministry - Family Support/Comfort Food - Caregivers' Group
Prayer Ministry - Celebration of Birth - Prayer Shawl Ministry "Purling Angels"
Eucharistic Ministers to Homebound - Women's Health
For those interested in reaching out to others in the spirit of fellowship, check out our sister ministry's webpage:
 Seton Ministry for Women
 The Elizabeth Ministry and Seton Ministry for Women are now accessible via a new facebook Women's Ministries page. Click on the icon to get there, and "like us" to stay informed of upcoming events.
Elizabeth Ministry News
A Reflection on Living a Generous Life
Elizabeth Ministry Meeting - June 4, 2013
Reading: 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15-Exhortation to Generosity
“Do not come to my funeral until the day of my funeral. I am going about the business of living and not the business of dying.”
Valerie Harper appeared on all the morning talk shows and reiterated her diagnosis of terminal brain cancer. It is March 11, 2013. She has three months to live and that’s what she intends to do.
I can never remember Valerie Harper’s name. To me she is Rhoda Morganstern. Her best friend is Mary Richards aka Mary Tyler Moore. I always aspired to be Mary, the picture of “fluffy” perfection, aiming to succeed in the big city business world. But I related to Rhoda, the child-like young woman aiming to succeed at life. Rhoda was inappropriate most of the time but she didn’t seem to notice. Grappling with her insecurities, she was never defeated for long. Each day was a brand new adventure, giving her a chance to start over with yet another ill-conceived and/or poorly executed plan. Rhoda was the girl that your mother always told you, “meant well”. You could never stay mad at a person like that for long. She exuded joy, love and laughter and a true generosity of spirit which could not be contained. Her energy was intoxicating. Her mouth was big but so was her heart. How I loved her candor. Delivered in that ethnic New York accent-Priceless! We learn from the Sunday gospel that God is delighted with us. I can’t help but think that God is truly captivated by Rhoda.
Valerie Harper went on to explain that we are all terminal even if Cloris Leachman is in denial, and Valerie’s husband of 34 years is devastated. Though she lives in hope, she is well aware that she may be living her final days. She went on to deliver an affirmative message of discipleship, fellowship and spirituality which I will attempt to paraphrase. She said we must love one another in this life. We must stick together and hold each other’s hand. We must forgive each other by letting go of the wish that the past had been different. The past is the past. It was what it was. We must move forward from the now and achieve a different ending. “We must each find our contribution.” Modeling Rhoda as an actress was Valerie’s contribution. “Mute the voice in your brain that tells you that you are not a good person, you are not good enough, and furthermore you are to blame for all that goes wrong in your life and the lives of those closest to you. It is not “just” a smile, a cake, a donation, some words of wisdom. Believe that you are a good person. Your pettiness and imperfections are a part of the package-the real deal. Embrace the whole person and show others that you feel the love in the prayers being said for you.”
I am so glad that Valerie Harper lived long enough to give us these words of wisdom which I am passing along to you in this reflection. Rhoda will remain in my heart and my spirit forever. And by the way Rhoda, it looks like you made it after all.
Offered by Pat Scott, Spirit Leader of Elizabeth Ministry
Many thanks to Pat Scott for her insightful, prayerful reflections which offered us month-to-month comfort and inspiration this year.
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"Purling Angels" Send Shawls to the Lyons VA Hospital
Twenty six tangible expressions of our love, gratitude, and prayers are traveling from St. Charles this month. The Prayer Shawl Ministry honors our soldier heroes at our May meetings by gathering specially knit or crocheted lap robe type shawls, meaning, shawls that are generally wider and longer than those created as regular prayer shawls. Handwritten thank you notes for serving our country are attached to each shawl. The shawls are donated to the Lyons VA Hospital in Basking Ridge. Our ministry has been honoring veterans for the 8 years since its inception. Pictured are (l. to r.) Pat Rose, Peg Lamb and Jennie Murphy writing their messages of thanks on May 15.
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PRAYER FOR MOTHER'S DAY
God our creator,
we come before You
and lift up in prayer all mothers,
grandmothers, stepmothers and mothers to be
who gave the gift of life.
We give you thanks for their presence,
talents and gifts which they share in our church,
society and world.
May all mothers know of Your loving
and gentle presence
and may they always turn towards You
in times of joy, sorrow and glory.
We ask this in Your Name.
Amen.
--Offered by Donna Sileo
Mother's Day Remembrance Service -- Monday, May 6
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Celebration of Birth Ministry Welcomes A New Parishioner
 Members of the Celebration of Birth Ministry recently welcomed the newest member of the O'Kavage Family. The family was met with prior to the baptismal mass and presented a baby blanket knit with love, care and prayer by the Purling Angels. Representatives from Celebration of Birth, Purling Angels and Men's Ministries were on hand during the baptismal mass to welcome the O'Kavage baby to the faith community of St. Charles Borromeo.
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New Monthly Prayer and Support Group:
"New Transitions" meets the 3rd Thursday of the month, 7:30-9pm, to address the needs of women who are experiencing life changing events in their lives. Mary Aun, LCSW, is the facilitator.
Congratulations to the Corveleyn Family! Celebration of Birth minister Helen Corveleyn and her husband announce the birth of a healthy baby boy. We offer prayers of thanksgiving for this welcome arrival.
Purling Angels Marriage Presentation -- March 16, 2013
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