We are blessed to have a vibrant ministry at Saint Brigid for widows and widowers called the “New Beginnings Ministry”. Many widows and widowers from our parish come together in our parish hall generally on the 1st Thursday of the month from September to May, for dinner, community, and fellowship. They also participate in various off-site events over the summer. Widows and widowers from other parishes are also invited to attend any of these activities.
Many of these widows and widowers were married for more than 30 or 40 or 50 years. During their marriages, they have lived; they have loved; they have served; they have forgiven. Many of them remember the first time they met their spouses, their wedding day, the birth of their first child, and other important events in their marriages. They fondly recall the joy and warmth they shared with their spouses in so many special ways, and the many sacrifices they made during their time together.
The Second Vatican Council of the Catholic Church declared, “Widowhood accepted bravely as a continuation of the marriage vocation should be esteemed by all.” As we may remember, our Mother Mary was a widow. We believe she felt great sadness and the pain of separation when her spouse Joseph, died sometime during the life of Jesus. Yet, she continued to trust in God as she embraced her Son Jesus, and went on with her life. The following prayer, called “A Prayer for Renewed Hope”, provided by the media outlet, “Prayerlit”, reminds a widow that, like Mary, our loving Father still guides her on her journey of faith:
Father of all hope,
breathe new life into this weary widow’s soul.
Help her believe again, dream again, and hope again.
Let Your promises light her path and remind her
that the future still holds beauty and purpose.
Stir up new vision and rekindle her trust in You.
Amen.
As we reflect on this profound prayer, we are reminded that recently we celebrated a Mass in our Day Chapel for the deceased spouses of our widows and widowers. Approximately 75 widows and widowers were in attendance. Each of them had the opportunity to offer a special prayer for their deceased loved one. After the Mass, reflecting a fine example of collaborative ministry, the Men of Saint Brigid and the Knights of Columbus provided food and beverages and served a special catered dinner for these widows and widowers.
We thank these groups and their leaders for their assistance to our “New Beginnings Ministry” as we continue to strive to include our widows and widowers as an integral part of our faith community.