|
|
About five years ago, a fellow parishioner, Eleanor Fisher, told me that an opening for eucharistic minister had come up at McAuley Hall, which is on the grounds of Mount St. Mary in Watchung where the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey are headquartered. I had retired from a long career with RCA and Johnson & Johnson, and I had the time. So I interviewed for the job and got it.
Along the way Eleanor asked me if I would like to become a Mercy Associate. I had always thought of myself as a good person, but not necessarily worthy of this kind of honor. Then I thought about how God takes us when we are born and gives us the strength to always do better. So I decided that if He’s willing to gamble on me, I’ll take the chance.
Being a Mercy Associate has given me a sense of purpose and a feeling of satisfaction. It’s not that I felt an emptiness before—my wife and I raised five children, I had a rewarding career, and I have always volunteered in our parish. But contributing as a Mercy Associate has added another dimension to my life. I enjoy attending daily Mass and bringing communion to the sisters who can’t be there. I’m happy to provide transportation for the handicapped, or for sisters who need a ride to the airport. Given my business background, I also enjoy helping out with budgets and serving on the planning committee for the Mercy House of Prayer.
When you benefit someone else, you are always rewarded. In fact, I think you receive most of the reward. I am especially thankful for the wonderful people my wife Annie and I have met as result of Mercy Association. Through all these experiences, I see that God is there to guide me. I believe that if you are willing to trust Him, He provides wonderful opportunities to grow. I know in my heart that becoming a Mercy Associate is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. |
|
