My neck and shoulders had been bothering me, on and off, for many years.  I accepted a job as an office manager where I wouldn’t have to use the typewriter or computer all the time, because I was suspecting that’s what was causing the pain.  However, the new job did require lots of typing once I was there, and the pain in my neck caused terrible headaches.  My physician sent me for physical therapy and prescribed medicine for the problems.  It kept getting worse, and I was forced out of work with the disability of herniated disks in my neck.  It was devastating.  I felt totally useless.  My children were grown and out on their own, and I didn’t want to sit home alone.  For a few months I spent most of my time seeking relief from pain.

One day I decided that this medical retirement might just be a time to do more praying.  I started giving more of myself to prayer and helping at daily mass.  Then I was asked to be a Proclaimer and Eucharistic Minister as well as Sacristan.  I tried to perform these ministries prayerfully.  Gradually I entered into participating in other ministries:  RCIA Team where I accompanied and helped to instruct those who were considering coming into the church, The Baptism Team where I became a Pastoral Visitor to parents who were requesting baptism for their infants and young children, Befriender Ministry where I trained to be a visitor to those in need of someone to listen compassionately, a Server to the Presider at daily mass, and a liturgical assistant at funeral services.  I felt called into these ministries, and successful in making good use of the time provided by my disability.  I received a monthly disability check from my last employer, and a Social Security check as a disabled widow.  For over ten years I found happiness by volunteering in those ministries, an hour or so at a time.

©Pat Montesano 2003 All Rights Reserved.