For many grandparents, helping out with the grandkids is a luxury and a joy, but for others it is a necessity. For whatever reason, their children have not been able to take care of their own children, and grandma and grandpa are the ones who must provide a safe and healthy place for the child to be raised. We see this more and more in our parish and outside of our parish.
It doesn’t take long to consider the physical and emotional stress that these grandparents are under. Raising children is difficult enough without the challenges of aging. Due to age, there is also increased anxiety over their own health, and concerns of what will happen to the child if they become incapable of raising their grandchild due to their own health reasons. This even creates conflict with their own children, who sometimes fall short in their duties as mothers and fathers.
This is the reason that we are hosting a prayer and support group for grandparents in this situation. When a person is suffering from a challenging situation they can feel all alone, like they are the only ones who are suffering. The loneliness and shame from these feelings can intensify the stress they are already under. That is why just being around others in similar situations can be so helpful: it is proof that we are not alone, and that other people do know our struggles.
When we suffer, there is also something therapeutic about helping another person. Being able to talk about your own experiences and your own struggles can help others who are struggling with similar issues. It is also helpful to have people willing to pray for us throughout the week, and to pray for others as they struggle through difficult situations.
Our first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1st at 11am at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Kelso (in the parish hall). You do not need to be a member of the parish or even a Catholic to attend, so if you know somebody outside of our parish who is raising grandchildren, you are welcome and encouraged to share this with them. Nobody will be pressured to share anything beyond their name if they are uncomfortable, and of course nobody will be forced to pray against their will.
If you are interested in attending you are welcome to show up at Immaculate Heart on March 1st at 11am, but it would be helpful if you could RSVP. Please call the St. Rose office at 360-425-4660 or click here to fill out this form. If you have any questions, please let us know and we will be happy to answer them for you.
And please pray for all grandparents, especially those who are making the sacrifices needed to raise their grandchildren.
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