Fr. Julio Barrera offering Mass at Beaver Dam Nursing Home. COURTESY OF BERNIE AND PAM HAYES
Monthly Mass ‘finally!’ renewed at Beaver Dam Nursing Home
Residents listening to volunteer Bernie Hayes sharing the Word. COURTESY OF BERNIE AND PAM HAYES
BY BERNIE AND PAM HAYES, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY
“Finally!” was the word most echoed March 4 among our friends, the residents of the Beaver Dam Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ohio County. Fr. Julio Barrera had initiated Mass on First Fridays at the facility in 2019, but the pandemic kept us away for two full years, from March 2020 until just this month.
Sadly, two of our Catholic residents passed away during those two years. We learned too late that Nancy Pate had passed away; our condolences to her family. Fr. Julio was allowed to come in and administer the Anointing of the Sick for Ann Strehl. She passed away August 19, 2021; Fr. Julio presided at her graveside service.
Consecration, even if upon a makeshift altar. COURTESY OF BERNIE AND PAM HAYES
During the pandemic we kept in contact with the residents via seasonal and monthly cards and letters. When we were finally able to make one-on-one weekly visits at the Center again in December 2021, we were amazed how many of the residents remembered us. Our hearts were touched to find several of our friends had saved each and every card and letter.
We were personally so delighted to witness Fr. Julio again offering Mass in the North Lounge, on a makeshift altar (an over-the-bed-table). Twelve residents, the activities director Cindy Kelly, and a Catholic nurse’s aide joined us in the celebration. Although not all Catholic, and in wheelchairs and recliners, the residents participated and listened attentively.
In wheelchairs and recliners, residents participating in Mass. COURTESY OF BERNIE AND PAM HAYES
They also appreciated the small tokens of prayer cards, booklets, rosaries, and medals offered. Fr. Julio is again able to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation upon request. And now, God-willing, our weekly Communion visits and our 10:30 a.m. “First Friday Mass” will again be part of the residents’ schedule. Blessings for them and for us!
Bernie and Pam Hayes belong to Holy Redeemer Parish in Beaver Dam.
Originally printed in the May 2022 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
