A Caregiver&#039;s Prayer

Dear Parishioners,

A couple of weeks ago, I asked you to be sure to pray for all of our elderly, sick, infirm and confined parishioners and loved ones. Today, I am asking that you pray for and show support for all who are Care Givers.

There are many individuals, spouses, parents, children, families and friends caring daily for their sick, elderly and infirm loved ones. Their tasks are sometimes daunting and heroic. They are often unsung heroes. They are to be commended and admired for all they do. Let us pray for them and show them support in all the ways we can.

I would like to offer my prayers for all who are Care Givers and for the loved ones you care for. I offer you the following prayer for yourselves and for your refection.

God bless us all!
Fr. Citino

A Caregiver’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me better understand and believe I can do what you ask me to do.

Forgive me for the times, even now, when I question your judgement.

As I go about the many daily tasks of caregiving, give me energy.

As I watch my loved one oh-so-slowly walk across the room, give me strength.

As I answer his/her repeated question just one more time, give me patience.

As I look for solutions to whatever is the most recent concern, give me wisdom.

As I reminisce with him/her about the “good old days”, give me a moment of laughter.

As I get to know my loved one in a new way, seeing both his/her strength and frailty, give me joy.

As I sit beside my loved one’s bed waiting for his/her pain medication to take effect, give me comfort.

Lighten my burden, answer my prayer, and give me the strength to do what so often seems impossible.

Give me a quiet place to rest when I need it and a quieting of my anxieties when I’m there.

Change my attitude from a tired, frustrated and angry caregiver, to the loving
and compassionate one I want to be.

Remain my constant companion as I face the challenges of caregiving and when my job is through,
and it’s time for me to let go, help me remember he/she is leaving my loving arms to
enter your eternal embrace.

Amen.