Christmas Call Outreach

by Faith Formation Director Laura Balogh

With the anxiety, travel limitations, and frequent isolation accompanying the second wave of COVID this season, we are so happy and grateful to report a wonderful silver lining with our  Christmas Call Outreach! This Ministry involved 31 volunteers reaching out via phone to over 500 older members of our faith community between Christmas and the New Year.  

Our parish started this Outreach when the Pandemic hit last spring, and volunteers have made two rounds of calls to check in on our older parishioners. The goal of this Outreach is to identify those who have any needs, such as groceries or medicine. Most importantly, however, we also want to attend to people’s spiritual and emotional needs—to simply show that we care and are available to talk. It is wonderful to see how many people established new friendships that hopefully will continue over time.

Testimonials from some of those involved in this very special Ministry:

“It was one of the best experiences of my life. I definitely want to do this every year at Christmas. Most people picked up and if they did not, I left a voicemail. They were so grateful and full of joy. I talked for about 20 minutes with a few of the people. A couple of them asked if I could spend time talking with them. And they even asked for my phone number so they could talk again. It was so wonderful.” (Lauren)

“It is a great way for me to keep in touch with people because I too am limiting my outside activities and thus I am missing my parish family and the ministries in which I was involved.  One woman and I were on the phone for over half an hour and agreed we would "meet for lunch" when we can eat outside and get to know each other better. Another lady said my call “had made her day” and was very enthusiastic.” (Lorelei)

Without exception, each person I spoke to was extremely appreciative of the outreach effort. All of my calls were warmly received. (Nicholas)

“I truly enjoyed connecting with our Notre Dame family and being a listening voice to how they were coping during these difficult days of COVID, especially during the holidays when they were missing being with their families. And, to those to whom I was unable to speak, they responded to my voice mails with the loveliest messages of gratitude for our outreach and assured me that they were doing well.”  (Margie)

“I think the outreach is a beautiful, easy act of kindness. It warmed my heart to speak to those who were lonely. Everyone I spoke with was so grateful for the church and the ministry. It is an example of how you receive more when you give.” (Michelle)

“The  j oy I received in connecting with our senior and in some cases, isolated, parishioners before Christmas was far greater than any that may have been given. The wonder and sense of connection felt by everyone I contacted helped make a real difference in their experience of “COVID Christmas.” I had several conversations that lasted more than 15 minutes, and each one of them was wonderful. Although we can’t “quantify” the results of this outreach, I believe that because Christ was working through each of us, this effort was fruitful in many different ways.” (Jean)

“Almost everyone that I spoke to was impressed that the parish was offering help, supplies, and assistance to those in need.” (Andreia)

"Making these calls honestly made my holiday season brighter. It is something I will definitely sign up for again. One person, once I explained what the call was, chuckled and said something along the lines of "this is Notre Dame for ya, how fortunate are we.”  And I couldn’t agree more." (Alexandra)

We will continue this Outreach periodically. Therefore, if you are interested in getting involved in this Ministry, please contact Laura Balogh, at  LBalogh@ndcarmel.com.