How I pray now: Peter McMinn speaks with The Record’s Debbie Warrier.
I find my prayer life changes. I remember reading somewhere that if you are praying the same way that you were praying seven years ago you haven’t advanced very much. Currently, I have been influenced by Justin Belitz, OFM, who presented a course on meditation at St Thomas More Church, Bateman. A relaxation meditation is followed by a guided meditation which I find very calming, centring and productive.
Fr Justin said the busier the day he had in front of him, the more he had to meditate. I found in practice if I do a bit of meditation in the morning I end up getting everything done. Actually, I can use it anytime. It nourishes and fulfills me. As a result I lead a prayerful existence and am able to see where God is working in my life. I sense a Presence. If I have problems, issues or challenges I get insights and guidance. Going to Mass is the summit of prayer for me but you have to have personal prayer too. I am at the stage where I try to do more listening than asking.
I am the Executive Officer for Catholic Outreach which is based at the Catholic Pastoral Centre of Our Lady of the Mission, in Highgate. After I retired from chartered accounting practice my wife became a founding fellow coordinator of More Care, which is the Catholic Outreach program at our parish. It helps the priests in the parish by building community as well as assisting people in need. I was passionate about her work and the good that it can do within a parish. Around that time a friend and fellow coordinator from Lourdescare Rockingham suggested I apply for my present position and I have been here now for ten years.
I find my work exciting and get a buzz out of helping parishes develop care programs. These programs are staffed by non-professional volunteers and are set up to provide practical emergency short term support. The practical support can be: transport, emergency meals, visiting, family support, bereavement support, gardening, handyman and home help.
The programs are run by a small group of fellow coordinators who are also volunteers. I meet with the coordinators and help them with the implementation and development of their programs. The number of volunteers varies with some parishes having less than 50 volunteers and others having more than 150. We often work hand in hand with other programs that are already operating in the parish such as St Vincent De Paul or the Legion of Mary. The Outreach programs don’t have any money or material goods and if such needs arise we network with other programs that can assist and endeavour to provide suitable referrals.
Not all parishes have Catholic Outreach programs and I will only work with a parish by invitation. If a parish wants to set up a care program or rejuvenate one that previously existed, I am happy to be contacted at 9422 7920. Today, most programs find it difficult getting volunteers for transport during office hours as many people work. If people are able to assist with this please contact us. You can visit our website at www.catholicoutreach.org.au.
Catholic Outreach started in 1990. The parish care programs assist not just parishioners but anyone in need. Our motto is: “Care Concern Service.”
If you have a story to tell please contact Debbie via: debwarrier@hotmail.com