If you listen to the news you will know that the COVID-19 pandemic has and is being blamed for a lot of things. Many folks have what is called long COVID, which means that they may be suffering from long-term effects of having had the virus. After my own battle with the virus, I totally sympathize with those people.

 

Besides the health aspects of the pandemic, our society continues to suffer the effects of the global crisis. Supply chain problems affect prices on virtually everything, rising inflation in global economies are also being called residual effects of COVID.

 

And there is the lack of workers in almost every business and industry. It leaves the economists and everyday folks like you and me scratching our heads, wondering where have all the people gone? 

 

There are other victims of COVID that don’t necessarily make the news. And believe it or not, I started reflecting on the “other” victims at a recent joyous event. 

 

As you read in these pages last week (the Nov. 11 issue of The Observer pages 1 and 5) 14 women from the Rockford Deanery were celebrated and honored for their dedication and service to their parishes and communities. These women have not just volunteered to give hours of their time in service, prayer and leadership efforts, most of them have given DECADES of their time. Giving of themselves — whether it be their particular gifts or skills or time and treasure — to the Church, schools, community organizations and ministries is part of their nature. It’s how they serve God and His people. 

 

Unfortunately, these women have another thing in common. They seem to be a dying breed. 

 

As I spoke to some of the folks from the parishes these 14 women represent, there seems to be some real concern for the future. These dedicated women, (no offense), aren’t getting any younger. Their energy and their health may not be as robust as when they first stepped up to serve as Eucharistic ministers, lectors, organists, organizers of funeral luncheons, leaders of church and school fundraisers, catechists, prolife leaders and advocates, adorers and the list goes on.  

 

The women’s groups and volunteer groups at our diocesan parishes are suffering. Yes, some  of the blame can be hung on the hook of the pandemic. But from what I have heard from around our diocese, from my colleagues across the United States and experienced at my own parish, the problem began before the dreaded year of 2020.  The malaise seems to have taken root before the virus did. The big question for our parishes is “Where have all the Catholics gone?”  And among those that are coming to Mass, where are the volunteers and the commitments they make?

 

This is a problem, and I am not suggesting that the problem isn’t complicated. 

 

What I am suggesting is that we think seriously about becoming part of the solution. There are some pretty important holidays coming. And as we begin the new liturgical year, perhaps we can reflect on how we can celebrate them to benefit our parishes in the tradition of so many decades of volunteers. 

 

For Thanksgiving, give thanks for the house of God gifted to you and your fellow parishioners by inviting someone new to come to a parish meeting or activity. 

 

For Christmas, if you or your family haven’t participated before, give the gift of yourself to a ministry. You know your strengths. Give what you can. Many hands make light work, and you surely can find something that fits your time and talents. 

 

And for the new year, resolve to get involved. There are so many times when people make suggestions or ask why their parish isn’t more involved in this or that. Most of the time the parish isn’t doing certain things because there is no one to help do it.  Instead of wondering “why don’t we have more activities?,” “why don’t we get more young people involved?,” why don’t we have more outreach?,”  considering asking “how can I help?”  

 

Your parish will gladly help you answer that question and accept your gift of time and talent this holiday season and beyond. With your help and your invitation to others, hopefully this latest crop of Women of the Year honored for so many contributions won’t be the last.