Protestantism, too, has its own practices, such as offering communion to the homebound and hospitalized. However, it's disheartening to see that these opportunities for connection and care are often overlooked. During my time delivering medications for a pharmacy in college, I encountered numerous elderly individuals who, once active members of their churches, had become forgotten by their congregations due to illness or immobility. One particularly striking example was a woman who, alongside her husband, had been a founding member of her church. After her husband became homebound, she was unable to attend services, and the church leaders seemingly forgot about her, allowing her to slip through the cracks.
In contrast, my mother's experience as a communion minister for the Catholic Church highlighted a more proactive approach to pastoral care. She regularly visited shut-ins, providing not only the sacrament of communion but also a much-needed opportunity for them to interact with someone about their faith.
The role of pastoral care extends beyond the provision of religious rituals; it involves regularizing life's significant moments and offering support during times of need. The fictional character of the Archbishop in "Death Comes for the Archbishop" embodies this aspect, as he travels to remote ranches to offer weddings and baptisms, integrating himself into the lives of the people he serves.
This leads me to reflect on the challenges and rewards of ministering to those in hospice, nursing homes, or hospitals. These individuals often have little to offer in return, making the relationship purely about the care and connection provided, rather than any reciprocal exchange.
Looking to the future, I see myself potentially entering chaplaincy work. The pastoral aspect of community development also resonates with me, as it aligns with my desire to integrate care and support into the fabric of community life.
