Transforming Hardship into Hope  November 2008

By Lorene Hanley Duquin

 The current economic downturn has created a tremendous amount of anxiety. People are losing their jobs, their homes, and their investments.  Fear of what the future may hold is very real.

 How can we address these fears as part of our adult education programs?  How can we help our parishioners transform hardship into hope?

 The first step is to identify what people in your parish need.  Set aside one weekend and put index cards and pencils in the pews during Masses.  Encourage people to write down the questions, concerns, and hardships they are facing during these difficult times.  Ask them to be honest.  Assure them that they can submit the cards anonymously.  Instruct them to put the cards into the collection basket.  Promise that you will find ways to address the issues.

 The information on the cards will give you a clear idea of the challenges that the people in your parish are facing. 

• Some of the cards will contain simple questions that you can address in the bulletin the following week. 
• Some of the cards will express concerns such as how to cut back on Christmas this year and still maintain the joy of the season. 
•  Some of the cards will reveal significant financial hardships.  You may want to make available a referral sheet to area food pantries, clothing centers, emergency shelters, and agencies such as Catholic Charities, Credit Counseling, or Social Services.

 In addition to answering questions, addressing concerns, and making referrals, you might want to organize a special prayer group for people who are looking for spiritual support during these difficult times.   Make sure you give people the chance to verbalize their intentions during the session. 

 You might not get a large number of people, but the ones who come will be there for a specific purpose. 

 An organized prayer group offers participants the assurance that they are not alone.  Prayer protects us from despair.   Prayer provides the courage to carry on. 

Prayer is the vehicle that can help people transform hardship into hope.