The Gospel of John tells us that,
in addition to Our Lady and the apostle, others were there. The
evangelist names "the wife of Clopas"
and Mary of Magdala. He goes on to speak of Joseph of
Arimathea and Nicodemus and the role each played after Christ had died
and Our Lady was under St. John’s care.
Within a family, within a parish, within a diocese,
there are men and women who are not the person needing care, who are
not the primary caregivers, but who are called to be of service to
both. How, and to what degree, varies. Within this group are family
members, friends, volunteers and professionals.
Some offer service and support one-on-one. Others
promote both awareness and care within the parish. Still others, in
their capacity as diocesan employees, are in a unique and critical
position to do the same on a regional or even national level.
