The Valley Catholic June 20, 2017 | Page 11

tvc . dsj . org | June 20 , 2017 11

By Gina Masero

There are many caregivers , both professional and self-trained , among us . While there are those who have chosen the honorable profession of caregiver , others have fallen into the role with no formal training for the family caregiver , and it ’ s natural for them to doubt whether what they are doing is enough . A caregiver ’ s natural inclination is to respond to the needs and demands of their loved ones , and without realizing it , they can neglect or disregard their own needs . Caregivers are like teapots , they continue to fill up others ’ cups until their pot is left bone dry . As a result of continuously putting others before themselves , caregivers might become angry , frustrated or resentful . They can become exhausted , depleted and feel underappreciated .

Having fallen unexpectedly into the role of caregiver , I speak from experience . By the age of 24 , I was married , had purchased a home and was pregnant with my first child . I felt on top of the world ! That same year ,

Catholic Cemeteries … Taking Care of the Caregiver ?

my husband and I received the devastating news that he had been diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer . The fear and panic set in fast , and I often pleaded with God , questioning whether I was strong enough to face this . The truth was , I was strong enough , but not strong enough to face it alone . I needed support from others who could empathize and relate . I needed help finding the courage and confidence to speak up and to believe that my needs were important , too . I needed to understand that self-care was essential , not selfish .

“ Tough times do not last forever , but tough people do .”

My husband fought a brave battle for 12 years , until his passing at the young age of 36 . Over the course of those twelve years , I learned many valuable lessons about the importance of faith and opening myself up to the support of others . Over time , I learned the true value of letting go of guilt and resentment , and by doing so I accepted my own needs . I believe that my journey has led me towards my passion of providing support and guidance to fellow caregivers , and ultimately establishing a group connecting them with one another . It ’ s so important to know that you are not in this alone . “ Tough times do not last forever , but tough people do .”

God is in the driver ’ s seat , and can change the course of our lives if we are open to it . We may feel that God may be slow , but he is never late .

If you are a caregiver , you are invited to attend a Caregivers ’ Support Groups at either location : Holy Family Parish-Youth Hall 4848 Pearl Ave ., San Jose 10:15 – 11:45 a . m .

Santa Teresa Parish-Conference Room behind the Parish Office 794 Calero Ave , San Jose 7 – 8:30 p . m . Open for professional and nonprofessional caregivers .

For more information , contact Gina Masero at maserogina @ gmail . com .

COMMUNITY

Caregivers Mass and Brunch

Saturday , July 22 | 9:30 – 11:30 a . m . Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery All Saints Chapel 22555 Cristo Rey Drive , Los Altos

Caregivers and the person you are caring for , if they are able , are invited to pray with others and enjoy a complimentary brunch . RSVP by July 14 . Parish Bereavement Ministers ’ Training Series

Aug . 17 , 24 , 31 – Sept . 14 , 21 , 28 | 7 – 9 p . m . Make up session for one missed class is Oct . 20 The Chancery , 1150 N . First St ., San Jose .

An in-depth training and enrichment series for parish staff and volunteers to focus on bereavement support in the parish setting . RSVP by Aug . 11 .

To RSVP for either event , contact ( 650 ) 428-3730 or cemeteryinfo @ dsj . org .

Sister Catherine ( Catherine of Siena ) Davis , SNDdeN October 11 , 1938 – May 12 , 2017

Joan Davis attended Saint Clare School in Santa Clara , and graduated from Notre Dame High School , San Jose before entering the Notre Dame Novitiate in Saratoga in 1957 . After teaching elementary school children in Marysville , Chico , Los Angeles , Redwood City , Folsom and Yuba City , Sister Catherine of Siena ( as she was known then ) assisted in the library at College of Notre Dame , then studied for a Masters in Library Science . In 1973 , she began her “ perfect job ” of being the full-time credentialed librarian at Notre Dame Elementary School in Belmont – and stayed for thirty-nine years !

Sister Dolores Quigg , who was principal there for most of those years , described Sister Catherine as masterful at finding books to match each child ’ s interest or needs . Students were convinced that Sister Catherine had read all 5,000 books in the library ! Suzy Jones Smith , a former co-worker and friend at Notre Dame Elementary , remembers the way Sister always praised the good things that the children did , and took a personal interest in the teachers and families , as well .

Sister Catherine was diagnosed in 2014 with ALS , the neurodegenerative disease that was also the cause of death for her grandfather , father , Kenneth Davis , and her brother , Timothy . A younger brother , Michael , preceded them in death . The courage and grace she showed in dealing with this debilitating disease was an inspiration to everyone who knew her . When frustration and fear would take hold , she would very intentionally pray for someone else who might be suffering .

In the final chapter of Sister Catherine ’ s life , she received loving care at Mercy Retirement and Care Center , in Oakland . She regularly expressed appreciation to the Mercy caregivers for their care of herself and also , for her 101 year-old mother , Alice Davis .

Sister Catherine ’ s generous spirit will be deeply missed by her sister-inlaw Linda Della ; nephew , Lucas ; and niece , Chianna ; numerous cousins ; her Sisters of Notre Dame and thousands of parents and former students from Notre Dame Elementary .

Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur , 1520 Ralston Avenue , Belmont , CA , 94002 or online at snddenca . org .

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