Pray for Families Adjusting to a Difficult Diagnosis

Published 5 days ago • 2 min read

Pray for Families Adjusting to a Difficult Diagnosis

by Kristen West McGuire

When chronic medical problems are first diagnosed, the family’s pain can be overwhelming. Parents must navigate immediate medical treatment options and financial considerations. Time and logistics can morph into enemies, as families juggle the needs of the patient amid work and regular household duties.

It may not be possible to truly understand someone else’s experience. When seeking to offer help, be receptive to their stated needs and guard their privacy. Try to treat the child and his or her family as normally as possible. When a family is exhausted by the treatment regimen and tired of incessant questions, they cherish the small, normal routines of life that are augmented by the kindness of others.

No matter what the prognosis may be, your prayers are golden to these families. Be generous with them!

CaringBridge® connects family and friends during a critical illness, treatment or recovery. A CaringBridge website is personal, private and available 24/7. It eases the burden of keeping family and friends informed, and allows distant loved ones’ to send messages of support.

The National Catholic Partnership on Disability offers training and support for parish ministries for persons with disabilities and their families.

Be Not Afraidis an online outreach to parents who have received a poor or difficult prenatal diagnosis.

Peace in the Storm is a ministry of accompaniment for persons with disabilities and their caregivers.

Lord, We Pray:

For all children with chronic medical conditions, that their suffering would be mitigated by the love and support they encounter in every person they meet;
For the parents and siblings of these children, that they would find their emotional, physical, financial, social and spiritual needs met;
For the doctors, nurses, therapists, educators and social service personnel, that their work would be blessed with success;
For friends and neighbors, that their attempts to help would be generous and at the same time, “care-filled”;
For a positive resolution of misunderstandings, and greater sensitivity to the needs of special families everywhere;
That, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, who understands the pain of watching a child suffer, the gifts of hope and strength would be given to each family member as the need arises.