Pillow of the Church?
Be a pillow of the Church? This message might make you think of an old Saturday Night Live routine about a character who never quite correctly heard what was said. “What’s this I hear about a pillow of the Church? Oh, pillar of the Church. Never mind…”
But this is intentional. We’ve all heard of referring to some as “pillars of the Church” – a compliment offered about those who are upstanding, strong and “holding up the structure.” But upon careful analysis of the image, it doesn’t seem to be very warm or flexible. As with all symbolic language, it is both enriching and limited at the same time. The image of “pillow of the Church” is quite different. It is supportive of the structure, but in a softer and gentler way. Pillows can represent comfort, nurturing and intimacy – an insightful image for how we want to help the women and children currently staying at the YWCA Emergency Shelter.
Our Thanksgiving collection this year will be given to the YWCA Shelter. It has been a challenging time as they have tried to meet the needs of the many, many women and children who have needed shelter there this fall. As many are leaving abusive situations, they often arrive with very few possessions. Although most of our gift will be in the form of money, always needed and appreciated, we know they have a lengthy list of needs, with pillows being of high priority. That list is posted on the Social Justice Bulletin Board at the northeast church entrance and is also available at www.ywcacassclay.org/donations/current_needs.html. With each resident being given a new pillow to keep, we thought this might be a way to give a more personal gift.
Pillows dropped off at Nativity will be blessed before they are delivered. We will include a note:
“May this pillow comfort you and help refresh your body and spirit. May your dreams of a happy and peaceful future be realized. You will be remembered in our prayers.
The people of Nativity Catholic Church”
