Leona Kwash, 94, a parishioner of St. Michael Parish in Sterling Heights, smiles at the June 16 high school graduation of Carolyn Andre, whose family drives Kwash to Mass most weeks. Through the Andres’ volunteering, the family has developed a special relationship with Kwash, who called them “the most wonderful family in the world.”METRO DETROIT — For seniors who want to attend Sunday Mass, but can no longer drive themselves, getting to church can be nearly impossible.
But with the help of parish ministries that offer these seniors a ride to church, it can be the answer to prayer.
Bob Thursam, a parishioner of St. Mary Queen of Creation Parish in New Baltimore, said he has volunteered to drive seniors to Mass for the past five or six years.
“I was actually a Lutheran all my life until about 12 years ago,” said Thursam, 65, who resides in New Baltimore. Thursam said when his family arrived at Queen of Creation, his wife encouraged him to come to church with them, and he eventually went through the RCIA program.
“Our parish mission statement is to be Christ to one another,” he said. “(Our) helping seniors like that is us living our faith.”
Parishioners Dave and Michelle Andre have ministered as volunteer drivers at St. Michael Parish for nearly six years.Thursam, who today is actively involved in parish outreach, said he enjoys talking with those he drives to Mass.
“Most of the time I try to do it every Sunday,” he said. “I’m going to continue doing this as long as I can.”
Leona Kwash, 96, is a parishioner of St. Michael Parish in Sterling Heights, and likes to attend the 9:45 Mass every Sunday morning.
She has also developed a special relationship with the family that drives her to Mass, Michelle Andre and her family.
“I think they’re the most wonderful family in the world,” said Kwash, who lives in Clinton Township. “They go out of their way to be kind to other people. I cannot drive anymore, so I have to have someone drive me to church.”
Kwash said she is happy St. Michael’s offers to drive people to Mass, and other places, too, such as doctor’s appointments and the grocery store.
“You have to be a good person to give up your time for someone else,” Kwash said. “I think it’s marvelous that I’ve found someone who is that way.”
Kwash lives on the way to church for the Andre family, and early on they decided Kwash didn’t even need to call; they would bring her every week.
“I said, ‘there are a few nice people left in this world,’” Kwash said.
Last year, Kwash even joined the Andre family in attending a graduation Mass at St. Michael’s — daughter Carolyn Andre having just graduated high school — and stuck around for the reception afterward.
Michelle Andre, 53, said she has volunteered to drive for St. Michael’s for about six years. Her husband, Dave Andre, often drives their car, and Michelle Andre walks Kwash into church.
St. Michael offers the service through its own chapter of the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, and so if Michelle Andre cannot drive one day, she can contact another volunteer to help out.
Michelle Andre said she signed up to volunteer at St. Michael’s after wanting to be part of a ministry.
“I love it and I love the people,” Michelle Andre said. “I wanted to sign up for some type of volunteer thing, and this is my niche.”
Many parishes have ministries offering seniors and other homebound parishioners a ride to Mass. To inquire, contact your local parish or vicariate.
