‘God is alive and working in each of us’
Companion group overcomes challenges of aging to contribute to their community
The Cleveland Westside Companions are a small but passionate group of longtime Precious Blood lay associates. United by their spirituality and commitment to service, these senior citizens embody their Precious Blood spirituality through works of mercy and compassion.
Last fall, the Companions partnered with Blessed Trinity Catholic Church to host the monthly Community Meal. As Mass was celebrated in the church above, a different kind of celebration unfolded in the hall below: arthritic hands chopped vegetables, laughter echoed among volunteers, and heartfelt prayers were offered for those they served.
“We’re all up there in age,” says Companion Judy Himes. “It makes it tough to do some of these projects.” Despite health issues and the pains of aging, the joy the group finds in their work is evident.
“By preparing, serving, and sharing this Community Meal, the Companions were being Christ’s disciples who revealed that God ‘lives and moves’ and has His Being in each one of us,” says Companion MaryAnn Bowers. “God is alive and working in each of us.”
Companions prepared a hearty meal of beef stew, salad, sourdough bread, and pastries for approximately 100 attendees. “Many of those who came were not members of Blessed Trinity Church,” MaryAnn says. “Some asked us if they were allowed to join our meal. Just like the Mass, celebrated one floor above us, the answer was, ‘All are welcome here!’”
Their dedication didn’t stop with the meal. Using a grant from the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, the group distributed $25 grocery gift cards to 20 attendees, with additional cards allocated to those in need at the parish food bank. Each envelope also contained a prayer card of St. Gaspar or St. Maria De Mattias and an explanation of the Precious Blood mission — a tangible reminder of faith and hope.
“Companions spent several hours preparing and serving a meal,” says MaryAnn. “But something else very profound was occurring. We were living, moving and glorifying God. He was alive, living and moving and having His Being in everyone of us. All who participated in the Community Meal, servers and guests, saw God in each other.”
MaryAnn recalls a young mother with five children who cried upon receiving two gift cards. Another man, overwhelmed with gratitude, used his card to replenish his pantry with beans for the winter. These simple acts of kindness create ripples of hope in a community often marked by poverty and struggle.
This act of generosity is just the latest chapter in the Companions’ longstanding tradition of outreach. “Each year, we’ve done something a little bit different,” says Judy. The previous year, they hosted a baby shower for pregnant women at Zelie’s Home, a refuge for expectant mothers. The event included gifts for both babies and moms, a lovingly prepared luncheon, and games. “We wanted to show support for life in a meaningful way, without delving into politics or controversy,” Judy says.
Although the Cleveland Companions are members of various parishes in the area, they enjoy contributing at Blessed Trinity. Under the leadership of Father Doug Koesel, the parish actively serves its diverse, economically challenged neighborhood on the city’s west side. Beyond the Community Meal, it hosts initiatives such as a produce garden, clothing giveaways, food bank, and a bus stop pantry offering free hats, gloves, and scarves. MaryAnn and her husband, Jerry, also a Companion, participate in as many projects as they can, weeding the garden, donating items, and more, called by Fr. Koesel to be disciples.
As the Cleveland Westside Companions look to the future, they continue to consider new ways to serve. Whether it’s assisting with human trafficking awareness and victims or supporting foster families, their hearts remain open to where God leads them next. “Everyone is precious, as precious as the Blood of Jesus,” says MaryAnn.