Debunking the myths about Meals on Wheels

ing or swallowing we offer mechanical soft and pureed meals.

Common myths about Meals on Wheels of NWI: we go about our actions.”

As a Eucharistic minister, Conlisk brings Communion to the homebound and to several area senior care facilities, some of which also allow a Catholic Mass.

“I’m able to bring the Body of Christ to people who would not be able to receive it,” said Conlisk, 73, a retired accountant.

The Valparaiso man visits five care facilities and brings Communion to 12 homebound persons. Some facilities allow for Communion services, at which Conlisk shares copies of scriptural readings.

Originally from Chicago, Conlisk believes St. Paul Parish is special for all its ministries. These varied ministries, he explained, “revolve around helping parishioners grow spiritually and grow closer to Jesus.”

His pastor, the Rev. Douglas Mayer, said Conlisk “is doing many things and is a great witness to living the faith.”

Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana is a nutrition organization providing over 2,000 meals a day across the counties of Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, Starke and Pulaski. Meals on Wheels of NWI was established in 1977, by Margot Clark, a Visiting Nurses Association social worker. Through her work with the VNA, she learned a lack of quality nutrition negatively impacted patients’ recovery. Meals on Wheels of NWI is a key resource to keeping clients healthy and in their homes. Not only do we provide nutrition, but we are also a friendly face and a wellness check.

We offer four main diet types: heart healthy, sugar friendly, carb counted and renal, as well as over 20 additional modifications that include low residue, and no vitamin K options. For clients who experience trouble chew-

• There is an age qualification or limit, or meals are just for seniors.

• There is an income qualification or limit, or meals are just for those in “need.”

• The meals are not affordable.

• “I am not ready for Meals on Wheels; I will sign up when I need it.”

Meals on Wheels of NWI serves people ages 3 to 105. The meals are $5.99 each, Additional funding sources are available for those who qualify.

Meals on Wheels is a choice.

Some clients find it beneficial after a hospitalization, surgery or coming home after rehab. One hot meal is delivered daily, Monday through Friday. Frozen meals are also available in five or seven packs.

If you are interested in signing up for Meals on Wheels of NWI, contact our client services team at (219) 756-3663.

Conlisk helped bring the faith to a woman who was in and out of a care facility. At first reluctant, the woman eventually consented to meet with a priest, who heard her confession. She then agreed to receive Communion for “the first time in many, many years.”

One day Conlisk saw a man visiting the woman. It was her husband, but she said he was not interested in Communion. As time passed, the woman’s condition worsened and she died. Shortly thereafter, Conlisk saw her husband return to church. They sat and talked awhile. “Her prayers have been answered,” Conlisk thought.

“It’s reassuring I’m on the right track,” Conlisk said, “continuing to be vigilant about the things I do and not let anything get in the way, doing my best to help people come closer to the Lord.”

Conlisk defines living one’s faith as “living your beliefs, taking an honest look at your life to decide if there’s something you have to change. It was Mary’s influence that made me love my faith.”

A Meals on Wheels volunteer, Conlisk believes his ministries help him live his faith.

From Scripture, Conlisk cites James 1:22-25, which notes: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says … but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.”

“Basically,” Conlisk said, “it’s prayer and action that are needed.”

He added, “Your faith is stronger when you continue to meet the people and listen to some of their stories.”