ALLEGANY, N.Y. — As members of the United States Senate are striving to pass a health care bill by Christmas, the Catholic faith community here is preparing to have its own “Conversations on Health Care” beginning in the new year.
Topics for the series were “chosen to share ideas and values that are both practical and basic,” according to a brochure. They include elder care, social care, financial care, medical care and funeral care.
The six-week series will meet at two times — 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. — with refreshments served a half hour before each meeting. The morning gatherings are hosted by St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany, where Richard Husted, OFM, is pastor.
The brochure states: “Health care reform has been going on in our country for decades. As the debate continues in Congress, ordinary people simply cannot wait to make important decisions about the issues that go beyond government action.”
There is no cost to attend the Jan. 6 through Feb. 10 conversations; however, donations of non-perishable food items will be collected and distributed to local food pantries.
This is the third in a series of “conversations” that the Allegany parish has held. The previous themes were social justice and relationships.
Franciscans across the country are talking about health care reform. In September, many participated in a webinar sponsored by the Franciscan Action Network.