For a majority of people around the world, life has dramatically changed since the Coronavirus outbreak.
Many have been fortunate enough to quarantine themselves at home, working remotely, while others have sadly lost their jobs.
It seems as if every news story or social media post is about COVID-19, and it feels like there is no end in sight.
Yet, while these changes have been frustrating to accept and adapt to, essential workers around the world have experienced some of the toughest times during this pandemic.
Essential workers in Hospitals, Doctors’ Offices, Pharmacies, Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Banking, and Gas Stations, among other places, have been working nonstop to keep the world running over the past two weeks.
Sr. Jo-Anne Faillace, OP, a Pastoral Care Counselor at ArchCare at Home, has seen this first hand through her ministry.
As a Sister of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, Sr. Jo-Anne has felt directed and empowered through this pandemic by the Dominican Mission call “to Contemplate and to share with others the fruit of our Contemplation.”
“I depend upon the Spirit to lead me, to lead us, through these very unchartered waters. I regard this present challenge of COVID-19 and all that surrounds it, as a power greater than ourselves, evil is some cases, in need of a Power greater than ourselves,” explained Sr. Jo-Anne.
As a Pastoral Care Counselor, Sr. Jo-Anne has had to adapt her ministry from making in-person visits to phone calls to best serve her patients during this pandemic.
“I am able to provide a Spiritual presence by active listening, responding with care, praying, and providing resources,” shared Sr. Jo-Anne.
One of the ways that Sr. Jo-Anne has been connecting with her patients during these troubling times has been with prayer.
A prayer that Sr. Jo-Anne has shared with many of her patients has been one for those with COVID-19, as well as those in healing ministries, and their loved ones.
God ever present and ever caring,
hear our fervent prayer for all who suffer from the COVID-19.
May those who are infected receive the proper treatment
and the comfort of your healing presence.
May their families, neighbors and we their caregivers
be shielded from the onslaught of the virus.
May we make it our business to educate and
to follow the wisdom that we know at this time to prevent its spread.
Protect and guide those who strive to find a cure
that their work and our work may conquer the disease
and restore communities to wholeness and health.
Help us to fast from fear and walk in wisdom,
compassion and trust that you our God are ever present with us.
(In part a paraphrase from Catholic Health Association)
Along with prayer support, Sr. Jo-Anne has been providing her patients with additional assistance, including COVID-19 educational resources.
“Since many of the patients and families are anxious and fearful, this knowledge can be empowering, as well as preventative.”
Being able to empower and comfort her patients during this pandemic has helped strengthen Sr. Jo-Anne’s faith and desire to continue at her ministry.
“This is for me, but also for the ministry, to which I have been called, a day by day challenge. I find stability in being a part of something bigger than myself, by way of ArchCare, and by way of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York.”