As we respond to COVID-19 as a ministry, we are committed to our mission to be the compassionate presence of Jesus to one another. We remember that Jesus called for and demonstrated love of neighbor. Practicing this love of neighbor during difficult times calls for resilience. Resilience is the capacity to persevere through challenges.  Resilience empowers us to care for others through adversity. Reflecting on Stories of Grace 2020 can build resilience for our ministry in 2021.

Extending the compassionate caring of Jesus calls for resilience.

In our ministry, teams are working together and supporting each other to extend the compassionate care of Jesus to our patients, residents and one another.  Jesus’ ministry, and therefore our ministry, is grounded in love.  During Jesus’ baptism, he heard that he was the “…beloved Son.” This experience of love was one that he could draw from during situations that call for resilience, such as responding to the needs of many for healing.  Remembering stories of resilience from our ministry that express God’s love builds resilience for continuing our ministry.

Learning from other organization’s programs can foster solidarity to build resilience:

• Peer Support for Caregivers in Distress—Johns Hopkins

• Burnout, Self-Care and COVID-19 Exposure for First Responders—American College of Emergency Physicians

• Resiliency Tips and Strategies to Manage Moral Distress and Burnout Syndrome—American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

• Recognize and Address Moral Distress—American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

• Sustaining Connection for Well-Being—Catholic Health Association

Practice to Deepen Resilience

Remember ways in which our ministry extends the compassionate caring of Jesus during challenging times to build resilience for the future.

•  Reflect on a new story from Stories of Grace 2020.

• Remember ways in which you extended the compassionate caring of Jesus during challenging times in 2020.

• Imagine how these experiences will help you as you encounter challenging situations in the future.