As a continuing care community and skilled nursing facility, MCH has been and will continue to follow the CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid) guidelines set forth to protect the safety and well-being of elders living in our community. However, social distancing has been a direct challenge, as we have always fully embraced community life and the importance of belonging to something bigger than self.
But at MCH, we know that it will take much more than a global pandemic to shake our faith and spirit.
“I feel that this time has been a great gift, as it has given me opportunities to deepen my relationships with residents of Milwaukee Catholic Home and my colleagues.” says Pastoral Care Coordinator Terri Adrian. “I can think of no better way to see the face of God!”
As an organization with a history of over 100 years of Catholic mission and ministry, our Pastoral Care programs lie at the heart of who we are. Miraculously, this has still been the case at MCH even during COVID-19.
Here are just a few of the ways our Pastoral programs have spiritually fed residents and staff of MCH during COVID-19:
We have been blessed by the generous gifts of time and wisdom by MCH resident Fr. Jim Connell. His celebration of daily Mass has been wonderfully sustaining during this difficult time. Not only is Mass open to 15 residents for in-person attendance, but each Mass is also broadcast virtually in resident apartments.
Milwaukee Catholic Home was delighted to welcome Bill Scobey-Polachek as the newest member of our leadership team earlier this month. Bill is assuming the newly created role of Pastoral Care Coordinator in the Health Care Center. “Pastoral care means providing emotional, social, and spiritual support for people of all faith backgrounds,” says Bill. “It means providing opportunities for residents to practice their faith traditions and grow closer to God. It means helping residents become connected as a faith community and supporting them on their journeys. I have faith that God is continuing to form me through my experience as Pastoral Care Coordinator.”
MCH resident Bob Regner has led residents and staff daily in the praying of the Rosary, giving the intentions of many proper attention.
Evening Taize prayer services have provided an opportunity to quiet and calm ourselves, and rest in the assurance that all will indeed be well.
“Faith in Our Lives”, a small discussion group recently formed by the Pastoral Care Team and dedicated residents, serves as an opportunity to look at faith from a broader, more ecumenical perspective.
As members of our community, we know that you care deeply for the continuing success of Milwaukee Catholic Home in its mission to provide faith-filled service to older adults. Thank you as always for being part of our mission and our family.
We will move through this together with brighter days ahead!
