It was standing room only in the chapel of Holy Family Senior Living (HFSL), Bethlehem, as residents and caregivers alike gathered on Oct. 22 for a Mass highlighting Spiritual Care Week.
HFSL is a ministry of the Diocese of Allentown that offers a full range of quality services to meet the diverse needs of older adults, including continuous care, short-term and long-term skilled nursing, and rehabilitation care.
“The big point today is that Jesus Christ is the only One who is able to provide effective spiritual care through us, because only God knows the heart,” said Chaplain Father Paul Rothermel in his homily.
“It is a beautiful gift when we remember that we are humble instruments of God, and He is the primary spiritual caregiver.”
Observed this year Oct. 20-26, Spiritual Care Week is an annual international celebration honoring the providers of spiritual and pastoral care.
“I knew this was something that we should celebrate at Holy Family Senior Living,” said Annette Etchberger, Director of Human Resources at the residence.
With the help of employees and staff and input from residents, Etchberger developed a Spiritual Care Week calendar of events that included the distribution of Divine Mercy images, the sharing of “Random Notes of Kindness,” and a breaking of challah bread, a Jewish symbol of spiritual renewal.
The observance of Spiritual Care Week was a natural fit for HFSL, where the spiritual wellbeing of residents is top priority. Pastoral care at HFSL is provided by a dedicated team comprised of Father Rothermel (“Father Paul”), Deacon Robert Young (“Deacon Bob”), Sister Lucy Kawau (Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood), Sister Joan Bachinicha (Angelic Sisters of St. Paul), and Relief Chaplain Father Anthony Drouncheck.
One grateful recipient of the team’s care is Francis, who has been a resident of HFSL for nearly three years. It’s Francis’ voice that can be heard at daily Mass, singing one of four favorite hymns.
“What I sang today was ‘Heart of Jesus, Meek and Mild,’” said Francis. “We have Mass every day, and we say the Rosary every day. We also have a Holy Hour every Tuesday.”
Indeed, said Etchberger, “We have spiritual care here 24/7. Food, faith, and fun is the care triangle that can increase quality of life. Spiritual care falls squarely in the faith part.
“Spiritual Care Week is a great concept. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the spiritual gifts, impact, and presence that our spiritual care team provides. Their gifts make it possible to share God's Word and Love with those in our community.”
It was in 1983 that Pastoral Care Week – later renamed Spiritual Care Week – was established by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. While it is officially observed in October, “this is not something nice that we do for one week only,” asserted Father Paul and Deacon Bob, “but is rather a star that guides our Life Enrichment programs throughout the year.”
The HFSL pastoral care team called attention to a striking statue of the Holy Family that was placed on the grounds of HFSL at the start of Spiritual Care Week. “It stands for what is foundational for what we as Catholics believe, say, and do,” they said. “The Holy Family is as close to each other – and to God – as love and holiness can make them.
“St. Joseph is depicted with a small cross in his right hand; the Blessed Mother grasps Jesus with both her arms. All three look out and welcome us and everyone else into the spiritual tranquility at the Heart of their Family. [Their message is] ‘truly Catholic and welcoming to all!’”
As the Spiritual Care Week festivities continued at HFSL, Francis agreed that there is reason to celebrate.
“I believe that what we do helps everybody else,” he said. “You look around and you can see lots of people are doing this here. They're helping others to a great extent.”
By Celeste Behe.
