By Katie Beckmann, Communications Manager
This week's "Embracing Faith" article, will focus on Embracing Faith through Ministry.
“A healing presence in a fractured world.”
This is what Sister Jo-Anne Faillace aspires to be in her ministry with Archcare at Home.
For over 25 years, Sister Jo-Anne has ministered as a Pastoral Care Counselor for Archcare at Home and served clients throughout New York. Archcare at Home, formerly known as Dominican Sisters Family Health Services is a program of the Continuing Care Community of the Archdiocese of New York.
In her ministry, Sister Jo-Anne works with patients, families, and caregivers to increase their spiritual and emotional well-being, provide support in the healing process, as well as foster mutually supportive relationships at home. Resources and connections that they need are provided.
Sister Jo-Anne shared, “When there is a crisis that comes through a health issue, whether it’s for the patient or the caregiver, healing can happen through faith, hope, and love.”
Most of Sister Jo-Anne’s clients and pastoral care visits take place in Westchester and Putnam Counties. She is first connected with a client when given a referral by Clinicians, along with an explanation to why there is a need for pastoral care services. This team approach is vital throughout the services. After completing an assessment and speaking with a patient, family member, or caregiver, Sister Jo-Anne will create a schedule and begin making pastoral care visits.
One of the challenges that Sister Jo-Anne often experiences in her ministry is “to balance the realization of my capabilities as well as the feelings of powerlessness in many situations.”
While having to deal with those challenges, Sister Jo-Anne has also viewed her ministry as a way to deepen her relationship and to live in the love of God.
“I have been blessed with opportunities that have been given to me and continue to form my life. Most important is my healthy relationship with God, others, and myself. This is what keeps me going.”
Sister Jo-Anne, who has been a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, New York since 1963, feels her ministry relates closely to her congregation’s mission and values.
“We see the sign that those in need of healthcare often feel as if they are on the margins of society. With a compassionate presence and the skills of counseling, active listening and understanding bring them back. I rely very much upon God’s Presence and Action in my visits. I often assist the patients, families and caregivers to recognize the same within themselves and in the visits. The Dominican gift to contemplate and know God’s presence is superactive allowing the fruit of God’s love to flow from there.”