GUIDING THE MISSION AND MINISTRY ON BEHALF OF OUR ELDERS
by Sister Theresa Marie Pfeffer, O.Carm.
The Ministry Corner Guiding the Mission and Ministry on Behalf of Our Elders
Sr. Theresa Marie Pfeffer, O. Carm.
The bonds between the nursing home facilities and the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, have always been close. Whether the Home is owned by the Congregation, or the Diocese, or has some other shared method of governance, the Sisters – keeping alive the spirit of Venerable Mother Angelines Teresa, O.Carm. – have always sought to enrich and guide the mission and ministry on behalf of the aged and infirm residents according to the charism and Philosophy of Care of the Carmelite Sisters. This means assuring at every level the Catholic identity of a facility, its adherence to the protection of the quality and sanctity of life for all receiving care, and conducting the ministry according to the principles and quality levels to which the Carmelite Sisters, and the Carmelite System, are dedicated whether they are clinical, spiritual, or human needs.
A dynamic way in which this is accomplished is by the assigning of a Sister General Councilor as the liaison to each nursing facility. This Sister visits the facilities assigned to her regularly, attends Board Meetings, and is present to the Administration and staff as an encouraging witness to the Carmelite mission. The Sister also remains present to the Carmelite Sisters in the local situation, paying attention to them and dialoguing with them as they engage in the hands-on ministry in each location. Within the facility, the Sister assists in setting things right when necessary, and facilitates the assurance that the care of the elderly is done correctly and according to established protocols, that no abuse or mismanagement is tolerated, and that each resident is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve and that has been promised to them. The Sister also can bring back to the General Council issues that needs to be treated at a higher level of management, and to engage system-wide improvements and upgrades so that Carmelite care is always up-to-date and forward directed.
Each local facility boasts of staff, Sisters, and volunteers who are talented and committed to long term health care conducted in an atmosphere of compassion and respect. The Sisters who visit from Avila are an important part of this mission, always seeking to build up in a truly Christian environment, a beautiful home for God’s elderly. Often, we don’t see the efforts that are made, and yet each contribution is critical and valuable.