Team Spiritual Care: Open Your Hands

Sister Kateri Theriault

Jesus taught that we have a fundamental choice to make: to hold tight to whatever we find of value or to let go of all for the sake of Christ and the gospel. Most of us find ourselves somewhere in the middle—probably more on the side of grasping than letting go, if we’re honest about it. Perhaps the story of the closed fist vs. the open palm can help loosen our grip. Both can hold a precious jewel, but a closed fist can receive nothing more than what it already holds, while an upward-facing open palm can hold the jewel and also be filled with much more. Keep your hands open and leave room for the gifts of the Spirit.


TODAY’S READINGS: Sirach 35:1-12; Mark 10:28-31 (348)

“There is no one who has given up [anything] for my sake . . . who will not receive a hundred times more.”


CONTRIBUTORS

Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Siobhán O’Neill, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

Team Spiritual Care: Pass on the Works of Wisdom

Sister Kareri Theriault

People who work with their hands have an intimate connection with their labor, and because of that as a rule they take great pride in and care of what they do. Though you don’t hear much about Joseph or his relationship with Jesus in the biblical accounts, it does not seem a stretch to imagine him patiently teaching his craft to young Jesus and imparting a lot of wisdom along the way. Whatever your own line of work may be, you do well to stay connected to its basic dignity and share that value with a young person in your own life. In doing so you will be shaping a future life in the same quiet way Joseph did.



TODAY’S READINGS: For the memorial: Genesis 1:26-2:3 or Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Matthew 13:54-58 (559)

“ ‘Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son?’”



CONTRIBUTORS

Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Siobhán O’Neill, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

Team Spiritual Care: Gone Fishing

Sister Kateri Theriault

In 1951 Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong recorded “Gone Fishing,” a song that playfully extolled the benefits of leaving cares and troubles behind for some quiet time on a lake. Seems the Apostle Peter took the same approach when, not quite sure what to do with himself after Jesus’ death, he headed out on the Sea of Tiberius to see what he could catch. Not only does he end up with a boatload of fish, but he encounters the risen Lord in the process. Sometimes when a difficult problem or heavy burden seems too much to bear, the best medicine is a day off for some alone time. By doing so you may not only find the solution you lacked but also touch base with your deepest values.

TODAY’S READINGS: Acts 4:1-12; John 21:1-14 (265)
“Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ ”

CONTRIBUTORS

Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, O.F.M., Ann O’Connor, Siobhán O’Neill, Joel Schorn, Patrice J. Tuohy, Sister Julie Vieira, I.H.M.

Team Spiritual Care: God's Guidance

Sister Kateri Theriault God knows the things that give us great joy and delight. God knows the people who we need to come into our path that will help form us and shape us. — from Finding My Voice

Vital Life Stories!

from Sister Kateri Theriault, OSF -Mission Integration

I have found the Vital Nation project very challenging for me, personally. For years I thought of myself as a well-balanced person, but have learned that while I am conscious of developing myself spiritually, intellectually and professionally, I am not so conscientious about exercising, eating properly or exercising regularly. Neither am I making the best choices for relaxation. Vital Nation has made me take note of the areas in my life that are out of control; that need more deliberate focus so I can reach the level of balance that fits with my age and life choice.

Since beginning the Vital Nation project, I’ve noticed that our smaller departments have gotten larger through the team concept and more aware of each other and of doing things together. I see more “teaming together” to accomplish goals. I am also aware of the energy that both residents and employees exhibit when involved in or sharing the stories of how their teams are progressing toward an attitude of wellness.