Taking Leave

As I continue to give you some updates about what has been happening over the past few months, one issue has certainly been taking leave of places and communities. In particular, at the end of April, I resigned my position as a hospital social worker.

Previously, I have written about my experiences as a hospital social worker.  It is both a challenging and hopeful job. Usually, hospital social workers are assigned a particular unit or area in the hospital to work (i.e. a Cardiac Care unit, a certain floor or area, etc.).  In their work, they address many of the “social” needs of patients and often encounter some of the most vulnerable and broken of our society. Whether it be one who struggles with addiction or another who faces the prospect of moving into a nursing home or another who has no place to live because of the economy or another who is unsure how they can pay their hospital bill without insurance or additional support, the social worker is usually a part of these patients’ lives.

It is difficult and challenging because the presence of resources to help the most vulnerable in our society has significantly declined, especially in this area.  Finding housing for the homeless, rehab for the addict, insurance for the uninsured and even food for the hungry is harder and harder. It is a reminder of our ultimate powerlessness in the midst of so many situations.

It is hope-filled work because you know that often (note – not always) your presence and even the offer of support makes a tremendous difference in the life of a patient and his or her family who is sick or struggling.  More than the resources or assistance, presence often makes the greatest difference.

People who know me well know that I loved my time at Good Samaritan Hospital over the past seven years. It is one of the places I interned as a social worker – and in many ways never stopped teaching me. It is a community of individuals, in this particular case, who so supported and encouraged me, especially on this path to the priesthood. The social workers I worked with always welcomed, guided and encouraged me in my time there. Needless to say taking leave of the “hospital” at the end of April was difficult.

In this process of moving forward, and now in my time at St. Anne’s, I have come to see again and again the everlasting power of community. Yes, I am no longer a social worker at the hospital and I do miss much of that work. At the same time, I hope and pray I am a stronger and more empathetic person who has gained skills and relationships that will allow me to serve as a good priest. I know, too, I have formed relationships that transcend any title or job, but will remain with me for years to come.  What a testament to the power of community.