God, in His wisdom and mercy, can and will direct all for the best.
Trust and Dare #4884
With the daily reports of the coronavirus spreading into communities across the world, schools, universities, religious organizations and local governments are grappling with whether to shut down facilities and cancel events or to proceed, cautiously, as planned. Increasingly, many organizations and even churches have opted to stay closed.
We, the Provincial Council, have made the decision to take such measures across our province. As you know, our Election Assembly, originally scheduled to take place in Chicago this week, has been postponed. We are still working on rescheduling this event, which involves many others outside of the Sisters in our province (General Council members, the hotel/meeting venue, etc.), and very shortly we will bring the results of these conversations to our Sisters, for it is our firm intention to consult the province and receive insights from them regarding the consequences of having postponed elections.
Let us, as a Province, ask God to end this virus, to heal those who have been infected by it, to receive all those who have died from it and to protect the most vulnerable from it.
In following the guidance of the CDC to stop the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19, the Council is postponing large group gatherings that have been scheduled throughout the province until June 15, 2020. This includes our April Assembly (which will now be held electronically) and our province-wide Jubilee celebration scheduled for May 2 in Wilton. Each of our province locations is also forbidding visitors (see a full list at the bottom of this page). Anyone who has been ill recently, including Sisters, are asked not to visit any of our residences and healthcare centers for the time being. Trips from VND to Ozanam are suspended until further notice.
While some of this may seem difficult, isolating and disappointing, we can continue to show our love and concern for one another in the midst of these circumstances through electronic communications and, of course, through prayers for each other. We thank you for your understanding and support as we face these challenging and uncertain times. Let us commit ourselves to embrace the call to trust and dare in these transformative times, and may the Spirit guide us in all the decisions we face.
Many blessings,
The Provincial Council of the Atlantic-Midwest Province
Visitation Policies for Province Sites
- Baltimore: No visitors are allowed at Villa Assumpta, Maria Health Care, and Rosary. Staff must have their temperature taken before entering. Sisters are being asked not to leave the premises, except for outside medical appointments that cannot be delayed. All medication is being delivered.
- Chicago: No visitors are allowed at Marian Village; staff must have their temperature taken and wash their hands with a special solution before entering. No visitors are allowed at Ressurection Life Center and Maple Glen Memory Care Community; however, essential family members may be allowed access on a case-by-case basis following screening.
- Ozanam: Instructions for containment of the virus from the CDC are followed at Ozanam Hall. One visitor per resident is allowed entrance to the building from 10-3 pm only. Upon entrance into the building, visitors, employees and volunteers are screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and are required to complete a written form of conformity to the instructions from the CDC.
- Waterdown: At NDC, the administration has reinforced the use of basic precautions related to hygiene. Visitors entering the building observe the cautions provided by Health Canada: “In case of fever, a new cough or difficulty breathing, or exposure to a person or area where the virus has been detected, delay your visit and call your health provider.”
- Wilton: No visitors are allowed at VND. Shopping trips and outside entertainment for Sisters are suspended through April, and outside doctors' appointments are only allowed if essential. Vendors are not permitted in the building; supplies, mail, etc. will be left at the front entrance or at the loading dock.
