Wishing you a happier New Year in 2021

Much has been said about the past year, and much more will be said when we look back in the future. Once we think we have it all figured out, the rules change on us again. Therefore, as we approach this New Year, here are some final thoughts from 2020. What a strange time and a strange year it was.

Who would have thought so many people could be affected by COVID-19? Our assisted living facilities and nursing homes have been some of the hardest hit as the virus continues to disproportionately affect the elderly. Young people have been deeply affected as well, with entire lives put on hold and futures in jeopardy. People of all ages have lost job opportunities, faced uncertainty with schooling, and stepped back in their interactions with others.

We also look at those who recently passed away. Many were close to the Catholic Charities North Dakota’s mission to serve those in need, including our former executive director Larry Bernhardt, some well-known religious such as our 2013 Caritas Service Award recipient Sister Thomas Welder and Sister Petronilla Metzger, and clergy including Monsignor Jeffrey Wald, Monsignor Val Gross, and Monsignor Joseph Senger. Losing loved ones was especially tough on those who could not attend funerals in person.

As difficult as illnesses and physical losses have been, do you ever wonder about the toll of living with such changes in our human interaction? Our faith and Catholic Social Teaching remind us that from the very beginning, “Man was not meant to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Rather, part of our innate human dignity of being created in the image and likeness of God is that we were made for a relationship with him and others. As God is relational, a community of three persons in one through the Blessed Trinity, so too are we meant to live in relationship with God and with others.

It’s not just social isolation either, but sometimes it’s too much togetherness. Those working from home can be presented with their own challenges. We’ve had husbands and wives in counseling with difficulties from spending much more time together than before, often in limited spaces. Those with children at home may have the further challenge of attending to them while trying to work at the same time.

Given all of the social changes due to isolating and quarantines, is it any wonder depression and anxiety continue taking a toll? Will we ever go back to the way it was? A recent Blue Cross Blue Shield Association survey indicates that nearly a third of the millennial generation suffer from mental health concerns, and over 90% of the young adults acknowledge the pandemic has harmed their mental health. If you or someone you know needs someone to talk with, please know our services continue despite COVID-19 as our counselors use social distancing and telehealth to safely serve those in need in your communities.

Even the holidays have been limited, from Easter to Thanksgiving, and then Christmas. This is so difficult for families who are apart, and especially those who are older and alone, but someone shared the best explanation or response I’ve heard on why they were canceling their Thanksgiving plans. They simply told their aging parents something like this, “Mom, Dad I love you, and I’m staying home this year because I want to spend many more Thanksgivings and Christmases with you.”

Despite everything, I am amazed at how engaged people are with their parishes and faith even if they aren’t attending in person right now. With the fluctuating case numbers, people are often hesitant to return to Mass. Yet the ways churches reach out is incredible, and some of the stories I hear when I speak with our supporters warms the heart. There are glimmers of hope out there to encourage us along the way.

For Catholic Charities, one of those great rays of sunshine is your support in this difficult time. We’ve heard some great comments about our Catholic Charities Sunday video, which you can watch at www.CatholicCharitiesND.org to learn how supporting Catholic Charities is a concrete way to help others in need. We are also over $155,000 toward our goal of $175,000, which we couldn’t have done without all of you!

Many who may not have a lot of wealth have been more generous than ever and are supporting the organizations they care about most. It is so encouraging when you believe in us and support what we are doing here. On behalf of Catholic Charities North Dakota, may you all have a Merry Christmas and an even happier New Year in 2021.