Parish Administrators Connect: Wellness

Parish Administrators Connect: Wellness

Karen Warren, Administrative Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary

Parish administrators are an integral part of the work of our diocese. How much work could be done without them? And the work is not easy. The term “multi-tasking” is a misnomer. Studies have shown that juggling numerous tasks concurrently is not truly more productive. Juggling is likely less productive than focusing on one task at a time. Given an admin’s workload and responsibilities, working on one task at a time is nearly impossible. Everyone needs support on a regular basis. But before I say more about that, it’s important to acknowledge the impact of the pandemic on our work and in our lives.

As of this writing pandemic has been part of our lives for 30-some months. We’ve adapted--getting through the shock, shut downs, disappointments, losses, and adjustments to our lives— very difficult times. There have also been new learnings, surprises, flexibility, and reminders of how precious life is. I wonder, where are we now in this new way of living?

In early 2020 most everything shut down and this made life very confusing. Now how do we do our work? Zoom appeared on the horizon (it was there all along, but underutilized) and we found new ways to do the work. There were shifts and adjustments. We experienced losses in both our personal and work lives, and I wonder if we recognize those losses and are working through the grief.

Working in the administrative offices of the diocese, I don’t get out to the parishes, and only meet our admins through emails or phone calls. I wondered how they were doing, and offered them a way to connect with each other via Zoom. A handful responded, and we checked in with each other, discussing how work-life had changed. Some admins were working in isolation either at home or in an office. Discussion included coping strategies and making connections. It was an informal, friendly discussion. Milford’s Magee Lambert was there with us, and she is dearly missed.

During that first stressful year, my coping strategy included filling my life with books and DVDs outside of work—giving thanks for our fabulous library system. Free stuff! Daily walking and exercising are also my “go-to” for survival. Phone calls to friends became ever more important. Video calls with out-of-state friends was truly a gift.

Everyone adapts and manages stress in different ways. Recently someone mentioned the word “depression.” It made me wonder if we are acknowledging those things we lost during this long-endured time. I thought about my personal disappointments in early 2020 when everything I looked forward to was cancelled or shut down. The way life used to be. Giving this some serious thought, I turned to my journal. I named each loss that was so important to me at the time, and gave them voice. Journaling is a great means of expression. No one else ever has to read what you write. You don’t even need to re-read it. Just lay it down on paper.

So as we adapt to what we name as “new normal” please ask where you are now. Take the time to recognize what you personally lost during pandemic, and grieve. We move forward only after we bid farewell to what we leave behind. Life continues to be stressful. Some is unrecognized. Take a break; take a walk. Recognize how adaptable you truly are. Breathe. See what’s good in the “new normal.” For me, Zooming across the states with those I love, and the ability to work hybrid hours, inoffice and remote—these are the best. Treat yourself well; you deserve it. Your contribution to the diocese is essential, recognized, and holy. Find quiet time. Stay connected. Be well. ♦