Ursuline’s Kennedy: It’s OK to Be Vulnerable, Ask for Help

Brigid Kennedy, president of Ursuline Ministries, an affiliate of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, is hanging tough. You can read more about Ursuline Ministries at the Sisters’ website.

What are some ways the COVID-19 outbreak has changed your work life?

With five corporations, 100 employees, over 200 individuals “under roof” and thousands of others served by Ursuline Ministries, it’s been a big undertaking to try to keep everyone safe and still deliver critical services. But we’ve managed to stay several steps ahead of developments; the directors have been fantastic and unflagging; and employees have shown great flexibility and commitment. It’s taught me a lot about our strength and resiliency.

How about your personal life?

Well, I can tell you that I am not suited to homeschooling! And it’s been difficult on my youngest daughter (and me) not to see her older siblings who live outside of the house. We’re both introverts, but this situation takes it to a whole new level!

What steps are you taking to hang tough?

I don’t love video chats, but they do help to stay connected and comforted by people we love. My daughter turned 9 in early April, and I arranged a surprise birthday Zoom “meeting” with about 20 family members from the west coast of the US to the west coast of Ireland, and it was a great experience. I also find that if I don’t take time for prayer and reflection, and some time away from COVID-19… I get overwhelmed.

What advice are you sharing with the people you love?

Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s medical director and Youngstown’s own, said recently, “We‘re still being brave in the face of things that make us afraid and anxious and vulnerable.” It’s OK, even a sign of real courage, to be vulnerable and ask for help, to be afraid or anxious and find someone to talk to about it.

What’s next?

I think that as we move from crisis mode to a longer-term chronic — and perhaps cyclical or recurring — condition, we will need to remain alert to our changing financial picture, plan for how to unwind some of the restrictions and changes carefully (and be prepared to implement them again quickly), and better address any emotional and spiritual distress experienced by employees and clients. This experience has been incredibly stressful, even traumatic, for lots of people in many different ways, and we need to find ways to support them.