Prayers Health Progress Prayer Services

Faith and medicine are very similar — even though most people would feel that they are at odds. "Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

In the face of academic, social and other stressors, young people can be especially burdened by the pressure to succeed. Add to these the pervasive demands of busyness, and well-being becomes an even more difficult topic to take seriously.

In our daily lives, we are often faced with challenging conversations with co-workers, family and friends. In these moments, we can become defensive, losing sight of shared values, goals and ideas. Have these discussions caused friction? Are there relationships strained by differing viewpoints? Have you grown frustrated with leaders?

OPENING AWARENESS As we gather, we may find it difficult to find the words that resonate with a meeting agenda, time of year, or the things happening in our neighborhoods or worldwide. We humbly acknowledge the seemingly unending pressures faced by health care leaders today:

This meditation is inspired by those working to ease the transition of individuals who have recently arrived in this country, usually from places where they are escaping violence, unrest or unjust conditions. The Catholic health care ministry includes community health workers — like those described in this issue's Mission column at Avera Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (see pages 61-63) — who are already serving as leaders in their communities. They work tirelessly to draw from their expertise and experiences — some as immigrants and refugees themselves — to build trust between their communities and health care systems. Through the power of their relationships and community building, they help to create an environment where human flourishing is possible.