HJAR Jan/Feb 2020

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  JAN / FEB 2020 11 for this than St Bernard Tolomei, who liter- ally gave his life to care for the sick. Jesus said, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13), and it is that greater love that motivates us. Editor The Sisters have a long history of healing ministry in Arkansas. What is unique about the Catholic approach to healthcare, and how has it changed over the years? Mother Johanna Marie Catholics believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, so every life is pre- cious, and every person deserves our care and attention. That follows the example of Jesus, who ministered to everyone, from important officials to outcast lepers. Many people know that Catholic teaching pre- vents us from offering certain procedures and medications, but that is just one part of our broader respect for the dignity of the human person. It is foundational to Catholic healthcare, and can never change. But of course, healthcare in general is changing rapidly, and it’s our responsibility to be alert to what is happening politically, economically, and in the broader culture. We try to stay in advance of change, because a proactive approach allows us to be the best, whether that means bringing new technol- ogy to northeast Arkansas or implement- ing new ethical directives from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops—both of which we have done this year. We have a strong sense of identity at St. Bernards, and are constantly reassessing how we can continue to advance our mission as circum- stances change around us. Editor At 44, you were named Prioress of the Sisters and Chair of the Governing Board for St. Bernards Healthcare. Both titles granted at a fairly young age. You have also spoken in the past of realizing the “power of the habit and the power of your presence” as a religious sister. Can you tell us about the realization of these powers, and how it affects your manage- ment style? Mother Johanna Marie I learned early on that people might not knowmuch about Sisters or the Catholic Church, but just about every- one knowsWho we represent. When people see my habit—and this might be in a store or at the airport, as well as at St. Bernards—they feel able to strike up a conversation withme, ask a faith question, request prayers, or even thank me for my service. Sometimes they joke about having to watch their language! Before I’ve even said anything, my presence has changed the dynamic in the room. It makes me mindful of my behavior and body language, precisely because my pres- ence makes others think about God—and it is a huge responsibility to be seen as His representative. But it’s also a huge oppor- tunity to do good. I make an extra effort to acknowledge people—sometimes just by smiling or saying good morning—because that is very affirming and it opens the door if they do want to initiate a conversation with me. This is part of St. Bernards cor- porate culture: “meet and greet within ten feet”is one of our sayings that reminds us to respect each person we encounter. Editor What does St. Bernards being a Catholic hospital mean to patients and those who serve them? Mother Johanna Marie Catholics are a pretty small minority in our area, but northeast Arkansas has many men and women of faith, and they value being in a healthcare setting where that faith is not only respected but shared. We have a strong pastoral care department, but the reality is that all of our employees deliver pastoral care along with medical care, and I believe that creates an optimal environment for our patients. The Catholic tradition respects the dignity and value of every human being, from the moment of conception until natural death, and that is the key to what we do at St. Bernards. Our patients know that no one is ever turned away fromour facilities because of an inability to pay, and our medical pro- fessionals know that our corporate culture will empower them to put patients first—the reason they entered the medical profession in the first place. Editor How are the Sisters involved in the pastoral care at the facilities? Mother Johanna Marie Our pastoral care department was developed by the Sisters and has always had a Sister as its director. In addition to the Sisters who work there full- time, many other Sisters—including myself— have worked there in the past or have filled in on an as-needed basis. We feel a special interest in that department because it’s our most direct way of interacting with the peo- ple we serve through St. Bernards Health- care. Currently, we also have a priest chap- lain, two deacons, and lay people in various pastoral care positions. There are two special aspects of this work beyond regularly visiting our patients. The first is that, while we are there primarily for our patients and their families, we also serve our employees. They are often in chal- lenging situations, and they need a friendly word and perhaps a moment of prayer just as much as the people they are caring for. The other special aspect is that the head of pastoral care, Sister Maria Christi, is also St. Bernards VP for Mission Services. She is always on the lookout for ways that we can better draw on our Catholic tradition to serve the community and to build up a culture of life. Editor Can you tell us about the new St. Bernards tower and how it came to fruition? Mother Johanna Marie We have been increasing our presence throughout north- east Arkansas and southeast Missouri over the past several years, but of course there are some services and procedures that we