The work of Kildare Ministries continues online

Like almost everyone who is working these days, we have had to adapt to conducting meetings via video conferencing.  While the meeting is quite efficient, it is safe to say that most of us are finding it a whole less satisfying. One cannot help but miss the people contact and the social interaction of a face-to-face meeting. Nonetheless, it is always a pleasure to see people and be in their company – albeit on-line. 

This week we conducted two meetings via this ‘new normal’ method. Firstly, the Community Works leaders met, followed by the Principals.  The previous week the Trustees met on-line for the third time.  There has not been one ministry that has been left untouched by the anxiety and challenges of COVID-19 and it has been truly heartening to witness the support our leaders have given each other through this pandemic by sharing wisdom and experiences.   What has been most rewarding is the sense of collegial community spirit expressed every time we meet and the creative ways that our ministries have responded to the people in their care. 

Some important developments that have come from this week’s conversations:

• Two of our schools have had to close for deep cleaning because of positive detection of COVID-19
• WFW have improved their on-line platform to reach women in their homes after 70 computers being donated to them
• BASP is assisting and financially supporting 260 asylum seekers and refugees.  A marked increase in the number of people who have not qualified for government assistance have caused the increase
• PFC have dramatically changed their business model to allow some short term stays in their cottages.  This has particularly helped victims of domestic violence
• Principals are reporting amazing levels of co-operation and good will from their staffs, despite the increased levels of anxiety in the community
• Despite managing this relentless pandemic, our ministries are finding room for celebration such as the opening of new building at Indooroopilly, the continuation of building works and the development of master plans.