NEWSFEED: Fall 2021

Photo: At ArchCare’s reopened PACE center, Harlem.

BACK ON PACE

ARCHCARE REOPENS

AFTER MORE THAN A YEAR of being kept away, visitors to the nursing homes of ArchCare, the health- and senior-care ministry of the Archdiocese of New York, are once again allowed direct access to their loved ones. Following state health guidelines, residences opened this summer for in-person visits, and will remain open provided community transmission rates of Covid-19 remain low. Temperatures are taken at the door and masks are required, but as of press time no appointment is necessary during visiting hours.

Similarly, ArchCare’s PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) community centers – which had closed their doors during the health crisis and switched to providing medical services in clients’ homes – have reopened for social activities and educational programs.

“We’ve done everything in our power to control and prevent any infectious disease in our homes and centers,” said ArchCare president and CEO Scott La Rue. “We are laser-focused on continuing to be able to wealcome loved ones for in-person visits.”
 

SCHOOLS LEADING THE WAY

Back in September 2020, when most New York school districts were restarting with hybrid or fully remote schedules, the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York announced that they would reopen with full-time in-person instruction. With carefully planned health protocols in place, the result was another year of impressive academic performance by students with an effective viral transmission rate of zero.

Although state academic appraisal results are not yet available for 2020–21, scores in the Northwest Evaluation Association MAP assessments indicate that New York’s Catholic Schools continued their record of consistent excellence. Meanwhile, the district’s success at safely reopening classrooms has made it a model for the nation.

While instruction will again be fully in person for 2021–22, the administration plans to make full use of the digital teaching tools developed before and during the pandemic to enhance delivery of instruction for all students, collaborating with tech companies to enhance programs in science, technology, math and the arts. Inside school buildings, masks will be worn at all times and social distance will be maintained – and the technology is in place to transition to remote classes should conditions require such a move.  “Our number one focus,” superintendent Michael Deegan says, “continues to be offering an excellent academic program in a safe and nurturing environment.”
 

A MEN’S RETREAT

St. Francis for Men: Our Model for Discovering and Doing God’s Will
This weekend of prayer, song and fellowship is designed to bring men closer to God and create a network of Christian men living a life inspired by the example of St. Francis of Assisi. Presented by Capuchin Friars and men who have been involved in Capuchin Youth and Family Ministries, in collaboration with the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, the program offers enlightenment, inspiration and a spiritual community experience amid glorious Hudson Valley scenery.

Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, Garrison, October 8–10. Register online at bit.ly/FrancisforMen. For information: atonementfriars.org/retreats-and-spirituality; 845-424-2111.