Mary Catherine Redmond

Mary Catherine Redmond is a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She has ministered in various aspects of health care and served as chief physician assistant in hospital emergency medicine, serving the underserved of New York City. She has also worked in her congregation in vocation and formation ministry. Her formal training in counseling and facilitation has also led her to do spiritual direction, retreats and small group faith communities and to facilitate groups around new membership, leadership, and "new member" gatherings. In August of 2021, Mary Catherine was elected sister president of her congregation and she will serve in leadership until 2027. 

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Sr. Mary Catherine Redmond, left, stands with physician assistant Kristen Reichart after an operations meeting for planning at the hospital where she worked during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How COVID prepared me for this moment in religious life

More than ever, I realize the sacredness of this epic moment in religious life and the importance of being present to the dying. 

A registered nurse in Little Rock, Arkansas, checks on a COVID-19 patient at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Aug. 16, 2021. (CNS/Reuters/Shannon Stapleton)

Despite the pain and brokenness of COVID, Pentecost offers hope

Not one person has escaped the effects of COVID. The isolation, fear, lack of support as many were in survival mode dealing with the unknown, has left all broken, vulnerable, searching.

A woman wearing a protective face mask holds a candle in her home while watching Easter Mass via livestream near Hanoi, Vietnam, April 12, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. (CNS/Reuters/Kham)

After a year of COVID-19, we witness to the grace of paschal mystery

Those of us who ministered in health care during this past year are forever changed. I have felt a continued connection with the deafening silence of Holy Saturday, waiting for word to spring forth that Jesus had risen.

Presentation Sr. Mary Catherine Redmond (Provided photo)

The gift of the Holy Spirit in COVID-19 days

We recently had the last meeting of the Palliative Care-COVID Support Care Team, which had been put in place to answer the needs of patients and their families. I left with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, relief and loss.

Good Friday in the COVID-19 ward

The days continue to bring new lessons to medical providers fighting for our patients. Alleluia will be different this year, and I pray that this time will bring us to a greater understanding of who we consider as "other." 

I'm providing health care, and prayer, during COVID-19

This is a new reality for me, a physician assistant, as I have always prided myself on doing the very best for my patients and really going the extra mile. I have advocated for patients who have nothing. Now there are times I feel like I have very little to offer.