Tradition continues at Wesley Village

'Blessing of the Hands' held Monday

Rev. Jim Stinson, Director of Spiritual Life, takes part in the 'Blessing of the Hands' with Barbara Quinn, Director of Volunteer Services at Wesley Village in Shelton. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - The “Blessing of the Hands” at Wesley Village is a tradition that began 11 years ago and continues to this day.  

On Monday staff gathered to celebrate each other’s work and dedication with a “Blessing of the Hands”; as part of an ongoing effort to address the spiritual needs of the staff, all of whom are engaged in caring for people advancing in age, many of whom have a variety of physical and emotional needs. 

The “Blessing of the Hands” is a series of events, to accommodate everyone on staff.  In all of them the leader shares thoughts about the ‘work of our hands’ (housekeeping, maintenance, nursing, bookkeeping, administering, and the like). 

The reflections call attention to the reality that no one person or department is more or less needed.   Only a team effort allows Wesley Village to deliver quality care and service. The ‘hands’ of others on the staff enable everyone’s task. 

At the end of the reflections, the leader puts oil on the hands of the person next to her/him, sharing words of appreciation for the work that person performs. 

That person repeats the process with the next person, who continues to ‘pass the blessing’ until all have shared in the act of acknowledging another person’s work.

It has grown in popularity over the years, both in numbers attending, and in the people in those numbers. Responding to specific request, this staff renewal has grown to include residents, resident’s family members and friends.  

Wesley Village, 580 Long Hill Ave., is a campus for living comprised of Bishop Wicke Health Center, Crosby Commons, and Wesley Heights assisted and independent living communities.  It is part of United Methodist Homes, a local, not-for-profit organization with a 125-year tradition of caring. 

Visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This information is taken from a press release from Wesley Village.