When most people hear the word “wellness,” it’s natural for them to think of physical health. But wellness is so much more than just physical; it also incorporates spiritual, emotional, social and intellectual/vocational health.
Earlier this year, a team composed of representatives from the Office of Catholic Schools and the diocese’s human resources and insurance departments gathered to discuss wellness topics and the effect of positive employee wellness on job satisfaction, productivity and an overall well-lived life. After months of discussion and a $10,000 grant from the diocesan health insurance provider, on September 29, the Feast of the Archangels, the Diocese of Columbus officially launched the St. Raphael Worksite Wellness Initiative.
One of the seven Archangels, St. Raphael was selected as the patron saint of the worksite wellness initiative because the name Raphael means “God has healed.” It is the diocese’s hope that St. Raphael’s intercession will bring good health and increased overall wellness to all diocesan employees.
“Employees who take advantage of the wellness and preventive health care programs offered by their employer are more productive, are less likely to miss work, and are less likely to have workplace injuries because these employees are mindful of their own and their coworkers’ health and safety,” said Anne Streitenberger, the diocese’s director of human resources.
Though launched by the diocese, the St. Raphael Worksite Wellness Initiative was created in a manner that allows individual parishes, schools and even departments at the Catholic Center in downtown Columbus to take ownership and create their own wellness committees at their respective worksites. For example, parishes and schools that submit a wellness plan to the diocese for the year will be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift card to put toward their own wellness initiatives.
Michele Faehnle, who serves as the Office of Catholic Schools’ school nursing adviser in addition to her full-time role as the nurse at Columbus St. Andrew School, echoed the importance of putting on an emphasis on wellness. She said, “As a nurse for 25 years, I've seen the impact of unhealthy living on people's lives and how, oftentimes, those of us in the medical world focus on responding to illness rather than encouraging wellness. I believe focusing on wellness for all employees will empower staff members, no matter how busy, to take a look at their activity levels, eating habits and stress management.”
The first event of the initiative was the Josephinum 4-Miler Run/Walk fundraiser held at the end of September on the grounds at the Pontifical College Josephinum. Diocesan employees who participated were eligible to win one of $50 Amazon gift cards.
Other programs planned for the remainder of 2024 and through June 2025 include:
• SoulCore, which integrates “ … the prayers of the rosary with core strengthening, stretching and functional movements to nourish the body and soul and encourage deeper reflection on the virtues.” Classes are held via Zoom through December and are provided at no cost to diocesan employees.
• Mary’s Meals Virtual Walk – Schools and parishes are invited to fundraise and participate in a virtual walk during November to benefit Mary’s Meals, a nonprofit serving nutritious meals in some of the poorest countries. Each participating school or parish will be entered into a t-shirt giveaway and a drawing for a $500 gift card.
• New Year Healthy Eating Challenge during January, February and March 2025
• “Step Into Spring” Step Challenge during the months of April, May and June 2025
“Our wellness initiatives are unique compared to secular programs because we incorporate the spiritual aspect of wholeness and holiness with SoulCore, and the theological virtue of charity with the Mary’s Meals virtual walk,” Faehnle added.
“If every parish, school leader and department head encouraged wellness, employees would feel less stress, have improved health and even have fun participating in activities with their co-workers."
