Medical Mission team members are being interviewed for our parish bulletin. This week we feature Christine Barrett for a look at how she is involved in OLMC’s first Medical Mission.
Why did you choose to be part of the Medical Mission team to Peru?
Dr. Belen Fineza returned last year from a medical mission to the Philippines, and recounted the stories of their experience. The picture she painted was of long days of travel and even longer days treating the hundreds of men, women, and children lined up to receive much-needed health care. It sounded exhausting and exhilarating all at once. I knew right then that I wanted to become involved. Due to my background in medical assisting and my knowledge of Spanish, the committee’s decision to go to Peru seemed like a godsend. 
How are you helping the team prepare?
In June 2017 I was asked to join fr. Dan, Rosemary Russell, and Dr. Laina DeRose to serve as translator on a scouting trip to Peru. Mission accomplished! We were able to present the mission committee with the pros and cons of different sites where we hoped to return as a group and provide health care. The local people we met and spoke to were so kind and welcoming. They told us about their day-to-day struggles in obtaining reliable health care and many other human needs. We witnessed in their actions and expressions their love for each other and their profound belief in God’s love for them.
What would you say to parishioners who perhaps want to join a ministry but are a little hesitant?
If you’ve ever thought about joining a mission, local or foreign, medical or other…don’t think too hard. Of course, we can always find reasons not to. After my first meeting, I thought “Yikes, what am I doing, is this really for me?” As I pushed myself to continue attending meetings, I realized how the power of many like-minded people and prayer can solve all obstacles. And, there have been many to overcome!
Is there a specific feeling, memory or story you want to share about the team’s preparation?
A truly lasting impression in my mind is the work of the priests we met who welcomed us into their parishes and homes. They tirelessly minister to the congregation of faithful, while being there every day ‘hands-on’ helping to meet their basic needs for food, clean water, safe housing, education, medical care, employment (of which there is little), and so much more. Perhaps what sticks with me most is the people themselves…who smiled and laughed so easily.
At A Glance…
Medical Mission Team Member, Christine Barrett
Hometown:
I was born and raised in New York City…the greatest city in the world. It is in NYC that I met my husband, Tom, and where all my children were born. It is Tenafly, New Jersey, however, where we chose to raise them, and have lived for 27 years.
I like the parish of OLMC because…
We have a plaque in our church’s narthex that reads: “No matter who you are, no matter what you’ve done, no matter where you’re from, no matter where you’re going, no matter how good or bad things seem, you are always welcome.”
When I’m not in church or at work you’ll find me…
Trying to find my keys, glasses, cell phone, etc. I am lucky enough to work and volunteer at the Office of Concern in Englewood so you can find me there at least four days a week.
Fun Fact:
I believe there are fewer things in life more rewarding than traveling. Getting out of your comfort zone…learning first hand about other people’s lives, their surroundings; their views. Five years ago, Tom and I spent two months in London and traveled to various other cities using London as our home base. It was one of the best things we’ve ever done.
Ask me about:
Ask me about what keeps me motivated to go on this mission is fr. Dan’s irresistible enthusiasm, optimism, and drive to help as many people in need as possible in the parish as well as Peru.
Personal Motto:
The only things I’ve ever regretted in life are the things I didn’t do.