MOSAIC Fall/Winter 2021 | Page 24

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Elaine Babbish Bringing Christ ’ s Compassion to the Suffering

Even before discovering what Elaine Babbish describes as her part in the “ healing mission of Christ ” as a lay chaplain at Sacred Heart Major Seminary , she was deeply immersed in a life path of treating and caring for the sick . Born and raised in metro Detroit , Elaine studied nursing at Wayne State University before working in home care and as a home hospice nurse in Oakland County for almost thirty years . She also worked at the Mother and Unborn Baby Care Center in Southfield doing ultrasounds for couples facing unplanned pregnancies .

The demand for Elaine ’ s gifts of compassion and nurturing were not just called for in her professional life , they were crucial in her personal life as well . As a young woman , Elaine became her mother ’ s guardian when she was very sick , often sitting with her through multiple hospitalizations . “ One time in particular I was sitting with her in the hospital and making a rosary by tying knots in a long colored chord ,” remembers Elaine , “ A chaplain noticed me praying and working on the rosary . He asked what I was doing , and he was compassionate and peaceful in his conversational care . His presence validated my care in a way that was helpful for me . I believe much of my compassion I learned was through my mother ’ s suffering . It took me a very long time to discover that gift .”
In 2006 , Elaine became a volunteer for Michigan Catholic Radio and had the opportunity to interview various Catholic ministries in the Archdiocese of Detroit , including churches , hospitals , schools , and seminaries . “ I had the opportunity to host Msgr . Lajiness , Msgr . Trapp , and Bishop Flores , which was very exciting ,” remembers Elaine , “ Through my many interviews , my path not only became visible , but I was being invited to study at Sacred Heart Seminary as a means of going into lay chaplaincy .”
In 2009 , Elaine started studying for her master ’ s in theology and pastoral studies at Sacred Heart , where she found her
So many teachings at seminary affect my everyday spiritual care . For example , in Sacramental Theology , I learned an assessment process of seeking to understand a patient ’ s connectedness to themselves , others , and God .”
— Elaine Babbish
scholarly work strengthened her spiritual life . “ Sacred Heart helped deepen my faith and interior life so that I am able to draw from God ’ s life within me to care for others ,” says Elaine , “ All the formation I had at SHMS is important in chaplaincy . From writing scholarly papers to developing an understanding of how people come to faith , may leave their faith , and / or return through various life challenges , sacramental knowledge is essential , especially since Vatican II opened doors to lay ministry .” At Sacred Heart , Elaine took sacred Scripture , ethics , philosophy , pastoral care , and spirituality classes . In addition to these courses , Elaine benefited from teachings about ecumenical ministry , something that is integral to hospital ministry .
After graduating , Elaine started working as a lay chaplain at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital , where she offers the Eucharist as well as spiritual solace and companionship to the sick or dying , a role she calls a “ sacred honor .”
“ So many teachings at seminary affect my everyday spiritual care ,” explains Elaine , “ For example , in Sacramental Theology , I learned an assessment process of seeking to understand a patient ’ s connectedness to themselves , others , and God . This helps me to see where strengths and weaknesses are within someone . It also starts to reveal a personal story or narrative so that where one may be spiritually suffering or wounded is revealed and can be addressed for healing along with their body .”
Never has Elaine ’ s work seemed so imperative as it has in the last couple of years during the pandemic . As she overcame the hurdles of virtual chaplaincy and connecting with staff when all she could see were their eyes due to PPE , she held strong to the deep interior strength sowed in her at Sacred Heart . “ I needed the depth of faith and expanded compassion to lean on Christ in the shadow of the pandemic ,” remembers Elaine .
22 Sacred Heart Major Seminary | Mosaic | Fall 2021