Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, will offer a special blessing for healthcare workers and other essential employees this week as he joins faithful throughout West Virginia in gratitude for their services.
Bishop Brennan will lead a prayer service and blessing, asking God—the Divine Physician—to surround our area health care workers as they care for those effected by the COVID-19 pandemic, at 2:45 p.m., Thursday, April 30, at Wheeling Hospital, 1 Medical Park, Wheeling.
On Friday, May 1, at 2:30 p.m. at Riesbeck’s Food Markets at 2485 National Road, Elm Grove Crossing, in Wheeling, Bishop Brennan will offer prayers and a special blessing for essential staff who work tirelessly to keep food and other items available to all.
Each service will be held outdoors where participants can maintain safe social distancing. All attendees are asked to wear masks during the services to ensure safety for all in attendance.
Media areas will be set for video opportunities and still photography. Both services will be streamed on the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s Facebook page.
As the faithful of West Virginia, it is our time to pause for prayer. Now more than ever our communities rely on our health care professionals and the loyal employees now deemed essential, which includes our grocers.
It is critical we respond to this time of fear with faith. We need to share our love of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with others through prayer, actions, and words of comfort and hope.