Serving the community during Public Health Emergency-by Marilyn Ho Ching

The initial state of emergency declaration due to the global coronavirus thread placed American Samoa under "Code Blue". This threat level is the lowest consisting of no confirmed cases. An extension of the Code Blue suspended all public gatherings which included all church services.
During this time Bishop Peter Brown of the Catholic Diocese Samoa Pago Pago, recorded weekly masses that were televised on Facebook and had Eucharistic Ministers go to family and give Holy Communion. As a Eucharist Minister, I was blessed to be ale visit families and provide communion.

During my visits I recognized social isolation could be a growing public health concern in for the future. Studies show social isolation is prevalent with older people, and it can have a negative impact on their health and well being. I feel my ministry allowed for group based interventions to decrease loneliness that many elders may feel. Social isolation during COVID-19 Public Declarations were not voluntary, and loneliness in this case is involuntary. I witnessed the difficulty of families to connect as they would during church services, and the importance of home visits to decrease loneliness and isolation. As COVID-19 continues to linger over the next few months its important that we stay connected to eliminate social isolation for our older population.


I was so blessed to be ale to go to these families and give them their communion. Families were so grateful. Some were emotional at being able to receive the body of Christ during these uncertain times. This will be something I will cherish forever knowing that God used me as an instrument to do his good work.

Marilyn Ho Ching
Holy Family Parish, Tafuna