Lockdowns and Loneliness: A Catholic Perspective

Could the current challenges of this time open the doors for opportunity?

One of the biggest consequences of the coronavirus lockdown for single people is the complete isolation from daily interaction with other human beings. Unless you are living with housemates, this time has created increasing challenges to remain connected with the world in a way that isn’t distorted by technology. 

In a world that is known to be isolating for singles in the best of circumstances, I write to share some ways I have worked to overcome particular challenges during this lockdown.

A deeper longing for Christ.

First of all, it has been more difficult for me to be cut off from the Eucharist than to be cut off from other people since I have lived alone for a number of years, but I have come to realize that Our Lord Jesus is asking us to get to know Him in new ways during this time. I have been devoting more time to my morning meditation and have also added time to my daily spiritual reading. Though we cannot receive communion where I am in Connecticut, I can receive sustenance through daily Scripture reading. Jesus is the Word and He remains here to support us in our difficulties. 

I have also begun a new habit of praying a Spiritual Communion before saying Grace at meals. Almost every day, I either take a walk or drive over to the Catholic parish in town to say a few prayers before the tabernacle. Jesus is also still there in that parish and every parish, waiting for us to come by and say Hi! 

If your parish is locked, go and stand on the sidewalk and pray. And while out on my walks, I make it a point to greet everyone I see with a smile and friendly hello. A few of these greetings turned into impromptu conversations at the socially acceptable distance of six feet. It’s nice to connect with the people in my town in this small way.

Keeping your friendships afloat.

Secondly, I have also tried to make it a habit to check in with my friends and coworkers a few times each week. I believe that since I have more minimal responsibilities right now—doing errands for my older parents—it should fall to me to try to keep our friendship and work connections going because I realize that my friends are not only sorting out their own thoughts on the lockdown, but helping their families to cope as well. I also realize that I may not know the financial stress and other difficulties they may be trying to overcome at this time.

Perspective in looking at these kinds of situations is so important. If you’ve not heard from friends in a while, don’t take it personally. Make the first move—they will be grateful for your concern and you will feel good connecting with them as well. People are tied up in their own isolation in a way that has never happened before. Take the time to reach out and let them know that you are thinking and praying for them. Send a quick text to schedule a phone or video call. Both of you will benefit from it.

Building up your faith community.

Lastly, I am so grateful to my pastor who has really done the lion’s share in keeping our parish community connected. The first two decisions he made when it became clear that this lockdown scenario would be longer lasting than just a few weeks and would also forbid us from attending Mass, was to begin live-streaming daily Mass and a Rosary from the parish campus.

He also opened a Zoom account (and yes, there are some issues with Zoom but that’s a different blog post) to stay connected to the parish community. I was asked, as an older single woman, to take part in a nightly Zoom meeting with a group of young adult ladies, who have been actively striving to learn more about the faith. When I agreed, I had no idea that this small act of service to them would also become such an important highlight in my own daily life.

If your own parish isn’t very active at this time, check out the parish of St. John Cantius in Chicago or St Francis Catholic in Connecticut. Consider beginning your own Zoom meeting with friends—start a book or movie club, have a dinner party… the options are endless!

If you don’t have elderly relatives or others to care for, consider too, contacting your local food bank,  soup kitchen or homeless shelter to see how you can help. These needs remain and are even heightened during this time of pandemic. Putting your focus on others is one quick way to put our own circumstances in perspective.

What are other ways that you have worked to stay connected to your larger community during this time of isolation?