Update from Fr Jack Clair

Dear Families and Staff,

When last I wrote to you I was on my way to Springfield. Thanks again to our volunteer lobbyists, John Nicolay and Margaret Houlihan. They are wonderful. They hosted a dinner with Senator Bill Cunningham, and Representatives Mary Gill and Mike Kelly. Many others came by the table to say hello. Misericordia has a wonderful reputation with our elected officials. They all comment how lovely our staff is. Keep inviting them out.

The following morning, I went to a breakfast hosted by IARF (Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities). Michael Diaz has been our representative on their Board. Geana Connelly has been nominated to the next Board. So many Executive Directors thank Legislators for their support. It was great to meet with so many peers and hear the same challenges that we are all facing in terms of employment.

The next day we gathered with the Chairs of the Fest Committees to thank them for another wonderful year. We raised more than $1.2 million! How hard everyone works to make this all happen. We are so grateful to everyone.

In our further effort to watch finances, we have asked staff to sign up for a Thanksgiving Turkey and/or a Christmas Ham. This way nothing goes to waste, and those that can enjoy these main courses will enjoy them on us.

We recently said goodbye to two more residents, Marc Marchini and Michael Wolf. This is the hardest part of life here at Misericordia, tougher even than the waiting list. May they rest in God’s peace!

Thanks to Matt Walsh, the Dean of the School of Architecture at Notre Dame came out to look at our campus and surrounding areas. Bob Connolly brought a designer in years ago to plan for the Misericordia of today. We feel it is our job to help plan for the Misericordia of the future. Stefanos Polyzoides toured and was amazed. He will go back to his folks at Notre Dame to talk about our place and to see what they might have to offer. We are grateful to Matt and Stefanos for their interest in our future.

I receive a lot of correspondence from parents, some signed and some unsigned. I appreciate people wanting to be anonymous, but telling me nothing about where something is occurring is not helpful. Without a name or an area, I am very limited to make any corrections if needed.

If you have any challenges reaching us, we have been going thru the process of installing a new phone system. Land lines are a real challenge these days. Thanks to staff and families for your patience.

Last Sunday we invited families who have lost a child to come to an All Soul’s Day Celebration.  It was a lovely gathering. Thanks to so many for staying involved. We are so grateful you have remained a part of our family.

Once again, I was just down in Springfield on Monday and Tuesday. I had a chance to spend some time with our Representative Kevin Olickal. On Tuesday, I was invited to offer the invocation in the House. Thanks to all who made me feel so welcome.

And thank you to all of you. May God Bless you all!

Fr Jack Clair