A Note from Father Jack
On Friday, November 10, our Women’s Auxiliary held its Home for the Holidays cocktail party. It was a beautiful event, raising much funds for Misericordia. Kudos to the Foundation staff, the Kitchen staff, IT and Housekeeping. You did a wonderful job. The event was also a reminder of how many young adults are on our waiting list. These families are so anxious for services for their loved one. We are doing all we can to be ready when there are beds available.
On Sunday morning, November 12, our CILAs put on their talent show. It was truly delightful. It is amazing how talented our residents are with the help and direction of the wonderful staff, Bravo!!!
That afternoon I went over to our newest CILA on Carmen Avenue, the Daniel J. Cohen CILA. It is a lovely home where six men will soon move in. Each space we have available responds to the longest part of our waiting list, and guys needing CILAs is very long. Our next small CILA will be two ladies, followed by another larger CILA for men. We will keep trying to help the waiting list as we can. We need the staff to make this all happen.
On Monday, November 13, I concelebrated a Mass at St. Mother Frances Cabrini’s Shrine. The Heartzingers were there to sing along with the staff of the Shrine. Thanks as always to Bob and Madge for their support of our choir.
On Wednesday, the VPs and AVPs met for the entire morning to discuss staff challenges and the state of Misericordia. I am so grateful for this wonderful group of leaders. There are many challenges, but I have great faith with the group we have. We continue to study our identity as we all work together in a Catholic institution. All leadership looked at this question, along with Fr. Bart Winters and Fr. Bob Myers. We are so blessed to have these two men in our presence.
Thanks to all who have donated coats and warm clothing for us to pass on to the new arrivals in the city. Everyone has been so generous. Some have also stepped forward with financial donations to support these programs so that no Misericordia funds need to be used. Under the direction of Kathy Morris, our residents have been helping with the coats. It is so great for them to give back as they receive so much.
Speaking of helpers, our volunteers had their Thank You Luncheon on Wednesday. Without them we could not accomplish all we do. Special thanks to volunteer coordinator Paul Schwartz.
Some of our staff attended an advancement course known as Fit for Success. Thanks to the work of Mary Ann Goode, Kristina Lipsey and Saul Hernandez, we have this wonderful program. I attended their final project presentations and graduation. They certainly make us proud – such dedicated employees all talking about their willingness to sacrifice for their work here at Misericordia.
Friday morning, November 17, was the first meeting of our Board of Director’s subcommittee on Finance, chaired by Rob Figliulo. This wonderful group of volunteers will assist us with budget challenges, budgeting and overall financial questions as we look at our income and spending. So many of us only think of the now, but we must look to the MIsericordia of 40 or 50 years from now and make sure everything we are doing is fiscally sound so that we have a future for our residents. Thanks to this wonderful and talented group.
We may be forced to look hard at practices and questions, but this is all to ensure the future of our work here. We cannot just be free agents who spend as they wish. If that happened years ago, we would not have the Misericordia of today.
Speaking of spending, I hope the staff enjoyed the food truck we hired for all to receive their break meal yesterday. These are the things that help to set us apart. Turkeys were passed out last week and hams will be coming for Christmas. All we ask staff to do is sign up so we are not ordering too many.
Have a wonderful and Blessed Thanksgiving and thanks to all who are coming in to work on this Holiday!
Fr Jack