Reflections on Misericordia from Father Jack
by Barb Quaintance
If you’re ever in the Misericordia’s administrative offices between 6-7am, you may well see Father Jack working at his desk. Since becoming Executive Director about two years ago, Father Jack has valued this quiet time before the rush of the day begins. He says that the biggest change he’s faced as Executive Director is that now he’s asked about everything by just about everyone.
Of course, Father Jack was at Misericordia for 22 years before becoming Executive Director and was responsible for many of Mis’ operations. In his new role, his mission is not only to ensure that Mis runs smoothly and efficiently, but to help staff see the big picture; i.e. to see how interdependent the various departments and functions are. One of Father Jack’s priorities has been to build a strong leadership team. He has expanded the team with several new Vice Presidents and Assistant Vice Presidents (AVPs), with several more AVPs and Directors to be hired. Father Jack believes that the “perfect” leadership team is one that combines long-term employees—who have been dedicated to Mis and have deep knowledge of how things work—with new people who can bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. Father Jack also believes it’s his role to ask questions: Is this the best way to do something? Could we do it in a new or different way?
COVID has posed many, many challenges for Misericordia. Despite those challenges, Misericordia took such good care of the residents; one resident and one staff person were lost to the pandemic. Isolating each residence was key to keeping everyone healthy, as was following all of the necessary health protocols. Misericordia even rented hotel rooms in Evanston so staff could stay there instead of risking taking COVID home or bringing it to campus. Attention to every detail was necessary to keep the virus at bay.
Hiring and retaining staff continues to be one of Mis’ highest priorities. Several new recruiters have been hired and an extensive outreach is being implemented. It’s still a challenge.
Father Jack has both respect and compassion for the Misericordia staff. He has met individually with over 800 staff members since becoming Executive Director. What he heard were stories of great compassion, dedication and love for the residents. Father left these conversations with a greater understanding of the difficulties faced by some of the staff. Some have suffered loss due to violence or have complicated family situations, yet they come to Misericordia to care for our family members.
One troubling thing that Father Jack heard during these staff conversations was that sometimes family members were rude, unkind or disrespectful to the staff. While that seems inconceivable, it happens. Father Jack asks us to remember that these people give so much to our family members. If we are frustrated or concerned about a particular situation, that should be addressed with a Director or Q. Don’t take it out on the staff. And sincere “thank you’s” to staff are always important.
Father Jack talked about Sister Rosemary Park. It will include sixteen homes; most will be housing eight residents. Two of these homes will be for non-ambulatory residents. Additionally, two new CILAs are in the works. While these homes will not open for some time, they will necessitate movement throughout campus (and the CILAs), meaning, some current residents may move to the new homes while new residents may come to live in a new home or in an existing home. No individual decisions have yet been made.
When asked how he takes care of himself, Father Jack said he no longer goes to many evening events. He tries to get enough sleep so he has energy for the next day. He also has evening conversations with Sister Rosemary, where they compare notes on the day and talk through issues facing Misericordia. Their long friendship is a great gift for both of them.
Thank you, Father Jack, for all that you have given to Misericordia, to the families, and, most importantly, to our residents. We are grateful.
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