Thanks to our good friends at Hines, we are thrilled to share with you a sneak peek of a small selection of resident artwork that will be on display in the lobby of two of their premier buildings:
To become an Artist in All Sponsor and/or purchase tickets: CLICK HERE
For more information, please contact: Lois Gates, 773-273-4160 or
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?
Congratulations again to our amazing Sister Rosemary who received the 2023 Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame at the Commencement Ceremony on May 21, 2023.
For those who were unable to watch the commencement, we have edited it down to the 10 minute presentation of the medal to Sister Rosemary which can be watched by clicking here.
To read more about Sister Rosemary and the award click here.
On Sunday, June 4, world-renowned pianists Ilya Friedberg and Noam Dekalo will be performing in the Benefactor Hall of the Jean Marie Ryan Center from 2:30 - 4:00pm. They will be joined by Misericordia resident/virtuoso Charlie Carpenter.
Doors will open at 2:00pm and refreshments (beer/wine/soft drinks) will be served. Donation to attend is $50.00 per person. For more information and to RSVP, contact Robert Bourke at
We wanted to inform you that Dr. Jennifer Farrell will be leaving the clinic. She and her family will be moving out of state. Dr. Farrell was one of the “founding” dentists involved with starting the clinic. We are very grateful to her for sharing her knowledge and supporting the Donovan Clinic.
Our plan is to find a new dentist and we hope to begin interviewing several dentists. We will keep you posted, but also know that this may slow the clinic down somewhat.
Mary Pat O'Brien, Executive Vice President
Starting in June, part of Ridge Ave, north of Peterson, will be closed. This is likely to cause traffic disruptions which may impact travel to Misericordia.
The closure is part of the construction of the new Metra station at Peterson and is expected to last 2 months. Please plan your travel accordingly.
by Lisa Masucci
Continuing the series of profiles on Misericordia’s new leadership team, today we feature Geana Connelly, recently appointed to the position of Vice President of Strategy, People & Culture. After 30 years at Misericordia, Geana has the experience and relationships needed for this important new role.
Many of you may not know that Geana grew up on a farm in a small town in north central Wisconsin, the youngest of five children. Her interest in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities started in high school when she volunteered in a special education classroom. She went to St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI and studied psychology. While she was in college, Geana’s niece was born with Down syndrome, which further deepened her desire to work with the population that she has come to love and admire her entire professional career.
Dear Fellow SIBs,
We are thrilled to announce that The Artist in All™ event will be back LIVE and IN PERSON on Wednesday, July 19 in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago.
In honor of our 26th The Artist in All, we ask all of our SIBS members to support our event by attending, sponsoring and helping to bring in new sponsorships. Last year The Artist in All raised more than $1,000,000 for Misericordia Home. Our goal this year is to surpass this dollar amount. We can only do this with the collective effort of you and the Siblings Organization.
We need you to:
Included here are a sponsorship tool kit, a PDF sponsorship brochure with a fillable form and a link to our event website.
If you have any questions about sponsorships or The Artist in All event, please reach out directly to Lois Gates’ office at 773-273-4160 or
Caitlin Deptula
AIA Chair
Megan Biggam
President Sibling Organization
by Barb Quaintance
We all know that Misericordia takes excellent care of the residents’ physical and health needs, but Mis is equally focused on their mental and spiritual well-being. One of the counseling techniques used to address that well-being is art therapy. Misericordia’s Art Therapists, Miriam Hudson and Sarah Peters, work within the counseling department led by Geana Connelly. Miriam and Sarah work with residents across campus and in the CILAs. To become a practicing art therapist, one must pursue a Masters in Art Therapy which includes 1500 hours of direct client contact through internships, as well as a rigorous course load, and a focus on self-reflection. After receiving a Masters, they work toward licensure as an art therapist and/or counselor by passing an exam and completing 2000 hours under supervision. These talented therapists bring a special creativity and empathy to their interactions with the residents.
During the month of May, Misericordia is recognizing the following departments with Appreciation events, including the delivery of bakery goods and meals, raffles and employee gifts:
Nurses/Nurse Practitioners/Nursing Secretaries who manage the day-to-day health of the residents and keep our loved ones healthy and safe.
Doctors who support the medical and psychological needs of the residents. Thank you to Dr. Sikorski and the other Doctors.
Dental Clinic which provides dental services to residents on campus.
McAuley Residence Teacher/Dieticians/Respiratory Aide who support the needs of the McAuley residents.
We are asking that families write notes of thanks and appreciation to the staff in these departments and email them to us at
McAuley families: please send us emails for the McAuley Nurses and Secretary; the Doctors; the Teacher, Dieticians and Respiratory Aide; and the Dental Clinic. We would appreciate you indicating that your notes are for the McAuley Nursing Staff.
All other Misericordia families: please send us emails to the Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Secretary and Doctors; the Dieticians; and the Dental Clinic.
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