Sister Jo Depweg, SNDdeN at the first annual Health Center sponsored Easter Egg Hunt in April 2023
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| This stained glass window depicting St. Julie Billiart, Foundres, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, welcomed visitors to Mount Notre Dame Health Center. |
If you were taught by a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, whether in Chicago, Ohio, Arizona, or in some instances, on either of the coasts, that Sister more than likely lived, is living or will live in Mount Notre Dame Health Center in Cincinnati.
Constructed in 2001, the Health Center has an assisted living floor, home to 40 Sisters; and a skilled nursing floor, home to another 40. Importantly, the Health Center is an extension of the Mount Notre Dame Convent with Sisters participating in the social, governance and spiritual activities of the Congregation. Sisters from other Notre Dame provinces also have the option of retiring here.
The Health Center is ranked the top best long-term care facilities in the state by the State of Ohio, and has consistently received perfect scores - no deficiencies - from the Ohio Department of Health, including during the pandemic.
In many instances, a frail elderly person with in-home medical services can remain in his or her home instead of transitioning to a healthcare facility. In many instances too, this person can stay with children or grandchildren. For the Sisters, neither of these are options. Instead, they return to the home most have known all their lives; they return to Mount Notre Dame.
"You're blessed and loved all day..."
St. Julie's charism infuses Mount Notre Dame Health Center, says a staff member.
"The Sisters glow. You fell it the moment you walk through the doors," observes Sheila Arbino, activities director. Sheila continues: "When you're with the Sisters, you're blessed and loved all day. ... and, in turn, we absorb the glow and share it with others."
Mary Hamilton, activities assistant, concurs. She says, "The Sisters share so much wisdom. ... they are well-educated and traveled ... and have seen things that we can't imagine. It's beautiful to be around that all day long."
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| "The Sisters truly care about us and our families - to the extent that one Sister checks my feel daily to ensure I'm wearing warm socks or comfortable knee highs," notes Sheila Arbino. | "The Sisters have a deep knowing. The best thing I've been told here is 'You're a good mom' ... which is meaningful advice ... to hear from these women who, as teachers, raised thousands of children," states Mary Hamilton. |
First published in the 2023 Summer Cross Currents Magazine. Sign up to receive one.