Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Life-long Instruments of God’s Grace

April 5, 2023

Monday, April 3rd was a special day for the resident priests and brothers that call Cabrini of Westchester “home.” A Chrism Mass was celebrated and presided over by The Most Reverend John S. Bonnici, Vicar for Westchester County, where both the priests and brothers were able to renew their vows. FiBve priests and five brothers were in attendance along with the superiors from their congregations.

Fr. Ron Galt, Director of Pastoral Care, and his team prepared a beautiful liturgy including selected readings and music fit for the occasion. After the Mass, the resident priests and brothers along with their guests, gathered in the board room for a delicious luncheon prepared by Cabrini’s Food Service Department.

In addressing the congregants in the chapel during the Mass, Bishop Bonnici shared, “As we gather here together during this Holy Week, let us always be persons of hope acknowledging that our ministry is never over, always ongoing as we continue to pray, to come together at the holy sacrifice of the Mass, to nurture each other, to comfort one another, always being instruments of God’s grace.”

Welcome Visitors to Cabrini of Westchester

March 22, 2023

On March 17th, Sister Maria Eliane Azevedo Da Silva, MSC, General Superior, accompanied by the General Council of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Sister Patricia Argentina Godoy, MSC, Sister Stella Maris Elena, MSC and Sister Gilda Mercedes Mendoza Argueta, MSC paid a special visit to Cabrini of Westchester to visit the Missionary Sisters who are residents of the nursing home. Joining with them and others at a festive Mass for the Feast of St. Patrick, they were surrounded by “the wearing of the green” as well as music and song selected for the occasion.

Director of Pastoral Care, Father Ron Galt, welcomed the Sisters to Saint Cabrini’s Chapel on behalf of all present. In an inspiring homily based on the Gospel reading: Mt 12: 28-34 “The First of All the Commandments”, Father noted that Mother Cabrini, like St. Patrick, out of faithfulness to her vocation and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, went on a journey to another land to spread the message of the Gospel. Loving God and loving one’s neighbor were central to the lives of these two humble, faith-filled and inspiring saints.

Before the closing of the liturgy the Sister Eliane and the Council were asked to come forward to receive the Barbara J. Holmes Values in Action Award from Simone Faulkner- Smith, VP for Human Resources, who explained its significance within Cabrini of Westchester’s Mission Integration Program. Given each month to an employee who is nominated for their exemplary demonstration of Cabrini of Westchester’s mission values in the performance of their duties, she announced that Sister Eliane, Sister Patricia, Sister Stella Maris and Sister Gilda had been nominated to receive the Values in Action Award for their leadership and their commitment to their special calling to serve the international Cabrinian community.

The Resident Welcoming Committee, led by Sister Veronica Piccone, MSÇ then presented the Sisters with a bouquet of flowers and congratulated them on behalf of all of the residents, followed by four staff members who offered their greetings and presented each Sister with a Cabrini tote bag full of souvenirs of their visit.

Following the Mass all of the Missionary Sisters gathered for a festive luncheon as well as Brazilian treats provided by Honda, the Chef and Operator of Cabrini’s Riverside Café.

A Most Fitting Tribute

March 16, 2023

Catholic Sisters Week comes to a close, Cabrini of Westchester would like to honor our sponsors, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We also give special recognition to the 47 religious sisters who currently live at St. Cabrini Nursing Home as residents.

Fr. Ron Galt, Pastoral Care Director, explained, “During Catholic Sisters Week that took place from March 8-14, we had the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the vocation and ministry of all of our sisters here at Cabrini. A number of them in fact shared some of their stories with us during the daily Mass in the Chapel.”

One of the religious sisters who shared her story was Sr. Mary Frances Mills, OSF, who is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Sr. Mary Frances said, “It seems like yesterday that I entered the convent and God blessed me with a full life, one that continues to let me serve our Lord. I retired from active ministry at the age of 81 and since then, my ministry is prayer. I pray every day for all of you and all the world. Being a sister for 66 years means being God’s instrument – it means both giving and receiving God’s love and blessing and I have been very blessed.”

Fr. Ron concludes: “We are truly grateful and blessed to have so many Catholic sisters who are residents here at Cabrini. They bring so many gifts by their presence, faith and love of their vocation and we ask God to continue to guide, bless and be with each of them. Thank you, sisters, for inspiring us and for sharing your faith and love of God.”

An Employee of Distinction

January 12, 2023

Vincent Zucchetto, Social Worker at Cabrini of Westchester, was presented with the 2022 Employee of Distinction Award from LeadingAge New York, part of a national association of 5,500 not-for-profit organizations. Mr. Zucchetto graciously accepted the award on December 17, 2022 at a celebration held in his honor. This prestigious award is given to an employee who excels in their profession and who has served with distinction and made significant contributions to the betterment of services for the aged and infirm.

Sandi Schreier, Director of Social Services, spoke about Mr. Zucchetto’s dedication, professionalism, and willingness to learn new skills that will help Cabrini’s residents. In her letter of recommendation to LeadingAge New York, Ms. Schreier wrote: “Vincent stands out amongst the staff in many ways. He is very supportive, and has really helped to create a kind and loving environment for the residents that he serves. He is always willing to do whatever it takes to make things easier for the staff.

It has been a real privilege to have Vincent on our team. He brings an undeniable calm and comfort to the care of the residents and to the staff, always speaking with respect and genuine affection. We commend him and recognize him as a shining star.”

Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester added in her remarks at the reception: “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

Congratulations, Vincent, on your well-deserved recognition!

“Today Love Must Not Be Hidden…”

September 20, 2022

“Today Love Must Not Be Hidden…”
~ a reflection by Evarlyne Ndeti, MSC Novice

My first mission experience at Cabrini of Westchester was in 2018 when I was assigned to help Sister Romualda at the convent and to spend time with our resident Missionary Sisters. Going back to Dobbs Ferry this year brought more responsibilities. Not only did I spend time with the MSCs, I also extended my wings through different ministries within the St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

Our resident sisters reminded me that what I give doesn’t matter. Instead, what matters is how I give what I give. This gentle reminder helped me to love freely and assist all the residents from the bottom of my heart. Spreading the love of Christ with the residents of St. Cabrini Nursing Home was mutually beneficial.

Here is my overflowing cup of blessings I received through my volunteer experience:

1. Expanded my social connections – Getting to know and work with the staff, caregivers and volunteers were grace-filled moments. The connections I made will always remain meaningful.

2. Increased professional self-confidence – Getting to know the role of social workers in a nursing home not only increased my skills but also boosted my self-confidence when working with the clients.

3. A sense of purpose and trust – Smiles from the residents was a way of inviting me into their space. Chatting and laughing brought trust and purpose into our lives.

4. Spiritual growth and strengthened religious
journey – Praying the rosary with the sisters, especially the late Sr. Consolata Demma, MSC, was an awakening for me. Our rosary was at 2 pm to which we were faithful. Having this time taught me the importance of seeking Mary’s intercession. I interviewed our sisters and other religious – listening to their beautifully lived religious lives increased my desire to serve God and increased my admiration of this way of life.

5. – At the beginning of my Pastoral Care ministry, I had an encounter with one of the Charity Sisters congratulating me on the upgrade. We laughed and shared high fives. It was a blessing to bring Jesus to the residents and pray with them every day.

I am so grateful to Sr. Genet Henok, MSC, the Formation Team, Missionary Sisters Arlene Van Dusen and Catherine Garry and Cabrini of Westchester for giving me the opportunity of living, acting and [authentically] being with the residents and helping as much as I could. I loved every bit of the experience. ~ Evarlyne Ndeti, MSC novice

Feast Day Festivities in Dobbs Ferry, NY

June 30, 2022

Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 24th with a liturgy led by Pastoral Care Director, Fr. Ron Galt, in the Cabrini Chapel. This year, the liturgy was very special as it was the first time in two years that residents were able to gather in the chapel to celebrate this feast day due to the distancing guidelines that were in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sr. Arlene Van Dusen, MSC was invited by Fr. Ron to share a reflection after the Gospel in which she said, “As the church celebrates the Feast of the Sacred Heart, remember that we are bound heart to heart with Jesus and His mother Mary. This feast is not so much about Jesus’ heart, but about our own hearts, which Jesus wants to be like His.”

After the reflection, the Missionary Sisters who were present during the Mass renewed their vows and several Cabrini Lay Missionaries renewed their commitments.

The festivities continued into the afternoon as the Missionary Sisters enjoyed a wonderful lunch prepared by Director of Food Service, Daryl Foriest and his team. This delicious meal was offered to the residents as well. A joyous Feast Day was had by all.

Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, NY Lending Neighborly Support

June 1, 2022

Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY, held another Giving Back Program. The packets of toiletries, etc. will be donated to WestHELP Homeless Shelter in Mt. Vernon, NY. WestHELP provides transitional housing for families with children.

Once again, we are grateful to the St. Faith’s House Foundation for their grant, which allows us to purchase the needed toiletries. Some of our Cabrini Kids assisted in making 100 packets for the Shelter. The bags were filled with shampoo, conditioner, a comb, a toothbrush and toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, Chap Stick, tissues, nail file, Band-Aids and hand sanitizer. We also included a Pop Fidget bracelet for the children. In addition, a special card was added to the bag which had a positive message such as, “Stay strong” and “Sending smiles and hugs.”

A special thank you to Tom Costello, from The Joy of Sox in Pennsylvania. He not only sent us 100 pairs of socks for adults but an additional 100 pairs of socks for children. What a blessing it is for a homeless person to get a pair of socks!

The program was organized by our Social Work Intern, Sarah Flaherty, a senior at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. Thank you to all who helped to make the lives of some homeless families better. It is such a great feeling to help someone in need.

Showing Appreciation – Deliciously!

May 26, 2022

On Wednesday, May 18th, Cabrini of Westchester, in Dobbs Ferry, NY, held a barbecue for all staff in celebration of National Skilled Nursing Care Week. With the cooperation of the beautiful weather, employees were able to dine outside on Cabrini’s North Patio and relax during their lunch break.

Thank you to Director of Food Service, Daryl Foriest and his team who provided a veritable feast to honor our caring and compassionate staff members! Delicious meals were also provided to the evening and night shifts.

Thank you, Volunteers!

April 27, 2022

Thursday, April 21st was a special day at Cabrini of Westchester as we honored our dedicated volunteers with a blessing ceremony and luncheon. Pastoral Care Director, Fr. Ron Galt bestowed a beautiful blessing upon all during the ceremony and afterward, a barbecue luncheon was provided thanks to Director of Food Service, Daryl Foriest and his staff.

Cabrini’s volunteers are people who donate their time, skills and talents to support our programs and services. They lend a hand wherever help is needed, from transporting the residents to and from daily Mass, working in the Gift Shop, helping with clerical administrative tasks and so much more!
While addressing the group at the blessing ceremony, Bonnie Burke, Vice President of Operations and Administrator stated, “This year’s theme for National Volunteer Recognition Week is ‘Empathy and Action’ which describes you all perfectly. This means as a volunteer you are caring and you understand and share the feelings of your fellow human beings in their times of need. Bringing such wonderful attributes to the residents shows an excellence of character that we want to be sure to appreciate and recognize always, but especially today. From all of us at Cabrini, thank you for your empathy and action, for your heartfelt efforts and hard work to make a difference every day that you are here.” ~ submitted by Susan Herceg, Director of Development and Public Relations

Cabrini of Westchester Celebrates New Dialysis Den

March 10, 2022

On Wednesday, February 23, 2022, Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the opening of a new Dialysis Program with a Blessing and Ribbon Cutting ceremony. The ceremony was attended by our sponsors, The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, several contractors that helped to implement the program, board members, staff, residents and special guest, Senator Andrea-Stewart-Cousins.

Expected to begin servicing patients by the end of March 2022, the Dialysis Program will allow residents of the nursing home to receive dialysis on site and eliminate the need for transportation to other locations. In conjunction with Dialyze Direct, the program will serve only residents and short-term patients of Cabrini of Westchester with a goal of improving the quality of life for those who need this service.

The dialysis suite will accommodate a total of 8 patients daily under the supervision of a registered nurse with special training. Treatments will be given five days a week for an average of 2 ½ hours and will be worked around meal times, rehabilitation appointments and activities so that recipients’ daily schedules will not be interrupted.

“We are pleased to add this vital service to Cabrini’s programs and services which will vastly improve the lives of those residents in need of dialysis treatment,” said Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester. “By not having to travel for treatment, residents will experience reduced recovery time allowing them to maintain regular schedules that include meal times, daily activities and rehabilitation. We are excited to implement the program and look forward to working with Dialyze Direct to ensure the best outcomes for the elders that we are so privileged to serve.”