Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bringing Christ's love to the world

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International Children’s Day

International Children’s Day!

November 20th was International Children’s Day. St. Cabrini Nursing Home wanted to celebrate the day, so they invited the toddlers from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) in Dobbs Ferry, NY, to join them in some entertainment. We enjoyed great music by Lou Patrick, a singer and entertainer. It didn’t take long for the toddlers to get into the music. There was so much dancing and clapping of hands. The Moms also enjoyed the dancing.

As part of the Toddler Literacy Program at CIS, the children made turkey handprints which were placed on a paper along with a Thanksgiving poem. The toddlers went to every resident at the party and gave them a copy of their handprint and poem as they wished them a Happy Thanksgiving. The residents left with tremendous smiles on their faces and the children left exhausted but thrilled to have such a fun afternoon.

Fifty Years of Loving Service to Elders

In 1973, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus opened St. Cabrini Nursing Home to serve the elder population with quality services. Fifty years later, this ministry still thrives and has served thousands of elders in the skilled nursing facility and through other services to the community. To celebrate this milestone, the residents and staff came together for two special services: A prayer service on November 8th and the celebration of Mother Cabrini’s Feast Day on November 13th.

On November 8th, representatives from all 16 departments as well as the residents and volunteers were present in Cabrini’s chapel for a service of thanksgiving. Each department was asked to select a virtue that reflects what its purpose and mission are and to prepare a brief explanation to share. To begin the service, Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission gave a blessing which was followed by a scripture reading, song and presentation of each department’s virtue. The virtues were framed and a display was created that can now be seen in Cabrini’s lobby.

In closing the service, Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO, talked about the virtue of perseverance and how Mother Cabrini persevered when she came to the United States when being told she was not needed. “Mother Cabrini may have felt defeated, but due to her perseverance, we are all here this afternoon in this chapel celebrating fifty years of caring for people. Thank you to all of you and to all who went before us for persevering in an excellent combination of qualities, so that the outcome is that Cabrini of Westchester remains standing here after fifty years as a shining golden tribute to Mother Cabrini.”

On November 13th, Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the Feast Day of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini as well as the conclusion of the yearlong celebration of the 50th Anniversary which included both staff and residents. A Mass, with live music, took place in the Chapel and other planned activities took place throughout the day. The Missionary Sisters who are residents of the home gathered for a special meal. This meal was served to the all of the residents as well.

Later in the day, the Therapeutic Recreation Staff distributed ice cream to the residents as a treat in honor of the Feast. The staff was included in the celebration with the distribution of $10.00 gift certificates to Honda’s Cafe for each employee as well as raffle prizes.

Many thanks to all who participated in planning both of these celebrations and to all who have enabled Cabrini of Westchester to offer the very best services to elders for fifty wonderful years.

Intergenerational Fall Fun!

Intergenerational Fall Fun!

We hear so much about intergenerational programs and the wonderful effect it has on both the young and the elderly.

Several of our high school students from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) in Dobbs Ferry, NY, visited some of the residents at St. Cabrini Nursing Home. The students loved speaking with the residents and helping them create colorful wreaths. They especially enjoyed singing Happy Birthday to one of the residents who turned 102 years old that day! The residents had smiles on their faces from ear to ear. They kept remarking how wonderful, respectful, and helpful the high schoolers were.

They had such a wonderful time that the students will be visiting again in December when they will build gingerbread houses together.

Observing Dia de los Muertos in Dobbs Ferry, NY

In the Christian tradition, the month of November is a time when we remember our deceased family, friends and loved ones. There are different ways that we remember those who have gone before us. On November 2nd, some of the clients from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, shared their celebration of Día de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead), with the residents at St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

A beautiful altar was created in the lobby of the nursing home. As our clients built the altar, there was such reverence, love and tears that went into it. Each piece that was added to the altar had great meaning. It is customary in Mexico and many of the countries in South America to build an altar in your home to remember the dead. Our clients were from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

The program began in the chapel where our clients spoke about the meaning of Día de los Muertos. They sang, La Llorona, a special song that is sung on this day. The residents were led out to the lobby where the altar was displayed. There were luminaria bags in the hall that lit the way to the altar.

The clients spoke about the altar and the meaning of the different items. There were pictures of their loved ones on the altar. Special flowers, fruits, bread, sugar skulls and candles were also placed on the altar. Not only do the items have special meaning, but it is also important to have many colors exhibited.

Through tears, many described how being able to share in this moment helped them as they prayed and remembered their loved ones. Everyone present was invited to add the names of their loved ones to the altar where they will be remembered in prayer.

Cabrini Mission Foundation Celebrates 25th Anniversary at 2023 Annual Gala

It was a night full of cheers and laughter, as attendees joined Cabrini Mission Foundation in celebrating 25 years of service at its 2023 annual Gala on October 13th at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan, NY. The Foundation recognized two special and deserving honorees for the Cabrini Legacy Award: Patricia Krasnausky and William J. O’Connor

Sr. Diane Omstead, MSC, Provincial, William J. O’Connor, Patricia Krasnausky, Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC

The Cabrini Legacy Award recognizes altruistic, charitable, and generous individuals who embrace the spirit of the charism in every aspect of their life. Their enthusiasm and ability to meet the unmet needs of others parallels the work Mother Cabrini accomplished during her years of service.

Bill O’Connor embarked on his educational journey at Manhattan College in New York, where he pursued his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering. For two decades, O’Connor committed himself to the Building Commission of the Archdiocese of New York. At the Archdiocese, Bill managed and maintained over 2,000 religious buildings spanning across 500 locations. His efforts, not only ensured the structural integrity of these sacred spaces, but also fostered an environment of efficient facilities management. In December 2003, O’Connor founded Parish Property management to offer professional counsel to institutions with large building portfolios, including properties for the Missionary Sisters.

O’Connor was first introduced to the Missionary Sisters in 1985 and was elected to the Cabrini Mission Foundation Board in November of 2014, demonstrating his passion and commitment to Mother Cabrini’s legacy through his facility work as well as being an active Board member.

Pat Krasnausky has provided steadfast and proven leadership of Cabrini Eldercare Services in New York since she began her career in 1991. Pat came to work at the Cabrini Medical Center on East 19th Street in Manhattan where the Medical Center was taking over a financially distressed nursing home on 5th Street and she would be in charge of the transition. Krasnausky would be named President and CEO of Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, NY, as well, just seven years later.

For 14 years, Pat oversaw the operations of both nursing homes – that encompasses 544 patient beds and split her time between the two locations. Krasnausky’s embrace of the Cabrini charism goes well beyond eldercare. During her tenure, Pat also served for 12 years as the Director of the Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs); a group of women and men who desire to live out their Christian baptismal commitment as a special call from God. A knowledgeable executive and icon in the New York health community, Krasnausky has had an enduring impact on the lives of so many families that have entrusted their care at Cabrini of Westchester.

The Sisters and staff would like to send a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the gathering, and for the continued support of the mission.

Cabrini of Westchester C.A.R.E.s for Residents

Cabrini of Westchester C.A.R.E.s for Residents

Cabrini of Westchester is proud to share that “The C.A.R.E. Channel” (Continuous Ambient Relaxation Environment) is now available to all residents for their viewing and listening pleasure! The C.A.R.E. Channel is television programming that combines peaceful scenes of nature with beautiful music. By tuning in to channel 54 on their in-room televisions, the residents can be swept away by the soothing landscapes, panoramas, and vistas as well as the original, instrumental music that has cross-generational and cross-cultural appeal.

The C.A.R.E. Channel has been shown to be a highly effective therapeutic tool that significantly contributes to improved satisfaction and patient outcomes, and helps create a healing environment for patients, families, and staff.

“I love to watch the C.A.R.E Channel,” says resident, Justin Vaccaro. “It is so relaxing and peaceful. The beautiful scenery and music makes me feel great and I’m so happy that Cabrini offers this for all residents.” Story continues on next page.

Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission shares, “We hope the C.A.R.E. Channel will be a blessing for our residents in offering them an opportunity to experience moments of peace and relaxation as they reflect on the visual beauty of God’s creation to the background of delightful music.”

Cabrini of Westchester Celebrates CNA Apprentices

 

“Let us never consider ourselves finished, nurses.
We must be learning all of our lives.”
~ Florence Nightengale

On Friday, September 1st, Cabrini of Westchester celebrated a second group of Nursing Assistant Apprentices as they completed five weeks of training to become Certified Nursing Assistants! In February 2023, we began partnering with the 1199 NationalFund to bring a Nursing Assistant Apprentice Program to Cabrini. This allowed us to bring on eleven additional staff members that received training through a grant initiated by the 1199 National Benefit Fund who contracted with Westchester Community College. All of the eleven staff remain employed full time and all but one are now certified nursing assistants in New York State! The remaining Nursing Assistant Apprentice who has not yet passed the CNA exam will have up to three chances to pass.

The second group of ten began their training in June 2023, and seven now remain employed on a full-time basis. They will take the nursing assistant exam this month. This addition to our workforce has helped tremendously to ensure we have the staff necessary to care for our resident population. The success of this collaboration with 1199 and Westchester Community College has allowed us to achieve staffing goals and we are currently offering training to a third group of Nursing Assistant Apprentices.

 

 

 

This third group began on September 11th as we welcomed sixteen new staff members to Cabrini of Westchester. A fourth group is anticipated to start in late October. There are also plans to include clients of Cabrini Immigrant Services in the fourth class!

Many thanks to 1199 SEIU, 1199 National Benefit Fund and SUNY Westchester Community College for being wonderful partners and for making this Cabrini CNA Apprenticeship Program possible.

Bringing Snap! Crackle! and Pop! to Cabrini Immigrant Services

The Resident Council at St. Cabrini Nursing Home, wanted to reach out to the children from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY. They held a Mission in Action fundraiser. They invited the residents, family, friends and staff to donate cereal during the month of August. They also added that they wanted ‘sweet cereal’ for our Cabrini Kids. Quickly the bins filled up in the lobby as different types of cereal were donated.

On Friday, September 8th, some of our Cabrini Kids and their Moms went to the nursing home to pick up their cereal. You can only imagine the look on the faces of the children when they saw nearly 150 boxes of cereal! They were thrilled to be able to go and pick out whatever boxes they wanted. One of the children, who is in 1st grade said, “I’ve waited my whole life to taste Captain Crunch.” Another child said, “I’ve never seen so many boxes of cereal. I can’t believe I can pick whatever cereal I want.” One child said that she would give her brother the Honey Nut Cheerios, but she would take the Trix, Captain Crunch and the Fruit Loops.

I don’t know who was smiling more, the children, the parents, or the residents. The parents were so grateful to receive the gift of cereal. We all know how expensive cereal is, especially the ‘sweet ones.’

On behalf of the children and the families at CIS, I want to thank the Resident Council for all they do to help support CIS. The Cereal Drive was a huge success!

Truly, we saw the Cabrini Mission in action. God bless you for putting smiles on so many faces.

Cabrini of Westchester’s 50th Anniversary Celebration was a Great Success!

Cabrini of Westchester recognized several deserving honorees at its 25th Annual Sharing in Mission Dinner, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of St. Cabrini Nursing Home. The theme for the event, which was held on May 25, 2023 at the beautiful Tappan Hill Estates in Tarrytown, NY, was “An Evening Under the Stars.”

This year’s honorees included His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Michael P. Hoffman, Founder of Changing Our World and former Cabrini Eldercare Trustee, and Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart: Sisters Arlene Van Dusen and Catherine Garry, both Cabrini of Westchester trustees. The honorees were chosen because they reflect the values that Cabrini of Westchester as an organization cherishes: compassion, excellence, commitment and service.

Attendees were delighted to dine under a myriad of twinkle lights and stars projected throughout the room, which reflected the theme. Beautiful coasters with constellations were given to all who attended.

We are truly grateful to the honorees, sponsors, donors and the 2023 Sharing in Mission Dinner Event Committee for making the evening such a wonderful success.

Thanks to the efforts of so many, the event raised approximately $300,000 to benefit Cabrini of Westchester!

 

Welcome Visitors to Cabrini of Westchester

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.

1260 Upper Gulph Road, Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: 484-581-7163   Fax: 484-581-7164
info@mothercabrini.org