MOST ORGANIZATIONS HAVE some sort of mission statement, a concise declaration of their purpose and values that is intended to orient employees toward the same set of goals. Of course, the degree to which a mission statement is actually followed—or even familiar to the staff—varies considerably from one organization to the next.
At The Gardens of St. Francis, a CHI Living Community located in Oregon, Ohio, the shared mission of “making the healing presence of God known in our world” is not just a summary of the community’s reason for being, but a living, breathing reality that guides the staff’s efforts every day.
“What we do as employees here is not just a job, but a ministry, a calling each of us has,” explains Heidi Hoffman, Director of Mission Integration and Spiritual Care at The Gardens of St. Francis. “We’re here to be the hands and heart of God for residents, their families, and the community around us.”
In fact, beginning with first-day orientation, employees are taught to integrate the community’s mission and values into the work they do and to adopt a resident-centered approach to care. Hoffman emphasizes that the job is about much more than a paycheck and staff members should go home at the end of each day knowing they’ve made a real difference in someone’s life.
Sr. Mary Cyrilla Hellman, a Gardens of St. Francis resident who has been a Sister of Notre Dame for 75 years, states, “Virtually everyone who works here sees the job as a ministry. As a resident, I’ve never heard an impatient word from anyone who takes care of us. They’re always cheerful and loving. Under their care, I feel I’ve been touched by the hands of Christ.”
For all who come onto the Gardens of St. Francis campus, mission integration is immediately apparent in the community’s cleanliness and its warm, welcoming atmosphere. “What’s most impressive is that everyone here feels at home and part of the community—but not just the physical part. There’s a feeling of hope and love for everyone,” Sr. Cyrilla says.
Hoffman concurs with this sentiment, adding, “The grounds here are absolutely beautiful, which I personally believe is vital to the healing process. Then, when you walk into the building, which is kept immaculately clean, you feel the presence of God and find healing and love. That’s not the case in most other facilities.”
God’s presence is especially evident in the community’s beautiful on-site chapel, which is open to residents and staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sr. Cyrilla notes, “The Holy Eucharist is always present in the chapel, so anyone who stops by can be with God at any time, not just during Mass or rosary services. When I come back from meals, I always go by the chapel and make a point of going in to spend a few minutes with the Lord.”
Sr. Cyrilla is also very active in supporting other residents and staff, spending time with them in quiet prayer, leading rosary services, or simply paying visits. She says she loves visiting with other residents who may be feeling sad and lonely and providing a listening ear to anyone who needs it.
According to Sr. Cyrilla, the mission of “making the healing presence of God known in our world” is most evident at The Gardens of St. Francis when she sees other people come to the realization that ministry isn’t just about getting healed themselves, but also about reaching out to others and sharing that love and healing. “The Little Sisters of the Poor had this same spirit. What a beautiful heritage they left to this community!” she remarks.
