Remembering and Giving Thanks in 2021

Written on: November 24, 2021

November is the month of remembrance and gratitude. We remember the deceased on All Saints and All Souls days, and we remember the men and women who have served to protect us throughout the world on Veterans Day. As November ends, we remember what we are most thankful for since last Thanksgiving.

Figuring prominently this year is our gratitude for the vaccines, which have helped to curb the spread of Covid-19, and mitigated its effects on those who do get infected. This allowed us to be with loved ones and friends and to reopen our offices and resume more normal operations.

Like many Christians and people of other faith traditions, we also remember and give thanks this month for the lives of our Sisters who have died since last November: Sisters Loretta Wundrok, Marian Adrian, Mary Dee Smith, Connie Welsh and Ann McKee. They and all those who went before inspire us to continue to live and serve in the spirit of St. Marguerite d’Youville.

We give thanks for all of the wonderful healthcare professionals who assist our Sisters in living healthy and fulfilling lives, beginning with our own healthcare staff: Chris Domzalski and Beth Fisher assisted by Maureen Goodall and Anne Kane. We also give thanks to Abramson Senior Care, Redeemer Health System and Artis Memory Care who provide direct service to the Sisters in support of our healthcare staff.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention our main man Bob Creely who is at everyone’s beck and call to fix, replace, supply, tote and move whatever, and whenever he is needed.

We give thanks for the lay women who work daily to support us, our goals, and our daily lives in numerous untold ways: Debbie Adams, Eileen Dickerson, Maryellen Glackin, Carolyn Hunte, Marianne Kitzmiller, Evelina McGuigan, and Diane Petrillo. You keep the engine going!

We give thanks for the ability and the determination of our Sisters to continue being for others. This past year Sisters went to the Border, began a special project to support women who come to Marguerite’s Pantry, and helped each other with food and friendship when so many places were still shut down from the virus. Grey Nuns do so many little things that continue to make a difference in others’ lives. Their ministry of presence inspires all around them.

This year as we celebrated our 100th Anniversary, we are grateful for all who have supported us and stood with us as we ministered and served, including our Associates and donors.

Without their generous spiritual and financial support and their presence and partnership with us, our mission could not go on.

This entry was posted in From our Sisters and tagged: 100th Anniversary, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, Associates, beloved deceased, Covid-19, donors, financial support, gratitude, healthcare, mission, November, Office, partnership, presence, remembrance, Sisters, spiritual, thankful, thanksgiving, vaccine, Veterans Day