Life changing experience

Sr. Rita Gleason with Clifford and Rosemary Anderson

By Sr. Rita Gleason

Do not tell them that I love them. You love them and they will know that I love them. These words I sensed God spoke to me during a retreat many years ago, come to me now as I write an account of my ministry at St. Joseph’s Hospital. These words became my motto. I hope I was an instrument of God’s love for the residents through my love and compassionate caring for them.

As a member of the Spiritual and Religious Team, I spent many hours with the residents, getting to know them and ministering to their spiritual, emotional and physical needs. Almost immediately after I started working, a staff choir was formed to sing at the Memorial Services for family members of deceased residents. These Memorial services are held six times a year, and the 12-member choir under my direction, enjoyed ministering to the families.

Developing relationships with the residents and their family members was important in keeping with the family spirit and peaceful atmosphere of the hospital. I witnessed the love between residents and their spouses. Many of the spouses visit every day to help feed their loved ones or just spend time.

Rosemary Anderson has been a Resident at St. Joseph’s for many years. Her husband Clifford arrives every morning, picks up breakfast in the cafeteria and proceeds to the third floor to visit Rosemary. Clifford stays with Rosemary until noon, has lunch with her and then heads home for a rest. He returns at 4 pm and stays for another five hours. This is his daily routine, without fail.

I became more involved with this couple after Clifford informed me of his desire to be baptized and become a Catholic. Unfortunately, he was not able to participate in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process and therefore no one picked up on his request. I approached the RCIA Co-ordinator at St. Thomas More Parish and she and Father Silvain (pastor) decided we could bring the RCIA to the hospital. I became the main catechist and I met regularly with Clifford and Rosemary for several months. On November 29, 2007, Clifford received the 3 initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist during Mass in the Hospital Chapel.

Sharing my faith with this beautiful couple was the highlight of my ministry. What a privilege to see God’s love at work. And what a privilege it was to see the joy and peace in their hearts on the day of Clifford’s baptism. Clifford told me he felt like a new person when Father Silvain was pouring the water over his head. He said he felt like his whole body had been washed and he felt very light as if he were floating. He also felt a warm glow in his chest during the Mass. This glow and feeling of joy was evident in his radiant countenance. After Mass, he was still wearing the white gown with which he was invested after the bapism, and we overheard Rosemary say to him: “You don’t look like my Clifford, you look like a bridegroom!” And her own happiness and radiance made her look like a bride. I am very grateful for this wonderful experience of witnessing the faith of this couple and the love they have for one another. After almost 7 years of ministry at St. Joseph’s, I retired on January 25, 2008. A fond farewell gathering was held in Providence Court. On behalf of the Administration, Marilyn Snow, Executive Director, graciously thanked me and presented me with a gift card for Chapters. A staff member also presented me with a dozen roses. The Staff Choir also presented me with a gift card for Gordon Price Music Store. This gift was in anticipation of my future (now present) ministry of teaching music.