The holidays tend to bring out the best in people. We’ve all experienced it in the joy on a child’s face, an uplifting holiday movie, or the kindness of someone filled with the spirit of Christmas.
For some, the holidays bring grief, loss, and heartache because the passing of a loved one can’t be scheduled. This is where the spirt of giving tends to kick into high gear at Our Lady of Peace.
Called to serve, our medical team provides comfort in addition to care. Empathy, and compassion are expressed in music, bringing a holiday decoration into a patient’s room, holding a hand, and giving the gift of love and support.
Called to serve, our staff, from the front desk to the back offices, is committed to giving a warm welcome to families. We strive to understand and be respectful of how people are feeling. And it is a privilege to share a smile or words of comfort.
Called to serve, our volunteers show up and give of their time and talents to our staff and our patients. They knit prayer shawls to provide comfort. They bring a smile to a patient’s face with a visit from one of our therapy dogs. And they take the time amid the hustle and bustle to sit at a patient’s bedside to bring them comfort in their final days and moments of life.
Called to serve, our donors give holiday gifts that fuel our care. Donors like THE WASIE FOUNDATION who gave a $400,000 matching grant and an anonymous donor who gave a $100,000 matching grant to help us build private rooms. Donations from individuals and families help us cover the $811 care cost per patient per day, beyond the $189 that is paid by Medicare, so we can continue to live our mission of our founders.
The spirit of giving comes in many forms and many faces, and it is extra powerful during the holiday season. During this special time of giving, our hearts are filled with gratitude to all of you who stand beside us all year long. Together, we are making a difference. Together, we are living the mission.
On December 7th, we celebrated our 80th Anniversary by lighting the exterior of our building at Cleveland and St. Anthony Avenues in St. Paul with stars and angels in memory of over 25,000 people who have passed in our care. Staff, families, and friends of Our Lady of Peace lit candles and listened to words of remembrance from Father John Malone. They also listened to the angel voices of the Holiday Heralds, a small group of singers from the Minnesota Chorale.
We invite you to watch our 2021 Celebration of Life video that includes scenes from the outdoor lighting ceremony. We hope it brings you peace, comfort, and joy.