At times both solemn and celebratory, the March 19, 2006 Ground Blessing of the Edison Lakes site marked a milestone in our progress toward a new facility. Appropriately held on the Feast of St. Joseph, the Ground Blessing brought together approximately 100 guests at the 90-acre site.
The day began across town with a morning brunch at Saint Mary's, attended by Board members, community leaders, representatives of our founding congregations (Sisters of the Holy Cross and Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ), and senior leaders from Trinity Health. Mike Hammes, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, recognized a number of special guests including Joe Swedish, President/CEO, Trinity Health; Jeff Rea, Mayor of Mishawaka; Sister Nora Hahn, PHJC, Provincial, Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ; and Sister Joy O'Grady, CSC, President, Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
Nancy Hellyer, SJRMC President/CEO, and Mike Hammes presented Mr. Swedish, Mayor Rea, Sister Nora and Sister Joy with statues called "Joseph on the Journey." Sister Joy gave the invocation.
At the brunch, Nancy recognized the Holy Cross and Poor Handmaids Sisters, saying, "Our heritage and history will drive Saint Joseph into the future. We are working to build a culture that continues to seek excellence in everything we do." Mike Hammes added, "This new facility will close the significant gap that exists between the healthcare the community deserves and what it will receive."
A mass followed at the Church of Loretto, at which Bishop John D'Arcy presided, while a choir of Saint Joseph associates and others affiliated with the system shared their soaring voices.
Onsite at Edison Lakes, Mr. Swedish, Mayor Rea and Sister Maura Brannick, CSC, founder of Saint Joseph Health Center, took the occasion to speak to the assembled group.
Bishop D'Arcy offered words to ponder when he said, "Health professionals must always remember that God is the creator of life. He gives life and He takes life. Catholic healthcare must always provide sacraments to the sick and dying and care for the poor. That is the heritage of the Sisters who founded the hospitals. I challenge Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center to be faithful to the heritage of the Sisters and to continue to deliver healthcare that respects the dignity of each human person, body and soul."
Nancy and Mike then presented Bishop D'Arcy with a "Joseph on the Journey" statue.
Moving to the Windsor Park Conference Center, a high tea for associates and guests continued the celebration. Providing soothing background music, a trio performed classical selections. Additionally, guests were presented with four-piece coaster sets featuring photos of the original South Bend and Mishawaka hospitals, a rendering of the new Edison Lakes facility, and the SJRMC logo.
The new SJRMC mobile medical unit also was on hand for tours.