Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for a stimulating and informative MFA Membership Meeting on Sunday April 16. For those MFA members and friends who were unable to attend Sunday's meeting in person, and for those who want to relive the highlights, we offer a video of the meeting. We have inserted a video (at 3:15 in the recording) about Sr. Rosemary's Laetare Award from Notre Dame University, which was not able to be viewed during the meeting.
Click here to watch the video of the meeting.
by Linda Buchalo
Following a long holiday hiatus, we’ll continue our tour of the residential living areas on the Misericordia campus. Today, we’ll visit McGowan Home, built in the summer of 1998. The home is brick construction with large windows so that the residents can easily view the outdoors. McGowan has 16 adult residents, both men and women, all of whom have physical disabilities with similar needs. The residence has a common living room, dining room, and bedrooms with accessible bathrooms. The house was built with spacious areas to accommodate positioning equipment and therapy needs. There is also an office for the QIDP. McGowan has a garden area where residents can gather to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors.
During April, the staff in the following departments are being recognized and there will be an appreciation luncheon on Tuesday, April 25th.
Housekeeping whose exemplary work impacts the quality of life for our residents and the entire community.
Laundry which provides clean linens and clothing to many areas on campus.
Kitchen/Food Services who prepare meals for residents on campus, Misericordia events and special events.
Misericordia Businesses which include the Greenhouse Inn Restaurant, Heartstrings Gift Shop, the Sweetheart Shoppe in Glenview, and the Hearts and Flour Bakery & Café.
Bakery whose hand-working staff produce the delicious baked goods that Misericordia is famous for while supporting the residents who work in the bakery.
Security which works around the clock to ensure that Misericordia is safe for the residents and staff.
We need six volunteers to help set-up, greet the staff and clean-up at the April 25th luncheon. For more details and to sign-up, please go to this link:
Meeting will be held on Sunday April 16, 2023 in the Jean Marie Ryan Center. Doors will open at 10:30 am, membership meeting will be called to order at 11:00 am and will adjourn at noon.
Immediately following the meeting there will be opportunities for socializing (complete with some surprise sweet treats).
The Benefit committee will be hard at work and available to answer any benefit questions. There will be representatives from all of the Benefit committees including Reservations, Ad Book, Sponsorship, Raffles, Silent Auction, and Buy It Now - Gift Cards.
Do's & Don'ts for the Meeting
MFA General Membership Meeting
** In Person **
Sunday, April 16, 2023
11:00 AM (doors open at 10:30 AM)
There are some sweet treats planned for all attendees!
This meeting is also Collection Sunday for the 63rd MFA Benefit so ->
In honor of her vision and her compassionate work with the residents of Misericordia for the last 54 years, Sister Rosemary is being awarded the Laetare Medal, which is considered the oldest and most prestigious honor given to American Catholics. Established in 1883, the Laetare Medal was conceived as an American counterpart of the Golden Rose, a papal honor that antedates the 11th century. Past Laetare recipients include President John F. Kennedy, Catholic Worker founder Dorothy Day, novelist Walker Percy, Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House John Boehner.
by Deborah Early
When Michael entered Misericordia Home, he had attended church but was not Catholic. We encouraged him to attend Mass and participate in any religious events on campus. Michael immediately became interested in the Mass and was intrigued with the concept of carrying the cross. Father Jack told him there was a long wait list. After a few years and a lot of pestering from Michael, Father Jack explained that he had to be Catholic to serve at Mass. Michael’s response? “How do I become Catholic?” When asked if he really wanted to do that, he expressed an interest in learning more about it and then making a decision.
Sponsorship and Ad Book forms are available...do it now!
💡 Become a Benefit Sponsor by purchasing an ad for $5,000 or more
💡 Become a Benefit Contributor by purchasing an ad for less than $5,000
Here's how!
💡 Complete the online Sponsorship/Ad Book Contribution form (click HERE), or
💡 Print the paper form (click HERE) and mail with payment to Misericordia, or
💡 Pick up a paper form at Thome reception and mail with payment to Misericordia
And, please help us identify businesses and individuals who could be major Benefit donors. Contact the Sponsorship Committee: Rick & Connie Nash at
Any questions? Contact Patty Ramirez, Ad Book Committee Chair at
Submission deadline is April 16, 2023
by Ann Wilson
Under the auspices of Fr. Jack Clair, Misericordia’s Administrative Team has gone through a restructuring. In October 2022, long-time employee Chris Hegg-Krackenberger was promoted to Vice President of Residential Services.
Introduced to Misericordia in the summer between her sophomore and junior years of college, Chris says, “I worked in a program called ‘Summer Service Learning’ which involved an 8-week volunteer commitment at a non-profit. Misericordia was one of 200 sites across the country, and I felt called to choose this site and loved it! I came back to Misericordia after I graduated in the Summer of 1991. I was not planning on staying long, but I really fell in love with the work I was doing, the residents I worked with, and the people I worked alongside. I decided to stay and here I am almost 32 years later.”
Thank you to each and every one of you who attended our Annual SIBs meeting. It was wonderful seeing everyone and catching up afterwards at our social hour. We also hope the meeting was informative and gave you confidence that the staff of Misericordia is doing everything in their power to provide an environment that is safe and meaningful for your sibling.
With the pandemic moving further back in our rearview mirror, we are excited and committed to re-vitalizing and re-engaging our board. One of our commitments is to communicate and provide information on a regular basis. We know how busy everyone is and we promise to keep our information succinct and with links to enable you to more easily sign up for volunteer activities.
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