Submitted by Sr. Kathleen John McLinden, O. Carm., Pastoral Care Director
In 1989, a new 209 bed facility St. Patrick’s Residence, was built in Naperville to replace the original facility located in downtown Joliet. In 1997, a beautiful and devotional Chapel and more common space were added and presently 194 residents are served. St. Patrick’s Residence has always sought to extend the healing ministry of Christ to those entrusted to our care. Besides meeting the physical, emotional, and social needs of the residents, every effort is made to provide for their spiritual needs, regardless of religious affiliation.
The Pastoral Care Department oversees the celebration of Mass four times a week, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Holy Communion is brought to residents unable to attend Mass by Sisters, dedicated lay staff and Eucharistic Ministers. Bedside prayers are also offered for the sick and dying, and emotional support is given to families experiencing the sickness or loss of a loved one. Pastoral Care Visits are done daily to give the residents time to talk about the family and if there are any issues that they may want to discuss 1:1 and in the privacy of their room where one feels comfortable to talk. We also broadcast Mass from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel throughout the house on the T.V.
St. Patrick’s residents also have two Memorial Masses said yearly for all the deceased residents in the past six months. The families and friends are invited to attend this special event and refreshments are provided with time to welcome all the families and friends. There is a candlelight service during this time when families are asked to bring up the candle to the altar as the names are called out and light the candle of their loved one.
After the Mass, the families are encouraged to take the candle home and light it to remember their loved one on their birthday or anniversary and say a prayer for them. This is a special event for families and friends to attend this Mass.