Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost said Jesus’ words, “Whenever you do something for the least of my brothers, you do it for me,” apply to the work of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Mark.
The sisters, who have ministered in the Diocese of Cleveland for nearly a century, received the 2023 Archbishop Edward F. Hoban Award at the Deo Gratias (thanks be to God) event Dec. 17 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership. Accepting the award was Mother Raphael Gregg, superior of the independent diocesan congregation.
Since 1946, the sisters have operated Mount St. Joseph Rehab Center in Euclid, which delivers care with compassion, love and understanding, according to center’s mission statement. The bishop said the sisters believe in the dignity, integrity and worth of all persons. At Mount St. Joseph Rehab Center, they strive to improve or restore the residents’ quality of life and to help maintain physical, psychological, emotional and social functioning, as well as to assist in the closing of their lives with comfort and dignity.
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The Archbishop Hoban Award is presented annually at the Deo Gratias event to recognize those who give help and touch the lives of many. Bishop Woost mentioned Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland as another example. Catholic Charities is winding down its 2023 appeal and preparing to begin the 2024 appeal. The nonprofit is one of the largest social service agencies in the region. It assists more than 400,000 people each year through dozens of programs that help the unhoused, the hungry, those with substance/addiction issues, mental health issues and more.
The bishop, who has served on the seminary staff for two decades, recalled visiting Mount St. Joseph to care for the spiritual needs of the residents and staff. The new building is a testament to the sisters, he said, adding they “dedicate their lives to provide a caring, compassionate environment to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the residents.”
In addition, the sisters used to help at the old Saint Mary Seminary location on Ansel Road in Cleveland, before it moved to the CPL and were involved with Catholic education. Mother Raphael and one other sister are the only remaining members of the congregation. But the sisters have done much good for many people during their nearly 100 years in the diocese, the bishop said.
“Thanks to Mother Raphael and the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Mark. Your lifetime commitment and generosity are inspiring to all of us. You put Christ at the center. We need the annual Deo Gratias celebration to give thanks for the great gift that you are,” Bishop Woost added. “You give of your time, talent and treasure to help so many. Deo gratias. Thanks be to God for you and thanks be to God for your willingness to share those blessings with so many.”
Mother Raphael thanked the Catholic Community Foundation, which organized the event and oversees the Catholic Charities appeal, as well as others that have supported the ministry of the sisters and so many other causes.
In addition to the Hoban Award presentation, the Deo Gratias event included an overview of the work of Catholic Charities’ Emergency Assistance Services. Megan Pitrak, emergency assistance services director, talked about the work done by her team at various locations in the diocese, including the Bishop William Cosgrove Center and downtown Cleveland and the St. Elizabeth Center in Lorain.
Pitrak said emergency assistance services serves more than 40,000 meals each month, operates food pantries, shelters and other supportive services for the unhoused. Quoting one of her team members, Terrel Valentine, program coordinator, emergency assistance services, Pitrak said, “It’s not hard work, it’s heart work.”
Bishop Woost celebrated Mass prior to the brunch and award presentation. Concelebrants were Father Andy Turner, president/rector of Borromeo and Saint Mary seminaries, Father Christ Trenta and Father Bill Bouhall, both of the seminary faculty/staff. Deacon Michael Garvin and several seminarians assisted with the liturgy.