Executive Manager Mission message
A message from Rose Santoro, Executive Manager Mission
“I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2
2023 marked a year of beginning and completing many projects. The ‘stand outs’ were the Catholic Homes’ Mission Framework, the continuous improvement of Pastoral Services and the opening event of Sister Mary Glowrey in Belmont.
The Catholic Homes’ Mission Framework
The Catholic Homes Mission Framework is a modern and effective organisational framework that will guide our growth and development as a Catholic aged care provider of choice. It was developed through extensive research, reading, and consultation. The Mission Framework makes explicit our Vision, Mission, Values, and Catholic Social Teaching.
The functional aspects in the framework are:
- Formation/cultural alignment.
- Commitment to continuous improvement.
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Recruitment and development of personnel.
The framework will serve as a reference for designing and organising all workshops and formation events.
Continuous improvement of Pastoral Care Services
Our Pastoral Services is evolving from a chaplaincy-based model to a more professional, clinical model. A clinical model means that it follows a professional cycle of assessment, plan, and review. In addition, a clinical model places importance on precise documentation. This cycle ensures that our pastoral services are comprehensive, individualised, and effective. A clinical model of pastoral care offers several benefits, including:
- It is more comprehensive and individualised than a chaplaincy-based model.
- It is based on evidence-based practices.
- It is more effective in meeting the needs of clients/residents with complex social, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Our service is now being offered to Home Care clients and reflects the principles of wellness and reablement, to enhance the well-being and independence of Home Care clients. Our care with purpose model of care is based on these principles, and it guides our pastoral services to deliver holistic and person-centred care that meets the needs and preferences of each client.
We are committed to providing our clients/residents with the best possible pastoral care. We believe that a clinical model of pastoral care is the best way to do that.
The Sr Mary Glowrey experience.
We opened Sister Mary Glowrey in Belmont, with an event that was planned to be an experience. We wanted to give our guests a taste of joy, love and hospitality. Our Board and Executives were our hospitality team. They each hosted a small group of invited guests. Acting Chief Executive, Ben Foster and Chairman of the Board, John Ogilvie warmly welcomed and thanked all who made Sister Mary Glowrey a reality in Belmont.
John emphasised to all to “…create a home, filled with Christlike joy, love and hospitality as witnessed by Mary [Glowrey] throughout her life. In doing so, may you honour her legacy and be deeply humbled that your work is, to use her words…but part of His great plan.”
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB celebrated the liturgy and shared a personal connection to the Gospel reading. He reflected fondly that it was a reading used at a wedding he celebrated. The strong theme of laying deep, firm foundations through actions was highlighted.
All the guests received a gift bag of special mementoes that were blessed by Archbishop Costelloe. The people, the food and the liturgy marked a memorable celebration that was the ‘Sr Mary Glowrey experience’!
Rose Santoro
Executive Manager Mission
