AND THE MISSION CONTINUES. . .

By Sr. Rosanne Popp, CCVI

CHRISTUS St. Mary's Clinic is named for the first hospital established by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in 1866 to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by meeting the unmet health needs of the people of Galveston, Texas. The clinic’s name reflects the continuation of that mission in the 21st century, meeting the unmet needs of the present time.

Christian.net

On May 29, 2023, associates and providers of CHRISTUS St. Mary’s Clinic (SMC) paused from their usual ministry to visit the birthplace of the Congregation and CHRISTUS in Galveston, Texas. The associates prepared for their trip by visiting various websites, CCVI Houston, CHRISTUS, and Foundation for Healthcare, to gain insight and historical perspective on the places they would visit; and ensure everyone did their homework; there was a quiz on the bus!

As part of their visit to Galveston, the SMC associates visited CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread (ODB), a day shelter for people experiencing homelessness. They prepared for this visit several months in advance, putting aside their “$5.00 Jean Friday” donations to purchase items requested by ODB. These funds were spent buying cases of travel-size deodorant, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, to be given to the ODB clients. As a special treat to the clients, the staff also bought and assembled foods for "to-go snack packs” (cookies, fresh fruit, breakfast bars, water, etc.)

While at ODB, the SMC associates learned about ministry to people experiencing homelessness and some of their unique social, physical, and healthcare needs. The SMC staff helped prepare lunch for the clients and and canned foods in the food pantries. In addition, they beautiful the prayer, blessing the food, the clients, and all those who attended that day.

SMC ates enjoyed lunch together and experiencesofcaringforthosewholiveonthestreets.

After completing their ministry duties, the SMC associates visited two historical sites of great significance to the health. They visited the site where the first hospital was Mary's Orphanage, where 90 children and 10 Sisters spirits oftenfindtoyslyingonthefloorasifsomeonehadrecentlybeenplayingwiththem.

Christian.net that they had a much better connection and of CHRISTUS Health and particularly felt connected to ODB. Although taking time away from monetary and other implications, the bonding among of mission were obvious, evident by the most frequently arrived back at St. Mary’s, “When can we do this again?” continues.