The Heart of Regina Health Center: Mary Undoer of Knots Helps Residents Connect and Get “Untangled”
The latest issue of The Heart of Regina Health Center newsletter features an article about a prayer program that helps residents connect and get “untangled,” a spotlight on a rehab patient, an article about the Holy-In-One Golf Outing, a letter from Executive Director Mark Yantek, news updates and more.
The text of the article about the prayer program is below. Read the full newsletter here.
Mary Undoer of Knots Helps Residents Connect and Get “Untangled”
We all have knots in our life. Knots that have been put in front of us, knots that have been inherited, knots that we have created. How we deal with these knots—untie them, go around them, live with them, or cut them off— are tools we all need to learn and develop. Our Blessed Mother Mary Undoer of Knots is here to help. If you have not heard about Her, continue reading about this resident spiritual program that was started at Regina Health Center last year.
In the fall of 2019, Regina Health Center welcomed five new Sisters’ of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis (SSJ-TOSF) from Wisconsin. The SSJ-TOSF Sisters were adjusting well to their new home when the whole world changed with COVID and the shutdown of 2020.
The Nursing, Activities, Pastoral Ministry and Administrative staff all stepped up to the call to do as much as possible to connect, engage and energize residents during these difficult months. One of the new sisters, Sister Lucy Brukiewicz, SSJ-TOSF, yearned to feel useful and continue to give her gifts and talents. She wondered how she could help.
Sr. Lucy first approached Sandy Platt, activities associate, and they created the “Awesome Board,” which recognizes residents for accomlishments or milestones. They then teamed up with Ellen Barber, pastoral ministry associate to develop a spiritual program for the community. Mary Undoer of Knots has a long history of prayers, novenas and teachings. Sr. Lucy and Ellen later created a program for residents to meet weekly to learn, reflect and engage in spiritual growth and to pray for healing.
Sr. Lucy had an extensive background in healing and education. In her professional life, she was a spiritual director, and did vocational training and education of students with special needs. She also had more than 35 years working with a team of doctors at a spiritual healing center.
Sr. Lucy, Ellen and Sandy developed the plan, created support materials and laid out a monthly schedule. Residents were invited and excited about this spiritual journey focused on Mary Undoer of Knots. The meetings began in 2021. A knot board was created (see photo). The program continually brought several residents together to share, support and comfort each other.
“Sr. Lucy yearned to build a life here, connect with others, share openly, pray with us, and hoped to heal as well as heal others in the name and power of Jesus. She had a lot of gifts and talents to share,” said Ellen.
In March 2022, Sr. Lucy had a short illness and died peacefully at Regina Health Center. She was a resident for only a short time, however, her impact and memory will not be forgotten as The Mary Undoer of Knots group continues.