LAKE PLACID — Mercy Care for the Adirondacks recently held a spirituality retreat at the Paul Smith’s College VIC on the topic of “Living Well: Caring for the Human Spirit in Times of Growth and Change.”
Open to the public, the Mercy Care Spirituality Retreat offered a day immersed in nature for reflection, expert presenters, and spiritual connection.
The retreat provided inspiration with a variety of local expert presenters beginning with a moving spiritual offering led by Sister Brian Marie Latour, RSM, Sister of Mercy. By the end of her offering, the crowd was singing along to “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell.
Martha Gallagher then performed for the crowd with her harp music and an inspiring presentation on “Exploring the Joys of Singing & Creating Mantra, Chants, and Simple Songs.” Participants next experienced a guided reflection meditation and discussion with Kathleen McPhillips; local author, healer and reiki master and her presentation: “Awakening Your Inner Mystic: Learning to Trust Yourself.” The day ended with a discussion on the importance of support and connection led by Jane Stratton, RN, MS, Mercy Care Faith Community nurse consultant.
Mercy Care’s mission is to enhance in every dimension the fullness of life of elders living in the community. These retreats offer time to care for the human spirit and support and connection for Mercy Cares Spiritual Care Companions, Parish Nurses, Friendship Volunteers, and older adults in the community.
After the retreat, an attendee commented “We are all in a period of transition and many of these strategies learned today with be helpful.”
Consider becoming a Friendship Volunteer
Mercy Care is experiencing many new requests from elders in our community who need friends and informal supports to help them age in place more successfully. Mercy Care serves any older adult in need within our capacity.
Mercy Care receives requests for volunteers from elders themselves, their families, friends, and other referral sources to empower our elder neighbors to live well as they grow older.
The next volunteer training will be held on Oct. 1 at Adirondack Educational Center, BOCES in Saranac Lake. Mercy Care invites anyone in the Tri-Lakes region and surrounding communities who is interested in becoming a volunteer to take the training. To register, or to learn more, visit www.adkmercy.org or contact Lexi Bevilacqua, Director of Programs and Mission Integration at abevilacqua@adkmercy.org or 518-523-5446.
Mercy Care can be reached at 185 Old Military Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946, by calling Donna Beal, Executive Director, at 518-523-5581, or by email at dbeal@adkmercy.org. For more information, visit Mercy Care’s website at http://www.adkmercy.org.