Parish nurse program sponsors ecumenical ‘Women of Wisdom'

WARWICK — The St. Anthony Community Hospital Parish Nurse Program will present “Women of Wisdom” at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17. The talk will be held in Monsignor O’Connor Hall at St. Stephen’s School on Sanfordville Road in Warwick. “Women of Wisdom” is described as an approach to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, with insights drawn from contemporary women’s spiritually. The workshop is the second in a series of ecumenical talks sponsored by the parish nurse program at Warwick’s Church of St. Stephen, the First Martyr. The guest speaker will be Sr. Ellen Marie Keane, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy at Marymount College of Fordham University in Tarrytown. Keane completed her doctoral studies in philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. She is past director of Initial Formation for the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, and has done extensive research and lectured widely on women’s studies. Parish nursing is non-denominational and is intended to combine health and faith to promote the physical and spiritual well-being of the congregation. There are about 6,000 parish nurses practicing in the United States. Some work as part of a church or hospital staff, others are volunteers. The program in Warwick was established earlier this year, thanks to the persistence of Clare Brady, vice president of mission for Bon Secours Charity Health System, and the cooperation of Rev. Michael McLoughlin. Donna Kearns and Maureen McDermott, both nurses at St. Anthony Community Hospital, serve as coordinators of the program. Members, who may or may not be nurses, assist the parish nurse and reach out to members of the congregation. The parish nurse, in turn, works closely with the coordinators at St. Anthony Community Hospital, who then offer their support and provide information on resources. Recent events include a blood pressure clinic for parishioners, a prayer shawl ministry for those who are ill or hospitalized, and “Food for the Soul,” a series of presentations by inspirational speakers. Beginning in November, an educational series “Dinner with the Doctor” will provide important information on health. For more information, call 987-5500 or write to Dkearns@tshs.org.