By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald Correspondent
Medical center dedicated in Rhinelander
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Several items were put inside the cornerstone to serve as a time capsule for future generations. Sr. Theresa Regler, left, added a list of all the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother who have served the hospital for more than 100 years. With a smile, she also added a picture of herself and Sr. Maria Vinton, right, the only two from that religious order still involved in health care in the Rhinelander area. On the wall in the background can be seen a psalm verse, one of many found throughout the new medical facility. (Catholic Herald photo by Mary Grieco) |
RHINELANDER -- Nearly 4,000 people came to see the recently completed Saint Mary's Hospital/Ministry Medical Group-Rhinelander medical complex during an open house on April 24. Many took the time to enjoy the nearly mile-long tour which wove through the state-of-the-art hospital, clinic and cancer center.
Bishop Raphael M. Fliss presided at the dedication Mass and blessing of the facility the following day. "This is a wonderful day for Ministry Health Care, for Rhinelander and the Diocese of Superior," he said. "How many people will there be who will come to this hospital and find the Lord through all the good people who are here. What wonderful things can and will happen in this setting, in this beautiful building."
Following the procession to bring the Blessed Sacrament to the chapel, the bishop blessed the staff and volunteers and sent forth several to bless all areas of the facility.
During the official dedication ceremony, several speakers commended all who have been involved in making the medical complex a reality. Opening remarks were made by Kevin O'Donnell, president and CEO of Sacred Heart-Saint Mary's Hospitals, and by Nicholas Desien, president and CEO of Ministry Health Care.
Desien pointed to the long-term commitment of Ministry Health Care and the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother in providing health care to the area. "The sisters started these ministries over 100 years ago, and we are setting in place a commitment to continue that ministry at least another 50 years," he said. Desien also praised the strong local support that helped to bring the medical complex to completion.
Dr. Chris Koeppl, chief medical officer, speaking before a windowed backdrop revealing a heavy spring snowfall, commented, "We talked a lot about keeping a Northwoods ambiance (in this building), but I didn't think we'd see it quite like this today." Koeppl explained some of the state-of-the-art technology that is an integral part of the new campus, including the latest in imaging equipment and cancer treatment.
He also emphasized the importance of Ministry's core values, which include presence and justice. "That distinguishes us as a Catholic hospital," he said, pointing to how those values are carried out through programs such as the free clinic and palliative care.
Other speakers at the dedication included Billy Daniels, spiritual leader for the Forest County Potawatomi tribe, who offered a prayer in his native language.
Sr. Lois Bush, senior vice president, Ministry Health Care, looked back on how far health care has come in the Rhinelander area since three Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother came to town in 1893 "with an enduring commitment to the healing ministry of Jesus." Speaking on behalf of her religious community, Bush thanked all the health care partners who have been and will be involved with the new hospital and clinic.
Before the cornerstone was put into place by the front entrance, Sr. Maria Vinton, one of two remaining Sisters of the Sorrowful who still serve the area, called people forward with designated articles to be placed in a time capsule.
The $67 million, 251,940-square-foot medical campus is located on a 48-acre site on the east end of Rhinelander. There are 73 beds in the hospital, and the adjoining clinic has 88 exam rooms. The first patients were admitted May 4.
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2004