So that all could be “Happy to be Home for Christmas,” the Board of St Francis scheduled their party before any Residents went out with friends and families. And so, all together, Residents from St Joseph Care Unit and Apartment Residents gathered gleefully for the first time in Father Ernest’s Center on December 19th . Ladies of the Board not only sponsored the dinner party, but helped to serve the meal and engaged with our Residents. They invited a volunteer pianist and our Activities Director dressed up like Mrs. Claus to distribute the Christmas presents they so generously provided.
As Christmas drew near, more carolers came to bring cheer! On December 23, girls from our Hospitality Club came with family and friends to lead us in singing all the favorite Christmas songs with an accompaniment of piano and jingle bells! They brought handmade Nativity decorations for the Residents, and joined us for Mass.
Jeanne Jugan must have been smiling as one recently arrived Apartment Resident remarked that Christmastime had been a sad time for her up until now and that she found a new home and a new family with whom she could celebrate Jesus’ Birthday. Another new Resident said that she felt just like she did when she was first married, moving into their first apartment. We all were happy to be Home for Christmas!
