Pastoral Counseling

Sister Mary Ann Hills, Pastoral Counselor

The O'Connor Woods Pastoral Team is a valued resource and support for residents, family members and employees. There are several featured programs, as well as a Pastoral Team that supports and inspires spiritual and emotional well-being of residents at Skilled Nursing in Meadowood.

The "Tuesday Book Discussion," is a weekly opportunity to share ideas about a book the group is reading and how it resonates with each participant's experience and values. The group talks about the things that matter to them and listens to the experiences of others. The atmosphere is informal, comfortable and welcoming. Some featured authors include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Wayne Dyer, Barbara Kingsolver, Thomas Berry, Wendell Barry and Henry David Thoreau and John Muir. This program is moderated by Sr. Ruth Droege and Sr. Mary Ann Hills

"Shared Scripture" is a weekly opportunity for learning, sharing, growing and experiencing community as the group studies various books from both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Shared Scripture welcomes those who may be new to scripture reflection as well as those who may already have some background. Group members are both Protestant and Catholic and this diversity adds to the richness of the discussions. Moderated by Sr. Mary Ann Hills

Assisted Living residents enjoy an inspirational journey

Sr. Ruth (far right), leads a weekly group of Garden Oaks and Oak Creek residents on an inspirational journey. She invites them to enjoy short excerpts and stories by people both famous or little known who describe the discovery of meaning in their lives. On occasion, poetry may be the subject of reflection as well as some well-remembered stories from the years of childhood. The selection then becomes a springboard for discussion in which residents share their own reflections about the story or poem and the insights or inspirations it may have offered them about their own experience. Residents are also invited to share stories, objects, songs, and pictures that have special meaning for them.