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Though our Benedictine roots are in Elizabeth, New Jersey, some of our Sisters maintain close contact with the people of Ulster County, New York, due to our history of providing healthcare at Benedictine Hospital in the city of Kingston. Although the Sisters reached an agreement with HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley to relinquish sponsorship of Benedictine Hospital in 2013, the Sisters continued to provide pastoral care services for patients through 2020. And today, the Benedictine spirit of compassionate care and hospitality continues in the region! Notably, Sister Mary Feehan, Sister Philomena Fleck, and Sister Dorothy Huggard, serve on the board of the Benedictine Health Foundation, a local nonprofit foundation which provides financial assistance to cancer patients.
The Bike for Cancer 5K Run/Walk, held annually in September, is a major fundraising event for the Foundation. Sisters Dorothy attended the 2024 event to cheer on participants and volunteer. The Foundation also hosted a dinner in September for cancer patients and their guests, featuring Rev. Trudi Hirsch, who spoke from her experience as a chaplain and instructor in pastoral care ministry and offered suggestions for reducing stress. Sisters Dorothy, Mary, Philomena, and Marita Funke attended the dinner, noting that the mutual exchange among the patients was vital.
Earlier in the year, the Sisters participated in the Foundation’s inaugural Family Feud Night, which allowed community members and local businesses to "battle it out" by answering survey questions to earn bragging rights while raising funds for those struggling with cancer and the cost of care.Top photo (L to R): Sister Mary, Sister Sharon McHugh and Sister Sister Mariette Thérèse.
“Team Benedictine Sisters” (L to R) Sister Philomena, Sister Dorothy and Sister Sister Mariette Thérèse with Bob Siracusano of Sawyer Motors in Saugerties, NY, who served as host for the Family Feud event.
And the survey says... ! Sister Dorothy competes on behalf of "Team Benedictine Sisters."
