Spirit
Spring
|
Summer 2016
G
Myrna Church
“
It’s a comforting feeling to be accepted.”
rowing up in Jamaica, Myrna Church often felt intimidated by the Franciscan Sisters who raised her. When she came to the United States in 1988, she found herself once again in the presence of Sisters. This time, she was the caregiver. She served as head nurse in the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon infirmary from 1989 until her retirement in 2007. Her time in the infirmary gave her the opportunity to get to know the Sisters as human beings. “I realized that they were people just like me,” she says. “I came to care about them and to love them.” When the Sisters founded their Associate program in 1991, Myrna Church was one of the first to join. Twenty-five years later, she is still an Associate, sharing the Sisters’ charism and mission in her own life. For the past 10 years, she has volunteered at Portland’s Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, earning a pin for 2,000 hours of dedicated service. Each Friday, she volunteers in the emergency department, providing solace and comfort to countless men, women and children at life-changing moments.
GENEROSITY AND KINDNESS “Whether working in our infirmary or through her service as an Associate, Myrna Church is known for her kindness and generosity. A dedicated and compassionate friend, Myrna is truly a companion on the journey with our Sisters.” – Sister Catherine Hertel coordinates the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Associate program.
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