Senior Services Guide - 2017

November 23, 2017 The Catholic Spirit • 11A

2017 SENIOR SERVICES GUIDE

To our readers The descriptions of senior housing and services in this section were provided by the facilities and service agencies, which are responsible for the accuracy of the content.

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Benedictine Health System The Benedictine Health System is one of the largest Catholic senior care organizations in the country, operating more than 35 communities in six states, including eight in the Twin Cities. BHS is a missionbased, nonprofit health system headquartered in Minnesota, sponsored by the Benedictine sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth.

BHS provides a continuum of care services for aging adults, including independent senior housing, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation services.

For more information, visit www.bhshealth.org.

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Deephaven Woods Senior Living Deephaven Woods is a community that provides nurturing and caring senior housing on the campus of St. Therese Catholic Church in Deephaven.

We offer independent and assisted living, as well as memory care and enhanced care for the highest level of assisted living.

We partner with St. Therese Catholic School to offer intergenerational programming. We are a member of Struthers Parkinson’s Care Network.

For more information, call 952-746-8562 or visit www.deephavenwoods.com.

Choose to live well At the Benedictine Health System, we are dedicated to serving the Twin Cities by providing a full range of residential options and care services that help you live life to the fullest. With a continuum of care services, we help seniors live full, engaged lives.

For more information or to schedule a tour: Benedictine Health Center at Innsbruck 1101 Black Oak Drive | New Brighton 651-633-1686 bhcinnsbruck.org

Cerenity Senior Care – Marian of Saint Paul 200 Earl Street | St. Paul 651-793-2100 CerenitySeniorCare.org

Benedictine Health Center of Minneapolis 618 E. 17th Street | Minneapolis 612-879-2800 bhcminneapolis.org

Cerenity Senior Care – White Bear Lake 4615 2nd Avenue | White Bear Lake 651-232-1818 CerenitySeniorCare.org

Benedictine Senior Living at Steeple Pointe 625 Central Avenue | Osseo 763-425-4440 steeplepointe.org

Regina Senior Living 1175 Ninninger Road | Hastings 651-480-4333 regina-seniorliving.org

Cerenity Senior Care - Humboldt 512 Humboldt Avenue | St. Paul 651-220-1700 CerenitySeniorCare.org

St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center 1850 Sarazin Street | Shakopee 952-233-4400 stgertrudesshakopee.org

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To review the full list of communities and services go to: bhshealth.org 105-008 Catholic Spirit Ad_2017 v2.indd 2

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12A • The Catholic Spirit

SENIOR SERVICES GUIDE

November 23, 2017

Known for his love of cooking, people and liturgy, Father Simonson retires

By Dave Hrbacek The Catholic Spirit

W

hen Father Spencer Howe came on board in July as parochial administrator of Holy Cross in northeast Minneapolis, it didn’t take him long to learn about the “giant” who preceded him, Father Earl Simonson.

“In essence, he’s just been a giant in the neighborhood,” Father Howe said of Father Simonson, 87, who celebrated his retirement Nov. 19 at Holy Cross.

Forty years ago, Father Simonson became pastor of St. Clement, which merged in 2012 with nearby St. Anthony of Padua, St. Hedwig and Holy Cross, taking the latter parish’s name.

“Many people are aware of the contributions he’s made,” Father Howe said. “One of the important groups who knows him and remembers him are the poor.

He had a real tenderness towards the poor.”

During his tenure, Father Simonson ensured the doors of St. Clement church and rectory were always open to the poor in the neighborhood, parishioners or not.

“He would baptize anyone, and he would bury anyone,” said Diane Soderberg, Holy Cross’ campus coordinator who worked with Father Simonson for five years. “He told me once, ‘I do that because there is always hope that one person in that church will come back.’ And, I always thought that was pretty cool.”

Father Simonson considers himself somewhat of a curmudgeon, talking as though it takes some fortitude to put up with him.

“I’m not easy to get along with,” he said. “I’ve got a temper. I’m also stubborn.”

But, that’s not the way those who have gotten to know him over the years describe a man many priests call “Earl the Pearl.”

“People just loved him right from the start,” said longtime St. Clement parishioner Lorraine Bohlman, who was there when Father Simonson arrived in 1977.

“He just had a way. It was just like he was one of your family.”

Bohlman still remembers the funeral Mass Father Simonson celebrated for her husband, Earl, on the Monday after Thanksgiving in 1983. He had died Thanksgiving day, and the funeral was originally scheduled for Saturday. A snowstorm caused it to be pushed to Monday. Because there still was snow in the parking lot that day, the mortuary staff asked Lorraine if she wanted to have the funeral at the mortuary instead, to avoid the hassle of taking her husband’s body to the church.

No way, she said. She wanted his funeral at the church, and she wanted Father Simonson to celebrate the Mass.

She was not disappointed.

“He did a beautiful job” celebrating the funeral Mass,

Father Earl Simonson says he “loved the parish” of St. Clement in northeast Minneapolis, and called serving there for 40 years “a delight.” Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit Lorraine said of Father Simonson. “He made me and the kids feel very comfortable, just the way he talked.”

She said he was that way with everyone.

“When there was a funeral, [with] the homily that he gave at the Mass, you would feel like he was part of the family,” she said. “He had such a way of talking to everybody. You just felt like ... the person that had passed away was a friend of his also.”

She also noted that he had a practice of taking Communion weekly to homebound parishioners. While many were watching football games, he would spend his Sunday afternoon visiting parishioners confined to their homes.

“I don’t know any other priest who does that,” she said. “He would do it every single Sunday all year long.”

He is also skilled in the kitchen. He was known for making gourmet dinners for priests who would come to the church on weekends to celebrate Masses. His go-to menu choice was Cornish game hen stuffed with wild rice and mushrooms, asparagus with Hollandaise sauce and baked potato, all following a shrimp cocktail appetizer, with a dessert of baked Alaska.

“I was trained to cook,” he said. “I had originally decided I might want to be a cook.”

Priesthood was not something he thought about during his childhood because he was not Catholic. Born in Decorah, Iowa, he moved with his parents, Clara and Clifford, to St. Paul when he was just a few months old.

A younger brother and sister followed.

The summer before his ninth-grade year at Harding High School, he got a job working on a farm in southern Minnesota. Because of World War II, there was a shortage of men for the fields, so high schoolers were recruited.

The farm was owned by a devout Catholic couple who took him to Sunday Mass. When he returned to St. Paul, he decided it was time to “get a religion,” he recalled.

After reading up on several denominations, he chose Catholicism. He visited St. John of St. Paul on St. Paul’s East Side and was baptized there when he was 16.

(St. John merged with St. Pascal Baylon in 2013.)

St. John’s priest liked him, and he encouraged him to go to college and think about seminary. The family was poor, and Earl thought it was financially impossible.

But, all of his service at the parish made an impression on a wealthy member, who funded his entire seminary education. He was ordained in 1969 at age 39, 13 years older than most of his other 13 classmates.

His first assignment after ordination was St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony, not far from St. Clement.

He believes that assignment prepared him well for the day he was assigned to be St. Clement’s pastor, a role he relished.

“It was just a delight to be there, and I loved the parish,” he said of St. Clement. “I got along with the people. They seemed to get along with me. They’d be happy with what I would do.”

According to Soderberg, Father Simonson was happiest when he was celebrating a baptism, funeral or school liturgy. He kept plenty busy with those things and more, but still had time to engage in one of his other hobbies — sewing.

“A whole room in the rectory was a sewing room,” Father Howe said. “He did make a lot of vestments and mend a lot of vestments. I think it was one of the ways he expressed his love for the Church and for the liturgy.

He always used to joke: ‘Why would I buy a cassock when I could make my own?’”

Most things about this retired priest were self-made, including his independent personality.

“He’s his own man,” Father Howe said. “There’s kind of a rugged independence and idiosyncrasies. But, God uses those idiosyncrasies and personality traits both to endear people and [bring] the levity we need not to take ourselves too seriously.”

One thing Father Howe will take seriously is the legacy left by a man who insists he is not worthy of being honored for his four decades of ministry. Father Howe was one of many who fought through Father Simonson’s resistance and insisted on a celebration so that people could gather and express their gratitude.

He is among Father Simonson’s many admirers.

“He loved the people,” Father Howe said. “He was accessible, [and] he worked hard. There was nothing really flashy in his ministry, but that commitment to not settle for less and to just be all in and given to his people. ... As a young priest, I hope and pray to have the same energy and zeal for souls, God willing, when I get CathSpSister-Nov30-Feb24-2018.qxp_Layout 1 11/18/1 to be an old priest.”

“Crackles with infectious energy!”

– Pioneer Press Regina Marie Williams

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SENIOR SERVICES GUIDE

November 23, 2017

Trojack Law Office A three-step strategy is used with each client.

First, we emphasize counseling, taking time to understand each person’s needs. Second, we assist in keeping the clients’ plans current.

Third, we show our clients how they can pass along their wisdom as well as their wealth.

John Trojack will work hard to help you give “what you own, to whom you want, when you want and the way you want.” To ensure an “estate plan that works,” he maintains a formal updating program. And, the office assures you of fully-disclosed and controlled costs.

For more information, call 651-451-9696.

Saint Therese Saint Therese is a nonprofit, Catholic senior living organization born out of a simple mission: Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.

For 50 years, we have supported Twin Cities’ seniors with innovative programs designed to make life more fulfilling. As individual needs change, so do our care offerings — all while creating countless opportunities for physical wellness, spiritual connection and social activities.

We have five communities, located in New Hope, Brooklyn Park, Shoreview, Robbinsdale and Woodbury, rich with thoughtful amenities and support. Our compassionate services reach seniors living in the broader Twin Cities area through home care, outpatient therapies and wellness programs.

For more information, visit www.sttheresemn.org.

The Catholic Spirit • 13A

The Glenn Hopkins and The Glenn Minnetonka

St. Benedict’s Senior Community

With the founding principles of a belief in the dignity and value of each individual and the understanding that every senior desires to live in a welcoming, vibrant and supportive community, The Glenn Hopkins and The Glenn Minnetonka offer a senior community that is not just a place to stay but a place to LIVE. Offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, care suites and adult day services, The Glenn provides the amenities and services that create a vibrant retirement lifestyle. You’ll experience a spiritual environment in which people of all faiths are welcome. Mass, interfaith services, praying the rosary, Bible study and beautifully designed chapels for quiet reflection and prayer are a few of the amenities supporting your spiritual journey. Our Community Life programs embrace the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and community stewardship roles in seniors’ lives through scheduled bus outings and numerous recreational opportunities.

For more information or to schedule your personal tour, please contact: The Glenn Hopkins — 952-933-3333, www.theglennhopkins.com The Glenn Minnetonka — 952-352-1000, www.theglennminnetonka.com

St. Benedict’s Senior Community’s mission is: “Our actions are guided by the belief that ‘All Shall Be Treated as Christ.’”

With foundational values and beliefs rooted in the tradition of the Catholic faith, St. Benedict’s Senior Community welcomes people of all faiths. Our campus features retirement, assisted living and memory care apartments.

Amenities include a chapel, theater, general store, fitness center, club room and enclosed outdoor courtyard. We take pride in building lasting relationships with our tenants. We take the time to get to know you and your lifestyle needs. We believe exceptional service still counts!

For a tour, call 763-295-4051.

Washburn-McReavy Washburn-McReavy is the oldest family-owned funeral business in Minnesota. Established in 1857, Washburn-McReavy is a fifth-generation business that prides itself on serving families during difficult times, including coordinating the details of funeral, cremation and cemetery arrangements. Families can plan services in advance — and prepay at today’s prices — and have the peace of mind of knowing their wishes will be met fully and with dignity.

Washburn-McReavy continues to build on the trust it has earned over its 160-year history — earned by doing business based on a simple notion: “Our Family Serving Your Family.”

For more information, visit www.washburn-mcreavy.com or call 612-377-2203.

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A FAITH-BASED APPROACH TO CARE AND SERVICES AT DEEPHAVEN WOODS

This unique community is part of the Church of St. Therese Campus and offers all the benefits of an active Catholic parish and school, with all the activities and amenities of a senior living community.

• On-site Chapel for reflection, meditation • Club Room and Movie Theater and worship services • Intergenerational Activities and • Beauty Salon and Barber Shop Life-Long Learning • Bistro for take-out and casual dining • Scheduled Van for shopping and activities outings • Restaurant-style Dining Room with chef-prepared meals • 24/7 Care Staff Call TODAY to schedule a tour! 952-746-8562 SENIOR APARTMENTS | ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE | ENHANCED CARE SUITES

18025 Minnetonka Boulevard Deephaven, MN 55391 Just 2 blocks west of Hwy 101 in Minnetonka

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Deephaven Woods is managed by Ebenezer Management Services, an experienced provider of residential and health care environments for seniors since 1917.

“Listen to your elder’s advice.

Not because I’m always right, but because I have more experiences of being wrong.”

Announcing St. Therese Southwest is now The Glenn Catholic Senior Communities.

With age comes wisdom. And an opportunity to define the next chapter. At The Glenn, you are not only part of a welcoming Catholic community, but you also have the ability to modify your living arrangement from independent to assisted or memory care to suit your needs. If you’re looking for a place that inspires a more active lifestyle and provides daily spiritual support, we welcome you.

Call or Visit Us Today!

TheGlennHopkins.com | 952-467-8498 TheGlennMinnetonka.com | 952-314-5292

14A • The Catholic Spirit

SENIOR SERVICES GUIDE

Trojack Law Office, P.A. • Wills • Trusts • Probate

John E. Trojack, Attorney at Law

• Guardianships • Conservatorships

• Powers of Attorney • Health Care Directives

Call to attend complimentary workshops We offer tailor-made, client-focused estate planning and related services from a Catholic Perspective

Trojack Law Office, P.A. • 1549 Livingston Ave., Ste. 101 • W. St. Paul, MN 55118

Phone: 651.451.9696 • www.TrojackLaw.com

LIVING WITH US IS HAPPINESS IN A CUP. Spacious senior apartments, lifestyle choices and worryfree living. Tour today and experience our legendary hospitality!

• Fitness center • Movie theater • Club room • Chapel for all faiths • Support services available Now taking reservations:

763-295-4051

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Care for the dying does not mean obstinately resisting death, pope says

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

P

eople who are dying must be accompanied with the love of family members and the care of medical professionals, but there is no requirement that every means available must be used to prolong their lives, Pope Francis said Nov. 16.

“Even if we know that we cannot always guarantee healing or a cure, we can and must always care for the living, without ourselves shortening their life, but also without futilely resisting their death,” the pope said in a message to the European members of the World Medical Association.

“This approach is reflected in palliative care, which is proving most important in our culture, as it opposes what makes death most terrifying and unwelcome: pain and loneliness,” the pope said.

Pope Francis’ message touched on end-of-life care and health care inequalities, which he said intersect when determining what level of medical intervention is most appropriate when a person is dying.

“Increasingly sophisticated and costly treatments are available to ever more limited and privileged segments of the population,” the pope said, “and this raises questions about the sustainability of health care delivery and about what might be called a systemic tendency toward growing inequality in health care.

“This tendency is clearly visible at a global level, particularly when different continents are compared,” he said. “But it is also present within the more wealthy countries, where access to health care risks being more dependent on individuals’ economic resources than on their actual need for treatment.”

A variety of factors must be taken into account when determining what medical

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interventions to use and for how long with a person approaching the end of his or her earthly life, Pope Francis said. For those with resources, treatments are available that “have powerful effects on the body, yet at times do not serve the integral good of the person.”

Even 60 years ago, he said, Pope Pius XII told anesthesiologists and intensive care specialists that “there is no obligation to have recourse in all circumstances to every possible remedy and that, in some specific cases, it is permissible to refrain from their use.”

Determining what measures amount to “therapeutic obstinacy” or “overzealous” treatment, and are therefore either optional or even harmful, requires discernment and discussion with the patient, the patient’s family and the caregivers.

“From an ethical standpoint,” the pope said, withholding or withdrawing excessive treatment “is completely different from euthanasia, which is always wrong, in that the intent of euthanasia is to end life and cause death.”

In determining the best course of action in caring for a dying person, the pope said, “the mechanical application of a general rule is not sufficient.”

If the patient is competent and able, the pope said, he or she “has the right, obviously in dialogue with medical professionals, to evaluate a proposed treatment and to judge its actual proportionality in his or her concrete case” and to refuse the treatment “if such proportionality is judged lacking.”

In either case, he said, even medical professionals must follow “the supreme commandment of responsible closeness,” remaining alongside those who are dying. “It could be said that the categorical imperative is to never abandon the sick,” he said.

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We appreciate your continued support.

Have a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.