2002

25th January 2002
Celebrating 55 Years of Service to the Aged
A Mass of thanksgiving will take place this Sunday morning (27th January) at St Joseph's Home Sandgate to thank the Daughters of Charity and celebrate their significant contribution to aged care in the Hunter.

After 55 years of service to elderly people in the Hunter, the Daughters of Charity have decided to withdraw their services at St Joseph's, but their pastoral care work at Cessnock Jail and the Mercy Hospice, Waratah will continue.

From 1946 until 1989, the Daughters of Charity managed and operated St Joseph's Home Sandgate on behalf of the diocese. In 1989, Catholic Care of the Aged took responsibility for the management of the home, but the Daughters continued a pastoral care service for residents, their families and staff members until the end of 2001.

Commenting on the departure of the Daughters, Bishop Michael Malone said: "The Daughters of Charity have been pioneers in the development of aged care services in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

"Their departure is a significant loss but they have left a remarkable legacy. As a community we are indebted to the Daughters of Charity for their compassion, professional care and commitment, but also to Bishop Gleeson, for his energy and foresight. It was Bishop Gleeson who invited the order to establish the Home in 1944."

Ralph Watson, CEO, Catholic Care of the Aged said that while the Daughters of Charity were ending their pastoral care service at St Joseph's Home, this valuable service would continue with new personnel.

All people, especially those who have had some association with St Joseph's Home, are warmly invited to attend the Mass of Thanksgiving this Sunday at 11:00 am.

St Joseph's Home Chapel is located at 240 Maitland Road Sandgate.

Light refreshments will be served after the Mass.

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