2011 Annual Community Meeting luncheon
Answering the call
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, Covenant Health’s Annual Community Meeting in Edmonton provided nourishment for the body, mind and soul for about 275 health, community and business leaders from across the province.
Covenant Health’s Board Chair John Brennan welcomed special guests to the yearly luncheon, including Archbishop Richard Smith, the Honourable Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister for Seniors and Community Supports, and five MLAs and several municipal leaders from communities served by Covenant Health. He also recognized the many individuals who support Covenant Health through community and foundation boards.
“These men and women—civic leaders, educators, farmers and ranchers, business folk, clergy, sisters and professionals from all walks of life—give their expertise, time and energy to support their community facility, to help shape our plans and direction and to bring forward the needs and views of their communities,” said John.
President and CEO Patrick Dumelie highlighted some of Covenant Health’s accomplishments over the past year—including the 2010 Accreditation success; opening of Villa Caritas and addition of St. Joseph’s Home; implementation of the End-of-Life Pathway; and progress in the planning for new assisted living facility projects in Lethbridge, Red Deer, Calgary and Killam.
As the final piece of the Catholic Sisters’ Legacy Recognition Project, guests enjoyed “A Legacy of Service”, a video highlighting the continuing contribution of Catholic Sisters to health care, education and social services in Alberta, after first coming to the province 150 years ago.
“I can’t say enough myself about how I feel about the Sisters we lived with throughout our lives,” said Minister Jablonski, who brought greetings on behalf of government.
“Covenant Health has always been an important partner. You have a history in this province, that like our Sisters, you have demonstrated you are answering the call, with courage and compassion,” she said, adding that the government is committed to working with organizations such as Covenant Health to build new seniors’ care facilities.
Poet and author David Whyte was the keynote speaker. Using his unique blend of storytelling and poetry, David engaged the audience in a reflection on the dynamics of leadership and courage.
He recalled the biblical story of Matthew 14:22-33, demonstrating the importance of faith and courage in meeting times of change and uncertainty. During a storm crossing the Sea of Galilee, Peter and the disciples see Jesus walking on the water and calling to them, but they are afraid to step out of the boat.
“Whatever your inheritance, whenever you’re taking a courageous step in life, you always feel as though the surface will not support your weight—that’s how you know it’s courageous,” said David.
In his closing remarks, Patrick said Covenant Health is continuing the work of the Sisters and will remain a strong partner in Alberta’s health system.
“There is a change of seasons with the Sisters passing on their legacy to us,” said Patrick. “As an organization, we need to step out of the boat and be courageous.”
“A Legacy of Service” will be posted to www.covenanthealth.ca in October and the 2010 Annual Report is available at http://www.covenanthealth.ca/news-resources/publications.html.