Blessing and dedication celebrates McAuley Clinic expansion

HAMMOND--A blessing and dedication on Monday, March 7 launched the new Catherine McAuley Clinic, now doubled in size, and ready to take care of a greater number of patients five full days a week. The waiting list, which had been three weeks, will be shorter. The clinic embodies our Franciscan mission of providing quality healthcare service to all in a compassionate and safe environment. Expansion is jointly funded by the City of Hammond and Saint Margaret Mercy. The clinic has also gained generous support from Saint Margaret Mercy employees, physicians and volunteers, local businesses, and individual donors in surrounding communities.

Father Shajee, Spiritual Care Services, presided at the blessing. Sister Jane Marie Klein, OSF, Chairperson of the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Board of Directors, led the recommitment to our Franciscan Values. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. attended, and presented an additional gift of $350,000 from the City of Hammond. Other generous donors who were present included members of the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, Cal Bellamy, CEO and Chairman of Bank Calumet, and Mrs. Cathy Bellamy, clinic volunteer and member of the McAuley Clinic advisory board, McAuley staff and volunteers, and members of Saint Margaret Mercy’s Auxiliary. Tours and refreshments followed.

Our sincere thanks to all who help ensure Saint Margaret Mercy’s mission of Continuing Christ’s Ministry In Our Franciscan Tradition!