A Ribbon Cutting and Blessing Ceremony was held last Thursday to open the new Mercy Clinic at 729 N.W. 32nd Street in Newcastle.
The ribbon cutting was pretty standard order as members of the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce and a large contingent of Mercy employees welcomed the clinic into service in Newcastle. The Blessing Ceremony, while standard for Mercy facilities, was not something one sees often in the opening of a new facility.
The Mercy Clinic was opened with a request to God to bring care and compassion as the Sisters of Mercy “bring to life the healing ministry of Jesus through our compassionate care and exceptional service.”
That’s the mission statement for Mercy Healthcare. It’s intent is as a “reminder of the calling at Mercy, and unites and directs activities across the entire health and human services ministry.”
The Blessing Ceremony included a scripture reading of Luke 10:33-36 as read by Newcastle Practice Manager Payton Gordon.
He read, “But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denari and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
Also part of the Blessing Ceremony were short prayers on behalf of all who serve.
Shella Gettings prayed, “We pray for the gift of hope, that we may be able to meet the challenges of Mercy service with courage and conviction.”
Tara Baker prayed, “We pray for the gift of compassion, that we as modern Samaritans may reach out to all in need with understanding and justice.”
Mariza Alejos prayed, “We pray for the gift of joy, that we who are privileged to serve in this ministry of love may find delights in the beauty of all who come to us seeking care and compassion.”
And, Beverly Aguilera prayed, “We pray for the gift of peace within our hearts that we may live in harmony with one another.”
A special Mercy cross was presented by Director of Mission Barbara Wilson, and Spiritual Care Director Brad Veitch gave a Blessing of the Hands.
