Caring Cardinals

Posted By: Ann Merchlewitz On: 2021-12-16
Posted On: 2021-12-16

“Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.”

-Anthony J. D’Angelo

As we move toward Christmas, let’s continue to celebrate the acts of caring, both big and small, that make Saint Mary’s the community that it is.   I am so delighted that this week three employees shared with me caring moments that they have experienced here at Saint Mary’s.  These caring moments have sustained them during these difficult times:

  • A faculty member shared with a group of students that a family member had cancer. In the next class period, the students presented the faculty member with a greeting card signed with messages of support from the whole class.
  • A staff member shared that this September an alumna and a current student stopped by Cardical Central with a cupcake cake that the alumna had made. She is a professional baker and owns a small business, K’s Sweets & Treats.  The alumna wanted to thank the staff for all the help she received during her time at Saint Mary’s.
  • A staff member shared that when a family member was rather ill and a return to health was quite uncertain, a colleague sent very thoughtful notes via email to check in on how the staff member was coping and to let her know that her loved one was the recipient of his daily prayer.  According to the staff member. “Such kind words and actions meant a great deal to me during a challenging time and still do today.  Kindness truly lifts us up, reminding us all of our common humanity, renewing our sense of hope and gratitude.”

What student, staff or faculty member has cared about you in some big or small way?  Let’s share those stories as reminders that caring creates community.   Email me at caringcardinals@smumn.edu and share your stories.  We’ll keep everything anonymous.  

We need caring and community in our lives.  Let’s celebrate our caring Cardinals!  Merry Christmas!

Ann Merchlewitz