Sister Hyeon Lee — Supporting Life in Progress for Seniors
Elizabeth Seton Center, an apostolic work of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, is grounded in the tradition of human service handed on by Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Seton Center’s intergenerational programs are based on the belief that no matter what age we are, growing and learning are lifelong activities. People of all ages are bound together by what they share. Social service ministries provided at Seton Center, including child-care, music and theater, ombudsman and senior services, are helping to meet the needs of our changing world. This is especially true of the Adult Day Services program serving the ever-growing adult population.
Elizabeth Seton Adult Day Services programs at two sites enhances the lives of elderly family members and their caregivers. Locations in Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, provide a safe, secure “home away from home” for senior citizens who cannot stay by themselves during the day. Family caregivers have peace-of-mind and the freedom to attend to their work, relax and recharge, or meet other personal needs, knowing that their loved ones are in a safe environment.
Now in the second year of her novitiate, Sister of Charity Hyeon Lee has ministered to adult day care clients at both Seton Center sites. Seeing God in every client she works with, Hyeon was moved to say, “I love them, but I receive more love from them! Even with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or physical pain, they always move me by their smiles and love.” At the Pittsburgh location, where childcare is also offered, Sister Hyeon has also been privileged to witness the joyful interaction between the children and the seniors served by their respective care programs at Seton Center.
Adult Day Services clients enjoy socialization with their peers and the loving staff members like Sister Hyeon. Days are filled with activities customized to client needs and wishes, including crafts, cards, field trips, entertainment, exercise, and educational classes. Sister Hyeon and other staff members encourage those in their care to function on a self-directed basis in order to build confidence and promote self-esteem.
Sister Hyeon has found a “joy-filled” life in her life in community with the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. Sister finds encouragement in her novitiate studies and her energy and joy continue as she shares her gifts through ministry. “In the end, loving is the only message I want to leave.” Sister Hyeon expresses her faith and dreams for her religious life in quoting Elizabeth Ann Seton: “All God asks of us is the Heart.”
Submitted by the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. Happy National Catholic Sisters Week to Sister Hyeon Lee!
