by Gordon Nary
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Gordon: Why did you choose Nursing as your career?
David: I knew I wanted to serve others. Nursing seemed to be a natural fit as I was able to provide holistic care, and the profession has tremendous opportunities for growth. I had no aspirations of being in leadership but was offered the opportunity to serve as Director of Nursing at HCR Manor Care in 2000. One of my favorite memories was leading a team to implement a new patient care model that significantly improved our care outcomes and patient satisfaction. Seeing our team come together, innovate, and make a real difference in our patients' lives was incredibly rewarding.
Gordon: What led you to Saint John Vianney Center?
David: I believe it was the Holy Spirit who led me here to SJVC. Like many of our staff, I answered a job posting. But over time, I found my vocation. While I believe I found SJVC, in certain ways, SJVC found me. SJVC has offered me much more than I could have ever imagined. There is great responsibility for our staff to provide quality care and service. Yes, we are a healthcare center, but first, we are a ministry. A ministry of healing that is central to the future of the Church.
Gordon: How does the Mission of Saint John Vianney Center fulfill your calling to serve?
David: SJVC aims to be the resource center for the Church to support our Clergy and Men and Women Religious. Our men and women in Church Ministry offer us their lives through their vocations, and sometimes the stresses and pressures of life in ministry can be overwhelming. As a licensed and accredited residential behavioral health and addictions treatment center serving Clergy and Men and Women Religious, we help them to be healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Our team provides compassionate and holistic care, addressing psychological, spiritual, and physical needs, which enables our clients to continue their commitment to serving in ministry. I along with my colleagues, are humbled every time a resident is discharged to return to ministry.
Gordon: How did Saint John Vianney Center get started?
David: We were founded in 1946 by the Sisters of Mercy as an Alcohol Rehabilitation Center. At the time, addiction programs were not nearly as understood or accepted as they are today. It took an open mind and some vision for the sisters to discern this need and for Cardinal Dougherty to approve this mission. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia purchased the 175-acre McIlvaine Estate in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and converted the main residence from a family home to a private hospital. Cardinal Dougherty dedicated the ministry to the patronage of Saint John Vianney, the patron saint of priests. God blessed the ministry, and it grew beyond Philadelphia quickly because soon after the doors opened, other bishops around the country learned of our ministry and expressed a need for this service. Our campus, programs, and services have expanded dramatically since those first days, but our core mission to be a resource to the Church has remained constant for over 78 years.
Gordon: What are your responsibilities as President of Saint John Vianney Center?
David: As President, I oversee the management of Saint John Vianney Center and work with our Board of Directors to fulfill our calling towards healing. I work closely with a talented management team on daily operations and am often the first point of contact during the admissions process. Another aspect my role is to travel extensively around the United States, providing workshops and seminars. I also work closely with our board and committees to ensure that our strategic initiatives move forward through governance, finance, and advancement. The most rewarding aspect of my role is sharing the healing ministry with our dedicated staff. The staff of Saint John Vianney Center has responded to the call to provide the highest quality care to our residents. They are the shining stars of our mission!
Gordon: What are the health challenges that Clergy and Religious face today?
David: They face the same mental and physical challenges that we all encounter, plus several that we do not. Many Church Ministers have too many responsibilities and too little support. Stress and pressure can catch up with them over time and that can turn into issues like depression, anxiety, obesity and addiction. We see men and women here at all ages and stages of their vocation. When a man or woman enters our care, we can address the entire person - body, mind, and spirit. We are a licensed behavioral health center with a 24-hour nursing staff so we can treat a multitude of diagnoses. Each resident is assigned a Spiritual Care Advisor, and they have 24-hour access to our Chapel, which is overseen by our full-time Chaplain. Treatment teams also include internal medicine physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and nursing staff, as well as a dietician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, activities coordinator, and a continuing care coordinator. This comprehensive team approach guides our clients to a healthier lifestyle.
Gordon: How can we better support our Clergy and Men and Women Religious?
David: First, we can be part of the solution by getting involved in our parishes and offering our time, talents, and resources as needed. We can also show our support by keeping them in prayer and offering small words of encouragement and thanks after Mass. Most importantly, we can be sensitive to the fact that they are usually understaffed. I use this example: "If you see a light out in the Church or a leaky faucet in the bathroom, you don't need to tell Father; he already knows. He has 100 other people who will share that exact detail with him after Mass. Or if you are compelled to mention it, ask Father how you help to get it fixed." Prayer is so important that over the last year, we developed a "Day of Prayer for the Health and Wellness of Clergy and Men and Women Religious." Our next day will be held October 18, 2024. You can find more information at www.sjvcenter.org/dayofprayer.
Gordon: Who was Saint John Vianney?
David: Saint John Vianney was a French priest renowned for his piety, humility, and dedication to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He is the patron saint of parish priests, and he is celebrated for his commitment to the spiritual and pastoral care of his parishioners. As a priest, he modeled the virtues of compassion, understanding, and devotion to duty that inspire our work at Saint John Vianney Center.
Gordon: Thank you for a great interview.