FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl – Four years after Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale opened its doors in 1955, the Pittsburgh-based Sisters of Mercy were invited by the Diocese of Miami to run the hospital. Now part of Trinity Health, Holy Cross Hospital has operated in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy ever since. The nonprofit hospital, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, created the Legacy Institute nine years ago to safeguard those core values.
“At Holy Cross, we view what we do as a ministry: to care for the sick, dying and most vulnerable. The Legacy Institute offers a forum for our Associates to reflect upon that mission, as well as a way to share it with others,” said Sister Rita Levasseur, vice president of mission integration at Holy Cross.
Men and women of diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds enroll each year in the intensive two-year program, which is open to those who work throughout the hospital, its medical group offices and urgent care centers.
Current Legacy Institute members during the hospital’s anniversary year hail from Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, Plantation, Margate, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Pompano Beach, Tamarac and Wilton Manors.
Through the Legacy Institute, the associates understand why Catholic hospitals exist and are encouraged to integrate the hospital's mission and core values into everyday life, both personally and professionally.
The first year of the Legacy Institute consists of monthly, full-day, offsite seminars, followed by weekly, 15-minute meetings during which small groups of participants gather for further reflection on the topics.
During the second year, one-hour monthly meetings are held that further reinforce the prior year's teachings. Participants share experiences and search for additional clarity in their role and responsibilities as future "Legacy Leaders."
“When the Legacy Institute was developed 12 years ago, we didn’t realize the extent to which it would strengthen our community. Legacy Leaders share a personal level of trust in one another, resulting in meaningful connections and the growth of a caring community in which to serve,” said Sr. Levasseur.
In addition to the Legacy Institute, all Holy Cross board members, leaders, Associates and volunteers participate in annual ministry formation training to ensure the hospital's Catholic identity remains strong for years to come, and to carry on the sisters' legacy of caring for those most in need.
