SALT LAKE CITY — CHRISTUS St. Joseph Villa was created in 1999 when two congregations of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston and San Antonio, decided to join forces for a more fruitful and successful center for senior care services, said Kathleen Fallon, assistant administrator. St. Joseph Villa has been the only Catholic, non-profit senior care facility in Utah for over six decades. Ten years ago, St. Joseph Villa became part of the CHRISTUS Health System, one of the top health care systems in the United States, said Fallon. During a Mass of thanks for the 10th anniversary of CHRISTUS St. Joseph Villa, Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City said Jesus sends us to spread his message just like he summoned the 12 apostles to become his messengers. Everyone who is part of CHRISTUS St. Joseph Villa: Visitors, workers, or administrators are messengers of God’s presence. "We are here because he sent us. God, who is loving, intends us to be here. It’s not an accident… every single person is loved… and is intended to be a messenger of his love," said Bishop Wester during his homily in the villa’s chapel Feb. 5. The residents also have a purpose and a message, said Bishop Wester. "God is working in us, giving us a sense of his wisdom in you who have lived many years. You have much to teach us." Additionally, Bishop Wester remembered a religious sister who was developing Alzheimer’s Disease but kept a positive attitude of thanks and wonder. Bishop Wester said the sister recognized God was taking certain things away from her like her ability to walk or to remember. But she also recognized God was putting something else in its place: A sense of discovery every day. If you listen, watch, and be there, God will never disappoint you, she said. Father Anastasius Iwuoha and Deacon Otto Johansson assisted the bishop at the Altar. Msgrs. Robert C. Pollock and J. Terrence Fitzgerald, diocesan vicar general, attended the Mass along with Father Colin F. Bircumshaw and Deacon Silvio Mayo. CHRISTUS St. Joseph Villa offers independent apartments, assisted living, skilled nursing care (long and transitional care), and mental health services among other programs. It recently created the Home Health Agency to provide nursing care in the patients’ homes, said Shirene Saddler, marketing manager. The villa has also launched a campaign to raise funds to pay for a new building that will replace its 50 year-old building and relocate some of its services. However, the facility’s identity and mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ will never change. "We look forward to 10 more years of growth and success," said Saddler.
Stay Connected With Us