I believe that some of the most courageous people in our midst are those who commit their lives to the science and practice of medicine – to the art of healing. The profession of medicine is supported by centuries of science and acquired knowledge about the body, its systems, its reactions to the environment and trauma, and the diseases that attack it. But with all that, the body and the mind remain a huge mystery, keeping many secrets of wellness and sickness still beyond our grasp – thrusting our medical professionals into an arena where science and art must interact for the best outcome.

Those who are willing to enter this arena of healing by combining what they know of science and what they can discern by careful listening and artful combinations of information know they enter a sacred realm – one where they may not feel certain at times about the cure, but the mission to preserve and improve life is always clear.

I have the utmost respect for those who devote their lives to the art and science of medicine. I especially want to thank those in the health care and mental health fields who volunteer their time at the Neighborhood Center to help those in need of care, who have no financial safely net to support them. You are daily heroes who combine art and science with
grace and care for our neighbors in need.

I have also had the privilege over the last few months of being with others in our community who work in the advocacy area of health care. And, I have experienced the same level of commitment to the mixture of art and science in their work on behalf of others as I have seen in the medical community.

By January 1, 2014, Health Insurance Exchanges called for by the Federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) must be ready in each state to provide a marketplace for everyone to purchase health insurance with subsidies appropriate to their income levels.

As the Center has participated in the dialogue about how these Exchanges will be constructed and managed, I have met many amazing people on the local and state level, dedicated to getting this monumental effort “right.” They combine what they know of systems, the science part, with a listening ear to what people want, what works best, what is “user friendly” and what will serve the people of the community in the best way – the artful part. These are not politicians, these are the people in the trenches who want the system to work for as many people as possible, and they are trudging uphill right now.

It strikes me that I can take these excellent examples of the combination of art and science and translate them into my own life. Perhaps you can also. I have learned some things in sixty years through a lot of mistakes and making the effort to try again, and watching others wiser than me and learning from them. Maybe that is the science part. Trying, experimenting, looking at results, trying again, developing my own database.

And then there is the artful part. I think the art has a lot to do with just being quiet and listening; to gathering in what is actually happening, to what is being said out loud and between the lines by those around me. I think a listening ear and heart has to do with taking what we hear and mixing it with what we have come to know over our life time, and then drawing conclusions and taking action.

I believe there is a science and art to life that is learned. The lessons are all around us. I invite you to say thank you to your doctors and nurses. Say a prayer for those trying to fix health care for everyone. Train your listening ear to hear what is around you.

Thank you for your discerning and caring hearts. Thank you for supporting the work of the Center in the many ways that you do.

–Christine Wagner, SSJ

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A grand one-day giving event, ROC the Day, will take place on December 8, 2011. On this one day, everyone in Rochester and the surrounding area will be able to make an end-of-year gift to support their philanthropic interests, on one website. For one local agency, December 8th is more than ROC the Day… it’s a special anniversary. “December 8th is the actual 18th anniversary of the day we opened our doors for business,” says Christine Wagner, SSJ, Executive Director of St, Joseph’s Neighborhood Center. “Perhaps the community will consider an online gift of $18.00, or $19.93 to St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, in honor of our opening date?”

St. Josephs’ Neighborhood Center, made up of 250-plus volunteer physicians, psychiatrists, dentists, social workers and 22 staff members, provides health care to more than 2500 people each year. These services are provided to people who are uninsured or under-insured. “More than 70% of our clients work, but cannot afford the high cost of health insurance or health care,” says Wagner. “We make health care accessible to those in need, who would otherwise have nowhere to go.” Funded by grants and donations, each day, St Joseph’s makes a great difference in the Rochester community.

Community members can become a ROCstar on December 8th, by making an online contribution to St. Josephs’, or any agency of their choice, by logging onto www.ROCtheDay.org, from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Every hour throughout ROC the Day, one ROCstar donor will be chosen to receive an additional $500 added to their gift for the not-for-profit of their choice. ROC the Day is sponsored by the United Way of Greater Rochester, All contributions made in just one day, to many worthy causes, are expected to make a great difference in our community.

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Opened in 1993, St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center is a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph that provides medical and mental health care to more than 2500 individuals each year, who are uninsured or underinsured. For more information, call St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center at (585) 325-5260, or visit www.sjncenter.org.

On Saturday, December 3rd, 2011, “Inspire Yoga” will present a Christmas Tea Party and Art Show at the Yoga Studio at 1802 Penfield Road. Chamber Music will be provided by Penfield High School students. The event, scheduled from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m., will feature a raffle for various packages, with raffle proceeds benefitting St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center and Shepherd Home Hospice.

Raffle prizes include generous packages from Starbucks, Lululemon, Solia Boutique, Creative Themes, Lisa’s Liquor Barn, Drama Kids, Safe Journey and Inspire Yoga. Tickets are 1 for $5, or 3 for $10, and the winner does not to be present to win. To purchase tickets, stop into St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, the Shepherd Home or Inspire Yoga.

Raffle proceeds will help support the programs of St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center. The Center, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph, provides medical and mental health care to individuals who are uninsured or are underinsured. Shepherd Home provides hospice care to local individuals and families. For more information, call St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center at (585) 325-5260, or the Shepherd Home at (585) 381-0890. For more information on the event, call (585) 249-9642, or visit www.InspirePenfield.com.