Chicago, Ill. – March 30, 2012 – Father Nicholas Desmond, pastor of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Chicago, received from the Community Relations Committee of Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center (SMEMC) the CARES Award during a March 27 awards breakfast on the hospital campus.

Since 2006, the committee has recognized one or more community leaders who demonstrate the medical center’s core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Service (CARES). The recipient goes above and beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of life in the community.

“We are thrilled to present the CARES Award to Father Nick – whose service with the Catholic Church has touched the lives of so many people in our area,” said Margaret McDermott, CEO/executive vice president, SMEMC, and Community Relations Committee member. “Through his leadership, energy and compassion, Father Nick has worked tirelessly to make our community a better place. He truly represents our core values.”

Father Desmond, who has served as pastor of St. Aloysius Parish since 2000, has devoted himself to the greater West Town and Logan Square communities by serving on the Josephinum Academy board of directors, and Jose de Diego Academy school council. He also served on SMEMC’s Pastoral Advisory Board from 2005 to 2011. He acts as advocate on behalf of parishioners and the community-at-large in the areas of health care, education and social justice. 

In 2011, the Archdiocese of Chicago honored Father Desmond with the Curé d’Ars Award, which is bestowed upon those who model Christ’s devotion to the poor and disenfranchised.  Last year, the International Association for Volunteers for Human Services and Leadership Development presented the pastor with their community service award. In 2009, the Latin American Police Association recognized him for community service and visionary leadership.

“Later this year, the community will have a new state-of-the-art community center – thanks to the visionary leadership of Father Nick,” McDermott said.  “It will be a wonderful place for people of all ages to enjoy a wide variety of social and educational activities.”

Construction of the new community center, located at Claremont and LeMoyne in Chicago, is expected to be completed in July 2012. The center will provide day-care services, after-school programs, senior services, a food pantry, sports and educational programs, religious education classes and a youth drop-in program.

“Our parish has been serving the community-at-large since 1884 – I’m simply following in the footsteps of my predecessors,” said Father Desmond, about receiving this award.

 

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About Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center (SMEMC)

SMEMC is a premier medical center on Chicago’s near northwest side and includes the: Saint Mary Campus, 2233 W. Division St., and Saint Elizabeth Campus, 1431 N. Claremont Ave. For 2012, HealthGrades named SMEMC one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for general surgery and gastrointestinal (GI) care. For three years in a row (2010-2012), SMEMC was among the top 5 percent of U.S. hospitals for clinical performance – earning HealthGrades’ Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence Award™. The Saint Mary Campus is certified as a Primary Stroke Center and accredited as a Chest Pain Center. The hospital specializes in behavioral health, cardiac care, digestive diseases, emergency services, neuroscience services, obstetrics, primary care and wound healing. SMEMC also ranks No. 22 in ‘U.S. News & World Report’s” in the Chicago metro area. Visit our website at smemc.reshealth.org.

 

Provena Health – Resurrection Health Care – Now Joined As Presence Health

Presence Health is a family of Catholic, not-for profit, healthcare services providing advanced medical care and exceptional service with compassion and hope. With locations in Chicago and its collar counties, as well as in East-Central Illinois, it is the largest Catholic health provider in Illinois, encompassing 12 hospitals, 29 long term care and senior residential facilities, numerous outpatient services, clinics, home health services, hospice, private duty, and comprehensive behavioral health services. The new ministry is sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Sisters of the Resurrection. Visit www.provenaresurrection.org to learn more.

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