Founded as a Catholic healthcare institution in 1955, the Archdiocese of Miami invited the Pittsburgh-based Sisters of Mercy to assume management of the hospital in 1959. While the hospital is now under the leadership of Trinity Health, one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the United States, Holy Cross continues to operate in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy to this day, with three Sisters serving in day-to-day roles on campus and several additional Sisters serving on the hospital’s board of directors.

 

Five decades after the Sisters of Mercy first arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Holy Cross created a formalized ministry formation program with two major goals:

(1) to develop and nurture the spirituality of Associates;

(2) to educate and inform them of what it means to be part of a Catholic healthcare Ministry.

 

The resulting Legacy Institute formally launched in 2007.

 

Each year, men and women of diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds enroll in the intensive two-year program, which is open to those who work in clinical and non-clinical roles throughout the hospital, its medical group offices and urgent care centers. In a testament to the Institute’s importance and the role it plays in the hospital’s faith-based mission, Associates who volunteer to partake in the program continue to receive their normal, full wages during their hours of participation.

 

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. The first class focuses on the vocation and call to healthcare. Subsequent classes explore topics such as the Sisters of Mercy and the Mercy heritage; what it means to be a Catholic institution; the importance of a faith-based community; decision making guided by ethics; and the role of Catholic social teachings and ethical and religious directives in Catholic healthcare. The first year culminates in a day of prayer and reflection on what has been learned during all of the Institute’s workshops and seminars.

 

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." With a particular focus on integrating what they have learned into their personal ministries, Legacy Leaders are encouraged to filter their experiences and share their knowledge with their departmental colleagues and within the Holy Cross community at large.

 

“These are the men and women from all parts of our hospital who will ask the important questions when issues arise and who will help identify the meaning in the work we do each day,” said Sister Rita Levasseur, vice president of mission integration at Holy Cross.

 

At the end of the two-year program, a formal commitment ceremony is held, in which the newest class of Legacy Leaders officially pledges to commit themselves to carrying on the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy.

 

“When the Legacy Institute was developed, 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 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.

 

“Ministry formation reminds us that everyone’s role is essential. Our work is not just a job. Although we may be in the business of healthcare, we share a common ministry: to care for the sick, dying and most vulnerable,” Sr. Levasseur added.