From Sr. Rosalie Locati:
On April 2 I had the opportunity and delightful experience of touring 20 first grade students and their parent chaperones from the Oaks Academy in Spokane Valley. The Oaks is a private Christian school which places emphasis on the biblical responsibility of parents for the education of their children as well as the priority of churches over schools to meet spiritual needs.
The children, dressed in the school uniforms, were well mannered, asked excellent questions and displayed keen interest in our ministry of healing the sick. During our two hours together, I told the story of the Sisters of Providence and Sacred Heart Medical Center. We visited a variety of history wall and display cases as well as the Command Center for bed and nursing assignments. A highlight of their visit was being introduced to Security Supervisor Unit Officer Patrick McKenna and Sarge, our K-9 dog. The children learned how Sarge assists with security and safety for caregivers, patients and visitors. They were able to pet him and had their group pictures taken with Officer Patrick and Sarge.
We also visited the 6th floor Chapel in the Doctors’ Building. The children explored the chapel looking at the altars, stained glass windows and the Stations of the Cross. I briefly explained the saints and images which are portrayed in the sacred images in the chapel. They were curious, as most of them are unfamiliar our Catholic faith.
We concluded our tour by going to the Providence Center for Faith and Healing Garden. The beauty of early spring with the waterfall and creek running through the garden was alive with the laughter and energy of the first graders. As we re-entered the Providence Center for Faith and Healing building we were greeted by our music thanatologist, Catharine Scherer, who played the harp for us. The children were invited to sing along as she played “Jesus Loves Me this I Know.” It completed a lovely morning with the children from Oaks Academy.