The public is invited to attend a retirement reception honoring lead staff chaplain Sister Rose McKeown, ASC, and the 118-year legacy of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, on Sunday, Jan. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Pillars Event Center, 303 E. Market St., in Taylorville.
Sister Rose is the last representative of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in Taylorville, the order which founded the original institution, St. Vincent Hospital, in 1906. In 1995, the hospital affiliated with Memorial Health, and in 2006, Memorial Health became the sole sponsor of the hospital, which then became Taylorville Memorial Hospital. A strong community focus based on caring for the whole person – body, mind and spirit – united the two organizations.
“We encourage people to come celebrate this legacy of compassion and care,” said Kim Bourne, president and CEO of Taylorville Memorial Hospital. “The Sisters have touched so many lives. Sister Rose supports everyone from all walks of faith, and she is always very interested in how people are doing both inside and outside the hospital walls.”
McKeown has appreciated the family atmosphere at the hospital and how everyone cares for one another.
“God has provided, does provide and always will provide,” said McKeown. “That was one of Sister Pauline Schneeberger’s prayers, and we live by that motto. We remain grateful that Memorial Health has always appreciated and respected the legacy of the Sisters.”
McKeown’s community outreach has included a vital role in hospice. In addition to her work at the hospital, she officiates funerals, runs grief support groups and helps people on their grief journey. Joe Bowman serves as a spiritual outreach coordinator for hospice at Memorial Health.
“I have yet to find a more loving, caring and compassionate chaplain who truly exemplifies the love of Christ with her patients and work colleagues,” Bowman said. “Sister Rose is the finest of all who bring comfort, encouragement and support, and she will be missed greatly.”
McKeown has been asked to return to Columbia, Pennsylvania, to serve as a spiritual presence for the sisters who live at St. Anne’s Retirement Community. She worked there for 10 years before being called to Taylorville.
“As I prepare to move, I feel like God is saying: take only what is essential,” she said. “What is essential is my relationship with God, with creation, with all of God’s people. All those who have touched my life and whose lives I have touched.”