Salvatorians in Healthcare

Salvatorians serve in "whatever place and by whatever means the Spirit of God inspires" (Mission Statement, Sisters of the Divine Savior).

The Sisters of the Divine Savior have always responded to the call to serve the people of God in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Walking with the young and the old, the vulnerable and the fragile, Salvatorians attempt to make known the goodness and kindness of a loving God in myriad places: hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, emergency rooms, and more. We are with people as they celebrate new life and as they cope with incredible loss.

Today, Salvatorians serve in the health care field at every level. Some are instructors, preparing the next generation of health care professionals. Others mirror one of the Sisters' original missions in the United States, visiting the elderly in their homes and offering respite care. Some work in emergency rooms, and others in oncology units. These Salvatorians bring their faith and values into each ministry in their own special way. Faith, mission, and ministry impact the lives  of thousands, and the lives of those we serve change us as well.

	Sister Mary Evelyn Zimbauer, SDS serves as a nurse in Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. "I try to stand with people in the midst of illness and suffering. My faith gives me the courage and peace to extend myself to others during times of grave need and crisis. I try to bring faith and hope to my patients because I believe there is a loving God. I bring my heart and soul to this ministry every day...."
	Sister Darlene Pienschke, SDS is also a nurse. She's ministered all over the world, most recently at St. Elizabeth Clinic in Tucson, Arizona. "Many of our patients are uninsured and didn't come in until their medical needs were desperate.... what we do for our patients is important... my faith holds me steady against all odds."
	Sister Francine Kosednar, SDS has served in various professional roles in hospital settings. Today, she serves as a Customer Service Analyst for Aspirus-Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin. "I visit patients and ask how they are doing: with their care, with the nursing staff. Do they understand the doctor's instructions? Is their room clean? How is the food? The people I report to are compassionate. They want to improve the system."
	Sister Betty Vetter, SDS is also a registered nurse. She has worked in urban and rural settings in a variety of cultures. Today, she is an R.N. working in an acute care hospice unit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "I work with those patients who have a terminal illness and are dying or on the journey toward the end of their life. If they so desire, I walk with them on their journey during a sacred time. We talk about God if they ask. I help them to pray if they ask. I help them deal with family members who are struggling. I help each patient experience joy, laughter, love, tears of many different kinds, and to come to peace with themselves, their family members, and with God."
	Sister Rita Vogelsang, SDS serves as a parish nurse in Birmingham, Alabama. "The majority of our parishioners are poor. Our people are grateful for all the assistance we try to provide. Recently one said, 'You listen to me and try to help.' Comments like that keep us all going."
	Sister Rachel Wallace, SDS has used her nursing skills in many different ways over the years. Today, she serves elderly Sisters of the Divine Savior who live in our assisted living convent and in our nursing facility. She also works with new members, and provides services to other sisters in the Province with medical or nursing needs. "I characterize my ministry as one of facilitation of wholistic health and healing for the Sisters of our Province. I believe healing is possible, even when cure is not.... I continue to learn so much from (the sisters) as I see their courage, patience, and peace in living wholistically with health problems and approaching death."
	Sister Pat Wieloch, SDS ministers at Divine Savior Healthcare's extended care facility in Portage, Wisconsin. "I have seen great changes in the health care ministry and today, our residents are older and have more challenges.... I try to be a good listener and give (patients) the time and attention they need."
	Sister Denise Demulling, SDS serves as a certified Activity Director at St. Anne's Salvatorian Campus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "My role... is to provide an ongoing program of activities to meet the psychological needs and interests of our residents (in our nursing home and assisted living facilities). We are making a difference in their lives...."
	Sister Mary Ruth Dittman, SDS is a retired Licensed Practical Nurse who serves as a volunteer at a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. "My role is important. I assist with the newborns and children. I rock and cuddle the little ones who are ill."
	Sisters Alice, Beatrice, and Marcella Gindt, SDS are siblings as well as Sisters of the Divine Savior. They offer their skills as volunteers at St. Anne's Salvatorian Campus, where they work with elderly and ill residents in the nursing home and assisted living facilities. "I find that I can be of service to them, and be a friend," notes Sister Alice. Sister Beatrice adds, "I am a people person. I love this ministry."
	Sister Beverly Heitke, SDS served many years as a dentist and as a professor of dentistry. Today, that experience in health care translates into service at Divine Savior Healthcare, sponsored by the Sisters of the Divine Savior. Divine Savior Healthcare provides the community of Portage, Wisconsin with state-of-the-art healthcare services. Sister Beverly works with administration, board of directors, and staff in her role as Sponsorship Coordinator.