December 21, 2022
Dear Actionmarguerite Residents & Families,
We write to you today on the Winter Solstice where we experience the shortest day and longest night of the year. May it be one to pause, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and appreciate the quiet beauty of winter. As the daylight begins to grow longer, we too can look forward to the return of the light and the promise of new beginnings.
While our outbreaks have stabilized this past week, the following units remain in outbreak. General visits are suspended on these units until further notice to prevent the spread of illnesses. Essential visitors are welcome to visit at their own risk and are asked to wear the PPE provided. Please do not visit if you are ill and wash your hands thoroughly and often during your visit.
Actionmarguerite St. Boniface Outbreaks
3ABC, 5C, 2DE, 3DE, 4DE – General visits are suspended on these units.
Actionmarguerite St. Joseph Outbreak
Unit 1- General visits are suspended on this unit.
Actionmarguerite St. Vital – No current outbreak
A festive season is upon us: Holiday celebrations
You may have noticed when coming to Actionmarguerite that the holiday spirit has begun to fill the air. The twinkling lights shine bright, the garlands have been hung, and there is a touch of magic in our midst. Generous donors have also contributed poinsettias to add to the beauty around us. Many holiday celebrations have or will be taking place in the days ahead. At all three Actionmarguerite homes, residents are set to enjoy what has become known as beloved “unit parties” with support from the recreation, spiritual care, and clinical teams. These celebrations remain possible with some modifications as needed due to the outbreaks. We thank the Auxiliary, the Actionmarguerite Foundation, and the Friends of St. Joseph’s for sponsoring these events.
Religious & Spiritual Life
Throughout our community, services are planned to celebrate the many holidays that occur at this time of year. We too at Actionmarguerite make space to celebrate these important moments. The following services are planned:
Actionmarguerite St. Boniface
This year, we see the return of Christmas mass which will be celebrated on December 24 and 25th in our beautiful chapel. A non-denominational service will also take place. Recognizing that not all residents who wish to attend mass in the chapel will be able to, the spiritual care team will provide a bilingual Liturgy of the Word on the units.
Actionmarguerite St. Joseph
A Christmas mass will be offered in the beautifully decorated chapel based on the status of the outbreak on Unit 1.
Actionmarguerite St. Vital
Christmas mass in the chapel will be offered based on the regular mass schedule. Thanks to the wonders of technology, mass is also broadcast for residents in their room for those who wish to attend.
Short stay absences and social leaves
Should you wish to explore a social leave or short stay absence with your loved one for the upcoming holidays, please reach out to your unit’s Social Worker or Manager of Resident Services. We ask for as much advance notice as you can provide to allow for the necessary consideration of specific circumstances and planning for everyone’s safety.
Your generosity
It is our privilege and honor to support the people of Actionmarguerite. We are aware that some families feel inclined to express their appreciation of our care teams through gifts of food. While this is appreciated, it is certainly not expected. Should you choose to do so, please consider items that are individually wrapped to share food safely. Thank you!
Reaching out
We recognize that the holidays, often assumed to be joy-filled, aren’t so for everyone. It can be a stressful and distressing time. Should this be your reality, we wish for there to be tender moments and space to hold this grief. It is important that we seek support when needed and reach out to someone you trust. Resources which are free and completely confidential are also available, such as:
- Wellness Together Canada – Visit wellnesstogether.ca or call 1-866-585-0445, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Seneca Warm Line – call 204-942-9276 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Wishing you and those around you all the best during Christmas time and the whole year through. May you find some space to rest and renew if you are taking time away. Recognizing that we offer care 24/7, 365 days a year, we thank all of our care teams who will be attending to the people we support during this holiday season.
With warm regards and Christmas blessings sent your way to you and yours,
Micheline St-Hilaire, CEO and the Actionmarguerite Team