Multiple Ministries
By Russ Mancl
S. Dolores Hrdina
For over 50 years Sister Dolores Hrdina, a native of Medford, WI, has been ministering to others as a teacher, activity director, occupational therapist and activity assistant. These days you will find her Monday through Friday afternoons in the Holy Cross Sisters’ Province office in Merrill, WI, where she serves as treasurer for the congregation. Although she considers this her major ministry, she also works as an occasional status employee at Bell Tower Residence during many mornings. Bell Tower Residence is an assisted living center which the Holy Cross Sisters provide corporate sponsorship for.
Sister Dolores is an Activity Assistant II, a position she stepped into after she retired from Occupational Therapy work eight years ago. “My time is quite varied, depending on the schedule of activities. I visit residents one-on-one (my favorite), lead Keeping Fit (range of motion exercises geared to the elderly), beauty hour (remove/put on finger nail polish), and generally interact with staff and residents as needed,” Sister said.
Sister Dolores considers the residents of Bell Tower special people who generally are appreciative of any attention and help she gives them. She feels they share their wisdom and special personalities and finds it easy to develop a special bond of friendship.
