October 28, 2025 // Local

Hundreds Gather to Support Saint Joseph Hospice Suites

Erika Barron

Advertising Account Executive

During October, it is common to find members of the Catholic community in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend gathered in support of pro-life causes. One such gathering took place on Tuesday, October 21, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, where hundreds of guests turned out to show their support for the new Saint Joseph Hospice Suites at Saint Anne Communities, which are set to become the first faith-based hospice center in northeast Indiana.

The evening began with a cocktail hour, where guests could browse silent auction items, reconnect with friends, and enjoy live music. Before dinner, Bishop Rhoades offered a blessing and thanked those in attendance for supporting this new and vital ministry.

“Having a Catholic hospice home ensures that the dying will be served in a manner following the Church’s ethical teachings, in an atmosphere of love and prayer,” Bishop Rhoades said.

He then introduced the evening’s first speaker, Elaine Wilson, chief operating officer and administrator of Saint Anne Communities.

Wilson, who has served as administrator since 2017, thanked the crowd and said: “We gather tonight not simply to raise funds but to build something sacred: a Catholic hospice home, a place where a life’s final chapter is written in dignity, love, and faith.”

She explained what will make Saint Joseph Hospice Suites unique not only within the diocese but throughout northern Indiana. While there are other diocesan-owned nursing homes, hospice centers, funeral homes, and cemeteries throughout the United States, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend will become the first in the country to house all four ministries under one diocesan umbrella.

Patients and families at Saint Joseph Hospice Suites will experience a quiet and spiritual respite, surrounded by love, peace, and most importantly the sacraments during one of life’s most difficult moments.

What began as a vision of John Tippmann Sr. four years ago was brought to life through a $600,000 donation from his board at the Mary Cross Tippmann Foundation and an additional $300,000 gift from an anonymous donor. Construction began in May of 2025 to renovate a wing of Saint Anne Home into five patient suites, each featuring a private patio. Here, patients and their families will receive dedicated spiritual and emotional care, supported by clergy and volunteers.

“Every gift tonight becomes a brick in the wall, a rosary at the bedside, a crucifix on the wall, or ground on the patio for families to find peace,” Wilson said. “Beyond financial offerings, volunteers will also be needed as we open the doors to our hospice space. Together, we can create a place where no one faces death alone – where God’s mercy is felt in every moment, and where the final words spoken are not of despair, but of peace.”

After dinner, the second speaker, Sister Emmanuel Kurtzweg with the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, a Fort Wayne native and registered nurse, shared her reflections on the importance of a Catholic hospice in light of the Church’s social teachings.

“Catholic hospice sees the dignity of dependence and how it can be a channel to receive the maximum amount of God’s love,” she said, recalling her family’s personal experience following the tragic loss of her younger brother.

“No sin, no fatal disease, no illness, no tragedy, not even the most traumatic death – nothing, regardless of what it looks like to us on this side of heaven – is outside of God’s plan to turn that moment, condition, or circumstance into the very place to receive the maximum amount of His love,” Sister Emmanuel shared. “A love that heals all wounds and promises eternal life – what eye has not seen, nor ear heard, what God has ready for those who love Him.”

The evening concluded with a surprise recognition for Wilson, presented by Stephanie Ueber, pastoral associate at Saint Anne Communities, in gratitude for her leadership and dedication to the project. Ueber also encouraged the crowd to support the hospice by having Masses offered for loved ones at the Saint Joseph Chapel.

She reminded attendees that even the smallest acts of faith can yield great results.

“Even faith as small as a mustard seed can lead to great things,” Ueber said. “The birds nesting in the tree’s branches suggest that the Kingdom of God is welcoming to all people, regardless of their backgrounds. The parable reminds us that even seemingly insignificant things can become powerful and far-reaching when planted in fertile soil.”

It was a fitting reflection to close an evening that marked an exciting new chapter in Catholic health care, one rooted in compassion, dignity, and faith.

To learn more about the Saint Joseph Hospice Suites, or to donate, visit sacfw.org/saint-joseph-hospice-suites.

Erika Barron is the advertising account executive for
Today’s Catholic.