A Season of Connection

“Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself.”

St. Louise de Marillac

By Sebastian Isaacs, Communications intern

Throughout the Christmas season, CURA employees have joined in festive campus activities, including the spirited “12 Days of Christmas” celebration.

Advent is one of the busiest seasons of the year for many, including the employees of CURA, who work hard year-round to prepare meals for residents and to cater events on the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati campus.

Even amid the steady pace of cooking, serving, cleaning, and hosting in the campus’s two dining halls, CURA employees find moments of joy and connection during the Christmas season. Through shared activities and simple traditions, they grow closer to one another and to the Community members they serve.

Since Food Service Director William Buhl joined the staff two years ago, he has introduced a Secret Santa exchange among CURA’s kitchen staff each Christmas. A tradition he began at a previous workplace, the exchange is intended to boost morale and strengthen relationships, and so far, he says, it has had a “positive impact” on employees.

Each staff member develops a list of favorites, and shops for their assigned recipient with a spending limit around $20. Though the gifts are modest, crew member Ashtyn Pickerell, who helped spearhead the event this year, explains, “It’s a bonding experience. You get someone, you get to learn a little bit more about them, and get them something they’ll enjoy.”

“The exchange is a light in the middle of stressful period for all of us,” adds Megan Thompson, another CURA employee. “It gives us a moment to think about someone else and give to one another.”

The holiday season also brings CURA employees closer to the Community through the many events they cater and host. “We are responsible for a number of parties and gatherings,” crew member Raegan Korb says. “We do more cooking, more baking, and more activities than we would usually do on a regular basis.”

Ashtyn and Raegan point to festive touches, from a hot cocoa bar offered several times during the season to eggnog and cookies delivered to Mother Margaret Hall, the campus’s nursing and assisted living facility. The treats give Sisters a chance to decorate together and enjoy one another’s company.

Ashtyn Pickerell has treated Sisters and employees to a hot cocoa bar multiple times this holiday season.

While working through the holidays can be challenging, campus-wide celebrations help keep the Christmas spirit alive. Ashtyn fondly recalls the annual “12 Days of Christmas” celebration on Dec. 10, when CURA staff members were assigned the line “five golden rings” and brought spray-painted hula hoops to display, sparking laughter among Sisters and employees alike.

Megan also mentions the collection of elves that “cause mischief” by moving around the dining room. She says, “I love talking to Sisters the day after the elves have moved. They get a kick out of looking for them in the mornings, and the night crew bonds when creating a scene for the elves.”

Moments like these, Ashtyn reflects, help build deeper relationships. “They bring us closer to the Sisters, because not only are they enjoying what we provide for them, but we’re getting involved in activities that they are providing for us.”

“We’re not only serving them,” she adds. “We’re coming together with them during this season.”

CURA employee and Associate Diane Rodgers spreads holiday joy to Sisters and staff by dressing as an elf.

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