Resident volunteers priest duties in long-term care home
He’s a 'great support' for the residents and families, says manager
Friday, June 29, 2007 -- Michelle Strutzenberger
Rt. Rev. John Cartwright isn’t one to toot his own horn, but others attest he is a “shining light” at the long-term care home where he lives.

Cartwright, a resident of Extendicare St. Catharines, volunteers priest duties at the home, helps run a men’s support group, and makes himself available to people who need emotional and spiritual support.

“I love him,” says Jeannette Beauregard, resident program manager. “I think he’s a great support for all the residents. He’s understanding. He never says no. The families go to him as well.”

Beauregard says at times people have been agitated and excited over some situation and Cartwright has helped calm them down.

“He’s so reasonable,” she says.

Cartwright is currently working hard to get back on his feet again after using a wheelchair for some time.

Beauregard believes he is a good role model for the other residents with his persistence, good attitude and concern for others.

Cartwright, 81, came to Extendicare St. Catharines three years ago after suffering from severe blood poisoning.

He spent about five months in hospital in a “strange state” he says.

“I didn’t know what was going on . . . People visited with me and I was able to converse with them and everything, but I can’t remember a thing from that time.”

He woke up in the long-term care facility. Within about three weeks he was much better, he says.

Today he describes himself as “fairly well” health-wise.

“I have no major complaints. This is a very good home to be in. The people that are working here, the health-care nurses and so on, are very kind and loving.”

Cartwright had been a priest for over 50 years prior to his retirement, mostly in the St. Catharines area. A few years ago he was made a monsignor by the pope.

At Extendicare St. Catharines, he performs the sacrament of the sick as well as participates in the weekly mass organized by the parish that looks after the Catholic residents. He also helps with special occasion services, such as those held at Christmas and Easter.

The men’s support group he helps run is held monthly and facilitated by the home’s social worker.

Cartwright sees the group as filling two purposes: to help the men in the home adjust to life there and to get them connected and acquainted with one another.

“It’s kind of a hard push to get them out,” he says. “But some are coming and that’s good.”

Cartwright says he feels he has an obligation to make a contribution at the home but doesn’t seem to think what he does is particularly noteworthy.

“I’m not running around visiting people right and left or anything,” he says. “I just make sure I say hello to people. They’ll eventually get to know me and I get to know them more.”