The blessing of the new addition to Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity sponsored St. Francis Memorial Hospital in West Point, Nebraska, took place on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha, NE blessed the latest construction and affirmed all involved in the healing ministry of Jesus in this rural area. Sister Laura Wolf, President of the FSCC Sponsored Ministries, Inc., Sister Louise Hembrecht, Community Director of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, her Council, Ron Briggs, Franciscan Care Services, Inc. CEO, Jerry Wordekemper, Project Manager, Board and Staff of FCS joyfully-participated in the early afternoon prayer ritual.
During the gathering, Sister Mary Beth Prinz, Director of Mission, read this petition: “Through the intercession of St. Francis, may we, Franciscan Care Services, continue to be your healing instrument to those entrusted to us.”
Fittingly, Archbishop George Lucas also blessed all present with these words:
“God the comforter of the afflicted and the strength of the weak, has brought you together for the blessing of this new area, established for the care of the sick. May He strengthen you by His grace, so that in serving the sick with tender charity, you may serve Christ Himself.”
The new building project includes a new entry, canopy, a healing garden and a three-level patient addition. Part of the lower level houses the 
mechanical and electrical equipment. The first level has a new entry lobby and Rehab Area, along with remodeling work on the clinic. The second level has a new cafeteria and conference space and the third level has 17 new patient rooms with support space. Soon, the existing patient room wing will be transformed into seven new patient rooms with nursery, the chapel will be moved and more additional changes.
