Wesley Village in Shelton holds annual Day of Prayer event

Wesley Village residents and staff gather after leading an annual Day of Prayer event. Seated from left: Residents Marion Ramsey-Miller, Jenn Mortati, Doreen Muldoon. Standing: Resident John Meuser, Chaplain Cathy Nickse, Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator, Bishop Wicke Health Center./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village residents and team members came together May 20 for “Wesley Village Prays,” a campus-wide Day of Prayer event modeled after National Day of Prayer events held earlier in May.  

This multi-faith gathering, coordinated by Chaplain Cathy Nickse, welcomed all who wished to pray.  This was the third year the campus held this event, a collaborative effort of residents and staff.

The outdoor event was well-attended at the community pavilion between the campus’ Crosby Commons and Wesley Heights buildings. Residents from both buildings were able to attend in-person and the event was also live-streamed to the Wesley Village internal TV channel for residents at Bishop Wicke Health Center and any others who were not able to attend in-person. 

Nickse, a Healthcare Chaplain, serves as the Director of Spiritual Life for the Shelton senior living campus, which is owned and managed by United Methodist Homes, a mission-based not-for-profit organization.

Nickse has oversight of the rich and broad spiritual life offerings at Wesley Village, and in her role as Chaplain she offers encouragement and spiritual care to residents, their families, and staff, as well as leading various religious events, including worship services. 

She also partners with residents and community volunteers to share in ministries such as worship services, Bible studies, Rosary gatherings, prayer services, hymn sings, and more, which uplift hearts and encourage spiritual growth.   

When involvement in a Day of Prayer event was discussed with residents, they accepted both the challenge and the invitation, grew in their confidence in leading in ministry, and were excited to be a part of this event.  

“I am so pleased, proud of, and gratified to see our residents step up, with great courage, to lead their fellow residents in prayer. This is truly faith in action,” said Nickse.

Wesley Village resident Marion Miller was one of the first to say yes to participating. 

Miller, aka “The Prayer Lady” leads prayer daily before meals and hosts a weekly prayer time on the campus’ internal TV channel. “Prayer is just a conversation with God, you know, and I just love to pray,” she said. “I can and do pray on and on, simply offering in prayer the words that come from my heart.”

Miller and Nickse were part of a six-person prayer team comprised of four residents and one other staff member, who led short prayers for a specific area of importance.  

Each section of prayer included a time of silence for individual prayers. Prayers were offered not only for the nation, but also for Wesley Village and its residents and families, team members, volunteers, leadership team, and Board of Directors. 

Resident John Meuser led prayer for government, leaders, and national concerns. He was followed by residents Doreen Muldoon and Marion Miller who led prayer for churches, families, and marriages, while Nickse offered prayer for children and youth. 

Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator of Bishop Wicke Health Center, led prayer for the Wesley Village community, and resident Jen Mortati offered a closing prayer. 

Resident Doreen Muldoon shared a special performance and led everyone in singing, “God Bless America” and Nickse gave a final blessing.

“It was a wonderful, community-building event,” said Samorajczyk. “Spirituality is one of our organization’s five core values and an important part of life for many of our residents. We’re proud to be able to offer the support of Chaplain Cathy and the personalized spiritual care that she provides.”

The legacy of spiritual care that is part of everyday life for residents at Wesley Village is largely what makes the campus unique and different from other senior living communities. This legacy began with the United Methodist Homes organization 140 years ago and it continues today as residents of all faiths are welcomed. Partnerships with residents, staff, families, and community volunteers provide an essential network of spiritual support.

“I am inspired when I see our residents living their faith,” said Marissa Salvesen, Manager of Mission Development for United Methodist Homes. “They have shown incredible resilience throughout this past year and I think their faith plays an important role in that.”

Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave., Shelton and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The Wesley Village campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing and short-term rehab. 

To learn more, visit our website or contact us at 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.