Sr. Anthony Veilleux - St. Patrick's Residence

Sr. Anthony Veilleux is the Director of Mission Integration at St. Patrick’s Residence, a nonprofit organization providing care for the aged and infirm in Naperville, Illinois. A member of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm for 50 years, she has played a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents through compassion and dedicated service. Known for her deep commitment to end-of-life care and holistic support, Sr. Anthony is also a registered nurse who brings medical expertise and spiritual guidance to her role. Her leadership and faith-driven approach focus on ensuring that St. Patrick’s Residence remains a beacon of love and compassion within the community, addressing the physical and spiritual needs of its residents.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[03:07] Sr. Anthony Veilleux discusses her inspiring faith-based journey from childhood calling to joining St. Patrick’s Residence
[06:29] The Carmelite Sisters’ core values, mission, and their integral role in caregiving
[11:07] Tips for addressing the staff shortage crisis in senior care facilities
[16:53] Sr. Anthony shares an overview of the services and care provided by St. Patrick’s Residence
[25:30] Challenges St. Patrick’s Residence faced and how it overcame them
[27:39] Creative staff recognition programs that foster a culture of appreciation and kindness
[32:32] Sr. Anthony highlights the importance of kindness and small connections

In this episode…

In a world where people in the twilight of their lives often face isolation and neglect, the commitment to serve them with dignity and compassion becomes a powerful testament to humanity’s capacity for care. What motivates individuals to dedicate their lives to enriching the final chapters of this vulnerable population? How does one woman’s lifelong dedication to caring for the elderly become a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals?

Sr. Anthony Veilleux, a registered nurse, unveils how her call to a life of service was clear from a young age. She shares her narrative — one that started in New Hampshire and led her through a fulfilling career in nursing to become a pillar in the Carmelite Sisters’ community. Sr. Anthony discusses her service at St. Patrick’s Residence, a haven of care and servitude deeply rooted in the core values of compassion, respect, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of the elderly. She describes the culture of St. Patrick’s as one where love and faith intersect to create a nurturing environment for residents, staff, and volunteers.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Sr. Anthony Veilleux, Director of Mission Integration at St. Patrick’s Residence, about the mission-driven work in senior care. Sr. Anthony discusses her inspiring faith-based journey from childhood calling to joining St. Patrick’s Residence, the Carmelite Sisters’ core values, mission, and their integral role in caregiving, the services and care provided by St. Patrick’s Residence, and how the organization overcame its challenges.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable moments:

“I always like to think that the God within that person is meeting the God within me, and that’s a perfect meeting.”
“Being present to each individual resident in a unique way is difficult as much as it is enjoyable and rewarding.”
“Our culture is so different here, we don’t just care for our residents, we care for our staff, our family members.”
“One thing when someone comes to a nursing home, I’d like to say, especially St. Patrick’s, they don’t come to die; they come so that we are able to add quality to their life.”
“Servant leadership — our faith tells us and shows us in the life of Jesus how to be a servant, and to be a servant to someone else is beautiful.”

Action Steps:

Cultivate servant leadership: By prioritizing the needs of others, leaders can inspire their teams to achieve shared goals and make a meaningful impact.
Integrate your mission into daily activities: This helps maintain focus and consistency, particularly during challenging times.
Embrace volunteerism: Volunteering builds community engagement and fills resource gaps, helping organizations enhance their impact and resilience.
Practice empathy and kindness: Simple gestures, like offering a smile or a kind word, can transform interactions and build a supportive environment.
Adapt to changing needs: By staying adaptable, leaders can better navigate challenges and continue to meet the needs of those they serve.

Sponsor for this episode…

Today’s episode is sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, an 18-year-old digital marketing agency in downtown Naperville, Illinois.

They are one of the few thousand Certified B Corporations worldwide, demonstrating PGM as a leader of a global movement to use business as a force for good, meeting high standards of accountability, transparency, and community involvement. They have been trusted by hundreds of organizations since 2006.

PGM is recognized as one of the top marketing agencies in the region, earning more awards than many of its competitors combined. They have the passion, commitment, and expertise to get it done.

To learn more about the services PGM offers or how they can support you with your marketing needs, visit www.paulgregorymedia.com or email them at [email protected].

Sr. Anthony Veilleux – St. Patrick’s Residence