Here is text of the speech given in tribute of Sister Clare:
We gather this evening to honor the 39 years of service that Sister Clare Christi Schiefer has given to PCC through the PCHA. Since 1982, Sister Clare Christi has worked to give voice to the Church in a variety of health care legislation and public policy issues. She has led the organization in lobbying for or against legislation and regulations that have an impact on Catholic healthcare ministries.
Sister Clare began working in healthcare as a sophomore in high school and pursued a career in nursing. While working as a nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.
Sister Clare was integral in passage of the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, advanced health care directives legislation to protect Catholic moral principles for end-of-life issues, creation of the adult Basic Coverage program and channeling tobacco settlement funds to health care initiatives.
We thank you for your service not only to the PCHA and the PCC but to the Catholic Faithful. And we thank you for reminding us always that Jesus came to teach, to preach and to heal. Without the healing ministry, the Church’s mission would not be complete.
