S. Patmarie Bernard
Growing up in Celina, Ohio, Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Patmarie Bernard (the former Sister Patrick Marie) was nurtured and mentored by loving parents and life-giving family relationships. She attended Immaculate Conception Grade and High School, and graduated in 1958. Sister said this set the stage for “hearing the call – deep within” to religious life and stepping out, first of all, into her journey of deepening her relationship with God. As a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati, Sister Patmarie emphasized many rich opportunities presented themselves during these past 60 years to nurture her contemplative spirit and this most important relationship.
Sister began her ministry in health care as a medical technologist at St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from 1962-1968, having received a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from the College of Mount St. Joseph (Cincinnati, Ohio). From 1968 until 1981 Sister Patmarie ministered at St. Joseph Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, first as a medical technologist, then as surgical head nurse and finally as an education coordinator. During this time Sister also earned the Associate Degree in Nursing from the University of Albuquerque, receiving management training as well.
From 1981-2004, Sister became the executive director of Villa Therese Catholic Clinic, a mostly free medical clinic in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sister Patmarie acknowledges that many were her blessing during her 23 years working in solidarity with the poor and underserved, along with numerous beauty-filled Board members, medical and para-medical volunteers, and a host of benefactors and friends. She also served on the Board of Directors for St. Joseph Health Care, Albuquerque, from 1987-1996 and the Board of Directors for St. Joseph Community Services in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from 2003-2009.
After her departure/transition in 2004, following 42 years in health care in New Mexico, Sister Patmarie returned to the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse at Mount St. Joseph, Ohio. She continued her health care ministry at Santa Maria Community Center, an organization founded by the Sisters of Charity. She currently enjoys involvement as an RN with their wellness outreach to seniors and serving on their Board of Trustees. She also is involved with Bayley Senior Care serving on the Mission Integration Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee and volunteering at Bayley Adult Day Care. Sister Patmarie is a collaborator with the SC Spirituality Center and has been serving as a spiritual director and retreat minister, along with music ministry with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati since 2004, which she calls a privilege. “Active involvement in all aspects of Sisters of Charity Community life is a priority commitment,” she said.
In May 2012, Sister was awarded the Sister Margarita Brewer HOPE award from Santa Maria Community Services for her many years and outstanding service in the health-care field caring for the Hispanic/Latino communities.
Looking back on her 60 years as a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati, Sister Patmarie said, “A part of my heart will forever be in New Mexico, but God is in the now, and all is well!”