To schedule a presentation or receive more information about Francis House, our mission and our care, please contact Rev. Jana Biesanz, Director of Mission Outreach & Education, education@francishouseny.org or (315) 475-5422.
Upcoming Education Events
Visit our Eventbrite page to view of full list of events and registration links.
Tea & Talk Book Discussion, February 22, 2025 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST | Spiritual Renewal Center, 1342 Lancaster Avenue Syracuse, NY 13210
Join us for a discussion on the book, Making Rounds with Oscar, by David Dosa, M.D.
“They thought he was just a cat. When Oscar arrived at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island he was a cute little guy with attitude. He loved to stretch out in a puddle of sunlight and chase his tail until he was dizzy. Occasionally he consented to a scratch behind the ears, but only when it suited him. In other words, he was a typical cat. Or so it seemed. It wasn’t long before Oscar had created something of a stir. Apparently, this ordinary cat possesses an extraordinary gift: he knows instinctively when the end of life is near. Oscar is a welcome distraction for the residents of Steere House, many of whom are living with Alzheimer’s. But he never spends much time with them — until they are in their last hours. Then, as if this were his job, Oscar strides purposely into a patient’s room, curls up on the bed, and begins his vigil. Oscar provides comfort and companionship when people need him most. And his presence lets caregivers and loved ones know that it’s time to say good-bye. Oscar’s gift is a tender mercy. He teaches by example: embracing moments of life that so many of us shy away from. Making Rounds with Oscar is the story of an unusual cat, the patients he serves, their caregivers, and of one doctor who learned how to listen. Heartfelt, inspiring, and full of humor and pathos, this book allows readers to take a walk into a world rarely seen from the outside, a world we often misunderstand.”
Visit our Eventbrite page to view of full list of events and registration links.
2025 Tea & Talk Book Lineup
February 22: Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat, by David Dosa, M.D.
March 29: The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life’s Final Moments, by Hadley Vlahos, RN
April 26: Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal, by Rachel Naomi Remen
May 31: Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief: A Revolutionary Approach to Understanding and Healing the Impact of Loss, by Claire Bidwell Smith
June 28: The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, by Jane Goodall
Off July & August
September 27: Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, by Richard Rohr
October 25: Fly While You Still Have Wings, Joyce Rupp
November 22: My Bright Abyss, by Christian Wiman
December 20: Glimpses of God…In You & Me, by Sr. Kathleen Osbelt
Speakers are available for your group, organization, or classroom.
Some of the presentations we offer are:
- Francis House, a Social Model Home for the Dying
- An Introduction to End-of-Life
- Preparing for the Journey
- Skills Training for Caregiving
- Support for Families along the Way
- Creating a Sacred Space at End-of-Life
- Spirituality at End-of-Life
- Volunteering at Francis House
- Grief and Bereavement
Interested in a talk on a specific topic? Give us a call: 315-475-5422
Francis House
