News Center: Franciscan Health - Indianapolis, Carmel, Mooresville, Indiana

By Amber Moon

For St. Francis Hospital

St. Francis Hospital employee’s advent work is a labor of love

BEECH GROVE, Ind. – It is the little things that make the holiday season merry. But there’s much to be done before those gifts appear under the tree, as bright lights, displays and colorful wreaths begin to appear on front doors.

Franciscan Alliance/St. Francis Hospital-Beech Grove has one such employee who, every year for the past 32 years, has donated his time to ensure St. Clare Chapel is appropriately adorned during the Christmas season.

John Massing, painter for the engineering department, has made it his mission to construct the chapel’s Nativity scene for the pleasure of all who walk through its doors.

“He does sacred work when he takes time out of his personal schedule to decorate the chapel,” said Sister Marlene Shapley, vice president of mission services. “He always has gone above and beyond in everything that he does.”

Massing not only places the manger and glass figurines, but also builds and fluffs multiple Christmas trees to create a “forest” around the scene. He’s even made it a family affair by bringing in his mother, son and granddaughter to lend a hand.

“He’s the guy that takes care of the Sisters; he has always done a great job for us,” said Toby Orme, director of engineering at St. Francis Hospital.

Massing adds a bit of merriment to St. Francis patients, visitors and employees during the holidays – a season of much anticipation, good will and hope.

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Amber Moon is an intern for St. Francis’ Community Relations and Marketing Department. She recently received her undergraduate degree in journalism/public relations at Franklin College.