Seton Cove

A retreat center, especially a center directly on the hospital campus, sends a clear message to the physicians and employees that their spiritual health is important. The Seton Cove Spirituality Center at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis is an excellent example and represents the vision of one of my mentors, Sr. Sharon Richardt, DOC. It was named after Sr. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first of three canonized American saints and founder of the Daughters of Charity order in the United States. The Seton name points toward the rich tradition of the hospital and provides opportunities to tell some of the hospital story.

Seton Cove provides a sanctuary for harried health care workers, including physicians. It is set in a partly wooded area with a large pond inhabited by geese, ducks, heron, muskrat and fish. The rooms were set such that there is an excellent view through any window. The center accommodates several activities and programs. Meeting spaces are suitable for group sizes ranging from two to fifty people. The largest meeting room is equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector and a sound system. Square tables and movable chairs allow multiple seating configurations. The most common configuration is to pair the tables for six people. The room is equipped with a room divider, but it is not often used. Two smaller rooms provide meeting space for up to 30 people each. Both rooms have a television and digital video disc (DVD) player, but microphones and sound systems are not needed. Square table and moveable chairs work well in the smaller rooms also. One of the rooms was furnished with round tables and moveable chairs but is used rarely. Another meeting room is smaller yet and furnished like a comfortable living room, emphasizing two conversation circles. It accommodates twelve and works very well for small meetings and breakout groups. This and other rooms at Seton Cove have art and clearly displayed quotes that remind visitors of our faith heritage.