From community-based PACE to long-term and highly specialized care, the archbishop’s visit highlights how ArchCare serves New Yorkers across changing health needs and stages of life.
NEW YORK, NY, September 28, 2026 — His Excellency, Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks, experienced the breadth of the Archdiocese of New York’s healthcare ministry firsthand on Monday, September 28th during his visit to ArchCare’s Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center and the new ArchCare Senior Life PACE Harlem Center in East Harlem.
Throughout the visit, Archbishop Hicks met with New Yorkers receiving care across distinctly different programs—from individuals living with Huntington’s disease and children and adults with complex medical and developmental needs, to long-term care residents and older adults being supported in maintaining their independence in the community through PACE.
Together, the programs offered a window into a continuum of care united by a common mission: meeting people where they are, preserving their dignity and providing compassionate care as their needs change throughout life.
“With my own eyes and my heart, I have seen the ministry and the mission of Christ lived out in a real and beautiful way, a powerful way,” Archbishop Hicks said during the visit. “This is exactly where the Catholic Church needs to be. It’s a way that we put our faith into action.”
The archbishop began his tour in Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center’s specialized Huntington’s disease program, meeting residents living with the progressive neurological condition and the Care Members who support them.
He then visited Mother Cabrini Hospital, where children and adults with complex medical and developmental needs receive specialized long-term care, before spending time with residents and Care Members in Terence Cardinal Cooke’s long-term care community.
The final stop brought Archbishop Hicks to the new ArchCare Senior Life PACE Harlem Center, where he met older adults participating in the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The program coordinates medical, social and long-term care services for older adults who qualify for nursing home-level care but can continue living safely in the community, helping them maintain their independence and remain connected to their homes, families, and neighborhoods.
For Scott LaRue, President and CEO of ArchCare, the archbishop’s visit reflected the responsibility at the heart of ArchCare’s ministry.
“Archbishop Hicks spoke about seeing the mission of Christ lived out through this ministry, and that is the responsibility we carry with us every day,” LaRue said. “Guided by the healing ministry of Jesus, we are called to care for each person with compassion and respect, meet them where they are in life, and continue walking alongside them as their needs change. Having Archbishop Hicks experience that continuum firsthand—from our most specialized programs and long-term care to PACE supporting older adults in their own communities—made this visit especially meaningful for all of us at ArchCare.”
The visit also included Archbishop Hicks celebrating Mass with residents, caregivers, and Care Members in the Terence Cardinal Cooke auditorium, where Sunday Mass is regularly celebrated.
Reflecting on the care he witnessed, Archbishop Hicks further connected ArchCare’s work to the Church’s healing ministry.
“As Catholics, in our beautiful tradition, we turn to Christ the healer, to Christ the physician,” Archbishop Hicks said. “And to see ministry and a mission that does all of that in his name, in Christ’s name, has filled me with great joy and an abundance of hope.”
The programs Archbishop Hicks encountered demonstrate the scope of ArchCare’s ministry. From highly specialized medical and long-term care to programs that help older adults maintain their independence at home, ArchCare supports New Yorkers and their families as their healthcare needs change throughout life.
About ArchCare
ArchCare is the Continuing Care Community of the Archdiocese of New York, and one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic Catholic healthcare systems. ArchCare provides quality care to thousands of people of all faiths through its home and community-based and residential care programs, including their Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) nursing home alternative, adult day care, long-term skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, home care, assisted living, hospice, an acute care specialty hospital and services for people with Huntington’s disease, HIV/AIDS, developmental disabilities, and other specialized care needs.
Visit archcare.org for more information.
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Media Contact:
Kelly Wessel
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