Chiara Center is a faith community dedicated to the discovery and healing presence of God within one’s self, everyday life, relationships, and all of creation. All programs, services and hospitality are grounded in the spirit and heritage of Francis and Clare of Assisi. In a spirit of joy we engage our mission holistically, ecumenically, and collaboratively with reverence and compassion.
Peter Garvey, Administrator
Peter Garvey is the Administrator of Chiara Center and the Motherhouse of the Hospital Sisters. He is a graduate of St. John's Hospital School of Nursing, earned a bachelors degree in History from the University of Notre Dame and a masters degree in Health Care Administration from the University of St. Francis. Peter worked at St. John's Hospital for twenty years, primarily in cardiac nursing units. From 1992 to 1999 he was the Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at St. John's Hospital until his appointment as Motherhouse Administrator.
Sister Renita Brummer, OSF, Program Director
Sister Renita, a Franciscan Sister of Our Lady of Perpetual Help from St. Louis, earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Marillac College in St. Louis and a master’s degree in Franciscan Studies from St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY.
She served in Catholic education, on the Leadership Team of her congregation, and as Director of Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Missouri Rolla. She also served as President of the Franciscan Federation and as a Board member for the national Build with Living Stones Franciscan missionary program.
Melissa Renfro, Executive Secretary
Melissa has worked with the Hospital Sisters for many years, first at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, in the Cardiac Catherization Laboratory and recently as the secretary to the Motherhouse Administrator. She and her husband Jim have four children: Joshua, Dezire, Grace, and Noah.
As the Executive Secretary, Melissa oversees all scheduling, event planning, registrations, and hospitality. If you are interested in Chiara Center, please contact us
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