When Hermena Skalsky decided a year ago to move from her home in Belpre to Manor of the Plains in Dodge City, she became a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Now her son, Father Ted Skalsky, is also her pastor.

"When I turned 90 years old, I figured I had better not live on the farm alone anymore," said Hermena.

Many family photos adorn the walls of her new home at the Manor, and she considers it a "real blessing" that her granddaughter and great grandchildren are able to visit so often.

With the aroma of baking pumpkin pies filling her apartment, she said that she enjoys her noon meals with other residents in the independent dining room, and enjoys preparing her evening meals in her own kitchen.

Hermena also is able to join with other residents to chat or play an occasional game of cards or dominos in the evenings.

"[Living here] keeps her mentally active because she's around people more," said Father Skalsky. "Our family feels she is much safer at the Manor because there is always someone around who can help her if she needs it. It was a real blessing that she was at the Manor one morning a few weeks ago when she was unable to get out of bed. She used the emergency guardian system and the nursing staff was there to help her right away.

"The security is wonderful assurance for Mother and our family. There is a staff check should a resident unexpectedly miss lunch. This makes me feel much better, yet she still has her privacy and can come and go as she wishes."

Father Ted celebrates Mass for the residents at Manor of the Plains twice a month. One particular resident looks forward to this more than any of the others. Perhaps it is the anticipated conversation with her "pastor" that will follow, or the opportunity to serve him homemade pumpkin pie at her kitchen table.