Call it re-branding, re-marking or re-identification. Whatever the term, St. Joseph of the Pines (SJP) logos have a crisp new look, but more importantly, the health-care organization has stepped up its recommitment to its legacy and the role of the Sisters of Providence in defining its mission, values and its future obligations to the community.

With the departure of the final two Sisters of Providence nuns from St. Joseph of the Pines, who returned to Holyoke, Mass., to live in retirement, Ken Cormier, president and CEO, was anxious to retain the religious order's imprint on the organization as a whole, and of equal importance, assure their efforts are mirrored by St. Joseph associates, residents and volunteers.

Great pains are being taken to preserve the sisters' legacy so far away from the Motherhouse. The associates charged with caring for the entire St. Joseph community of residents were called together for the showing of the "Sisters of Providence" video beginning the second week of February. The compelling DVD stirred emotions, provoked thought and inspired a work force to reflect on the reasons they fulfill their respective roles. The Sisters of Providence have sponsored SJP since the 1960s.

The early Sisters of Providence were known for working with children brutalized by neglect as well as nursing the poor and the sick. Housing, feeding and teaching orphans who had been left by society to grapple on their own for survival, or rowing a small boat across the mist-draped Connecticut River to dress the wounds of a cancer patient, their enormous humanitarian contributions were derived from their fervent adventures to "keep up with the needs."

When Sisters Mary Zeno and Constance O'Brian returned to Massachusetts last year, the St. Joseph community was left with the stark realization that there would be no more from that religious order to keep their imprint a steady force at St. Joseph.

"The harsh reality is," said the Rev. Carl Naylor, director of spiritual care and mission services for SJP, "there are no more sisters. Sixty-three are over the age of 70, with the exception of two who are in their 50s. We are charged with carrying on their legacy. We are now the 'Sisters.' What an awesome responsibility we have to keep them alive."

Ken Cormier added, "When our last two Sisters of Providence left Southern Pines, we found ourselves grieving."

It was then organization leaders had an epiphany. Since the 1800s the Sisters of Providence made enormous humanitarian contributions as they addressed various needs.

"We, as a family of residents, associates and volunteers, must be sure we are keeping up with the needs," said Cormier.

"This is a tremendous responsibility," Naylor told hundreds of associates and residents over the course of several days, as he and Cormier presented the DVD on the Sisters of Providence and their legacy.

They challenged the audience to "look at your jobs as a calling or a ministry." Many acknowledged doing just that.

"You don't just serve a meal, clean a room or make a bed," said Naylor. "You give unconditional love and demonstrate enormous patience."

Rose Marie Keeler who drives patients and residents to and from appointments responded, "We're blessed. We're very blessed."

Just as the Sisters of Providence were known as being risk-takers, St. Joseph of the Pines' current leaders like to believe the Sisters' mission and principles are forever represented in the operations of the health system.

"I'm so proud of what we've been able to do as an organization," said Cormier.

Naylor reflected on the care of the residents who live within SJP and the community benefit services that saw a surge in support and commitment by SJP in 2008.

"The Sisters' ministry of healing and hope will continue to give us insight into what our calling is to the community," said Naylor.

So, as St. Joseph of the Pines appreciates and strengthens recognition of its past, the future and growing enterprises will soon be branded by fresh identifying marks. Crisp and bright new logos for each of the many entities of SJP have been designed, approved, introduced and showcased.

Launched as part of the staging for the re-identification of the health care organization, each logo clearly depicts the acronym for St. Joseph of the Pines and is linked with the Sisters of Providence symbol. Under each entity's icon is the phase, "at St. Joseph of the Pines."

"Our brand is the symbolic embodiment of who we are. It has a personality, an identity, much like a person," Susie Buchanan, community relations director for SJP said. "The transition will be a gradual one, but it will be important to always remember why we are doing this and to keep that message in the forefront of our communications throughout the coming year."

It took a lot of courage on the part of St. Joseph leaders through the years to make such significant changes during the 61 years SJP has been in the community. It has been transformed from its roots as an acute care hospital, to skilled nursing, and then underwent an expansion to encompass senior living apartments on its Pine Knoll campus.

In 1996 the skilled nursing activity moved to the Health Center on Camp Easter Road, and three years later Belle Meade at St. Joseph of the Pines opened as a continuing care retirement community. Affordable housing for seniors took hold at Providence Place in 1994 and now St. Joseph owns and operates 184 of these apartments in Aberdeen and Red Springs.

Leaders continue to show courage in masterminding the future role of SJP. In 2007 the renovations on the original five-story Tudor building at Pine Knoll were completed and 24 luxury senior apartments were open. In 2010, the rural countryside of Robbins in northern Moore County will have a new affordable senior community with 21 apartments, compliments of St. Joseph of the Pines.

St. Joseph of the Pines is sponsored by the Sisters of Providence and is a member of Catholic Health East. It includes the Health Center, Therapy Village, Belle Meade Resort Retirement, Villas at Pine Knoll, The Overlook at Pine Knoll, The Coventry, The Health Center, and Providence Place.