A Mission of Faith and Dementia

We work to equip those living with dementia with the tools they need to live the dignity of the faith.

about Us

We are on mission to accompany individuals on the dementia journey. We believe that one is able to grow in relationship with Christ throughout the progression of the disease and care journey. 

Born out of the belief in the dignity and beauty of all human life, knowing dementia does not take that way, we offer invitations to better understand dementia and how our Church and our community can best accompany those living with dementia. Inspired by the trust and faith of the woman reaching out for Christ’s  hem, we work together to become Christ’s hem for those suffering and living with dementia.

A Commitment and Promise

We remain true to the dignity of all human life. 

The Board of Directors, Advisors, Staff, Volunteers, and partnering organizations support and follow the Ethical and Religious Directives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We boldly live our faith in our personal and professional lives. We are pro-life, never support Euthanasia/Medical Assisted Suicide, and speak out to support our elders, those living with dementia, and care partners as they seek to live the Truth of the Church. We are not a legal or medical association but may connect you to the appropriate counsel if and when support outside of our scope of practice arises regarding living out the teachings of the Church, Elder Abuse, or other concerns that attack one’s dignity. 

Our Board of Directors will always have a Priest, Bishop, or Deacon acting as chaplain and ministry counsel to keep each offering in-line with Church doctrine.  

Meet the Founder

Hello, I’m Kate

A lifelong Catholic, Kate grew up in the Diocese of Green Bay, where she attended Catholic School (Pre-K through College), and had the unconditional support of family, to not only learn her faith but also live it through the ministries offered by her hometown parish and beyond. 

For over 20 years, Kate has served those living with dementia. From a middle school volunteer to a business owner and dementia educator, Kate strives to accompany those living with dementia by cultivating a community that is wealthy in creativity, connection, hope, and joy. 
Each step of the way, Kate seeks to magnify the importance of creativity and human connection. She is a classically trained musician, studio artist, and theatre-maker, with a background in the creative arts therapies.

In addition to the Hem of Christ, Kate is the creator of the Dementia Letters Project and serves on the Faculty of the Avila Institute of Gerontology.

Read a Letter from Kate
Kathryne (Kate) Fassbender

AS SEEN IN

The Saints that Guide Us: Our Spiritual Advisory Committee

Our Lady

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

The Saints

St. Catherine Labouré

Padre Pio

St. John Paul II

Blessed Solanus Casey

St. Dymphna

St. Joseph

St. Anne

Ven. Mother M. Angeline Teresa

Our History

Starting with the simple act of bringing the Eucharist and prayer to those in various care communities on New York’s Upper East Side, Kate unknowingly was answering the prayers of those she visited. As time passed, she recognized the need to support individuals living with dementia in continuing to practice their faith. 

Originally part of our sister organization, the Dementia Letters Project, the Hem of Christ slowly grew to not only help individuals living with dementia receive the sacraments and enter into prayer with another, but also provide education to parishes, care communities, and other care organizations on how to support and minister to those living with dementia in dignified and beautiful ways. 

The Hem of Christ started its journey to become its own entity in 2017 and finally filed for non-profit status in 2021, with the hopes of becoming a sustainable ministry and support organization, living beyond the sole work of our founder. 

Ways to work together

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The Board of Directors

Meet the People Behind the Ministry

Several individuals (and Saints) make up the team driving this organization to ensure that we can accomplish the work God sets before us. Meet the people seeking to serve you and God, bringing the Hem of Christ to the world.

We are made up of individuals from all backgrounds, dedicated to serving those living with dementia so that everyone might live in the fullness of their faith. Through prayer, outreach, education, and community, this ministry is here for you as you walk the dementia journey.  

FOUNDER/President

Kate Fassbender

Kate seeks to magnify the importance of creativity and human connection. She is a classically trained musician, studio artist, and theatre-maker, with a background in the creative arts therapies.

Secretary

Coming Soon

Treasure

Coming Soon

Chaplain

Coming Soon

Clinican

Coming Soon

Artist in Residence

Coming Soon

Dementia Advisor

Coming Soon

Spiritual Director

Coming Soon

Non- Voting

FAQ

No. You do not have to be Catholic. Individuals and organization from a wide range of religious backgrounds are encouraged to reach out if they see a service they would like to book for themselves, their loved ones, or their community. We do however work only within the teachings of the Church and will not do anything that defies these teachings. 

You are welcome to volunteer with the Hem of Christ regardless of your religious affiliation. You will, however, be required to sign an agreement with us stating that you will only work within the teachings of the Church while on the clock with us as a volunteer. 

Not at all. All of us in some way are living with dementia. The more individuals have a foundation of understanding and are active in this work the better we can accompany those who do have a diagnosis. True inclusion means you are with us on this journey as well. 

Our home base is currently in Rhode Island, however, we work throughout North America. 

Wonderful! Reach out at outreach@hemofchrist.org to schedule a discovery call with our founder Kate to see how we can best support the work you are doing in your care community. 

Yes! Of course! Grants are available for individuals, small non-profits, and parishes. Please email outreach@hemofchrist.org with “Grants” in the subject line

Yes. We will need to coordinate with your love one’s care community, but we would be happy to minister to your loved on in a care community.

Yes, please do! Sometimes the best work is done at the parishioner level and it may take your invitation to help your parish become dementia-friendly. We partner with you and can guide you with what to say when you approach your priest. 

Yes. Our leadership and volunteers are all trained in dementia, the various types of dementia and how to engage with individual from possible diagnosis through the last days of dementia, as well as how to accompany care partners after loss. 

Yes. We do charge a fee some of our services that reflects the value and resources required to make that program available. With that said, we keep the fee as low as possible and offer grants when appropriate. When you purchase a service at full price, you are aiding in helping others who cannot afford the service be able to participate.

Feel free to reach out via the Contact Us form, email us at outreach@hemofchrist.org or call or text the number you see above. 

Let’s journey together!

Every life deserves to live fully until the last breath. Dementia or not, God is with us.

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