The recent news about St. Joseph Hospital in Hot Springs selling out to the company that owns National Park Hospital (a for-profit hospital), is upsetting to many.  My mother did her nurses training at St. Joseph's in the 1950s and later returned to work there as a nurse for over 20 years.  Anyone who now works there or is a potential patient there has real concerns about the future employment or the quality of care that will be offered there.  Some of you may not be aware that Bishop Taylor issued a statement of concern the day after the announcement of St. Joseph's plans for the future were announced.  He has concern for all those I mentioned above, as well as the poor in the area who will need medical care in the future.  He has let it be known that he has not yet been consulted or informed on this matter, and insists that he be included and that his concerns be addressed by the Mercy Health System and any future owner of this hospital.  As I write this column on the feast of St. Joseph, the Worker, I urge all of us to pray for all involved in this issue and especially ask for the intercession of St. Joseph that the best solution possible will be reached and good health care will be available to all who live in this part of the state of Arkansas.