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Performing a magic show for’ Mercy s long-term care residents at Mercy Medical are Brother Lee Barker (center) and helpers Clara Coppoletta (left) and Robert (Tripp) Coppoletta (right).

Brother Lee Barker, of the brothers of the Sacred Heart order, wore many hats in his long career including being a principal for 19 years, a world-traveling Provincial - a superior of the community religious, a church vocations director and most recently a guidance counselor at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. Back in 1982, when Barker first visited Catholic Universities as a vocations director, he wanted to approach students with an icebreaker, something to leave them spellbound, and with this endeavor, Barker took on one of his most rewarding career choices; he became a magician. Since then, Barker and his magic show have entertained and captivated audiences of all ages as well as inspired the next generation of magicians.

“Magic engages everyone and has proven to be a great way to reach people of all ages. Magic has become for me another outreach in ministry to others,” explains Barker.

Along with his guidance counselor responsibilities, Barker also heads up three service clubs at McGill Toolen including the Pride Club, Student Forum and the Magic Club. He also mentors other magic clubs at Saint Stanislaus High School in Bay Saint Louis, MS., and Brother Martin High School in New Orleans, LA.

Once monthly, with the help of student assistants, Barker takes his magic show on the road and performs at Portier Place, a Mercy lifecare community and McAuley Place, a Mercy assisted living community, Little Sisters of the Poor, Ronald McDonald House, Penelope House, Camp Rap-A-Hope and other non-profit organizations.

Most recently Barker performed his magic show for long-term care residents at Mercy Medical with the assistance of children from the audience.
“What I loved about Brother Lee’s magic show is how much fun it is for our residents. I’ve never seen such an enthusiastic reaction. Combining a variety of slight-of-hand tricks, silks and various gimmicks, the magic show really mesmerizes the audience. More importantly, his show allows young students and children to learn the value of volunteerism through entertainment. How special to share your gifts while entertaining others,” said Judy Hazelton, Mercy’s volunteer manager.

Mercy volunteers play a vital role in the care of the community. Whether assisting in rehabilitation, long-term care, assisted living, hospice, or helping with fundraising through events and programs, there’s a place to serve at Mercy Medical. Mercy volunteers are from many walks-of-life including homemakers, students, lawyers, college professors, teachers, nurses, physicians, engineers, and others. Someone new to the area or someone who has had a lifestyle change, make ideal volunteers. Other volunteer candidates include high school students in Key Clubs or college students studying nursing, occupational, speech or recreational therapies, or similar rehabilitation fieldwork who need volunteer hours.

For more information about volunteering at Mercy Medical call Judy Hazelton at
621-4445 or email volunteer@mercymedical.com.