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Senior Living Community News

The Barclay at South Park is generating a great deal of excitement and we want to share some of the latest news, events with you. Check here often to see what is happening, and to learn how you can become a part of this attractive, active community.

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Meet Father Frank!

March 29, 2023

The Barclay at SouthPark senior living community in Charlotte, and Briar Creek Health Center at The Barclay are justifiably proud of their very own celebrity resident. Father Frank O’Rourke, the well-known and much-beloved Catholic priest, is still, in retirement, serving others. O’Rourke, or Father Frank as he is affectionately known, moved to assisted living two years ago.

Every Sunday, about 25 residents in both independent and assisted living gather to participate in a Catholic Mass presided over by O’Rourke.

Father FrankO’Rourke has been a priest for 47 years, the last 12 of which were at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte. After moving into the senior living community, he was interested in continuing to offer the Holy Sacrament to other residents who wanted to take part. “I felt I could serve the people here by saying Mass,” says O’Rourke.

The Barclay at SouthPark has a small chapel, but O’Rourke says the Mass in a larger common room to accommodate all who attend.

O’Rourke says offering the Mass on-site is a convenience for other residents who may have limited mobility. It’s also a comfort, particularly as new residents make their homes in the community and want to continue their regular, cherished activities, such as attending Mass.

When meeting other residents, O’Rourke doesn’t stand on ceremony. He usually introduces himself simply as Frank O’Rourke rather than as a Father. Nonetheless, he says word has gotten around that he is a priest, and he is eager to help other residents as needed. “I think they all know I’m a priest,” he says. “I think my presence is a comfort.”

O’Rourke sometimes counsels people when they are sick, grieving a death or have other needs– no matter what their religious affiliation is. “I’m available for any need that might arise,” he says. “I think there is a sense that I am here for all of them.”

Wendy Morgan, sales and marketing director for the Briar Creek Health Center at The Barclay, describes O’Rourke as very friendly and always willing to help others. After living so many years in Charlotte, he also has strong ties with the greater community and likes to introduce them to his home.

“He knows many people in the area,” Morgan says. “He often invites them to dine here. He’s very well-connected.”

Besides being able to share his home with guests and continue his Catholic ministry, O’Rourke enjoys being at The Barclay at SouthPark.

“I love living here,” he says. “All my needs are met. I like the staff and the residents. They’ve created such a nice community.”

The Barclay and Briar Creek are non-denominational and not affiliated with any specific religious group. Nevertheless, the residents of the community have many opportunities to fulfill their spiritual needs. Clergy from any denominations regularly visit the community and a weekly Shabbat service is hosted.

The Barclay at SouthPark and Briar Creek Health Center

The Barclay at SouthPark is a Life Plan Community located on a picturesque campus in Charlotte, North Carolina—named as one of “America’s 100 Best Places to Live” by ideal-LIVING Magazine and ranked as one of the “best places to retire in North Carolina” by U.S. News & World Report. Set on a wooded campus near the stately homes and gardens and the bustling shopping and dining of Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood, The Barclay offers independent living that supports a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. Briar Creek Health Center, located onsite, offers assisted living, memory support, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing for both residents of The Barclay and the surrounding area, thus providing a complete continuum of care. The Barclay at SouthPark is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Healthcare Management that specializes in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about Barclay at SouthPark, visit www.BarclayAtSouthPark.com To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and the communities they offer, please visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com .


2023 Liberty Games Competitive Wins!

March 24, 2023

Six of The Barclay’s residents traveled to South Bay at Mount Pleasant to compete in the 2023 Liberty Games! Team Barclay ended up taking: 1st place in billiards and ping pong 2nd place in ping pong 3rd place in bridge and cornhole Overall, The Barclay came in 5th place but what matters most are the …Read More…


Team Barclay at the Liberty Games!

March 23, 2023

#throwbackthursday … to last week’s Liberty Games! Team Barclay was a fierce competitor . This event is such a fun !


Royal Academy of Irish Dance Perform!

March 22, 2023

We were honored to have the young ladies from the Royal Academy of Irish Dance perform for us. Their dancing, music and outfits put us in the Irish spirit. St. Patrick’s Happy Hour followed with drinks, appetizers and live entertainment.


Staff Spotlight-Meet Schuyler Suarez!

March 10, 2023

Schuyler Suarez, our incredible Move-In Coordinator, is always ready to welcome our newest residents to The Barclay! She has been a little extra busy moving in 15 new residents in the past two months! We are grateful for her servant heart, welcoming smile and pleasant spirit. She is adored by all and she’s ready to …Read More…


National Employee Day 2023

March 9, 2023

We are so grateful for all the hard work and dedication provided by the staff of The Barclay each and every day. To honor all the staff on National Employee Day, we organized a lunch for everyone to enjoy. Thank you for all you do!


2023 Purim Celebration!

March 7, 2023

Happy Purim Everyone! We hope your Purim was as festive as ours. Thank you to the Levine JCC for inviting us to their annual Purim Celebration.


Afternoon Tea Party Fare !

February 23, 2023

The ladies of the Barclay got together for an afternoon tea party. Residents enjoyed delicious pastries, hors d’oeuvres made by two of our very own talented residents and the great company.


Follow Us on Instagram!

February 21, 2023

We are now on Instagram ! Give us a follow at @TheBarclayatSouthPark to check out more of what’s going on at The Barclay and Briar Creek.


Grand Opening of the Library!

February 20, 2023

Residents and staff of The Barclay celebrated the Grand Opening of the new Barclay Library. With the help of the Library Committee, staff and several generous donations from all around, we were able complete the construction and organize the library for residents to enjoy. Happy reading!


Read Our COVID-19 Response.READ MORE

The Barclay at SouthPark

4801 Barclay Downs Drive
Charlotte, NC 28210

980-224-8540

Briar Creek Health Center

6041 Piedmont Row Drive South
Charlotte, NC 28210

980-443-6760