Later in the afternoon Sisters, Associates, Partners in Mission and friends gathered in the newly updated Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart Chapel for Liturgy.
Congregational President,
Sister Anne Myers SSJ
warmly welcomed everyone. “Happy Feast Day everyone and welcome! We are also happy to welcome our celebrant Father Dennis Gill. We are also grateful for our master of Ceremonies,
Sister Sandi De Masi SSJ,
here all the way from North Jersey!
As we gather in this magnificent space, aren’t you just in awe of the beauty that surrounds us? We proclaim with the author of Psalm 83, ‘How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord God of Hosts!’ And how appropriate that we celebrate our first liturgy in the newly updated Chapel on this feast of Saint Joseph! Surely, Joseph the carpenter is smiling with approval on the beautiful work of many skilled hands. Speaking of skilled hands, there are few very special people whose hands, hearts and vision made the beauty all around us possible: Paul Sgroi, Doug Perry and Lee Casaccio of Bernardon Architects, Jeff Wynn and Linda Condy, who made our made our altar, lectern and ambo. We are so grateful to you.
I would also like to thank our Chapel Committee for their devoted service in working with the General Council and helping to plan so many details of our Chapel updating:
Sisters Kathy Letts
,
Betty Meizinger
,
Sandi De Masi
,
Margie Thompson
and our General Council liaison,
Sister Maureen Erdlen
who carried this project to completion!
We gather around this exquisitely fashioned new altar, the table of the Lord which will be consecrated today. I am sure that Joseph carved many tables, including one for his own family home, and that he and Mary welcomed many. At this table here in our home, ALL are welcome. The inclusive love of Jesus warms and embraces all of us. This is a place where our mission of unity blossoms and diversity is cherished. We call upon Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, and our Congregation, to be with us in a special way and to bless this segment of the universal church gathered here today. As we share in Eucharist, may we go forth from this table, and like Joseph, offer ourselves in loving service to all people in need throughout our world and to all creation."
