What a House Holds

Dear Friends,

Twenty years ago, I spent a day at poet Emily Dickinson’s home in Amherst, Massachusetts. I stood on holy ground in her lovingly restored little garden. I climbed the stairs she used. I loved being in the bedroom where Emily wrote. I touched her desk. I looked through the window at the leafy path that led to the house where her dear friend and sister-in-law lived with Emily’s brother. Even now, when I read one of Emily’s poems, I am sitting with her for a while in her Amherst room. 

Rooms are more than walled spaces. All the walls become history walls, infused with the spirit and energy of the people they shelter. We Sisters of Saint Joseph are living through a planned remodeling of our French Road Motherhouse. For close to twenty-five years this building has been a Congregational ministry headquarters and residence. The reconfiguration of some of our common areas is stirring up memories and feelings. 

• Every four years, we’ve elected our leaders here.
• We have such wonderful Christmas masses in the Chapel.
• Staff and volunteer service awards are the best parties we have.
• Anniversary celebrations of Sisters and Priests are so joyful.
• Funeral services fill the Chapel with memories, music, and friends.
• Family and friends are always welcome guests.

You’ll still feel the heartbeat of the family of Joseph here. Walls and halls will pulse with even more stories as we welcome old and new friends. 

~ Susan Schantz SSJ