Sisters are building for the future

The sisters are building space that canaccommodate morelay people.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
VILLA MARIA, Pa. -- The sounds of construction aren't hard to discern on the usually tranquil grounds of Villa Maria Catholic community in Pulaski Township.
Workers are now busy on the second phase of a construction project meant to provide more usable space for the future of the home of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary.
"We've been looking at how we can continue to maximize space in the facility. We have been strapped for [usable] space. We have grounds that are attractive to a lot of people, but we've been unable to accommodate those people," said Sister Susan Schorsten, H.M., who is the first assistant to the major superior and the unofficial construction project coordinator.
This phase of work included razing a four-story convent built when the sisters emigrated from France in 1864. In its place will be a two-story conference center and main entrance for the Villa Maria Community Center, according to Sister Joanne Gardner, H.M., communication coordinator.
Sister Susan said this is probably the largest construction project taken on by the order since the 1960s, when the chapel and administration building were constructed.
Funding sources
The nearly $20 million undertaking is being financed by a construction loan and benefactors, she said.
The hope is to better accommodate a smaller congregation in the future.
With fewer people entering all religious orders, the sisters are talking about how programs and services will continue, Sister Joanne said.
Those talks also factored into the construction plans, Sister Susan added.
There are 211 members of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. About 50 live on Villa Maria's grounds, and an additional 120 to 130 people are employed there.
Sister Susan said they realize more Catholic lay people will likely take over work now done by sisters.
"The composition of those who minister and those who provide the ministries may well change. Those are the discussions that led us to what we are doing," she said.
First phase
The first phase of construction work finished last summer included a new health care unit, renovations to residential buildings used by the nuns and a new kitchen and central dining area.
"It's accommodating our needs right now, but also projecting into the future when we will potentially have less sisters and we can convert the facility for lay people," Sister Susan said.
The grounds are already home to apartments for the elderly who are not in the religious order, she noted.
The project coincides with the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Humility of Mary in 1854 in Dommartin-sous-Amance, France, and the 140th anniversary of their arrival in the United States.
They hope to have the new conference center and entry completed by June 2004.
"I think things will continue to change and evolve in the church and in religious life. Twenty years from now it will be different. Our best guess is some of our space will be converted for lay people," Sister Susan said.
cioffi@vindy.com