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St. Mary's Convent most frequently asked questions
In the last edition of The West Nebraska Register, a story about St. Mary's Convent incorrectly stated that the building was being sold, not leased, to Hope Harbor, a homeless shelter. Father Tom Ryan, pastor of St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island recently issued this question-and-answer report on St. Mary's Convent clarifying what is occurring now.
- Q. What has been the use of St. Mary's Convent in recent years?
- A. When the convent was built in the 1960s it was home to over 20 Sisters of St. Joseph. It was a house of prayer, reflection and education.
- Q. What happened over the course of these last years?
- A. As the number of Sisters gradually decreased, several other communities of Sisters were invited to join in the community living at St. Mary's Convent. With only a few Sisters working full-time, the other Sisters were able to help the parish and the community by their charitable works.
- Q. Was it inevitable that the Sisters of St. Joseph would some day be called back to the Motherhouse?
- A. With the declining number of Sisters in almost every community, and the median age of the Sisters climbing each year, the best health care, well-being and a vibrant community spirit could only be achieved by bringing the Sisters of St. Joseph back to the Motherhouse.
- Q. What is happening to St. Mary's Convent building now that the Sisters are gone from the Convent?
- A. St. Mary's Cathedral Parish, along with Hope Harbor (formerly the Community Humanitarian Resource Center), and St. Francis Hospital have joined together to establish a shelter for single homeless women and single homeless mothers and fathers with children by using the facilities at St. Mary's Convent.
- Q. Is Hope Harbor just renting the Convent?
- A. Hope Harbor has signed a rental agreement to use St. Mary's Convent as a shelter for women and children. This contract is for a total period of five years--three years at $1,500 per month, with the option to renew for one or two years for a 3% increase.
- Q. What about the single beds and furniture used inside the Convent?
- A. Part of the contribution of St. Mary's Parish to this endeavor would be that Hope Harbor would have the use of the furnishings while they are renting the facility. Should a time come when they would secure another facility all the furnishings would remain the property of St. Mary's Cathedral.
- Q. Do we have that many homeless people to worry about in Grand Island?
- A. Yes, there are many families in our area that are either homeless or only one pay check away from becoming homeless.
- Q. Would Hope Harbor be responsible for maintaining a clean facility and seeing to the upkeep of the inside of the building?
- A. Hope Harbor, as any renter, would be required to be responsible for any damages to the building by excessive use. St. Mary's Cathedral would take care of the outside of the building and lawn. The care of the facility would be a cooperative effort of all concerned.
- Q. Would this cooperative effort be a good sign for the people of Grand Island and the area?
- A. The effort to feed the hungry, give shelter to the stranger and clothe the poor would be a wonderful Catholic witness of the Corporal Works of Mercy. It is a tremendous way to follow the Holy Father's call for peace, justice and mercy to our fellow human family.