St Joseph the Worker, Levittown, PA- Convent Closed August 2013

Written on: September 20, 2013

St. Joseph the Worker Convent

Due to circumstances beyond the control of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Levittown closed it’s Convent recently.  Five of our Sisters made the move from the convent the GNSH have called “Home” for 16 years to the Motherhouse in Yardley. Sr. Marlene Butler remarked, “The Grey Nuns were privileged to get to know the parishioners and to share in some of the ministries of the parish.”

After weeks of winnowing, cleaning and packing, the Sisters were ready to leave the past behind and move on to their next chapter.  To mark their leaving , Sisters Marlene Butler, Jean Scharf, Joan Daly, Ann McKee and Jo Patti celebrated a blessing ritual together (see prayer below).  After processing throughout the house, blessing chapel, bedrooms, kitchen, chapel, dining room and community rooms, a dinner was celebrated at Michael’s Restaurant.

Loving God, Your divine name was ever holy within this home.  As you lovingly cared for all the Grey Nuns who resided or visited here, we ask you to be with us in our new home. May we never suffer from lack of bread or warmth or community.  May the spirits of laughter, hope, faith, compassion, prayer, and love be with us always.  May our doors be open to those in need, whether neighbor or stranger.  May God’s holy blessing rest upon each of us and upon all who have gone before us in faith.  May each memory bring the spirit of happiness and solace as we move from this place.  Glory to you, Source of all Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever.  Amen.

Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord!  Amen, Alleluia.

Welcome to the Motherhouse Marlene, Jean, Joan, Ann, and Jo!

This entry was posted in From our Sisters and tagged: blessing, Convent closing, GNSH, home, rituals