- February 8, 2022 CSJ Institutions
By Jenny Beatrice
In 1872, Mother St. John Facemaz and a small group of novices moved into a little yellow farmhouse that sat on 57 acres of farmland and an apple orchard in Lemay, Missouri. Facemaz purchased the property for a novitiate. But her vision soon shifted to creating a home for the aged and infirm sisters. This year, we celebrate the fruit of the seed she planted on this good ground—our 150-year ministry of offering compassionate care for aging persons at Nazareth Living Center.
A Quick History
The novices lived on the property until 1880 when Nazareth Home was built, a brick building that housed 60 sister residents. “Old Nazareth,” as it was known, served the sisters until 1965 when Gleason Hall was built to meet the sisters’ growing needs, including skilled care.
By the 1990s, sisters needed more skilled care as did an aging lay population. In response, most of the acreage was sold to build McGovern Commons, a skilled nursing facility. And, in 1992, the sisters expanded their ministry, opening McGovern to the dear neighbor in need of care. Nazareth Home became Nazareth Living Center, offering both assisted living and skilled care for sisters and lay residents.
In 2009, the sisters entered a partnership with Benedictine Health System (now Benedictine Living) to serve as the management company, helping the Sisters of St. Joseph to continue this healing ministry into the 21st century.
Construction began in 2017 to add two independent living apartment buildings called The Villages. In the meantime, St. Joseph Manor was built for memory care. Gleason Hall was replaced with the updated Carondelet Manor. Today, Nazareth offers a continuum of care on one campus: skilled care, memory care and independent living.
“From an apple orchard to a full-service licensed facility for our sisters and lay residents, Nazareth Living Center has been adaptable and resilient,” says Sister Fran Maher of the Province Leadership Team. “As the times and needs change, we will continue to expand services and respond to current healthcare needs and regulations. Our mission of ministering with compassion and responding creatively to the needs of aging persons will never change.”
A Time to Celebrate
Celebrating a century and a half since Mother Facemaz’s bold move, numerous events and commemorations have been planned, thanks to the Nazareth anniversary committee that includes sisters, associates and Nazareth staff members.
Angie Vorholt-Wilsey, anniversary committee member and director of Spiritual Care at Nazareth says, “The 150th anniversary of Nazareth Living Center is a cause for celebration and a time to reflect about the past, the present, and the future. We recognize the importance of Nazareth being a part of growth that spans three centuries—and not just surviving but thriving.”
The anniversary campaign, “On Good Ground,” is symbolized by an apple and apple blossom, a connection to the land on which Nazareth began and the growth that continues there. The jubilee year was launched in September with a blessing of apple trees newly planted on campus.
A province celebration was held in December at the motherhouse in Holy Family Chapel. Representatives from the Sisters of St. Joseph, Nazareth and Benedictine gathered to hear the story of Nazareth and to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the many people who have played a part in it.
On May 7, a Mass will be held at Nazareth with Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski of St. Louis presiding.
In addition to celebrations, the committee published a book entitled, “On Good Ground,” featuring reflections that follow the liturgical year. Sisters and associates are the contributing writers. The book also features CSJ artists.
CSJ Presence Going Strong
A memory book with contributions from residents, employees, volunteers and the greater CSJ community is being created. Angie notes that many residents say that it was the presence of the Sisters of St. Joseph that drew them to Nazareth. “Many had CSJs as teachers or had children who had them as teachers. Some had a connection to one of the many ministries of the sisters,” she says. “The presence of the CSJs in St. Louis is strong and vibrant.”
Many of the nearly 100 sisters who live at Nazareth live out this presence by attending liturgy and celebrations as well as lending a helping hand and volunteering. “While they are here to be cared for, the sense of serving the dear neighbor without distinction is part of who they are and that impels them to become one with everyone,” Angie says.
At the anniversary prayer service in December, Jerry Carley, president and CEO of Benedictine Living, remarked, “Over these 150 years, [the Sisters of St. Joseph] have touched the lives of many. This might have come as a simple kindness for someone who needs to hear something positive or the saving of a life in your healthcare ministry ... It is my hope and prayer that you will continue to touch the lives of more dear neighbors for 150 more years and beyond.”