Maryknoll Sisters
Making God's Love Visible
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Maryknoll Sisters
Making God's Love Visible |
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FAQS for Renovations
Who’s responsible for managing the restoration of our Mission Center? Who’s responsible for managing the restoration of our Mission Center? The renovations work is professionally supervised by a building management firm that has 119 years of experience in the construction field. New York-based J. S. Mitchell and Sons is on-site daily to make sure the repairs are done according to specifications. J. S. Mitchell and Sons is working with roofers, scaffold installers, asbestos handlers, masons, plumbers and a variety of other tradespeople and reports daily to members of the Maryknoll Sisters’ Congregational Leadership Team. How long will all the renovations take, and what is the expected cost? With God’s will and with the help of our partners in mission, we expect to complete all the needed repairs in five years, but it may take longer. A minimum of $12.5 million is needed to do it all. That’s why your prayers and contributions—in any amount—are so very important. Every little bit helps. How will renovations at the Center advance Maryknoll Sisters’ mission projects around the world? In addition to serving as the home for retired Maryknoll Sisters and some U.S.–based members, the Mission Center is the place where active missioners prepare for mission tasks, re-train for new mission projects, and share mission experiences with other Maryknollers and missioners from other groups. For almost a century, the Center also has been the place where young women have departed for their first mission assignments after professing their vows as Maryknoll Sisters. What are some ways the Mission Center serves the larger community? The Center is the premiere place for mission education today. The public can take courses at our Mission Institute, view 100 years of Maryknoll history inside our world Heritage Exhibit, and enjoy special events like the International Bazaar each October and festive liturgies all through the year. People come to the Center from all over the world to make retreats, pray in our 75-year-old chapel, and learn about the Maryknoll mission call we all share. Now the Center needs your help to survive for future generations. Why are supporters being asked to contribute dollars dedicated solely to the renovations? We don’t want to jeopardize funding for our missions. Safeguarding our current mission projects must remain a priority, and new initiatives will be necessary to meet emergencies that arise around the world. Currently, we serve in 31 countries. The need for our ministries continues even as we restore our home so it’s safe and sound. As we address these necessary building needs, we want to ensure that our global missions thrive and produce loving outcomes for God’s family. Why is this the right time to do the renovations? Frankly, the repairs can’t be put off any longer. Over the years, our maintenance workers have been adept about doing what repairs they can, but old age is catching up with us. Our main house was built in 1932 and it includes, among other things, a nursing care facility for our older Maryknoll Sisters. Like other religious orders, the average age of our missioners is rising; more members will need these health care services much more frequently. Finally, a 2006 report by three engineers found a variety of needs ranging from urgent to those required to sustain our buildings’ structural integrity. How many buildings make up the Maryknoll Sisters Mission Center? Our main house was first occupied in 1932 and is most in need of renovations. The Rogers Building was first occupied in 1968 as a college for young women entering the Congregation. Now, it’s a residence for Sisters working in our offices and those who are here temporarily while training for new missions. The 56 Administration Wing, finished in 1956, is mostly used by the Congregational Leadership Team and by offices that keep things running smoothly, such as our treasury, vocation ministry, congregational services, and personnel departments. The main laundry and some plant facilities occupy the sub-basement of this wing. A small fourth building, called the Chalet, houses one of our four contemplative communities. Regina Coeli, the former cloister building, is occupied by other Maryknoll Sisters who work at the Mission Center. All four buildings are overdue for repairs. How can I make my online or mail-in gift to help with the renovations? Knowing that we have your support and prayers means so much. That’s why we’ve made it secure and easy for you to show your support online. Your VISA, MasterCard or American Express Card is all you need—you can even opt to include any prayer intentions of your own. If you would like to mail us your gift instead, our website has a printable donation form you can send with your check or money order. Please write “Renovations” on your check. Why are current and first-time supporters of the Maryknoll Sisters excited about this project? Maryknoll Sr. Joan Berninger thinks it’s because people all over the world are gratified that “we’re still around” as a missionary presence. As our coordinator of congregational services, Sr. Joan has overall management responsibility for the Mission Center. She thanks our friends who have responded to our call for help with the renovations. “I would say they can identify with the health care and aging needs of our Sisters. They know the work of the Maryknoll Sisters over the years and want to continue to contribute to a focused request.” How are the Maryknoll Sisters who live at the Mission Center adjusting to the construction? The Maryknoll Sisters who live here are as task-oriented about the restoration project as they are when they are actively serving in their missions. “The Sisters have a keen interest in all that is going on,” Sr. Joan reports. “They are appreciative of the community leadership who are looking out for their future by repairing the Center, which is their home. Not one word of complaint has been heard regarding the noise, the dust, the inconveniences, or the alternate routes needed to be taken around the construction areas.” When donating, can I select a preference for a particular project? At our Major Renovations website, you can choose a project that is most important to you, such as: Choose any of the above and you’ll feel that you’re helping us rebuild and restore in a tangible way. Of course, you can still choose to make a general donation. Either way, you can rest assured that your gifts will help make repairs that are vital to the future of the Maryknoll Sisters. Ensuring the safety of our residents and the visitors who come to our Mission Center is of primary importance. |
