Ministering 140+ Years in the Mahoning Valley
Creating Tomorrow’s History Dear Friends of the Ursulines, When Pope Francis called for the “Year of Consecrated Life,” he began by stating that Religious not only have a glorious past, they have a history still to be accomplished. The Ursulines in Youngstown are creating that history each day. In these pages you’ll see some of the ways in which we are creating our Sister Mary McCormick history. Over the past four years we have invested more than $4 million in General Superior renovations to the Motherhouse. These included new rooms for the Sisters, new administrative offices, the creation of apartments for our Ursuline Sisters Senior Living ministry, and most recently, the renovation of our Sisters’ Health Care facility. This investment of resources into our living space and ministry is a pledge to keep creating a history for the Ursulines in the greater Youngstown area. Last September, we marked 140 years in Youngstown. As we begin our 142nd year, we look toward continuing to develop our ministries and outreach. Here are just some examples:
Over the next several months, we will be seeking input on how best to use the second floor of The Ursuline Center. Most recently it was used as temporary housing for Health Care. Before we initiate any renovation of that section, we want to have a clear plan for how to best use the space. (If you have any ideas, let us know!) We will continue extending our outreach to young adults. Over the past several years, our Young Adult Outreach ministry committee has created service learning programs for young adults. These provide opportunities for them to gain experience by working or volunteering in the ministries of the Ursulines’ social service agencies (Beatitude House and HIV/AIDS), with older adults (for nursing), with young children (for early childhood education), and more.
It is always a joy to welcome visitors and guests to the Motherhouse. If you are in our neighborhood, stop in for a visit, walk the labyrinth, or pray in our chapel. Know that you, our friends, our families, and our colleagues, are in our prayers each day. May God bless you and those whom you love.
Sister Mary McCormick, OSU General Superior