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The Journey Home
We invite you to unite with us in our mission, to support us financially to the extent you are able, and to collaborate with us in the name of Jesus. Walk this new road with our Vincentian priests and brothers in their lifelong journey that has taken them from Perryville to every coastline in America, and across the seas to China and Africa.
Join us along a journey that leads home…to the Barrens.
Our Spiritual Home
The Church of the Assumption and the present Vincentian residence in Perryville are built on a place called the Barrens. It is not simply historic ground; it is holy ground. Here, prayers and sufferings are offered daily by the senior priests and brothers, just as they have for nearly 190 years.
The buildings where the retired priests and brothers resided dated back to 1850 and were never intended for this use. Renovating them for assisted living and nursing care would have been prohibitively expensive. In short, those buildings served their usefulness.
Looking to the future, the Midwest Province developed a master plan for St. Mary’s of the Barrens. The plan preserves the history and heritage of this reverential setting while providing an appropriate home for seniors as well as active priests and brothers.
The Church of the Assumption, the historic Administration Building and the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal all remain. The new $9.5 million facility at the Barrens is home to more than 30 Vincentians. It includes private living quarters, a community room and dining area, a chapel, small library, infirmary and assisted living area. Specially equipped areas for therapy are also available.
The Vincentians are beginning anew at the Barrens, their spiritual home.
Join Us in the Journey Home
Vincentian priests and brothers have touched countless lives in parishes, shelters, schools, and seminaries throughout the United States. They have dedicated their lives to the work of Jesus Christ here on Earth.
Today you are asked to consider the blessings you may have received through the generous service of these dedicated Vincentians and to return a small portion of those blessings to aid in their journey home.
Your tax-deductible gift may be made at one time or pledged over a three-year period. As a companion of our journey, you will be recognized in a special way in the courtyard of the new residence—a peaceful place where the Vincentian priests and brothers will meditate and remember you in prayer.
With a gift of $1,000 or more to the new Apostle of Charity Residence, your name or family's name will appear on a bronze tile on the base of a statue in one of the courtyards.
St. Vincent’s Circle
| Associates | $10,000+ | |
| Stewards | $5,000-$9,999 | |
| Companions | $1,000-$4,999 | |
| Patrons | $500-$999 | |
| Supporters | $100-$499 | |
| Friends | $1-$99 |
Dedication of the Mary, Mother of God Chapel and
Blessing of the Apostle of Charity Residence
On the weekend of July 21-23, 2006, the Congregation of the Mission Midwest Province dedicated the new residence at their motherhouse, St. Mary’s of the Barrens, located on land where the Vincentians first arrived in 1818.
In a very solemn and historical Mass on Friday evening, Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis presided over the consecration of the new altar and chapel, named in honor of Mary, the Mother of God. Attending this liturgy were Vincentians from the three western provinces of the United States, and a few special guests.
Saturday morning, 275 Vincentians and guests gathered in the Church of the Assumption and participated in sung Common Prayer, led by Fr. Jim Swift, CM, provincial superior of the Midwest Province. After Common Prayer, the ministers and guests processed up the driveway to the front door of the new residence, where the blessing ceremony took place.
Overall, about 1,000 people toured the Apostle of Charity Residence and celebrated with the Vincentians over the two and a half days.
Click here for more information and to see pictures of the event.
For more information on making a contribution, please contact:
Congregation of the Mission Midwest Province
Ms. Teresa R. Manna
Director of Development
13663 Rider Trail North
Earth City, MO 63045-1512
314-344-1184
314-344-2989 Fax
Contact the Director of Development
The legal title for the Vincentians is:
Congregation of the Mission Midwest Province
