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Celebrate… Reminisce… Share
The Congregation of the Mission Midwest Province cordially invites you to join us for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new St. Mary’s of the Barrens Vincentian Residence in Perryville, Missouri on Saturday, April 2, 2005. We are excited to mark this unique occasion with a special opportunity for us all to gather to celebrate the Vincentian heritage and future in Perryville, reminisce with Vincentians, friends and family, and deepen our bonds with all those affiliated with our work.
This celebration will begin on Friday, April 1 with a special gathering for priests and brothers. On Saturday, April 2, we then extend an invitation for all to join us beginning with Mass at 10:30 a.m., followed by the formal groundbreaking ceremony, lunch and sharing that afternoon.
The Groundbreaking Event Committee is co-chaired by Father Ray Van Dorpe, CM, and Teresa Manna. They are assisted by Fathers John Gagnepain, Kevin Fausz, Ron Hoye and Derek Swanson, CM, and Pamela Loebner.
“Plans for the Groundbreaking Event in Perryville are coming together quickly and efficiently. We are confident that the events of April 1 and 2 will bring Vincentians, family and friends of the community together for a memorable celebration not only of a new residential building, but also of our past, present and future in Perryville,” shared Fr. Ray, event co-chair.
Teresa adds, “We have invited priests and brothers from the Western region, family and friends, affiliates, employees, donors, Vincentian Family Heads, church and civic leaders from Perryville, friends from Southeast Missouri State University, and all those who might be interested in making history with us on that day. You are an important piece of the history we have made here and the future we are building and we hope you will plan to join us.”
Preparation for demolition of the student and novitiate buildings began in January and was completed last month. This work included removal of all architectural artifacts and memorabilia from the buildings. Plans include incorporating many of these items into the new residence including statues, the marble work from the student chapel, stained glass, cornerstones and fixtures.
“Groundbreaking is the first step in our renewed commitment to St. Mary’s of the Barrens in Perryville, where we first began in the early 1800s. ‘The Barrens’ is our home, our history, and our roots. It is only fitting that we continue a community presence here and so make it also our future,” shared Provincial Father Jim Swift, CM.
“In taking this first step, we pale by comparison with those who also made a beginning some 185+ years ago, figures like Joseph Rosati and Felix DeAndreis. But, who knows what will come of our new start? After all, our work is in God’s hands and he is constantly surprising us,” Fr. Jim concludes.
Please plan to join us in this celebration and again upon the completion of the project when we dedicate this building in 2006.
You should have received a formal invitation for this event. To request another, to RSVP or with questions, please contact Pamela Loebner at 314/373-8505 or ploebner@vincentian.org.
Vincentian is published bimonthly by the Midwest and Southern Provinces of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentian Priests and Brothers, to promote the apostolic works of its members and those of the larger Vincentian Family.
Congegration of the Mission, Vincentian
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