Religious of Sacred Heart mark 150 years at Kenwood

BY MAUREEN MCGUINNESS

From May 29-31, the Religious of the Sacred Heart are celebrating 150 years of life and ministry on the Kenwood campus in Albany.

"The celebration is in thanksgiving for all of the work that came out of the campus," said Sister Meg Canty, RSCJ, administrator of Kenwood Convent.

The celebration comes at a time of transition for the order, which is trying to sell the Kenwood property.

Care for aged

The Kenwood convent has been used as an eldercare facility for the order since 1969.

However, to continue to meet the needs of the aging sisters, the facility would have to undergo significant renovations, the administrator said, and "we could no longer put money into the building."

Planning for the future of the community and the convent, which began in 2003, was designed to include as many people as possible.

"We have been wonderfully blessed. There was collaboration and inclusion," Sister Canty stated. "At no time did we feel we had to keep information from anyone. We shared all of the possibilities."

New ministry

The 33 senior sisters who had been cared for at Kenwood are now living at Teresian House nursing home in Albany, Sister Canty said. She believes the group can be an example to all of those concerned about changes in the Church.

Most of the sisters are in their 90s; one recently turned 100. Many of them visit with other residents at Teresian House, especially those who don't have regular visitors. They are also fixtures at daily Mass.

"We wanted a place where our sisters could thrive," Sister Canty said. "This has been an extraordinary transition."

Sister Canty admits that change can be hard. When the first three sisters left Kenwood for Teresian House, there was sadness in the community. However, the sisters realized this was part of a greater plan.

"This is all part of our journey," Sister Canty said. "We're not going to say to the Holy Spirit, 'Oh, you're wrong.' We're full of hope."

Events

The celebration of Kenwood will start on May 29 with a gathering with the Doane Stuart School community. Doane Stuart was formed in 1975 when Kenwood Academy merged with St. Agnes School of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany.

On May 30, the feast of the Sacred Heart, a liturgy and renewal of vows for the sisters will continue the celebration. Sisters from around the country are expected to attend; the Kenwood campus served as the novitiate from 1899-1969.

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard will celebrate a Liturgy of Thanksgiving on May 31. Former students, employees, alumnae and Associates of the Religious of the Sacred Heart are all invited.

More to do

While the order is selling the Kenwood campus, Sister Canty said the ministry of the Religious of the Sacred Heart will continue in the Albany Diocese. Twenty members of the order serve in ministries locally; three more will be joining the Albany community in the summer.

"We wouldn't want to go to any other diocese," Sister Canty stated. "This is an extraordinary diocese."

(05/22/08) [[In-content Ad]]