On August 8th the last five Sisters scheduled for move-in arrived at Marian Woods. The long awaited day finally came. Marian Woods had become a new lived reality.

It was a glorious summer. July 19 was the day of the big move of all the boxes and furniture from the Tower and other places to the new building. The number of boxes was hard to believe. All were delivered with only a few glitches to the proper rooms. Furniture familiar to the Convent of Mercy found a new place in the various common areas of Marian Woods.

Saturday, July 21, was a busy day at Marian Woods. Many sisters used valuable and found time to help with the unpacking of boxes and the setting up of individual sisters’ rooms. It was with glad hearts and willing hands that the process of settling in began. Many hands made light work and the spirit of lightheartedness gave the perfect atmosphere.

July 30th was the first move in day for the founding members of the new community at Marian Woods. Five Sisters of Mercy and five Dominicans of Blauvelt moved in that day. Each received a big welcome and the keys to their new home. It was a day of still more unpacking and many questions.

The next day, Tuesday, the first liturgy was celebrated in the beautiful new chapel. All agreed it was a very special event. More moves happened on Wednesday and Friday of the week with Franciscans Sisters of Peace, Sisters of the Holy Child, and the remaining Sisters from the Tower joining the others. Routines were already getting established, and there were still many questions heard. Good comments could be heard about the helpfulness of the staff and about the great meals in the dining room. Even the fire drill was taken with a good spirit.

Monday and Wednesday of the next week completed the move-ins. The welcome group for the last Sisters of Mercy had grown, and it was delightful to see the greetings exchanged and the help offered.

It was evident that a good thing was taking place. The community of Marian Woods was taking shape.

Sisters, may your days be blessed with peace and joy. You are a blessing to us by your courage and willingness to risk this new journey.

 

Capital Campaign Leaders
So far the $10 million capital campaign has generated more than $1.3 million in cash and pledges, and key committee positions have been filled. Mary Higgins Clark, world-renowned author and the product of Catholic education, is Honorary Chair for the campaign. That's in addition to her role as Acting Chair, a post she has agreed to accept until that position is filled.

Other leaders have joined the effort, too:

  • Msgr. William J. Belford, Episcopal Vicar of Rockland County who will serve as head of the Parish Campaign
  • Linda Franciscovich, Senior Vice President, U.S. Trust, who will head the Foundation Committee



Life at Marian Woods
Marian Woods was the name chosen for our new facility, which is licensed as an adult home under the Department of Health of New York State. The name honors Mary, the mother of God, and the sylvan-like setting that surrounds the facility. The location is magnificent: 13 undeveloped acres in lower Westchester County, at one time the estate of businessman Henry Gaisman. Fortunately, the 120 acres surrounding Marian Woods will be preserved as a town park. So our sisters will enjoy a magnificent and protected place in their senior years.

The care at Marian Woods is exceptional. Experienced professionals deliver services in an atmosphere that's completely respectful of the sisters' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Each Sister has a room with private bath, and enjoys meals, housekeeping, healthcare management, and assistance with personal care.

Mass is offered daily in the Chapel and recreational and other types of activities are available as well. When needed, more extensive healthcare will be provided under contract with the Home Health Agency of Dominican Sisters Family Health Services. Another feature of Marian Woods is that the 50-bed facility will accept religious from other communities as the need arises.

Marian Woods provides a place of rest and support for the women of religious communities who have given their entire lives for the care and comfort of others. As one supporter said, "They have meant so much to us. Now we have the opportunity, maybe even the duty, to help them in their time of need and to demonstrate what we have learned from their example."