The “Dream” Came True

2021 February Blog by Marian Durkin, CSA

Around the year 2000 the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine gathered with others to “dream” about new ministries the congregation might wish to create.

Out of those ‘dream” sessions came two ministries that have flourished to this day: Joseph’s Home, a ministry for homeless men, and our very own Centering Space, for people to come, listen to their heart and hear the voice of God.

I was there from the very beginning as a group of sisters and laity, with great excitement and hope, met to plan for the unfolding of a center where persons could come and discern the call of God in their lives. We were fortunate to have a “place” for our new ministry: the century home that stood on our property near Lakewood Catholic Academy. Sisters Carol Kandiko and Mary Jean Eucker were among the early founders and who answered the call of the community to birth this new CSA venture. I remember the many meetings as we discussed the name to be given; the logo to be designed; and a possible mission statement and vision for this new ministry.

Sisters Mary Ann Andrews, CSA and Jeannette Kearns, OSU joined Mary Jean and Carol in designing a format that would gradually expand the original Tuesday evening prayer into the prayer times and programs that we have today.

Over these 17 years, the dream has “come true” in the lives of the many who have been touched by the welcoming atmosphere of Centering Space, the variety of programs offered and the relationships that have blossomed.

Sr. Mary Jean left us way too soon, but the beautiful gardens always hold her memory. As a Sister of Charity of Saint Augustine, I could not be prouder of what has unfolded over the years.

Thank you, Carol and Betsy, for keeping the dream alive.