St. Joseph Chapel

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

-Mt 11:28

For over 60 years, St. Joseph Chapel has been a stately reminder of the presence of the Lord in Tipton County. This attractive chapel is filled with a beauty that draws the visitor into its sacred space and invites an encounter with the Lord.

In the souvenir book of the Dedication of the Motherhouse in 1957, the chapel was described thus, “the Chapel is entered from the Main Building through the Narthex and is simple in treatment of its interior, focusing the attention on the most salient part of it: The Main Altar. Priests’ and Work Sacristies amply provided with storage space, and two Shrines, through which the Chapel can be entered also from the outside, complete the Chapel wing.”

During the renovation of the Chapel, many of the features of these area remain very similar or where enhanced to bring out the existing features.  The first thing that grabs the attention of the visitor to St. Joseph Chapel is the beautiful mural in the sanctuary.  This mural was newly created, but harkens back to the original mural of adoring angels who flank the six foot crucifix that has been present since 1957.  

The variety of marble found in the sanctuary is still preserved in the new renovation. The marble types that are used in what is now the tabernacle altar was describe as thus in the 1957 dedication book: “The altar table mensa is Botticino, golden veined; the lower section is Traventino Romano and Verde Antique. The gracefully constructed back of the altar is Rosa Chiara Alpina, capped with Verde Antique marble.” The assortment of marble gives the sanctuary a unique look.  Added to this was a green marble leading up the stairs to and becoming part of the main sanctuary floor.

New to the Sanctuary are the new altar of sacrifice, the ambo, and the two credence tables.  These new wooden pieces are a dark stain with metal work that compliments the existing patterns and style found in the back gates and the front rail.  This brings about a unity in the sanctuary that draws the worshiper into the beauty and order of the Lord. “The beautiful Communion rail is a combination of Botticino, golden veined, and Traventino Romano marble.”

The two side shrines to the Sacred Heart and the Infant Child of Prague have been repainted and new lighting added to enhance them.  Also, through the generosity of a donor, new votive glass of red for the Sacred Heart, and amber and clear for the Infant Child has been added to the shrines.  Votive candles will be available for purchase in the gift shop.   

The Dedication book of 1957 states that “The stained glass windows were imported from France, a country famed for the artistic beauty of this product.  Blue and rose are the predominating colors which the artists have skillfully constructed of small diamond-shaped pieces of stained glass. The truly artistic beauty of these is seen only when the sun shines through the glass, giving colors of myriad hues which enhance the loveliness of the chapel.”

“The eight large nave window portray the joyful, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries of the Holy Rosary.  The six smaller windows in the Sanctuary symbolize the Blessed Eucharist. The doors on the east and the west side, leading into the two shrines, have in them smaller windows of stained glass which honor the Founding Sisters, the Bishops of the Dioceses of Fort Wayne and Lafayette, and the pioneer members of the Community.”      
  
The Stations of the Cross are hand-carved of imported Lindenwood. They are original to the chapel, and also harken to the trade of the Patron of the chapel, St. Joseph and his work with wood. The figures of the stations draw one into the essence of journey to Calvary, allowing the participant to enter into heart of the Savior’s love for us.

The ceiling of the Chapel has been repainted along with the Litany of St. Joseph which frames the side aisles.  Along with a fresh repainting of the walls and ceiling, are an intricate “lace” type pattern along the bottom borders of the window along the walls.  This 3-D pattern is a wonder to at which to look, and it draws the amazement of many visitors to the Chapel.

New lighting has been installed in the chapel in which the retreatant is able to adjust the lighting by a choice of different “scenes” that help create the right mood for worship and prayer. The sound system has also been updated so as to help facilitate an enjoyable listening experience.

The front two sacristies have been transformed.  The old working sacristy has been restored to its former functioning and stocked with the vessels, linens, candles, lectionaries and Missals necessary to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The former sacristy on the front right hand side has been transformed into an amazing breakout room called Bethlehem. 

The Vesting Sacristy in the back of the Chapel has been carpeted, heated, and given new lighting.  The former storage room on the left back side has been converted into the new Confessional complete with carpet, screen, lighting, and a new drop ceiling. 

The terrazzo flooring has been cleaned and waxed.  The brilliant coloring of green, red, and beige add a subtle beauty all its own.  On top of it are the new chairs with kneelers.  They complete the new additions to a historic and awe-inspiring sacred space in which the retreatant is invited to encounter the Lord in His sacramental presence and the surrounding beauty. 

The St. Joseph Chapel is truly the heart of the Retreat and Conference Center!