St. Joseph Chapel

During the 2016 renovation of the Chapel, many of the features of these areas remain very similar or were 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. 

New to the sanctuary are the 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 worshipper into the beauty and order of the Lord. And still, "the beautiful Communion rail is a combination of Botticino, golden veined, and Traventino Romano marble.”
 

The variety of marble found in the sanctuary was preserved in the renovation. 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. Green marble leading up the stairs to and becoming part of the main sanctuary floor was added. The original sanctuary terrazzo flooring in brilliant green, red, and beige add a subtle beauty.  On top of it are 260 new chairs with kneelers. 

The Chapel walls and ceiling have been repainted. Bordering the ceiling, the Litany of St. Joseph, invocations to St. Joseph that are the roots of the Sisters of St. Joseph, have been refurbished. Also refreshed was the intricate lace pattern that borders the stained glass windows. The 3-D pattern commemorates the first Sisters of St. Joseph in France who were lacemakers.

The original 1957 Mary and Joseph statues, carved from Lindenwood in Italy just like the St. Joseph Chapel Stations of the Cross, were restored in time for the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, May 1, 2021.

The Infant Child of Prague Shrine on the West side of the Chapel features amber and clear votive glass candle holders. Votive candles are availabel for purchase in the Carpenter's Shop.

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 

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine on the East side of the Chapel features red votive glass candle holders. Votive candles are availabel for purchase in the Carpenter's Shop.

“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 windows 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.” --Dedication of the Motherhouse souvenir book, 1957

The Stations of the Cross are hand-carved of imported Lindenwood. They are original to the chapel, and 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.

1st Station: Jesus is condemned to death
2nd Station: Jesus carries His cross
3rd Station: Jesus falls the first time
4th Station: Jesus meets His Mother
5th Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross
6th Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
7th Station: Jesus falls the second time
8th Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
9th Station: Jesus falls a third time
10th Station: Jesus clothes are taken away
11th Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross
12th Station: Jesus dies on the cross
13th Station: The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross
14th Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb
 

St. Joseph, Most Faithful 
St. Joseph, Patron of the Dying
St. Joseph, Hope of the Sick
St. Joseph, Lover of Poverty
St. Joseph, Illustrious Scion of David 
St. Joseph, Most Obedient
St. Joseph, Most Valiant
St. Joseph, Spouse of the Mother of God
St. Joseph, Safeguard of Families
St. Joseph, Guardian of Virgins
St. Joseph, Mirror of Patience
St. Joseph, Most Chaste

The former storage room on the East side has been converted into the St. John Vianney Confessional complete with carpet, screen, lighting, and a new drop ceiling. 

The West side 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 East side sacristy has been transformed into a private breakout room called Bethlehem. The vesting sacristy in the back of the Chapel has been carpeted, heated, and given new lighting.
 

An Allen Organ sits in the second-floor balcony and is connected to the chapel sound system. The organ is model C-6, Serial No. AKT-25937 made in Macungie, PA, September 5, 2006. This organ is dedicated to honor the Sisters of St. Joseph for their lifelong commitment to faith, hope, and love. Special tribute is given to Sister Rosemary Zauss, an organist for over 80 years, for her passion and zeal for music and life. Funding provided by Joseph A. Potvin (1948-2006) June 2006. Joseph Potvin was married to Agnes Margaret Walsh who's cousin is Sister Rosemary Zauss. Their family is memorialized in The Walsh Walk, a paved path established at our facility in 2000. The Walsh Walk highlights several family members and their connections to the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Catholic church. 

Provided to the Retreat Center in September of 2021 by an anonymous donor, the Yamaha AvantGrand NU1X electric piano is stored in the Chapel but may be utilized anywhere in the facility.

• The superb natural feel of a real piano action
• CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial piano samples
• CFX Binaural sampling
• VRM (Virtual Resonance Modeling)
• GP Response Damper Pedal
• Alluring elegance that complements any room
• USB Audio Recorder
• Built-in Bluetooth for wireless connection to Smart Device

• Lighting with adjustments for “scenes” that help create the right mood for worship and prayer.
• Updated sound system facilitates an enjoyable listening experience. A sound board is available for musicians to use to adjust sound for music and singing purposes.