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For more than 60 years, St. Joseph Chapel has been the heart of this facility drawing visitors into its sacred space and inviting an encounter with the Lord.
“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.”--Dedication of the Motherhouse souvenir book, 1957
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- Altar
- Sanctuary
- Statues
- Shrines
- Stained Glass
- Stations of the Cross
- Confessional & Sacristy
- Technology
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“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
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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.
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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.
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New lighting with adjustments for “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. A sound board is available for musicians to use to adjust sound for music and singing purposes. Assistive listening devices are also available upon request.
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.
