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 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

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.  

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. to this was green marble leading up the stairs to and becoming part of the main sanctuary floor.

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 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 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.

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 behold, and draws the amazement of many visitors to the Chapel.

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.

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.

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 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 260 new chairs with kneelers.