Website for Casserly House: A Ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston

Casserly House is a ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston. They have just launched a new website. The mission of Casserly House, named after Mother Regis Casserly, the foundress of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Boston, is to be a living presence in the neighborhood -- a presence which furthers the mission of the sisters, that is, to foster unity of people with God and unity of people with one another.

The house began to be imagined in 1998 when the Sisters of St. Joseph celebrated 125 years in Boston. It opened in 2000. Like our first sisters in mid-17th century LePuy, France, we wanted a place that was a presence to the people of the neighborhood -- a place that would connect neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God. Like our first sisters in Boston, we wanted to be in the Jamaica Plain/Roslindale area. I'm delighted that Casserly House is launching this website.

I've learned so much from visiting Casserly House over the years and encourgage you to visit their new site. The house has become a safe place for the neighborhood. I recall the day I was visiting and a small child about three years old was on the street and couldn't find his way home. An older child maybe about eight knocked on the door of Casserly House and asked Sister Nancy, who coordinates the house, to help the three-year old find his way home. Watching the children entrust themselves to her care was a powerful moment that taught me what Casserly House is all about.

Casserly House offers an after school program with computer access for neighborhood children wanting to complete school assignments. High school students from some of the Catholic high schools in the area volunteer to help younger children with these assignments. Many of our sisters also volunteer in the various programs that Casserly House offers.

Each summer Casserly House offers a Summer Camp. The camp has been so successful that "alums" of the camp return as student mentors for younger children. Both programs are supported by a grant from the Boston Police Athletic League [PAL]

Casserly House is also a place where immigrant adults who speak little or no English, and whose educational levels vary, can come for support. Almost any morning of the week there is a full program of adult learners and volunteer tutors involved in everything from basic English to preparation for the citizenship exam.

Learn more about Casserly House at their new website: http://www.casserlyhouse.org/