Help us to Renovate
St. Mary’s Convent
Spring 2024
Dear Friends,
St. Joseph the Worker is celebrated each year on May 1st. As this feast day celebrates all workers, it is fitting for the Daughters of Divine Charity to share our thoughts and needs of support for our Sisters in our spring appeal.
Considering the recent updates made to most of our convents, it was quite simple for our Council to work with the Development staff to identify the greatest need of support for the 2024 St. Joseph’s Day appeal.
In evaluating the current needs of the Sisters, a unanimous decision was made by the Council to focus efforts on St. Mary’s Convent in Manhattan, founded in 1913.
This mission continues to serve hundreds of young women living in Manhattan whether to start a career or to study while living under the supervision of the Sisters which fulfills the legacy of our Foundress, Servant of God, Mother Franziska Lechner’s desire to care for young women during the 1860’s. We, her Daughters continue this mission that was so close to her heart for the past one hundred eleven years.
During COVID this mission underwent a substantial economic loss of 50% of its revenue due to the declining number of residents. The Sisters always have put the needs of those in their care before their own.
After many decades of no renovations to the Sisters living space the convent area is now in urgent need of renovation. This renovation will focus on the second floor dedicated as the living space for the Sisters known as the convent. The renovation will include replacing the old carpeting in the hallways and kitchen with flooring that is more suitable for walkers and canes. The living room furniture will be replaced. All rooms will be painted and the bathrooms will be made handicapped accessible. These needed modifications will provide our dedicated Sisters to this mission with a more suitable, safer living spaces for all the Sisters.
You, our dear benefactors, have helped us in so many ways throughout the years and we ask that you consider contributing to the needs of St. Mary’s Convent by renewing your generous gift. Each monetary gift, no matter the size, when joined with others does indeed make a difference in the outcome of the appeal.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and ongoing commitment to the Daughters of Divine Charity who have touched the lives of so many by serving women, youth, and the elderly in the United States since 1913.
May Our Foundress, Servant of God, Mother Franziska Lechner intercede for your needs and intentions. May the carpenter, St. Joseph, our patron, and guide bless you and your families as we all “make God’s LOVE visible” in the world today by our example, service, and generosity.
With love, prayer, and gratitude,
Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C.
Daughters of Divine Charity