Vincentian Family Ministry In Emmitsburg

Father Steve Trzecieski reports that Vincentian Family ministry is alive and well in Emmitsburg, Maryland

On July 31st the Daughters of Charity will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the new Province of St. Louise when the four Provinces merged under the successful leadership of Sr. Louise Gallahue, DC, the first Visitatrix, with the establishment of the Province in St. Louis, Missouri.

This merger set a new course for the former Provincial House here on the Emmitsburg campus. The “A” wing of the Provincial House was sold to “Homes For America” which renovated the building to be used for low-income apartments for the elderly known as “Seton Village.” This project is highly successful and conforms to the mission of the Daughters of Charity to assist those in need. Almost all of the forty or so apartments are currently occupied. Currently the “E” wind of the building is vacant.

The remainder of the building is divided into three major ministries:

First – St. Joseph’s House which includes the Provincial archives of the 4 former provinces, and the residence of the Daughters of Charity namely the Bethany and Caritas communities of those sisters in various ministries within St. Joseph’s House and off campus such as Seton Family Center and Villa St. Michael which is the home of the retired Daughters of Charity. Currently 51 sisters are in residence. Fr. Stephen Trzecieski, CM is the chaplain to the Villa sisters.

Second – St. Joseph’s Ministry which includes St. Vincent’s Care Center for the Daughters of Charity and St. Catherine’s, a nursing home for the laity currently serving 85 residents. The parish priests of St. Joseph’s Church, Fr. John Holliday, CM, the pastor and Fr. Charles Krieg, CM, the parochial Vicar minister to the residents.

Third – Seton Heritage Ministries which includes the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as well as the museum and gift shop. Fr. Frank Sacks, CM is the chaplain for the shrine. All 4 Vincentians priests help one another in each of the ministries as needed.

We are blessed with dedicated lay people in the parish and in all 3 ministries who make possible these vibrant and effective ministries in our Emmitsburg community. Please know that you are most welcome to visit Emmitsburg and see our Vincentian Family responding to the charism of St. Louise de Marillac and St. Vincent de Paul their cofounders.

In St. Vincent,
Steve Trzecieski, CM

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