Mary have been at home on the West Side of Buffalo since the 1800's, when the mission there began with a small school in a simple wood frame home. The year 2013 marks the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the first Sisters of St. It was an invitation in 1863 from Bishop Timon of the Diocese of Buffalo, that inspired the missionary spirit of five noble sisters from Namur, Belgium, who braved unim
aginable hardships, and found themselves led to Lockport, NY. With a blend of uncanny wisdom and ingenious grit, Mother Emilie Kemen guided the group, through very difficult times, enabling them to open schools, providing education for children as well as adults, and to reach out to those in need in whatever way they could. It is striking to consider the thousands upon thousands of men, women and children who, having been touched by the loving care of the Sisters of St. Mary, have "paid it forward" to impact countless more. Since those early days, the Sisters' work and compassionate concern for the people of God, especially the poor and marginalized, have been the hallmark of the Sisters of St. Today, the inner fire that inspired those first five sisters lives on in each Sister of St. Mary, from the youngest to the eldest. It is this concern for the poor that prompts the Sisters to reinforce their presence on the West Side of Buffalo, assuring their ability to remain there by undertaking much needed improvements to the Annunciation/St. Presently, the Annunciation/St. Mary Center complex serves as a residence for active, semi-retired and retired sisters as well as the administrative center and the heart of the Eastern Province. Our focal point for this capital campaign is the Annunciation/St. Mary Center complex at 241 Lafayette Avenue on the West Side of Buffalo, where we have served since 1887. At this time, we find ourselves in need of updating this living facility which is so important to our continued ministry in the Western New York area. With that in mind, we are embarking on a capital campaign with the goal of renovating the original convent, and building an adjoining two-story residence that will provide much needed and modernized personal living and support space for our active sisters as well those who are semi-retired and retired. In order to care for the Sisters at all stages of life as well as to keep the future open for ministry, the Sisters of St. Mary are planning a $5,000,000 investment in this property. The facility, which will continue to house the Sisters and enable their outreach services, will include:
• renovated living space
• new rooms for health-related care
• small chapel
• ministry offices
• library
• meeting and community rooms
• new area for parking
• food service
The realization of this project will allow the Sisters to continue their legacy of caring service, and assist them in preparation for the future of their ministry. They invite you to consider generously supporting them in this project in a partnership of mission. With your support, the ongoing presence and selfless service of the Sisters of Saint Mary of Namur will endure into the future. To join the Sisters in this endeavor, please contact Sister Marian Baumler, SSMN at 716.884.8221, ext.14. Thank you!
