I was a stranger, and you welcomed me. Mt. 25:35

 

Joseph House, providing temporary housing for refugees, has been established on E. 82nd St. in Cleveland through the Church in the City Partnership between Cleveland's St. Philip Neri Parish and Chapel of the Divine Word in Kirtland. Together the two parishes have brought to life a program providing a community of care for refugees coming to the Cleveland area.

 

More than sixty-seven volunteers, donating over 2,460 hours of service, have renovated the former convent at St. Philip Neri into three up-to-date apartments for those who need a welcoming shelter as they make this new country their home. During the past 2 1/2 years, as the remodeling of the former convent progressed, Joseph House has been a place of refuge to eight different families--most from Bosnia.


The work of the Joseph House volunteers extends beyond providing initial housing needs and continues as volunteers help refugees adapt to radically new lives. Each of the Joseph House refugee families has a host family who provide special hospitality and a warm welcome to the newcomers. Essentially both families become part of a large extended family.


Sunday, September 5, St. Philip and Divine Word parishioners, Joseph House residents, former residents, and host families came together to celebrate the official dedication of the now-completed Joseph House. Cardinal James Hickey of Washington and Bishop Anthony Pilla were both present to lead prayers and shower blessings on Joseph House and on the many assembled who had participated in its birth and development.


Later that week on Friday, September 10, an Open House was held throwing wide the doors of Joseph House. All involved were invited to come and see the fine work that has resulted from the partnership between St. Philip and Divine Word Parishes. The entire week of celebration and joy brought evidence once again that God has surely visited His people--at Joseph House on E. 82nd Street.

 

The former St. Philip Neri Convent on E. 82nd Street is now Joseph House, providing temporary housing for refugees.

Fr. Norm Smith, pastor of Divine Word Parish, welcomes Cardinal James Hickey and Bishop Anthony Pilla to the dedication of Joseph House.

 

Cardinal Hickey, Bishop Pilla, St. Philip parishioner Pam Petty (partially hidden), Cardinal Hickey's secretary Fr. Barry Knestout, and St. Philip Neri pastoral associate Sr. Wilma Apack proceed to the dedication of Joseph House.

 

Bishop Pilla's secretary Fr. Ted Marszal joins the bishop and Cardinal Hickey as the dedication begins on the porch of Joseph House.

Danijel Anusic, a former resident of Joseph House, welcomes the bishop and the cardinal with a loaf of freshly baked bread.


Monica Viviana, coordinator of Joseph House, leads the assembly in a responsorial psalm.

Fr. Gary Stakem, OFM Cap, pastor of St. Philip Neff, reads from Scripture the words, "Peace be to this house."

The Kalic family are current residents of Joseph House: (1 to r) mother, Rosmija; father, Mirfad; and daughter, 15-year-old Azra. The Kalic's son, Mustafa, 17, was at soccer practice when this picture was taken.

Neil Perko, Divine Word parishioner and head of the Kalic's host family, surveys his friends' new digs.

Joshua Immarino, member of a Divine Word host family, approves of the beautiful bedroom ready for the new children coming to Joseph House.

Maggie Di Penti, Divine Word parishioner, points out the charms of the Joseph House nursery.

Fr. Joseph McMahon, in residence at Divine Word in Kirtland, admires one of Joseph House's bright new kitchens.

Former resident Alisia Beganovich and her son Anes have come to see the many improvements in the fully-renovated Joseph House.

Sr. Rita Mary Harwood (center) and Sr. Judy Ostrowski listen to Fr. Gary's account of the many bright ideas he has seen become reality in the completion of Joseph House.

Joseph House coordinator Monica Viviana and St. Philip Neri parishioner Arcie Petty celebrate all that is wonderful and new about Joseph House.

 

Joseph House welcomes your questions, prayers, and comments. While much has been accomplished, there is an ongoing need to continue to welcome and host new refugee families

For more information about Joseph House--how to provide volunteer labor, household goods, or monetary donations contact:

Monica Viviani, Coordinator

Joseph House

c/o St. Philip Neri

8215 St. Clair Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44103

Phone: 216-431-7200