History

Sisters of Charity Sponsor The Neighborhood House

  On September 1, 2005, the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy will assume sponsorship of the Neighborhood House, which is presently part of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charleston.  The decision to transfer the sponsorship to the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy was gratefully accepted by Bishop Robert Baker.  Remembering that the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy have experienced a long and fruitful history at the Neighborhood House, Bishop Baker graciously accepted the change initiated by the Sisters as part of their 175th celebration as a religious Community in the Diocese and their desire to serve the poor.

  The Neighborhood House, located at 77 America Street, has served the Charleston community since 1915 when it was established as a social service center and home nursing outreach by the Sisters and St. Francis Xavier Hospital.  The Neighborhood House met the needs of the local community for emergency services, community organizing, health services, an educational center for young boys and a “haven of hope” within the neighborhood.

  In the 1960’s, Catholic Charities assumed the sponsorship of this work and a soup kitchen was started under the leadership of the late Msgr. Thomas Duffy.  The Franciscan Sisters of Minnesota ministered to the local community under the direction of Sister Colleen Waterman, who presently directs Echo House in North Charleston, and the late Sister Maigread Conway.  Along with countless, faithful volunteers, these women developed services and gained the respect of the surrounding neighborhoods.  Over the past five years, Sister Patricia Keating has supervised the operation on America Street.  She will continue as the Director of the Neighborhood House along with the dedicated volunteers and the present staff of Vonceil Mitchell, Benjamin Gethers and Dorothy Rose.  They presently serve the community through emergency services, daily meal program and educational opportunities.  Sister Pat noted that the Neighborhood House has been a sign of God’s presence in the eastside of downtown Charleston for many years.  “The commitment by the Sisters of Charity to sponsor this good work once again gives hope to so many people who have often felt abandoned.  I look forward to continuing this service and working with the people in addressing the needs of the community.”

  Sister Bridget Sullivan, General Superior of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, is excited to resume this important ministry and reconnect to the Diocesan Sisters’ long history of service within the Charleston community.  “Our Sisters are delighted to sponsor this ministry in which the Community has such a rich history.  This ‘new’ beginning is an appropriate way to celebrate our 175th anniversary in the Diocese.”

  The Neighborhood House will function as a part of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters located on Johns Island.  If you wish to learn more about the Neighborhood House or to volunteer, please contact Sr. Pat Keating at 723-2284.