"We Have Been Blessed"

On April 24, 2009, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie proclaimed: "We have been blessed" when our capital campaign pledges reached $9 million. The outstanding generosity of our relatives, friends, former students (especially alumnae of Saint Benedict Academy) Oblates, former members, campaign volunteers, businesses and foundations allows us to say with gratitude and joy: "We have been blessed." Our supporters' response to our request for help was more than we could have ever imagined when we began this campaign in 2005. As we complete this campaign we thank all of you for honoring us by sharing your resources either through a gift to the campaign or by remembering us in your will.

Much has already been accomplished as a result of the campaign. As funds became available we began to update and renovate our 40-year-old monastery. Our aim was to create renewed space that would meet the changing needs of the community and address infrastructure improvements. Renovation plans incorporated factors such as simple design, energy efficiency, accessibility, cost effectiveness, and use of “green” materials.

Joyce Savocchio and Judy Lynch, honorary co-chairs of the Heritage of Hope Capital Campaign (front, from left) with Sister Mary Margaret Kraus, OSB, former prioress; Sister Christine Vladimiroff, OSB, current prioress; and Sister Mary Jane Vergotz, OSB, director of development, discussed the start of the public phase of the $9 million Heritage of Hope Capital Campaign.

The Heritage of Hope Capital Campaign Leadership Committee was introduced at the news conference on Nov.1, 2006. Members include: (front, from left) Jo Clarke, Sister Miriam Mashank, OSB; Will O’Neil, Sue Clayton, Kathy Danch, Betsy Monsalve, and Sister Christine Vladimiroff, OSB, prioress. In the back row, from left, are Sister Diane Cook, OSB; Ann O’Neil, Rick Clayton, Steve Danch, Marco Monsalve and Sister Mary Jane Vergotz, OSB.

Thus far we have completed the following renovations and improvements:

• Chapel, Gathering Space, and cloister walk.
• Front entrance and foyer.
• 33 new bedrooms with private baths.
• Library carpeting.
• 624 new windows.
• Roof replacement.
• Insulation.
• New HVAC.
• Electrical service upgrade.
• Drainage repair.
• Fire alarm system upgrade.
• Exterior door security system.

The success of our campaign is due to the efforts of many people. Our campaign consultants, Tom Reid and Chris Kane of the Reid Group provided steady guidance; the campaign leadership committee provided advice and support; campaign volunteers including Oblates, Saint Benedict Academy Alumnae and Sisters spent hours contacting donors, hosting receptions, and a multitude of other duties.

Over the past four years the Development and Communications Department staff: Jo Clarke, Ann Comstock and Kathy Linse; Sisters Rosanne Loneck, Dona Obenrader and Irene Spacht; and volunteer, Barbara Roseborough, worked tirelessly to successfully complete this campaign. Our prioress, Christine Vladimiroff, who led our campaign efforts by visiting with donors in Erie and throughout the country, maintained a high level of energy and optimism throughout the campaign. Finally, the Sisters, through their prayers and words of appreciation and encouragement, provided the impetus to reach our intended goal.