St. Joseph’s Chapel was constructed in 1955, two years after the hospital opened in its current location at Thomas Road and Third Avenue. As the center of the life of the Sisters of Mercy religious community, the Chapel was built between the convent and the hospital so that the Sisters could pass through the Chapel on their way to and from the hospital.
Although the convent no longer exists, St. Joseph’s remains an important part of the life of the Sisters of Mercy in Phoenix. It has undergone several renovations since its construction.
Now more than 50 years old, St. Joseph’s Chapel once again needs an updating. In 2008, the hospital began planning a renovation of the Chapel that would create a friendly and functional place for patients, visitors, staff, the Sisters, and the surrounding community. Work began that year,with a target completion date of March 2009.
But the world economic downturn halted the project in the fall of 2008. By then, new stained glass windows had been installed, and custom furniture had been made but not delivered.
Other planned renovations include replacing the lighting system, laying new stone flooring, installing a new sound system, refinishing the doors into the Chapel, and replacing the current worn chairs with chairs that have kneelers, as mandated by the Bishop.
“We believe it is important to finish this project so that St. Joseph’s Chapel can once again be a peaceful, healing place for patients, staff, and visitors,” says Madonna Marie Bolton, RSM, a Sister of Mercy who works in St. Joseph’s Foundation and serves as the hospital historian.
If you would like to contribute to the renovation of St. Joseph’s Chapel, you can make a donation online, or contact St. Joseph’s Foundation at 602-406-3041. Sister Madonna can be reached at 602-406-1047.
