Donna Stiglmeier, Director of Casserly House
Casserly House engages volunteers for our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Classes. Their welcoming spirit makes a big difference in the lives of our immigrant adult learners, not only the English instruction that is offered. AND, the immigrant adult learners’ resilience and faith are inspiring to all of us who have the privilege of their company. All of us together make Casserly House a “home away from home,” one adult learner recently explained.
Sheila, one of our longtime volunteers (formerly with the Ignatian Volunteer Corps), penned the following prayer while on retreat in Gloucester. It is a lovely expression of the “connection” at Casserly House and the Sisters of Saint Joseph charism of unifying love of God and love of neighbor.
Prayer to Continue God’s Work on Earth
The minutes are passing, the time is near
My beautiful students will soon be here
Lord,
Let Your blessings dry their tears
Let my welcome calm their fears
From faraway lands, they walk through the door
They have suffered from violence and so much more
Lord,
Let me be the blessing that will help them cope
Let me be the blessing that will give them hope
With my arms open wide, I seek to reassure
They have a friend in me; they will endure
Sheila Rourke
Eastern Point 2025
.
Sheila and Jahaziel