Groundbreaking Ceremony
During the first breezy day of spring about forty Sisters of Divine Providence, friends and employees of the Congregation gathered under a canopy of trees on SW 24th street in front of McCullough Hall Nursing Center (MHNC) entrance for a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony commemorating the expansion and renovation of MHNC. Sister Thadine Hyzak, President of the MHNC Resident Council led the opening prayer. Sister Ann Petrus, Superior General, served as the emcee and introduced the guests: District 5 Councilwoman, Shirley Gonzalez; spokeswoman for Texas State Senator José Menéndez, María López; MHNC Administrator, Jessica Stemmerding; RVK (Board Certified Healthcare) Architect, Jason Puchot; Stoddard Construction Project Manager, Tricia Stoddard-Ramirez and Stoddard Project Superintendent, Larry Reininger. Larry’s aunt was Sister Agnesita Reininger.
All of the guests praised the Sisters of Divine Providence for their love and dedication to the neighborhood. Ms. Gonzalez considers the university and convent to be holy ground and the most peaceful place in the City of San Antonio. She reminded the Sisters to enjoy Elmendorf Park which was recently renovated. In his letter, Senator Menéndez congratulated Sister Pearl Ceasar for her election as the next Superior General. He always feels at home when he visits the many facilities built by the Sisters.
Sister Ann, Mrs. Stemmerding, Mr. Puchot and Mrs. Stoddard-Ramirez thanked the Sisters and staff for their dedication, cooperation and willingness to adjust to all the changes that are necessary to bring this great project to fruition. The entire process from beginning to end is all about the Sisters and what is best for them. This collaborative effort is about doing what is needed to make MHNC more home-like and life-giving.
The Stoddard Construction Company was chosen from several firms who submitted proposals. One of the advantages of hiring this group is its forty year relationship with the Sisters. The firm and its Project Manager and Superintendent are not new to Our Lady of the Lake Convent. The Stoddards renovated St. Joseph Hall and Annunciation Chapel, so they are familiar with the property as well as the expectations and practices of the home of the Sisters of Divine Providence.
Sisters Ann Petrus, MHNC Council Liaison, Sister Antoinette Billeaud, MHNC Administrator, Jessica Stemmerding, Councilwoman Shirley Gonzalez and Architect Jason Puchot received a white-bowed shovel and broke ground in a framed box of dirt to symbolize the beginning of this blessed project. Sister Ann thanked everyone present, led the closing prayer and invited all to enjoy the treats prepared by the CDP Food Service Department.