BROOKHAVEN >> Residents, clergy, family, friends, local officials and neighbors gathered Sunday for the dedication, blessing and tour of the Don Guanella residence located on the grounds of Our lady of Charity Church.
The residence, which will be home to eight mentally and physically disabled men who formally lived at the now-closed Cardinal Krol Center on Sproul Road in Springfield, is a ranch-style construction with ample kitchen facilities, computer room, living room, bathroom and bedrooms.Construction began in September and the home is scheduled to officially open in two weeks.
The residents of the new Don Guanella home in Brookhaven pose for a photo. In the rear are, from left, the Rev. Brian Izzo, Patti Menszak and Rev. the Dennis Weber. LORETTA RODGERS — Daily Times correspondent
Catholic Social Services administrator Patti Menszak said the Brookhaven home is the ninth the archdiocese has opened. She added that managers and direct care staff will be on site round the clock.
“Every one of the men who have moved from the CK Center to one of the homes are thriving and happier than I have ever seen them,” Menszak said. “They have been embraced by the communities and are given a lot of love. I know the same will happen here because this has been a terrific endeavor from the beginning.”
Our Lady of Charity Pastor the Rev. Brian Izzo proudly carried an iPad, taking pictures of the dedication to add to the numerous photographs he has already taken of the entire construction process.
“I am going to give the residents an album, “Izzo said. “We are very excited to have these gentlemen here, living on our campus. When the archdiocese approached us, we were thrilled to comply. These men are very wanted and welcome here.”
The dedication was officiated by the Rev. Dennis Weber, who has been working with the residents of the Cardinal Krol Center for more than 20 years.
“This is beyond our expectations,” Weber said. “Isn’t this a beautiful home?”
Among the guests were the family of 57-year-old Franny Catterall, who had a special story to tell.
Franny is the youngest of four children born to the now-deceased Francis and Eileen Catterall. The family resided in Massachusetts, and when Franny reached school age, his parents realized there were no schools available to properly address his disability.
“My dad quit his job and moved our family to the Philadelphia area so my brother could attend Our Lady of Confidence School,” said Franny’s sister, Maureen Catterall McDonald. “Then when my brother was nearing 18, there was another hurdle.”
Nancy Catterall said her mother visited Cardinal John Krol, then archbishop of Philadelphia, to discuss the possibility of constructing a facility for mentally disabled adults.
Nancy said Krol told her mother that if she could raise $1 million, the archdiocese would match the funds and build a facility.
“Our mother did indeed raise that money by selling chances at Kmart, Acme and other stores,” Nancy said. “Two cars were donated to be raffled and many individuals contributed. The CK Center became a reality and my brother lived there for many years. I have had two really happy days in my life. One was when my sister’s first child was born and the other is today. Our parents would be so thrilled.”
Nancy said her brother, John, a talented musician, will be visiting often and playing for the residents.
Upland resident Carol Baker and her family were also on hand to tour the new house. Baker, a former employee of the Cardinal Krol Center, has welcomed George Corson into her home for more than 40 years for holidays and special occasions.
“I wanted George to have a special place to go on the holidays,” Baker said. “My whole family just loves him. And, we are so happy he will be living right down the street from us.”
Brookhaven Mayor Mike Hess and members of borough council were also present for the dedication and tour.
“On behalf of council, I welcome these fine men to our borough, which is a community of unity,” Hess said. “I know they will be happy here.”
