I want to publicly express my appreciation to our dear neighbors who have exhibited extraordinary hospitality to the OMC community in the aftermath of the devastating fire on Tuesday afternoon which destroyed the school building.

Most of the OMC campus has remained off limits, which means that we have been unable to access our church to pray and cope as a community.

I myself experienced this hospitality at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Friday evening, when a long planned Prayer and Praise service took place in St. Paul’s worship space. The kitchen and gathering center was also available for much needed hospitality and conversation.

On Saturday evening, the chapel of the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Saint Joseph was open to us for our 4:30 vigil Mass. What extraordinary hospitality the sisters showed. Every measure was taken to be sure that we felt welcomed and comfortable. From rides “up the hill” from the parking lot, to doors flung open in welcome and even an elevator operator! They knew, more than I, how important it was for us to be able to pray as a community! On Sunday, Norwood-Fontbonne  Academy made available their gym for Sunday services. I’m sure great preparations were made to turn the gym into a welcoming worship space.

These are just a few examples of what makes Chestnut Hill the special community that it is.

Kit McGovern

OMC parishioner