The Story of Angela's Villa
By Sister Norma Raupple
Through Angela's Villa, we provide opportunities for service, prayer and community for the young women serving in ministry with us.
It began when a house on Youngstown’s west side was gifted to the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown through one of our Ursuline Associates, Scott Schulick. Scott was a trustee for a woman who wished to leave her house to a good cause.
A few weeks earlier, I’d asked him to let us know if he came across any houses for sale because we were interested in a space for young adults to gather. When he showed us Helga’s home, it definitely had possibilities -- and we were thrilled when he and his business partner offered it to us.
It was interesting to discover that Helga met her husband, David Ives, in Italy, which was the birthplace of our founder,
St. Angela Merici. Also, Sister Mary McCormick, our General Superior, was a student of David’s for several courses at Youngstown State University.
Peggy Eicher, our Motherhouse Administrator, and her team, as well as a group of young adult women who volunteer with us, began the transition for the house to become a home. The roof was replaced the first week and new windows were installed the second. Painting, new carpeting, the installation of a shower and more followed. In the meantime, the dining room table and chairs were re-finished and kitchen cabinets scrubbed by the energetic young-adult women.
The beautifully upgraded rooms work well for our gathering spaces. I reside there, and the young women are creating ways to come together to build community and support each other. For instance, we often share Sunday brunch after Mass at a nearby parish.
One of the young adult women, Kelly, is also our Vocation Ambassador. She works closely with me at the house, and also writes “Voices from Angela’s Villa” blog posts.
Kelly created the video below, which takes you on the journey with us as we worked to make Angela's Villa a home and hub for our Young Adult Outreach Ministry. Enjoy! And visit us often!
Through Angela's Villa, we provide opportunities for service, prayer and community for the young women serving in ministry with us.
It began when a house on Youngstown’s west side was gifted to the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown through one of our Ursuline Associates, Scott Schulick. Scott was a trustee for a woman who wished to leave her house to a good cause.
A few weeks earlier, I’d asked him to let us know if he came across any houses for sale because we were interested in a space for young adults to gather. When he showed us Helga’s home, it definitely had possibilities -- and we were thrilled when he and his business partner offered it to us.
It was interesting to discover that Helga met her husband, David Ives, in Italy, which was the birthplace of our founder,
St. Angela Merici. Also, Sister Mary McCormick, our General Superior, was a student of David’s for several courses at Youngstown State University.
Peggy Eicher, our Motherhouse Administrator, and her team, as well as a group of young adult women who volunteer with us, began the transition for the house to become a home. The roof was replaced the first week and new windows were installed the second. Painting, new carpeting, the installation of a shower and more followed. In the meantime, the dining room table and chairs were re-finished and kitchen cabinets scrubbed by the energetic young-adult women.
The beautifully upgraded rooms work well for our gathering spaces. I reside there, and the young women are creating ways to come together to build community and support each other. For instance, we often share Sunday brunch after Mass at a nearby parish.
One of the young adult women, Kelly, is also our Vocation Ambassador. She works closely with me at the house, and also writes “Voices from Angela’s Villa” blog posts.
Kelly created the video below, which takes you on the journey with us as we worked to make Angela's Villa a home and hub for our Young Adult Outreach Ministry. Enjoy! And visit us often!