The Village of St. Joseph reflects a new spirit in childcare and the Church, Archbishop-elect Leo C. Byrne of Minneapolis-St. Paul told a large crowd Sunday at dedication ceremonies.

“We are well into the second half of the 20th century,’ he said. “The Vatican Council II has come and gone and the implementing of the results of that great religious gathering is the happy responsibility of all of us. We are speaking these days about renewal, aggiornamento and the new things that are in the Church and Christian society.”

Archbishop Byrne said, “In one sense our gathering today is pointed in that direction. In another sense, we are here because of an age-old concern that all of us have and all humanity has had for the care of children."

The featured speaker said, “St. Joseph’s Village here in Atlanta reflects another great stop forward as far as institutional design is concerned. In days gone by, a children’s home would be a huge building with the word ‘institution’ unmistakably written all over it. The village has followed the modern plan of smaller living units modeled after a normal home situation and better preparing the children who live here to fit into a home of their own at some future time.

“Here there is followed also the modern concept of youngsters living together as a family in this cottage or apartment plan. Such small group living units proves advantageous for normal development.”

Archbishop Byrne said, “While the primary focus at the Village of St. Joseph is upon Catholic children, it will have great advantage for all the children in the community regardless of creed and belief. Nor will there be discrimination because of color racial background.

As a visitor I cannot speak about the policy of the Village, but I am sure there will be great overtones of ecumenical harmony here. There will be cooperation with institutions of those of other faiths and possibly interchange of facilities for specific purposes.

“This is a Catholic institution but no longer does the specter of proselytizing or the fear of bigotry overshadow the sisters or the lay staff. Here the charity of Christ which reaches out to all will manifest itself with grace and elegance.”

Archbishop Byrne said the day would be incomplete without saluting the Sisters of St. Joseph who have given a century of service to the people of Georgia.

It is interesting to point out that a century ago they began their work here with children in need, and this year in 1967, we are here to witness them launching out in another effort to continue this game great work of caring for children in need.

“As we look back, we have reason to glory in commendable era of childcare for the Catholics of Georgia. As we look forward even greater hopes for the care of children under Catholic auspices in an area where our society can be more open, more ecumenical and in a very wonderful way giving witness to the spirit of Christ who loved children and who arranged for them to be exemplars in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Archbishop Byrne gave his homily after he concelebrated Mass with Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan, Bishop Joseph L. Bernardin and Father James Scherer, director of Catholic Social Services and pastor of the village church. The Mass was said outdoors for the large crowd.

John Ferguson, chairman of the Archdiocesan Board of Social Services and a Village trustee, served as commentator and Dr. Rhodes Haverty, a trustee, acknowledged guests.

Following the Mass and dedication address a tour of the facilities was held and refreshments were served.