BY THEA JARVIS

Staff Writer

ATLANTA--On a golden autumn afternoon, five recently-arrived residents of St. Joseph Place are eager to talk about their new home.

Seated at brightly decorated tables in an airy, sun-washed community room, the group is enthusiastic about their shared adventure in retirement living and grateful for friendships that are quickly developing.

"This is the most comfortable, homelike environment I've ever been in," said Clara Jones, 65, who lived with her daughter in Lithonia while awaiting the opening of St. Joseph Place.

"It's nice to be in your own house," said Jerome Pannell, 72, a

Texas transplant who also stayed with family while St. Joseph Place was taking shape. "I had all my stuff in the garage!"

Sophie Casiano, 73, admitted she was lonely when she first moved to St. Joseph's. She had come from nearby Mableton and was used to having family at hand.

But "after I met my neighbor, it passed," she said contentedly.

Now very much at home in St. Joseph Place, she is more than happy to leave behind the challenge of staircases and oversized living spaces. The ease and convenience is "a saving grace," she said.

This October, the Atlanta Archdiocese opened its latest retirement community on a rolling, wooded, six-acre tract adjacent to the Village of St. Joseph and Most Blessed Sacrament Church in southwest Atlanta.

Built for single or married residents 62 years of age and above with limits on their income, St. Joseph Place features 48 one-bedroom, patio-style, private entry apartments, each with over 500 square feet of space.

Clustered in 11 colonial-style brick buildings, the complex includes a community center with gathering room, laundry facilities, mailboxes, maildrop and management office.

Developed by Catholic Housing Initiatives (CHI), one of five programs administered by the archdiocesan Catholic Charities agency, St. Joseph Place was built with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

"I was highly impressed," said Helen Humphries, lively and attractive at 82.

A lifelong resident of New Orleans, widowed for 32 years, Humphries was encouraged by her son and daughter-in-law, who live in metro Atlanta, to consider St. Joseph Place. She found the natural setting and peaceful environment irresistible.

"It's like God's paintbrush," she said, pointing to a stand of yellow and russet foliage in the surrounding woods.

Inviting a visitor into her cozy apartment, Humphries said she was delighted the move brought her closer to family and relieved that the space accommodated cherished photos and antiques.

"I was so afraid I wouldn't get my things in," she said, eyeing a stately china cabinet and drop-leaf table that fit nicely into her living room.

A compact kitchen promised easy meal preparation and cleanup. The bedroom, furnished with a mix of old and new, includes a "prayer corner" where she keeps the Scriptures and other inspirational books on the shelves of a graceful secretary.

Glancing out the broad living room window overlooking her narrow street, Humphries said that while St. Joseph Place offers the freedom of independent living, it gives her a sense of security as well.

"You feel like you're a part of everything," she said. "It's a comfort to know people are around."

The community had awaited the opening of St. Joseph Place since 1995. After repeated delays, work was eventually completed by local subcontractors.

"Construction was very difficult. There were multiple challenges, not the least of which was a lot of rock," said Carroll Sterne, head of Catholic Charities and president of CHI.

"Residents were waiting to move in. The first group was almost homeless, going from relative to relative, anticipating the move," Sterne said with regret.

Despite the problems, residents now feel they made the right choice.

"It was absolutely worth the wait," said Clara Jones. Neighbor Frances McCann, 78, agreed. Though packed for a frustrating two years, "I kept hanging on," McCann said.

Most attribute their perseverance to the care and concern of Sister M. Jane Katafias, OSF, property manager of St. Joseph Place who encouraged and reassured potential residents during the waiting period.

"She's the hardest working person I've ever seen," said Humphries.

Sterne, too, credits Sister Katafias with keeping up sagging spirits and maintaining a positive attitude. "The woman is a saint," he said. "She's really made a wonderful contribution."

Sister Katafias, herself a senior citizen with the energy and drive of a teenager, lives on site in a centrally located apartment. Her commitment to St. Joseph Place grows from a belief that such communities facilitate "a much-needed ministry with the elderly."

Pleased to see camaraderie developing and resident car owners offering rides to neighbors, Sister Katafias said local churches have been generous as well, providing transportation to Sunday and midweek services.

"Of course, Catholics just go up the road to Mass," she said with a smile.

Nearby Cascade Crossing, which boasts a grocery, drugstore, dry cleaner and mailing center, affords convenient shopping, Sister Katafias added. Her plans include a monthly newsletter, social activities, outings and opportunities for artistic expression.

"I want to pool the talents of people here," Sister Katafias said, and seek out volunteers who enjoy working with older people. "We first give them a home, then make them feel at home."

Among the things that make St. Joseph Place special to her are the local deer, "our first residents," drawn to the grounds by the salt lick and apples Sister Katafias leaves for them, and the spectacular light show at nearby Hartsfield Airport.

"It's really pretty at night," she said. "The planes lined up look like fireflies. It's a beautiful, peaceful sight."

Best of all, because of their location, "We can see them but not hear them."

Currently, St. Joseph Place has 24 apartments available, a rarity for most senior living facilities, particularly one so new and so close to a Catholic church.

"People are ecstatic because we have openings and they know they will get in," said CHI assistant director Marylou Scruggs. "We expect to fill up by the end of the year. We know there's a need out there."

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Sister Jane Katafias, OSF, 2973 Butner Road, SW, Atlanta 30331, telephone (404) 346-0745.