Communities collaborate on care facility for senior members, laity

Published: 2004-01-02

CHICAGO (CNS) -- While Christian Brother Jim Keane and School Sister of Notre Dame Jean Phelan have years to go before they retire, both think they know where they'll live out their end years -- and, what's more, they're fairly happy about the prospect. The two are on a committee planning a new continuing care retirement community in Plainfield, a joint venture of six religious communities active in the Chicago area. Marian Lakes Villa will provide 300 housing units, including independent living cottages and apartments, assisted living apartments and skilled nursing beds to clergy, religious and lay people on 100 acres that the group is buying from one of the member congregations, the Mantellate Servite Sisters. The plan will provide the six cooperating communities with a place for their senior members who need the services a continuing care community can provide, and it won't become a white elephant as the older members of the communities die and they no longer need the space, said Brother Keane. "We've looked at the demographics on this, and we may have our own members in up to half the units for the first 20 or 30 years, but after that it will be almost all lay people," he said. The corporate board includes members of all six congregations, including the Christian Brothers, the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the Society of Helpers, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the Mantellate Servite Sisters and the Claretians.

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