ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – A groundbreaking ceremony and blessing for Presentation Place is set for 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, on the east side of Mother Joseph Manor, 1002 N. Jay St. Refreshments will follow in Center Court at Nano Nagle Village.
Earlier, the Presentation Sisters of Aberdeen announced plans to build new residences in Aberdeen and Sioux Falls.
The Sisters’ mission, their community and well-being are key priorities in making this transition.
One of the Sisters core values is to do nothing alone – they always seek to connect with others in furthering the message of the Gospel of Jesus. For that reason, the Sisters will work in partnership with Avera in developing these residences.
In Aberdeen, Presentation Place will be constructed adjacent to Avera Mother Joseph Retirement Community. In Sioux Falls, Presentation Center will be constructed south of the Walsh Family Village near the Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center campus.
Changing health needs of the Sisters, a smaller carbon footprint, and better stewardship of resources are all reasons for the new residences.
In Aberdeen, Sisters currently live at Presentation Convent. This building was built for over 100 Sisters and that much space is no longer needed. The Sisters are considering other uses for the space to benefit their mission.
Presentation Place in Aberdeen will have 16 rooms and Presentation Center in Sioux Falls will have 20 rooms for Sisters as well as guest rooms for Sisters who travel for meetings, appointments or events. Both sites will have group dining space, sacred space, and leadership space for offices, meetings and retreats.
In Aberdeen, staff at Avera Mother Joseph will be shared with Presentation Place, and all staff who currently serve at Presentation Heights assisting the Sisters will have the opportunity to transition to similar positions at Avera locations in Aberdeen, if they desire. The Sisters expect to retain some employees to maintain the core obligations of the congregations.
Currently, about 15 Sisters live in Sioux Falls in houses and apartments owned or leased by the Presentation Sisters, and the new residence will provide a community living environment at one location. Avera McKennan will provide grounds keeping and maintenance support.
Construction will take approximately 10 to 12 months. The Presentation Sisters are funding both projects.
Along with the Benedictine Sisters, the Presentation Sisters are faithful sponsors of Avera and we appreciate their ongoing presence in the leadership of our organization. It is our honor to support them in this transition to new residences.