SILVER CREEK — The facility that is now St. Columban’s on the Lake Retirement Home was originally built by the Columban Fathers in 1924 to serve as a seminary for young men studying for the priesthood.

In 1930, the Columban Sisters arrived to provide support in running and maintaining the seminary and became an integral part of life in the school and in the community. By the late 1960s, with the number of seminarians declining, the Columban Fathers transferred ownership of the building and grounds to the Columban Sisters who renovated the building and established a ministry of care for the elderly. The retirement home opened its doors on May 1, 1970, and welcomed its first residents.

Like everywhere else in the world, the year 2020 has been one filled with unexpected challenges for St. Columban’s on the Lake. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Columban Sisters ministry of care for the elderly at the retirement home in Silver Creek, where plans for celebrating this milestone event were greatly modified due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“Although we were unable to celebrate our 50th Anniversary year as originally planned, we focused on a variety of internal events and activities that were very meaningful to our St. Columban’s family and which lifted everyone’s spirits during this difficult time,” says Sister Corona Colleary, administrator of the home. These included a kick-off celebration in February, a special 50th Anniversary Mass on May 1 followed by a celebratory meal, and a variety of outdoor activities for residents during the summer months. All activities were managed in compliance with current health guidelines. In addition to enjoying 50th anniversary social activities, St. Columban’s residents also joined in the making of dozens of cloth masks for distribution in the home, as well as to family and friends.

Gardening was a popular outdoor activity at St. Columban’s this summer.

“We are most grateful for the many blessings we’ve received this year, and especially for our St. Columban’s family of residents, staff, volunteers, families, Fathers and Sisters who worked tirelessly to safeguard the well-being of everyone in our home,” Sister Corona remarks. “Our 50-year ministry would not have been possible without their remarkable partnership and commitment through the years.”

Fundraising efforts facilitate improvements

Through the 50th Anniversary Celebration appeal and other fundraising efforts, St. Columban’s also realized several much-needed improvements and services for the home including a new support kitchen for use by residents and their families, a new outdoor events pavilion with restroom facilities, a new passenger van, and a new eight-passenger golf cart for on-campus transportation.

“We are sincerely thankful to our many friends and benefactors for their generous support of the retirement home through the years and especially during this milestone year,” comments Sister Corona.

A vibrant spirit,

St. Columban’s residents joined in making facemasks this past winter for the St. Columban’s community, family and friends.

a lasting legacy

“Our legacy of care is enriched by a spirit of life and independence and lives on through the many lives that have been touched by our ministry at St. Columban’s,” Sister continues. That special spirit was kept in mind when Sister Corona chose the original logo for the home depicting a seagull with spread wings gliding gracefully over the St. Columban’s name. “The seagull not only perfectly represents our physical location on Lake Erie,” she remarks, “but also represents that ageless spirit of life and independence that is so much a part of our community and which has remained vibrant through the decades.” The design was also incorporated into the special 50th anniversary logo created for the retirement home’s golden anniversary.

“St. Columban’s on the Lake Retirement Home has provided 50 years of joyful living for hundreds of residents, as well as peace of mind for family and friends,” says Sister Corona. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has helped insure that its joyful spirit will continue.”

A message of Thanksgiving

The Columban Sisters extend our sincere gratitude to the St. Columban’s family and to our many friends and benefactors in the community for their generous support over the years, and especially during this milestone year of our 50th Anniversary Celebration.

The new outdoor events pavilion provides a sheltered setting for warm weather events with a beautiful view of Lake Erie.

A new passenger van provides St. Columban’s residents with transportation for off-campus events and activities.