“Former MAC Commons Now Site of Father Bernard Youth Center”

Reflections of the Benedictine Sisters

Spring 2006

  “During the heyday of Mt. Angel College in the 50’s and 60’s the College’s Commons building was a hub of activity. Students ate meals there; purchased books, attended dances, played pool, and, as today’s youth might say, “hung out” there. Associated student body had its offices in the Commons, as did the dean of students and the publications director. One of John F. Kennedy’s sisters-in-law gave a speech there. The open, accessible design and feel of the building certainly was perfect for the varied student uses.

   When the college was closed down, the Commons building became part of the Colegio Cesar Chavez for a few years. As enrollment and financial difficulties, things became quieter and then the building sat silent and vacant until the sister acquired it in 1985.

  For about 15 years the Providence Benedictine Nursing Center used the Commons, which was re-named as Casey Commons in 1987 for Henry J. Casey, the co-founder of UPS, whose donation enabled the Sister to reacquire the building. The Nursing Center housed its outpatient services there, including child care, physical therapy, and home health. When the PBNC consolidated those services into its other buildings, the Commons was empty for nearly two years and there was concern about its future.

  Then, one of he Sisters discussed its potential with one of the board members of the Father Bernard Youth Center. A new organization established to create a retreat center for youth and Confirmation retreats, the Youth Center board was beginning to raise funds for construction on a Happy Valley site near Clackamas. However, the possibility of leasing the Commons prompted the board to reconsider their plans and begin discussions with the Benedictine Sisters.

  The sisters viewed the proposed ministry to young people as a great use of the building and an extension of their long-standing commitment to serve youth . Knowing that the Youth Center would face financial challenges in the first few years, the Sisters agreed to include two and a half years of free rent for the Center in a long-term lease. They also are making overnight accommodations available at a very low cost per bed to the Youth Center at Marmion Hall, directly across the street from the Commons.

  According to Youth Center Director Tony Morris, the Sisters’ support has been invaluable to the timely opening of the center.

  “They are our longest donors… Without the generosity of the Benedictine Sisters, we would not be ministering to the young people of the Archdiocese,” Tony said. “We should still be raising funds to build a center, but (with their help) we are already in the process of ministry… Every weekend except Easter is filled through June.

  Tony is also very enthused about the Commons itself, nothing, “The building absolutely fits our need. It was very well-designed for young people and they just love it. We have , large, un-crowded spaces, but it isn’t too big for us. Structurally, we didn’t really have to do anything to it.”

 The Sisters are just happy that, once again, the Commons is filled with young people. Engaged in learning, growing and being together.