Article by Phoenix writer Colleen Bayley ’23:
During the February recess, members of the Kellenberg family participated in volunteering for a service project titled St. Joseph’s Mission. Their goal was to refurbish Stella Maris, Kellenberg’s retreat house located in Islip.
Last week, the members of the Marianist community, faculty, and students joined Mr. Weber, the caretaker of the property, to revamp the outdoor setting for upcoming spring retreats. Wood chips donated by the Town of Islip were wheelbarrowed on the basketball and tennis courts. The staff painted new siding and demolished the interior walls of the barns, as well as altered the water system which was in use to feed the horses.
One of the bigger projects accomplished was preparing the barn for construction of the new chapel. The crew shared lunch together by the fire and prayed to Mary every day for safe construction.
The mission, which originated in 2005, was a shining success. Sophomore Brendan Riordan discussed his experience, saying “It was really nice to be out and working with other peers while participating in service at Stella Maris.”