As part of this year's 50th anniversary celebration of their provincial house at Carondelet Center in Brentwood, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Dec. 9 celebrated the completion of the renovation and refurbishment of St. Joseph Chapel and the dedication of a new altar.

Prior to the liturgy, the Sisters gathered in prayer with Cardinal Roger Mahony at the entrance to the chapel. All passed by the new holy water font at the chapel entrance, and holy water was sprinkled as they processed inside.

During his homily Cardinal Mahony referred to the reading of 1 Corinthians 3 and said that "God's house is a stable place, set aside." He noted that the Jewish people built their temple of wood and stone, as a "sign of stability," a reference echoed in the Gospel of Matthew: "You, Peter, are rock and upon you the church will be built."

The apostles, the Cardinal said, were "wonderful stones that form the body of Christ." And with Jesus as the cornerstone, "we are all part of the building. Those who come after us will build upon all that we've built before."

Following the Rite of Dedication, CSJ Provincial Superior Sister Mary McKay publicly thanked all those who had been instrumental in the planning and refurbishment of the chapel.