Convent House

Details: 09 August 2013

One of the benefits of being at Catholic Social Services is having the privilege of traveling the diocese. Because of the flexible nature of my weekends, I am able to assist my brother priests when they need weekend help.

Recently, I covered the weekend confessions and Masses at the beautiful Sacred Heart Church in Burchard and St. Anthony’s in Steinauer. As some of you know, the church has just been renovated. The church which was beautiful before the renovation is now more so- in a word, spectacular. After arriving that Saturday afternoon, I soon learned that there would be a dinner waiting for me at the Convent House Bed & Breakfast.

After my thanksgiving after Mass, I found myself sitting in the spacious kitchen in the Convent House Bed & Breakfast across the street from the church. The building was built in 1932 and served as the Catholic school for the parish and the home for the Benedictine Sisters who ran it. After 40 years, the school closed and the building sat unused. It was purchased by a private individual and later abandoned.

Then in the early nineties, with the permission of Bishop Bruskewitz, a group of lay women purchased the building. With private donations and a whole lot of ‘sweat and blood’ mixed with love, the place was transformed into a beautiful bed and breakfast. It was started by and is still completely run by volunteers from the parish. Profits from the bed and breakfast are placed back into the business. They have been supportive of the parish including the recent campaign.

The original ladies were Marilyn Wenzl, Marjorie Wenzl, and Erma Gyhra. While in the kitchen, I was able to meet Marilyn and Marjorie, along with Barb Steinauer, Renee Boomgaarn, and Karen Debeer. Others involved are Marie Schmit, Irene Faesser, David Wenzl, Pat Kalin, and Linda Kalin. When there are overnight guests and parties, these hardworking volunteers show up to cook, clean and serve. When large groups show up, even more individuals from the parish pitch in. If I have missed any names, please forgive me!

While in the kitchen, I was served a delicious ‘smothered steak’ complete with the ‘fixings.’ After giving my plate to the ladies for an additional dinner roll, it returned with a nice chunk of prime rib. After giving my plate to the ladies once again for more mashed potatoes, it returned with some additional prime rib. After eating their signature frozen strawberry dessert, I left the table for a tour of the facilities. It was beautiful and the best part was visiting their chapel with the Blessed Sacrament. It was a busy night as they served a group connected with the National Guard and some ladies who were staying overnight.

I would like to thank the ladies of the Convent House for their hospitality and if you are interested in staying there please call 402-869-2230. I highly recommend it! Just make sure you bring an empty stomach!