New Cassel to open ‘front porch’ for center

A three-sided waterfall – the Holy Trinity Fountain – as well as nine benches, a picnic table with umbrella, tree and other plantings will act as the new "front porch" for New Cassel Retirement Center in Omaha.

The recently constructed welcoming and gathering space will be blessed at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 4, the Feast of St. Francis, by Father Craig Loecker, pastor of St. Leo the Great Parish in Omaha. Father Loecker also will celebrate an 11 a.m. Mass, and an open house with refreshments and tours will be held until 1 p.m., said Cindy Petrich, president of the New Cassel Foundation.

The event also is part of the retirement center’s celebration of mission week for its founding religious order, the School Sisters of St. Francis, Petrich said.

Activities through the week will focus on the order’s values such as respect and compassion for others and responding to people’s needs, Petrich said.