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For 25 years, Sister Barbara has ministered at Miracle Place. She co-founded the ministry with the late Sister Rita Ann Wade.
Sister Barbara McClelland speaks during the 25-year anniversary celebration for Miracle Place.
In Service for the People
“We serve a variety of people in the surrounding neighborhoods,” Sister Barbara said. “There are no specific boundaries. Anyone who comes to our door is welcome!”
Sister Barbara said the ministry offers programs for afterschool care, young adults and mothers. It includes a food pantry, clothing room and an outdoor pocket park where children can play and adults can rest or enjoy the scenery.
“Last year, we started the Learning Center, teaching the Orton Gillingham Method of reading to kindergartners, first, second and third-graders, who are struggling in school,” Sister Barbara added. “We currently have five tutors and 10 students in the learning center. The children are thriving with the individual loving attention they receive.”
Sister Maité Rodriguez-Mora with a child at Miracle Place.
A ‘Congregation Commitment’
Sister Barbara added Miracle Place is a “Congregation commitment” to those who need help the most.
“We serve a wide variety of people without regard for differences,” she said. “It is a way for people of different backgrounds, cultures and social economic statuses to get to know one another by name, a way to alleviate the fear that may exist among people who are unalike.”
Sister Barbara serves as the director of the ministry. She has been a Sister of Providence for 58 years.
She said her longest tenured ministry prior to serving at Miracle Place was 16 years at Holy Cross Central School in Indianapolis from 1980-1996, where she served as a teacher and principal. She also taught at St. Simon and St. Joan of Arc, both in Indianapolis, in addition to serving as principal at Our Lady of the Mountains in Paintsville, Kentucky.
Sister Paula Damiano enjoying the festivities at the Miracle Place celebration.
Sister Barbara said she believed close to 150 people attended the celebration.
“It was a beautiful variety of persons, from those who were instrumental in helping us to get established in 2000 to those who currently come for service,” Sister Barbara said. “From our sisters who served her as postulant, to our sisters who have faithfully supported us for 25 years. We also saw former staff and volunteers as well as Providence Associates who meet monthly here and give countless hours of helpful assistance.
“What a privilege it has been for me to have the opportunity to serve at Miracle Place, to meet so many amazing people, to witness a glimpse of what I believe heaven will be as we gather in celebration as One!”
Sisters Marilu Covani (from left) Susan Dinnin and Stephanie Rivas at the 25-year anniversary for Miracle Place.
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