The St. Clare Theater Comes Back to Life
The St. Clare Theater in Syracuse, New York
The Franciscan Collaborative Ministries (FCM) in Syracuse, New York consist of Conventual Franciscan friars, Franciscan sisters, and lay people; these individuals work together to reenergize the economically depressed Northside neighbourhood of their city. Sister Grace Anne Dillenschneider and Brother Edward Falsey are the co-directors of the Franciscan Collaborative Ministries.
Facing a myriad of social problems from unemployment to crime to derelict housing and social isolation, the North Side of Syracuse presents a unique set of challenges to the FCM. The minstries’ various collaborators are active on many fronts to bring stability to the neighbourhood. One such front is the St. Clare Theater.
Brother Ed Falsey
Located on the property of Assumption Parish, the St. Clare Theater is a historical gem. It has a great stage and excellent seating arrangements. Tarnished by time, its potential to create a sense of community as well as bring art, entertainment, and education to the people of the Northside of Syracuse has never really been fulfilled.
In the last 12 months, the FCM has undertaken an effort to bring the St. Clare Theater to the forefront of the Northside community. Volunteers have cleaned the theatre, removed trash and other unnecessary items from its premises, and put a new finish on the hardwood floors.
Syracuse, New York
A lot more remains to be done; but the FCM is focused on renovating the St. Clare Theater to the point where it will be an integral part of the Northside. A $30,000 grant from the New York State government along with further fundraising are part of the early renovation effort, which is just getting off the ground. Besides continuing the reparations on the theater, the FCM is also reaching out to any parties interested in renting out the stage for events of all kind. The FCM itself is developing programming that will involve the local community. By tapping into the creative minds of Northsiders, the FCM will spur people from this community into developing a sense of belonging to the place they call home.
(Sources of all related photos on webpage and homepage: www.syrdio.org, media.syracuse.com, www.wikipedia.org, and www.franciscancm.org.)
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