Four reasons Catholics choose senior living at New Horizons at Marlborough
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Selecting an independent and assisted living community can be a challenging decision. Considerations include location, cost, options for a continuum of care, and amenities. For Catholic individuals, the ability to continue to practice their faith is also an important aspect of deciding where to live post-retirement. Although New Horizons at Marlborough is nondenominational, it is home to a vibrant Catholic community.
1. It’s a senior community with a Catholic history
New Horizons is located at the former site of Madonna Hall School for Girls, which was run for 30 years by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, a Roman Catholic religious order. In 1994, when Cummings Foundation purchased the property to create New Horizons, the Sisters remained on campus, housed in the original convent, on a rent-free basis. In 2017, New Horizons built 26 new apartments on the property to accommodate a new group of women, the Sisters of St. Anne.
The more recent resident sisters had maintained a presence in Marlborough since 1887. Having previously lived separately, they relocated as a group to the MetroWest retirement community so they could age in place together while continuing their ministries.
2. Catholic Mass on site
New Horizons’ chapel, named for Cardinal Richard Cushing, hosts regular on-site Catholic Mass . The convenience of having a beautiful chapel on the campus means that residents can visit anytime they desire without leaving the property. Originally under the leadership of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, services are now coordinated by residents and celebrated by local priests.
In 2015, the chapel was honored and delighted to welcome Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley in celebration of New Horizons’ 20th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Marlborough.
3. Opportunities for involvement
While many New Horizons residents attend Mass, there are several additional opportunities for those who are interested in deepening their involvement in this important spiritual tradition. About 20 of the community’s approximately 430 residents contribute to the service as Eucharistic ministers, lectors, ushers, and sacristans. Residents have also become involved outside of the traditional Mass celebration by helping to rebuild the chapel’s carillon and organize its music. New volunteers are always welcome, and training is gladly provided.
4. Charitable support for Catholic causes
As part of Cummings Foundation’s commitment to the community, it has awarded more than $450 million in grants to the local area, including more than $1.2 million to Catholic Charities of Boston. Additional grants, of at least $100,000 each, have been awarded to the following church-related organizations.
- Blessed Stephen Bellesini, O.S.A. Academy
- Boston College
- Bread of Life
- Catholic Schools Foundation
- Cor Unum
- Cristo Rey Boston High School
- Emmanuel College
- Emmaus House
- Epiphany School
- Lowell Catholic
- Maria Droste Counseling Services
- Merrimack College
- Nativity Preparatory School
- Neighbors in Need
- Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary
- Regis College
- Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston
- St. Anthony Shrine
- St. Charles School
- St. Francis House
- St. Mary’s Church
- Esperanza Academy
- Lazarus House
- Little Sisters of the Poor
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
- St. Mark Community Education
- St. Mary Center for Women and Children
- St. Paul’s Choir School
- Saint Peter School
- St. Stephen’s Youth Programs
- Teen Center at St. Peter’s
Bonus! Rate lock
As a not-for-profit subsidiary of Cummings Foundation, New Horizons at Marlborough carries no debt or mortgage of any kind. The Foundation’s large, stable endowment has allowed for a level of stability and security not often seen at an assisted living community. New Horizons is currently guaranteeing new residents that their monthly room and board will not increase for at least six years. (It is worth noting, however, that no current resident has ever had an increase to these rates.) This unique pledge provides residents and families with peace of mind as they plan financially for the future.
New Horizons at Marlborough: Exceptional Assisted Living outside Boston, MA
Want to learn more? Check out the website for more information, or call 5200 to schedule a visit and to join your potential new neighbors for Catholic Mass or a complimentary lunch or dinner. The warm and welcoming staff will gladly show you some of the many reasons why New Horizons should be your home.
