Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist: Chapels

Chapels of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist

SHAW ISLAND, WASHINGTON

Mother Kerper Chapel

The rhythms of water and the tides dominate life on Shaw Island, one of the San Juan Islands in northwestern Washington. Shaw Island is accessible only by ferry, boat or aircraft. The woods, pastures and beaches give a sense of the nearness of nature.

The Franciscan chapel is next to the island’s ferry dock and itself extends out over the water, which can be heard lapping against the pilings underneath during high tide. A large window opens out to a view of Harney Channel and Orcas Island beyond.

The chapel is named the Mother Kerper chapel for Mother Ann Marie Kerper, FSE, who was instrumental in founding the FSE Community and who managed the Little Portion Store on the island for many years. She was one of the original foundresses of the Franciscan Center on Shaw Island. Her picture greets every person who enters.

The chapel walls are paneled with rough cut cedar from trees on the island. The base of the altar is made of logs joined together to look like a piling and the top is a large piece of wood found on the beach. The seats are small pilings, also made from trees on the island.

A ship’s lantern is used as the tabernacle and three ship lights, hung from the ceiling, illuminate the chapel.

The chapel is available upon request for those wishing to pray and is used for Sunday morning Mass for the islanders.