Good Shepherd ManorA Mission of Compassionate Care

Good Shepherd Manor A Mission of Compassionate Care by Kevin McNulty, Sr, tells the story of the first fifty years of Good Shepherd Manor in Momence, Illinois. This home for developmentally disabled men opened in 1971, under the direction of the Brothers of the Good Shepherd. The story of the Manor reveals the unique approach the Brothers brought to the care and nurturing of the disabled, playing a significant role in changing how the disabled are viewed and, most significantly, how they should be treated.

This official 50th Anniversary History tells the story of how families with developmentally disabled men came together with the Brothers of the Good Shepherd, to provide a lifetime home for their loved ones, how timely circumstances brought them to the small town of Momence, Illinois and how life for the men of Good Shepherd Manor extended well beyond expectations of an earlier time. This dynamic story shows how love, initiative, caring and raised expectations have brought a life of fulfillment for the men of Good Shepherd Manor.

The work of The Brothers of the Good Shepherd is a dramatic response to Christ’s call to help those in need. It is a specific response to families and their sons who find joy in the things of life that others overlook. Their ministry is a real-life fulfillment of the mission set by their founder, Brother Mathias Barrett, to respond unconditionally. His is a call for “charity with no limit.”

The profound demonstration of how deeply moved people are by the good works of others is realized in the words of families and others who speak about Good Shepherd Manor in Momence, Illinois. In response, they have created, supported, and sustained Good Shepherd Manor for fifty years. The Brothers of the Good Shepherd have been making life wonderful for the special sons and brothers of these families. The love and support of the Brothers, families, and friends is a true testament to Christ’s implicit call to care for others.

In preparation for this book, family members shared their stories of their loved ones. Many of these stories appear throughout this book. It was clear, after hearing them speak, what strong love they had for their family member from the start, and through the years at “Good Shepherd,” as they most frequently call it. Their sons call Good Shepherd, “home.” Admiration and love for the Brothers of the Good Shepherd and the amazing staff who care for the residents of the Manor were part of every conversation. Many expressed that Good Shepherd Manor “has been part of our entire family for years.” The love for Good Shepherd Manor extends to others. Friends of the family, neighbors, relatives, and people who have never been to Momence, Illinois, but have helped in the background in many ways, are all part of this remarkable story.