2025
Welcome to our next chapter
Where we began …
Fr. Brian Grantz, pastor of the Cathedral of St. James recalls the day when Deacon Sarah Shrewder Tracy, the founder of St. Margaret’s House, chose the artwork for the original logo from a liturgical clipart book. The image depicts the Visitation, when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth.
Today, a refreshed logo carries that history, of the women who envisioned a ministry of accompaniment 35 years ago, forward into the next 35 years–and beyond.
Relationship
Everything at St. Margaret’s House happens in the context of relationship. Whether guest, volunteer, staff, donor or community partner, we are each stronger because of our connection to one another. This guiding principle was depicted in the original logo–and is proudly repeated in the new mark with the recurrence of two women in an embrace.
Love
The curve of the women’s heads reveals a heart that is deeply ingrained in our mission: “Through the healing power of a loving community, we affirm the dignity of women and children by providing a safe space and meeting essential needs.” St. Margaret’s House is also rooted in the heart of South Bend, where it was set into motion 35 years ago, inspired by the gospel of Matthew 25–which remains at the heart of this work still.
Opportunity
The outer shape of the new mark implies a door or a window, which alludes to both opportunity and hospitality. Every woman who opens the door to St. Margaret’s House may realize new connections, opportunities, or perspectives. The arched shape also symbolizes the church community that first embraced, and continues to support the ministry of St. Margaret’s House.
Hopefulness
The rays set in the background evoke a sense of hope which radiates from connection. Whether connection to God, to one another, to the community partners and resources that our guests find when they come to St. Margaret’s House, those connections help pave a path forward. Perhaps not surprisingly, the rays also mimic the shape of a shell; the very symbol which represents the Cathedral of St. James, our first and deepest mission partner.
