Parish in Crystal restores former convent

St. Raphael Parish in Crystal has restored its former convent to serve as a residence and hospitality house. The 72-year-old building, known as Tobit House, now provides housing for pastor Father Nick Hagen, house manager Matthew Fitzsimmons, seminarians, and other laymen.

The building previously served as a convent for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who taught and administered at St. Raphael School until 1987. As part of an ongoing parish effort to update the structure, the former adoration chapel and convent now host Open Table, a community meal held every Monday for parishioners and the local community. These dinners have recently drawn up to 60 people per evening.