C ONNECTION A publication for the family and friends of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Spring 2015 Volume 23. No. 1 Scranton, Pennsylvania 170 Years of IHM Legacy What an extraordinary heritage! O ur congregation was founded on November 10, 1845 in Monroe, Michigan by Father Louis Florent Gillet, C.Ss.R. and Mother Theresa Maxis Duchemin. Father Gillet wanted to establish a religious community of sisters in order to bring the Catholic faith to the French Canadian immigrants in Monroe, Michigan. The spirituality of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was based on the spirit of St. Alphonsus Liguori, the founder of the Redemptorist order of priests, whose charism is to proclaim the good news of God’s unconditional love for all. Among the three women who accepted the challenge envisioned by Father Gillet was Mother Theresa Maxis. Mother Theresa was IHMs Celebrated 150 Years Serving St. John the Evangelist Parish I n October 2014, numerous gatherings honored 150 years of IHM service to the parish community of St. John the Evangelist in Pittston, Pennsylvania. In early October, forty parishioners came to the Pascucci Family Our Lady of Peace Residence (OLP) to visit with residents who are native daughters and with IHM sisters who have served at St. John’s over the years. On Sunday, October 19, sisters shared their vocation stories with children attending Religious Education in Grades 1-8. IHM sisters and parents of religious, priests, and seminarians formed a panel and shared their family vocation stories with the parishioners. Kneeling, from left: Jillian Warabak, Brooks Rinish, Brianna Jenkins, Julia Parrick, Emily Shulde, and Megan Shulde. Seated, from left: IHM Sisters Daniella Mc Carthy, Rosela Mc Fadden, Dolorosa Loughney, Jeannine Parry, and Celeste Parry. Standing, from left: IHM Sister Kieran Williams, Janie Roche, Linda Weathers, Jean Mudlock, Nancy Roth, Maureen Heffron, IHM Sister Mary Edward Loftus, Jean Marie Murphy, Rosaleen Skatina, Jean Goham, Blanche Semyon, Msgr. John J. Bendik, Molly Heffron, Anna Vincent, and Pat Toole. Our Heritage Continues! Explore with us, IHM… • Events • Heritage • Anniversaries • Celebrations • Honors & Awards • Retirement Supporters • Associate Growth • Sister Mindy - Welcome! Continued on page 4 Continued on page 7
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CONNECTIONA publication for the family and friends of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Spring 2015 Volume 23. No. 1 Scranton, Pennsylvania
170 Years of IHM LegacyWhat an extraordinary heritage!
Our congregation was founded on November 10, 1845 in Monroe, Michigan
by Father Louis Florent Gillet, C.Ss.R. and Mother Theresa Maxis Duchemin. Father Gillet wanted to establish a religious community of sisters in order to bring the Catholic faith to the French Canadian immigrants in Monroe, Michigan. The spirituality of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was based on the spirit of St. Alphonsus Liguori, the founder of the Redemptorist order of priests, whose charism is to proclaim the good news of God’s unconditional love for all.
Among the three women who accepted the challenge envisioned by Father Gillet was Mother Theresa Maxis. Mother Theresa was
IHMs Celebrated 150 Years Serving St. John the Evangelist Parish
In October 2014, numerous gatherings honored 150 years of IHM service to the parish community of St. John the Evangelist in Pittston, Pennsylvania. In early October, forty
parishioners came to the Pascucci Family Our Lady of Peace Residence (OLP) to visit with residents who are native daughters and with IHM sisters who have served at St. John’s over the years. On Sunday, October 19, sisters shared their vocation stories with children attending Religious Education in Grades 1-8. IHM sisters and parents of religious, priests, and seminarians formed a panel and shared their family vocation stories with the parishioners.
Kneeling, from left: Jillian Warabak, Brooks Rinish, Brianna Jenkins, Julia Parrick, Emily Shulde, and Megan Shulde. Seated, from left: IHM Sisters Daniella Mc Carthy, Rosela Mc Fadden, Dolorosa Loughney, Jeannine Parry, and Celeste Parry. Standing, from left: IHM Sister Kieran Williams, Janie Roche, Linda Weathers, Jean Mudlock, Nancy Roth, Maureen Heffron, IHM Sister Mary Edward Loftus, Jean Marie Murphy, Rosaleen Skatina, Jean Goham, Blanche Semyon, Msgr. John J. Bendik, Molly Heffron, Anna Vincent, and Pat Toole.
IHMs Attended ConferenceOn October 29, 2014, IHMs attended the 13th Annual Northeastern US Conference on disABILITY hosted by the University of Scranton. Serving as keynote speaker was the Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, DD, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Archbishop of Louisville, Kentucky. b
IHMs Awarded Faculty Emerita Status
IHM Sisters Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, Margaret Gannon, and Anitra Nemotko were among seven people awarded Emeritus/Emerita status during the Fall Convocation at Marywood University. All honorees rendered extraordinary service to the academic community. bFrom left, Sister Margaret Gannon, IHM, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Department of Social Sciences;
Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM, M.F.A., Professor Emerita, Department of Art; Sister Anitra Nemotko, IHM, Ph.D., Associate Professor Emerita, Department of Science.
Kneeling, from left: Patty Wilson Schmitt, IHM Sisters Kathleen Kelly and Christine Mihelich, Camille Locasto Altman, Karen Curtis, and Judy Romans. Seated, from left: IHM Sisters Jeanne Marie McAuliffe, Mary William Philbin, Franziska Laudascher, Ellen Carney, Johnice Grand, and Meff Sciulli. Standing, from left:
Rosalind Gray, Andrea Wallace Biggs Farina, Mary Ann O’Hara, IHM Sister Eleanor Mary Marconi, Ruth Gallagher Nolan, Linda DelGrosso, Marie Schwalenberg McDermit, Norene Bradshaw, IHM Sisters Ruthanne Gypalo, Sandy McMahon and Jane Snyder, Nancy Mesair Silfee, Irene Surmik, and Sister Lorraine Studley. Not Pictured: Beth Munley, an original planner of the event who passed away unexpectedly in late September.
*band refers to a group of women who entered the congregation together, as in a class at a school.
From left: IHM Sisters Jean Louise Bachetti, Rosemary Goulet, and Maryalice Jacquinot, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, the Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz and IHM Sisters Katie Clauss and Ellen Maroney.
Band of 1964 GatheredIn early October, members of the entrance band* of 1964 gathered at Newton Lake. Some members were meeting again for the first time in fifty years and everyone left the gathering with a deeper understanding and concern for each other. b
You’re Invited!Join IHM Sisters, Family, and Friends
for a Special Event on
Saturday, August 1, 2015Hosted by The Sisters of IHM Foundation
For event details and reservation information, call the IHM Development Office at 570-346-5431
On the occasion of our 170th year since our IHM founding in Monroe, Michigan, I hope you enjoy exploring with us our IHM Heritage. This is the foundation upon which we stand today and it allows us to continue fulfilling our IHM mission into the future.
Our sisters’ dedication to their ministries has enabled our congregation to serve the needs of others for decades. This year, many anniversaries
and celebrations of IHM service to God’s people are highlighted, specifically in Sayre and Pittston, Pennsylvania and East Harlem, New York.
It’s no surprise that with such dedication come awards and honors; in this issue, note the honors awarded to Sisters Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, Margaret Gannon, Anitra Nemotko, and Josephine Cioffi.
Join us in welcoming Sister Mindy Welding as our new Director of Vocations and be sure to read about the continued growth of our associate program. Perhaps this is an avenue which you hope to pursue in your walk with our IHM sisters!
Demonstrating support for the IHM Retirement fund are the Marywood Seminary Alumnae Association and the Sisters of IHM Foundation. Save the date for the Foundation’s annual event on August 1, 2015.
Explore, learn, and reflect with us in this exciting issue.
Sister Ann Monica Bubser, IHMDirector of Development
From The Director’s DeskCONNECTION
IHM Connection is published by the Development Office of the Sisters, Servants
of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
The purpose of this newsletter is to communicate the works and needs of the IHM Congregation.
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of MaryIHM Center, Development Office2300 Adams AvenueScranton, PA 18509
Spring 2015, Volume 23, No. 1
IHM Connection is published three times a year and is mailed free of charge.
Suggestions and contributions are welcome.
Sister Ellen Maroney, IHM President
Sister Ann Monica Bubser, IHM Director of Development
Some development publications, including IHM Connection, are available
via email. To request email only communication, send an email to [email protected].
Change of Address? Contact the Development Office at
Celebrating Sister Josephine’s Ongoing Education Ministry From 1984 - 2014, IHM Sister Josephine Cioffi served as principal at St. Ann School in East Harlem, New York. Prior to her role at St. Ann’s, Sister Josephine was principal at three other schools and taught middle school mathematics for many years.
Sister Josephine’s legacy of dedication to the students of St. Ann School is evident through her numerous awards and distinctions. Among her favorites was the Italian American Award because she viewed the honor as a tribute to her parents, both Italian immigrants. Sister Josephine applied the values instilled in her by her parents throughout her education ministry.
Sister Josephine continues to be entirely committed to the education of inner city and first generation American students through hands-on involvement. Currently, she ministers at the Mt. Carmel-Holy Rosary School in East Harlem, serving as tutor and assistant in the After School Program, and also ministers at the Inner City Scholarship Fund as Coordinator of Student Progress. This fall, Sister Josephine looks forward to serving as principal at the new NativityMiguel School of Scranton, which appropriately parallels her own life history. Her personal experience as an inner city, first generation American and her extensive experience at St. Ann’s School prepare her well for this new, exciting endeavor. b
a member of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, established in Baltimore, Maryland in 1829. Today, our congregation maintains its connection with the Oblate Sisters through meetings and events such as the OSP IHM gathering.
The years from 1845 – 1855 in Monroe were years of excitement as our sisters responded to the needs of the community, helping to build numerous schools and orphanages. In 1858, as the congregation continued to grow in size and distinction, Mother Theresa wished to expand our service to those in need and accepted an invitation from Bishop John Neumann, C.Ss.R. to serve in the Diocese of Philadelphia.
And so it was in the Choconut Valley, Susquehanna County that the first IHM Pennsylvania mission was established at St. Joseph School. One year later in 1859, new candidates and the presence of IHM sisters who had come from Monroe, Michigan enabled the creation of our second IHM Pennsylvania mission and motherhouse in Reading, Pennsylvania.
The contrasting views of Bishop Lefevre of Detroit and Bishop Neumann of Philadelphia resulted in the formation of two independent branches of IHM Sisters – the Philadelphia IHMs (known today as Immaculata IHMs) and the Monroe IHMs. The third IHM branch, Scranton IHMs, was established in 1871 to help serve those most in need in the Diocese of Scranton. Bishop William O’Hara of the newly formed Diocese of Scranton (1868) asked a number of IHM sisters already in the education ministry in the Philadelphia Diocese to form a new Motherhouse in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Nearly 145 year later, Mother Theresa’s legacy of courage, peace and service to the poor lives on today through our Scranton IHM Congregation. Our dedicated sisters continue to reach out to those most in need here and abroad. This year we celebrate fifty years of IHM service to the people of Peru. b
170 Years of IHM Legacy Continued from cover
IHM Historical timeline 1841-20151841
Mother Theresa Maxis is elected superior of Oblate Sisters of Providence (OSP) in Baltimore, MD.
1871
Scranton branch of IHMs is initiated.
Feb. 9, 1885
Our congregation is incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
1844
Father Gillet initiates his ministry in Monroe, MI.
Dec. 8, 1854
Dogma of the Immaculate Conception is proclaimed. The Congregation has been under the partronage of the Immaculate Conception from its beginning.
Aug. 23, 1858
First IHM mission in PA opens at St. Joseph’s in Susquehanna County.
1840 1885
Sept.19, 1845
Sister Theresa Maxis arrives in Monroe, MI.
Nov. 10, 1845
IHM Congregation founded in Monroe, MI.
1845 18581888
Sister Mindy Continued from back cover
Our congregation participates in two NRVC regions: Region 3 (Philadelphia) and Region 4 (Baltimore, Washington, and Virginia). NRVC meets throughout the year and hosts programs within the dioceses in their regions.
In early 2015, Sister Mindy plans to participate in Busy Persons Retreats for college students and to help manage two weeks of service for high school students from Florida and college students from Kent State University who will work in IHM sponsored works and with IHM sisters.
In her new role, Sister Mindy enjoys being up front and personal with our congregation, attending events, and participating on various committees. She also is enjoying meeting new people and being open to the possibilities of what can be for our IHM Congregation, for young women, and for our future. b
Chestnut Hill College student Joshua Woolaver poses with Sister Mindy in her new office at the IHM Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Sister Mindy taught Joshua in her RCIA class. He was baptized and received First Eucharist and confirmation last year.
IHM Historical timeline 1841-2015continued on next page
July 22, 1889
Mother Mary Magdalen Jackson is the first superior general to be elected by the sisters.
Aug. 29, 1907
Congregation of the Sisters of St. Casimir is founded with the assistance of the IHM Congregation.
Sept. 11, 1909
Congregation of the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius is founded with assistance of the IHM Congregation.
1888
IHM sponsored work, Saint Joseph’s Center, begins its mission.
Presidential Medal Awarded to Sister CorOn October 18, 2014, Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM, was one of three honorees to receive the annual Marywood University Presidential Medal. For sixty years, Sister Cor has ministered in education. Currently, she serves as a freelance artist, consultant, and spiritual director. Sister Cor also serves on the Sisters of IHM Foundation board. b
IHM Sisters Anne Munley, Marywood president, and Cor Immaculatum Heffernan.
1960190918851907
Sept. 8, 1915
IHM sponsored work, Marywood College (now Marywood University), opens in Scranton, PA.
Oct. 5, 1918
IHM Sisters begin to serve the needs of the community in the influenza epidemic in Scranton, PA.
19181888
Front, from left: IHM Sisters Kathleen Kelly, Epiphany
School principal since 1992, Rosemary Goulet, IHM
councilor for missioning and community life, Ellen Maroney, IHM president,
Anastasia Quigley, Epiphany School teacher since 1995,
and Katie Clauss, IHM vice president and councilor for missioning life. Back, from
left: Msgr. David Tressler, superintendent of schools and
Father Andrew Hvozdovic, Epiphany parish pastor.
85th Anniversary of IHM Presence at Epiphany CelebratedOn September 28, 2014, IHM sisters and friends joined with Epiphany parishioners to celebrate 85 years of IHM presence at Epiphany School in Sayre, Pennsylvania. b
Our Heritage Continues!Through our sisters’ ministry in education, pastoral care, and social services, our congregation continues to fulfill the IHM mission through joyful, loving, hospitable, and self-emptying service to the people of God. In addition to our sisters who actively minister in schools, hospitals, and parishes, our congregation continues to serve the needs of others through sponsored and co-sponsored works.
IHM Sponsored Works• St. Joseph’s Center, since 1888
• Marywood College/University, since 1915
• Our Lady of Grace Montessori School and Retreat and Conference Center, since 1968
• Friends of the Poor, since 1986
Co-Sponsored Works• African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC), since 2012
IHM Associates Continually ConnectingNear the end of 2014, the IHM Congregation welcomed ten new IHM Associates who were commissioned at ceremonies in Gainesville, Florida and Cresco, Pennsylvania.
Jane O’Neill, Director of IHM Associates, speaks about the relationship between our sisters and associates as gifts from God to one another. The relationship is mutually beneficial and life-giving. In early 2015, Jane met with associates in Maryland, placing her more than halfway to her goal of personally meeting each IHM Associate in the continental United States.
Currently, three new Circles of Grace are being implemented near Scranton and Cresco, Pennsylvania. One of these new groups will benefit from the presence of IHM Sister Regina Burns. Like other Circle of Grace leaders, Sister Regina will accompany the group along their journey toward the Associate relationship, which helps members to learn and pray about our IHM history, heritage, and spirituality.
Through the IHM Associate relationship, IHM sisters share with other men and women the heritage of joyful participation in the redeeming love of Jesus, their spiritual tradition, hospitality, and friendship. IHM Associates share with sisters the wisdom of their faith stories, friendship, and a new vision of co-creating the reign of God. Many IHM Congregation celebrations, events, and prayer services in 2015 will allow our associates to continue to walk with our IHM sisters, family, and friends. b
For more information on becoming an IHM Associate or to share an associate story, contact Jane O’Neill, Director of IHM Associates, at 570-963-2480 or [email protected].
“..the relationship between our sisters and associates is a gift from God to one another”
— Jane O’Neill, Director of IHM Associates
From left: IHM Sister Nancy Elder, new associates Stephanie Bokowy and Regina Mallini, IHM Sisters Beatrice Caulson and Ellen Maroney, IHM President, Jane O’Neill, Director of IHM Associates, and new associate Jennifer Jones.
Front, from left: New associates Eileen O’Donnell, Kate Woehrle, Lynn John, Paulette Gallo, and Judy Nye. Back, from left: Jane O’Neill, Director of IHM Associates, New associate Ellen Bader, IHM Sister Ellen Maroney, IHM President, and IHM Sister Gloria Frank.
1986
IHM sponsored work, Friends of the Poor, is established in Scranton, PA.
1991
IHM co-sponsored work, Mother Seton Academy, is established in Baltimore, MD.
Nov. 10, 1995
150th anniversary of the founding of the IHM Congregation in Monroe, MI.
Sept. 7, 1997
IHM sisters celebrate Marywood College and its elevation to University status.
1968
IHM sponsored work, Our Lady of Grace Montessori School and Retreat Conference Center is established in Manhasset, Long Island, NY.
198619651997
July 19, 1965
Scranton IHMs begin global ministry and open first Latin American mission in Lima, Peru.
19951960 1968
IHM Historical timeline 1841-2015
2002
Gainesville, Florida
Cresco, Pennsylvania
June 22, 1972
Our sisters provide assistance to flood-ravaged victims when the Susquehanna River overflows during Hurricane Agnes.
Aug. 26, 1965
First Tri-Community conference is held in Scranton, PA.
Nov. 21, 1960
Scranton IHMs receive Pontifical Approbation, receiving the status of papal congregation.
May 30, 1962
The novitate building, now the IHM Center, is dedicated.
IHM co-sponsored work, the NativityMiguel School of Scranton to open in Scranton, PA.
September 2015
100th anniversary of opening of Marywood University.
Nov. 10, 1995
150th anniversary of the founding of the IHM Congregation in Monroe, MI.
January 2001
Oblate Sisters of Providence (OSP) join Tri-IHM conference to form the OSP IHM conference.
2002
IHM co-sponsored work, African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC), is established.
20141997 2015
July 12-15, 2015
OSP IHM Conference hosted in Scranton, PA.
2002
IHM Historical timeline 1841-2015
2002 2014
IHMs Receive $35,000 from Marywood “Sem”On December 4, 2014, the IHM sisters were presented with a check for $35,000 from the Marywood Seminary Alumnae Association in recognition of the outstanding education they received from our sisters from 1902-1971. The congregation is sincerely grateful to “The Sem” for their gift to the IHM Retirement Fund, which will help to support the needs of residents at Our Lady of Peace. Gifts to the IHM Retirement Fund are necessary as we care for our elderly sisters, including twelve sisters presently residing at OLP who taught at or attended “The Sem”. b
From left: Seminary Alumnae Association Officers Roseann Brutico, Patricia Rosetti, president, Ann Powell, Joan McAndrew, and IHM Sisters Ellen Maroney, IHM president, Maryla Farfour, Alumnae Association moderator, and Ann Monica Bubser, IHM director of development.
A reception was held in the parish hall to thank the IHM Congregation for their years of joyful, loving, hospitable, self-emptying service to their parish community.
Currently, IHM Sister Kieran Williams serves in the parish as Director of Religious Formation, Family and Youth Ministry. Sister Jane Mary Duke, a native daughter, volunteers with the Adult Choir and Religious Education Program, and Sister Sarah Landis, Mental Health Worker Volunteers at the Care and Concern Clinic. b
150 Years Serving St. John Continued from front cover
Historical accounts and images courtesy of the Archives of the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Open House
with the Sisters of IHM
Sunday, March 222:00–4:00 p.m.
IHM Center 2300 Adams AvenueScranton, PA 18509
(top of University Avenue just beyond Marywood’s campus)
The Sisters of IHM serving in
Northeastern Pennsylvania since 1858
www.sistersofihm.org
Sisters Gather for 2015 OSP IHM
The OSP IHM gathering will be held on July 12-15, 2015. IHM sisters from the three branches of IHM will gather at Marywood University with the Oblate Sisters of
Providence to celebrate our shared heritage and shared future. b
2015 OSP IHM
July 23, 2004
Ground breaking of Pascucci Family Our Lady of Peace Residence (OLP).
Feb. 14, 2014
IHMs celebrate the 50th anniversary of IHM service in Peru.
Oct. 10, 2003
Reunion in Scranton of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sisters of St. Casimir, and Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius.
Dec. 15, 2013
Celebration of the 125th anniversary of St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton, PA.
CONNECTIONSisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of MaryIHM Center, Development Office2300 Adams AvenueScranton, PA 18509570-346-5431
Visit the Development Office at www.sistersofihm.org/donate
Learn more about the IHM Sisters.
Join us in welcoming Sister Mindy Welding, IHM, as our new Director of Vocations. Sister Mindy brings to this role nearly thirty years of experience working with youth and young adult ministry. She enjoys the opportunity to once again serve in the Scranton Diocese where she previously served for three years as Associate Director of Vocations.
Prior to her recent appointment, Sister Mindy served as Director of Campus Ministry at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia for eight years and as Campus Minister at Neumann College in Aston, Pennsylvania for two years.
Throughout her ministry, Sister Mindy witnesses the unique life and energy of young people and acknowledges that she admires the sense of newness and laughter for which they so often seem to be searching. Her vast experience allows her to really help others discern where their life path is going, which is pivotal in her new role with our congregation.
Among those serving as guides for Sister Mindy as she embarks on her new journey as Director of Vocations are fellow IHM sisters and members of the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC).
Serving Youth and Young Adult MinistrySister Mindy’s Return to the Scranton Diocese
Sister Mindy, front middle, with students from Chestnut Hill College during a visit in September when attending a street fair in Chestnut Hill.
Explore & DiscoverIn this issue…
• IHM 170th Anniversary!• Join Us August 1, 2015!• NativityMiguel School of Scranton Principal• And More!
