2014 IHM Chapter Underway The first gathering of IHM Delegates for Chapter 2014 began with prayer and ritual in the IHM Center Chapel on March 2. Sister Terry O’Rourke welcomed the delegates and participants in her opening remarks. The ritual included the laying of a stole on the shoulder of each of the 141 delegates as a commissioning for the work of Chapter. With the chapter candle, Sister Rachel Terry lead the procession of delegates and participants to the The- resa Maxis Conference Center where the meeting began at 10:00 a.m. Following Sister Terry’s welcome to those viewing via closed circuit TV at OLP and the IHM Center, she also welcomed sisters viewing via video streaming in Sicuani and Lima, Peru, Florida, North Carolina, and Maryland. Sister Terry then introduced the chapter facilitator, Sister Mary Jo Nelson, OLVM. Sister Mary Jo provided a brief reflection on contemplative dialogue noting that contemplative practices and dialogue can lead to a “way of being” that expands consciousness, decreases dualism and cultivates non-violence. She emphasized, “For dialogue to be effective in a chapter, there needs to be faith sharing and contemplative silence integrated into the whole process,” and further noted that for dialogue to be most effective there needs to be “welcome and acceptance” and “diversity” without which there can be no change nor growth. She concluded with the words of Miriam Therese Larkin, CSJ, former LCWR president, who said, “In the Conference (LCWR) we have often identified dialog as a means to communion. This dialog is not simply a means to be used until we achieve our ends. Dialog is, as Paul VI has said, of the essence of the Church—relationships within the Church must have the character of a dialog. To engage in dialog, as we have committed ourselves, is to engage primarily Members of the Chapter 2014 Coordinating Committee: L-R Sisters Gail Cabral, Donna Korba, Angela Kim, facilitator Mary Jo Nelson, OLVM, Kathleen Lunsmann, Nancy DeCesare, and Terry O’Rourke. continued on page 2
Transcript
March 2013
2014 IHM Chapter Underway The first gathering of IHM Delegates for Chapter 2014 began with prayer and ritual in the IHM Center Chapel on March 2. Sister Terry O’Rourke welcomed the delegates and participants in her opening remarks. The ritual included the laying of a stole on the shoulder of each of the 141 delegates as a commissioning for the work of Chapter. With the chapter candle, Sister Rachel Terry lead the procession of delegates and participants to the The-resa Maxis Conference Center where the meeting began at 10:00 a.m. Following Sister Terry’s welcome to those viewing via closed circuit TV at OLP and the IHM Center, she also welcomed sisters viewing via video streaming in Sicuani and Lima, Peru, Florida, North Carolina, and Maryland. Sister Terry then introduced the chapter facilitator, Sister Mary Jo Nelson, OLVM. Sister Mary Jo provided a brief reflection on contemplative dialogue noting that contemplative practices and dialogue can lead to a “way of being” that expands consciousness, decreases dualism and cultivates non-violence. She emphasized, “For dialogue to be effective in a chapter, there needs to be faith sharing and contemplative silence integrated into the whole process,” and further noted that for dialogue to be most effective there needs to silence integrated into the whole process,” and further noted that for dialogue to be most effective there needs to silence integrated into the whole process,” and further noted that for dialogue to be most efbe “welcome and acceptance” and “diversity” without which there can be no change nor growth. She concluded with the words of Miriam Therese Larkin, CSJ, former LCWR president, who said, “In the Conference (LCWR) we have often identified dialog as a means to communion. This dialog is not simply a means to be used until we achieve our ends. Dialog is, as Paul VI has said, of the essence of the Church—relationships within the Church must have the character of a dialog. To engage in dialog, as we have committed ourselves, is to engage primarily
Members of the Chapter 2014 Coordinating Committee: L-R Sisters Gail Cabral, Donna Korba, Angela Kim, facilitator Mary Jo Nelson, OLVM, Kathleen Lunsmann, Nancy DeCesare, and Terry O’Rourke.
continued on page 2
IHM Newsletter - March 2013 page 2page 2
Day of Service to be Held in North Beach, Maryland The members of the IHM Conversation Circle in the Maryland/DC area have been brainstorming ways to promote religious life and the IHM Congre-gation. The first event was held on February 23 and the next will be March 23 both at the IHM convent in North Beach, MD. Sister Ruth Harkins has been approached by some students at CUA who are looking at reli-gious life and the mem-bers of the conversation circle thought these events might provide good op-portunities for those wom-en and others to come to know the IHM Sisters. Please invite women who are interested in giving service with IHM Sisters to this March 23 gathering in North Beach. Reservations and questions may be directed to:Sister Ruth Harkins: [email protected] 202-239-1719 Sister Ann Parker: [email protected] 443-964-8243 Sister Eileen Clinton: [email protected] 443-964-8243
in the process of changing relationships.” Following a slideshow of IHM sisters in ministry and the video, We are the ones we are waiting for, participants were asked to reflect on and share responses to two questions, “How do we stand together?” and “How do I experience myself entering into the joys and griefs of the people of this world?” After lunch, Sister Mary Jo introduced the process to be used in the afternoon session which included shared dialogue on images given to each group. Sisters in remote sites connected to circle groups via SKYPE to engage in the shared process. Circle groups were asked to submit a question that needs to be explored to realize the hopes of the sisters in each group. The Saturday meeting concluded with nominations for members of the Chapter Coordinating Committee and Chapter Tellers. The Sunday, March 3, business meeting began with the election of the Chapter Coordinating Committee. Elected were Sisters Gail Cabral, Nancy DeCesare, An-gela Kim, Donna Korba, and Kathleen Lunsmann. Sisters Gail and Kathleen will serve as co-chairs of the committee. Elected as Chapter Tellers were Sisters Susan Brown, Kathleen Clancy, Carrie Flood, Grace Surdovel and Rachel Terry. Elected Secretary of Record was Sister Kathryn Kurdziel. Elected as reviewers of the End Term Report were Sisters Mary Ellen Merrick, Christine Mihelich, and Mary Persico. Following the elections, Sister Terry O’Rourke addressed issues regarding e-delegates and canon law citing responses from canon lawyer Sister Sharon Holland, IHM. Sister Ellen Maroney then reviewed the preparations made by the congregation to accomodate e-delegates citing that the process incorporates the three technologies of video streaming for presentations, SKYPE for small group discussions, and WebX for open mic sharing. Testimonials by e-delegates and e-participants via WebX in support of the use of technology at Chapter followed. The vote surpassed the two thirds majority needed to affirm the participation of e-delegates at Chapter. Therefore, ten e-delegates will participate via the Internet at future Chapter meetings. All delegates must be physically present at the Chapter of Affairs and Chapter of Elections. The next Chapter meeting will be April 27 and 28. The Mission Board will meet Friday, April 26 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Theresa Maxis Conference Center.
Chapter - continued from page 1
CCC Asks Members to Dialogue on QuestionsIn order to shape the next step in our Chapter process, the Chapter Coordinating Committee invites local communities, mission groups, conversation circles, and friends to review the responses from the March 2-3 Chapter meeting, engage in further conversation, and provide feedback on these questions:1. Reflect on this brief summary and respond to these two questions: a. What is most important to you from the summary? b. What is the relationship among these questions/ideas?2. Gather with others for a conversation and prepare a group response to the each of the two questions.3. Submit responses to: [email protected] by March 18.or mail to CCC c/o Communications, 2300 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA 185094. Summary and questions may be found on www.sistersofihm.org go to Sisters’ login, then to IHM Chapter Documents.
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From February 13 to February 19, Sisters Chris Koellhoffer and Kathy Kurdziel gathered with IHM sisters who live and minis-ter in Peru. Sisters Mary Elaine Anderson and Norma Poma Arpi hosted the gathering in their new home in Chorrillos, and were joined by Sisters Eileen Egan, Tomasa Fernandez, Jeanne Marie Kearney, and Ancilla Maloney. During the week, the group had the opportunity to experi-ence the beginning of Lent, la Cuaresma, Peruvian style in a parish community liturgy. Sister Kathy led the group in the Keys to the Future: Moving Forward in Hope workshop. In addition, Sister Norma shared about her new min-istry as a teacher and Sister Ancilla shared about her ministry as a pastoral worker in Sicuani. Time was also given to extended conversation about the realities of vocation and formation work in the context of the Peruvian culture and the diverse ways in which the IHM mission continues to flourish in Peru.
More than 100 people gathered February 13 at the IHM Center Chapel for evening prayer to remember the people of Haiti. Sister Susan Hadzima offered the following remarks. Thank you for coming to pray together as we begin this Lenten season. This evening we gather to stand in solidarity and prayer for the people of Haiti; a people who have known poverty and suffering beyond human imagi-nation; a people of special significance to the IHM Congregation, whose own foundress, Theresa Maxis Duchemin, was born of a Haitian woman who had migrated to Baltimore; a people who three years ago endured an earthquake of immense proportions that left not a soul untouched by death or disappear-ance; and a people with whom we share a very special bond dating back to 1995 when the Tri IHM Haiti Outreach Project was established to acknowl-edge our Haitian roots, raise awareness about the critical economic situation in Haiti and support the people of Haiti through a twinning relationship with the Little Sisters of Sainte Therese, the first indigenous congregation of women religious in Haiti We stand in solidarity and pray with a people who continue to suffer, whose lives were forever changed on January 12, 2010, when the devastating earth-quake leveled the poorest country in the western hemisphere and where three
years later life has not returned to normalcy. Yes, an estimated 80% of all the debris has been cleared, 200 new schools have been built and roughly 3 million children have received vaccines against polio, measles and rubella.
IHM Sisters Hold Evening of Prayer for the People of Haiti
Visit to Peru
L-R front: Sisters Tomasa Fernandez, Norma Poma Arpi, Chris Koellhoffer, Eileen Egan. Back: Mary Elaine Anderson, Jeanne Marie Kearney,
Kathryn Kurdziel, Ancilla Maloney.
continued on page 4
Sister Susan Hadzima
IHM Newsletter - March 2013 page 4page 4
Haiti - continued from page 3
But, challenges remain daunting as 80 percent of the population still exists below the poverty line and the unemployment rate hovers at 40 percent. And sadly, more than 350,000 Haitians are still relegated to living in the 496 tent camps throughout their country. Many pledges for earthquake aid remain unfulfilled and more and more the Haitian people have been left out of the decision making and actual rebuilding efforts in their own country. Fittingly we begin this Lenten season in prayerful solidarity with our Haitian brothers and sisters. We hear the invitation to remem-ber the journey to resurrection, to return to God with our whole hearts, to slow down and notice the movements of our hearts and the choices of our lives. This evening we choose to be present to the suffering of the Haitian people, an enduring suffering that may feel like God’s betrayal, God’s silence, God’s absence. We hold onto our faith, faith in a God who desires good, who lives in this world in our pain, in our sorrow and in our joys. Christ shows us that mercy is more than compassion or justice. Mercy requires us to become one with the poor and hurting, to live their misery as though it were our own. In Jesus, we see a God so generous he gives himself away out of love. In this Lenten season, may Jesus show us how to love, how to love unconditionally and without limits.
Attention sisters who attended the Chapter meeting March 2-3! Several pictures from the Saturday session are missing. If sisters found one or more of them among their belongings when they arrived home, please keep them in a safe place and bring them to the next Chapter meeting April 27-28. These pictures belong to the facilitator, Sister Mary Jo Nelson, and are part of an expensive and professionally designed set. Please return. Thank you!
Pictures Missing from March 2 Chapter Process
The IHM sisters in Maryland and Washington, DC, invited young women to a day of shared prayer and conversation at St. Anthony’s Convent in North Beach, MD. The first of two scheduled events, this mini retreat day called “Come to the Water” was an effort to connect with college age women who seek opportunities for shared prayer and want to learn about deepening their spiritual lives. The schedule of the day included the viewing of the IHM DVD and conversation about the IHM Core Values, an input session on prayer followed by sharing, lunch, some time for adoration or a quiet walk. The day ended with more sharing and a closing prayer. Questions like, “How do you like to pray?” and “How do you experience God’s call in your life?” were posed to the sisters and the participants alike which lead to lively and enriching conversation for all. These young women were invited to this retreat day by sisters who knew them from their ministry. The sisters who planned the retreat day found that the most effective way to invite young women was by sending an e-mail with the flyer attached and then following up with a phone call. Many of those invited expressed a desire to come and hoped there would be another retreat day scheduled soon. The next event in North Beach is a retreat day with a focus on service on Saturday, March 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
North Beach Retreat Day Held for Young Women
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IHM Joins LCWR Think Tank for Systemic Change Sister Donna Korba joined congregational leaders and justice promoters in participating in the fifteenth LCWR Think Tank for Systemic Change, “Between Religion and Revelation: Faithful Discipleship in Today’s Church,” in February at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, AZ. The presenter, Anthony Gittins, CSSp, led the group in exploring together the power of imagination in breaking open our vision of church. They considered the way in which asking the questions, “What if?” and “Why not?” can lead to new frontiers of vision and creativity for mission. They reflected on the mystery of Trinity as the source of all mission. Sister Donna Korba served on the planning committee for the program.
St. Henry, Gresham, OR, 100th Celebrationby Sister Kathleen Lannak, IHM
On January 13, St. Henry Catholic Church in Gresham, Oregon, celebrated its 100th anniversary. From 1951 until 1971 our sisters served in the parish school. It was a very sad day for the six sisters who were in Gresham in 1971 to realize, or even accept, that there would no longer be IHMs there to serve. While it was so far away from most of the sisters’ families, they had built up a community spirit focused on their prayer life together, the day-in and day-out challenges and joys of teaching, and the wonderful escapes to Cannon Beach and other awesome spots on the Pacific coast! They had a second hand, red, four door Ford Galaxy which they drove not only to these places but on an unfor-gettable trip across the United States to visit family and friends! They held so many special memories, some sad, too, like when the pastor, Father Augustine Meyers, was diagnosed with cancer. It was Father Meyers who built the present Church, school and convent. He was determined to have religious in the school and did convince our congregation to send Sisters to St. Henry. To say that he was devastated when he was told that our sisters were leaving his parish school was an understatement. He died in the fall of 1971 just a few months after our sisters departed. About nine of the Sisters who were stationed in Gresham returned there some fifteen years ago for a school re-union. The school looked the same but the convent was being used as a second-hand clothes store. Today it houses Jesuit volunteers who work with the poor in Gresham and the surrounding areas. The school is divided up into smaller rooms for the use of the different social outreach programs run by the parish. My memories of Gresham are like they happened yesterday even though it is forty-two years ago. The presi-dent of the Home and School Association, when the school closed, was Mike McKenzie who is pictured with his wife, Sue, in the photo above. They have kept in touch with me all these years and share their memories like it was just yesterday, too. While there is no doubt that our congregation has made an indelible mark on the people of St. Henry, they in turn will always have a special place in my heart and prayer! At the anniversary liturgy, a standing ovation was given to the IHM Sisters for their presence and service in St. Henry parish. While it was a bittersweet experience to be there, it was, nonetheless, good for me to be there. Sister Kathleen Lannak (aka Sister St. Bernard) served in Gresham from 1965-1971).
L-R: Mike McKenzie, Sister Kathleen Lannak, and Sue McKenzie
Sister Donna Korba
IHM Newsletter - March 2013 page 6page 6
Keys to the Future Next Steps The following are the suggestions of four more groups of IHMs who participated in the Keys to the Future process:
Sisters Gail Cabral, Mary Elizabeth Ehling, Alphonsa Concilio, Joan Quinn, Babette Opferman, Ann Newell recommended: believing in the diversity and depth of the spiritual life within us; seeking life; simplifying; inviting various age groups, former members.
Sisters Carol Lubas, Celesta Sinisi, Maryla Farfour, Chris Koellhoffer, Chris Mihelich suggested: inviting former members, one-on-one contact, outreach to youth including junior high students; public renewal of vows; asking more people to participate, using current technology, e.g. Twitter, etc.; being faithful and expecting God’s blessing
Alejandra Marroquin and Sisters Jean Louise Bachetti, Dorothy Haney, Kathy Kurdziel proposed: inviting women to our homes and into our IHM ministries; using the IHM website, Facebook, and other marketing tools and keeping them current; organizing something like JVC (Jesuit Volun-teer Corps) for a year of service; inviting women to evening prayer; re-cruiting from other countries such as Africa, South America, South Korea or from those populations here in the US; public renewal of vows using the long form; bowling; pizza and prayer; advertising in church bulletins; not shrinking from media coverage.
Sisters Elsa Eckenrode, Jean Coughlin, Ann Mary Boslett, Mary Ellen Malloy, Grace Campbell, Fran Fasolka, Maryalice Jacquinot encouraged us to: Be the religious we professed to be. Recommit to inviting young women into our homes; live simply, joyfully and with gratitude; invite people back who left or were never accepted; explore vocations in Africa, Peru; expand the use of the Internet to assist those searching; include discernment tools to help women understand our vocation; create drop-in places and a discernment house.
IHM Service Experience Serving the People of
Carbondale July 7-13
IHM Sisters have been serving the people of Carbondale, PA, since 1876. A year ago as sisters, staff and friends prayed their farewell at Marian Community Hospital, Sister Terry O’Rourke promised the people of Carbondale that the IHM Sisters would not abandon them. Honoring this promise, the IHM Vocation Team will sponsor a week of service to the people of Carbondale. The Sisters of St. Joseph Convent have graciously extended the hospitality of their home and community to the young adult women who will serve during that week. If you know a young adult woman (ages 14-40) who would benefit from this experience, please invite her or if you wish to participate in the service experi-ence yourself, please contact Sister Kathy Kurdziel 570-346-5414 or [email protected] for materials and further information.
Catholic Schools Week: An Opportunity to Share the IHM Charism
The students at St. John the Evangelist celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a community outreach day. Each class prayed for a specific group in the community and then representatives from the community groups went to the school where each was presented with a gift from the class. Groups included the community library, a local hospital, the police department, Knights of Columbus, a nursing home and the IHM Sisters. The Kindergarten students each purchased one or two skeins of blue or white yarn. The yarn (nearly 60 skeins) was given to Sister Mary Helen for sisters to make afghans to be sold Heartworks. Sister Myra Gilbart and Sister Theresa Frere plan to visit the students in a few months to show them photos of what the IHM sisters made with the yarn. Sister Myra commented that such activities give life to the IHM charism in Catholic schools where IHM sisters minister.
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ASEC Recognized at ACCU Annual Meeting in Washington, DC At the annual Association of the Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) meeting held on February 2-4, 2013 in Washington, DC, the African Sisters Education Collabora-tive (ASEC) was featured as a collaboration that exemplifies the 2013 ACCU theme, Catholic Higher Education and Globalization: Finding Our Place in the New Global Com-mons. Gathered for this annual ACCU meeting were cardinals, bishops, presidents and executives from Catholic colleges and universities. The presidents of the ASEC founding colleges and universities together with ASEC’s executive director were represented. Video documenting ASEC programs, activities and achievements aired at the opening banquet with over 400 conference attendees in session: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjsL3SvMv04 ASEC was acclaimed for its role in making a difference for sisters in Africa through empowerment, capacity building, creative use of technology, and training and education programs. Through collaboration, ASEC has built global relationships and is delivering cost-effective education that transforms lives and energizes leadership from within African societies to re-build communities where the best of indigenous traditions meet the best opportunities that global connectivity can provide. At the presidents’ meeting, Sister Anne Munley, IHM, president of Marywood Univer-sity shared about ASEC programs. A table with materials on ASEC programs was available all day for the confer-ence attendees to learn more about ASEC programs that include the Sisters Leadership Development Initiative; Higher Education for Sisters in Africa; Service Learning Program and ASEC Scholarship Program for Bigwa Sisters Secondary School in Tanzania. Sister Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, executive director was on hand to answer questions from the conference attendees. Recognition was given to all ASEC founding member congregations and universities, and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation who partners with ASEC to deliver the SLDI program. ASEC was recognized as an initiative that not only provides educational opportunities for women religious in Africa, but also sharpens global experiences for students from the US colleges and universities. ASEC has expanded educational opportunities and access to education in Africa for large numbers of women religious lacking secondary and more ad-vanced levels of education, enabling them to take critical leadership roles in building societal infrastructures such as schools, hos-pitals, and orphanages. Education is essential to resolving crises in Africa, and that is what ASEC is doing. ASEC sees higher education as the key to empowering self-sufficiency and achieving God-given potential, much as the sisters did for the immigrant populations in the United States more than 100 years ago. Certainly upon acquiring an education, the sisters in Africa have become agents of change by mentoring others in their congregations, and expanding the circle of empowerment to the people. Over 8000 sisters, their staff and colleagues have been mentored individu-ally and in groups. Both mentors and mentees serve a total population of 1,436,422 people.
Sister Anne Munley during a visit to the Bigwa Sisters Secondary School in Tanzania
Sister Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, executive
director ASEC
IHM Newsletter - March 2013 page 8page 8
Members of the Marywood Seminary Alumnae Association held a Mardi Gras Celebration for the Sisters of Our Lady of Peace Residence on Saturday, February 9. An afternoon of comedy and music was presented by the following entertainers: Father Joseph Sica, Sister Miriam Joseph Reinhardt, IHM, Michael O’Malley, Michelle Conaboy, Cathy, Joseph, Kristin and Micah Hardaway. Pictured with Father Sica are Seminary alumnae and members of the planning committee from left: Rosemary Malloy, Catherine Clarke, Roseann Brutico, JoAnn Ratchford, Sister Maryla Farfour, IHM, Father Joseph Sica, Nan Wandalowski, Kathleen O’Hara, Marjorie Barlow, Joyce Welby, Michelle Gerrity Druther and Marie Barrett.
IHM Presents at Immaculata University Sister John Michele Southwick gave a presentation at Immaculata University on March 5 on the topic of “God’s Love and Sexual Orien-tation.” Sister has been working with the administration at Im-maculata for the past several years helping them begin a program to educate staff and students about issues surrounding homosexual-ity and the Catholic Church. Two years ago Immaculata began their Awake program to train advocates, faculty, students and staff, to be support persons on campus for the GLBT community. Sister John Michele was instru-mental in starting the Marywood University Ally program in 1997. The program proposal received the blessing of the MU Board of Trust-ees as well as Bishop Timlin. The MU Ally program’s philosophy is based on Catho-lic Social Teaching which holds every human being precious. The program’s mission is based on the pastoral letter from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Always Our Children, which states, “One component of our sexual identity is sexual orientation… All homosexual persons have a right to be welcomed into the community, to hear the word of God, and to receive pastoral care….” Sister John Michele serves as the moderator for the The MU Ally program. The program has helped to educate hundreds of staff, faculty, and students over the past sixteen years and continues to wel-come and support GLBT persons and their allies.
Sweet Charity Singing for St. Joe’s Sweet Charity, a non-profit performance troupe, recently presented a check in the amount of $17,500 to Sister Maryalice Jacquinot, director of St. Jo-seph’s Center in Scranton, to benefit the many programs the center offers. Shown during the check presentation are, from left, Char Jeffers, founding member of Sweet Charity; Sister Maryalice; and founding Sweet Charity members Kathy Elgaway and Father James Paisley, who serves as pastor of St. Therese Parish in Shavertown.
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Jubilarians in Scranton Diocese Celebrated The Diocese observed the World Day for Consecrated Life with a Mass last Sunday in St. Peter’s Cathedral for 66 women and men religious who are celebrating jubilees – 25, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and even 75 years in religious life. Those who were able to attend the liturgy are pictured here with Bishop Bambera. Bishop Bambera offered the follow-ing greeting: “My dear sisters and brothers in Consecrated Life, we, the People of God thank you for challenging us to put our trust in the same God who has filled your lives with hope. We thank you for inviting us to lift our eyes beyond the overwhelming events of everyday life to the simple, life giving way of Jesus. And we thank you for reminding us – through the example of your lives – of the treasure that is ours when we live not so much for ourselves, but for Christ – in service of our brothers and sisters.” Pictured Row 1: Sr. Gerard Marie O’Connor, lsp; Sr. Romaine M. Krug, IHM; Sr. Dolorosa Loughney, IHM; Sr. St. Kenneth Polley, IHM; Sr. Ave Maria Foley, IHM; Bishop Bambera; Sr. Franceline M. Krug, IHM; Sr. Editha Fondec-chia, IHM; Sr. Mary Edward Loftus, IHM; Sr. Michel Keenan, IHM; Sr. Mary Frances Rassley, IHM; Sr. Gloria Frank, IHM. Row 2: Rev. Philip A. Altavilla, St. Peter’s Cathedral pastor; Rev. Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G., Vicar General and Director of Clergy Personnel; Sr. Josita Karnish, OSF; Sr. Doris Burkot, OSF; Sr. Theresa Fitzgerald, IHM; Sr. Janice Berry, IHM; Sr. Maria Voorneveld, IHM; Sr. Jacinta Guinther, IHM; Sr. Immacule Zdanowicz, OSF; Sr. AnnaMae Milus, OSF; Sr. Ann Damian Schwegler, OSF; Sr. Mary Beth Makuch, SS.C.M., Delegate for Consecrated Life.Row 3: Sr. Maria del Rey Shevlin, IHM; Sr. Stephanie Olek, RSM; Sr. Kathleen Mary Smith, RSM; Sr. Anysia Donohue, IHM; Sr. Mary Ann Adams, IHM; Sr. Maria Rose Kelly, IHM; Sr. Miriam Joseph Reinhardt, IHM; Sr. Eileen Coleman, IHM; Sr. Lenore M. McAllister, IHM; Sr. Mary Elizabeth Sheffer, O.Carm; Sr. Immacolata Scarogni, SCC; Sr. Carleen Boehlert, IHM; Rev. Edward Buchheit, C.P.; Rev. Brice Edwards, C.P.
Legion of MaryMembers of the Legion of Mary in the Diocese of Scranton recently celebrated the 90th anniversary of the establish-ment of the organization of lay faithful in the Diocese. Sister Rosella Salvato, IHM, serves as the spiritual director for the organization. The Legion of Mary is active in the Diocese through 13 praesidia (small groups), whereby the legionaries carry out apostolic works in the spirit of faith and in union with Mary.
Private or Directed RetreatThese retreats may be scheduled any time throughout the year at a time convenient for you. Please call 570-595-7548 to arrange for the retreat of your choice.
Lenten Morning of PrayerMondays: March 11 & 18Arrive for Mass and depart 10:00 a.m.Most people want to do something extra during the season of Lent. Plan to attend the 8:15 a.m. Mass in the IHM Convent Chapel, and then spend an hour in prayer and reflection on the themes of Lent.
Twenty-Four Hour RetreatSaturday, March 9 - Sunday, March 10Arrive: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. Depart: Sunday, 11:00 a.m.Using Anthony de Mello’s themes of silence, joy, peace, freedom, life and love this retreat will include video pre-sentation, prayer experiences, exercises and sharing. Donation: $60.00. $30 for IHM Sisters. Deadline for registration: March 2
Holy Week RetreatSunday, March 24 - Sunday, March 31Arrive: Palm Sunday, 4:00 pm Depart: Easter Sunday 10:00 amThe Holy Week retreat experience will be a time of silence and extended personal prayer. Meeting with a director is an option. The retreat will culminate with the Triduum Liturgies. Donation: $210.00 for Scranton IHMs. Deadline for registration: Sunday, March 17
Triduum RetreatThursday, March 28 - Sunday, March 31
Arrive: Wed. or Thurs. at a time conve-nient for you. Let us know your arrival time when you register. These intense days of silence in preparation for Easter will be conducive to reflection on the mysteries to be celebrated each day of the Triduum. Retreatants will join the Most Holy Trinity Community for Triduum services in Msgr. McHugh School. Donation: $100 for Wednesday arrival $90 for Thursday arrival.Deadline for registration: One week prior to arrival.
Grief Support GroupMondays: April 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6, 13Arrive: 6:30 pm Depart: 8:00 pmThis six week course is designed to meet the demands of those who are grieving, no matter when the loss occurred. The course will provide an understanding of the grieving process, together with techniques, activities and strategies to assist the participants.Free will donationDeadline for Registration: Monday, April 1
Spiritual TeaWednesday, April 10Arrive 1:00 pm Depart: 3:00 pmRenew your acquaintance with friends from previous afternoons of tea or make new friends as you pray, reflect and relax.
Spring Day of PrayerThursday, April 18Arrive: 10:00 am Depart: 3:00 pmAll creation is renewed at this season of the year. That is why it is so appropriate to spend time in reflection, prayer and sharing on how God gifts us with many graces and blessings.Donation: $25.00Deadline for Registration: Thursday, April 11
Lenten WorkshopMonday, March 119:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Pray, Meditate, ReflectYou’ve told God what’s wrong and what needs fixing. Join us as we reflect on improving our contact with God using scripture and the 12 steps. To-gether we can find a gentle approach to seeking God’s will through prayer and meditation.Karen MusicaroCost: $40 (includes lunch)
Health LectureFriday, April 1210:00 am– 12:00 pmWhat’s Sleep Got To Do With It?Why do we sleep? How much sleep do we need? Separating sleep facts from fiction; Sleep in different time zones; Sleep hygiene.Dr. Ida MassanoCost: $25 (includes lunch)
Refreshing Your SpiritSunday, April 149:30 am-3:30 pmA Day of Spiritual RenewalFor Men and Women in a 12 Step programSister Maurice is a highly esteemed retreat leader. She brings humor and an affable style of presentation as well as an understanding of the daily struggle.Sister Maurice Doody, OPCost: $50 (includes lunch)
Yoga RetreatFriday, May 3 (6 pm)Sunday, May 5 (11:30 am)Praying with Body, Mind and SpiritAn introduction to meditative prayer in the Christian tradition and the role of the body in prayer. A devotional approach to meditation and yoga pos-tures is taught as a way of anchoring one’s practice in the soil of Christian faith praying through the full expres-sion of one’s being. Reverend Thomas Ryan, CSPCost: $250
IHM Newsletter - March 2013page 11
(as of March 7, 2013)(as of March 7, 2013)Final Profession - 406 Final Profession - 406
Temporary Profession - 4Temporary Profession - 4
IHM Congregation Vitae
IHM EventsMission Board Meeting
Friday, April 26, 2013
Chapter MeetingApril 27-28, 2013
Assembly and Chapter MeetingJuly 25-27, 2013
Jubilee July 28, 2013
Mission Board Meeting November 15, 2013
Chapter Meeting
November 16-17, 2013
Chapter 2014 Discernment DayFebruary 1, 2014
Chapter of Affairs/Elections
March 6-9, 2014
Chapter of Affairs/ElectionsApril 3-6, 2014
OSP IHM 170th Anniversary Gathering
at Marywood University July 12-15, 2015 IHM Business OIHM Business OIHM Business Officefficeffice
Reminder from the Driving Committee As of January 1, 2013, all sisters age 75 or older are required to take a “Behind the Wheel” driving test with a qualified state licensed driving instructor and submit the Certificate of Completion or report from the instructor to the Office of Temporal Resources. Thank you to those who have taken the test and submitted the report. Those who have not are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. If you have decided not to drive any more, please send a letter to Sister Ellen Carney advising her of this decision. The revised Driving Policy can be found on the web at www.sistersofihm.org. Go to the Sisters’ login and IHM Documents and Forms.
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
by Doris Kearns GoodwinReviewed by Sister Mary Joan Kelleher, IHM
When Lincoln won the Republican nomination for president in
1860, each of his rivals felt that the wrong man had been chosen, When Lincoln won the presidency, he asked his opponents to join his cabinet; William H. Seward became Secretary of State; Salmon P. Chase became Secretary of the Treasury; Edward Bates became the Attorney General and Edwin Stanton became the Secretary of War. Eventually each man would express opposition to one or more aspects of Lincoln’s presidential agenda. None, however, were able to dissuade Lincoln from his course.
Although all the members of his administration were more expe-rienced in public life, Lincoln became their undisputed leader. Lincoln’s mastery in dealing with the issue of slavery and the possible dissolution of the Union showed his political genius. His uncanny understanding of the power of the presidency enabled him to govern so effectively.
Ms Kearns-Goodwin writes, “The rising intensity of the slavery issue and the threatening dissolution of the nation itself provided Lincoln and his colleagues with the opportunity to save and improve the democracy established by Washington, Jefferson and Adams, creating what Lincoln later called a new birth of freedom.”
This review only touches on the political greatness of Lincoln. Only be reading the book can one come to appreciate the complex nature of Abraham Lincoln’s leadership.
IHM Newsletter - March 2013 page 12page 12
Spatial Racism Webinar
Saturday, March 99:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Marywood University
(and other sites)
Presenter: Freda G. SampsonMichigan Roundtable
for Diversity and Inclusionwww.ospihm.org/webinar
The Churchin the Modern World:
Doing JusticePresenter:
Sister Simone Campbell, SSSExecutive Director
NETWORKMonday
March 11, 20137:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Mount St. Joseph Convent Auditorium
9701 Germantown AvenuePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaRSVP by February 28, 2013
I cannot express to you enough our sincere gratitude for the con-tinued success of the Silver Circle program this year. Not only did we reach our goal of 7,000 subscrip-tions, but we are continuing to surpass it. 7,073 memberships have been sold as of February 18, 2013. In celebration of reaching our goal, the Development Office will be hosting a Silver Circle Trivia Chal-lenge in which all are welcome to participate. Trivia Challenge details will be available shortly. In addition, a special party will be held with a special treat and an extra seller’s drawing. Thank you, again, for all of your hard work and determination. Please continue to submit addi-tional Silver Circle memberships by the third Wednesday of each month, as there are still plenty of chances to win. IHM Connection is now available online. If you would like to discon-tinue receiving paper copies of IHM Connection and would, instead, prefer to receive electronic copies via e-mail, please write to [email protected] Thank you!- Sister Ann Monica Bubser
IHM Directory Update
www.sistersofihm.org Online directory
Mary Elaine Anderson Norma Poma Arpi Calle 7 BaratariaManzana A-3 / Lote 24Cedros de Villa Chorrillos011-511-255-5064
Rosemarie Gregorio St. Michael Convent46 Midland StreetSimpson, PA 18407570-282-2133
Jeanne Marie Kearney Apartado 18-0629 Miraflores Lima 18, Peru
Mary Denise Thomas St. Joseph Convent92 Lincoln Avenue Carbondale, PA 18407570-876-4570
Angelique Vannicola Pax Christi House207 Rear South Irving AvenueScranton, PA 18505570-341-8190
On behalf of the Kane and Williams families we would like to thank the sisters for the many Masses, prayers and cards received for our sister, Margaret Mary. Please continue to pray for us during this very difficult time of loss. - Sisters Margaret Mary and Mary Alice Kane, IHM
The family and friends of Sister Gillet Beach wish to thank all those who of-The family and friends of Sister Gillet Beach wish to thank all those who of-The family and friends of Sister Gillet Beach wish to thank all those who offered prayers, Masses and condolences upon the death of Sister Gillet.
Sister Joel Marie and the Sheehe family are very grateful for your many expressions of sympathy. Thank you for your many prayers, Masses, and con-dolences for our sister, Mary Boyle.
The family and friends of Sister St. Paul Cafferty wish to thank all those who offered prayers, Masses and condolences upon the death of Sister St. Paul.
The family of Sister Kathryn Rolley would like to extend our sincere thanks and grateful appreciation for all the kindness and care given to her during her illness and to family members during her funeral. Thanks especially to all who cared for Sister Kathryn on a daily basis and tended to her needs; to Father Scott and all those who particpated in and arranged her funeral Mass; to all the IHM Sisters and to everyone who prayed for and visited her, who sent many prayer rememberances and Masses to be offered, and for the kind expressions of sympathy; to all those who prepared the delicious luncheon served after-wards; and to anyone we may have missed, please know that we are grateful for everything you have done in any way to help Sister Kathryn. She will be missed by many! - Alice Franek
The family and friends of Sister Laurentia Mayan wish to thank all those who offered prayers, Masses and condolences upon the death of Sister Laurentia.
Dear Sisters,We are most grateful for your love, prayers, cards, enrollments, and Masses given us at the time of our sister Helen’s entrance into eternal life. That day was also Helen’s 101st birthday, Janaury 16. We ask God’s blessings on each of you and yours. In His holy will, - Sisters Franceline, Romaine and Krug family
Sister Tomasa Fernandez sends her greetings to the IHM sisters and to the sisters of her Sojourners Mission Group. Sister Tomasa wishes to express her gratitude for being able to connect via WebX and SKYPE at the March 3 Chapter meeting. She sends her prayers for all and for a successful Chapter.
Sister Carlita Bird and family wish to express their gratitude for the outpour-ing of support, Masses offered, and sympathy cards received at the time of the death of Sister Greta Collins, IHM. May God bless you all.
