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Province News Notes September 2011

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The newsletter for the sisters and associates of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis province.

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  • Province News NotesNews Notes

    SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET AND ASSOCIATES ST. LOUIS PROVINCE SEPTEMBER 2011

    Opening our doors to celebrate the splendor of 175 years of mission and ministry...

  • Page 2 September 2011 PNN

    Province News Notes is a publication of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province. Its purpose is to promote dialogue and unity within the St. Louis Province and to keep members informed on those subjects that promote community and ministry. We welcome your submissions. Please submit articles and photos to Sarah Baker (e-mail preferred to [email protected]). Materials are subject to editing and will be published at the discretion of the editor.

    STAFF

    JENNY BEATRICEEditor

    SARAH BAKERGraphic Design

    SUSAN NARROWAND PRINT SHOP VOLUNTEERS

    Production, printing and mailing

    S. JANE BEHLMANNS. AUDREY OLSON

    S. CHARLINE SULLIVANProofreading

    Province News NotesSeptember 2011

    Sisters of St. Joseph of CarondeletSt. Louis Province

    6400 Minnesota AvenueSt. Louis, Missouri 63111

    314-481-8800www.csjsl.org

    Insi d e thi s I s su e

    On the Cover : All are WelcomeCelebrate with us as the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet open the doors of the motherhouse to the community and dear neighbor in honor of our 175 years of mission and ministry on October 15, Founders Day. See page 7 for details on our Open House.

    Photo by Fred Barnes

    ContentsProvince Leadership Message ....................................................................3Leadership ......................................................................................................4Summer Celebrations ..................................................................................5Communications ....................................................................................... 6-7Vocations ..................................................................................................8-10Liturgy ...........................................................................................................11Association .............................................................................................12-13Gleanings from Senior Ministry ...............................................................14Multicultural Awareness ............................................................................15Sponsored Institutions ...............................................................................16Meeting Our Ancestors .............................................................................17Necrology: S. Martha Smith ......................................................................18Necrology: S. Maureen Streitmiller .........................................................19Necrology: S. Rita Dooley .........................................................................20Necrology: S. Mona Marie Buergler ........................................................21Necrology: Associate Betty Eich ..............................................................22Necrology: S. Marie Pasqualine Frigo......................................................23Necrology: S. Dorothy Mary Meirink .....................................................24Corporation and Council .........................................................................25Bulletin Board ........................................................................................26-27Calendars ......................................................................................................28

    The Hand of God Shall Hold YouPages 18-24Inspiring. Courageous. Gentle. Cheerful. Kind. Th is month we share with you the necrologies of seven faithful women whose loving service touched countless lives.

    Prayer: Theres an App for That!Page 6Th e Congregational Communicators received a grant for a new CSJ phone app allowing individuals to request prayers by way of their cell phones.

    PRAYERSPLEASE!

  • www.csjsl.org Page 3

    Editors Notesby Jenny Beatrice

    Let Your Voice Be Heardfrom Province Leadershipby Sister Patty Clune

    Province Leaders: (Back) Srs. Pat Giljum, Jean Meier, Patty Clune and Liz Brown. (Front) Srs. Suzanne Wesley, Helen Flemington and Nancy Corcoran.

    I have a voice; you have a voice; we have a voice. What is it about which we can no longer be silentfor the sake of the mission?

    In June some of us attended the American Catholic Council. Over 2,000 women and men who love and are the Church rediscovered their voices and proclaimed Th e Catholic Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. (A copy of Th e Bill of Rights and Responsibilities can be found on our Web site in Members Only.)

    In July more than 60 sisters in our congregation who entered our community after 1968 came together in St. Louis at the Swarm of Bees, developing relationships that will carry our charism long into the future. What do our future leaders need to give voice to? How can we support them as they speak in our names?

    Nearly 400 sisters, associates and partners in ministry came to Carondelet to celebrate the courage, commitment and deep faith of our rst six sisters who came to this country 175 years ago. Th e voices of the six continue to be heard as we too respond to the needs of today and tomorrow. What did we learn from that gathering about which we can no longer be silent?

    Eight hundred of us gathered at the National Federation meeting of the Sisters of St. Joseph, at which the signing of the ECPAT Code of Conduct at the Millennium Hotel was

    the result of the voice of one of our sisters asking, What is your hotels stand on tra cking? Where else does our voice need to be heard to bring about systemic change?

    In August over 200 religious women from many di erent communities gathered in St. Louis for a Region X Leadership Conference of Women Religious event, reminding us that when we stand together in solidarity, our voice is even stronger and we will be heard.

    Finally, the theme of the National LCWR Assembly was Mystery Unfolding, Religious Life for the World. What newness is emerging in our community, Church and universe that needs our voices?

    I have a voice; you have a voice; we have a voice. What is it about which we can no longer be silentfor the sake of the mission?

    In honor of the upcoming Founders Day Open House on October 15, the next issue of Connections serves as a tribute to the motherhouse and the people who have been a part of its story. I spoke with many women that represent more than 80 years of life in the house and what stories they had to tell. Stories of the endless peeling of apples brought in from the Nazareth Orchard and the hazards of run-away

    oor polishers...of the splashing of faces from bedside basins and the waiting in bath lines on the Excuse Me Stairsof new friends playing baseball in the vacant lot and of old friends driving by the house honking horns and calling out their names...of sleepy mornings praying amidst a sea of black and white...of the winds of change that blew down the walls, bringing with it a

    new Spirit and a renewed commitment to the neighborhood that welcomed us.

    I learned that the thread that pulls these tales together is gratitudea gratitude for being part of the story of the thousands of women whose call to serve was cultivated on this holy ground, the very place where it all began.

  • Page 4 September 2011 PNN

    L e a d e rship

    Th e Nazareth Living Center development continues to move forward. Th e NLC Board anticipates breaking ground in March 2012 with an estimated 12 months to build the independent apartment units. Although occupancy is in the distant future, possibly spring/summer of 2013, many sisters and associates have inquired as to how to be considered for residence in the 30 spaces available to the CSJs in Phase I.

    Th e following information outlines the interest and inquiry process for both sisters and associates:

    Sisters: If you would like to be considered for one of these new apartments, contact Sister Suzanne Wesley at [email protected] or 314-729-9843 (home) or 314-280-8662 (cell). Th ese names, along with the names of those who have already inquired, will be compiled. As we get closer to occupancy, NLC will use this list to begin the application process. Th e NLC apartment admissions sta

    will determine if the sister applicants meet the criteria for independent living, which will be de ned by the NLC Board in the near future. Please remember, the lists are to indicate interest and inclusion; these lists do not guarantee housing placement.

    Associates: Associates can express interest by contacting Sister Suzanne Giro, admissions director at Nazareth Living Center, at 314-649-4660 or [email protected]. Please clearly state that you are a CSJ associate interested in being put on their list for the independent apartments.

    We know circumstances can change over time, as will our list. We will keep you informed as best we can and if you have any questions, please contact uswe will be happy to help nd the answers.

    Update: Nazareth Living Center Independent Apartmentsfrom Province Leadership

    Breathing in the communion of relationships that constitutes the web of life, we breathe in the hopes, yearnings, pains and struggles of creation, each other, the dear neighbor and the Church In countless ways you, our sisters and associates (ACOF), generously respond to the needs of our dear neighbors.

    Most recently you responded to the devastation caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Th anks to your generosity we were able to send a check for $31,594 to Caritas Japan (Catholic Charities in Japan) c/o Sister Madeline Marie Nakatsu. Th is re ects a collaborative contribution from vice provinces/provinces, sisters and associates across the congregation and donations sent to the Congregational Center from other local communities and religious congregations who know we have sisters in Japan and wished to express their solidarity.

    After our initial collaborative contributions were sent to Haiti (earthquake relief ) and Pakistan ( ood relief ) we continued to receive donations. We sent an additional check for $1,328 to Pakistan c/o the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery, U.S. Province in West Hartford, Conn. and a check for $1,060 to the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Valliers (Quebec) who serve the people of Haiti.

    All have expressed deep gratitude for your generosity. Let us continue to be in solidarity with all those who have su ered from the devastation of these and subsequent natural disasters and are struggling to rebuild their lives.

    Th ank you for your great generosity, your care and compassion.

    Sisters Catherine McNamee, Francine Costello, Laura Bufano, Susan Hames

    Grateful for Your GenerosityA Message from the CLT

  • www.csjsl.org Page 5

    It was a historic occasionnearly 400 sisters, associates and partners in ministry from around the nation and the globe gathered at the Carondelet Motherhouse to commemorate 175 years of mission and ministry. We celebrated the beloved, inspiring and prophetic women who have led and mentored us thus far. We gave thanks to God for our mission and all we have become.

    We deepened our relationships and collaborations in mission with each other for the generations to come. We had a good time and energized our future mission.

    Visit the event Web site for the reports, photos and slideshows at www.csj175.web.o celive.com.

    Zeal for Healing the Neighborhood of Gods Sacred UniverseU.S. Federation Event July 9-13

    Nearly 900 sisters and associates gathered at the Millennium Hotel to en ame our own zeal, to re ect on the times and, rooted in the Gospel, to move together in prayer and celebration and to explore the essential and healing power of our mission of active inclusive love in the neighborhood of the universe. Th e event also became the opportunity for systemic change with the groundbreaking collaboration of the Millennium Hotel, meeting planners Nix Associates, tra cking safe house Th e Covering House and global child advocacy network ECPAT resulting in the hotels commitment to and signing of the ECPAT Code of Conduct.

    Visit the event Web site for the reports, photos, and slideshows by visiting www.sistersofstjosephfederation.org and clicking the ZEAL icon on the right.

    Top: Katie Rhoades, traffi cking survivor and activist, shares her inspiring story. Bottom: Sister Griselda Martinez Morales, the Sisters of St. Joseph NGO for the United Nations, tells her story as part of the Voices of Zeal presentations.

    Deepening Communion to the Seventh Generation

    Congregational 175th Event July 7 & 8

    Left: Mother St. John Fontbonne (Sister Donna Gunn) blesses the sisters, associates and partners in ministry at the Royale Orleans banquet. Top right: Participants fi ll Holy Family Chapel with song during the opening ritual. Bottom right: The choir at the banquet program leads the guests in song.

  • Page 6 September 2011 PNN

    Most likely, you have heard the term phone app come up in everyday conversation. A phone app is short for a cell phone application. Th ese applications are add-ons to a cell phone, so the phone can perform functions in addition to making a call. Many people download the extra apps they want to enhance the performance of their cell phone. For instance, people can now surf the net, blog, Twitter, play games, locate a friend, study for SATs, etc. While there are apps for almost every category you can think of, the congregational communication directors have discovered there are very few phone apps for prayer requests.

    During the past two years, the congregational communications personnel ( Jenny Beatrice [SL], Susan Hames [CLT liaison], Mary Agnes Nance [LA], Mary Rose Noonan [A], Carol Louise Smith [LA] and Ann Th ompson [SP]) have discussed the possibility of creating a phone app for the purpose of providing a vehicle through which individuals may request prayers easily and quickly through their cell phones. After doing a search, the group recognized that there is no current phone app sponsored by a religious congregation to accept prayer requests for persons in a hurry in todays sometimes frenzied society.

    Th is past year, the group completed initial plans and obtained estimates. S. Mary Rose, in consultation with Jenny, S. Susan, S. Mary Agnes, S. Carol and Ann, wrote a grant proposal to the John, Marie, Joseph Whalen Foundation, Inc. and was awarded a grant of $15,920 to cover the total cost of designing, implementing and initial advertising for the phone app. Th e searchable name of the phone application will be PRAYERS PLEASE and the icon will be the heart and hand from the present logo for the 175th anniversary, designed by Sister Marion C. Honors (A). Th e new phone app will be simply our gift to those in need of prayers; there will be no collecting of names and addresses for province and vice-province mailing lists.

    Th is app will provide individuals anywhere in the world the opportunity to input a prayer request and receive a response. Th e prayer application will be designed to accept prayer requests as text messages from a variety of sources including the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry and Android platforms. Th ose who are making the prayer requests will download a free application for each platform that will allow them to enter their request and send it through their device. Because of these multiple platforms, most cell phone users will be able to take advantage of the service. Th e prayer request, in turn, will be forwarded to the provincial houses in Albany, Los Angeles, St. Louis and St. Paul. Th e persons who request the prayers will receive an immediate response. Th e requests will then be stored each day until a person in each location prints the stored requests. Each province will determine the means by which the requests for prayers are honored.

    Th e communication directors hope that the prayer-request app will accomplish the following goals:

    To provide an easily accessible vehicle for prayer requests, using digital media.

    To continue the call of the Sisters of St. Joseph to respond to the needs of the times, part of the essence of our mission.

    To extend the presence of the Sisters of St. Joseph to a new audience.

    To advertise our app and our congregation to the public.

    Th e communication directors express gratitude to the Whalen Foundation for the generous grant to fund this wonderful project. Watch for new updates for PRAYERS PLEASE!

    Prayer: Theres an App for That!Congregation Receives Grant for a CSJ Phone Appby Sister Mary Rose Noonan, CSJ (A)

    Co mmuni c ati o ns

  • www.csjsl.org Page 7

    Founders DayOpen House

    Saturday, October 15 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    Who: Open to the public. Admission is free. RSVP requested by October 5 at 314-481-8800 or [email protected].

    What: Self-guided tours of the rst oor will run throughout the afternoon with guides stationed around the house.

    Every half hour, starting at 1:15 p.m., there will be a special ve-seven minute program in Holy Family Chapel.

    Refreshments will be served, details contingent on numbers and weather.

    Guests will have the opportunity to submit prayer requests, nd a sister requests, pledge service hours and make a donation.

    For event information visit www.csjsl.org

    For promotional resources visit Members Onlyat www.csjsl.org

    or contact Jenny Beatrice at 314-678-0304 or

    [email protected]

    We are opening our doors in celebration of our 175th anniversary to share our heritage, our mission and our ministry with the public. It's an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones as we continue to build relationships through our special brand of hospitality. See the sidebar (right) for details about the day.

    We need you to be our CSJ Ambassadors! We are thinking big with billboards on Highway 55, media coverage, print materials, online promotions, connections with our sponsored institutions, etc., but as we know, the most e ective kind of invitation is a personal one. Invite your family, friends, co-workers, parishes, organizations, doctor's o ce sta , Facebook friends, gym membersanybody and everybody who might be interested in visiting our sacred space where all are welcome.

    What are the ways that you can help spread the word? Suggestions are listed below. Also, be sure to check your CSJ e-mail and www.csjsl.org for more information.

    E-mail: Forward our promotional e-mail to family and friends, which includes a link to our Web site where all the details are posted. Check your CSJ e-mail for the message or visit Members Only.

    Postcards/Flyers: Th e Print Shop has postcards and yers available for distribution. Take the postcards to your next Bible study, board meeting, family gathering, etc. Contact Sue Narrow at 314-678-0333 or [email protected] to request materials.

    Parishes: We will be sending bulletin announcements to area parishes, but as you know, a personal connection with the parish is a more reliable way to get our announcement printed. Ask your parish pastor or secretary if they can run our announcement. Ask if you can hang a yer or leave cards. Check the Members Only section of our Web site for information or contact Jenny Beatrice, director of communications.

    Schools: Th e Archives Department has compiled a list of the schools in the Archdiocese of St. Louis where our sisters have taught. (Th e list only includes institutions that are still open.) You can nd this list on the Members Only section of our Web site. If you have a connection to one of these schools, we ask that you consider serving as our liaison with them to help get the announcement out to their families and alumni. Contact Jenny Beatrice for more information.

    Your ideas are most welcome. Contact Jenny Beatrice at 314-678-0304 or [email protected] with suggestions. Th ank you for being a part of sharing the good news of our anniversary celebration!

    Open House: October 15Celebrating the Splendor of 175 Years of Mission and Ministry

  • Page 8 September 2011 PNN

    Vo c ati o nsNews from the Novitiateby Sister Pat Quinn

    Walking the CSJ JourneySnippets about our three women presently in the various stages of

    formation.

    Sarah Heger - Temporary ProfessionI capped our CSJ events this summer with the renewal of my vows and the national Giving Voice conferenceall amazing events. I have moved to Fiat House and am looking forward to a year of sharing my life as a CSJ with the women who will be joining us there. All this while preparing for school have made for quite a busy summer.

    Mary Flick - Novitiate I spent six days with my family on vacation and returned just in time to enter into nine days of CSJ conferences in July. Th e following week, I served as emcee of the four-day national Ignatian Spirituality Conference, held at Saint Louis University. Th en I returned to work and closed up my o ce after 24-plus years of service to the university community. I now will focus on being a full-time novice.

    Clare Bass - Candidacy

    I have had a wonderful summer! Th e 175th celebrations were amazing and awesome. I am so grateful to have been in attendance for the Swarm of Bees gathering, and at the Congregation and Federation events!Th en my family came up for a visit. We are always treated to the best hospitality at the motherhouse and enjoy rooming there. Th anks to the motherhouse sta who help make all of our visits a pleasure.

    Have you been wondering how things are going in the novitiate and with our novice, Mary Flick? I am certain that many of you met Mary at some point in July: Swarm of Bees, 175th Congregational Celebration, Federation Event. Mary de nitely had an immersion experience into the CSJs this summer.

    As Marys novice director I want to describe, in rather broad strokes, how the coming year is to unfold. It comes out of a collaborative look at what Mary feels she needs for her on-going discernment and what we, as community, (as expressed by province leadership, constitutions, formation plan) feel we would like Mary to experience during this time.

    Mary loves history and she has expressed a desire to have time and opportunity to get to know the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph. She has also expressed a desire to get to know our sisters and associates. What are the stories that have made us who we are? Who are those who have gone before us, as well as, who are those among us right now?

    What about our ministries? How does our charism get lived out in the work we do? In order to address these questions Mary will be involved in hands-on ministry with our sisters and associates here in the St. Louis area beginning in September and continuing into December. One example of this is that Mary will be a volunteer at Nazareth Living Center where she can get to know many of our sistersto hear their stories and witness their spirit that is alive and well. Beginning in January and continuing for several months Mary will visit and participate in some of our ministries outside the St. Louis area.

    Mary remains a member of Holy Family Community at Carondelet, made up of Sisters Marian Cowan, Patty Johnson, Sharon Jones and Audrey Olson. Regularly I have joined them for the study of our constitutions and for prayer; I will continue to do so in the coming year.

    Please join me in thanking God in advance for blessings upon the novitiate community, the novice and the novice director. Th anks!

    Look for articles from Mary, who will share various aspects of her life as a novice in the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in future issues of PNN.

  • www.csjsl.org Page 9

    News from the St. Joseph Worker ProgramWelcome Theresa Guiffrida, our fi rst SJW

    Th e St. Joseph Worker Program began August 14 when our rst volunteer, Th eresa Gui rida, moved into the Fiat House, a community of sisters and women who desire to explore where God might be leading them. Th eresa began her service at St. Cecilia School where she uses her bilingual skills to assist the school in communicating with Spanish-speaking parents. We are very excited to welcome Th eresa into the CSJ community for her year of service.

    As the volunteer year begins, so do the St. Joseph Worker Program fundraising events. Join us for a Treasure Bonanza Yard Sale on September 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Parish parking lot (323 Ho meister Ave., St. Louis). Clothing for men, women and children along with furniture and household items will be sold to support the St. Joseph Worker Program.

    If you would like to get to know our volunteer, Th eresa, join us to Meet the Worker on September 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Wine Press (4436 Olive St., St. Louis). Come enjoy dinner or a glass of wine, live music and get to know the volunteer and SJW program. A portion of the proceeds from the food and drink will be donated to the program. We thank Wine Press for their generosity.

    If you have any questions about either event, contact Lori Ashmore-Ruppel, director of the SJW program, at [email protected] or 314-919-0771.

    Th eresa Gui rida

    Th e Consecrated Life Committee invites the Sisters of St. Joseph to an ongoing conversation about consecrated lifea follow-up from our day of re ection on Consecrated Life in July 2010.

    On Sunday, October 16, in honor of Founders Day, we will host a conversation at Carondelet that will also have an online component to enable participation from across the province and throughout the CSSJ Federation. Join us for prayer, re ection and conversation about foundation, re-foundation and the identity of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

    An On-Demand version is available. If you are not available for the live presentation, register for the on-demand version. You can download and view the segments and participate at your convenience.

    Event Schedule12:30 Prayer / Sharing of the Heart1:15 Presentation - S. Maria Rubina, CSJ1:45 Personal Re ection2:30 Small Group Re ection (locally)3:15 Individual or Group Exercise (explanation online with opportunity to submit results)4:15 Presentations of Projects4:45 Closing Prayer

    To register online visit www.ahereford.org/cssj and select your option (Online, On Demand or In Person) from the drop down menu. You can also contact S. Amy at [email protected].

    To register for the In-Person option by phone or e-mail contact S. Sandra Schmid at 314-239-0172 or [email protected].

    Sisters: Join us for a Conversation on Consecrated LifeSunday, October 16, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. CST at Carondelet and OnlineFoundation, Re-foundation and the Identity of the Sisters of St. Joseph

  • Page 10 September 2011 PNN

    How do I balance living within an older community and being a young woman who occasionally just wants to go dancing?

    What will the community I live with look like in 10 or 20 years when I am 35 or 45 years old? Will I have community?

    What would it look like if we weren't afraid to live intentionally in community?

    Do we trust that numbers are not the primary issuecan we trust God's call to our charism and congregation?

    How do we live with integrity amidst the corruption present in the church?

    How do we witness authentically to the Gospel in a secularized world?

    Responses to the prompt, What question keeps you up at night? were as diverse and poignantly passionate as the women gathered. S. Amy Hereford and I joined nearly 150 sisters gathered at Loyola University, Chicago, July 21-24, for the sixth bi-annual Giving Voice Conference: Call the Circle...Bring Your Dreams...Engage the Emergence. While Giving Voice typically calls together an inter-congregational gathering of sisters under 50, this year's conference welcomed a group of sisters ranging from age 25 to 86 for intergenerational conversation. Teresa Posakony of the Berkana Institute, working with the Giving Voice planning team, involved participants in a circle process of deep listening and authentic sharing. S. Sandra Schneiders, IHM as well as Giving Voice members: S. Jessi Beck, PBVM; S. Teresa Maya, CCVI; S. Alison McCrary, CSJ candidate; and others were on hand to share their experiences and re ections on the dreams that were shared. Th e process called participants to hold at the center of their sharing the

    intent of religious life at its most whole. It was a weekend of challenge and grace, reality-naming and imagining.

    I found the experience both uplifting and emotionally necessary. It was the rst Giving Voice event I have attended, and the weekend did justice to the organization's title. From the beginning, those of us in the younger generations were encouraged to speak without translating, to focus on what is right in religious life while still being real and to acknowledge the leadership in every chair. While Schneiders spoke wisdom from her generation, it was the sisters under 50 who prodded my soul and had me nodding in recognition. Th rough prayer and dance, questioning and dreaming, and really just being together, religious life ballooned in possibility and energy.

    It was an event of many rsts for me. Not only was it my rst Giving Voice event, but it was also the rst time I found myself surrounded by sisters named Saraha very popular name in the early 1980s. Perhaps my favorite rst, however, came during a card game one night. As we went around the table sharing names and ages, the sister whose turn came last nished her introduction with, I'm 32 and I feel old! Of so many possible quotes, that one, combined in memory with the peals of laughter that followed, sums up the weekend the best.

    I can't even begin to touch on all of the processes and events of the conference. Visit the blog, www.givingvoice2011.blogspot.com, for more questions that were asked, podcasts of presentations, photos, re ections and more.

    Giving Voice Conferenceby Sister Sarah Heger

    The members of the Fiat House community were touched by the loving and prayerful support received during their Open House on July 31. Many of those who visited that day remarked on the beautiful and hospitable environment. Some reminisced about their experience of a traditional convent setting and how different Fiat House looked from these experiences. For those who were not able to make the Open House, feel free to give us a call and come by for a visit. Your continued prayers for the women of the Fiat House community are greatly appreciated. Also, we wanted to pass along St. Andrew Parish's St. Vincent DePaul expression of gratitude for the food stuff donated to their food pantry.

    Fiat Community Open House July 31

    Fiat House resident Deanne Molosky with S. Rosario

    Bobadilla

  • www.csjsl.org Page 11

    Learning and Growing: The New MissalTh e beginning of a new school year still stirs feelings of anticipation and excitement in me, even though my own school days are long gone. I get the urge to stroll through the school supplies aisle to see new folders, lunch boxes and pencil cases available. Feelings of possibility and opportunity bubble to the surface of my consciousness once again. September reminds me of adventures that can unfold in the presentation of new ideas, books and lessons ahead. Th e reality of the drudgery and stress that also accompanies the process of learning is only a faint and distant memory now.

    As this new academic year begins, I am aware of the great task ahead for us as both students and teachers of prayer and ritual. Th is fall we begin exploring the new translations for the revised Roman Missal. I am reminded of the faces of my students at the beginning of a new school year. Some shared my hopeful anticipation and excitement, others were nervous and lled with anxiety, and a few were completely put out and unwilling to have to begin a new school year at all. I can see a little bit of myself in each of those faces from the past. Th e changes in the Roman Missal will be challenging and daunting as we are presented with di erent vocabulary and new responses that are unfamiliar and uncomfortable.

    Some of us will feel anxious and upset by these changes. Some of the changes may even make us feel unwilling

    to adapt or accept. But it is my hope that we will be presented with an opportunity to explore our own memories, hopes and dreams of how we can come together as Gods people in praise and worship.

    Looking back, I now know that the process of learning and growing is di cult. Some of my classes and teachers gave me more joy, wisdom and satisfaction than I could have imagined and others were an ongoing struggle that left me unful lled and at times even angry. But all of them presented me with the possibility of learning more deeply who I was and what I believed and valued. It is my prayer and hope that the implementation of the new Roman Missal will give us the same possibility as individuals and as the Church, the People of God.

    Liturgy Calendar

    September7 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.14 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.18-19 Spirituality Committee21 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.28 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.

    October5 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.12 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.15 Open House at Carondelet19 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.26 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.

    Liturg ySource and Summitby Associate Mary Kay Christian

    On July 24, St. Louis Parish in Englewood, Colo., celebrated its 100th anniversary! Because of our CSJ history with the parish in sta ng the school from 1929 1976, four of usSisters Janet Mary Feager, Mary Ann Mulligan, Rita Moriarity and Jean Vianney Mindak joined in celebrating the Eucharist with our Archbishop, the priests and parishioners, past and present.

    It was an occasion where we four felt we were standing on the shoulders of our sisters who served Gods people as we accepted recognition and thanks from Archbishop

    Chaput and the gathered community for beginning the school and for our service to the parish.

    We send the archbishops gratitude to Sisters Marie deMonfort Deken, Alice Hein, Ruth LaVar, Jeanne Rene Mercier, Richard Joseph Sagadin, Margaret Schmidt, Sandra Straub, Cecilia Sullivan and Michael White, Associate Ruth Shy Wilson, along with those who are enjoying their new life with God. Our presence is there in our absence!

    Sister Jean Vianney Mindak

    CSJs Celebrate Service at St. Louis Parish in Colorado

  • Page 12 September 2011 PNN

    Steering Committee ReportCelebrations and gatherings of the past year, especially during July, suggest we are ready to move forward in many arenas. For one, we are ready for a conversation that many sisters and associates have already initiated:

    How do we sisters and associates see ourselves moving forward together in partnership?

    From every corner of our province comes inspiration, questions, energy for life among us, and a desire for clarity and understanding. In assemblies, committees, wisdom circles and small communities, conversations are surfacing questions and also dreams about "what has been?" and "what is yet to be?" It is apparently time for province-wide spirit-driven conversations.

    Last winter a Wisdom Circle was formed and 33 sisters and associates participated and our rst conversation took place. From this event both a Task Force and a Steering Committee were formed. We, the Steering Committee, were invited to create a process for province-wide conversations in 2012. Th e hope is that every sister and every associate will participate in these conversations. You can expect to hear more as the year progresses. Stay tuned!

    Th e Steering Committee A. Santa CuddiheeS. Suzanne GiblinS. Paulette GladisA. Cathy HartA. Peggy MaguireS. Judy MillerS. Marilyn PeotA. Michelle Piranio

    S. Pat Giljum, Liaison to LeadershipS. Audrey Olson represents the Task Force

    Wisdom Circle Task Force ReportDuring the one-day meeting of the Wisdom Circle time was allotted for the vowed members present to voice their questions and concerns regarding association. Th e Task Force was given these questions/concerns and asked to respond to them. With the help of Associate Director Peggy Maguire the Task Force was able to respond to the questions/concerns. Th ese were grouped into 10 categories. It is our plan to present the questions/concerns in groups of two in the PNN over ve issues. We are beginning with formation and nances.

    Formation: Is there consistency throughout the province in structure, curriculum and accountability?Th ere is consistency but not uniformity. Th e formation material is sent to each area. Th e program cant be the same in all areas, some are individual associates. All follow the same format.

    Finances: What is the nancial responsibility of association to the province?Th ere is none but associates are encouraged to donate to the Development O ce. Last year they gave about $60,000. In the associate agreement it is clearly stated that the province has no nancial responsibility to the associate nor the associate to the province.

    Who pays for association activities?Th e province pays for association through the association directors budget. However the associates are taking on-going steps toward becoming self-sustaining.

    Stay tuned...more questions/concerns in the next PNN.

    Th e Task ForceS. Elizabeth AhrensS. Lillian BaumannS. Catherine DurrS. Patricia FlavinS. Margaret GreggS. Mary Ann HilgemanS. Audrey OlsonS. Ann Pace

    Our Preferred Future:Conversation on Associates and Vowed Members

    A s s o ci ati o n

  • www.csjsl.org Page 13

    Associates Lend a Hand in MississippiAssociates Jean Kertz, Sharon Sassenrath, Judy Hereford and Suellyn Fahey (pictured left)celebrated Mothers Day with a trip to Okolona, Miss. to volunteer for Sister Liz Brown, executive director of EXCEL, Inc., a community organization that focuses on education and community building. They scraped, sanded and painted the site of the future senior center. They worked in the resale shop. They tutored students in the after-school program. "I have to tell you I haven't had my face, hands and clothes so dirty in years," says Judy." We were physically tired at the end of the day, but it was very satisfying."

    Pictured Bottom Left: Suellyn Fahey assists at the One of a Kind Shop resale store. Bottom Right: Jean Kertz works on the fl oor of the senior center.

    Associates Offer Their Skills to CommunityNeed someone to do calligraphy, write a grant, share an experience of caring for a loved one? Associates have completed a discernment process in which they identi ed many gifts, skills and life experiences they would be willing to share with the Community of St. Joseph and the dear neighbor. Visit Members Only for the list of talents o ered and make use of them when needed.

    Volunteer OpportunitiesIf you are looking for ways to volunteer, such as theMississippi Volunteer Program, visit Members Only/Association and go to Ministry Volunteer Opportunities.

    On the Web: Members Only-Association

  • Page 14 September 2011 PNN

    Gl e aning s f ro m S e ni o r Mini str ySummer Refl ectionsby Sister Bonnie Murray and Trish CallahanS. Bonnie Gleans...One day this summer, a billboard caught my attention. It read: Reading: A Discount Ticket to Everywhere!

    One of the sisters whom I visited recently in Kansas City introduced me to the book Th e Paper Garden, by Molly Peacock. What fascinated me was the subtitle An Artist Begins Her Life Work at 72. Since I entered the 70s a few months before, I wondered if my lifes work was still to come. As a friend of mine remarked, We still have time!

    In the book, I was transported to England in the early 1700s where I met twice-widowed Mary Delany. One afternoon, Mary noticed how a piece of colored paper matched the dropped petal of a geranium. At age 72, she succeeded in creating a new art form, an early form of collage, and by the time of her death at 87 (in 1788), had managed to produce 985 examples of her paper marvels.Today the collages reside in the British Museum.

    I would recommend Th e Paper Garden to anyone who enjoys beautifully woven biographies and memoirs. Peacock takes the reader on a journey that is a graceful meditation on botany, nature, life and age. Th e author has interwoven

    her life story with that of Mary Delany, nding herself confronted with her own aging. She has given herself and her readers a blueprint for late-life exibility, creativity and change.

    As I attend my rst knitting class, I wonder if this could be the beginning of my lifes work! Who knows? I open myself

    to the possibility and invite you to be aware of where your creativity may be drawing you.

    Trish Gleans...Its been a busy summer!

    As I look back on the past three months, I realize that Ive been out of the o ce nearly as often as Ive been sitting at my desk. Th e most interesting task that took me out of the o ce was working with sisters who wanted help in using their computers.

    We spent time on a variety of topics such as: how to archive e-mails in Outlook, format documents and spreadsheets, organize or transfer photos or les to a CD or ash drive, and how to navigate the Internet.

    Th ese in-home computer tutorials inspired me to look more closely at the Senior Ministry Web page. It had become a bit of an orphan over the last year and woefully neglected. I will be working with S. Bonnie to redesign and enhance the Senior Ministry Web page. Th ere will be an opportunity on the page for you to submit your ideas, suggestions and input.

    A couple of the new features planned include tips on how to use keyboard shortcuts and other tools, such as a budget template in excel and reviews of the many periodicals and books in our Reading Resource Room.

    On September 1 the Senior Ministry O ce celebrates its 5th anniversary! S. Bonnie and I continue to experience this incredible journey with you and look forward to this coming year.

    On the Web: Senior Ministry

    Celebrating Life and the Wisdom that Blossoms with Age.

    Find the Senior Ministry Web page at www.csjsl.org in the Members Only section. Scroll down to fi nd Senior Ministry on the orange menu on the left.

  • www.csjsl.org Page 15

    Three Families, Three Immigration Storiesby Associate Nancy Broach

    A new school year has begun at St. Francis De Sales School in Denver, Colo., a school that serves a large Hispanic-immigrant population. Many of the families at St. Francis De Sales have come to the United States determined to provide their children with a better education and a better life, despite their lack of resources and ability to navigate the immigration system. Th e school follows a dont ask, dont tell policy in regards to citizenship status. Principal Sister Eleanor OHearn tells the stories of three school families facing di cult circumstances due to their immigration status. You listen and hurt for them and want to help, says S. Eleanor, But, there is not much one can do except keep their secret.

    *Juanita, her husband and two children live in an impeccably clean rental home. Th e family lives on her husbands annual $28,000 salary and she stays at home with the children. Juanita had to go back to Mexico this year to get the right papers and she took her 8-year-old daughter with her. Th e teacher gave Juanita enough reading and math for her daughter to work on, as she would not enroll her in a school in Mexico. In fact, she hardly let her out of her sight.

    *Names have been changed.

    *Cecilia lived in fear for nine years, using a stolen Social Security number. She worked as a manager in a fast food restaurant, where all of the employees were Hispanic and none had a command of the English language. Amazingly, after being caught using the fraudulent Social Security number, she was not deported. She did not lose her job but was demoted to the sta level. Her son, the youngest of three, struggled all eight years at St. Francis with behavior issues, mainly due to problems at home.

    *Anas husband was deported back to Mexico four years ago. Ana, who is documented, remains in the United States with their three children, ages 5, 8 and 14, primarily because the education system in Mexico is so poor. She thought about moving to California near the Mexican border, but there was no work for her there. Ana works for a check cashing company and earns about $30,000 per year. Th e family lives with relatives and, when able, rents a home. Th e children are impacted by their fathers absence and it has negatively a ected their education. S. Eleanor has written letters to immigration services on behalf of the family, stating how di cult it is for Ana to raise the children on her own. Th ey have not responded. Ana says it is just going to take more time.

    STARS for Justice Profi le: Sister Helen RottierMulti cultural Aw are ne s s

    How did your ministry in Texas begin?It was 1990 when my one year sabbatical brought me to South Texas for some rest, sun and relaxation. Twenty-one years later and still in Texas, I have ministered in three of the poorest counties in the United States.

    What do you enjoy about your ministry?It is very ful lling to live and work in an area where American and Mexican ideals are so integrated. Th e people are so lovable, so accepting. When I rst began serving in Texas with my housemate Sister Mary Ann Potts, we would come home from our respective schools and I would ask her, How many hugs did you get today? And the parents are not onlyfriendlythey are also hard workers and want the best for their children.

    What do you enjoy about your work at San Martin de Porres?I love how the faculty and sta are always seeking new ways to live up to the schools mission statement, to develop and inspire strong Christian values and academic excellence, thus preparing our children to become tomorrows leaders.

    What are your plans for the future?As I look to the next ve years I am not certain how or where I will do it, but I know I want to continue to work with students who want to know more about their faith and further their educations. I know I want to continue to work in this area where the needs are very great.

    Sister Helen Rottier is the principal of San Martin de Porres Catholic School in Weslaco, Texas.

  • Page 16 September 2011 PNN

    After seven years of wonderful leadership, steadfast support of the St. Josephs Academy community, loving guidance, and a resolute commitment to the SJA mission Sister Michaela Zahner will be moving on to the next chapter in her life. Although we are sad to see her go, we are forever grateful for the time and gifts she has given our community. Th roughout her time here, S. Michaela has truly taken St. Joe to the next level and has done so with such grace.

    Susan Conrad, chair of the board of directors, remarked, She has made many contributions in collaboration with the SJA community that have strengthened our schools ability to thrive in a rapidly changing and challenging environment. We are all the bene ciaries of her lasting contributions.

    Here are a few of the areas that S. Michaela has improved as president of St. Josephs Academy:

    Transitioned the SJA governance from an all Sisters of St. Joseph board to a lay board of directors that has e ectively assumed leadership of the school remaining faithful to our longstanding mission and values.

    Restored a stable nancial foundation on which we can

    build a successful future.

    Provided focus on the Admissions and Development O ces, which has resulted in increased enrollment, alumnae engagement, funding, and nancial aid for deserving students.

    Completed extensive facility additions and improvements that enhance the SJA education and position us well competitively.

    Developed faculty and sta excellence to ensure academic rigor and vigor, e ectively recruit future SJA Angels, and provide prayer and service opportunities that embody our mission.

    We will no doubt continue to build on the wonderful foundation that S. Michaela has laid out in these areas. She has not only made tremendous strides to stabilize many aspects of St. Joe as we head into the future, but she has also been an amazing role model for the young women at St. Joe. She lives every day serving the dear neighbor and teaching our Angels how to be values-driven women leaders. Please join us in thanking S. Michaela for her dedication and love for St. Joe! We will certainly miss her!

    Sister Michaela Zahner: Truly an Honorary Angelby Theresa Barron, SJA director of alumnae relations

    S p o ns o re d Inst ituti o ns

    Sister Barbara Dreher has been selected as one of the 2011 recipients of Fontbonne Universitys Founders Awards, which recognizes alumni and other members of the St. Louis community for their values-oriented service to society.

    Dreher is being honored for her distinguished service to the CSJ charism. As the executive director of mission advancement of the St. Louis province, Dreher expands awareness of the Sisters

    of St. Joseph of Carondelet and their ministries, raises funds to sustain and enhance the sisters work and collaborative e orts that they encourage to better serve those in need, and invites families, friends, businesses and foundations to partner with the CSJs in serving the dear neighbor.

    Th e awards will be presented at the Founders Dinner on Th ursday, October 13 at the Sheldon Concert Hall Ballroom.

    Fontbonne University to Honor Sister Barbara Dreher

  • www.csjsl.org Page 17

    Meeting O ur Anc e storsProfi les of Early Sisters Who

    Died in the Month of SeptemberSister Mary Alexandrine Erkolein died at Warrington, Florida on the 29th of September, 1874 in the thirty-sixth year of her age and the sixteenth of her religious profession.

    Th e many virtues of this devoted religious endeared her to her sisters and the people among whom she labored. Strengthened by the last sacraments and full of a holy con dence in God, she fell a victim to the epidemic of Yellow Fever, then raging in the place, regretted by many and beloved by all who felt the gentle in uence of her charity. [From the Necrology Book]

    Sister Mary Clotilda Kennedy died at Warrington, Florida on the 29th of September, 1874 in the twenty- fth year of her age and the rst of her religious profession.

    Th is young and fervent sister reached Warrington only one month previous to her happy death which took place scarcely one hour after her Superiors. [From the Necrology Book]

    Sister Anna Teresa Burke died also in Warrington, Florida on the 29th of September, 1874 in the twenty fth year of her age and the fth of her religious profession.

    Like Mother Alexandrine and Sister Clotilda, this dear sister fell a victim of Yellow Fever at that time sweeping away many of the inhabitants of the

    town. But death found her ready to follow the summons of her heavenly Spouse which took place scarcely one hour after Sister Clotilde had departed this life. [From the Necrology Book]

    Sister Mary Alexandrine Erkolein (Christina) was born in 1839 in Munster, Germany to Louisa Surkemper and Casper Erkolein. She entered at Carondelet on January 31, 1856 and received the habit on July 13, 1856. Her profession of vows was held on December 8, 1858. She taught at St. Josephs Academy in St. Louis from 1858 to 1862, and at St. Patricks Binghamton, New York from 1862 to 1871. She also helped establish other missions in the Troy Province before going to Warrington, Florida where she taught for only three weeks before dying of yellow fever. She was rst interred in Warrington and then reinterred at Nazareth Cemetery. Her remains are now in Resurrection Cemetery, Row 1, Grave 17.

    Sister Mary Clotilda Kennedy (Ellen) was born in 1849 in County Clare, Ireland to Jane McMahon and Francis Kennedy. She entered at Carondelet on June 5, 1871 and received the habit on October 15, 1871. She professed her vows on October 15, 1873. We have no record of her mission before she went to Warrington, Florida in 1874 where she died of yellow fever. Her remains have been reinterred in Resurrection Cemetery, Row 1, Grave 17.

    Sister Anna Teresa Burke (Rosanna) was born in 1849 in Ballymay, County Galway, Ireland to Mary McDermot and Walter Burke. She entered at Carondelet on December 7, 1867 and received the habit on March 19, 1868. She professed her vows on March 19, 1870. We have no record of where she was missioned before she went to St. Josephs in Warrington, Florida where she died of yellow fever in 1874. Her remains are in Resurrection Cemetery, Row 1, Grave 17.

    Sister Anna Teresa Burke, a lay sister.

  • Page 18 September 2011 PNN

    How to begin to touch into the life of Sister Martha Smith? She was born in Kansas City, where she and her two sisters attended Redemptorist Grade School. St. Teresas Academy was her high school alma mater. At her expressed wish to become a Sister of St. Joseph, she overcame her mothers objections and pursued her early dream of entering the convent. She lived a dedicated, full life as a Sister of St. Joseph and poured herself out in assignments that brought out the best in her.

    It was September 1947 that she, Peggy Jones, Madeline Fronke, Mary Helen Winemiller and Rosemary Flanigan boarded a plane for St. Louis from Kansas City to become Sisters of St. Joseph. Th rough the intervening years after profession in 1950, S. Martha taught in elementary schools and St. Josephs Academy in St. Louis and at Sacred Heart High School in Indianapolis, where she taught American and European history. S. Martha was a wonderful mentor to younger, newly assigned teachers, explaining procedures of the school schedule, alerting them to and preparing them for upcoming school events, and helping with lesson plans.

    S. Martha received her masters degree in history from St. Louis University in 1959. Her exceptional giftedness as a history teacher prompted province leadership to assign her as faculty

    member at Fontbonne College. Th e following years were alive and exciting for her in the wake of Vatican II.

    After receiving her doctorate in history from St. Louis University in 1965, S. Martha was assigned to Avila College in Kansas City, a great joy to her family. For the next 30 years she taught, molded, befriended and inspired many Avila students. Sister Marie Joan Harris, academic dean, and many of her colleagues named her a Renaissance Woman. She committed herself to molding her students into better writers, researchers and critical thinkers by incorporating those skills into her classes. According to S. Marie Joan, S. Martha in uenced thousands of individuals with a greater appreciation of history and a better understanding of themselves. Ever the mentor, during summer sessions at Avila, S. Martha readily helped teachers nd sources to supplement their instruction.

    For her outstanding scholarship, S. Martha received many honors and awards: the Fulbright Fellowship sponsored trip to India in 1965; the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Fellowship in 1984, and the Sears Award that recognized her Excellence in Teaching and Academic Leadership in 1990. Avila presented her with its distinguished Medal of Honor.

    In collaboration with Carol K. Coburn, her scholarly traits found their most excellent expression in Spirited Lives: How Nuns Shaped Catholic Culture and American Life, 1836 1920. In the preface to that book, they write that they spent years immersed in research and thousands of hours in conversation, all of it moving toward their shared goal: to place Catholic sisters within the mainstream of American history and womens history, and show the sisters lives and activities to be as complex, varied and interesting as the lives of their Protestant and secular peers. Th e two accomplished this and more as they ultimately showed the impact sisters have had on the shaping of American culture.

    Upon retiring S. Martha continued at Avila until her health began to fail her and she eventually moved to Nazareth Living Center. S. Martha once said that religious life was the only life that held meaning for her. She was faithful as a Sister of St. Joseph. May she now be blessed with eternal joy.

    S. Rita Louise Huebner

    The Hand of God Shall Hold You

    Sister Martha SmithSeptember 7, 1928 - May 9, 2011Inspiring teacher, outstanding historian

  • www.csjsl.org Page 19

    The Hand of God Shall Hold You

    Sister Maureen StreitmillerJune 14, 1935 - May 21, 2011A life full to the endAs she had wished, Sister Maureen Streitmillers life was full to the end. Her courageous and generous spirit helped her not only to meet head on all that she faced but to thrive in whatever roles in life she moved: teacher, administrator, caregiver for her mother, pastoral associate, associate co-director, chaplain and, above all, community member and friend.

    S. Maureen grew up an only child in Peoria, Ill., and she knew early on she wanted to be a sister, having told her mother that wish when she was in the third grade. She had a knack for making and keeping friends, always loyal to her roots and touching base with those who shared them with her. Peoria, with all its memories of friends and high school days at the Academy of Our Lady, found a special niche in her heart.

    Her dream of becoming a sister was realized in 1953 when she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph at Carondelet. After years of formation she began her formal ministry in 1956 as an elementary school teacher/administrator. S. Maureen served in many parochial schools, from Marquette to Marietta, and from St. Louis to Peoria. As principal, she always felt she ran a good school. Parents and teachers alike attested to S. Maureens commitment to education and to the fruitful working relationships she established with them.

    But other needs called to her heart. After a brief stint at St. Joseph

    Academy in Green Bay and then a two-year sabbatical at Emmaus House in St. Louis, S. Maureen was determined to work more closely in adult faith formation as a pastoral associate. At St. Timothy Parish in St. Louis she directed the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) where she said, Th e dear neighbor, not even knowing it, participated in the sharing of the heart. Truly she was touched by these candidates stories of faith and search for God. She herself was a superb mentor.

    Convinced that God was enough for her, S. Maureen dared to enter upon another new facet of life, this time as a chaplain at Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital in St. Louis. With CPE certi cation and drawing upon her life experiences for support and inspiration, she was a steady and comforting presence to the children and their parents in times of great need. She shared many a tear and a great many joys as well during her time with those dear little neighbors.

    Finally, S. Maureen did not hesitate to accept the position of coordinator/director of Association and Partnership when tapped to assume that responsibility. With candidates she took time to listen and to share, making all feel accepted and gifted. She especially liked to visit associates at their locations and would travel the province to support them in their commitments and faith life. As a prayerful person, she placed her trust in God, always working in collaboration

    with others to make the program bene cial and life-giving. Diana Oleskevich, her co-director, remembers the two of them praying together daily while on their journey to the Upper Peninsula and laughing and telling stories as they crossed Lake Michigan on a ferry.

    When S. Maureen learned she had cancer, she did not inch but embraced it diligently, relying upon God for the decisions she needed to make, for energy and for hope. Her transformative image of God brought her to a deeper love of herself and to a more compassionate presence for others who su ered similarly. De nitely it was her deep relationship with God that enabled her to remain positive and joyful and to soar in spirit despite the fact that she was diminishing in body.

    Th roughout all her life, S. Maureen remained grateful and loyal to her friends, especially S. Celine Birk, to former pastors and co-workers, to her dear associates and to her sisters in community. Surrounding herself as she did with such beloved relationships, her life was, indeed, full to the end as she had wished.

    S. Rita Louise Huebner

  • Page 20 September 2011 PNN

    The Hand of God Shall Hold You

    Sister Rita DooleyAugust 31, 1918 - June 2, 2011Gentle, loving, kind and happyIn many ways, Sister Rita Dooleys story parallels the lives of many Sisters of St. Joseph. She grew up in a large, loving family in Peoria, Ill., and, as a high school student at the Academy of Our Lady, she was attracted to the Sisters of St. Joseph. Yet, each story is unique, and hers unfolded with its own set of blessings.

    Rita was the middle child in a family of 11 children. When she was 10 years old, she experienced real sorrow at the death of her father. Th e large family pulled together to help their mother and to care for each other. For all of her formative years, Ritas family lived in Peoria. Th e children attended St. Marks Grade School. Afterwards Rita attended the Academy of Our Lady and met the Sisters of St. Joseph for the rst time. From the beginning, Rita felt close to them and thought she might want to become one of them.

    Th e sisters often relied on Rita to drive them on Saturday mornings to Chillicothe, where they taught catechism. Seeing the interaction of the sisters with the children, Rita decided that she, too, wanted to teach small children. Growing in her love for the sisters and inspired by their example, Rita decided de nitively to enter the community. However, at her mothers insistence, Rita worked for two years at family-owned Dooley Brothers Coal Company after high school graduation before she left home in 1938.

    On March 19, 1939, Rita received the habit and the name Sister Marie Yvonne. After her profession in 1941 and for the next 34 years, S. Rita got her wish to teach little kids. An exceptionally ne rst grade teacher, she ful lled assignments in St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Peoria, Chicago, Indianapolis, and nally back to Colorado, her favorite spot, but this second time in Littleton. Wherever she lived, her sisters remember her as gentle, kind and happy.

    A new ministry focus opened in 1975, that of religious education associate in Ishpeming, Mich. Later she engaged in similar activity in Keshena, Wis. In 1979 she returned to Peoria to become an assistant librarian at the Academy. Except for one year of living at Carondelet in St. Louis, S. Rita spent the remaining active years of her ministry in Peoria.

    She lived through many changes and adaptations through her later years. She was part of the merger of Bergen High School with the Academy/Spalding complex, remaining as one of the librarians in the newly named school: Peoria Notre Dame High School. Drawn to her parish RCIA program, she just went over and gave some suggestions at the introductory meeting, but she stayed the entire year helping the RCIA team and endearing herself to the catechumens. During some of these years, she also cared for

    family members. For the community, she assisted in making an inventory of every room in their convent on Wagner Lane.

    S. Rita was adept at crafts. When Peoria celebrated 300 years, she brought understanding of the citys Indian and French heritage to young children by creating three 42-inch tall historical characters. Additionally, she worked with clay; she also liked to knit and crochet, so much so that she created her own tagline: Dooleys Other Th ings. A special prayer centered her life on Jesus. She prayed, Lord Jesus, I believe You want to reveal Yourself to me, so I ask for the grace to help me to know You. Teach me to receive abundant Life You have for me, knowing that You are always with me.

    S. Rita retired to Nazareth Living Center in 2009, where she had time to live her desire for abundant life more fully. She died peacefully on June 2. May she rest in peace.

    S. Rita Louise Huebner

  • www.csjsl.org Page 21

    Delightful, delightful, indeed!apt words for S. Mona Marie Buergler, for she truly enjoyed life. S. M. Ermen Greene, one of her superiors, once said of her, She is a good mixer at recreation, very witty, and can make up the fun needed for any occasion. As early as 1944 when she petitioned to make nal profession, S. Mona wrote, My greatest di culty is to look and act pleasant when Im dead-tired.

    Looking at her life, one can readily see why she was dead tired, for she was seldom idle. She was born on December 5, 1911, in Wanatah, Ind. One of 10 children of Carl and Mary Bauer Buergler, she was named Alice Elizabeth. Growing up with ve brothers and four sisters she learned the give and take of community living.

    After her rst profession in 1941 and up to 1955, S. Mona Marie spent herself as a teacher, both in elementary and secondary education. In 1959, she was assigned as a faculty member at Fontbonne College. In all educational endeavors, her rapport with the students, teachers and families was recognized by her peers and administrators. Her commitment to professionalism and her willingness to help students outside class time proved to be a real gift, especially at Fontbonne.

    In 1972, S. Mona Marie took on the role of provincial treasurer. In that capacity, she attended many professional workshops and conferences to help her ful ll her

    duties. It was during her time as treasurer that the Sisters of St. Joseph bought into Social Security. She was farsighted enough to know that this would reap great bene ts for the province.

    After ve years, S. Mona returned to Fontbonne College. She served on the administrative sta and devoted time to writing articles for publication in various business education journals. Many bene ted from her business acumen and wrote to her asking advice about setting up language or shorthand labs.

    She moved to various locations and served in di erent capacities in her later years. From 1979-1985 she lived at the House of Prayer in Ferguson, Mo., where she liked to pray and share with others. Because of her pleasant disposition and her desire to be of service, she willingly became the assistant administrator at St. Anthonys Convent in St. Louis when asked to do so. Th ree years later in 1988 she was appointed coordinator for the Frontenac community at St. Josephs Academy. While at SJA, she spent hours each day transcribing oral history tapes, a federation project. She was very diligent in looking up unfamiliar names and places. All of this was a great service to the federation. She was a true community woman, cheerful and especially devoted to attending Mass each day. Prayerful, she participated in a daily rosary for peace after 9/11 with her sisters at the academy.

    S. Mona Marie was close to her family as well and loved her yearly visit to Indiana. At other times her nephews would travel through St. Louis on shing trips and stop to see her at St. Josephs Academy. She delighted in having the sisters meet her family members.

    In October of 2004, at the age of 93, S. Mona Marie moved to Nazareth, where she deepened her relationship with God. As she had done in the past, she made everyone comfortable in her presence. After su ering a stroke, S. Monas life became one of inner, patient acceptance. While the stroke impaired her speech, her smile and twinkling eyes let you know her sense of humor had not diminished. Appropriately, S. Mona Marie went to her God on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Now she is joined with the God she so lovingly served her whole life. May she rest in peace!

    S. Rita Louise HuebnerS. Kathleen Karbowski

    The Hand of God Shall Hold You

    Sister Mona Marie BuerglerDecember 5, 1911 - July 1, 2011Cheerful, kinda life lived for others

  • Page 22 September 2011 PNN

    The Hand of God Shall Hold You

    Associate Betty EichJune 18, 1930 - July 12, 2011A faithful and loving servantBetty Eich was called suddenly by her creator in her sleep on July 12. Betty was born on June 18, 1930 in Saint Louis, Mo.

    Betty was rst married to David Tibbetts and they had 3 children. After Davids death, Betty married Leroy Eich and they had three children. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy, and one daughter.

    Betty began to work for the Sisters of St. Joseph at Carondelet in the Housekeeping Department in 1972. She became a good friend of Sue Allender who was hired later as a housekeeper. Betty and Sue were encouraged to consider becoming associates by Sister Audrey Olson, then coordinator of association. S. Mary Anne Smith was their mentor. On September 13, 1992, Betty and Sue made their initial commitment at Carondelet. Th ey requested and joined the Medaille II Associate Group.

    Sue remarks that Betty felt that Medaille II community was like her family. She loved coming to the meetings; it made her feel good inside. Betty also participated in the spring and fall sectionals that met at Nazareth Living Center.

    Betty was an outspoken and strong woman. She was an active member of Sts. Mary and Joseph Church in St. Louis most of her life. She and Leroy called Bingo at Nazareth in their early retirement years. She was also active in the Red Hat Club. Later they moved to Bonne Terre, Mo., and were active in the Knights of Columbus.

    Betty enjoyed trips to the Ozarks with Leroy, her family and friends. When Betty and Leroy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, the Medaille II community was invited to celebrate with them. Good food, conversation, pictures, videos and lots of laughing were enjoyed by all.

    Why did Betty desire to become a CSJA? Th at I may share my love and

    talents

    For 19 years I have worked for the sisters and have become very close to them

    Th e sisters are willing to listen to any personal problem I may have and o er to pray that the problem be resolved. I also expect this close relationship to grow as we work together.

    S. Mary Ann Fisher shared that she was always impressed with Bettys outgoing personality, her willingness to serve others, and her deep faith with her loving Lord. Sometimes Betty would stop by my o ce at Carondelet to share some concern or ask for prayers for her family.

    It is with a loving and fond farewell that we will miss our dear sister and associate, Betty Eich.

    Th e Medaille II CommunityAssociates Sue Allender, Cindy and Fred Bardenheier, Lorraine Buck, Pat McGovern and Sisters Marianne Dwyer, Mary Joan Dacey, Mary Ann Fisher and Lillian Baumann.

    Sister Mary Ann FisherSister Lillian Baumann

  • www.csjsl.org Page 23

    Gracious and welcoming, kind, thoughtful and compassionatea model of how to live out ones life in service of otherssuch were the words of esteem and love with which her sisters remembered and embraced her. As one sister said, Her gentle but rm ways won the hearts of parents, students and sta at St. Joseph Institute, her only o cial mission. As she grew older, her gentleness, generosity and compassion bloomed beyond SJI to others in need at Nazareth, at a nearby retirement center and toward all who entered the building at SJI.

    Barbarina (Sister Marie Pasqualine) Frigo was born on November 10, 1926, the eighth of 16 children of Camilla Richelieu and Pasquale Frigo. Her mother was born in the United States. Pasquale Frigo, her father, was born in Italy and came to the United States with $50 in his pocket and the dream of opening a cheese factory. Her mother assisted him in this dream and he opened the Frigo Cheese Factory in Wisconsin. Both of her parents possessed a strong faith, which they passed along to their children. In her oral history, S. Pasqualine noted that her mother always taught her children to trust in divine providence.

    As a youngster, S. Pasqualine went to a public school called Golden Rule School in Iron Mountain. In third grade, she attended a boarding school in Oneida, Wisc., but later she would return home to Pound, Wisc., where she grew up. After attending Iron Mountain High School for 10th grade, S. Pasqualine noted that she tended to be a little sassy, so her mother wanted her to attend a Catholic school. Her last two years of

    high school were as a boarding student at St. Josephs Academy in Green Bay, Wisc., where she met the Sisters of St. Joseph. While at the Academy, she said she learned to be a student and thoroughly enjoyed it. She entered the community in St. Louis after graduating from high school.

    S. Pasqualine received her rst assignment in 1948 immediately after her profession; she was to teach and care for the children at St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis. Th ere began her love a air with education of deaf children and service to their families. Sister was an educator, teaching primary and middle grades until 1960. She also slept in the dormitory with the children who boarded at the school. Every summer she studied at Fontbonne and learned at the Institute, being mentored by other sisters who had taught the deaf for many years. She credits S. Anne Bernadine Wackenheim and S. Laurentine Lorenz for the tutoring she received in teaching speech and language arts. By 1964, S. Pasqualine had received her degree from Fontbonne, so she began a masters program in language pathology at Northwestern University in 1964. After graduating from Northwestern, she became principal of the Institute. She spoke with gratitude for the sisters who were assigned there in the days after the rubella epidemic in 1964, which left many children deaf. Th e Institute was bursting with 175 children, 110 of whom were boarders.

    After completing her time as principal, S. Pasqualine returned to teaching, this time in the upper grades. At age 65, she discontinued formal teaching and became a tutor, instructing one or

    two students at a time. She continued in this role until her death. For the last 20 years, S. Pasqualine led an active life of ministry: answering the phone at the Institute, teaching ESL, visiting a homebound cousin, taking communion to and praying with residents of a nearby retirement center, visiting sisters and residents at Nazareth, and tending to the nances for her local community. She was visiting nearby nursing home residents when she fainted on July 1 and was taken to St. Lukes Hospital with a bleeding ulcer that later brought about pneumonia.

    A day or so after her admission, she recounted to S. Jean Meier that when S. Mona Marie Buergler died, she told Mona she would not be far behind. Recounting that moment, S. Pasqualine added that when she was admitted to the ICU, she told God: Do you want me too? Its okay with me if you do, but I think I can still do some good work here. Instead, our loving God spoke to this faithful daughter of 84 years: Well done, good and faithful servant. I want you now to come home and rest with me. And so, on July 14 at 9:00 p.m. S. Marie Pasqualine entered into new and eternal life to be reunited with her parents, her siblings, her friends and students who have preceded her. May she rest in peace.

    S. Jean MeierS. Rita Louise Huebner

    The Hand of God Shall Hold You

    Sister Marie Pasqualine FrigoNovember 10, 1926 - July 14, 2011A model of kindness, compassion and service

  • Page 24 September 2011 PNN

    The Hand of God Shall Hold You

    Sister Dorothy Mary MeirinkJanuary 19, 1926 - July 28, 2011Always willing to be of serviceIf there was ever a sister who exempli ed St. Joseph it was Sister Dorothy Meirink. She was humble, quiet and always willing to be of service, especially if she knew that no one would take note of her.

    S. Dorothy was born on January 19, 1926, in Belleville, Ill. Th ere was great rejoicing the day she was born because as the eighth child born to Henry John and Marie Wirsching Meirink, she was the second girl. Th e rst little girl, named Dorothy, died at age seven. Th e family dedicated this new child to the Blessed Mother and gave her the name Dorothy Mary. Dorothy had six older brothers and three younger sisters.

    Her parents, hardworking, devout Catholics, felt the deprivation of the Depression years. Her father was a carpenter. After work he tended his large vegetable garden, sharing the use of some of his land with his neighbors in those di cult days. Her mother, too, provided for the familys needs by sewing all of their clothes. Her father had been a tailor and she inherited his talent with thread, needle and sewing machine.

    Dorothy entered the community and received the habit and name S. Mary Maurice on August 15, 1950. Her ministry was elementary education starting with primary grades at Holy Rosary School in St. Louis. Two years later she went to St. Catherine of Siena School in Denver, Colo. Th ere she loved going to the mountains to enjoy the grandeur of Gods gifts.

    In 1957 when she asked to make her nal vows, she said, I am by nature timid and sensitive, but I am earnestly trying to overcome this. Please permit me to consecrate my life forever as a Sister of St. Joseph. S. Joan Marie Gleason, her superior at St. Margarets at the time, said, Although she is capable and a ne primary teacher, she nds it di cult to appear in public. She never allows this trouble to hinder her work in any way and has proved very helpful in training new lay teachers in our school. Th is giving of herself to help others is a gift to all of us.

    Th e onset of Parkinsons disease around 1973 necessitated that she leave formal classroom teaching, but she embraced a new endeavor, helping children with learning disabilities. With her skill as a reading specialist, coupled with her quiet, gentle manner, she put them at ease and helped them to learn in spite of their di culties.

    Eventually a whole new world opened up for her when she was invited to be part of the archives sta at Carondelet, at a time when much archival data needed to be entered into computer. S. Charline Sullivan said S. Dorothy was also very detailed and e cient in coding and recording documents. She loved reading the preserved documents and used that knowledge and her giftedness in writing many articles about our early sisters, sharing them with us in the PNN.

    When S. Jane Behlmann came to the archives o ce in 2004 she said she got to know her value quite soon. I could

    not have survived the rst year without S. Dorothys organization, keeping up the databases, entering new accessions, coding and ling them. In other words, she made me look good. I was always amazed and envious of her writing skills. Dorothy and I shared a birthday month just two days apart. We had a special celebration in archives for Dorothys eightieth birthday and she later said that it was the rst birthday party she ever had.

    She felt blessed to be at Nazareth, grateful for extended prayer time and attendance at daily Mass. One of her goals was to write her autobiography. Unfortunately she did not accomplish that. But what she did accomplish was sharing herself with others so that as they came to know her, they came to love and respect her more and more each day.

    Now she is being embraced by the great love of God. Her su ering is over. Her time of dancing has begun. May she rest in peace.

    S. Kathleen KarbowskiS. Rita Louise HuebnerS. Charline Sullivan

  • www.csjsl.org Page 25

    Co r p o rati o n an d Counc i lMay & June MeetingsCORPORATION

    Accepted Minutes of Board of Directors of the Corporation

    meetings held April 15 and May 20, 2011 Financial Statements for April and May 2011

    Approved Balanced Province Operating Budget St. Cecilias Annual Dinner Auction - $500 Fontbonne University Golf Tournament - $800 St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church Dinner

    Auction - $1000 St. Elizabeths Academy Capital Campaign - $8,000 National Catholic Reporter (NCR) - $1000 Tornado Relief E ort EXCEL Okolona, Mississippi

    - $10,000 and Catholic Charities St. Louis, MO - $10,000

    Avila University - $1,000 Financial Aid Federation Novitiate - $1,000 Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Urban core school

    health program - $25,500

    COUNCIL

    Accepted Minutes of the Province Council Meetings held

    April 15 and May 28, 2011.

    Approved Patrimony Request Travel Request

    Discussed Department updates Sectional Responses Sponsored Institutions updates Vocation/Formation update Nazareth Living Center/BHS Ascension Health Sponsorship Day

    Rest in PeaceJune 14: S. Th ecla Monahan (A)

    June 16: Irene Snook, mother of Associate Linda Snook

    June 22: Sandra Alder, sister-in-law of S. Helen Alder

    July 1: S. Rose Th erese Zaloom (A)

    July 4: Rose Lacy, sister of S. Cecilia Sullivan

    July 6: S. Joan of Arc DeGuire (LA)

    July 8: Jim McLarney, brother of S. Rose McLarney

    June 11: S. Mary Catherine Marrone (A)

    July 13: S. Rose Genevieve Sullivan (A)

    July 23: Melvin Duggan, brother of S. Loretta Duggan

    July 25: Joseph Behlmann, father of S. Jane Behlmann

    July 26: Juanita Gonzlez, Familia de San Jos of Chile

    July 29: Florence Bene, aunt of S. Charline Sullivan

    July 31: Hank Dunphy, father of S. Pat Dunphy

    August 2: Cecelia Duggan, sister-in-law of S. Mary Laurent Duggan

    August 4: Anthony Aranita, brother of S. Rosita Aranita (H)

    August 6: S. Noreen Patrice Arnold (LA)

    August 7: Associate Don LePore & S. Ann Lucille Wallenta (SP)

    August 15: Wilma Billie Baxter, mother of Associate Patricia Baxter

  • Page 26 September 2011 PNN

    A beautiful Saturday morning in May was the perfect time to linger over breakfast, listen to poetry and nd the poet within each of us.

    Sister Amy Hereford opened her presentation, Poetic Spirituality, with Contemplation, a poem by Francis Th ompson (1859-1907), a re ection

    on sensing God's presence after a rainfall in north Wales. Participants re ected on the question, "Where do you nd God?" and shared responses from the wonders of nature to meeting people on a city bus.

    Other poems read and pondered included Th ompsons To a Snow ake, his conversation with a snow ake, and Th e

    Kingdom of God about his encounter with the savior as a woman on the streets of London. Th e poetry of song was explored as well, noting well-loved pieces such as Amazing Grace and How Great Th ou Art.

    S. Amy says that we all can write prose, but only God can write poetry. Poetry invites us into cooperation and draws out what is inside of us. Participants were prompted to write their own poems by choosing a noun, two verbs and three adjectives or adverbs and then shared their works with one another.

    Visit S. Amy's Web site at www.ahereford.org/lingering for more poetry.

    Bull etin B o ardLinger Over Breakfast: Poetic Spiritualityby Sister Marion Renkens

    Sister Amy Hereford

    Th e Road of Lost Innocence, by Somaly Mam, is the poignant true story of how her experiences of physical, emotional and mental humiliations endured in

    Cambodia strengthened her to become a remarkable in uence of change for women ultimately all over the world. Taken by her grandfather from her remote village at the age

    of 10, she is abused, both physically and sexually, and then sold into prostitution.

    Mam tells her tale so all can know the indignities that women and children around the world still su er in this day and age. She has dedicated her life to helping the innocent who have been

    caught in the sexual slavery web. As Mam states, Th e point is not what happened to me. I write my story to shed light on the lives of so many thousands of other women. Th ey have no voice, so let this one life stand for their stories.

    In 1996 Mam founded AFESIP (translates as Acting for Women in Distressing Situations), an organization that has helped thousands of women by rescuing them from the chains of sexual slavery and returning to them a sense of safety, love and hope for new beginnings.

    Th e Road of Lost Innocence delivers an inspiring lessonone person can make a di erence.

    To learn more visit www.afesip.org and www.somaly.org.

    Book Review: The Road of Lost InnocenceReviewed by Madeleine Reilly, Data and Communications Offi ce Support Ministry

    ChangesAnn Chamblin, CSJPrayer and WitnessNazareth Living CenterSt. Louis, MO

    Anna John Igoe, CSJPrayer and WitnessNazareth Living CenterSt. Louis, MO

    Mary Carol Anth, CSJRetired/VolunteerSt. Louis, MO

    Marilyn Peot, CSJRetired/VolunteerKansas City, MO

  • www.csjsl.org Page 27

    How long have you worked at the motherhouse and what does your job entail?October marks my ve year anniversary! My primary responsibility is to support the leadership of the St. Louis province. My duties are varied and no two workdays are ever the same. It is wonderful to be part of an organization led by spiritual women who are dedicated to social justice and the common good of all.

    Tell us about your family.I am now a single mother raising two children. My daughter, Courtney, is 20 years old and a bio-chemistry major, who is in her third year at the University of Missouri-Columbia. My son, Grant, is 16 and a sophomore at CBC. Hes on the cross country team, is working toward Eagle in the Boy Scouts and plays the drums. Th eir activities keep my life fulland noisy! My hobbies are...I particularly enjoy ower and vegetable gardening, reading history and studying genealogy.

    It would surprise people to learn...Th at my paternal grandmother, born and raised in south St. Louis County, had aspired to become a Sister of St. Joseph! After her anc died in World War I, she entered the community around 1920 but realized after a month that religious life was not her calling. She went on to meet my grandfather and marry in 1925 at the age of 33, had her seventh child at age 44 and died at the age of 88, after celebrating 55 years of marriage. Im certain she would be very pleased to know my association with the sisters today.

    I enjoy working for/with the CSJs because...With so many tensions at home and in the world, it means so much to work with a community of strong, yet gentle women who not only talk-the-talk but walk-the-walk of faith, integrity and courage. Th ey are powerful role models who help me continue my lifes journey by their lived example. God is good!

    My fondest memory while working at the motherhouse is...Bidding farewell to our sisters who were traveling to minister in Uganda, Africa. Experiencing their unsel sh commitment to help others in a faraway country reminded me of those rst six sisters who left France for America in 1836. Th eir determination to fearlessly travel halfway around the world has been true inspiration for me. I re ect on their brave, faith- lled journeys whenever I have to venture into unknown territories in my own life.

    Face of the Motherhouse: Meet Carol Underhill, executive assistant

    Bull etin B o ard

    Carol, Courtney and Grant

    As you think about sending your house annals and personal documents to archives please remember the following guidelines: Make sure everything you send is clean and dry Remove old paper clips and metal fasteners use only plastic or brass clips Identify all photographs (place, names, date, event) do not use ink Do not put photographs in self-adhesive albums Do not use tape on documents (remember the archival principle Tape is

    Evil!) Make sure items are secured in an envelope or some other means before

    sending them Make sure envelopes are identifi ed

    Archives Guidelines

  • Page 28 September 2011 PNN

    LEADERSHIP CALENDAR

    To subscribe to the e-mail version of PNN, contact Sue Narrow at 314-678-0333 or [email protected].

    September1 Ecological Committee (HF)1 Rosati-Kain 100th Anniversary Celebration (PG, JM)7 Ascension Health PJP Transfer (SW)8 LCWR Breakfast (PG,


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