September/October 2015 PNN

News NotesPROVINCE

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET AND ASSOCIATES • ST. LOUIS PROVINCE • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Jesus wanted to show us his heart as the heart that loved so deeply.—Pope Francis

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Page 2 September/October 2015 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! Submit articles and photos to Sarah Baker at [email protected].

**Materials are subject to editing and will be published at the discretion of the editor.

• STAFF •Jenny Beatrice

Editor

Sarah Baker Jenny BeatriceGraphic Design

Susan Narrow &Print Shop Volunteers

Production, printing and mailing

Jenny BeatriceJane Behlmann, CSJ

Madeleine ReillyProofreading

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FOCUS ON FUTURESister Mary Flick reflects on two summer meetings that focused on future imaginings and action for the Sisters of St. Joseph.

ASSOCIATIONLearn more about our featured associate, Cathie Braasch, who serves the dear neighbor at Nazareth Living Center as a social worker.

13CSJ EVENTS

Check out our new section featuring upcoming events and past happenings along with news from Liturgist and Associate Mary Kay Christian.

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CONTENTSProvince Leadership News ..................................................................................3Focus on Future ................................................................................................ 4-5Congregation News ........................................................................................ 6-7Around the Province ............................................................................................8Acts of Chapter ....................................................................................................9Corporation & Council ......................................................................................10CSJ News ....................................................................................................... 11-13Sharing of the Heart ..................................................................................... 14-15Archives ......................................................................................................... 16-17Necrology: S. Helen Rottier ...............................................................................18Necrology: S. Agnes Marie Baer.......................................................................19Necrology: S. Frances Virginia Cholet .............................................................20Necrology: A. Deborah Diane Marino ............................................................21CSJ Events ..................................................................................................... 22-23Back Cover .........................................................................................................24

ON THE COVER: LOVE OF GOD AND NEIGHBORIn honor of Pope Francis’ visit to America, the CSJ Congregation collaborated on an advertising campaign with America magazine sharing our mission of love and neighbor without distinction.

Among his very powerful statements during his speeches, Pope Francis recognized the significant presence and contributions of women religious in the Church and the world. Calling himself “a bit feminist,” he said that sisters always respond quickly to the front lines of trouble.

“The church thanks you for this. It is a beautiful witness.”

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September/October 2015 PNN Page 3

Province Leadership Team

“We commit ourselves to simplify our lifestyles through specific, measurable actions regarding water, climate change, food consumption and waste, taking into consideration local realities and concerns.” Congregational Chapter, 2013.

At our August assembly, we began a year-long province focus on Communion Within the Earth Community. Our gift and our challenge as members of the family of Joseph is to actively engage in building relationships that continually reflect God’s great love for all persons, for all of creation. In doing so, we must ask ourselves, “What I am being invited to change in the here and now?”

The word “change” is powerful in that it invites me to reflect and then to act. I must be willing to enter that deep, still, mysterious place of quiet within my heart and allow Divine Light to illumine the way forward. In the midst of darkness, I must trust that grace will show me the way. The path I choose will be illumined as I journey.

This is not easy for me. It requires a discipline to be willing to stay in the moment, patient, waiting, confident that I will know the next step and will know when to take it. I am invited to be still and to be ready to move.

I am coming to understand, perhaps at a deeper level, that I must cultivate a spirit of openness and a spirit of gratitude. Openness to what is yet to be made known. Gratitude for what has already been revealed to me. Both of these require me to be receptive, even to embrace change.

The Mystery of Transformation is what each of us committed to participate in individually, communally and in our expression of mission. As I continue to ponder the question of what I am being invited to change, I am more deeply aware that I must let go in order to take in. I believe that I must hold myself in a stance of open hands, letting go while at the same time remaining in a position of accepting what is offered.

As we contemplate together our chapter call, may we prayerfully consider what we are invited to change. Together, we pray in solidarity with all persons as we strengthen our communion within the earth community.

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty … Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.

“A Prayer for Our Earth,” Pope Francis, Laudato Si

Invitation to Changeby Sister Mary Margaret Lazio

2014-2019 Province Leadership Team: Sisters Rita Marie Schmitz, Marilyn Lott, Mary Margaret Lazio, Linda Straub and Maureen Freeman.


Seeding Our Future Albany • July 30 - Aug. 1“Seeding Our Future” in the life of the Carondelet congregation was the purpose of a three-day conference at the Albany motherhouse for 33 vowed members of the congregation, age 62 and younger.

Sisters Sarah Heger, Amy Hereford, Patty Johnson, Clare Bass and I entered into our time for reflection and facilitated discussion on our lives together as we imagined the look and direction of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

A sharing of hungers and hopes provided a good introduction to our time together as we named some of the “essentials” of our lives: our personal gifts, our insights as to creation’s greatest hunger today, and our deepest longings for our future together as CSJs.

Sister Miriam Ukeritis of the Congregation Leadership Team presented “Some Signs of Our Times,” aka the

demographics of the congregation with particular attention to those affecting the newest sisters. Reminding us that “numbers do not determine our future,” she shared with us “pieces” of our reality:

By our next congregational chapter in 2019, sisters over age 70 will outnumber those younger than age 70, by a ratio of 10 to 1, with no province or vice province having more than 20 sisters under age 70. By the 2025 chapter, only Peru will have more than 10 sisters under age 70.

This sobering piece of reality led to further reflection and discussion. During an evening exercise called, “Council of Future CSJs,” we were invited to imagine ourselves 10 years from now, speaking with our present-day selves. In four open-space sessions, we looked at deepening relationships, the unity of the congregation, vocation/formation and the current demographic reality.

Eleven of our sisters from Peru were present, bringing the blessing and challenge of inter-cultural exchange and a second language to our conversations. In response, one group proposed a monthly, bi-lingual Sharing of the Heart online.

We claimed our voice as an “emerging group” (as encouraged by the Acts of Chapter) and developed a document proposing a means by which we can step up and take responsibility for our part in the future of the congregation. This includes the request that our distinctive voice be heard at the table, particularly when issues are discussed that directly affect our cohort and our future, and that the ministry of vocation and formation be entrusted to our cohort as well.

Our facilitator, Charlene Diorka, SSJ (Philadelphia), summarized what lies beyond our discussion. We are different, yet much unites us in the heart. All of us are

Summer Meetings Focus on Imagining and Actionby Sister Mary Flick

Sisters Mary Flick, Patty Johnson, Clare Bass, Sarah Heger and Amy Hereford in the arms of St. Joseph during Seeding our Future.

FOCUS ON FUTURE


leaders—and courageous followers. We have been deepening our relationships since our earliest gatherings more than a decade ago. The question is: how will we stay connected?

Leadership Alumnae Gather Chicago • July 16-17

Honoring the past, acknowledging the present and imagining the future of religious life was the work of 99 women religious who gathered at a leadership alumnae conference, July 16-19, at St. Xavier University in Chicago. I joined Sisters Sandy Schmid and Patty Johnson in representing the St. Louis province and its participation in the Leaders as Leaven initiative of the Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph. We gathered with alumnae of the six national leadership development programs for women religious and associates, representing 28 congregations from 15 homelands. The conference was made possible, in part, by a grant from the GHR Foundation.

As part of early conference planning, 359 graduates of the six programs were surveyed to solicit how such a gathering could best serve them. The majority who responded expressed a desire to strengthen relationships among us and build networks, to determine what supports we need going forward and to engage in creative visioning for religious life.

We were clear that we did not need a presenter, but skilled and capable facilitators to guide our discussions. We were not disappointed. Facilitators Debbie Asberry and Mary Ann Zollmann, BVM, set the context for our days and deepened the conversation with questions that cut to the heart of our experience.

Early on, Debbie Asberry shared with us “Theory U” and told us that systems emerge out of a body to meet particular needs. They are created, grow, mature, and, in time, decline and decay because they no longer serve the original intent. In the period of early decline, there are those in the system who put “fixes” into place with hopes that the system will continue to serve. But there is a small number of “way finders” who say there has to be another way. It is important, Debbie said, for these way finders to find each other, so that together they can midwife the new. In this middle space, what was is gone, but what is coming is not yet clear. It was evident to us gathered that it was from this middle space that we spoke in both our small and large groups.

One of the first questions we were invited to personally reflect on was: what aspects of the current expression of religious life are no longer relevant? Having named this reality, we were invited to share what we desire and what we are passionate about, and to remember what compelled each of us to enter religious life. This naming process enabled us to grow in our awareness of our individual calls and our current reality, and to set the stage for further imaginings.

“It is clear,” our facilitators voiced for us, “that the communities of the future will be steeped in the prophetic and spiritual traditions of the life forms that existed in the past, but will be relevant to the needs of the 21st century.” Aloud, they spoke what we know: religious life is between life and death. Then they fanned the embers we had acknowledged, saying, “Courageously, we must name what is dying so we can allow new life.” More than once, the group voiced that we are not our institutions and must let go of those that “stifle the Spirit rather than unleash it.” One description offered during the open mic session gave a new look at a current worldwide image. A participant described women religious today as being “sleeper cells around the globe, ready to act when needed. We are global in heart and spirit.”

We, as a group, agreed that it is not yet clear where we are going, but we are not going back. As our time together wrapped up, we were reminded that religious communities started with conversations about the signs of the times, then did something about it. We encouraged each other to take responsibility for the relationships formed during our days together, and to build regional networks as well as networks to continue the conversation around issues and topics we surfaced, and to keep the conversation going on Facebook and Twitter.

It was clear that the way finders had found each other and something more was being created. A quote from human rights activist Arundhati Roy that was shared often by the facilitators during our gathering seemed an apt send-off: Not only is another world possible, She is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.


Partnering with New EyesAdvocating for Penal Reform, End to the Death Penalty

by Sister Barbara Moore

This is the final piece in a series of congregational articles from our CSJs of African-American descent.

Congregational Chapter 2013 calls us “to partner with new eyes,” based on specific beliefs, the mission of Jesus, the importance of mutuality and joint activities with others for systemic change. In response to the call, we commit to educate ourselves in order to transform our world view and to walk with the marginalized and especially those who live in poverty.

The Call for Systemic Change“Systemic” implies that something is embedded within and spread throughout, affecting a whole system, group, body, economy, market or society.

Educational, economic, health, political and penal systems are a few that come to mind, particularly in light of specific challenges and concerns at this time in our country and our history. As a congregation we might focus on one or two systems where we might be able to make an impact.

Follow the Bishops’ LeadDuring the month of April, the Catholic Bishops of Missouri wrote an open letter to the governor, attorney general, justices of the Missouri Supreme Court and members of the Missouri General Assembly expressing their grave concern with the rapidity and number of executions in recent months.The bishops identified concern about racial disparity, inequity of sentencing,

inadequate defense counsel and inclusion of those with documented cases of mental illness or life-long intellectual disability. They stressed that the death-penalty sentence is flawed. I thought that the letter of the bishops was timely and courageous. Abolishing the death penalty is an issue about which we have been advocating for years. I began to do more research about the involvement of our bishops and found a statement made by the United States Catholic Bishops in 1980, speaking out against the death penalty because of the value and dignity of the human person. In addition, they addressed the profound legal, ethical, moral and religious issues surrounding this practice.

Congregation


Sister Mary Madonna Ashton, CSJ has been named a 2016 National Women’s History Month Honoree. The 2016 theme established by the National Women’s History Project is “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.”

“Sister Mary Madonna, at age 92, is the oldest living recipient to be honored and only the second woman religious (Sister Aloysius Molloy, OSF, honored in 2007) to be honored since the project began in 1980,” explained Molly Murphy MacGregor of the Women’s History Project (NWHP). NWHP is a clearinghouse providing information and training in multicultural women’s history for educators, community organizations, parents or anyone seeking to expand their understanding of women’s contributions to U. S. history.

While Mary Madonna has been invited to receive her award in Washington, D.C. next spring, the event falls on the Feast of St. Joseph. “We’ll have to see,” said Mary Madonna of the D.C. invitation. “And I love being with my community on our feast day.”

Pope Francis SpeaksOn March 20, Pope Francis, in speaking with members of the International Commission Against the Death Penalty, stated that capital punishment is cruel, inhuman and an offense to the dignity of human life. “Capital punishment is the opposite of divine mercy, which should be the model for our legal systems.”

Michelle Alexander, a civil rights litigator and legal scholar, authored The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. Alexander discusses race-related issues specific to African-American males; however, she acknowledges that discrimination and repression also exist among other people of color and socio-economically disadvantaged populations.

Injustices AddressedToo often we read about persons being released from prison, having served many years after being falsely accused; several of those released had been on death row. With the emergence of DNA and many organizations such as the Innocence Projects, Spence Forensic Resources, Truth in Justice, injustices are being addressed and persons have been exonerated.

Work for State ChangesThere are 18 states that have abolished the death penalty including Hawaii, Minnesota and New York. Thirty-four states still have the death penalty including California and Missouri.

Need for Effective PartneringThrough the years, there have been numerous partnerships formed to address racial, religious and societal issues. Some were more successful than others. Many, if not most of us, have participated in these partnerships. When the partnerships have a clear focus on the common good rooted in religious of civic motivation, this fosters social cohesion and understanding, encourages cooperation and promotes collaboration.

Now is the TimePerhaps the time is now to join with our bishops and others to bring about much needed change in our penal system to include abolition of capital punishment in keeping with a consistent ethic to respect life from conception to natural death. Silence is not an option. Let us act and encourage the Congregational Leadership Team to make public statements on the justice issues that plague our penal system in the name of the congregation.

St. Paul Sister Named 2016 National Women’s History Month Honoree

Mary Madonna Ashton, CSJ


The home phone rang on a summer’s eve, just a week after moving to Green Bay from the Twin Cities. I picked up the phone after identifying myself. A pleasant voice caller said, “Hello, Shawn. Are you planning on being buried up there in Green Bay?” I had not spent much time idling over such a question. So I asked the caller, “Is there some rumor circulating in St. Louis that I am on the way out so to speak? Or is there some other reason you want to know my burial intent?” After a chuckle, the person told me she had been commissioned to see if there were sufficient burial plots around the province to house the living (well, eventually dead) members of the province. I assured her that when the occasion for burial presented itself, I would not really care where my ashes were buried, so Green Bay would be fine.

Then the next request came. Could you call the others in Wisconsin and see where they want to be buried? Knowing the other five sisters in Wisconsin, I was sure they would not be any more vigorous or picky about burial sites than I was. However, I did make the proper inquiries with the result that was predicted. Since some of us were already registered organ donors, skin donors, etc., we six are an economical lot since Wisconsin allows three cremains in one plot. Five years later, it was another summer day and another related question. Could Sister Judy Miller and myself check on the CSJ plots at Allouez Cemetery (in Green Bay, Wisconsin) to see if there was need for upkeep. Judy was sure that would be easy since 30 years ago, she went to one of the burials of a CSJ and recalled that one of our plots was under a small tree. Needless to say, in 30 years small trees become big trees and look like every other hundred trees in the general area. Succumbing to reasonableness, Judy went to the Allouez Cemetery office for a map of wherever “we” are located. Lo and behold, we have two different sites in two different places in the cemetery. Following that cemetery so-called map was like looking for some buried treasure. Where is Siri when you need her?

Well, at last, both sites were found so we made our own mental maps hoping to find each site again when we workers had our necessary equipment. Site One definitely needed our assistance. One of the stone markers indicated a 1908 burial. Imagine Wisconsin winters and then imagine what a century can do with fungi, black mold, acid rain, snow and sleet, and hot moldy summer days. So you can see what our large cross marker, St. Joseph and the sunk down stone markers looked like with all that mix settling on everything.

But never say die! Off to Home Depot we went for necessary advice and materials to make things looking like new again. Clearly, much of our work would have to be done after the paid cemetery workers went home. Then the unpaid workers could begin in earnest. With some bits of challenge, the sunken stones were raised with new dirt placed underneath them for the next century of wear and tear; the large cross and Joseph were patched up and then resprayed with cement and hammered Rust- Oleum. Two nice bushes were planted to mark the spot. The old site with its markers was now revitalized and the names of our sisters on the cleaned stone markers were once more able to be read. The newer site needed far less repair. However, after hours, the unpaid duo showed us how to fix this site. By now the process was second nature so this cleanup was most efficient. This second site received some small bushes to mark our spot or plot. All names on the stones are now readable again. Since there are some extra plots, fell free to contact Province Leadership if you would like to be placed in Packerland soil. We have room for you!

From a Summer’s Eve to a Cemetery Updateby Sister Shawn Madigan (with Sister Judy Miller)

Around the Province

The monument that marks the new CSJ section of the Allouez Catholic Cemetery and Chapel Mausoleum in Green Bay.


Focus on Earth

Communion Within the Earth CommunityCalls to Action: Water

We commit oursleves to simplify our lifestyles through specific, measurable actions regarding water, climate change, food, consumption, and waste, taking into consideration local realities and concerns.

Congregational Chapter 2013

Our world has a grave social debt towards the poor who lack access to drinking water, because they are denied the right to a life consistent with their inalienable dignity.

Pope Francis, Laudato Si

Our commitment to uphold the sacredness of creation and the dignity of our dear neighbor is expressing itself in new ways through our ministry in Gulu, Uganda, with a growing focus on water purification efforts.

In February, Associate Carolyn Henry, an analytical chemist, went to Gulu to test community well water during a 12-week stay.

As providence would have it, while the trip was being planned, the province developed a relationship with an organization called Water with Blessings that provides water purification kits and education to village women around the globe.

Carolyn brought her expertise and 26 kits to Gulu, where she met with the Gulu district water officer and collected samples. She identified bacteria in about 1/3 of the samples.

She informed the authorities and was surprised they took no action on the contaminated wells, leaving it up to the residents to solve the problem. And thanks to Water with Blessings and our collective efforts, they have the tools to do so.

The entire province showed its support at the August Assembly, raising $2,751, enabling us to buy 45 filters. Crocheted socks to keep these life-giving filters protected, were made and donated for these 45 filters plus another 160 for other Water with Blessings projects.

Above: Volunteers Chassity Menard and Sarah Jiminez work with Sisters Nancy Marsh and Kathleen Eiler to crochet socks for the filters.

Below: The motherhouse community blessed Sisters Patty Clune and Pat Murphy in a Prayer of Sending on Sept. 9. Sisters Patty and Pat left for Gulu on Sept. 14 to work as water filtration teachers.

Page 10 May/June 2015 PNN

APRIL MINUTES

Corporation

Accepted • Minutes of Board of Directors of the

Corporation Mtg. held March 30• March 2015 Financial Statements

Approved• Summer Program for Hispanic

Youth, St. Philip the Apostle Parish—$2,500

• Marie Joan Harris Scholarship Fund, Avila University—$25,000

• Mary Carol Anth Scholarship Fund, Fontbonne University—$25,000

• Rita M. Schmitz Scholarship Fund, Fontbonne University—$25,000

• SJA Chapel—$5,000• SJID Unrestricted Gift—

$100,000

Council

Accepted• Minutes of the Province Council

Mtgs. held March 30-31

Approved• Patrimony Requests (2)• Education Requests (2)

MAY MINUTES

Corporation


Corporation Mtg. held April 21• April 2015 Financial Statements

Approved• St. Matthew’s Annual Dinner

Auction—$1,000• Ignatian Spirituality

Project, Company of Grace Induction—$1,000

• Water with Blessings—$5,000• Romanian Sisters of St. Basil—$500• SJA Board Members

Council


Mtgs. held April 20-21

Approved• Patrimony Requests (2)• Sabbatical Request (1)

Updated• Sponsorship Agreement Review• Mtg. w/Linda Markway, Voc-For

JUNE MINUTES

Corporation


Corporation Mtg. held May 19• May 2015 Financial Statements

Approved• Fiscal 2016 Province Budget• North Grand Neighborhood

Services Anniversary Celebration & Reception—$500

• Marion Weinzapfel’s Ministry in Gulu—$5,000

• SJA’s 175th Anniv. Book—$2,500• Ratification of St. Joseph’s Academy

Action

Council


Mtgs. held May 18-19

Approved• Patrimony Requests (2)

Updates• Elder Care Study Group• Design Team • Senior Ministry • Communications-Public Relations

JULY MINUTES

Corporation


Corporation Mtg. held June 22, 2015 • June 2015 Financial Statements

Approved• CRSS Motown Revue—$5,000• Franciscan Missionary of Assisi

Bldg., Convent, Preschool, Zambia—$3,000

• The Fields at Wellsprings Farm, 2015-16—$900

• Little Sisters of the Poor Donation—$100

• Cancer Support Community—$1,000

• G.U.L.U. Immersion Project, Fontbonne Univ.—$2,000

• S. Marie Joan Harris as NLC Board of Trustee Member

Council


Mtgs. held June 22-23

Approved• Travel Requests (2)• Patrimony Requests (3)• Education Requests (2)

Updated• SJID• Co-Director on Association

Interview Process

CORPORATION & COUNCIL


CSJ News

Order of the House By Sister Kate FillaFour Imagine If gatherings held in 2014 flowed from ideas that emerged during the St. Louis Province Chapter meetings (December 2012 to January 2014). Some women at those Imagine If meetings focused on developing a process for sharing the Order of the House. These sessions are open to all vowed members and associates and are held quarterly. The third meeting was held June 21. The gathering opened with prayer followed by time to listen to one another about the movement of God in our lives. After several rounds of sharing in twos, the large group reassembled and time was given to surface the common threads we heard in our conversations and what are we being called to in our mission of unifying love.

Among the responses:

• We are sustained in God’s love.• We do not separate ourselves from suffering.• We grow in awareness of our oneness with others.• We are open to differences and intrusions.• We move together to the more. • We recognize God’s presence in meetings, meals

together, daily events.• We participate with others in our efforts toward justice.

All are invited to participate in the Order of the House meetings held at the Carondelet Motherhouse. Those not in St. Louis are encouraged to form their own group for the sharing. Upcoming meetings at the Carondelet Motherhouse begin at 2 p.m. and conclude by 3:30 p.m. They are scheduled on the following Sundays: Dec. 20, March 13 and June 19. Sisters who may be contacted for more information are: Clare Bass, Pat Gloriod, Teresa Horn-Bostel, Rita Huebner, Kate Filla, Linda Markway and Monica Kleffner.

Corporate Monetary Response By Sister Lillian BaumannDo you work with or know people who are in immediate need of monetary assistance?

Sisters of St. Joseph have funds allocated yearly to help with immediate needs entitled Corporate Monetary Response to the Needy.

Policy: The St. Louis Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet shall continue to give a monetary response to those in immediate need. Implementation: Needy individuals and families with immediate needs, not including relatives. Guidelines: Where money is given as direct aid to the needy, a CSJ/CSJA must be personally involved or connected with the person(s) receiving the aid. Aid to individual or family is limited to one request per fiscal year. The committee members will evaluate requests. After consultation, appropriate decisions will be made. A CSJ/CSJA who receives money from this fund is accountable to the committee for the use of the money. The committee, at this time, includes Sisters Lillian Baumann and Audrey Olson with Sister Linda Straub as the PLT liaison. All requests should be emailed to all three sisters on the committee and should include: the amount of money requested, identification of person(s) with immediate need, and an explanation of the need/use of money requested.

Golf Tournament: Thank You! From Executive Director Patty CassensThanks to all our sponsors, underwriters, players and volunteers for helping to make the 27th Annual CSJ Golf Tournament a special day. The tournament was held Sept. 21 at at the Westborough Country Club. View more photos at csjsl.org.

Order of the Houseby Sister Kate Filla


Since a great number of us were school teachers, this time of year usually has a sense of beginning anew again. With that in mind, I want to share with you two experiences I had this summer that may bring newness or a freshness to our health for the season of autumn.

Several sisters spoke to me about something new in their lives—coloring books. Yes, there is a renewed interest in coloring as an adult. 60 Minutes even featured a segment on Adult Coloring Circles.

I have enjoyed choosing colors out of my assortment of 48 colored pencils and sitting quietly with my book of butterflies. I have found that the experience is very relaxing, that it releases any tensions in my body.

The health benefits go beyond relaxation, and include exercising fine motor skills and training the brain to focus. Because it’s a centering activity, the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that is involved with our fear response, actually gets a bit of a rest and it ultimately has a really calming effect over time. A spiritual benefit is that of centering one’s body, mind and spirit. Everything around me sort of floats away during my “coloring time.” I strongly encourage you to give it a try. In late August, I participated in a mindfulness workshop, sponsored by the St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute. The presenter, Dr. Christopher Grimes, gave an overview of mindfulness, starting with a definition by Jon Kabat-

Zinn, the founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: “paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally, to the unfolding of experience moment to moment.”

Some of the benefits of mindfulness include body regulation, emotional balance, response flexibility, insight, empathy and intuition. We had several opportunities during the workshop to practice mindfulness. These always began with paying attention to our breathing. With breath awareness, we have a repeated process where the in-breath is always followed by the out-breath. This predictability helps to calm the mind.

Since the workshop, I have tried eating and brushing my teeth mindfully, and being conscious and present to each step I take when walking up or down stairs. These practices have slowed me down and made me more conscious of the present moment. I have noticed that being mindful is a very good preparation for the 10-minute contemplation practice we’ve been asked to do as we discern our future direction.

CSJ News

Senior MinistryOpt for Health

by Sister Bonnie Murray and Trish Callahan

Development Office Announces Name Change From Executive Director Patricia Cassens, CSJA, CRFE

The St. Louis Province Development Office is now the St. Louis Province Mission Advancement Office. We will continue to support the mission and ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet by advancing the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph through fundraising,

stewardship, and expanding awareness of the sisters and their ministries. We do so by raising funds to sustain and enhance the work the sisters perform and invite friends, families, staff, volunteers, businesses and foundations to partner with us.


Association: Volunteer Spotlight

Cathie BraaschI am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet as an associate. And it has been my privilege to work at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis as a social worker for about 15 years. It is in the skilled nursing unit that I perform my services, always trying to remember that it is the “dear neighbor" whom I serve.

My responsibility is to assist the residents and their families with their special needs, including scheduling doctor's appointments, and transportation to and from; helping resolve family concerns, advocating for them with genuine care and empathy; addressing any complaints as soon as possible with understanding and comfort.

I seek out residents who need compassion and a listening friend during their loneliness, and we pray together. I love mentoring social work practicum students and new employees, always brainstorming for solutions to problems. I am certified in Healing Touch Level I, which enables me to comfort residents in distress. I also serve on several committees—quality improvement, ethics, admission team, resident counsel team and palliative care team— that focuses my attention always on the dear neighbor, Nazareth residents and their families, and seeing that they are always treated with love.

My prayer on this journey is that my ministry be nourished with the charism, zeal and passion I share with the Sisters of St. Joseph. My goal is that every resident and family member feel the presence of Jesus during their time at Nazareth, and I gladly rearrange my work hours to accommodate them. My personal integrity as a person of faith, combined with my professional commitment and experience, make visible the charism of the CSJ community.

CSJ News

Relauched and refreshed! Be sure to check your CSJSL email every Friday at noon for the latest news, events, weekly prayers and more.

New FormatOur new format is clean, simple, and easy-to-read with shorter announcements and more links. It only takes a moment to keep up with our latest news.

On the WebMissed a weekly message or looking for a previous one? A CSJ Message section has been created in our Members Only section as a resource for announcements, links and attachments.

Tracking StatsWe are using an e-blast system that allows us to collect statistics such as open and click rates, enabling us to better serve the needs of the community.

CSJSL EmailHaven’t been on your CSJSL email in a while and need help accessing your account? Contact Tech Support at 314-678-0421.

Questions? Contact Jenny Beatrice, director of communications at [email protected] or 314-678-0304.

CSJ MessagesNew & Improved

from the Communications Office


Sharing of the Heart

Imagine that Christianity is about loving God. Imagine that it’s not about the self and its concerns, not about “what’s in it for me,” whether that be a blessed afterlife or prosperity in this life. Imagine that loving God is about being attentive to the one in whom we live and move and have our being. Imagine that it is about becoming more and more deeply centered in God. Imagine that it is about loving what God loves. How would that change our lives?

—Marcus Borg

For some reason, I thought about Marcus Borg a few weeks ago. I had attended a lecture given by him in Denver some 20 years ago, and had read a few of his books over the years. So, I went online and reserved his latest book through the St. Louis County Library.

Today, I went online to look up what Borg has been doing all of these years. He died in January of this year at the age of 72. Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most is his final book. I should have guessed that this book would be a kind of memoir or one of those big reflections that one does later in life. Borg’s intentions are pretty clear. He wished to combine:

... the triad of memories, conversions and convictions. Memories of growing up Christian and American more than half a century ago, and what I absorbed then. Conversions—major changes in those understandings that have happened in my adult life. Convictions—fundamental ways of seeing and living that are more or less settled and not easily shaken (but are neither dogmatic nor closed to change).

I have found Borg’s books to be simple and straightforward. In some ways, this final book combines ideas put forward in earlier books. However, it’s much more than that.

In an early chapter, “God Is Real and Is a Mystery,” the author develops the theme of mysticism. He describes his own mystical experiences. I remember going into a church in Rome and seeing the Bernini statue entitled “The Ecstasy of St. Teresa” done in the baroque style. Gazing upon the emotion and beauty of this white marble statue

was an experience in itself. Perhaps, many of us have had experiences where we suddenly saw things in a totally different light, a luminosity, a sense of “the more.” We experienced the “Glory of God.” In the words of the author, “The central convictions and foundations of this book are that God is real and that the Bible and Christianity are the Christian story of our relationship with God, the more, what is.

One of the things that I like about Borg is that he makes me rethink words and concepts. In reference to the meaning of salvation, Borg states that “Salvation is about liberation, reconnection, seeing anew, acceptance and the satisfaction of our deepest yearnings. Christianity at its best—like all of the enduring religions of the world at their best—is a path of transformation.” For me, salvation has come to mean freeing myself from all those “shoulds”—those reoccurring themes or “fugues” that hold me in bondage and fear.

The author belonged to the Jesus Seminar, a group of biblical scholars who studied the historical Jesus. In a chapter entitled “Jesus’ Death on the Cross Matters—But Not Because He Paid for Our Sins,” Borg explains that in the first thousand years of Christianity, the emphasis on payment for sin did not exist. It wasn’t until the 11th century that St. Anselm of Canterbury developed the concept of the incarnation and death of Jesus. Borg would argue that the death of Jesus was political—he kept going up against the establishment. This is not to negate the death of Jesus. The death/resurrection mystery is about transformation of the “Kingdom of God” now, as well as my personal transformation now.

In the process of reflecting on this book, I came to a deeper understanding of the concept of passion—the passion of Jesus, the passion of God. In the final paragraph of the book, Borg asks: “What’s the Christian life all about? It’s about loving God and loving what God loves. It’s about becoming passionate about God and participating in God’s passion for a different world, here and now. And the future, including what is beyond our lives? We leave that up to God.”

Live the present with passion; remember the past with gratitude and embrace the future with hope.

—Pope Francis

Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Mostby Sister Jean Iadevito


... Happy are your eyes because they see ... I tell you solemnly, many prophets and holy ones longed to see what you see, and never saw it. Matt. 13: 16-17

These words of Jesus have always intrigued me and, in my later years, have taken on an ever deeper meaning.

For the past 20 years or so I have been keeping glaucoma under control. I use eye drops faithfully, visit my ophthalmologist four times a year, and drive with my sunglasses. I’ve had laser treatments and cataracts removed, all with the aim of preserving my vision. And all has been successful.

However, at times my vision is blurry or hazy resulting from medication or fatigue. I appreciate the gift of sight, love it actually, and I take delight in seeing a soaring hawk, a roiling ocean, the Mohawk River Valley, a vast Kansas expanse, a swaying oak in a storm, or the smile of a friend. Yes, my eyes are happy when I take in these beauties.

But when Jesus says, “Happy are your eyes,” he means more than physical vision. He implicitly tells his disciples that they are gifted with a new kind of sight, a “seeing” with the mind and heart. He emphasizes to his friends that they have been given new insights into the truth by the mere fact that they are associating with him. Many, he says, “longed to see what you see and have not seen it.”

The disciples were led gradually to understand what Jesus meant in that statement. They witnessed many blind persons regaining their physical sight at Jesus’ healing: the blind beggar who pleads, “Lord, that I may see;” the man born blind who was told to go and wash; another who told Jesus he could see persons, but they “looked like trees walking.”

The disciples, whose understanding was still clouded, did not initially comprehend that these healed persons also regained an inner vision. The two on the road to Emmaus, for example, illustrate this lack of comprehension. Their eyes are downcast because they are filled with sadness and disappointment. They do not “see” the Jesus alongside them because they were not looking for him. They even tell Jesus

“Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free.” Only after Jesus breaks the bread and hands it to them “their eyes were opened and they recognized him.”

We, too, are Jesus’ disciples and live with his life of grace. We, too, have been blessed to see, to ponder the Mystery of God among us. If we have eyes to see we can perceive that we as a congregation are “making something new.” Can we see it?

Our leaders have reminded us to keep the vision of the whole as the horizon for our reflection and the well-being of the whole as the desired outcome of our decisions. For this journey into newness, we carry within our hearts the promise of Jesus ,“I will be with you always,” and we know the truth of God’s loving presence through the Spirit, our Advocate, who reminds us of all that Jesus has told us.

Sometimes, like the first disciples, our inner vision is also blurry. However, we can help one another see more clearly by sharing together ways to put into practice our chapter directives. Attending to suggestions for action made by the Ad Hoc committee on the environment is another way we can brighten our way. Communally, we are thus keeping the “vision of the whole” before us, encouraging ourselves forward to a wider vision for the well-being of the whole.

If we listen attentively, maybe we can hear again those words from Isaiah “See I am making something new. Do you not see it?” Happy are our eyes that see ...

Happy are Your Eyesby Sister Rita Louise Huebner


The Archivists of the Congregations of Women Religious met for its triennial meeting, Aug. 27-30 in Pittsburgh. About 130 archivists were present, including the four Carondelet province archivists, along with seven other CSSJ archivists (pictured).

The keynote address was given by Nancy Schreck, OSF, former LCWR president. Sessions ranged from access and confidentiality to digitizing to future planning to re-modeling facilities. What was most exciting was to see so many younger women and men, recently hired by congregations and orders, who are leading their respective archives into the future by considering collaborations or, at the least, raising questions about disposition of collections.

As you may recall, the Carondelet archivists submitted a proposal to the Congregational Leadership Group in early

2015 to begin the process for consolidation of archival holdings at one location. The proposal was approved and Jane Kenamore, archival consultant, was hired to visit each archive to assess its holdings and determine its readiness to be relocated, and to make recommendations for the development of a common digitization plan and a common electronic records management plan. By early October, Jane will have visited the St. Paul, Albany and St. Louis (province and congregation) archives; she will visit Los Angeles on Oct. 13-15. Jane’s final report will be presented via Internet connection to the archivists and CLT representative Sister Danielle Bonetti by early January.

Plans will then be made to share the report’s findings with Province Leadership and with the Congregational Leadership Team in February. Next steps in the consolidation process will also be considered at this time.

Archives

Archivists of the Congregations of Women Religious Meet for Triennial Meetingby Sister Mary Kraft, St. Paul Province

Back row: Virginia Dowd, Brentwood; Kathleen Washy, Baden; S. Mary Salvaterra, Albany Province; S. Bernadette Pachta, Concordia; S. Patricia Rose Shanahan, Los Angeles Province; Leo Catahan, Orange; S. Marie Timmons, Eire. Front row: Lisa Gibbons, Congregation of St. Joseph (group of seven congregations); S. Jane Behlmann, St. Louis province; S. Mary Kraft, St. Paul province. Photo by Lisa Gibbons.


Meeting Our AncestorsProfile of an early sister who died

in the month of Octoberby Sister Jane Behlmann

Sister Bernard Joseph Dunne died at Nazareth Convent, Lemay, Missouri, on October 22, 1951, in the 84th year of her age and the 64th of her religious life.

Receiving the habit March 19, 1888, Sister Bernard Joseph, who had entered from Kansas City, was named for Rev. Bernard Donnelly, first resident priest of Kansas City and early pioneer priest in western Missouri. The schools that were privileged to have her on the staff either as teacher or directress were St. Peter’s, Oconto, Wisc.; St. Leo’s, St. Louis; Academy of Our Lady, Peoria, Ill.; and Rosati-Kain High School, St. Louis. Although she never resided on the Fontbonne campus, she taught English at Carondelet for the College for over 20 years. Here, she likewise supervised the study of the Sisters of the province.

Always a firm believer in higher education for women, Mother Bernard promoted in a most vehement manner the higher education of the Sisters. This she knew could be attained after Fontbonne was erected. Fontbonne was largely at the outset the result and effect of the interest and prayers of educators like Mother Bernard.

It was at Rosati-Kain that Mother Bernard’s true devotion resided. One of the school’s founders, she taught

English there and was co-principal from 1912 to 1930. A large diocesan high school staffed by the School Sisters of Notre Dame and the Sisters of St. Joseph, Rosati-Kain claimed Mother Bernard’s best years. She frequently spoke to each succeeding senior class of the advantages of higher education, aiming, as all knew, at interesting them in enrolling at Fontbonne.

Stories abound concerning Mother Bernard’s great charity, friendship, and almost limitless understanding of her students. Large and dignified in appearance and correspondingly large in mental and spiritual qualities, she possessed a capacity for estimating the true worth of a person. Bishop Charles Helmsing, who preached the funeral sermon, declared, “Mother Bernard was a great soul, a woman of deep interior life.”

Mother Bernard left Rosati-Kain to become General Councilor in 1930; on the death of Mother Columbine, she became the Assistant Superior General in 1935, holding that office until the next general election the following year. For over 25 years, she was a member

of the provincial council, serving under the following Provincial Superiors: Mother Columbine [Ryan], Mother Palma [McGrath], Mother Angela [Hennessy], Mother Henry [Siegel], and Mother Tarcisia [Finn]. She was a member of the first group of Sisters to attend the Catholic University of America. [Necrology Report]

Sister Bernard Joseph [Bridget] was born May 2, 1868 in Ontario, Canada to Catherine Corrigan and John Dunne. She died of cerebral apoplexy and is buried in Resurrection Cemetery Row 2, grave 30.

Sister Bernard Joseph Dunne


Sister Helen Rottier, CSJ(S. Joseph Anthony)

March 1, 1941 - May 19, 2015

A loving woman devoted to the service of God’s people; a faithful friend.

The Hand of God Shall Hold You

Helen Rottier, first daughter born to Alphonse and Josephine (Vanden Heuvel) Rottier of West De Pere, Wisconsin, grew up with three sisters and four brothers on a dairy farm. After graduating from St. Joseph Academy in Green Bay, she worked in a law office for a year then entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1960. She received the habit and the name Sister Joseph Anthony on March 19, 1961. Her bachelor’s degree in mathematics was from Fontbonne College (1965).

From 1965-1970, S. Joseph Anthony taught junior high in Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri. When S. Helen taught at Valle Grade School in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, S. Mary Ann Hilgeman recalls her as “joyful and good-humored … a very good mathematics teacher…” In 1970-1982, she taught at St. Francis de Sales High School in Denver, Colorado, and then at Denver Central Catholic where she was successively teacher, assistant administrator and administrator. S. Mary Ann Figlino remembers those Denver days: “My memories of Helen are many good ones. In particular was her laughter, enjoying time in our Denver community and her excitement of making a 30-day retreat together.”

S. Helen received a grant to study at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., earning a master’s in mathematics (1974). S. Mary Ann

Hilgeman shared a room with her at Catholic University where they succeeded in saving money by dining out once a day and using a coil to heat liquids. Their room air-conditioner “kept the produce cool and us frozen.”

S. Mary Ann Potts met S. Helen when they were living at St. Francis de Sales Convent and teaching at Central Catholic High. They were drawn into friendship by the fact that each of them had a profound experience of the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius. S. Mary Ann remembers that when they would be looking for a directed retreat, S. Helen’s choice was always someplace where, if possible, there would be a body of water. In Denver “…we both found great peace and satisfaction in teaching the poor and ministering to Hispanic students.” Their friendship was a lasting one that included over 40 years of living in community together.

When Denver Catholic closed, Reicher Catholic High in Waco, Texas, was S. Helen’s next assignment as a teacher in 1982 and as assistant principal in 1983. Her 1984-1990 assignment as principal at St. Joseph Academy in Green Bay allowed her creative leadership talents to shine, bringing the school to be acknowledged as a “Blue Ribbon School recognized by the government for its excellence.” In that same year, she, herself, was honored as Wisconsin Administrator of the Year for Catholic Schools.

After a short sabbatical in Kingstree, South Carolina, S. Helen went to Brownsville, Texas, spending 1990-1997 at various schools in Brownsville as teacher, principal or administrator. In 1997 she became principal of Immaculate Conception Grade School in Rio Grande City, Texas, until 1999 when she became principal of St. Martin de Porres, Weslaco, Texas. In 2012 she began two part-time ministries, teaching at Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Mission, Texas and doing special projects for the diocese. “

Her last contribution to Catholic education was as special projects coordinator in the diocesan school office. Her work with federal programs brought much needed funds to the Catholic schools. She wrote grants for science and she also helped the schools to raise their math scores,” says S. Mary Ann Potts.

S. Helen’s life included rich and varied experiences: camping, fishing, several summers helping in an orphanage near Tijuana, Mexico; Vacation Bible School in South Dakota, immersion programs in Mexico City and Guatemala; and travels in South America and Europe. S. Helen loved to read, enjoyed animals, was an excellent cook and baker, had a deep love of family, and of course, followed the Green Bay Packers.

S. Helen Oates with S. Mary Ann Potts


Sister Agnes Marie Baer was born to Oliver Louis and Agnes (Robineau) Baer in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 6, 1921. She attended Immaculate Conception Grade School, Rosati-Kain High and Fontbonne College. She received a degree in social studies in 1942. Her work at the St. Louis Public Library during college continued until February 1944 when she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph. “I wanted so much to be a sister and to do something for God’s people.”

S. Agnes Marie taught in elementary schools in St. Louis: Our Lady of Lourdes (1946) and St. Teresa of Avila (1951). After receiving a master’s in social studies from St. Louis University (1952) and a secondary administrative certificate, she ministered at St. Francis de Sales High, Denver, Colorado, until 1961. That year she was sent to Regina Mundi, to prepare for formation work.

Assigned to Carondelet as director of postulants in 1962, S. Agnes Marie continued that position through 1967 when she became director of novices and postulants. One of those former postulants/novices, Ellen Dukes, CSJA, experienced her faithful friendship for 50 years.

Likely leadership in formation is not easy; I speculate that leadership during the time of the Second Vatican Council was akin to having frequent whiplash. She approached her assignment with grace and care always.

Dodie Sudduth, CSJA, wrote: “Here is what S. Agnes Marie taught me, ‘Love puts sacrifice into perspective so it is no longer a sacrifice.’ She lived what she taught.”

For 10 years, S. Agnes Marie taught or was assistant administrator in secondary schools: Academy of our Lady, Peoria (1968); St Thomas Aquinas, Florissant (1970); and Rosati-Kain, St. Louis (1973). Throughout her five years teaching religion at Rosati-Kain, she spent summers in the Human Rights Office. “I just got saturated with what was happening. I said, ‘If you’d ever find something that you think I could do, let me know.’ ”

In 1978, while ministering in social work at the St. Louis Archdiocesan Human Rights Office, S. Agnes Marie was asked to consider “doing something for prostitutes.” She visited St. Louis judges, the Work House, the city jail. She traveled to the Missouri State Prison in Jefferson City and organizations in St. Louis that worked with the poor, particularly women.

Having learned what she could, in 1979 she became the founder and executive director of the New Life Style Program. Short of staff, the St. Louis Probation System often found it easier to send people to jail than to put them on probation. The New Life Style Program provided a second chance.

Understanding prostitutes and their backgrounds is just something I struggled to understand ...They are people who have had very, very, very little benefits. We would visit them in their homes, and they had nothing. They were trying to survive on nothing, and they didn’t have any skills to help them get a better job ... There is nothing uplifting in their lives ...

S. Agnes Marie became a grant writer/worker at the St. Joseph Development Office (1995) until retiring (1999) to St. Joseph’s Academy where she did volunteer work until 2007 when she moved to Nazareth Living Center.

We remember: St Francis de Sales graduate S. Marion Weinzapfel described S. Agnes Marie as her life-long mentor. “She always had time to talk... She was a pillar in my life. I am happy she is home.”

S. Rose McLarney, considering administration of a new non-profit, Center for Women in Transition, “drew upon S. Agnes Marie's experience and wisdom in working with the non-profit organization she developed... She was very supportive and encouraging to me... ”

Her Le Puy Prayer Group: “We will never forget the undivided attention, the testament of faith, and the love of the dear neighbor that was the essence of S. Agnes Marie Baer. We are privileged to have known her.”

Helen Oates, CSJ

Sister Agnes Marie Baer, CSJNovember 6, 1921 - July 14, 2015

Always other-centered, warm, caring, a woman of prayer.



Joan Mary Cholet and her brother, were born August 29, 1927, in Jefferson City, Missouri, the first of three sets of twins (and singles!) born to Harold and Virginia (Hennessy) Cholet. When her family left Jefferson City for St. Louis, Joan attended Rosati-Kain High School. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph September 15, 1945, receiving the habit and the name S. Frances Virginia in 1946. She received her bachelor’s degree in French from Fontbonne and her master’s in French from Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

For more than 20 years, S. Frances taught elementary school: St. Anthony, St. Louis; St. Viator, Chicago; Holy Guardian Angels, St. Louis; St. Joseph, West de Pere, Wisconsin; and Our Lady of Lourdes, University City, Missouri, where she was a teacher and then principal. While at Lourdes, S. Frances was chosen to be part of a program to launch foreign language in elementary schools, ultimately spreading from primary classes throughout all grades.

In 1969, as elementary education coordinator, S. Frances worked with CSJ principals hoping for clarity around the issue that sisters’ abilities, not just empty slots, should be priority for placement. In addition a three-year contract was created to use between sisters and parishes, partly to enable better future planning. Schools could no longer assume that they would

always have sisters or even the same number that they had.

S. Frances was appointed to be the director of personnel in 1976, an appointment cut short in 1977 by her selection as one of the two assistant provincials to S. Mary Catherine O’Gorman. In 1984, she herself was selected to be the provincial superior. Sisters Joan Haas and Anne Kelly were her assistants. During this time the Development Office was set up at Carondelet; pastoral planning with Cassian Yuhaus began, and the 1986 Sesquicentennial was celebrated.

Completing her term of office in 1988, she spent 11 years as the vice president of mission effectiveness for the Carondelet Health System.

S. Maryellen Tierney, describes S. Frances as a woman of “gentle spirit and wisdom” remembering “the ways she made sure that the philosophy, mission and vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph was present in all of our hospitals.”

CSJ Care, founded by S. Ann Chamblin to minister to the elderly at home, welcomed S. Frances in 2000. Volunteer ministry became her next choice in 2009 until she retired to Nazareth Living Center in 2011.

“It was my privilege to serve as province treasurer during Sister Frances Virginia's term ... She was extremely supportive ... ”

S. Paulette Gladis

Frances was truly a delightful person. Always quietly low key, she allowed her quiet, wonderful humor to light up any group in which she found herself…her presence always seemed to influence for the better as she brought her joy to any conversation, any gathering.

S. Ida Robertine Berresheim

For years Frances organized an annual get-together for our reception...She kept us together!” S. Ruth Burkart

During our free time at Congregational Chapter, Frances was most willing to partake in activities ... paddling a canoe, bike trekking, etc. One thing I found amusing was the aftermath of a bike spill she endured. When I went to be of assistance picking her up, I discovered the stuff I thought was hanging bloody skin turned out to be nylons. Who wears nylons underneath shorts?!

S. Shawn Madigan

Throughout our time in leadership each of us would receive a card and personal note from [Frances] letting us know that we were remembered in thought and prayer. You can imagine how nice that was, the smile, the warmth that came from those periodic messages—someone who had been in our position now holding us in prayer.

S. Mary Kay Hadican

Helen Oates, CSJ

Sister Frances Virginia Cholet, CSJAugust 29, 1927 - July 30, 2015

A thoughtful caring woman filled with quiet joy and a sense of humor



Deborah Diane Marino was born in Kansas City on June 23, 1951. Deborah, or Debby, as most people called her, grew up in a loving and generous household. Her parents, John and Melva Marino raised Debby, her sister Marcia, and her two brothers, Mike and Greg with a strong Catholic faith.

Debby’s education began at St. Pius X Catholic Grade School in Mission, Kansas, followed by St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City. It was her experience at STA that changed Debby’s life forever. After high school, Debby went on to Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas, where she received degrees in math and education. Debby followed her heart’s inspirations, first when her love for mathematics led her to become a high school math teacher.

Debby began her dream career as a high school math teacher, but she then felt a stronger tug as she answered the call to enter the religious life with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in St. Louis.

During her years with the Sisters of St. Joseph, Debby ministered in several places: Reicher High School, Waco, Texas (1983-85); Aquinas High School, Augusta, Georgia (1985); St. Joseph Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri (1985-86); Clearwater,

Florida (1986); Montara, California (1986-87); St. Cronan Parish, St. Louis (1987-89).

After 14 years as a sister with the CSJs, Debby decided to leave the community and begin a new life as a layperson in Alabama. Debby shared a home with her good friend Robin Smitherman, who had also left the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Having never left the spirituality and charism, both Debby and Robin later became CSJ associates. Debby wrote in her associate application form of her desire to be “more connected with the CSJ community, and to remain closer to the heart of the Community of St. Joseph.”

She also shared that she “realized a strengthened relationship with God as a result of a serious medical condition,” and she had “a greater appreciation for those who suffer and for the sufferings Christ underwent for us all.” Debby was one of the founding members for the Fairhope Associate Community.

Debby spoke with her family often about how much Fairhope and the surrounding communities in Baldwin County had become a true home for her. With her interest in serving others, Debby found her niche as the membership director at the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, her most favorite job.

Debby also found much joy in her parish, St. Margaret of Scotland in Foley, Alabama. At Debby’s funeral, her sister Marcia spoke of how much she was “spiritually fed” at St. Margaret’s with the wide variety of ministries that were available. Debby sang in the choir and lead the rosary. She also loved the beautiful windows at St. Margaret.

Debby is remembered for her dedication to serving others her whole life and her faithfulness to God. She was also a big fan of the University of Alabama’s football team, the Crimson Tide.

Marcia explained in the eulogy that Debby had a habit of saying “Are you sitting down?” before sharing good news. With the family’s relief that Debby’s suffering and pain was over, Marcia closed the eulogy and tribute to Debby and said, “Are you sitting down?”

She then asked everyone to “respond with the good news that we all know: ‘Debby is in heaven.’” That was the practice run. Marcia then asked everyone to respond again, for real:“Are you sitting down? Debby is in heaven!”

Roll Tide.Amen.

Kay Komotos, CSJA

Deborah Diane Marino, CSJAJune 23, 1951 - July 31, 2015

Dedicated to serving others and faithfulness to God



CSJ EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

SOURCE & SUMMITby Associate Mary Kay Christian,

province liturgistThis spring was busy in the chapel with the Earth Mama concert and the sisters’ retreats as well as the 60th Jubilee Mass. The summer brought another Catch the Fire concert and the Province Assembly.

We entered the season of fall with a wonderful concert by Sara Thomsen and a one-woman play about the life of Dorothy Day at the end of September. In October we will once again celebrate Founders Day with Mass. Finally, in November our annual All Souls Day Mass and the Associates’ Thanksgiving Celebration will bring us to the close of Ordinary Time and into the season of Advent.

LITURGY CALENDAROctober7 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.14 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.15 Founders Day Mass 5:00 p.m.21 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.28 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.

November 2 All Souls Mass 11:00 a.m.4 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.11 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.18 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.22 Associate Thanksgiving Mass 10 a.m.24 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.

EARTH MAMA (top)Joyce Johnson Rouse spread her joy of the earth through song in the Holy Family Chapel on April 17.

SARA THOMSEN (middle)Singer-songrwriter Sara Thomsen was blessed by the audience members during her concert that celebrated the Year of Consecrated Life.

HAUNTED BY GOD (left)Lisa Wagner-Carollo gave a resounding performance and truly brought Dorothy Day to life in her one-woman show Haunted by God: The Life of Dorothy Day on Sept. 27.


Founders Day

CelebrationThursday Oct. 15

5:00 p.m.Holy Family Chapel

Join us for liturgy and dinner. RSVP by Monday,

Oct. 1 to 314-481-8800 or [email protected].

Pictured: Mother Celestine Pommerel

MISSOURI CHORAL SOCIETY IN CONCERT

Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m.Holy Family Chapel

Back by popular demand, the Missouri Choral Society, a community chorus from St. Charles will perform a variety of selections celebrating the Christmas season.

Admission is free.

To learn more about the MCS, visit missourichoralsociety.com.

ST. LOUISStoking the Fire of Resilience

with Cathy Modde, CSJASaturday, Oct. 17

9-11 a.m.Carondelet Motherhouse

Explore spiritual sources of resilience and ways to fan the flames of the resilience within (even if it feels like just a little spark) to stay strong and bounce back in hard times.

Cost: $16Register by Oct. 12 to 314-678-0307 or [email protected].

KANSAS CITYDoing Ordinary Things with

Extraordinary Lovewith Sisters Becky Holley &

Mary Jo LoganSaturday, Oct. 24

9-11 a.m.Avila University, Whitfield Center

Sisters Becky and Mary Jo celebrate Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche international communities through stories, songs and the message of L’Arche, challenging the world one heart at a time.

Cost: $16Registration: Visit csjsl.org/events to register online and learn more about the event.

SAVE THE DATES

LEARN MORE AND VIEW OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS AT CSJSL.ORG.

ALL SOULS EUCHARISTICCELEBRATION

Monday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m.Holy Family Chapel

In celebration of All Souls, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet will remember your deceased loved ones.

If you would like to join us for Eucharist and refreshments, RSVP on or before Nov. 2 to 314-678-0326 or [email protected].


LEADERSHIP CALENDAR

NEXT ISSUE: November/December PNN & Directory ChangesSubmission Deadline: Nov. 10 • Publication Date: Dec. 1For a complete PNN schedule, visit Members Only at www.csjsl.org.

October2-3 Fontbonne Alum Weekend (RS) 5-7 Heartland Federation Mtg., St. Paul (MF, ML, RS, LS)8 LCWR Breakfast (ML, RS, LS) Wine & Chocolate Event (ML, LS, RS)10 Sectional Mtg. (RS)10 Associate Leadership Board (LS)12 Development Advisory Council (ML)15 Executive Committee, SJID (MF)15 Founder’s Day Mass & Dinner (RS, LS)16 Mission Integration Committee, Fontbonne (MML)17 Linger Over Breakfast (LS)17 Fontbonne Board Mtg. (MML)17 Sponsorship Task Force Mtg. (MML, RS)19-20 Carol Zinn, SSJ (MML)19 Elder Care Study Group (ML, MML)22-23 Council/Corporation Mtgs. (All) 31 Mass for Consecrated Life, Archdiocese of St. Louis (ML, MML, RS, LS)

November2 PCRI Mtg. (MML)2 All Souls Mass (RS, LS)

3-5 LCWR Region X Mtg., Carondelet (MF, MML, RS) 3-8 Federation Leadership Assembly, Albany (ML, LS)6 Cardinal Ritter Senior Services Benefit (MML, RS)7 Sponsorship, Phase II (MML, RS)9 Agenda Committee Mtg. (MF, ML)9 SJA Board Mtg. (RS)12 LCWR Breakfast (MML, RS, LS)12 Executive Committee, SJID (MF)14 Government Committee Mtg. (LS)14 Avila University Celebration (RS)16-17 Council/Corporation Mtgs. (All)18 Investment Managers’ Mtgs. (All)19 SJID Board Mtg. (MF)23 Elder Care Study Group (ML, MML)26-27 Thanksgiving Break, Office Closed (All)

December1 Dept Head Mtg. (All)6-26 Gulu (ML)8 Nazareth Christmas Party (MF, MML, RS, LS)10 LCWR Breakfast (MML, RS, LS)10-11 Avila Board Mtg. (RS)14-15 Council/Corporation Mtgs. (MF, MML, RS, LS)

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET • 2015

THURSDAY, OCT. 8 . 6:00-8:00 P.M.CARONDELET MOTHERHOUSE

$30 per personFor more information and to register/pay online, visit csjsl.org.

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