2020 December Immaculate Heart Community News Notes
TABLE OF CONTENTS President
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Vice President
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Corita Art Center Casa Esperanza
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Kenmore
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IHM Resident Concept
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IHC Assembly 2020
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Alverno Heights Academy
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To Touch the Face of God
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Discernment Committee
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Beloved IHMs
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Upcoming Event
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"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
IMMACULATE HEART COMMUNITY
Karol Shulkin President
Taking a Chance on Love: Post-Election & Post Assembly Musings Have you ever had the experience of being excluded or pretty much ignored? I have and it hurts. It’s diminishing and isolating. Everyone likes to be listened to, included, valued. When I stopped to think about it, I’m not surprised that Donald Trump’s rallies draw 1,000s of people. He claps for them, telling them with a strong voice that “America will be great again,” and by extension, they will be too. Dressed in the colors of patriotism, clapping and laughing together and waving flags, they all belong to something larger than themselves. Promises are given for a better life, their hopes stirred up. In dozens of ways they are told repeatedly that they matter, they belong, and life will be great again soon. There’s nothing wrong with such feelgood moments except when they are built on promises unkept and on name calling, lies and belittlement of others. No one really stands taller by diminishing another person.
The election is almost over, but now the work begins: to heal the divisions that divide us, to learn to hold one another in appreciative regard, to open pathways to justice, mercy and equal opportunities for all. And in our Community, how do we set about aligning our individual hopes and concerns with the whole Community, our supporters and our dedicated staff? I see so much potential for good among us, so much possibility to help build up the kin-dom of God that Jesus, Gandhi, Martin Luther King and so many others gave their lives for. Neither crucifixion nor assassination need be part of our journey, but certainly p-rayer, love, compassion… We are blessed by an inclusive generosity of the Spirit and shared joy on the journey. There will be times when acts of courage, large and small, will be asked of each of us. In those moments, I pray that we will turn to one another with open hearts, speaking the truth that wells up in us, trusting that others will open their hearts as well.
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May we become known as “builders of bridges�, working to repair that which is broken, finding ways to cross through that which divides us. The Spirit of the Living God hovers nearby, ready to accompany us whenever we open our hearts and stretch out our hands. May our Thanks-giving be a blessing throughout the year ahead. With Love & Shalom, Karol Schulkin IHM President
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Nan Cano,IHM Vice President
The very first Christmas was not well organized. A shed,a donkey, strangers showing up in fancy clothes...and Mary let it all...be. We find ourselves in disarray this Christmas missing our families, standing back instead of embracing, hoping for a cure. And in the midst of everything 10 wondrous IHMs took the Angel's advice to "return home a different way." With hope and enthusiasm our Kenmore residents moved quietly and efficiently just down the road to St. John of God Retirement Center and to Kingsley Manor. We checked in with each member by the miracle of zoom. We crafted each stage with our Director Deidra Goulding and our Care Coordinator Denise Traboulsi. You, their IHC family, made sure they had beds, refrigerators, and prayers. Soon, when the virus abates we will be able to go see them often, pray in their new chapel fitted out with our chalice and linens. We will walk green grounds with them and go home happy in their safety. They will be busy in their new IHM ministry telling our story to their new friends. Visitors to their rooms will ask about the new art on the wall, and ask who was Corita?
In the larger national frame we rejoice in our new President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and will support their healing work for America. Our commitment to justice is needed and will finally have willing listeners. Things take time. The first 10 IHMs sailed from Spain to California in 1871 and it took them 15 years to get to Los Angeles. We send our new generation of 9, missing dear Patrice, with blessings to their new homes. The story is not over. Merry Christmas and strength in 2021!
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Participants learned about Corita’s “heroes and sheroes” series, collaging, Styrofoam plate-printmaking, text as imagery, and the joys of simple materials! Makers of all ages and skill levels shared their finished works at the end of a fantastic session of artmaking.
Corita Art Center
Director Nellie Scott
The power of community really shone through this month and we could not be more thankful. We are very lucky to have the talented Robben Munoz with us through the grant and shows us what a need there is and how we can thoughtfully approach it.
Programming To celebrate the importance of art education the Corita Art Center teamed up for the month of November with the incredible art educator, Karina Esperanza Yánez, founder of Greetings from South Central L.A and former Getty Intern at CAC. Thanks to further partnership with local (and amazing!) businesses Hank's Mini Market and Cruzita's Deli and Cafe, together our teams were able to distribute 300 Corita 101 boxes filled with art supplies in the last two weeks.
CAC will be working with Mi Casa on December 3rd with a webinar/art box giveaway and then continuing the partnership with Casa Esperanza for the month of December. Merchandise Just in time for the holiday season, we are thrilled to bring forth the new Coritainspired merchandise and the relaunch of the storefront. We are proud to share that many of our products are made locally with small businesses and artisans. Each purchase supports the creative community in the process- a win win for all. Be sure to visit our online store for your gift shopping!
At Hank’s Mini Market, we were part of a multi-group effort, arriving for a community clean up day, with Sweet Greens providing salads for all. Be sure to check out our free downloadable zine worksheet, inspired by Corita's "heroes and sheroes" series, created by Karina and designed by the Design Lab at Otis College and printed in Los Angeles by Typecraft. In addition to our art box giveaways, CAC Engagement Coordinator, Robben Munoz and Karina facilitated our first Zoom Virtual Workshop on 11/21!
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Exploring Nature and Plans for the Holidays The past seven months have caused Casa to pivot programming. In addition to the online classes that we have organized with our nonprofit partners and volunteers, we have found success in scheduling outdoor educational activities for small cohorts of youth. One of our most recent activities was a 2.5-mile hike at O'Melveny Park, a trail not too far from Casa. We collaborated with a volunteer from Outward Bound, a Pasadena based nonprofit focused on outdoor activities for inner-city youth, to take 10 youth in our leadership program on the hike. The sun was blazing that day, so it was not easy, but they did it and are excited about going on future hike in the area. The safe social distance hike was the first time that most of the youth have been outside for some time and was the culminating event of a series of workshops on the outdoors. A few weeks after that event, we had another great day outdoors as our youth spent their Sunday at the Crystal Lake Fire Prevention Project at the Angeles Forrest. The event was in collaboration with Gabriel Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians and, in addition to fire prevention, youth received a lesson a lesson on the rich indigenous history of the land. Until it is deemed safe to open our doors, these small outdoor events will continue to be one of the most important Casa programs.
away. The event will adhere to all social distancing protocols. Families will walk through our parking lot and receive food and supplies, with volunteers and staff on site to ensure the six feet apart guidelines are followed. We plan to organize a similar style event around Christmas. If any Community members are interested in donating new toys--there is a particular need for toys for 13+ youth-- please contact me at jaren@casaesperanzaihm.org or 818-7861076. There is still no immediate plan to open our doors to the public. Unfortunately, Panorama City, Van Nuys, and other areas close by continue to have some of Los Angeles’ highest rate of new COVID-19 cases. That stated, we will continue to organize several small, safe events, including facilitating a homework center where small groups of youth can come to Casa once a week to receive tutoring assistance.
While the holiday celebrations at Casa will be different this year, we are adapting and will still have events for the community. On November 18, from 3-6, we will be hosting a Thanksgiving and essential supply give-
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They were more stoic than I had expected, not willing to divulge their reverie. I read that a good way to say goodbye to an old house is to take a little something of it with you.
A Eulogy for Kenmore Deidra Goulding Kenmore Residence Director In the ways of matter, Kenmore sprung from the earth as trees and iron ore and particles of silica, limestone, clay, the building blocks of what we call home, all houses carved from bedrock reality and refashioned into that most precious commodity, shelter. In the early years of the newly minted Immaculate Heart Community, I imagine moving to Kenmore like booking a ticket in steerage, that place in a ship designed to safely carry as many people as possible to port, and carry them to port Kenmore did, more than 120 souls ferried to infinity and all points beyond. There is still one CNA on staff who remembers when all apartments housed IHMs, some doubled-up. Those days are mere, fleeting reflections in the hallway glass right around dusk when the evening stars emerge from the darkened sky to momentarily cast a shine on a past you can see when you’re not looking for it.
None of them would bite, determined to disembark unencumbered, maintaining a steely gaze toward the new port. Not looking back at the vessel that carried so much meaning and memory. Some day Kenmore will follow all of them, aided by weather, wear and tear or a wrecking ball, follow them back into the bits and pieces of cosmos they and it have always been, where they will spend eternity, all reconstituting over and over until the glorious return to the source of all things, souls free to revisit all the points of light and substance along the way.
Catherine waving goodbye
The bon-voyaging IHMs took a turn through all the decks last week, the rooftop where we watched the 2017 summer solar eclipse, just partial from LA, and then down to lower floors to view the art and possibly retrieve a memory or two, landing ultimately in the chapel. 6
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October 2020 CONCEPT PLAN FOR Current former Canonical Kenmore Residents
Background The 2019 Triennial Assembly Pathway of Care for the Elders called the Community and the Board to address the needs and safety of our elders residing at Kenmore. In Nov. 2019, the Supportive Housing SubCommittee meet with the Residence Community to hear their opinions, concerns and suggestions related to a potential move out of the Kenmore building. The Residence Community, while expressing a willingness to move and offered the following “wishes” as guidance in the process: • A facility that was able to accommodate them all by offering various levels of care and where they would not have to move to receive additional support. • A facility that had an onsite chapel where communal prayer and liturgy would be available on a frequent basis. • A facility that had grounds where they could walk outside.
• A facility that had the capacity to host events and gatherings where the Community might be able to come together. • A facility where other members of the Community might be able to move if they wished to do so. In January, the Board requested from the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) an eldercare consultation of the Kenmore building. With the onset of COVID-19, that consultation was initially postponed but eventually performed virtually by Sr. Anna Marie Tag, RSM. Recommendations included: • Investigate the facility known as St. John of God Retirement Center and any other facility that may be appropriate and suitable for the needs of your elder and retired members. Assessments for levels of care would be performed as part of 7
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admission to determine level of care needed. • Investigate other favorable opportunities to partner or affiliate with a religious community or organization for shared care of your members. • Is maintaining this property the best option for the future needs of the members? Continue discussions with potential buyer(s) and move forward with sale of the property as soon as a preferred and more appropriate housing option is identified and the current pandemic status permits movement. In July, various potential long-term care facilities were identified. Using the “wishes” from the Residence Community as a guide, the list was narrowed down. A survey of former canonical members was created and recently sent out to members by the Healthcare Fund Committee to solicit feedback regarding their personal planning related to long term care. At the October 10, 2020 Board of Trustees meeting, the following recommendations from the Finance Committee were passed:
Relocation of members living at Kenmore and the expected timeframe; That the recommendation to the Community be to sell the Kenmore property as soon as possible after Community members have moved; That the proceeds of the sale of the Kenmore property will be Board restricted for the care of members who held canonical status prior to 1970. That the proceeds will be appropriately invested per the investment policy. Plan 1. The Immaculate Heart Community will act swiftly to place our elder Kenmore residents in a safe environment. 2. The former canonical members want to move. 3. The Kenmore residence faces major retrofitting work for earthquake safety. 4. A recent 4.5 Los Angeles earthquake served as a reminder that emergency can occur at any time. 5. Moving to a new retirement residence is not dependent on
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selling 435 S Kenmore before the move. 6. A study of 4 possible retirement residence facilities revealed *2 of the 4 are not licensed for memory care *1 of the 4 does not allow hospice for end of life choice * 1, St. John of God, meets all the guidance criteria offered by the Residence Community, and offers all levels of care from assisted living, skilled nursing, residential memory care and hospice support. Units are modern, open studios and apartment choices, with amenities for exercise, gathering, media participation * A Catholic faith-based institution, St John of God offers a chapel and worship opportunities The overall description matches the residents’ wishes. 7. By moving 10 resident to St. John of God, the Immaculate Heart Community will be able to provide the appropriate level of care for our elders in a safe and holistic environment specifically designed to meet their current and future needs.
8. While placement costs and monthly fees will be determined on an individual basis costs would not be a deterrent for movement. 9. Each resident moving to St John of God will be supported in filing applications, filing financial statements, and overall moving arrangements. 10. “Smooth Move 2.0” will occur through Gentle Transitions, a senior relocation specialist company (www.gentletransitions.com), for actual movement from Kenmore to St. John of God. 11.Committee on Stewardship of Properties will investigate legal obligations to current renters at Kenmore from the public and from Alexandria House as part of the future considerations for the Kenmore building. 12.As a practical matter we anticipate moving as soon as possible. 13.Timeline: *October. Inform all parties of the upcoming move *November/December file applications/ determine financial participation of residents and IHMs 9
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*ASAP move Compiled by Nan Cano,IHM, Vice-President Immaculate Heart Community, Supportive Housing Committee Chair Mary FayZenk,IHM Health Care Fund Chair Ray Mattes,IHM Board of Trustees Chair In consultation with Karol Schulkin,IHM President Immaculate Heart Community
St John of God Retirement & Care Center
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Remembering Sunday IHC Assembly 2020
Submitted in Peace & JOY! By Kathryn Clare, IHM
Sunday morning dawned with thunder and lightning in Utah, a small foretaste of what was to come. Our Assembly opened peacefully enough with powerful prayer: "Spirit of Imagination, we gather together in prayer and in love..." The poem, "Dark Night of the Soul" from St John of the Cross was pondered. The song, "Behold, I Make All Things New Omega" by Alana Levandoski was heard. And we let go as hearts remained open, "We move into our day with Love's urgent longing. Amen." A presentation followed on the "due diligence" the Board of Trustees had done regarding structures and Option C by Sherry Purcell, Stephanie Glatt, with thanks to Jill Whittington and other Board members involved in this subcommittee of the Board. The rationale for the Option C was given, along with a detailed plan of how it was to be implemented. There was much flexibility along with acknowledged unknowns in the plan, but a strategic response to most possibilities was shared. There was "Proper Planning for Implementation" with Action Steps revealed. There was inclusion of "Building Diversity" in the Plan and timelines. There was an Action Plan for "Sustainability," and there were Six "Board-Staff Partnerships" proposed, three of which were "Ministry Transition Teams," along with Action Steps. Several IHMs volunteered to be part of these teams or help in implementing this
plan in any way possible. I foresee several ZOOM Discussion Meetings in our futures as an Assembly, to keep abreast of what is happening, as well as to be involved as we all desire to make this a reality, with any changes needed to correct course along our journey. After our small groups had discussions about this proposed Option C, we took two votes, one that had a clear majority for approval of this Option, as well as approval of the Plan for Implementation. Our day and votes were encapsulated in times of quiet reflection and contemplation, which gave us ear to the Spirit and where She was calling us to in our future. There was much soulful jubilation as we ended our day with Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" video of flash mob in France 2012. HALLELUJAH! Submitted in Peace & JOY! By Kathryn Clare, IHM
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Alverno Heights Academy is now a TK through 8th grades boys and girls school on the same campus in Sierra Madre, but with modifications. The before and after pictures are here after a summer of weekly Board of Trustees ZOOM meetings to make this happen. Our Board Chair, Ken Farsing, is an amazing powerhouse, since he understands all the ins an outs of the City's Planning Commission. Julia Fanara, Head of School, and the new principal, Joanne Harabedian, of the Lower School, have been amazing as well, as they have added on an additional 200 + students to Alverno's roster and an additional 25 or so families, with a whole new staff of teachers. The TK-2 waiver application submitted for Alverno Heights Academy has been approved by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The goal is to open campus to the K-2 students on Monday, November 16th.
They are asking parents to be patient as they shift gears to review and finalize the plans for teachers, staffing and students who will be on campus as well as for those who have opted to continue with remote learning. This has been a huge undertaking by Alverno Heights Academy and we hope that you will support their "Winter Wonderland" virtual Gala online the first week of November. Here's to our IHC Future, full of possibilities, with boys and girls! I will be going off of the Alverno BOT this December, and hopefully, Allis Druffel, will take over. Please encourage her, as she lives right there in Sierra Madre. Submitted with JOY! Kathryn Clare, IHM Charism Committee Chair
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To Touch the Face of God
Submitted by Lee Justen
I was headed back to Colton after spending the Christmas Holidays with my family. I shared the house with Nena and Marleta. They were still visiting family. It was somewhere in the mid-seventies, December 29. Jeanette was with me as she wanted to spend some time with her dearly beloved sister, Francie, who lived in San Bernardino. On New Year’s Eve we decided to go to the evening Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. OLG Parish was on the “other” side of the city. Its members were majority Hispanic. At the time they were building a new church. Most of the construction was being done by the parishioners, most of whom worked in the construction industry doing the hard labor of building buildings. They took pride in their ability to erect a new house of worship. Temporarily they had built a small chapel in which Mass could be offered and the Sacraments administered. In the middle of the day a fierce and cold wind had developed as clouds shadowed the sun. By the time we left for Mass the wind had become stingingly cold. This was the kind of wind that tore off tree limbs and turned over garbage cans. This was the kind of wind that pushed you along and you had to fight to keep your balance. We arrived at the chapel and entered. It was filled with its parishioners, huddled closely, kneeling on the floor. There were no kneelers or benches.
seemed all present were One. . . united in the experience of the One and Sacred Being. When Mass was over, we got in the car and started for home. A few feet into our ride I noticed an elderly woman holding her shawl tightly around her as she walked to her home. The wind was pushing her along as she fought to keep her balance. I stopped the car and offered her a ride. She hesitated at first, but we insisted, and she accepted our offer. Her little home was a few blocks away and when we reached it she invited us in. Once again, the precious and Sacred Presence enveloped us. She ushered us into her small parlor which housed a large and beautiful cheche. It was obvious that she had lovingly erected it herself. She bade us make ourselves comfortable on the sofa and she served us delicious tamales. We visited and savored the tamales. It was time to leave but we were gifted again with a package of her delicious food. We embraced each other. Jeanette and I returned home but The Presence of the Holy remained with me as it had been manifested by the humble community and the loving Senora with whom we had “broken bread.” John Glenn soared the skies to “touch the face of God.” I did not have to soar the skies. I touched the face of God on this humble patch of earth.
As I knelt, I immediately felt a strong and abiding Presence inherent in the faithful and loving community kneeling in prayer. It
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Discernment Committee Update Dear Hearts, We want you to know how deeply involved our Candidates and Interns have been in our community life. You may have noticed some new faces on the Zoom screen on our Saturday check-ins, Turning West Data sharing’s, Dialogue as a Spiritual Practice and throughout the entire Assembly. Maureen McCue, Michael Harrington and Joanna Garaventa are candidates in the first year. Second year candidates are Lucretia Montes, Ramona Spradling and Geovanni Esti. Our Interns are Patricia Sanders, Allis Duffle and Silvia Gutierrez. They were excited to vote at the Assembly this year. In a recent retreat with Carolyn Metzger she reminded us that Discernment is about deepening vision so that one might even see the world in a grain of sand. She was clear to emphasize that Contemplative Practice is the greatest tool of Discernment. The toolkit that the Discernment Team has been using involves anything that draws us into a mindful place. We ask honest questions, we uncover our own passions, our failures and how they have been instruments of grace. We all look at barriers to Discernment such as excuse, pretense, fear, forcing an issue, self- justification and just being stuck. Naturally, we cover the requirements listed in the three year Discernment Cycle: Our Spirit That Calls Us document, IHM History, Spirituality, New Theology, Cosmology, Contemplative practice, our Ministries, Commissions, Prayer, Contemplation, Contemplative Dialogue and Relationship Building. In the Spirit that calls to us to community. Naturally, we cover the requirements listed in the three year Discernment Cycle: Our Spirit That Calls Us document, IHM History, Spirituality, New Theology, Cosmology, Contemplative practice, our Ministries, Commissions, Prayer, Contemplation, Contemplative Dialogue and Relationship Building. In the Spirit that calls to us to community. Angie Dickson, IHM From your Discernment team: Michael Tompkins, Chair, Sherry Purcell, Vice Chair Michael Jones, IHM
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LOVE HOLDS US TOGETHER
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Advent Retreat with Mary E. Hunt Decemebr 11-13, 2020 on Zoom
Join us for this Advent retreat, a time to embrace the community’s Golden Spirit. We will pray and reflect together, imagine our part in the next unfolding of the community’s life, and begin to think together about how we can bring the abundance we share to a needy world. It promises to be a weekend both for each of us and for us as a community. You will enrich it by your presence. Feminist theologian Mary E. Hunt will offer input and our members, Kathryn Clare and Rosa will lead our prayer.
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Immaculate Heart Community
5515 Franklin Avenue Suite A Los Angeles, CA 90028 (323) 466-2157
News Notes is published by and for members of the Immaculate Heart Community Editor: Nan Cano Production: Nickie Strother If you would like to submit something for publication in January/ Feburary New Notes, please submit your article and/or information no later than January 15th to Nickie Strother at nstrother@ihworks.org and Nan Cano at ncanoca@roadrunner.com Printed on Recycled Paper
A friendly Reminder Please send the following information to Nickie nstrother@ihworks.org: * Committee roles and responsibilities * Save the dates for 2021 * Any directory changes
*Nan will be sending a letter out regarding new financial commitments early January 2021*
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