Immaculate Heart Community
News Notes Contents Page 2 President Page 3 Vice President Page 4 IHMs Annette Ciketic/ Lenore Dowling Page 5 Allis Druffel IHM Candidate Page 6 Denise Traboulsi MSW Page 7 La Casa de Maria Page 8 Casa Esperanza Page 9 Corita Art Center Page 10 Kenmore Residence Page 11 May Discernment Retreat for Candidates Page 12 Alexandria House Pope Francis Pages 13 Prayers / Messages & Birthdays Back Page Save the Date / Election Results
May / June 2020
Venerable Joaquin Masmitja On January 24th, Pope Francis bestowed on Fr. Joaquin Masmitja, our founder, the title of “Venerable”. In the Roman Catholic tradition this title is given posthumously to individuals whom the church recognizes as having lived a life of heroic virtue. Such a declaration requires an extensive examination of the individual’s life, historical accounts, their writings and the ways in which one lived and proclaimed the gospel in service. Bestowing the title “Venerable” is the first official step in the process of canonization within the Roman Catholic tradition. Joaquin Masmitja was born the fourth son to the affluent and well educated family of Francisco Masmitjà and Maria Gràcia de Puig in Olot, Spain in 1808. He studied humanities in Olot then moved to Girona to study philosophy at the seminary. After ten years at the University of Cervera, he graduated with degrees in civil and canon law. Ordained in 1834, he turned down a professorship to be a parish priest serving in several parishes including his family’s home parish of St. Stephen in Olot. Refusing on several occasions to be considered for bishop, he served as Canon of the Cathedral of Girona and as Vicar General of the diocese. Deeply troubled by the plight of women and young girls who had little means of support or access to education, he invited seven women to form the nucleus of a community dedicated to responding to the needs of the day through education and the provision of “integral human formation”. Fr. Masmitja died on August 26, 1886. As part of the larger Masmitjan family, we celebrate this acknowledgment of Fr. Masmitja’s life and ministry with the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Heart of Mary in Spain, the United States, Cuba and Chile, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Los Angeles (Waverly), the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Witchita, KS and the people of Catalonia, Spain. May Venerable Joaquin Masmitja pray with us as we continue live the charism first given to him of being hearts untarnished by fear, broken open through Mystery. Ray Mattes, IHM
May 23, 2020, 9:30 am – 12:00 noon Pre-Assembly Workshop
The Assembly Planning Committee invites you to a ZOOM gathering on May 23 from 9:30 to 12:00 pm. We will begin our day with prayer and then review the Seven Pathways which emerged from our 2019 Triennial Assembly. As a group we will continue our exploration of various governance structures that seem to match our vision, mission and values, and we will have break-out groups so we have time to share our thoughts with one another. Donna Fyffe will be with us as facilitator; Steven Goodwin from Turning West will be with us as a consultant to the Board. Executive staff and ministry directors are also hoping to participate, although some may have Memorial Day family plans. Please plan to join us! Assembly Planning Committee: Kitty Murphy, Jean Holsten, Jean Scott, Karol Schulkin, Board Liaison, Mary Becker & Mary Fay-Zenk, Co-Chairs
Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart At last year’s Assembly I spoke to you of a simple but profoundly lifechanging truth: Where we stand determines what we see. A related Karol Shulkin corollary, perhaps not so obvious is: What we see holds the possibility of President life-changing impact on our own life as well as the lives of others. The current world-wide pandemic environment has made our interdependency very clear. Our individual and collective survival of the COVID–19 virus literally depends on the actions of one another. Suddenly we have all been called to greater personal responsibility and awareness. This makes our sight and insight all the more important. I think often we look at something or someone but do not really see them. Currently the frequency of the news cycles are showering us with data. As I type this on the afternoon of 4/19/20 the number of persons globally with confirmed active COVID-19 cases has reached 1,617,473, with US confirmed active cases at 764,177. The worldwide fatality count is now at 164,938. (As a basis of comparison, the fatality count following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was 210,000). We are currently learning from the initial statistics shared by some larger cities who are tracking this, that there is a disproportionately high infection and death rate among ethnic minority populations who live in poverty, have limited access to health care, live in substandard housing or no housing at all and who work in jobs paying less than a living wage. I raise these issues because our eyes have been opened now to some hard realities. Gratefully, we see as well the self-less courage of first responders, the compassion of health care providers, and the generosity of thousands of volunteers who are helping in whatever ways they can. We can be left feeling bereft and uplifted at the same time. We have been taught to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” That’s clear, but not so simple. Blessed are we that as people of faith with the support of a community, we are surrounded by a host of others who value the practice of a deepening spiritual life. This informs, challenges and empowers us to see with the eyes of our heart, “the other” as Sister or Brother, no matter how differently they look, speak or pray. The horizons of our love keep expanding. I wonder if this is something like what Francis of Assisi experienced when he purportedly greeted with praise and deep appreciation, “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon”? I pray that these challenging times may be transformative for us. May we, like the disciples on the way to Emmaus, have our eyes opened (and our hearts as well) to those we meet along our road, and keep doing whatever we can so that all may live life more abundantly. Grateful to be on this journey with you, Karol
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May / June 2020
Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the LIGHT. ~ Albus Dumbledore Victoria Berry Vice President
How much life has changed since our last News Notes! Who could have predicted this predicament, the stay-at-home world in which we all now live? Who could have known that thousands of people all over the world would die from these invisible microbes [not from missiles] in just a few months? This is a time for us to stick together, to help and support one another. And when the day comes when we can gather again in a post-pandemic world, we will treasure each other even more. As of today, the IHC office has been closed for 8 weeks; all employees have been working from home. But even as we find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic during dark times of physical isolation and fear, we are blessed to have a community member who came up with a bright idea to connect us all when we need it the most. Sherry Purcell went around (virtually and with great patience) and gently taught the un-techies among us the joys of Zooming about. Her Saturday afternoons have done more to bring us together as a community than anyone in this 21st century. At my first Zoom meeting, it was such a joy to see your faces, embracing IHMs from afar – like our three Canadian IHMs and the Millers from Florida. While we all are staying “safer at home,” we of course long so very much to be together again. I invite you to contact Sherry for help if you have not yet made the leap into Zoom. Each Saturday from 4:00-5:30pm, it’s like having a mini retreat. Now our Board meetings are better attended by IHMs who no longer have a long car trip to the IHC office boardroom - a silver lining! Last Sunday, I had the honor of being at the virtual Discernment retreat with the 6 candidates, 3 of whom may be making their commitment this year. It was such a blessing to be there with them (on Zoom), getting to know and appreciate the exquisite spiritual gifts they each bring. (See page 11 for the article by Silvia Gutierrez). Each of their lights gives me such hope for the future of our Immaculate Heart Community. I am impressed with this very sensitive and important Committee. Finally, July 1st will be my last day as Vice President; I have treasured it all. I know that Nan Cano will be just perfect as she possesses the right gifts and a great big heart. The IHC is in good hands with Karol, Ray and our professional staff. In retirement, I look forward to enjoying my grandchildren. I am grateful that my daughter Crystal started daily phone calls with “Face-Time” last month so I have been able to see how my 2 and 7 year old grandchildren grow and change. Here’s hoping that you will reach out and wrap your heart around someone living alone in this stay-at-home world. You are the light in the darkness.
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May / June 2020
Updates From fINdings Art Center The fINdings 6th Street Gallery is temporarily closed. However. the Women’s fINdings Project group has been busy creating protective masks to donate to Senior Centers. Gratefully the new fabric donated by fINdings patrons is being put into good use. The women are grateful to the IHC Community for your continued support of donated supplies. The lockdown time has also been accepted as welcome grace for Annette Ciketic to complete a twelve session art projects booklet which is available for purchase. The series is based on creative processes inspired Corita Kent’s book, Learning by Heart. The booklet cost is $20 plus shipping and can be purchased by contacting Annette at amciketic@yahoo.com. Other favorite products available from the Women’s Project are wonderful Senior Bibs ($15) and the popular gift bag sets ($8.) Thank you all for the continued IHC support of fINdings. Annette Ciketic, IHM
May Mary's Heart Immaculate August 22 used to be the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, celebrated in our Community with Mass, a solemn high dinner, and appropriate festivity. These were convent times as Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, IHMs, and into our years. Immaculate Heart Community, now celebrating “50 years of community, faith, hope, action.,” We have witnessed the departure of many beloved IHMs, and we have joyfully welcomed those who have faithfully answered the call to our Community. It is with courage and hope that we continue our journey, doing God’s work in the world,, creating community, and living out the spirit of Mary’s heart. Here’s an excerpt from a lecture that Alexis Navarro, IHM gave at Mount St. Mary’s College in 1998 that captures our heartwork. In Heart of the Matter, Alexis wrote that through time, the heart would sustain the meaning and place it should have in this Community. A heart prepared for hospitality, for generosity, for outgoing joy, for lightness and humor, for compassion and sorrow, for a spirit of courage, daring and challenge that Mary experienced in giving flesh to Jesus -- This is the IHM spirit and heart that carries us forward even today. This year the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is on June 20; it moves yearly along with the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us observe Mary’s feast with gratitude for the many blessings that we have received and with joyful hearts that celebrate our 50 years as Immaculate Heart Community.
Be Forever Praised Lenore N. Dowling, IHM Page 4
May / June 2020
Rediscovering Traditional Prayer in a Pandemic
Allis Druffel IHM Candidate
For people whose faith is a constant companion – in both easy and challenging circumstances, living with the
loving Creator is a continual source of solace. Though this commitment is felt more greatly and less strongly through our journey, in times of great crisis, it is fully appropriate to hold on to our Source of comfort for ourselves and our world more strongly. The global community is undergoing an unprecedented experience: threat from a new virus for which no one has immunity. A majority of the world is sheltering in place, physically distanced from daily life as we know it. Life is uncertain and the fear that many of us feel is not an uncommon reaction. As loving people of faith and goodwill, we want to do something – anything – to make the pain and suffering felt by so many to be assuaged. This is an ideal time to rediscover one particular form of “traditional” prayer embraced by so many religious throughout the centuries – the rosary.
For hundreds of years, clergy and religious women, especially in cloistered communities, devoted their entire lives to the betterment of the world through acts of charity, service and prayer. The rosary, according to Catholic tradition, was instituted in the 13th century, by Mother Mary herself in an apparition to St. Dominic, in which she gave him a rosary and asked that Christians all over the world pray with it. Since then, praying and reflecting on Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection have been common among priests, nuns, and Catholic faithful all over the world. One woman who lived praying the rosary was my sister, Carolyn. In the last seven years of her life, on disability because of cancer, she used much of her time making rosaries. Like our father, Charles, Carolyn found praying the rosary a source of comfort and strength, and a way of giving her life over to Jesus and Mary, whom she adored. She made gorgeous rosaries in a variety of models, colors, and themes. She gave them to everyone she knew, urging them to pray for the world and for special intentions. In her final hour of life, Carolyn’s family accompanied her while her husband of 35 years prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. As we shelter in place, “cloistered” in a sense, we have the opportunity like so many faithful before us, to pray for the world. For those of us who have rosaries, our prayers may be sent as powerful positive energy for healing for all those suffering from the illness of or isolation brought on by COVID-19; for those who have suffered the death of a loved one; those who have lost jobs and are financially vulnerable; and for the health workers committed to healing. This traditional form of prayer may be made anew and dedicated to the life of the world. Allis Druffel IHM Candidate
Rosary made by Allis’ sister, Carolyn Druffel. She made hundreds and hundreds in the last seven years of her earthly life.
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May / June 2020
A Message From Our IHC Care Coordinator By now, most of us have adjusted to the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their lives. Some people have had an easier time staying home, while others have had a very hard time staying put. Or if you are like me, I would compare my reaction to COVID-19 to the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance...repeat! These are all normal feelings and reactions, based on who we are, what our personality types are and what kind of lifestyle we are used to living. There is no doubt this pandemic has affected all of us. I know for many of you who have lived in community most of your lives and all of you who continue to live as a community, it goes against the very nature of who you are and how you choose to live your lives. Whatever euphemism that is used, be it ‘Shelter in Place’, quarantine, social isolation, social distancing, or my personal favorite which is Los Angeles’s tagline, “Safer at Home”- I know we are all doing what we can to contribute to “flattening the curve” in order to return to a more normal state of being.
I have had the pleasure to speak with many community members over the past several weeks by phone. My focus has been on those who live alone and are potentially more at risk due to age and/or health conditions. I wanted to share some insights and observations that have inspired me. Without a doubt, the concern for others in the Community was the universal sentiment and a testament to your commitment as a community. Thankfully everyone I spoke with has a support system in place and their main concern was for others and less about their own well-being. Selflessness and compassion for others was what I heard over and over. I was also struck by the positive attitudes and sense of calm that you all have been able to maintain. I wish you all good health and wellness and want to leave you with this link to the California Department of Aging’s wonderful on-line resource called, Feeling Good & Staying Connected . Please know that I am available to all members of the Immaculate Heart Community to provide any assistance that I can during this challenging time. Feel free to call me at 310-613-7899 or my email is dtraboulsi@ihmresidence.org Denise Traboulsi, MSW
https://aging.ca.gov/download.ashxlE0rcNUV0zYlqz5kxLW8bA%3d%3d
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May / June 2020
La Casa de Maria & Center For Spiritual Renewal REBUILDING – ARCHITECTURE UPDATE Right before the pandemic, Stephanie G., Kathleen and I met at Casa San Ysidro with the team from Rios Clementi Hale Studios (RCH), the engineering and survey consultants and County of Santa Barbara Manager of Flood Control and Manager of Development and Planning. It was the 1st time we all met in the same room. As many of you experienced during RCH’s recent presentations, they are down to earth, highly skilled and dedicated to creating sacred spaces aligned with IHC’s mission. They are ecologically minded and deeply involved in the building, permitting and design of the new La Casa. Besides La Casa’s physical and visual site, there is much to be done infrastructurally such as examination and research of current day reservation and scheduling systems, agricultural models, technology, audio/visual equipment, inventory management and tracking software, etc. This is the time to explore and test systems in preparation of our reopening while simultaneously working to complete the master plan and subsequent construction. Felix seems to have the hang of it! We’ve reached 4,000 LIKES on our Facebook Page. Last week, I posted a video last that received 35 comments that expressed joy and good memories. Here’s the link if you like to watch it (2:45 minutes): https://www.facebook.com/centerforspiritualrenewal/ videos/243524513503825 I’m thinking of you all during this interesting time and know that this too shall pass! As for me, I’m strategizing with the team, reviewing past data and current trends to make La Casa THE destination for retreat, reflection and contemplation for decades to come! Peace and love to all! Cindy Faith Swain, Manager of Operations La Casa de Maria & Center for Spiritual Renewal
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May / June 2020
Casa Esperanza and Corita Bring A Smile On Easter While Casa Esperanza has been closed to the public since March 15, we have maintained regular contact with our families. Staff are calling families daily, checking-in on their health, inquiring about their child’s scholastic needs, and offering general support and connection to resources. On April 10, we delivered care packages to our families. This event was the result of several partners coming together and working with Casa to bring a smile to our families during this difficult time. A local car club created 50 Easter baskets. Los Angeles Councilwoman Nury Martinez’s office delivered canned food to the LAPD and asked them to identify an organization that could disperse. As a testament to our longstanding relationship with the City and the LAPD, Casa Esperanza was selected as the recipient organization. Tia Chucha, a nationally recognized nonprofit founded by Luis Rodriguez, the former poet laureate of Los Angeles, created writing worksheets for our older youth. The packages were highlighted by the Corita “Sheroes and Heroes” art activities. Working closely with Corita, we created fifty folders with Corita inspired activities, and provided an array of art supplies for each youth.
Though Casa will not be opening the building to the public for the foreseeable future, we have not stopped our programming, and are starting to see success with our online efforts. We are also making monthly drop offs of school supplies to our youth. If anyone is interested in supporting this effort or learning more, please contact me at jaren@casaesperanzaihm.org. Casa Esperanza and the Corita Art Center teamed up to spread a little joy. Since 1992, Casa Esperanza has served hope and love to the families of Blythe Street. With that spirit the families of the Panorama City Neighborhood received a special delivery just in time for the holiday weekend.
When we dropped off the packages, the reaction was priceless. The families were thrilled to see familiar faces, and the youth were excited to receive a surprise for Easter. In total, staff delivered items to 44 youth and their families, in the span of three hours. The above would have been impossible without the dedication of our staff. Though all social distancing guidelines were adhered to, by going outside and to different houses, our staff are still putting themselves in danger. They were not required to participate in this event, but they insisted on being a part and assisting with the delivery, as they wanted to let our families know that Casa will continue to provide support and services during this difficult time. We are fortunate to have staff that have genuine heart and dedication to our mission.
Family in the photo are Jesus and Kimberly Alvarez. Mother is Aracely Mendoza. Taken by Jaren Sorkow, Director of Casa Esperanza Easter Baskets were donated from the Los Latinos Car Club of San Fernando. Corita 101: heroes and sheroes art packets and art making supply kits with love from the Corita Art Center. Grocery support from LAPD Mission Station and Councilwoman Nury Martinez. Writing worksheets with support from Tia Chucha Centro Cultural. Happy to spread a little more heart and creativity during these unusual times. We can't wait to see you all again soon! Click here to view the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/UdnZzcpcrXc
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May / June 2020
Corita Art Center we have partnered internally with the amazing team at Casa Esperanza to provide to the families they serve, locally throughout the Los Angeles and Long Beach area and on a national level though various partners. Those partners were able to stretch into the corners of underresourced areas of this country to help us bring a small lift of creative joy.
Through these tough times, I have been so inspired by the Immaculate Heart Community team at large and our team at Corita Art Center. There have been moments in the past few weeks that would certainly make others stumble and again, with so much heart, they have managed to rise to the occasion to thoughtfully adjust to serve others. Internally, we often ask ourselves what is our North Star - who are we serving and how are we serving them? These unprecedented times require human care and a voice of hope. We believe Corita’s message of love, hope and justice is needed now more than ever. We thought we would use this month’s News Notes to share a little piece of what we have been working on these last few weeks and how we might all look for ways to pass these long days with a touch of Corita. Our team has been engaging with strangers, friends and partners alike. Through those exchanges, it has served as a reminder of the collective good in humanity. We are not alone, we are stronger together and we will come through this on the other side. Create to relate: We're thrilled to announce our ongoing arts education initiative: Corita 101. Launching in what would have been her 101st year and rooted in the fundamentals of Corita's teachings, this initiative features a range of new content including videos and worksheets for all ages. We had been mapping this initiative for well over a year and with the help of many hands, have been able to act quickly to respond to a need. The initial K5 heroes and sheroes worksheets, available in Spanish and English, were made available on April 6th. In less than two weeks time,
Through these partnerships, we were able to distribute physical worksheet packets to children that may not have technology or art supplies at home to continue their studies. Additionally, our packets so far have expanded into rural communities in multiple states through relationships with institutions, foster care, immigrant, refugee and tribal communities. For your listening pleasure: Like many artists, Corita Kent listened to music for creative inspiration, and sometimes song lyrics were even incorporated into her artwork. In this first playlist from the Corita Art Center, we have compiled some tunes featured in Corita's work. We hope it helps inspire your creative endeavors. Know of a song we missed? Be sure to reach out to us and we can include it in a volume 2! A bit of reading: Released this month, “Set the Night on Fire: L.A. in the Sixties” is a recent book released by authors Mike Davis and Jon Wiener. Included in the book is a chapter on Corita and the Immaculate Heart College during this time period. We can only speak of hope: With the majority of individuals now at home, we have been supporting positive and hopeful dialogue on social media. It has been inspiring to connect with those just discovering the artwork of Corita and checking in on our longtime friends. The sentiment of collective and thoughtful care for the greater good is the thread in conversations. Featured is a photo from a new friend who projected Corita artworks from his apartment in Spain to spread heart to his neighbors. We will be partnering with him on this endeavor in the coming weeks to share some additional artworks. On a personal note, I hope everyone and their families are doing well during this time. I look forward to the day in which we can all be together to celebrate again. Nellie Scott, Director of Corita Art Center
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May / June 2020
Kenmore's Okay Each of you is the gift that someone else needs in her or his anxious moments. When the order came from Governor Newsom that Californians were ordered to stay at home, how many of us responded, “Surely, he doesn’t mean me?” We have gotten beyond that here at the Residence, finally, but it has not been easy. There is nothing like a pandemic to level-set your responsibility to your species. Such outrage that my liberty should be infringed on just because a governing official says it may keep others healthy. I am not sick. I feel fine. The brooding behind each closed door, behind each colorful face mask. Standing outside Kenmore waiting for the plumber to show, two young women walked gaily by, talking and laughing, not six feet apart, without face protection. I told them to observe the ordered distance. They told me, it’s OK, we’re sisters. Mind your own business. You’re not sisters out on the street here, sister. You belong to the whole human family. So, it is my business. They separated and walked away. Nothing like public shaming to modify behavior. We’ve lost the fine art of the taboo.
Maribel & Duel cook for the 50th (Photo by Ann Chamberlin, IHM)
Here at week four of lock down, NO VISITORS, no communal dining or worship, through Holy Week no less, we are now developing some herd immunity to the irrational tantrum that lay dormant in each of us since childhood. We have even begun to look up and look out with a capacious curiosity for things outside our will, the glorious late rain beating against the window, the gratitude for the meal delivered three times a day. A healthy breath. Around the same time as Gov. Newsom’s Order, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a “Safer at Home” emergency order, that, among other things, prohibits individuals from going to their workplace unless they provide certain essential services. Non-essential staff glad to go home safe and sound. The essential glad to still be able to make a living despite the real risk. Today at the Residence, we instituted “gratitude time,” at shift changes of caregivers and cooks, the ones who actually hold Kenmore together. We hauled the sound system out of the chapel, and opened the windows to the patio, and sang the IHM Thank You song at the top of our lungs that thundered through the building with the aid of singers socially-distanced. If you value the spirit and legacy of Kenmore, you need to value, in some appreciable way, the essential workers that provide for us here. Call me if you’d like a way to thank staff who are our lifeline now. Deidra Goulding, Director of Kenmore Residence
"Masked" photo by Deidra Goulding
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May / June 2020
May Discernment Retreat for Candidates
Silvia Gutierrez IHM Candidate
In this new time we are all re-imagining what it means to gather as Community and continue to nurturer our relationships, development and spirit. The IHM Community continues to be at the forefront of change as it adapts to the times and forgoes on to do it’s work of building relations in society. On May 3rd the Discernment Committee led a retreat via Zoom conference for 6 IHM candidates, and 3 IHM members, Victoria Berry, Sandra Steinbacher and Mary Becker.
13 joyful faces smiled back at one another fully alive and present throughout the daylong sessions that engaged our minds and hearts. Mary Becker led us in exploring concepts from author Lynn Twist’s book, The Soul of Money. Using the life frame model of the individual, inter-personal, structural and environmental arenas we examined our relationship and feelings about money. As a group we agreed that we are still working to learn more about how to handle money, the value of living simply and balancing caring for others and ourselves with the tools that money brings. We re-affirmed that scarcity doesn’t exist and we can take the resources that we have to forge change to serve the common good. The beauty of all IHM gathering always lies in the magic of sharing and opening up to love and prayer. We walked away with wisdom to keep our hearts untarnished by fear as we were led in prayer by Lucrecia Montes and Giovanni Esti and giving voice to the blessings we are receiving as we shelter at home. Patricia Sanders summed up the retreat best, by sharing: “Together, we built a solid road out of those fragmented paths to steady one another as we shared our hopes, fears, and commitments to bring forth the love of Jesus Christ in Community and to our Universe in the rage of this global pandemic. Christ has called us.” Discernment Committee members: Sherry Purcell, Michael Jones, Michael Tompkins, Angie Dickson, IHM candidates: Patricia Sanders, Allis Druffel, Lucrecia Montes, Giovanni Esti, Ramona S, Silvia M Gutierrez
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May / June 2020
Alexandria House Fire Update In the last few weeks, we've worked to clear out the green house and we are hoping to submit the three required bids for restoration next week. We are truly anxious to begin reconstruction and reopening our doors!
Pope Francis Prayer to Mother Mary Health of Sick For Covid-19 Pope Francis composed a prayer to Our Lady, Health of the Sick, to implore her protection during the Covid-19 coronavirus epidemic. The prayer was offered, Mar. 11, 2020, to mark the Diocese of Rome’s day of prayer and fasting for the coronavirus emergency. Pope Francis wanted to entrust the city of Rome, all of Italy, and “the entire world to the protection of the Mother of God, as a sign of salvation and hope” during the ongoing coronavirus emergency.
The process of clearing out the house was emotional for everyone involved. The residents visited their rooms for the last time and searched for any irreplaceable and meaningful items. Although many things were scorched or burned, several of the moms were able to find special items. The good news is that through it all, our essential work continues, which is to help families find permanent housing. Reminder We are still not able to accept used donations at this time. However, if you have gently used clothing you'd like to donate, please consider reaching out to Project Ropa who provides clothing and hygiene services to the LA homeless population. We hope that you and your families are staying safe and healthy. Please continue to keep the Alexandria House Community in your thoughts and prayers, as you are in ours.
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You, Salvation of the Roman People/of all People, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of June 4 trial. WomenSpeak Help us, Mother of Divine Love, Alexandria House Annual Luncheon to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do 11:30am what Jesus tells us: Information: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore pam@alexandriahouse.org our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Please use the link below to be Amen. navigated to the YouTube invitation, We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Thank you. Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and www.alexandriahouse.orghttps://youtu.be/NqUMjN7SeOc blessed Virgin. Amen. Page 12
May / June 2020
Prayer Requests Our dear Mary Elbrecht has tested positive for the Corona Virus. The plan is to retest her this coming weekend. In the interim, Mary is in waiting mode. Please pray for her. Please join together to send our collective love and vitality to her. May she receive "this loving energy from our hearts and be strengthened for her journey toward healing" and wholeness. E mails would be welcome, too! maryelbs7154@gmail.com Loving Blessings to all. Jane Via, IHM Please pray for the repose of the soul of my nephew, David Tavera. He was 58 and had been suffering for many years with various health issues and had a heart attack today. Pray also for his wife, daughter, and five siblings. Thank you, Anita Tavera, IHM After 42 years of a very happy marriage Bill Baird, husband of Margaret Fay Baird, whom many of you knew as Sister Margaret or Sister Thomas More, died peacefully in Montana in late February. Please join Margaret and Bill’s three children, Tom, Maria and John, in lovingly celebrating Bill’s life and memory. Mary Fay-Zenk, IHM Much gratitude for all the love, prayers, cards and messages sent for my husband John’s recovery from the stroke he experienced last week. By the grace of God and much ongoing help from Home Health Care RN, speech and physical therapists his physical strength has returned and he is working steadily to regain his language, reading and writing abilities. Our brains are miraculous in their capacity to rewire and heal! We send love and prayers to all of you for your safety and health, and appreciate continued prayers for John’s healing. With love and blessings, Chris Monroe, IHM Jennifer Kincaid, Sharon Bagley, IHM’s daughter contacted me with concerns about the well being of her mother, Sharon; she specifically asked for the Community’s help to send love, faith and encouragement to lift her spirits. These unprecedented times of mandated isolation have taken a toll on her wellbeing; she does not want to eat or use the computer to do zoom. Please reach out to contact her (909) 263-2149. Jennifer is a Respiratory Therapist and works at a nearby hospital. Her email is kincaidrt@gmail.com. Grateful for our community unity, love and support for one another, Victoria Berry, IHM Please keep Community friend Rick Takagaki and his family in your prayers. His family members are suffering from many physical challenges and infirmities (not Covid-19 related). Thank you, Joanne Helfrich, IHM Mary Ann Paxton and her mother, JoAnne, want to express their gratitude for the Community's prayers. JoAnne's surgery was very successful, and she is now in rehab, doing well and eager to come home soon. Stephanie Glatt, IHM Mary has requested your prayers for her grandson, Joshua Nance, 25, who had 2 seizures recently. He is scheduled for more hospital tests for his epilepsy and is on a new medication. Mary & Rick Jenison are devoted to Joshua and really appreciate the power of your prayers. Peace, Victoria Berry, IHM Please remember in your prayers my nephew, Billy Stage, who suffered a very serious accident at home. He damaged his spine and is currently paralyzed from the waist down and without strength in his upper body. He is a very good fellow and would appreciate your prayers for some degree of healing. Thank you, Marie Egan, IHM
May Birthdays 5/1 5/2 5/7 5/9 5/10 5/11 5/13
Mary T. Grove Julie Friese Nelson Small Teresa Briones Phyllis Straling Rosalina Baldonado Kathleen Cejka
June Birthdays 6/2
5/14 5/19 5/23 5/26 5/26 5/28
Stephanie Glatt Marla Ciarfalio Marylouise Lau Ray Mattes Lucia Van Ruiten Lenore Dowling
6/3 6/3 6/4 6/6 6/13 6/14 6/18
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Aida Serrano-Caballero Michelle de Beixedon Betty Pedrazzi Rev. Gary Rye Giovanni Esti Antoinette Ciketic Patricia Sanders Marya Barr
6/18 6/21 6/23 6/27 6/28 6/28 6/29 6/29 6/30
Rose Chamberlin Victoria Berry Gretchen Dumas Rev. Martha Siegel Kitty Murphy Susan Duquesnel Rick Jenison Megan Kerr Bernadette Hengstebeck
May / June 2020
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 Editors: Victoria Berry, IHM, Lenore Dowling, IHM, Rose Chamberlin, IHM Production: Nickie Strother If you would like to submit something for publication in July/August New Notes, please submit your article and/or information no later than June 15th to Nickie Strother at nstrother@ihworks.org and Victoria Berry at vberry@ihmoffice.org.org Printed on Recycled Paper
Save The Date May 10 Happy Mother's Day May 15 IHC Art Camino 10am-12pm Via Zoom June 6 Board of Trustees Via Zoom June 20 “Light, Power, Activism� Commission Sponsored Via Zoom June 20 Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary June 21 Happy Father's Day
May 4, 2020 Dear Community Members, We are grateful to 94 members who participated in the selection process for our community President and Vice President. Karol Schulkin 59 yes votes; Mary Kirchen, 39 yes votes; Nan Cano 86 yes votes. We congratulate Karol and Nan. Three-year terms begin on July 1, 2020. We sincerely thank Mary for her willingness to serve our community. We are extremely grateful to Victoria Berry who has served us for the past 6 years as our Vice President. Respectfully Submitted, The Selection/Election Committee Donna Alioto, Marya Barr, Jayne McGuiness, Teresita Venegas
May / June 2020