July 2023 News - Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word - Houston

They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness

Pope's Prayer Intention for July

For a Eucharistic life: WepraythatCatholicsmayplacethe celebrationoftheEucharistattheheartoftheirlives,transforming humanrelationshipsinaverydeepwayandopeningtothe encounterwithGodandalltheirbrothersandsisters.

Fostering Interculturality & A Spirit Of Synodality Through Liturgy At Carrigoran House

By Sr. Adel Leonida, CCVI

Christian.net

rtofthe2022ChapterDirectionStatementisthetheme erculturalityandthebuildingofrelationshipsinaspirit odality.Withthatinmind,weatSt.MichaelCommunity dwithCarrigoran Houseanditsadministration,staff, ndresidentstousherthespiritofdiversity,interculturality, haliturgicalcelebration.Itwasfittingtodoitwithoneof thetraditionsoftheChurch,theMayCrowningofMary.Fr.MichaelCollin,the mainchaplain,andMarieO’Malley,CEO,immediatelysupportedtheidea.

OnMay30th,theeveoftheFeastoftheVisitationoftheBlessedVirginMary, wedidtheMaycrowningofMary–OurLady,ourMother,andourQueen.

DuringtheMass,wesangMarianhymnsledbySr.Brenda.Theprayersofthe faithfulweresaidinEnglish,Gaelic,andMalayalam(alanguageinKerala,India), representedbytheadministrator,staff,tworesidents(male&female),andalay minister.Duringtheoffertory,anambulatorymaleresidentpresentedthewreathof redrosesandcrownedthestatueoftheBlessedMother.Hewasoverjoyedandfelt privilegedtobechosentodothehonorofveneratingtheBlessedMotheronbehalf oftheresidents.ThefloralofferingthatfollowedwasledbyFr.Michael,the administrativeteam,staffmembers,residents,andguestsfromtheDaycareCenter. Volunteerscollectedtheflowersfromresidentswhousedwheelchairsandlaidthem atthefeetofourLady.

TheliturgicalcelebrationfosteredaspiritofonenessatCarrigoranHouseFr Michael and Marie thanked everyone's participati diversity,interculturality,andsynodalitywaseviden andactiveparticipationofourresidentswaslife-givin

“Bring flowers of rarest ... O Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May”

(Excerpt from the hymn Queen of May)

AND THE MISSION CONTINUES. . .

By Sr. Rosanne Popp, CCVI

CHRISTUS St. Mary's Clinic is named for the first hospital established by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in 1866 to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by meeting the unmet health needs of the people of Galveston, Texas. The clinic’s name reflects the continuation of that mission in the 21st century, meeting the unmet needs of the present time.

Christian.net

On May 29, 2023, associates and providers of CHRISTUS St. Mary’s Clinic (SMC) paused from their usual ministry to visit the birthplace of the Congregation and CHRISTUS in Galveston, Texas. The associates prepared for their trip by visiting various websites, CCVI Houston, CHRISTUS, and Foundation for Healthcare, to gain insight and historical perspective on the places they would visit; and ensure everyone did their homework; there was a quiz on the bus!

As part of their visit to Galveston, the SMC associates visited CHRISTUS Our Daily Bread (ODB), a day shelter for people experiencing homelessness. They prepared for this visit several months in advance, putting aside their “$5.00 Jean Friday” donations to purchase items requested by ODB. These funds were spent buying cases of travel-size deodorant, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, to be given to the ODB clients. As a special treat to the clients, the staff also bought and assembled foods for "to-go snack packs” (cookies, fresh fruit, breakfast bars, water, etc.)

While at ODB, the SMC associates learned about ministry to people experiencing homelessness and some of their unique social, physical, and healthcare needs. The SMC staff helped prepare lunch for the clients and and canned foods in the food pantries. In addition, they beautiful the prayer, blessing the food, the clients, and all those who attended that day.

SMC ates enjoyed lunch together and experiencesofcaringforthosewholiveonthestreets.

After completing their ministry duties, the SMC associates visited two historical sites of great significance to the health. They visited the site where the first hospital was Mary's Orphanage, where 90 children and 10 Sisters spirits oftenfindtoyslyingonthefloorasifsomeonehadrecentlybeenplayingwiththem.

Christian.net

that they had a much better connection and of CHRISTUS Health and particularly felt connected to ODB. Although taking time away from monetary and other implications, the bonding among of mission were obvious, evident by the most frequently arrived back at St. Mary’s, “When can we do this again?” continues.

NASA Space Suit Development Office In The Now St. Austin Center

By Sr. Pauline Troncale-CCVI

1963

Lane-Wells Building

2023 St. Austin Center

FormanyyearstherehasbeenspeculationaboutthehistoryofthebuildingwenowcallSt. AustinCenter.TherewererumorsthatNASAhaduseditintheearlydaysbutnoconcrete information.

In2019,anarticleinHoustonChroniclecelebrating50yearssincetheApolloMoonLanding mentionsabookcalledTelephoneRoad,TexasbyBurtonChapmanthatdescribesseveralbuildings intheareathatwereusedduringtheconstructionoftheNASAcomplex.Iorderedthebookonline andwhenitarrived,therewasanoteonthepackingslipfromtheownerofthesmallbookshopin LeagueCity.Thenotesaid,"Thankyouforyourorder.Wearejustdownthestreetfromyou!" Thisnoteturnedouttobeprovidential.

IvisitedtheBookHavenshoponMainStreetinLeagueCityandhadalongvisitwithReena Thompson,Co-owner.TheystockmanybooksaboutNASAorwrittenbyNASAemployees. WhenImentionedthepossibilityofspacesuitsbeingdesignedattheSt.AustinBuilding,herfacelit up,andshethoughtofamanwhowouldknow.Igavehermycontactinformationandwithin24 hours,IwasincontactwithJoeKosmoandsoonhadaphoneinterviewwithhim.

Mr.KosmowasborninPennsylvaniaandgraduatedfromPennsylvaniaStateUniversityin1961 withaBachelorofSciencedegreeinaeronauticalengineering.Later,in1978,heearnedaMasterof ScienceinenvironmentalmanagementfromtheUniversityofHouston—ClearLake.

In1961,Mr.KosmobeganhiscareerworkingontheMercuryProgramspacesuitwith theNASASpaceTaskGroupatLangley,Virginia,intheCrewSystemsDivision.He participatedindesigning,developing,andtestingMercury,Gemini,Apollo,Skylab,and Spaceshuttlespacesuits.

TheUnitedStatesSpaceFoundationSpaceTechnologyHallofFamerecognizedhimfor hisworkondevelopingtheliquidcoolinggarmentforspacesuitsandmedicalapplications. Hehaspursuedthedevelopmentofadvancedspacesuits,gloves,andancillaryEVAsupportinghardwareconceptsforfutureplanetarysurfaceexploration.

Mr.KosmotoldmethatwhenhefirstgotthejobinHouston,hedrovehereandittook himfourdays.Therewerenointerstateroads;hesaidthattheGulfFreewaystillneededto befinishedandtheyreferredtoitasHighway75.Hedidn'tknowwhattoexpectofTexas becauseheonlyknewwhathehadseenontheTVcowboyshowshehadwatchedasakid. Heexpectedmountains,prairies,etc.Hedidn'tseeanyofthatashedrovethroughthePiney WoodsofEastTexas.WhenhestoppedinLufkin,heaskedthemanwhowasfillinghisgas tankaboutthemountainsandtheprairies.Themantoldhimthathewouldhavetogo400500milestothewestforthat.

IaskedMr.KosmoabouttheSt.AustinBuildingandhesaidhebeganworkingtherein 1961.HereferredtotheS.WaysidestructureastheLane-WellsBuilding. Hehasfond memoriesofthattimeandthegreatpeopleheworkedwithandhereallymissesthosedays. HesaidtheywouldoftengotolunchattheDinnerBellCafeteriaandhewasshockedwhen Itoldhimthatitisstillthere!ThisnewssurprisedhimashesaidmanyofHouston'splaces andbuildingsweregonefromwhenheworkedhere.

HetoldmethatthebacksectionofthefirstflooroftheSt.Austinbuildingwasusedasan altitude-chamberfortestingspacesuits.Thechambertheyinstalledhadasurpluschamber fromtheAirForce.Hewasoftenthe"guineapig"whotriedthesuitstoseehowtheywere working.

JoeremembersthedayPresidentJohnKennedycametotowntovisitanotherfacilityand tospeaktoNASAworkers.Heremembersthedatetothisday---September12,1962.He believesthatitwasatop-secretgatheringandthathewasprobablytheyoungestperson there.Hewas21yearsoldatthetime.

HesaidDr.WernherVonBraun,NASA'sDirector,wasatthatevent.Agrouphadgone upstairsandhestayedatthebottomofthestairs.Whentheycamedown,Dr.VonBraun trippedandJoecaughthim.Dr.VonBrauntoldhimthathehadsavedhislife.

IaskedMr.KosmoifheknewDr.MaxFaget,andherespondedwithaveryhappyand affectionate"Yes!"HesaidhegreatlyadmiredDr.Faget,anearlypioneerinthespace programwhohadworkedtodesigntheMercurycapsuleandtheSpaceShuttle,etc.Iasked thisbecauseIhadattendedLSUwithDr.Faget'sdaughter,Ann.

In2011,heretiredfromNASAaftera50-yearcareerinthespaceindustry.Mr.Kosmois about82yearsoldbutsoundsmuchyoungeronthephone.Hetoldmehenowhasaranch inWestTexasandlovestogothere,getaway,andlookatthestars!

Warm Welcome From The Novitiate Community For Florence Muthoni Muchai

Florence arrived in Houston on May 19, 2023 and left for St. Louis on May 23, 2023.

Florence joined the International Novitiate Community on May 23rd and she is being orientated to life in the US and particularly in St. Louis, and will later return to the Villa Campus and the Sisters.

Proud to be an American

Celebrating Citizenship

Nadine Mouser-St. Austin Literacy Director

FourthofJulyisafavoriteholidaycelebratedintheUnitedStates.Itis a holiday that Americans often celebrate with barbecues, picnics, neighborhoodandcityparades,fireworkdisplays,andconcerts.Formany ofusraisedintheUnitedStateswesometimesneedhelprememberingthe reasonbehindthisholiday.OnJuly4th,1776,delegatesfromthe13 coloniesadoptedtheDeclarationofIndependence.From1776tothe presentday,July4thistheannualcelebrationofthebirthofAmerican independenceandcitizenship.

In2022,St.AustinLiteracyCenterproudlyhelped27studentsstudy and complete the process of becoming American citizens. Their excitementandjoyaftertheirswearing-inceremonieswerepalpable,as seeninthephotosabove.

PRAYER

On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my freedom was purchased with a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives.

Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty meet their needs and watch over their families.

Help me live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else's life today and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ. Amen.

Saint Paul Catholic Parish-Berlin, Connecticut

Congratulations to Sr. Helena Adaku Ogbuji as she took her oath on becoming a U.S. citizen, Friday, June 16, 2023. We are happy for Sr. Helena on receiving her citizenship to a nation with a vast history and one built on the contributions of its diverse immigrant population.

Bishop Ndingi School

Lucy Jacintah Mueni Nzesa - CCVI

AproudgroupofBishopNdingiSecondarySchoolstudentsformed an environmental club in May 2023 with members from Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Form 1 to Form 4. As one of their communityservices,StudentsandtheirClub'sPatrons,MissAnndais WakioandMr.BramwelIndurhi,identifiedsoilerosionasoneofthe significantproblemsfacingBishopNdingiSchools.Partofthesolutionto theproblemwasplantingtreesinphases.Theyidentifiedthespace behindthebasketballcourtasastartingpoint.

Trees are very important to us in many ways Apart from shelter, fresh air, food, medicine, manure, soil, and water conservation, trees create a pleasant, relaxing, and peaceful atmosphere that enhances prayerful reflection and deep appreciation of God’s creation

Written by one of the club’s members.

HearingtheCryofthePoor

Monica Hatcher-Director of Social Concerns

Sisterslearned,prayedandwerepresenttothepeopleimpacted mostbyclimatechangeinthefirstyearofthe LaudatoSi'ActionPlatform

Here are our results for Goal #2 - Cry of the Poor

RESPONSE TO THE CRY OF THE POOR

GOAL: ENHANCE OUR MINISTRIES TO THE POOR, ESPECIALLY IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES, & SUPPORT OTHERS WHO SERVE THE SAME

WecommittoenhancingexistingCCVIministriestothepoor,especiallymigrants,refugeesandothersdisplacedor affectedbytheclimatecrisisandtoincreasingoursupporttoorganizationsprovidingbasicneedsandservicestothem

DETAILS:

Throughourministryofpresenceandencounter,wewilllistentothevoicesofthoseimpactedbyclimatechange. Encounterandlisteningmayincludethefollowing:sharingtwoormorelocalnewsarticlesaboutclimate-related migration;documentingthreeormoreone-on-oneconversationswithimpactedpersonsabouttheirexperiencesof climatechange;providingresourcesorinformationatleastonetimetoourclienteleaboutpreparednessorresiliencyfor extremeweather.

·Eachministrywillidentifyandplanatleastonesimplewaytoimproveprogramsorservices,ideallytomigrantsand refugees.

·EachregionwillsubmitatleastoneorganizationforClaudeMarieorDubuisgrantsthatservemigrants,refugeesor personsaffectedbytheclimatecrisis.Note:GroupsmaybeinternationalorUS-basedservingtheregion.Contactthe SocialConcernsMinistryforhelp.

EVALUATION:

Central America Region:Dedicatingtimetoprayforthem;listenedtomigrantsweencounteredinplacesnearour communities;participatedinprayingthestationsofthecrossformigrantsatthecentralparkinGuatemalaCity;Some Sistersparticipatedinformationworkshopsregardinghumantraffickingandhumanmobilization.

Ireland Region: Sharedarticlesaboutmigrantsandrefugees;prayedformigrantsandrefugees "Wedidnothavethe opportunitytoworkwithmigrantsandrefugees,butourpresencewiththeelderly,especiallyonthe-end-of-lifescenario, helpedusandtheresidentstoappreciatedignityoflifefrombeginningtoend"

Kenya Region: Prayedformigrants

U.S. Region: ContinuedsupportingprojectsthatourSisterssponsorforrefugeesandmigrants,suchas,CasaSanJosé Apartment,StMary’sClinic,MagnificatHouses;metimmigrantsatRuahandattheministry;atoursponsorclinics,we taketimetoeducatemigrantsontheirhealthandmedicalconditions;werecommendneedsandscholarshipsaswellas dedicatedpersonaltimeandtalentstoprepareforandassistwithdonations;contributedtotheSunshinefundor Almsgivingfundtohelppeoplewithrent,orfoodpantry;commemoratedtheWorldDayofMigrantsandRefugees;a groupofSistersattendedCatholicAdvocacyDayinAustin;wecollaboratedwithCatholicCharitiesLegalAssistanceto providelegalservicestoimmigrantsatStAustinCenter.

Residents and staff preparing food at El Hogar de Mi Hermano, Esquipulas, Guatemala

REFLECTION:

How did your work meeting these goals enhance your response to the cry of the poor?

Central America Region: Ourministriesarefocusedontheneedsofthepoorest(2housesforstudents,2 homesfortheelderly,internetserviceforpoorstudentsinElSalvador,theLoyolaScholarshipprogramand parishwork).

Ireland Region: Ourministrytotheelderlydealswithissuesofendoflife Byourcompassionatecareand presencewemanifestatheologyofnewcreationfromdeathtolifeinnewtransformationalwayswithcomfort andconsolationtofamilymembersandresidents,asweservewithgladness.

Kenya Region : Wereadarticlesandwatchednewsandothersocialmediaplatformsaboutmigrantsandbyso doing,wewereinsolidaritywiththeirsuffering Althoughweempathizedwiththem,wewereunableto recommendthemforgrantsbecauseofourpastnegativeexperienceswithgrantwritingrequests

U.S. Region: Wearegratefulfortheinspirationwereceivedthroughcooperationandparticipation.Itis humblingandinspiringtoseetheresilienceoftheimmigrantsandrefugeesweencounteratoursponsored clinicsandotherministries.AtCasaSanJosewewitnessedhoweagertheimmigrantsaretolearnEnglishand towork,makingusmoremotivatedtohelpthem HearingstoriesfromrefugeesfromAfricancountriesgives usabetterperspectiveonhowtheyaresuffering

San

Sisters in Central America participated in prayers and at a Migrant Stations of the Cross, Guatemala City, Guatemala

Ukarimu Retreat Centre

Sr. Christine Naswa Barasa, CCVI

OnMay27th,duringLaudatoSi'week,Br.MatthewMcCormack,OSF, wasthefacilitatorforourdayofprayeratUkarimuRetreatCentre.Theevent wasattendedbymembersfromtenreligiouscongregations,laymenand women,whichincludedstudentsfromtheneighboringBarakaCollege. Each congregationwasgiventhreetreestoplantandcarefor. Atotalof30trees wereplanted.Br.Matthewsaid,"ApartfromtakingcareoftheEarth,planting treeswasalsoasignofgivingbacktoUkarimuRetreatCentrefortheservices offeredtothecommunityandbeyond."ThemessageBr.Matthewsharedwith allattendingwasthatthecryoftheearthandthecryofthepooronearthare one.Heremindedusthatwearemorealikethandifferent.Byplantingatree, werespondtoMotherEarth'scry,showingthatweareconcernedaboutthose whowillcomeafterus.

Sr. Christine Naswa Barasa and Sr. Rose Nyambura Githuka planting Candle Nut tree at Ukarimu Retreat Centre

Mexican Green Ash Nandi Frame Candle Nut Brother Matthew McCormack generously provided 10 religious congregations with 3 varieties of indigenous trees that will provide shade when grown

What a Beautiful Bird!

By Sr. Pauline Troncale, CCVI

OneSaturday,asIwasonmymorningwalk,aRuahretreatantmotioned meovertothestepsbytheVillaDiningRoom.Therewasabeautifullittle birdjustsittingthere,notflyingaway,aswegotclose.Itmighthavebeen woundedorjuststunnedfromflyingintoawindow.

Weponderedonwhattodo.IhadjustseenSr.RosannePoppbusywith hergardeningwork,soItextedherwithaphoto.Shecameoverrightaway, tookthebirdinhandandsaiditwasa“PaintedBunting.” Sr.Rosannesaid thatwecouldtakeittothewildliferescueonMondaysincetheyarenotopen onSaturday,butwewouldneedaboxwithholesinitfortemporaryhousing.

IthensprinkledthebirdwithHolyWaterfromtheVillaChapelandthen wentinsearchofabox.Uponmyreturn,thebirdflewaway!Wewereso grateful,notonlyforitsrecoverybutforthefewmomentsofbeautythat nourishedoursouls!

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

'Freedom from fear' could be said to sum up the whole philosophy of human rights.

Dag Hammarskjöld-Swedish diplomat & Second Secretary-General of the United Nations