May 2023 News - Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston

Pope's Prayer Intention for May

Uphold me, Lord, according to your romise and I shall live.

Psalm 119:116

For Church Movements and Groups: Wepraythatchurch movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelizationeachday,placingtheirowncharismsatthe serviceofneedsintheworld.

WhatawonderfulgifttocelebrateonSaturday,May20,2023, the anniversariesofourSisterswhoprofessedtheirvowsfor50+yearsinthis year'sJubileecelebration.Ittrulyisapublicproclamationbecomingadisciple ofChristbymediatingtheGospelwithothermembersofthecongregation, SistersofCharityoftheIncarnateWord,Houston,whichlivesdeeplywithin eachoftheirhearts,minds,andsouls.

SistersofCharityoftheIncarnateWord-Houston Jubilee2023

DiamondJubilarians(70years)

Sr.EstherMarieO'Farrell

Sr.MargaretAnnToomey

Sr.MariaGorettiEnright

Sr.MaryDeniseKearney

Sr.MaryIgnatiaO'Driscoll

DiamondJubilarians(65years)

Sr.MaryBridgetAspel

Sr.MaryRachelO'Keeffe

Sr.SheilaMarieO'Sullivan

GoldenJubilarian(50years)

Sr.MaryFrancisCortinas

Feel God in every gentle touch. See God in every happy face. Hear God in every caring word. Receive God's blessings every day of your life.

God called. Our Sisters responded "YES."

Cristina Contreras-Social Concerns Office

CovenantHouseTexas(CHT)isabeaconofhopeforindividualsaged18-24.Their missionistoprovidehomelessyouthasafehaven,absoluterespect,unconditionallove, andapathtolastingindependence.SinceopeningitsdoorsinTexas40yearsago,CHT hasgrowntoofferanextensivelistofservices,includingprovidingshelter,mentalhealth andsubstanceabusecounseling,educationalandvocationaltraining,transitionaland permanent living programs, street outreach and prevention, pastoral ministry, and parentingclasses.

IvisitedtheCHTaspartofresearchintoHoustonorganizationsseekingtoprevent homelessnessamongyouthandyoungadults.Theorganization’sgoodstandinginthe communitywasevidentduringagroundbreakingceremonythispastMarch.Itwasan eventfilledwithmanysupportersandmuchexcitement.CHThasworkedtowardsanew campusforseveralyears,withanongoingcapitalcampaignof$51M.InMarch,they secured$42Mforthenewcampus.

MayorTurnerwasoneofthespeakersattheevent.HesharedthatHoustonisoneof thetoptwocitiesintheworldrespondingtohomelessness.Homelessnessamong Houstonyouthhasdecreasedby60%since2011.Unsurprisingly,theCityofHoustonis themostsignificantcontributortothecapitalcampaign,with$6.7Mdonated.Harris Countyisjustalittlebehind,with$4.1Mdonated.Over100privatedonorsand foundationsraisedtheremaining$31M.

CHThasmuchsupportbecausethoseinvolvedwitnesstheseresources’impactin breakingthecycleofpovertyandpreventinghumantraffickingamongvulnerableyouth. Board member, John C. Sarvadi, stated, “The mission is not simple, but it is straightforward.Providingasafespaceforrestisthecoreofwhattheorganizationoffers, alongwithacaringenvironmentwithadevotedstaff,someofwhomhavebeenwith CHTforover20years.”CHTisatcapacitymostnights,withawaitlistofaround40to 45youths.ThispartlypropelledCHTtore-buildingitscampus,whichwillhouse50% moreyouththanitspreviousone.Thebuildingwillstandonthesamelotinthe Montrosearea.Theyhopetomovebackinbytheendof2024.

"I bound myself by oath, I made a covenant with you and you became Mine "

Ezekiel 16:8

Various CHT Board Members, City officials, Executive Director Leslie Bourne, Mayor Sylvester Turner

Currently the empty lot where the old campus stood. The new campus will be completed by 2024.

Leslie Bourne, Executive Director of Covenant House

Mayor Sylvester Turner

The Congregation welcomes and appreciates the heritage of the Sisters representation from two Asian countries, namely Vietnam and the Philippines that contribute to enrich the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston in their contributions to sharing their charism, life, and spirituality.

In1990,U.S.President,GeorgeH.W.BushsignedabilledpassedbyCongresstoextendAsian AmericanHeritageWeektoamonth,by1992,MaywasofficiallydesignatedasAsianPacific AmericanHeritageMonth ThemonthofMaywaschosenbecauseitcommemoratesthe migrationofthefirstimmigrantsfromJapantotheUnitedStatesin1843.Mayalsowasthe celebrationofthecompletionofthetranscontinentalrailroadbyover20,000Asianimmigrantsin 1869.

Today,AsianAmericanandPacificIslanderusestheacronymAAPI.Thisacronymhasbecome morecommonlyusedfollowingtheStopAAPIHateCampaigntoraiseawarenessoftheattacksand hatetowardtheAAPIcommunitysincethestartoftheCOVID-19pandemicCatholicHealth AssociationoftheUnitedStatesshareswiththeworldthefollowingprayer:

AsianAmericanandPacificIslanderHeritageMonthPrayer

LovingGod,wepraiseyouforyourendlesscreativitymademanifestinthediversityofall people.Eachtribe,ethnicity,andcultureareanexpressionofyourexpansivegracethatcoversallof us.WeespeciallypraiseyouforthegoodnessandwisdomofthepeoplesofAsiaandthePacific Islands.

Forthenameandstoryofeachpersonwhoclaimsthisheritage,wepraiseyourlove.Fortheart, music,innovations,food,andculturetheysharewiththeworld,wepraiseyourgoodness.Forthe securityandpeaceoftheirhomes,businesses,andplacesofworship,weaskyourprotection.

KeepalldescendantsofAsiaandthePacificIslandsinyourcare,holdtheminyourloveand makeofusfierceadvocatesandalliesforwelcome,inclusionandthecommongood.Amen.

Resource: Asian Pacific Institute www api-gbv org

"Be content with what you have. Rejoice in the way things are. When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you. "

Lau Tzu, Chines Philosopher

SistersCelesteTrahan,HannahO'Donoghue,RiccaDimalibot,EthelPuno,KimXuan Nguyen,BettyCampos,Kim-PhuongTran,joinedSistersfromotherCongregations aroundTexasforCatholicSistersAdvocacyDayonMarch29th,thefirsteventofitskind organizedbytheJusticeGroupoftheLeadershipConferenceofWomenReligious(LCWR) ofRegionXII,whichincludesTexas,NewMexico,Arizona,andArkansas.Sr.Rosanne PoppwasinAustintoserveasthePhysicianoftheDayattheStateCapitol,andwas introducedonthefloorofboththeHouseandSenatebyherrepresentatives.Sr.Symphonie wasalsoattheCapitolwithCardinalDiNardoandmorethanadozenstaffofthe ArchdioceseofGalveston-Houstonthedaybeforetoadvocatefortheprioritybillsofthe TexasConferenceofBishopswiththeirlawmakers

WhiletheSistersacknowledgedthemanycriticalissuesbeingconsideredbyTexas lawmakersinitsbiennialsession,LCWR'sRegionXIIJusticeGroupdecidedtofocuson immigrationbecauseoftheunprecedentedhumanitariancrisisatthestate'sdoorstep. Millionsofindividuals,includingchildren,arebeinguprootedfromtheirhomecountriesby terriblepolitical,socialandeconomiccircumstancesandfleeingtoTexastoseekasylumwith theU.S.government.

Overthepastyear,LCWRasawholehasfocuseditsjusticeworkontheintersectionality ofimmigration,racism,andclimatechange,whichtogethercontributetotheunjust treatmentofvulnerablepeople.Sr.SymphonieemphasizedcareforGod'screationinher visittotheCapitolonMarch28th.

Onimmigration,severalbillsatthestatelevelwouldmakeitmoredifficultforimmigrants toaccessthelegalsystemtopleadtheirasylumcases,otherswouldcontinuetomilitarizethe borderandcriminalizeservingundocumentedimmigrantsandasylumseekers.

DuringalegislativebriefingwithTammyCasey,GeneralCounselandVicePresidentof LegalServicesProgramsforCatholicCharitiesoftheArchdioceseofGalveston-Houston, theSisterslearnedaboutabillthatwouldmakeitillegaltooperatemigrantcentersfor unaccompaniedimmigrantchildren. Anotherbill,theylearnedfromSr.JeanDurel, C.C.V.I.SanAntonio,wouldcreateadedicatedborderprotectionunit.

"Sisters & Staff with the Congregation's Social Concern ministry traveled to Austin, Texas, to urge the humane treatment of migrants & refugees arriving at the Texas-Mexico border to Texas legislative members."

By CCVI Social Concerns Director-Monica Hatcher

CCVISisterslatermetwithanaideofTexasRep.ChristinaMoralesandwithTexas SenatorCarolAlvaradowhorepresentthedistrictswhereVilladeMatelislocated,toremind themthatimmigrantsdeservetobetreatedjustly,astheyaremadeintheimageofGodand deserverespect.TheyleftbehindalettersignedbydozensofotherSistersinHoustonandin Guatemalatosupportreformstostatelawandthefederalimmigrationsystemthatare merciful,charitable,andcompassionate

Toconcludetheirtimetogether,thegroupgatheredatthesouthstepsoftheCapitol buildingtoprayforrefugeefamilies,migrantworkers,asylumseekersandunaccompanied childrentravelinginadangerousworld.

"Give us hands that reach out in welcome, but also in work, for a world of justice until all homelands are safe and secure, " they prayed.

March 29, 2023, CCVI Sisters and staff of the congregation's Social Concern ministry traveled to Austin, TX., to the State Capitol for Catholic Sisters Advocacy Day to advocate for immigrants.

This picture was posted on the CCVI social media platforms and reached nearly 970+ people with 92 reactions, and shared by 6. This post out performed any postings within the last 6 months and did help spread the message!

Sr. Symphonie's visit on March 28, 2023, to the Capitol in Austin, TX., to advocate for the priority bills of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops with their lawmakers.

Sisters held a prayer rally on the South steps of the Texas State Capitol-Austin, TX.

CCVI Sr. Rosanne Popp was in Austin during Advocacy Day and served as the Physician of the Day at the State Capitol. She was introduced on the floor of both the House and Senate by her Representatives.

Our Response to the Cry of The Earth

BySr.AdelLeonida,CCVI&MarieO’Malley,CEOofCarrigoranHouse

InlinewiththeLaudatoSi'ActionPlatform(LSAP),on“ResponsetotheCryoftheEarth,”ourcommunity SistersatSt.Michael’sConventwereenthusiastictosupportingthebiodiversityprogramspearheadedbyMarie O’Malley,CEOofCarrigoranHouse.Asaresult,wehadthe“SpringTreePlantingatCarrigoranHouse”on March28. Mariebelievesthat“paramounttoourmissionandvalues,CarrigoranHouseiscommittedtothe protectionanddevelopmentofournaturalenvironmentatthesametimeofutilizingthemfortheenjoymentof theresidentsaswellasstaffandvisitors.” VolunteersfromAXAPartners(thelargestinsurancecompany)in Irelandhelpedplantaround100trees(Beech,Pine,andOakTrees)inthecircaofthe4acresGrottoarea.They alsotrimmedivyoffthetreesforre-growth,aswellasundergrowth,toencouragebiodiversity.Theweather cooperatedthatday,aswehadseveralresidentsofthefourunitsthatwecouldwheeltothegroundsfortheir enjoymentandpleasure.TheAXAvolunteershadtheopportunitytomeetourresidents.Theactivityalsoserved asapicnicoutingfortheresidentsandrefreshmentswereserved.AsathankyoutotheAXAvolunteersfortheir contributiontoenhancingtheenvironment’snaturalbeautywithnewtreesplanted,theresidentsrenderedsome songs.

OurcommunityatSt.MichaelConventiscommittedtomovingforwardinthecomingyearsonourLSAP goals.WeareindeedblessedwiththelegacyofourfoundingSistersintheregionandthegiftof172acresof grazingandfarmlands.ThesemakeusmoreappreciativeofGod’slovingpresencewiththebeautyandwonders ofcreation.Italsocompelsus proposaltorehabilitatethegrotto thevisitorsandotherprograms thebiodiversityofthewoodlands. residents,families,andstaffwiththecareofcreation,asGodisincreation.

CCVI Archives

Sr. Patricia Ann Hamiter retired on March 17, 2023, from her role as Archivist for the congregation. On Monday, April 10, the Sisters gathered for a celebration dinner in the St. Placidus convent dining room to share in and show their appreciation for her many years of service of managing, preserving, creating records along with managing archival items for an in-depth understanding of materials and documents to help maintain the history preservation and cultural memory of the congregation.

Sr. Patricia Ann took on this role back in 2007. She understood that keeping records have enduring value as reliable memories of the past. Helping others understand the information they may need for the future came with challenges. She persevered with determination and commitment to her ministry. The Congregation is blessed to have had her many years of service in the Archives

Thank you for 16 years of faithful leadership in the

Floral Reflections on the Hail Mary

SadilerReligion

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. MaryunderstoodthroughoutherlifehowrichlyGodhadblessedher. ThelilyisasymbolofMary'spurityandopennesstoGod'swill. Reflectuponthisbeautifulimageandhowyoumightopenyourself morefullytoGod'sgrace.

Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

WehonorMaryasthemotherofJesusasourmotheraswell. The strawberryplantsymbolizesMary'sfruitfulness.Enjoythepleasureof eatingastrawberryorotherpiecesoffruit. ReflectonhowGodis callingyoutobethebeareroflifetoallthoseyoumeettoday.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners . . . .

WeturntoMaryasanintercessor,onewhopraysonourbehalf.The lilyofthevalleyisalsoknownas"OurLady'sTears"duetotheshape ofthesmallblossoms.LetMary'scompassionandkindnesswashover youwhenaskingherforprayersofcomfortandconsolation.

Now and at the hour of our death.

TheRosaryincludesmeditationsonboththejoysandsorrowsin Mary'slife. Therosehassymbolizedthesemysteriessinceancient times. AsMarystoodvigilbeneathherSon'scross,letherfaithand trustbeamodelofhopeandinspirationforyoueachandeveryday ofyourlife.

Bust statue displayed in Heritage Center on the campus of Villa de Matel. Gift received from CHRISTUS Health during 150th Anniversary of the Congregation.

Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis was born in Teche, France, on March 8, 1817, and died on May 21, 1895. He was ordained a priest in 1844 and came to Texas as a missionary priest in 1847. He served as the second Bishop of Galveston from 1862 to 1892. Unable to obtain women religious from American communities to care for the many sick and orphaned, he founded the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in 1866. The congregation continues the evangelizing, missionary spirit of our founder. Bishop Dubuis’ holiness is founded in the labor of ministry to the poor and suffering people of God. His legacy includes the ongoing ministry of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, as they continue to be “Gospels of Love” in response to Jesus’ suffering in a multitude of persons.

Monica Hatcher-Chair of the Environmental Committee discussed current Villa de Matel Recycling Program

prior to religious life and shared her knowledge with Sisters & staff

Dietary Staff prepared treats & refreshments for all in attendance

Martha Burak-Nursing announced by Toni Stanford-HR as 1 of the contest winners

Sr. Mary McHale led the Earth Day celebration off with a prayer & emotional video summarizing the harm to planet Earth

Sr. Ricca Dimalibot shared the Laudato Si' Action Plan

Sr. Helena - CCVI "Beekeeper"

Thankyou,NellyMonrroy-BilingualExecutiveSecretary,for creatingandsharingournewestrecyclepostersonStyrofoam™ tobepostedontheVilladeMatelcampus.TheCityofHouston doesnotacceptStyrofoam™atitsrecyclingcentersandnoother nearbylocations.Recyclingofthisproductiscostlyandeasierto manufacture from new materials than using the recycled materials ThroughNelly'sresearchonthetopic,shewasableto locateonefacilityintheU.S. thatrecyclesEPS(theactual materialStyrofoam™ismadewith)anditislocatedinMaryland.

Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC) held their "Believe Luncheon" and honored four Strategic Partners that included Sr. Celeste Trahan - CCVI Congregational Leader (3rd from right) as one of the four Honorees

TheHoustonAreaWomen'sCenter(HAWC),heldits2023BelieveLuncheonatthe MarriottMarquis,Houston,onApril5th.Theeventluncheonputaspotlighton preventionwithexpertssharingtheirexperiencesontheescalatingviolenceinHouston. Founded in 1977, HAWC provides shelter, counseling, empowerment classes, and advocacyforwomenandchildrenaffectedbydomesticandsexualviolencethatissteadily risingnotonlyinHouston,butalsothroughoutthecountry. CCVIwasoneoffour strategicpartnershonoredatthefundraiser. Theotherhonoreeswere:TheChildren's AssessmentCenter,TheWoman'sHome,andtheMexicanConsulate.

HAWC'sSurvivorEmpowermentHubrecentlyopenedatSt.AustinCenter.HAWC planstoexpanditsservicestothreetimesitcurrentcapacitytoimproveaccesstothe community.

Present at the event were: Sisters Celeste Trahan, Ricca Dimalibot, Rachel O'Keeffe, Christina Murphy, Madeleva Manzanares, Dr Nancy Kwan and members of the Social Concerns Department, Monica Hatcher, Cristina Contreras, Miriam Alvarez, and Alan Peralta

St. Austin Center Press Conference St. Austin Center Press Conference St. Austin Center Press Conference

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

HAWCofficiallylauncheditsbilingual"SafetyPlanningSavesLives" campaignattheirnewlyopenedNeighborhood-BasedSurvivorEmpowerment HubatSt.AustinCenter. Itwasannouncedthatthisnewhubisakeypartof the #HAWCFutureForward campaign to expand access to services in the communitywheresurvivorsliveandheal.

MiriamAlvarez-ExecutiveAdministrativeAssistantforSt.AustinCenter, welcomedaroomfullofreporters,prominentlocalleaders,politicaldignitaries, andeighttelevisionstationstothepressconference.

May1st-FeastofSt.JosephTheWorker

Thisisoneoftwofeastdaysontheliturgicalcalendarthat honorsSt.Joseph-withthesecondonebeingtheFeastofSt.Joseph theHusbandofMarythat'sheldonMarch19th.

"SaintJosephisamanofgreatspirit.Heisgreatinfaith,not becausehespeakshisownwords,butaboveallbecausehelistensto thewordsoftheLivingGod.Helistensinsilence.Andhisheart ceaselesslyperseveresinthereadinesstoacceptthetruthcontained inthewordoftheLivingGod,"--PopeJohnPaulIIperCatholic NewsAgency

SymbolsassociatedwithSt.JosephincludetheLilyand carpenter'ssquare.

April10,2023-Sistersandstaff gatheredtocelebrateJimKubin's19years ofdedicatedservicetothe72acreshe landscaped, planted, trimmed, recycled, composted,fertilized,andmowed. Sr. KimXuanNguyenpreparedandshared with attendees a heartfelt video presentationhighlightingJim'sworklife atVilladeMatel.Sr.CelesteTrahanand Sr.RachelO'Keeffewerealsospeakers sharingtheirkindwordsinwishingJima blessedandhappyretirementonbehalfof theCongregationandstaff.

St Joseph statue on the grounds of Villa de Matel Picture courtesy of Sr Ricca Dimalibot