The Journey Vol. II 2019

The J

URNEY

SISTER KITTY

RESPONDS TO DISASTER IN THE SOUTH

VOL. II 2019

Letter from Leadership On Easter Sunday this year, Pope Francis shared, “Easter is the feast of tombstones taken away, rocks rolled aside. God takes away even the hardest stones against which our hopes and expectations crash. Human history does not end before a tombstone, because today it encounters the ‘living stone’, the risen Jesus.”

This profound message of hope and courage is what I see reflected in the stories shared in this edition of The Journey.

Your gifts and God’s grace unite our hearts as we continue to be “Partners in Mission.” We, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, are aware that we cannot meet all mission and ministry needs, but when you join us we can serve a portion of wounded humanity.

The response of presence and accompaniment are appropriate when the Gospel call includes, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35.

Amidst the immense challenges and chaos our world faces, plotting paths forward with hope and joy make a collaborative response imperative.

This volume of The Journey contains life-giving stories about building homes in Belize, caring for special children at Asha Deepam in India, Sister Peggy Voglewede’s artistically painted greeting cards despite her macular degeneration, Sister Susan Gatz’s volunteering at the United States southern border, Sister Kitty Wilson helping victims of the recent disaster in Alabama, and more.

Sister Susan witnessed the collaboration of members of the Sisters of Charity Federation when she helped provide hospitality to thousands of refugees and immigrant families in El Paso, Texas. When I visited missions in India in February, I was inspired by the dedication and commitment shown by all engaged at Asha Deepam in their efforts to bring about the reign of God with generosity and joy.

As a partner in the SCN mission, you are empowering these ministries of presence and service.

Together we can assure God’s people that they are not alone. Thank you for being part of this Gospel response. The presence of the risen Jesus is indeed alive today! May God continue to bless you.

With peace and gratitude,

Jackulin Jesu, SCN Vice President

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Inside this Issue 4

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Compassion on the Border Healing Hands

11 SCN Survey

Join With Us PRAY WITH US An integral part of the life of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is prayer. You are welcome to join the Sisters for daily Mass at St. Vincent Church on the Nazareth Campus if you are nearby. Check scnfamily.org/mass for the Mass schedule.

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If at a distance, please join the Sisters through your daily prayer for the needs of our world. If you have a special prayer intention, you can send it to the Sisters at scnfamily.org/prayers.

Your intentions are remembered by the Office of Mission Advancement during their daily prayer, and placed in a book for the Sisters to remember in personal prayer.

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BECOME AN ASSOCIATE

19 Legacy Society 20 A Day in Asha Deepam 22 Prayers & Painting 24 Highlights 25 Journeying On

Associates are lay people who commit to living out the Sisters’ mission in their own lives, to deepen their spirituality, to build community with other Associates and Sisters, and to reach out in compassionate service in the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, and Catherine Spalding. Visit scnfamily.org/associates to learn more.

LEAVE A LEGACY Do you want to support the ministries of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth even beyond your lifetime?

Contact Leslie Wilson, director of development, at (502) 348-1551 or lwilson@scnky.org, to learn more about how you can remember the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in your estate plans. Have you already done so? Let us know so we can say thank you.

DISCERN A RELIGIOUS VOCATION

On the C over Kitty Wilson, SCN, a member of the disaster response team, shares her story of volunteering in the aftermath of tornadoes in the South.

Catholic Sisters are dynamic and passionate, dedicated to diverse ministries and their charism, lived out in community. Their devotion is carried out in prayer, action, leadership, or service. Do you feel called to discern a call to religious life as a Sister of Charity of Nazareth? Visit scnfamily.org/sisters to learn more about the Sisters entering the Congregation today and how you can be in touch with a Sister to discuss your vocation further.

The Journey is produced by the Office of Mission Advancement for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Contributors include: Diane Curtis, Dana Hinton, Spalding Hurst, Dianne Smith, Janice White, and Leslie Wilson; SCNA Patsy O’Toole; SCNs Sangeeta Ayithamattam, Jackulin Jesu, Adeline Fehribach, Malini Manjoly and Mary Margaret Nirmala.

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COMPASSION ON THE BORDER Welcoming the Stranger When the influx of asylum seekers reaching the United States - Mexico border increased recently, Susan Gatz, SCN, was sent by the SCN Community to offer assistance. In early 2019, Sister Susan traveled to El Paso, Texas, to volunteer at a place that has been home to thousands of refugees and migrant poor. It is a

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sanctuary home of hospitality known as Annunciation House.

“We couldn’t do everything, but we could provide a safe place, a place to sleep, warm meals and help to get to the next stage of their journey in a loving and compassionate way,” recalls Sister Susan of her time there.

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Hospitality under pressure In El Paso, Sister Susan saw first-hand the influx of people coming across the border and the money that desperate people are willing to scrape together to get to the U.S. “Hectic,” that is how Sister Susan describes the situation.

Hectic because the shelter where she volunteered was designed for 150 people, but many more than that arrive each day. And though there are several volunteers working hard every day, more are needed.

“The capacity to help those in need at the border in El Paso is being pushed to the limit.”

The main objective is to show the asylum seekers who arrive each day hospitality with food and rest, then help connect them with a family member or friend somewhere within the U.S. The simple things matter the most. Here, the weary travelers receive a hot meal, a shower, and a cot to sleep on versus a concrete floor.

Though simple, it is wonderful compared to the detention centers from which they come. Small things like shoelaces are a commodity because they are taken from them by border security upon arrival.

When asked if it had been what she expected Sister Susan says, “To be perfectly honest, I had nothing in my head about what it would be like. It was unbelievably hectic … and much of that is because of the number of immigrants who are coming in. Way more than before.”

Susan Gatz, SCN, speaks about her time at the Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas. It was during one of the highest periods on record for the number of asylum-seeking Central American families crossing the southern border.

One woman she helped was in search of relief for her child. He had an infection and needed attention from the hospital. When they couldn’t fill the prescription given to them, Sister Susan filled it for them at the local grocery store.

“This woman had no capacity to do anything about her child’s illness and needs. They were totally at the mercy of those who could help them,” says Sister Susan.

In a Gospel spirit of service and solidarity, we accompany the migrant, refugee, and economically vulnerable peoples of the border region through hospitality, advocacy, and education. We place ourselves among these poor so as to live our faith and transform our understanding of what constitutes more just relationships between peoples, countries, and economies. – Annunciation House

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Tough decisions Sister Susan was surprised to see the number of men who were bringing their daughters. This illustrated a harsher side of the treacherous expedition to those seeking asylum. One couple’s decision to bring their daughter across the border was extremely hard.

Carlos and Claudia always dreamed of an easier life for their daughter Heyli, away from the grinding poverty of Honduras.

With earning only $13 a day as a construction worker, Carlos could barely afford to take care of his wife and daughter. So he did what most Hondurans do when it’s time to get out, he approached a local smuggler.

The smuggler gave him a price, $7,000. Carlos would have to cross the Rio Grande to seek asylum. He took his daughter and after crossing, they surrendered to the U.S. Border Patrol. Thousands of Central Americans make this same decision every month.

The family had no idea what to expect. They didn’t know immigration officials were separating children from their parents at the U.S. border. Carlos and Heyli were separated for nearly two months.

Sister Susan saw this scenario play out many times among those she met. She saw many families hold close to each other. At other times she saw families in search of those who had become separated.

There was one moment that left a deep impression upon Sister Susan’s heart. As she passed through a room where a small prayer table had been set up, she saw a father with his son quietly kneeling and praying in front of a crucifix. She says it was a touching reminder to her of Christ in our midst.

Sister Susan experienced the prayers from the Congregation during her time and felt privileged to be on the border. “I so admire the long term volunteers who have been doing this work for years.

Volunteers who work at the center. Volunteer drivers. Volunteers who cook meals for over 100 people three times a day. Volunteers who wash the linens and clean the showers. People who bring supplies,” she says.

“The capacity to help those in need at the border in El Paso is being pushed to the limit. We didn’t always have everything that was needed at any given moment, but we did the best we could with what we did have and it all worked out. It was a real gift – to serve and to have the support of the Community to do so.”

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Collaboration In the Vincentian tradition, collaboration on the border is happening across the Sisters of Charity Federation to make the best use of resources and better serve those in need. As a true example of the sharing of resources across the Charity Federation, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati shared with Sister Susan their home in New Mexico and even a vehicle for her to drive during her time at the border as a volunteer.

All over the U.S., Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are ministering to immigrants and refugees. In Louisville, Kentucky, SCNs Julie Driscoll and Maggie Cooper wait at the Greyhound bus station to welcome and provide basic support to weary travelers with clothing, food and a smile. They serve as part of the national group called, Grannies Respond. The SCN ministry, Doors to Hope, is creating learning opportunities, encouraging community involvement, and engaging in advocacy for immigrant women and families.

In Memphis, Tennessee, Trudy Foster, SCN, regularly teaches English to those who speak only Spanish.

At the Motherhouse in Nazareth, Kentucky, Mary Assumpta Dwyer, SCN, places collection boxes on dining tables each day to raise money to support

traveling immigrants. Paschal Maria Fernicola, SCN, knits clothing for them. Sisters raise awareness with vigils held in public spaces. The Office of Social and Environmental Justice promotes systemic change that is rooted in the Gospel and emphasizes justice and the dignity of all in the shared abundance of God’s creation.

Associates advocate for the rights of immigrant workers. Felix Garza, SCNA, joined farm workers in Washington state during a walk of 12 hours – the length of a farm worker’s day. The walk was both a prayer for recognition of the human dignity of farm workers and a protest against the violation of their human rights.

In Quincy, Massachusetts, Martha Walsh, SCN, ministers to Asian immigrants. In Boston, SCNs Tess Browne, Anne Marie O’Shea, and Ann Whittaker are mobilizing groups and protesting for the rights of migrant brothers and sisters.

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sisters welcome refugee families into temporary housing where those in need may take up residence for periods of up to three months. SCNs Tonya Severin and Barbara Maynard are using their educational backgrounds to tutor immigrants.

Standing in solidarity All across the Congregation Sisters work together to address challenging issues as they have done in the past. They promote compassionate legislation that meets the needs of vulnerable immigrants and refugees who are seeking a safe haven for themselves and their children. Facing the needs as they present themselves and as they change, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth educate and advocate to make positive changes to the systems that impact immigrants. Around the community, they join together in prayer as they work for peace and justice.

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HEALING HANDS

Sister and medical doctor dedicates life to helping others Her days are long as a doctor in Mokama, India where the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth first began their ministries in that country with a clinic to care for those with leprosy. Dr. Ancilla Kozhipat, a Sister and a doctor, carries on the tradition of providing health care in one of the poorest states of India.

At 81 years of age, she has no plans to slow down or see fewer patients. She begins her days early and often sees dozens of patients.

She provides care to those who might not otherwise have access to health care.

“Ancilla is a women of great optimism. Even in the moments of despair, when patients are in critical condition, she holds on to her faith and hope, and treats them with utmost care,” reflects Jacky Jesu, SCN, who lived with Sister Ancilla for 10 years and served alongside her at the former Nazareth Hospital in Mokama, India.

Sister Jacky emphasizes that in a lifetime of caring for others, Sister Ancilla centers all she does in prayer. “My first vocation is to be a religious and 8

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For nearly five decades, Dr. Ancilla Kozhipat, a Sister and a doctor, has been providing health care in the poorest states of India. Now in her eighties, she has no plans to stop practicing medicine anytime soon.

my second priority is being a medical doctor,” says Sister Ancilla. “I have touched many lives at their most vulnerable state by operating on many serious patients to save their lives. It is a joy for me to help innumerable mothers to give birth to their babies. There are times I have felt helpless before God and people when I could not save a patient. And yet, as a doctor, in faith I have served our hospital for 47 years…”

he told me to complete my college studies. He wanted his daughters to complete their basic college education before choosing their vocation in life.”

Born into a devout Catholic family, daily Mass and evening prayer were foundations for Sister’s family.

Four of her aunts and nine uncles joined religious congregations, as did some of her siblings.

After coming to the Congregation, she became close to Sister Lawrencetta. Sister Ancilla grew and thrived under the guidance of Sister Lawrencetta, recalling words of wisdom she offered to comfort those struggling. “That nothing happens without the knowledge of God and whatever happens is for our good.”

From 1954 on, Sister Ancilla recalls wanting to be a missionary. Her uncle, a priest in Patna, India, sent newsletters with stories of ministries of religious across India. That is how Sister Ancilla first came to know about the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, “I liked to read articles about the SCN Sisters working with leprosy patients.

I asked my uncle to let me know more about the SCNs. He gave me the address of Sister Lawrencetta (Veeneman) and I started communicating with her. When I asked my father permission to join the convent

Sister Ancilla earned her Bachelor of Science from St. Teresa’s College. There she was a member of the “Legion of Mary” and regularly visited patients in the hospital.

As Sister Ancilla was completing her novitiate, Sister Lawrencetta asked her if she wanted to study medicine.

Sister Ancilla had long felt called to the healing ministry. She carried out her pre-medical studies at St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, beginning in 1965 with another Sister, Anne Elizabeth Elampalathottiyil, SCN. In 1971, she returned to Mokama to intern at Nazareth Hospital. She served in the community health department and later designed the whole public health department. Sister Ancilla also taught SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . II 2019

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anatomy to the nursing students at Mokama, as well as obstetrics and gynecology.

She served for six years in the hospital before traveling to Louisville, Kentucky, in 1979.

She earned a graduate degree in psychology from Spalding University and practiced family medicine with the University of Louisville. In 1983, she returned to Nazareth Hospital. Sister Ancilla realized another dream 10 years later, working among rural people.

She was missioned in Almora in Uttar Pradesh. She taught women to work as village health workers and was also the first one to introduce school health programs in private and government schools.

She focused on community health to improve the health of the people as a whole.

Sister Jacky. “A Sister with multiple interests, she is an ardent reader, up to date with all that is happening in the world, and tech saavy. She enables everyone to be their best.”

Sister Ancilla is quick to credit who she is and what she has accomplished with having been called to be a Sister. “What

Sister Ancilla returned to Nazareth Hospital in 1998 and became Chief Medical Officer in 1999. She has cared for thousands of patients and mentored countless young women.

“She has been faithful to her call as a missionary.

As a doctor she has served the poor and the sick with compassion and has given life to many,” says Sister Jacky.

“Her commitment for the patients and love for the poor is exemplary.”

Sister Ancilla is also well loved for her curious nature and outgoing personality. “If there is one SCN who knows all in the community, including the ones in the intial formation, even the candidates by name, it is Ancilla,” points out 10

makes me proud to be a Sister of Charity of Nazareth is that I am part of a Congregation in which Sisters appreciate and uphold the uniqueness of each person as precious ….” Noting once again, “my first vocation is to be a religious and my second priority is being a medical doctor … I believe I am the healing hands of Jesus.”

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Blessings in Beauregard When the immediate emergency is over, the healing can begin.

“At first I sorted through people’s personal belongings, helping pick up the pieces of their lives,” recalls Kitty Wilson, SCN, of her recent experience helping families recover in the wake of tornadoes across the Southeast. “It was humbling because some had next to nothing … this was all they owned.”

The tornado outbreak in the United States on March 3, 2019, was severe.

Forty tornadoes touched down across rural communities like Beauregard, Alabama. Watching the devastation on news reports from a distance, the disaster relief team of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth felt compelled to put their faith into action.

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Sisters have a long tradition of responding in times of disaster. Over more than 200 years, they have responded to flooding, the yellow fever epidemic, monsoons in India, hurricanes in Belize, and earthquakes in Nepal.

Continuing in this spirit, the SCN Disaster Relief program invites volunteers to offer spiritual and physical support to persons experiencing a disaster.

Since the first training session held at Nazareth, Kentucky, Sister Kitty has volunteered with the Disaster Relief Program.

After the tornadoes, she wanted to go to Alabama to reach out to the people of that area, to listen, and to offer prayerful support.

A team of eight, including Sister Kitty, age 80, were commissioned in Nazareth. They spent the next six days responding to their call to serve others by helping those affected by tornadoes in Lee County, Alabama.

Sister Kitty says the devastation was like nothing she has experienced.

Everywhere the team traveled led them further into devastation and demolished homes. The team worked to clean debris from yards and homes, putting it along the side of the road to be picked up and removed. Sister Kitty sorted through personal belongings and picked up branches that were strewn about everywhere. She worked tirelessly to help clean up a pecan orchard so the couple who owned it could resume their livelihood.

Top: Kitty Wilson, SCN, pictured next to the disaster response trailer. Since the first training session held at Nazareth, Kentucky, Sister Kitty has volunteered with the disaster relief program. Bottom: She recently traveled to Alabama with members of a disaster reponse team after tornadoes left a path of destruction.

The team helped gather the belongings of a man whose trailer had been destroyed. He was grateful that he and his family had been spared their lives. His daughter’s

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“All of the people I met, and there were many along the way, made an everlasting impression on me.”

home was directly behind his and was lifted off its foundation. It landed 200 yards away. Remarkably, they all survived. It was extremely difficult for him to speak about what happened. Sister Kitty hugged him.

In a small cemetery, many gravestones were knocked over or damaged by the storm. The volunteers felt honored to lift the stones back into place out of respect to those buried there. No words could describe the sorrow in the depths of their hearts and the sadness felt for the community of Beauregard.

There was also plenty of work that required a chainsaw.

“These were too powerful and too heavy for me to use, but I still wanted to try it,” says Sister Kitty.

Sister Kitty had never operated a chainsaw before, but she is not one to shy away from new encounters. With a little help, and donning safety equipment, she sawed a fallen tree branch. “I wanted to use the chainsaw for the experience. That will be my first and last time to use one!” says Sister Kitty.

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The most challenging part of the disaster relief work was not wielding a chainsaw. For her, it is always listening to people who have lost almost all of their S C N FA M I LY.O R G

belongings. This time, as in past times, she spent her time offering hope through prayer.

“The SCN team is the best,” shares Sister Kitty.

“In the face of the disaster, they maintain a hardworking and fun-loving attitude.”

God, and to have this opportunity to volunteer.

I know people who are hurting want someone with whom to pray and share faith. They want a compassionate listener.”

“All of the people I met, and there were many along the way, made an everlasting impression on me. One man took me to his wife who was very sick and couldn’t get out of bed. She was happy I visited her and she let me give her a blessing.”

As a final gesture of honor, before everyone headed back to their homes, Sister Kitty prayed with the team in front of the 23 crosses erected for those who lost their lives to the storm. The ages of the deceased ranged from six to 65 years.

For volunteers, this was their deepest emotional experience of their time in Beauregard.

Thankful that the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have a disaster relief program whose team members can be called upon at a moments notice to help others, Sister Kitty says she feels honored to be a part of the team. “I feel blessed beyond words to be an SCN, walk humbly with

The SCN Disaster Relief members continue to be prepared for the next moment that they may be of service. In the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, they strive to respond with reverence for each person and to witness God’s presence in the midst of adversity to those most in need.

Subscribe to the Newsletter Get the latest news from the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in your inbox. Learn about their daily life of prayer and their work in ministries around the world.

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PARTNERS IN SERVICE Two women inspire others to build homes for those in need

W

hen volunteers return from an immersion experience through the SCN Lay Mission Volunteer program, they are often filled with zeal and the desire to invite others to this type of service. “The volunteers often tell me that their lives are changed even more than the people they serve,” says Sister Luke, director of the SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program. “As they share their stories, others are inspired to do the same.”

Two parishes, in particular, have become partners in service through the leadership of two outstanding women: Laverne Schaefer, SCNA, of St. John Francis Regis Parish in Hollywood, Maryland, and Rita Rodgers of St. Ambrose Parish in Belpre, Ohio.

L

averne grew up less than a mile from St. John’s and she attended the parish school where the Sisters taught from 19231989. Laverne fondly recalls the Sisters who taught her.

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She and her husband, Bill, traveled to Nazareth regularly to visit Laverne’s former teachers. In 2012, the bicentennial year of the Congregation, Laverne jokes that she “made the mistake” of walking by the Office of Mission Advancement and “Sister Luke grabbed me!”

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Sister Luke talked with Laverne and Bill about volunteering with the Sisters and she showed them a video of volunteers building a home in Belize.

Bill had experience with carpentry and architecture and thought that was something he could do. So, the seed was planted.

Members of two parishes, St. John Francis Regis Parish in Hollywood, Maryland, and St. Ambrose Parish in Belpre, Ohio, have built a number of homes as part of the SCN Volunteer Immersion Program.

Since it was the bicentennial year of the Congregation, Laverne approached the pastor of St. John’s, Father Raymond Schmidt, about doing something to honor the Congregation. With approval from the archdiocese, the parish took up a collection and raised $5,700. Since the donation was enough to cover the cost of building a 16’x16’ simple home for a family in need in Belize, the Sisters directed the gift for this purpose.

Sister Luke contacted Laverne and asked if the parish would want to send a team of 10 to 12 parishioners to Belize to take an active part in building the home, since the funds came from the parish. Laverne drafted a notice for the parish bulletin asking for volunteers. In the end, she had a list of about 20 people who wanted to go.

They chose the first 12 who volunteered to serve on the team.

The trip was a powerful experience.

Laverne admits she never dreamed that such poverty existed. She saw the change they made in the life of the new homeowner.

Laverne’s husband,

Bill, passed away shortly after this trip. To honor his memory, the parish sponsored a “Bill Schaefer” home for a family in need in Belize the following year.

St. John’s Mission program has grown from there.

In the past five years, 44 members of St. John’s Parish in Hollywood, Maryland have participated in 12 volunteer experiences with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. They have volunteered in Botswana, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Montana, and in Belize City and Las Flores in Belize. Over half of these volunteers have participated in more than one trip. “That says a lot about the giving of our parish,” says Laverne, a driving force behind the parish’s mission effort.

Before the volunteers leave for Belize, the parish holds a commissioning ceremony at one of the Masses.

“I realized palpable excitement of doing the commissioning ceremony at the local level,” says Father Ray, who has personally participated in two of the mission trips.

“I felt the Lord touching our hearts and calling us to do mission work.”

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The entire parish family is part of this mission effort. Laverne says, “It takes a team to do this it’s not just the church or just the school, it’s not just the 10 or 12 that are going. We need people to contribute so we can build the house, we need 10 to 12 to go, and we need people to pray.”

St. John’s school now has an informal relationship with St Michael’s school in Las Flores. They have delivered a computer, science equipment, balls, and shoes for the students. The students from St. John’s connect with students in Las Flores regularly by Skype.

In response to ongoing needs in the United States, St. John’s parish recently convened over 20 people to be trained as part of the SCN Disaster relief team.

Laverne tells potential volunteers, “This is the best gift you’ll ever give yourself.” She has seen the changes in the volunteers’ lives. Some have told her that they have discovered their purpose in life through this type of service. Laverne says that the mission program has become her passion. “I’m really proud of what the parish is doing.”

A

t St. Ambrose in Belpre, Ohio, Rita Rodgers can tell a similar story. After Rita participated in a volunteer trip to Botswana, Africa, in 2013, she knew this would be the first of many with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

In 2014, she funded her first house build in Belize, in memory of her husband, David. In 2015, Rita’s sister, Catherine Paulus, funded a house in memory of their parents.

Since 2012, 17 parishioners and 10 people who are relatives or people from nearby parishes or communities, have participated in one or multiple mission trips through the SCN Lay Mission Volunteer program.

Parishioners of St. Ambrose have traveled to Kentucky, New Orleans, Botswana, 18

and Belize. Someone from the parish has either sponsored or helped on the build of eight houses in Belize. In the past two years they built two houses in Belize each year and they hope to build two more houses next year.

Father Robert Gallagher, pastor of St. Ambrose, supports the parish involvement. “We are so grateful for the encouragement from these pastors.

None of this would be possible without their support,” says Sister Luke.

In addition to their volunteer involvement, St. Ambrose Parish has also raised several thousand dollars for the needs in Botswana and this past year raised over $2,300 for a school in Nepal.

Parishioners and a neighboring parish have also sent books, school supplies, and tools to Belize.

Though Rita is a key motivator for the parish’s mission involvement, she is quick to shine the light on the generous people who respond.

“If the parish and other volunteers did not participate in these projects, they would not be happening,” she says. She is inspired by “what we can accomplish when we all work together to serve our neighbors.”

VOLUNTEER To learn more about how you can be involved as a volunteer, visit scnfamily.org/volunteer or contact Sister Luke at (502) 348-1581.

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From St. Ambrose in Belpre, Ohio, Rita Rodgers took her first SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program trip in 2013. In 2014, she funded her first house build in Belize, in memory of her husband, David. Since 2012, 17 parishioners and 10 people who are relatives or people from nearby parishes or communities, have participated in one or multiple mission experiences with trips to Kentucky, New Orleans, Botswana, and Belize.

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Legacy Society Legacy Society Honoring an Enduring Relationship The SCN Legacy Society

recognizes with gratitude those who have remembered the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in their estate plans.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have been blessed to receive financial support from many who, with deep faith, have chosen as their legacy a share in the SCN mission. Through this bond of faith, tireless efforts are made around the world by Sisters on behalf of those who are marginalized and victimized by poverty and social injustice.

How do I join the SCN Legacy Society?

The SCN Legacy Society was formed as a way to gratefully acknowledge those who have remembered the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in their estate plans, thus creating a legacy of generosity that extends beyond their lifetime.

A gift of any size, joined with others who have done the same, can make a difference for generations to come.

Some ways to leave a legacy include: • A bequest in your will naming a specific gift amount or a percentage of your estate after all obligations have been met; • Naming the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy; • A bequest of stocks, securities or real estate; • Naming the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth as a beneficiary of a charitable trust; Simply let us know that you have named the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in your estate plans and you will be gratefully welcomed as a member of the SCN Legacy Society. You may remain anonymous, if you desire.

SCN Legacy Society members are remembered annually at a Mass offered at St. Vincent Church at Nazareth.

We always recommend that you contact your attorney or accountant to learn how these options relate to your personal circumstances.

C O N T AC T: Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Office of Mission Advancement P.O. Box 9 Nazareth, Kentucky 40048 (502) 348-1551

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A Day in Asha Deepam

Revealing the compassionate face of humanity Tiruchirapalli, also known as Trichy, the geographical center of Tamil Nadu, India, isn’t just a travel junction. Once touted to be the state capital, the city dates back to the third century BC, and has been an important railway hub from the time of the British. When the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth decided to move beyond the north, to found missions in the south, the city of Trichy was a strong choice. SCNs felt their pioneering spirit urging them to plant their feet in the outskirts of the city where St. Vincent Matriculation School stands. While in Snehalayam, special educator Mary Stella Ambrose, SCN, now deceased, observed the need to provide care for children with physical and intellectual challenges. Asha Deepam was founded in 1995 at Crawford, Trichy.

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Today, the center empowers 48 students, some of whom have multiple disabilities. Twelve staff, including two SCNs, serve these children. The school day begins at 9 a.m as the staff in Asha Deepam gather to greet the students as they arrive, followed by a prayer assembly. As the school day gets underway, students are divided into preprimary, primary, secondary, pre-vocational and vocational groups with approximately eight students per group. The day includes a morning session and an afternoon session. The first hour of the morning session is dedicated to communication classes, which include self-help skills where the pre-primary students learn to express their needs, and reading lessons for the secondary level students. The vocational students

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learn skills such as making items like organdy flowers, candles, and wire baskets.

They also learn tailoring, computer skills and how to cook. A yoga session follows; all who are physically able are encouraged to participate.

Those who are unable or are too young, have music therapy and sensory training in individual sessions. Part of the morning session also includes learning to write.

For the staff of the center, lunch is a busy time as they assist students with feeding themselves. While most have learned to eat by themselves over the years, newcomers and very young ones find it difficult as coordination can sometimes be challenging.

The staff assist the students and also take turns to be present to engage the students with storytelling, rhymes and poem recitation.

Asha Deepam, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth founded in 1995 in Trichy, India, empowers students with disabilities.

The afternoon session offers extracurricular activities like dance, indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts, painting and thread work. Physiotherapy is also provided. Asha Deepam students have participated in various district and state level cultural and sports competitions and have won many accolades. Last year students won a runner-up medal, a big achievement considering the intense competition. The students

also enjoy instruction in traditional dance.

The center’s primary objective is to ensure the success of the students in society. Nine students have already cleared the board exams of class X. Seven students are being prepared to appear for board exams with the help of a tutor.

Asha Deepam’s success stories range from enrolling an average of two students each year into mainstream schools, empowering students to be entrepreneurs, and seeing still others thrive at home. Abdul Kalam, who has profound cerebral palsy, is excelling in community school with his peers, Vignesh, who was brought to Asha Deepam after being diagnosed with severe learning differences, is now a businessman who runs a snack shop. Sindhu spent 16 years in Asha Deepam and is an accomplished dancer.

She even had the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics.

Asha Deepam changes lives every day, it is a loving and supportive place for those with challenges who cannot afford education and care otherwise. This compassionate SCN ministry seeks to model the mission of Jesus in society.

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PRAYERS & PAINTING For 25 years, Peggy Voglewede, SCN, could be found in classrooms teaching math and science (biology) at high schools in Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, and Texas. She then moved into health care ministries, spending the next 23 years in Louisville, serving patients at Our Lady of Peace Hospital and managing the medical records at Nazareth Home.

But in all those many years in education and healthcare, a creative artist was lurking inside. Sister Peggy never studied art, never taught art, but always was interested. “I’ve had a strong appreciation for art and the beauty and creativity of it.”

She began tapping into her creative side, returning to practice from long 22

ago when she would make birthday cards for her siblings and special occasions. With no formal art training, Sister Peggy has developed a talent for hand painting greeting cards.

But what makes Sister Peggy unique? She is painting these cards with impaired eyesight.

She has macular degeneration.

A spot has developed in the back of her eyes, virtually erasing her central vision. She says she finds it very difficult to read. “I can’t see what I’m

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Left: Peggy Voglewede, SCN, displays her handmade cards.

Right: Sister Peggy teaches art class at the Motherhouse, Nazareth, Kentucky.

doing. I see it in my head and I talk to my brush and my brushes are very cooperative.”

Sister Peggy has taken advantage of the art classes offered to residents of Carrico Hall on Nazareth Campus, learning to use watercolor and more recently acrylics, which she has found easier to use.

For Sister Peggy, entering into creating these works of art can be a prayerful time as well. Her works bring joy to others and raise money for ministries.

She has learned to paint beautiful, bright-colored flowers of all sizes and shapes. She shares her eyesight

limits her to flowers because they don’t have a rigid boundary. But she’s hopeful that birds, butterflies, and fish are in her future. Sister Peggy often photographs images for inspiration. On a recent visit to her sister’s home, she photographed the shower curtain which was covered with images of fish.

As she stretches her artistic abilities, she will continue down this path, creating cards for friends and for strangers. Her painted cards can be purchased at the Nazareth Mini Shop, with proceeds benefiting the SCN Missions.

She’s very happy to often reuse some very beautiful materials, her creations include a variety

of recycled cards she makes by reusing parts of Christmas cards and thank you notes received from friends and family. She also has painted images on canvas bags donated for use for the shoppers at the local food pantry.

Although her eyesight is a challenge, and her creations keep her so busy she at times has trouble keeping up with it all, she is not slowing down. Sister Peggy has already started crafting this year’s Christmas card!

It makes her very happy when looking at the finished product and she plans to continue to grow her art. “I just love it, that’s all.”

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Highlights Four Sisters, all of whom are remarkably 100 years of age or older, recently celebrated birthdays – SCNs Evelyn Hurley (104), Mary Clement Pavlik (103), Alice Teresa Wood (102), and John Ann Kulina (102).

Vincentian Collaborative System (VCS) is acquiring Schenley Gardens, a Personal Care and Memory Care community located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Schenley Gardens offers a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. VCS President and CEO Nick Vizzoca said that this opportunity was made possible through the support of the Vincentian Board of Directors and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, along with the dedication of a small team of staff members who have been working behind the scenes to turn this into a reality.

For children undergoing stress from natural disasters, students at Mother Catherine Academy in Mechanicsville, Maryland, donated shoeboxes filled with gifts. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth volunteer program is storing them for the next disaster relief mission. Each is individually wrapped and filled with personal items and school supplies, as well as fun activities and small toys.

Nazareth Village I, an SCN ministry in Nazareth, Kentucky, that offers housing to the elderly and disabled, earned the Outstanding Performance Award for achieving a 100 percent REAC (Real Estate Assessment Center) score. The ministry received the award during the Housing Management Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

Members of the Vincentian Family Commision for the Promotion of Systemic Change had a productive gathering at the SCN Motherhouse recently. Members include Teresa Kotturan, SCN, who is representing the Sisters of Charity Federation and hosted the meetings; Giuseppe Turati, CM, from Rome, Italy, who is the Secretary General of the Congregation of the Mission, and also the Chair of the Commission for Systemic Change; James Claffey from Nice, France, who is the Secretary of the Commission and representing the Society of St. Vincent de Paul; Rose de Lima Ramanankavana, from Madagascar, with the Ladies of Charity; Joelson Sotem, CM, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, representing the Congregation of the Mission; Ana Maria Picornell Escano from the Philippines, who is a member of the Vincentian Family Collaboration; Juan Pablo Jacome Solarte from Ecuador, who represents Marian Youth; and Ellen LaCapria from the United States with the

Daughters of Charity.

In April, Sisters, Associates, employees, Nazareth Village residents, and Montessori students came together in St. Vincent Church to celebrate Earth Day. This year's theme was "Protect Our Species." Rosemarie Kirwan, SCN, led a presentation on the timeline of creation, and Director of Ecological Sustainability, Carolyn Cromer, gave an overview on how humans impact the environment.

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SCN Associates, Sisters, SCNA candidates, inquirers, and friends gathered at Camp Maria in April for a retreat entitled, “Love in Action.”

Participants learned about the history of SCNs in southern Maryland, and the history of Catholicism in the area. Some time was given in service to Camp Maria.

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The PATH Coalition of Kentucky held its 7th annual anti-trafficking prayer service in Jefferson Square Park in downtown Louisville, Kentucky in May during the week of the Kentucky Derby. Presentation Academy and Sacred Heart students were present. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth also took part, and many prayed across the Congregation in solidarity. Derby is a time in which the city of Louisville sees a spike in the number of people being trafficked.

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Lucille Cosby, SCN, formerly Sister Mary Ida, 96, a native of Richmond, Virginia, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Feb. 22, 2019. She was in her 64th year of religious life.

Sister Lucille served in educational ministry in Louisville at St. Cecilia School where she taught second grade.

She taught science to the upper grades at Good Shepherd in Frankfort, Kentucky, St. Agnes in Uniontown, Kentucky, Nazareth College, Nazareth, and Peninsula Catholic High in Newport News, Virginia.

From 1970-1987, Sister Lucille was a consultant and research director at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. She served her Community as an assistant at Nazareth Villages, a housing ministry. Sister Lucille collaborated with SCN communications and served as director of the SCN corporate responsibility committee.

Celeste Reedy, SCN, formerly Sister Margaret Alberta, 97, a native of Newport, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Feb. 22, 2019. She was in her 77th year of religious life.

In Kentucky, Sister Celeste served in educational ministry at St. Frances of Rome, Louisville; St. Anns, Morganfield; St. James, Ludlow; and St. William in Williamstown. She also taught at Little Flower School in Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Mary School in Martins Ferry, Ohio. She ministered at Mercy Hospital, Mount Vernon, Ohio, and in pastoral ministry at St. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, after studying at St. Mary’s Health Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

She served her Community in provincial administration as a secretary-treasurer, in generalate administration as secretary general, and in Survivors include a brother, Rev. the Communications Office, Monsignor R. Roy Cosby; her Community Service, and sister Patricia Elizabeth Cosby; the SCN Mission Office later and members of her religious known as the Office of Mission community.

Advancement.

Survivors include her extended family, and members of her religious community.

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Celine Arackathottam, SCN, 86, a native of Karimannoor, Kerala, India, died in Bangalore, India, Feb. 25, 2019.

Margaret Willis, SCN, formerly Sister John Vincent, 77, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, April 1, 2019. She was After completing studies both in in her 51st year of religious life. general nursing and midwifery, Celine served as a Staff Nurse Sister Margaret graduated from in Mokama through 1962, Boston State College in 1963, followed by a year in Delhi, with a degree in education.

India at Safdarjung Hospital. In From 1968-1995, she served 1963, she returned to Nazareth in educational ministry as a Hospital, Mokama, as an math teacher and principal instructor, entering religious at Bethlehem High School life in 1964. She earned a in Bardstown, Kentucky. She B.S. in nursing and became then served as a math teacher the assistant administrator at Assumption High School in of Nazareth Hospital. After Louisville, from 1996 until her earning her masters in business retirement in 2017. administration from Delhi University, the first Indian SCN Survivors include a sister, Patricia Ann Willis, and to do so, she also became the first Indian to serve as Nazareth members of her religious Hospital administrator. She later community. became the first administrator of SCN Niketan, Madiwala, the study house in Bangalore.

Sister Celine next established Kakkavayal, the first SCN mission in Kerala. She helped design the convent building. In 1998, she returned to Mokama to assist with the construction of the ministry Shalom.

She returned to Kakkavayal to supervise additional construction, and to Madiwala from 2001-2008.

She resided at Nazareth Convent at Chandapura in Bangalore.

Survivors include family, extended family, and members of her religious community.

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Mary Elaine Zehnder, SCN, 87, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, April 10, 2019. She was in her 67th year of religious life.

Janice Richards, SCN, 79, a native of Chicago, Illinois, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, April 28, 2019. She was in her 30th year of religious life.

Sister Mary Elaine served in educational ministry. She taught grade school in Samuels, Kentucky at St. Gregory, St. Raphael in Hyde Park, Massachusetts, St. Peter in Waldorf, Maryland and Our Lady of Lourdes in Owensboro, Kentucky where she also served as principal and choir director.

Sister Mary Elaine served as a teacher of religion at Holy Spirit and St. Joseph in Bowling Green, Kentucky. From 19842012, Sister Mary Elaine was the Parish Minister at St. Pius X in Louisville.

Sister Janice studied at Spalding University where she received a degree in Social Work. She also served as the assistant manager at Spalding University’s bookstore. From 1993-2016, Sister Janice served in social services ministry at Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Mississippi. She served her SCN Community as secretary in the Ministry Office on the Nazareth Campus from 1985-1986.

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Barbara MacDonald, SCN, 95, formerly Sister Anne Clement, a native of Hyde Park, Massachusetts, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, May 4, 2019. She was in her 76th year of religious life.

Anna Marie Conklin, SCN, formerly Sister Josepha, 86, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, May 16, 2019. She was in her 60th year of religious life.

Sister Barbara served in educational ministries, teaching primary grades at many schools, including St. Mary Academy, Paducah, Kentucky; St. Peter, Lexington, Kentucky; St. Anne, Readville, Massachusetts; St. Vincent de Paul, Newport News, Virginia; Most Precious Blood, Hyde Park, Massachusetts; Sacred Heart, Quincy, Massachusetts; and Emily Fairfield Public School, Survivors include her twin sister, Wollaston, Massachusetts.

Janet Richards, and her sister Patricia Richards, both of Apollo She served her SCN Community Beach, Florida; and members of as Community Service She served her SCN Community her religious community.

Coordinator from 2002-2009. as a Motherhouse Coordinator Sister Barbara is survived by her from 1973-1977. From 1978extended family, and members 1984, she served as the Director of her religious community. of the SCN Mission Office.

Later, she was the Associate Regional, serving the Louisville area from 1996-2002.

Sister Anna Marie served in educational ministries, teaching English, French and Latin at Sacred Heart High School in Memphis, Tennessee; LaSalette Academy in Covington, Kentucky; Nazareth College, Nazareth, Kentucky; St. Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas; and Archbishop Williams High School, Braintree, Massachusetts. From 1974-1997, Sister Anna Marie served as an English professor at Spalding University, Louisville, Kentucky.

In 1974, she earned her Ph.D. in English from the University of North Carolina.

Sister Anna Marie is survived by her extended family, and by members of her religious community.

Survivors include her sister, Patrice Rymarowicz, her extended family, and members of her religious community.

Honorary and Memorial Donations

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Sisters prayerfully remember the following former students of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth:

With gratitude, gifts are acknowledged that support ministries of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in memory or in honor of others.

Marilu Schlairet McGoldrick, St. Vincent de Paul, Mount Vernon, 1956

To view a listing visit: scnfamily.org/hons

Alice Mae Lewis, St. Joseph Infirmary, 1951

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Seema Monippallikalayil, SCN, 63, a native of Ayarkunnam, Kannur district, died in Patna, India, May 23, 2019. She was in her 39th year of religious life.

Sister Seema completed her Bachelor of Education from St. Xavier’s College, Jamshedpur and her Master’s degree in Arts from Kamraj University, Madurai. She served as a teacher and principal for a total of 36 years in SCN owned and diocesan schools in India and Nepal. In India, she was a teacher in schools in Chatra, Sale, Mokama, Trichy, Kakkavayal, Gamaria, Gaya, and Gomoh; and in Damak, Nepal.

She was a principal at schools in Birsanagar, Jamshedpur; Sale and Gaya.

She also served in Kathmandu, Nepal as Director of Navjyoti Centre, and in Community Service in Kakkavayal. Sister Seema also taught catechism in the schools as well as in the parishes. She had a very good command of languages both Hindi and English.

Survivors include her mother, her brother, an identical twin Sister, who is also an SCN, Sister Anila, and two other sisters. She is also survived by many friends, and members of her religious community.

Mary Kenneth Hrbal, SCN, 89, a native of Johnston, Pennsylvania, died at Vincentian Home, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 26, 2019. She was in her 72nd year of her religious life.

Sister Mary Kenneth received a B.S.Ed. from Duquesne University, and a Master of Arts Degree in education from Cardinal Stritch University with a major in Special Education.

Her teaching ministry included 21 years in primary education, 17 years in special education, and 20 years teaching kindergarten at the Vincentian Child Care Center. During her many years of education ministry, Sister served in the dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and Youngstown, Ohio.

Survivors include her brother, John Hrbal, nieces, nephews and members of her religious Community.

Phyllis Hannon, SCN, 84, formerly Sister Bartholomew, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, died at Nazareth Home in Louisville, Kentucky, May 29, 2019. She was in her 66th year of religious life.

Sister Phyllis served in educational ministries. In Kentucky, she taught at St. Gregory’s in Samuels; Immaculate Conception in Newport; St. James in Ludlow; and St. Anthony in Bellevue.

She also taught at Cathedral School in Richmond, Virginia and Immaculate Conception in Dennison, Ohio. From 1981 to 1991, she served at Presentation Academy, Louisville, Kentucky, first as a teacher, and later as vice principal and principal.

She also served as Executive Director of Project Rediscovery, and at Spalding University as an instructor and Director of Environment Seminars and later, as Director of the Advising Center, and was a member of its Board of Trustees for a time.

Sister Phyllis received a BS in Education from Spalding University in Louisville and an M.A. in Education from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio.

She also did Environmental Studies in San Jose State in San Jose, Texas and received a certificate from the National Resources Leadership Institute at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Rita Spalding, SCN, formerly Sister Mary Aquin, 86, a native of Lebanon, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, June 4, 2019. She was in her 61st year of religious life.

Sister Rita served in educational ministries, teaching grade school in Newport, Kentucky; Roanoke, Virginia; Lexington, Kentucky, and Ft. Thomas, Kentucky. She also taught at Presentation High School in Louisville. She served as Principal of Little Flower School in Memphis, Tennessee and as Principal of St. Mary of the Woods in Whitesville, Kentucky.

Upon her return to Nazareth, she served as Coordinator for the Sisters at the Motherhouse.

From 1992-2000, Sister Rita served in social services as the Assistant Director of Nazareth Villages I & II. She later served in health care as a patient advocate for Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

From 2004-2016, she was a volunteer at Nazareth, where she served in several roles, including as volunteer with the Office of Mission Advancement.

Survivors include her extended family, and members of her religious community.

She is survived by a sister, Sarah Wentworth of Kennebunkport, Maine; nieces and nephews; and her religious community.

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Nonprofit U.S. Postage

PAID

Louisville, KY Permit No. 715

Office of Mission Advancement P.O. Box 9 Nazareth, Kentucky 40048-0009 scnfamily.org twitter.com/scnfamily facebook.com/scnfamily

Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Noon - 1 p.m.

Join the Journey

The Crowne Plaza Hotel - Airport 830 Phillips Lane - Louisville, KY 40209

a fundraising luncheon Please join us for an hour to hear the stories of how the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are transforming lives in Kentucky and around the world.

Be inspired.

ur R eserve yaoy! seat tod

To make reservations or for more information, please call (502) 348-1586 or email lwilson@scnky.org.

RSVP by Oct. 16, 2019

There is no cost to attend. Attendees will be asked to consider a donation.

Proceeds from the luncheon will support Sisters of Charity of Nazareth ministries in the U.S., India, Nepal, Belize and Botswana.