The J
URNEY
VOL. III 2021
EVENT
‘JOIN THE JOURNEY’
BECOMES REIMAGINED
ALSO INSIDE
Sisters begin campaign to preserve historic St. Vincent de Paul Church Page 8
Letter from Leadership Dedicated service is the focus of this Journey magazine. We see in the article about the chapel, the dedicated service of the early Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in the early to mid-1800s, and how the chapel and prayer gave them the support they needed to continue to be of service. We see the dedicated service of Paris Slapikas, SCN, who acknowledges that she is continuing the dedicated service of the Sisters who held the position of director of Sister Visitor before her, as well as the service of the many SCNs and others who volunteered at Sister Visitor over the years. We see the dedicated service of Spalding Hurst, the new director of the Office of Mission Advancement, and his predecessor, Patsy O’Toole, SCNA, both of whom bear witness to the fact that dedicated service is not limited to women religious. We see the dedicated service of Nirmala Mulackal, SCN, as executive director of the “Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India-Coalition for AIDS and Related Diseases” in the fight against tuberculosis in India. Her work with the Global Fund, “a partnership of governments, civil society, technical agencies, and the private sector,” illustrates that Catholics can and need to work with dedicated people of every walk of life and religious persuasion in order to eradicate disease and improve the lives of those most in need. We also see the dedicated service of Pat Bartolo, SCN, as she encourages others to love nature and care for the earth. Finally, we see the dedicated volunteer service of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth with an organization called, “Women in Circle,” founded by a dedicated Christian woman to “promote self-sufficiency within a healthy holistic lifestyle free from addiction and homelessness.” Sisters and volunteers helped to make a house a safe home for the individuals in the program where healing and relationships can truly begin to happen. Obviously one does not have to be an SCN, an Associate, a Catholic, or even a Christian to be a person whose dedicated service makes a difference in the lives of others. As people of faith, however, we believe that combining prayer and relationship with God enables us to realize that it is God working through us who accomplishes our good works. All of the stories in this issue tell of the importance of giving of ourselves in the service of others, for we are all interconnected with each other and with the earth that sustains us. They also tell us that through collaboration with others, we can extend our dedicated service far beyond what we could have done individually or as an individual organization. May each of us find a way to collaborate with others in the service of those in need, remembering the history of those who went before us, and that it is the power of God at work within us that motivates and strengthens us on our journey.
Adeline Fehribach, SCN Vice President 2
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Inside this Issue 4
Called to Serve
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The Heart of the Campus
10 Full Circle 14 Finding God in Nature 18 Improving Health and Saving Lives 22 In Service to the Mission 24 Highlights 26 Obituaries
On the Cover Sarah Geier, SCN, joined volunteers as they distributed food for Join the Journey. The event was “reimagined” after the in-person portion was canceled. She was interviewed by a Louisville television station.
R eimagined Join the Journey
The summer surge in cases of the coronavirus, especially in Kentucky, caused the Office of Mission Advancement to reimagine its annual inperson fundraising event out of precaution for the health and safety of the Sisters, presenters, attendees, supporters, and staff. They could not meet in person as had been planned for the indoor luncheon of around 400 people entitled “Join the Journey.” However, the show did go on! Through an online presentation, viewers were inspired by the stories shared of the ways the Sisters transform lives through their ministry. The event was unlike last year’s virtual gathering. A very special component to this program was added.
Leading up to the cancellation, it was clear that the food ordered for the event would have to be retained at a loss. The planning committee began to “reimagine” what this event was truly about and decided to distribute all of the food from “Join the Journey” at two Louisville, Kentucky, food distribution sites. “I hope they take away a sense there are others who are wishing them well and praying for them,” said Sarah Geier, SCN. The lunches also included a prayer and a cross blessed at Nazareth. Sister Sarah, interviewed by WAVE 3 News, spoke of her excitement, “We are very happy to share this, in the spirit of Mother Catherine and the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul.”
Watch the program now at: https://scnfamily.org/jointhejourney.
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; SCNs Sangeeta Ayithamattam, Adeline Fehribach, Jackulin Jesu, Mary Margaret Nirmala and Ankita Thomas.
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Called to Serve Sister Visitor Center, a Catholic Charity ministry, recently welcomed a Sister of Charity of Nazareth as its newest executive director. Paris Slapikas, SCN, is taking over the leadership of the ministry that serves families on the margins in Louisville, Kentucky. 4
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Paris Slapikas, SCN, recently joined Sister Visitor Center, Louisville, Kentucky, as the new Executive Director. The ministry serves those living on the margins in multiple zip codes in Louisville.
Sister Paris has ministered in a number of capacities since becoming a part of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Fourteen years ago, in August of 2007, she made her first vows. She recalls how for years, she struggled with an inner voice that told her something in her life was missing even when everything seemed to be in the right place. She didn’t listen at first. “I didn’t open myself to it,” she says. “The more I fought it, the harder things became.” So what has the journey been like for Sister Paris, a young woman in search of her true calling? She says it began in Alabama, when as the youngest of four in her family, she decided to go on a pilgrimage at the age of 14. She recalls this as the first step in her spiritual and emotional development. This searching would take place
on and off over the years, until her path crossed with two women in ministry at the same nonprofit that she had chosen to join. Below she reflects on her journey. “My first encounter with the SCNs came through Covenant House in 1999. I initially came to Covenant House as a fulltime volunteer, as a faith community member. This was a one-year commitment to live in a community with other volunteers, pray together daily, and work wherever we were needed within the organization. Covenant House is a residential program in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida that serves homeless and at-risk youth. However, I fell in love with the mission and after my volunteer commitment, I became a paid staff member and stayed for over six years. Covenant House is where I first experienced a love for
living in a community and developed a sense of mission. It is also here where my call to religious life became clear. SCNs Eva Kowalski and Nancy Gerth were serving at the shelter, and even though we didn’t work directly together, I remember being drawn to their spirit. There was something about them that I really wanted to know. I would just observe them without really trying to connect, they were so grounded and committed, and very generous. So little by little, I got to know them, and we became friends. “Eventually our friendship brought me to Nazareth, Kentucky. At that point, I was far from making any commitment to religious life, so it was sort of an undercover mission. I attended a retreat at Nazareth but my time there actually was
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about the childhood abuse he experienced at the hands of his father. He eventually ran away, was a high school dropout, and had survived pretty extensive physical and sexual assaults while living on the streets since the age of 14.
Paris Slapikas, SCN, is shown as she gathers with other Sisters for a time of prayer and sharing.
a step in my formation, I had such a sense of peace and calm. So the next time I came to Nazareth, it was intentional and I could clearly hear the call to religious life. “I felt like I had come home. And as time moved on, I had a real sense of freedom talking about my discernment openly. Throughout my discernment, the SCN Community was very supportive. At that point, I still had so many questions and even doubts. They said to me ‘we want what you want.’ I entered candidacy with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 2003, and took my first vows in 2007. “There are many stories I could tell about my ministries, including my time at Covenant House. I’ll share just one that helps me think about the importance of being present to people who are suffering, to give respect and dignity 6
to everyone I encounter, and to rethink what success looks like. “Michael was a new 19-yearold resident, and I went into the male lounge to greet him and welcome him to Covenant House. He was lying face down on the couch in one of those thick, hooded bomber jackets that were popular in the 90s. I introduced myself and he ignored me, so I sat down beside him and just kept chatting away. After about 20 minutes, he started to answer me back. I guess he finally realized I wasn’t going away. I needed to complete his substance abuse assessment for the drug treatment program. I scheduled it for a couple of days later and when I completed it, I learned there weren’t many drugs on my assessment he hadn’t tried, and many of them he used frequently. I learned
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“Many people were interested in learning about the outcomes of the young people we served – how many kids got employment, received their GED, completed the drug treatment program, etcetera, and these are important. But, what I remembered most about Michael was the day he walked down the stairs for the first time without that bomber jacket on. He had been at Covenant House for about four weeks. Michael was able to shed his jacket once he felt safe enough with staff, and knew we were there to support and care for him unconditionally. What we do to support the people we are serving matters, but it is often how we engage with people that create the space for transformation to occur in people’s lives. For those who want to know, Michael did complete the drug treatment program … after a couple of tries, and a lot of encouragement! “After Covenant House, I began serving at the Center for Women and Families S C N F A M I LY . O R G
in Louisville, Kentucky, supporting survivors of intimate partner abuse and sexual violence. Many of the residents also struggled with addictions or mental health issues as a result of their trauma, and many also had children in the shelter with them to provide and care for. The center provides temporary shelter, a crisis hotline, and a multitude of services, advocacy, and support to families in need. “This June, I began my new ministry as director of Sister Visitor Center (SVC) in Louisville. Sister Visitor offers emergency financial assistance with rent and utilities, and we have a choice food pantry, serving the Louisville community. The choice pantry gives our clients more independence in selecting what they need from a grocery store-style pantry, versus handing everyone the same basket of food items. We have plans to track the dietary needs of our clients so we can develop recipe cards that meet their health needs, and we plan to offer samples using some of the food we receive through our Dare to Care partnership that will expose our clients to new foods and reduce waste.”
director for 20 years, Janet Dougherty helped found it, and was director for 21 years, and Ann Carol Mann, SCN, was also in leadership. Many other SCNs have worked on staff or volunteered. The current staff of eight is dedicated and passionate. “It’s exciting to build and develop this great team. SVC staff developed a new strategic plan, and are excited to explore ways to collaborate and partner with others to expand our services and outreach,” says Sister Paris. When people support the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, they are not only supporting SCN ministries internationally, but also those within the Congregation like Sister Paris, who is serving people in Louisville. “We all have our unique journey to religious
life and the variety of ways in which we serve,” says Sister Paris. “Thank you so much for believing in our work!” Sister Paris shares her story with hopes of helping others trying to find their path. She says it’s difficult to describe just what it felt like when she knew just where she belonged. “The exact feeling cannot be put into words. It’s a heart thing. It’s not about a handful of people in the community, it’s the whole community … what it stands for, what it embodies, that has kept me here.”
Daily, the pantry receives donations, while staff and volunteers make sure the shelves stay stocked, and clients receive the assistance requested.
Sister Visitor Center has a long relationship with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Rebecca Miles, SCN, was the
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he
Heartof the Ca
P R E S E R V I N G S T. V I N C E N T D E P A U L C H U R C H They were brave, young, and willing to devote their lives in service to God and the Church. The small community of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth began in 1812 at a farm in St. Thomas, just south of Bardstown, Kentucky. After 10 years of growth in ministry, the Sisters moved to Nazareth and began life anew. Here, the construction of a simple church as the center of their communal life was a priority for the Sisters. Indeed, God’s blessings abounded over the next 30 years. The growth of the SCN community as well as the increasing enrollment of Nazareth Academy necessitated the building of a larger church. St. Vincent de Paul Church, as we know it today, was 8
completed in 1854, and continues in testimony to the belief that the Eucharist and prayer are pivotal to the life of a Sister of Charity of Nazareth. St. Vincent Church has been and remains at the heart of the Motherhouse campus. It is here that the Sisters gather for the celebration of the Eucharist as well as for personal and communal prayer. It is here that they profess their vows, celebrate feasts, anniversaries, and funerals. It is here that Associates, relatives, friends, neighbors, and visitors are invited to share in the prayer life of the Congregation. After 167 years of being cared for, it is not surprising that the beautiful church
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DONATE
To make a gift of support to St. Vincent de Paul church visit scnfamily.org. By mail: Office of Mission Advancement PO Box 9 Nazareth, KY 40048
“Build first a house for God and God will build one for you.”
To learn more call: 502-348-1593
mpus
– Bishop David
$
600,000
is now in need of several major repairs including the roof, ceilings, walls, and pews. Interior painting and new carpeting will be the finishing touches in a demonstration of respect for this house of God.
100% of your gift goes to restore St. Vincent de Paul Church.
The costs of these major repairs are estimated at $600,000. Please join us in this major campaign and undertaking to reach our goal. Help us raise the money needed to accomplish this renovation. Almost every Sister of Charity of Nazareth has experienced a pivotal moment of their life in this sanctuary. As a partner in maintaining the future of St. Vincent de Paul Church, you honor the Congregation as a whole, those who have come before and now.
At almost any time each day, there is a Sister in the church praying. You and your intentions are included in that prayer.
105,075
$
Thank you for considering a gift of support to St. Vincent de Paul Church. Current progress towards $600,000 goal
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Full Circle
Open hearts, a renewal of the spirit, and the people who have the wonderful privilege of walking along on this journey
Over the years, Women in Circle has empowered countless women. It is a safe house in Louisville, Kentucky, for those in recovery, many of whom are trying to overcome addictions or escape troubled or violent situations. Founded by a local faith-based therapist, Dr. Lete Ansera, it is a place where women have the support they need to get back on their feet. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth recently became involved with the ministry, and they are making muchneeded repairs and improvements to the home. Luke Boiarski, SCN, spearheads the renovations, “This just fits so perfectly into our mission statement, working with women who are on the edge and helping them to start a new life, a new beginning of their journey.” The power of the home is transformative, volunteers and those staying at the home say. “You all make me feel so loved,” shares Ashley, a previous resident.
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She tearfully describes her journey. “I really thought I was going to die, and here I felt hope and it gave me my life back. My son, he really thought I was going to die too, on drugs. I wanted to stop so bad, and I just didn’t know how, and then Jackie, she taught me how.” Jackie Aceto, SCN, volunteers as a social worker at the ministry. She is passionate about the impact this ministry is having on women in Louisville. “They just really need to be built up, because they have it within them. These are smart, strong, beautiful women, they just needed to be reminded of that,” says Sister Jackie. “This place gave me my soul back, I lost my soul,” shares Ashley. “This place gave me my heart back, and I’m so grateful … I’m happy today and I haven’t been happy in about 10 years … this program really means something to me, that’s why I’m here. So thank you.” Sister Luke was drawn to bring volunteers to the Women in Circle home through Suzanne Reasback, a former member of the SCN Congregation. Over the course of several months of work this past summer, volunteers of the SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program came to better know many of 12
the residents. This fall, volunteers returned to make additional repairs to the basement. “I think this work is important for volunteers on many levels,” says Ellen Sprigg, who works alongside Sister Luke coordinating volunteers. “I guess I just hear over and over again how good it feels for them to be able to help people. Anytime you help others, you think less about yourself. It’s kind of what volunteering is all about. You grow from every experience.” Bridgette, another resident of the program, shares about the impact Sister Jackie and the Women in Circle ministry have had on her life, and the love she also has for the volunteers she came to know. “They gave me my life back, they made me feel strong, independent, not scared to go down the street, that someone is going to hurt me anymore,” says Bridgette. “That’s how I was when I got here. I was that scared.” The home, sponsored by Women in Circle, welcomes women from all walks of life. The ministry seeks to build community and encourages the residents to empower and support one another.
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During a six-month program, women have the opportunity to transition from the life circumstances that have led to homelessness. This may be any number of things including addiction, violent home life, or incarceration. Services assist these women to work towards and maintain healthy lifestyles and mental stability. Graduates are able to reconnect with their families, find meaningful S C N F A M I LY . O R G
The SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program worked throughout the spring and summer of 2021 to renovate and refresh the main living space of Women In Circle. In November of 2021, they began renovating the basement.
employment, and become productive citizens in their communities. “They gave me therapy sessions which helped me with my PTSD,” says Bridgette. “They brought me to the point (where) I wasn’t scared anymore to go out and succeed in life.” The house, located in the St. Joseph neighborhood of Louisville, can offer a home for up to ten women. Each resident is asked to pay a weekly stipend and to maintain up to 15 weekly hours of various therapies and counseling sessions. “This place is home,” says the founder, Dr. Ansera. “This place is peaceful and quiet. The volunteers, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, they gave that to us all over again. They renewed it, they made it ‘home.’”
“It renews my spirit just coming in and seeing the other Sisters helping, and the other volunteers helping,” shares Sister Jackie. “You know when you walk in and there’s a fresh coat of paint, it’s just, it’s new life … It matters because when a house is freshened up, it just really makes you feel just that much more special … like someone really cares for me, and I don’t even know who they are.” In addition to creating a temporary and stable home for women, the services offered at this ministry include group and individual therapy, case management, peer support, a 12-step program, mindfulness meditation groups, chemical dependence education, and life skills training.
home or repairing a home, it’s about building relationships, working collaboratively, it deepens our own spirituality and also gives us a sense of gratitude for what we have as Sisters, as Associates, as friends.” “They saved my life, they gave me a safe place to go when I had nowhere to go,” shares Ashley. “The first night I was here was the first time I felt safe in years. I thank God I came here … a huge blessing.” “Our motto is the love of Christ impels us, and this is what the volunteers are doing, and what the other Sisters are doing,” says Sister Jackie. “I get the privilege of walking with them, of walking this journey, and it’s a wonderful privilege.”
Dr. Ansera describes her approach as holistic. With extensive experience in marriage and family therapy, she has worked with children of all ages, families, individuals, and couples covering a wide variety of difficult situations including drug and alcohol addiction. Sister Luke says it is humbling to watch the women get back on their feet. “It’s really more than just fixing up the house. I always tell volunteers, it’s just not about building a SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . III 2021
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Finding God in Nature She can be seen studying animals on the trail, or answering questions of those interested in birding. A lifelong environmental enthusiast, Pat Bartolo, SCN, has often volunteered as a nature camp counselor. Her love of nature and strong advocacy directly ties into Laudato Si’ and the commitment by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in caring for the environment Often when members of the Congregation come together to discuss how they might further their efforts, Sisters say she is among the first to come up with forward thinking ideas. Sister Pat developed her love of nature, and particularly of birding from her father. She recalls enjoying her time with grandparents as they raised chickens and tended gardens. She tells of how she would walk about the chickens, or would wander into the garden and pluck cucumbers to eat right off the vine.
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As a young woman, Sister Pat also developed a deep desire to live in community, whether that was at the convent, or living alongside others as part of a parish or in a neighborhood. It’s her can-do attitude that she took with her in June 2020 when she moved into Terrace Place, along with Rita Gesue, SCN. The apartment community, a ministry of Vincentian Collaborative System, is located just down the road from St. Louise Convent and Caritas Place. Sister Pat says she sees Terrace Place as a continuation of being part of a community. In this new place, she has found herself modeling for others just what the life of a Sister is like. Many have never met a Sister before, and Sister Pat says some are surprised when they learn she is a Sister. Making acquaintances and answering questions has never been hard for this lifelong educator, who began teaching not long after she entered religious life in 1963. Sister Pat says that her 17 years at Monongahela Valley Catholic High (MVC) in particular were memorable; the faculty was close-knit and dedicated, and the students were
Pat Bartolo, SCN, is seen on one of her many outings enjoying the wild Mountain Laurel shrubs in Terra Alta, Preston County, West Virginia.
spirited. MVC had a track and field below which she could take students to observe and describe nature in each season. “We saw over 88 species of birds there during those years (1980-1989),” says Sister Pat. “I remember how the students knew from their outdoor gym classes to respect the killdeer nesting on the slope, John Fazzini’s amazement to see a male indigo bunting in the low vegetation looking ‘just like the bird in the book I’m reading,’ and Deb Dimasi recognizing the plaintive song of the field sparrow from the open windows as they were taking a final exam, singing the notes later, asking if that was in a minor key.” Her lifelong interest in birds further expanded during this time. At her father’s urging, she attended
Oglebay Institute nature camp for adults. She was drawn to the field of nature education. Sister Pat also enjoyed Terra Alta Mountain Nature Camp, where she was taught a system for identifying birds, and a system for identifying plants as well. Dr. Glenn Peterjohn passed on his knowledge of insects and herps (snakes, frogs, turtles, etc.). She emphasizes that every staff member embodied the camp director’s philosophy “that knowledge of nature leads to loving it; and when you love anything, you want to protect it.” Indeed, caring for and teaching about nature is part and parcel of Sister Pat. From 1981 to 1999, she volunteered two weeks of her summer as a counselor
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Left: At her residence, Terrace Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pat Bartolo, SCN, and Rita Gesue, SCN, plant and maintain plants, like this tomato plant. Right: Sister Pat has spent much of her life finding God in the great outoors.
at the Oglebay Institute’s resident Junior Nature Camp. She shares, “It was amazing how quickly many learned about the stars, birds, insects, trees, wildflowers, and creek critters, created nature art, and made lifelong friends.” She describes the many memories made. “In the evening the whole camp would try their best to sit quietly on Vespers Hill; eventually some would recite poetry, read a nature passage, play a tune, and later lead songs at campfire, relate nature observations, tell stories, listen to the night insects, maybe a frog or screech owl. When the Perseids were active on a
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clear night, we would all lie on blankets or sleeping bags while astronomer Lenny Muni would point out the night constellations.” The impact Sister Pat has had outside and inside the classroom is profound. She taught English and later, religion. She marvels at how she had the good fortune, as a lover of nature, to live in close proximity to water while carrying out her ministries. In Donora, her home when teaching at MVC, the Monongahela River was visible from both convents; at Bishop Boyle High in Homestead, she had an easy walk to the
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Monongahela River; at St. Joseph’s in Natrona Heights on the cliffs of the Allegheny, and later, in Bellaire, Ohio at St. John Central High, she was near the Ohio River. “For 47 years, I lived within walking distance of Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers, teaching energetic and talented students, and working side by side with generous and caring adults, whom I consider to be ‘the salt of the earth,’ reflects Sister Pat. Students describe Sister Pat with fondness. Former student William Bautz writes. “I only had you as an English teacher for my freshman year at MVC when it closed, but
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you, Mr. Sowul and Mr. Carosella, made a lasting imprint on my life for the better. Thank you Sister.” John Kniesner, retired director of Bellaire Public Library, who mentored Sister Pat’s seniors with their research projects, told Sister Pat of her impact at St. John Central. He noted how another teacher had followed in her footsteps making sure the students continued to be exposed to innovative and unique progams. That teacher recently “took 35 students to see an African Drum and Dance presentation at ‘Lunch with Books’ of the Ohio County Public Library. She has done this for three times that I know since you retired,” noted John. “She told me once again that it was you who inspired her to do this visit to Lunch with Books …what you started, Sister Pat, is still happening!” These days, Sister Pat is busy with day to day life at Terrace Place. The apartment complex was relatively quiet when she and Sister Rita moved, having recently opened. Now 51 of 85 apartments are occupied. In addition, five LaRoche University students are part of the community, and live there
Pat Bartolo, SCN, is seen observing Dr. Glenn Peterjohn as he points out the field marks of this snake.
rent free in exchange for giving of their time to host activities,like cooking classes and crafts. Sister Pat continues to explore the outdoors, and attends events at LaRoche in support of the students who live at Terrace Place. In addition to meeting new folks on the nearby walking paths, or while out and about, Sisters Pat and Rita get to know Terrace Place residents at dinners. At a recent Oktoberfest celebration, Sister Pat shares how she and Sister Rita met a gentleman whose children had attended St. Sebastian and Vincentian Academy, schools where Sisters taught. They all hit it off with common interests, especially he and
Sister Rita, both of whom had been involved with Barbershop Quartets. The fact that the gentleman’s now grown children knew the Sisters led to much conversation. Indeed,it is a small world and with every new person she meets while at Terrace Place, or every moment spent in the great outdoors, she tries to stay attuned to God’s hand in each connection.“It’s such a wondrous world,” reflects Sister Pat; “As in Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s lines from Aurora Leigh, ‘Earth’s crammed with Heaven, and every common bush afire with God.’”
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Improving Health and Saving Lives
Campaign for a TB free India A much-loved Sister in India has spent years helping to restore health to the very ill and create awareness around a prevalent disease. Nirmala Mulackal, SCN, had a key role as part of a collaboration to bring an end to tuberculosis (TB). She notes that India has one of the highest rates of tuberculosis in the world. According to a World Health Organization study dated 2016, there are 2.79 million cases. National Public Radio (NPR) further reported in 2017,
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that India found itself for two years in a row, with the “dubious distinction of being number one in the world for deaths from tuberculosis: 423,000 TB patients died in the year 2016. That’s a third of the world’s 1.4 million death toll.” In 2017, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi set a goal of making India TB free by 2025. With this in mind, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and Coalition for AIDS and Related Diseases (CBCICARD) joined hands with the government program, and the Global Fund project to eliminate tuberculosis. The idea was to increase education, awareness, easy access to diagnosis, and resources for treatment and
recovery. Of highest concern, the staggering 4.3 million in India undiagnosed or not reported, which led to ongoing transmission. Sister Nirmala was drawn to these national and international efforts because of a background in health care. She also very much believed in the impact collaborative ministry makes, and was aware of the work of CBCI-CARD which made a priority of serving the people of India, among the goals, improving their health status.
Mokama, India. Mokama is in the state of Bihar and it has one of the highest levels of people living on the margins. Sister Nirmala notes that among the states hit hardest by TB, are Bihar, Delhi, Madha Pradesh, and West Bengal. In her ministry at the hospital, she often encountered cases of TB. After Nazareth Hospital, Sister Nirmala joined the Eastern Province Development Office. While in this mission, she was approached about getting back into health care.
Sister Nirmala, for many years, was in leadership at Nazareth Hospital in
Nirmala Mulackal, SCN, (pictured left) worked with team members and clients in India to test for, treat, and eradicate tuberculosis.
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She recalls, “In 2016, I was invited by the then Director of the Health Commission and Secretary of CBCI-CARD to take up the responsibility of carrying out the Global Fund project in fighting against tuberculosis.” Many encouraged her to take up this new opportunity as Executive Director as it was related to health, especially public health, and ministry to the sick and the poor. She accepted the position in March 2016. She describes her early days, “As I assumed the responsibility, one of the most shocking realizations for me was that I was the only woman in the entire team, as well as the only female leader, leading and directing over thousands of staff working at five levels including central management to grass root levels.” Sister Nirmala says the large team consisted of central, state, and district coordinators, as well as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and community volunteers who worked at the grass-root levels. “It did not take me long to recognize that most of the staff were highly qualified and experienced people, and my job was to keep them all united and motivated to
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do their best.” Adds Sister Nirmala, “I spent my initial days working to identify the expertise and excellence of the management staff, the program, and finance managers and coordinators...I was able to build relationships, and win the acceptance and cooperation of the key personnel, as well as the office staff.” Together, these men and women had a significant impact on addressing TB. The area Sister Nirmala managed was rated as number one among the five sub-recipients of the Global Fund for the elimination of tuberculosis from the states they were actively engaged in. Sister Nirmala enjoyed her journey with CBCI-CARD,
and had many rewarding experiences. Among them, she emphasizes how the ministry helped thousands of TB patients to be healed and enjoy improved health. Some of the healed patients became ambassadors of the program. These men and women made significant differences in their villages. According to the CBCICARD website, overall 42,000 sputum positive TB patients were diagnosed and more than 348,000 persons suspected of having TB were referred for further examination. Sister Nirmala says she was able to work with people from all walks of life and all levels of government.
Reshma is a cured patient and now a tuberculosis ambassador. She is among the team members working to educate men and women across India. about tuberculosis, prevention, treatment, and eradication.
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She shares, “Getting to know and work closely with some of the officials of both civic and church bodies led to very enriching and insightful moments for me. Attending national and world conferences were enlightening experiences, and opportunities of great learning, getting connected with people and organizations at the global level.” Because of the close association and being based at the CBCI Centre, Sister Nirmala and the ministry
members received an invitation from the Apostolic Nuncio, along with governing board members. She shares, “I consider it a privilege and blessed moment when I was recognized as a Sister of Charity of Nazareth.” Sister Nirmala says that by interacting with various institutions and officials, she could make the SCN Congregation better known to them. “When I look back at the years I spent as the executive director of CBCICARD, it kept me active, energetic, and enthusiastic
in mission. It was a journey of giving, and giving all unconditionally. Though it was a commitment outside of the SCN community, I was always accompanied by the SCN leadership, and members of the Congregation... wherever I went. I close this chapter of my life with a deepened spirituality and the grace to seek goodness in others.” Now, Sister Nirmala finds herself encouraging others to take the same path she felt compelled to take. “My earnest desire is that more and more of our younger Sisters of Charity of Nazareth seek to enter into collaborative ministries, and network with public-private partnerships to make our life of commitment more impactful.”
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IN SERVICE TO THE MISSION
New director named for Office of Mission Advancement Spalding Hurst has been named director of the Office of Mission Advancement (OMA) effective Sept. 1, 2021. Spalding is replacing Patsy O’Toole, SCNA, who retired from the director position after 21 years in the office.
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Spalding has served as communications specialist for the Congregation since December 2008. Over the past 13 years, Spalding has traveled to many of the ministry sites of the Sisters, both domestically and internationally, and has forged strong relationships with Sisters across the Congregation. He has contributed in many areas of the Congregation, and as communications specialist, he has enhanced the Congregation’s efforts in design and technology, video production, website development, livestreaming, graphic design, and social media. “My desire to do well is due to my predecessors in this role and their belief of what is possible,” says Spalding.
“I will do my best to be an asset to SCN leadership and the Congregation as a whole, always. It is my hope that OMA always remains a reflection of the great work of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.” Spalding, his wife, Jennifer, and two children live in Bardstown, Kentucky. Spalding serves on the board of directors for Communicators for Women Religious, New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future, and St. Vincent de Paul Mission Store and Food Pantry. In addition to his community service, Spalding enjoys whitewater kayaking and adventure travel. Sangeeta Ayithamattam, SCN, remarks, “Spalding has demonstrated his
commitment to the SCN mission in countless ways and his expertise has enhanced our efforts in communicating our mission to the broader public. We are confident in his abilities to lead the Congregation’s advancement efforts into the future.” Through communications, fundraising, the volunteer program, and the visitor center, the Office of Mission Advancement works to inspire involvement in furthering the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Spalding can be reached at spalding@scnfamily.org or (502) 348-1593.
Spalding Hurst, bottom row center, is pictured with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth during the 2018 General Assembly held in Bangalore, India.
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Highlights A “Blue Mass” is held annually in the United States within the Catholic church, and it’s meant to honor workers in public safety, as well as the victims of 9/11. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth remembered that tragic day, and also honored the 13 soldiers who recently died in Afghanistan. Thirteen empty chairs in the church symbolized these brave women and men, the names of the soldiers were read, “Taps” was played, and the American flag lowered.
In India, SCNs Blanche Correia and Bridget Vadakeattam spent Aug. 27 and 28, 2021, at Deepalaya, Banakal, initiating and introducing the SCNA candidates to the process of becoming an Associate. The two-day event concluded with the candidates affirming that they will work towards becoming fullfledged SCNAs by Sept. 2022.
Congratulations to members of the first class to graduate from St. Vincent Matriculation Secondary School in Trichy, India. A celebration was held for grade XII on Aug. 21, 2021.
In Kenya, Africa, SCNs are currently engaged in developing a pastoral plan for Gongoni Parish. A longterm plan is underway for ongoing Catechism in the parish and outstations for different groups, preparing people for sacraments, and ongoing evangelization of the faithful.
Karen Frank, an SCNA from Chattanooga, Tennessee, received the HumanKindness Award from CHI Memorial Hospital. This award is given to a CHI Memorial staff member who exemplifies compassionate ideals and attributes.
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Seventy freshmen from Bethlehem High School, Bardstown, Kentucky, recently held their retreat day on the Motherhouse Campus, Nazareth, Kentucky. Though no longer an SCN ministry, Bethlehem was founded by the Sisters in 1819.
At Nazareth, Kentucky, three Sisters celebrated their Golden Jubilee. Celebrating 50 years as a Sister are Luke Boiarski, Teresa Kotturan, and Mary Angela Shaughnessy. Sisters, Associates, and community members of the Nazareth area joined in the celebration at St. Vincent de Paul Church during the liturgy on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021.
Eight Sisters from the Patna and Bangalore Provinces completed an 18-month certification program in Spiritual Direction under the direction of Sharon Gray, SCN. S C N F A M I LY . O R G
Legacy Society Legacy Society Honoring an Enduring Relationship How do I join the SCN Legacy Society?
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 to 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.
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) 348-1519 legacy@scnfamily.org
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J O U R N E Y I N G
Anna Marie Rhodes, SCN, 90, formerly Dorothy Jean, a native of Akron, Ohio, died at the Motherhouse, Nazareth, Kentucky, June 11, 2021. She was a professed Sister for 70 years. Sister Anna Marie served in educational ministries, teaching fifth through eighth grades at several schools in Kentucky, including Bethlehem Academy in Bardstown, St. Anthony in Bellevue, and St. Martha in Louisville. She also taught at Holy Angels School in Maryland and Roanoke Catholic High School in Virginia. She studied history at the University of North Carolina, earning a Ph.D. She taught history at Spalding University from 1971-2000. In 1994, Sister Anna Marie was named Kentucky Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Sister Anna Marie served her SCN Community at Nazareth Home in Louisville as a volunteer in Community Service starting in 2000. She continued to volunteer with the Congregation upon her move to the Nazareth Motherhouse in 2013. In recent years, she would read to Sisters with vision problems and also assisted others with learning new technology, like Zoom. She is survived by her identical twin sister, Mary Jane Rhodes, SCN, her sister Shirley Patterson, and her brother, Joseph Rhodes; her extended family; and by her religious community.
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Ann Carol Mann, SCN, 83, formerly Sister Joseph Andrew, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, July 16, 2021. She was a professed Sister for 58 years. Sister Ann Carol was in the education ministry. She taught at St. Barnabas, Louisville. After St. Barnabas, she was assigned to Memphis, Tennessee, followed by Raymondville, Texas, before being assigned to Clarksdale, Mississippi. Fond memories are often shared of when she and Ann Spence, SCN (dec.), opened Holy Name Day Center for inner-city youth in Memphis. Also while in Memphis, Sister Ann Carol became an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sister Ann Carol also served at Our Lady of Guadalupe Multi-Service Center, Raymondville, Texas; and in Louisville, as Director of the Louisville Tenet Association, Pastoral Associate at St. Augustine, and Pastoral Associate at Sts. Simon and Jude Church. Her ministries also included Sister Visitor Center as staff and executive director, Candy for Caring, and Nazareth Home. A nephew says those closest to her called her Nancy, or Sister Nancy. She is survived by many nieces and nephews; extended family; and by her religious community.
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Rosemarie Chase, SCN, 85, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, died at the Motherhouse, Nazareth, Kentucky, Aug. 4, 2021. She was a professed Sister for 57 years. Sister Rosemarie attended Spalding College (now Spalding University) in Louisville, Kentucky, where she earned her undergraduate degree in history; Trinity College in Washington, D.C.; and Fordham in New York earning a master’s in theology. Among her ministries: Spalding College; Holy Family Hospital, Ensley, Alabama; La Salette Academy, Covington, Kentucky; St. Edward’s, Brockton, Massachusetts; and as an early member of Network, in Washington, D.C. She went on to teach theology and to be involved in campus ministry. Ministries included St. Mary’s Academy, Leonardtown, Maryland; Mt. Carmel Convent, New York; and in Ohio, the John XXIII Center in the Diocese of Steubenville; pastoral ministry in Appalachia while living in Athens; and Holy Spirit Parish, Columbus; as well as Lazarus House, Lawrence, Massachusetts. At Nazareth, she served as director of the SCNA Program, in archives and community service, and as a pastoral administrator. She is survived by two brothers, and a sister; nieces and nephews; and by her religious community.
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Mary Julia Zilka, SCN, 86, died at Cornerview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Aug. 3, 2021. She was a professed Sister for 68 years. Sister M. Julia served as an elementary teacher and as a principal in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and in Monett, Missouri. Her ministries in Pennsylvania included Vincentian Home in Pittsburgh, St. Matthew’s in Pittsburgh, St. Ursula in Allison Park, St. Ann in Homestead, St. Denis in Versailles, St. Robert Bellarmine in East McKeesport, St. Agnes School in North Huntingdon, St. Catherine in Wildwood, Holy Trinity Parish in Ford City, St. Anthony Church in Johnstown, St. Sebastian Parish in Pittsburgh, St. Mary’s in Cecil, Vincentian Day Care in Pittsburgh, and St. Francis in Johnstown. She also ministered at St. Lawrence School in Monett, Missouri. In addition to degrees in education, she pursued religious studies at John Carroll University, St. Vincent College, and Seton Hill College. After serving for 44 years in the education ministry, Sister M. Julia continued to be in ministry at Vincenti de Marillac Nursing home and at Vincentian Collaborative System. Sister M. Julia is survived by her sister, Agnes; many nieces and nephews; and by her religious community.
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Sujata Maliakal, SCN (Mary Mathew), 71, a native of Kerala, India, died unexpectedly at her family’s home in Kerala, Oct. 28, 2021. She was a professed Sister for 46 years. Sister Sujata entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Mokama, Bihar, India as a candidate in 1972, made first vows in 1975, and perpetual vows in 1980. Sister Sujata ministered as a teacher, administrator, school principal, and secretary to the Provincial, as well as a dietician in various SCN missions in India and Nepal. In her most recent assignment as assistant director of EPDO (Eastern Province Development Office), Sister Sujata was entrusted with the responsibility of communicating with benefactors. In Sister Sujata’s own words, her time with the children at Dharuhera, Haryana was one of her best ministry moments. She loved being with them, caring for and empowering them! She was in touch with some of them until the end. She is survived by Rev. Sister Deepti, RNDM, Rev. Sister Smita, Provincial of Religious of Assumption, Mr. Jose Mathew, Mrs. Saly Kurian, and Mrs. Jecily Tomy; extended family; and by her religious community.
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Mary Clement Pavlik, 105, died in Pittsburgh, Pa., Oct. 29, 2021. She was in her 91st year of her religious life. Sister entered religious life from St. Matthew Parish in Southside Pittsburgh in 1930. She served in the nursing ministry. In 1940, she received her RN degree from St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh, followed by a Bachelors in Nursing Education from Duquesne University. Her early ministries included Vincentian Home, St. Vincent Hospital in Monett, Missouri, and as personnel director at St. Jude Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama. She attended St. Francis School of Anesthesia to become a nurse anesthetist. In 1957, she received her Masters of Nursing Education degree at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1958, she was appointed administrator of St. Vincent Hospital in Monett, in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. She remained there for 17 years, after which time, she served as Councillor of Temporalities for two terms. Until her retirement, Sister was Health Coordinator for the Sisters at the Motherhouse. Sister Mary Clement was noted for her quick wit and great sense of humor, and remained physically active in her final years. She is survived by her nieces; great-nieces and nephews; and by her religious community.
Sisters prayerfully remember former students of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth: Sharon “Sherry” Haydon Bruce, Nazareth College, 1969 Linda Walter Chudowsky, Nazareth College, 1959 Sylvia Goicoechea, professor at the Nazareth College, 1961-1968 Ann M. Lyons, Sts. Mary and Elizabeth, Louisville, 1955 Shirley Manecke, Saint Cecilia Elementary School Ellen Banahan Mefford, St. Catherine Academy, Lexington, 1949, and St. Joseph School of Nursing, 1952
Honorary and Memorial Donations With gratitude, gifts are acknowledged that support ministries of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in memory or in honor of others. To view a listing visit: scnfamily.org/hons
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P.O. Box 9 Nazareth, Kentucky 40048
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Please consider a gift to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in your Christmas giving.
