The Journey Vol. 02, 2022

The J

URNEY

VOL. II 2022

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In this issue

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New leadership is finding its footing with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth as provincials, vice provincials and board members took office this spring.

Run With a Mission 5K returns to Nazareth Campus

New Provincials Take Office

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A Long Road

Joel Urumpil, SCN, is known as a woman with compassion and passion for mission. She dedicates decades to lifting oppressed communities to freedom.

Nazareth 5K

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Lisa Polega, SCN, is an advocacy supervisor for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Louisville, Kentucky. The nonprofit trains volunteers to be a voice for abused and neglected children in family court.

In harmony with the care for the earth, the education ministry makes the mission in Banakal whole and fulfilling for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

A Voice for the Voiceless

A Land of Promise

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Wo r d s f r o m L e a d e r s h i p I have not stopped counting the blessings that were mine during my sixmonth stay in India. The blessings came my way as I journeyed with our Sisters and Associates in both the Patna and Bangalore Provinces and witnessed the SCN mission in various places across the country. Thousands of miles away our Sisters and Associates in the Western Province, with their stirring commitment to actualize our mission statement, “Committed to work for justice in solidarity with oppressed peoples, especially the economically poor and women, and to care for the earth …” continued to motivate me and our Sisters in India.

This issue of The Journey magazine holds some inspiring and challenging stories of how the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth live and minister our call to mission. The committed and compassionate service rendered to the sick and suffering in Pabalelong Hospice, Botswana, includes calming components of ministry that offer loving care, bringing healing and wholeness to the patients in the hospice and in their homes.

Sister Joel, in collaboration with like-minded individuals, has been passionately committed to the cause of Dalits/untouchables. Seeking justice for those oppressed over many decades, she and her team have empowered thousands of girls and women, giving them dignity and freedom in their lives and helping transform society. As her name, “Jyoti” implies, she is truly a beacon of light to the marginalized people. While I was visiting her ministry, I could not help but notice how her eyes sparkled with pride and contentment as the girls performed on the stage with flawless effort, voicing their opinions boldly and walking away with certificates and degrees in their hands.

Sister Lisa Polega's commitment through CASA to be a voice for the voiceless in her ministry with abused and neglected children is another effort to work for justice and give hope to those who cannot speak on their own behalf.

While being in full-time ministry of education, our Sisters and their colleagues in Banakal have taken on the additional endeavor of making a conscientious decision to tenderly care for Mother Earth, the poorest of the poor, as Pope Francis says. Their goal is to protect the environment and bring forth fruits in abundance.

I am truly amazed at the educational learnings in caring for the earth that each stakeholder receives through this endeavor.

We rejoice with the new Province Leadership Teams in all three provinces where they have taken on the mantle, plunged into their new role, and committed to assisting the members to be true to the call of the Gospel.

Through all our daily commitment to the cause of God’s people, we are ever grateful to our collaborators whose support of our mission is unfathomable. All things are possible with our God and with, you, our friends who are partners in the mission.

United with you in prayer,

Jackulin Jesu, SCN Vice President

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Provincial Leadership Teams Take Office New leadership is finding its footing with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth as provincials, vice provincials and board members took office this spring.

Western Province

Bangalore Province

Patna Province

Provincial - Barbara Flores, SCN (center)

Provincial - Mary Margaret Nirmala, SCN (right)

Provincial - Latika Kottuppallil, SCN (center)

Vice Provincials - Michelle Grgurich, SCN (left) and Camille Panich, SCN (right)

Vice Provincial - Vijaya Chalil, SCN (left)

Vice Provincials - Basanti Lakra, SCN (left) and Suchita Kullu, SCN (right)

the elementary through college levels. She holds degrees in psychology, education, and religious, theological and cultural studies.

With her past Western Province leadership work and her administrative positions in schools, Sister Barbara is well equipped to lead the province in the coming years. Additionally, Sister Barbara served as vice president of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth from 2003 to 2008 and has been involved in vocation promotion and formation ministry for the Community.

“As I ponder the future, I sense tremendous hope among us with a deep desire to forge

forward in re-envisioning new ways of keeping our Charity charism alive,” she declared in her discernment for leadership.

Sister Barbara is joined in the Western Province by new vice provincials, SCNs Michelle Grgurich and Camille Panich.

Sister Michelle is described as having critical and creative thinking skills, resiliency and extensive experience with and knowledge of Sisters of Charity of Nazareth ministries. Her background includes recent work as director of the Office of Congregational Ministries, a position she held until 2021. She also previously served on the Western Province Board and as

Western Province In the Western Province, comprising the United States and Belize, Barbara Flores, SCN, advanced to provincial, an opportunity to which she is looking forward.

In her nomination, Sister Barbara was praised for her knowledge of the Western Province through her experience in other leadership roles, including her most recent position of vice provincial, to which she was elected in 2017.

Sister Barbara, born in Punta Gorda, Belize, has been a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth since 1981. Her background is in education, and she has taught students at

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director of the Department for Persons with Disabilities in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Sister Michelle looks forward to working with the Central Leadership Team and with numerous initiatives and ministries that adhere to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth’s mission in her Western Province leadership role.

“I look forward to building and deepening relationships with Sisters and Associates, listening to the needs that arise, and

together determining meaningful options,” she said.

For Sister Camille, the Western Province leadership role offers an opportunity to further serve the Community she loves. A longtime educator of various subjects, mainly at the high school level, Sister Camille has teaching and administrative experience, which she applies to leadership roles elsewhere.

Sister Camille previously served with the Western Province Steering Committee, among

other roles, and has witnessed the Congregation grow and change in exciting ways due to leadership efforts.

“From the very beginning, I have been energized by the focus on justice, women, care for the earth, and our global awareness and presence,” she said of the Community. She added that the commitment she witnessed from others inspired her call to leadership and furthered her involvement in the Congregation.

opportunity for open dialogue and discerned decisions for the province. She also believes delegation is the way forward and has seen the result in her current place of ministry.

“With generosity and truthfulness as my strengths, along with the team of leaders of the province, I will seek to empower every member of the province to be her best self by recognizing her gifts and grace and building on it,” she said.

Like Sister Nimmie, Sister Vijaya’s experience is in education. Sister Vijaya most recently served as principal of Rosary School in Mumbai, a position she had held since

in addressing issues, adding the Congregation is called to think and act differently. She also believes in a democratic way of functioning where all are heard, listened to and share their opinions and ideas.

“We need to plunge into action. We are standing on the shoulders of our pioneers,” she said. “We have models from the past and living inspirational women in the present from which we can draw strength.”

Bangalore Province In the Bangalore Province of Southern India, Mary Margaret “Nimmie” Nirmala, SCN, has taken on the role of provincial, joined by Vijaya Chalil, SCN, as vice provincial.

Sister Nimmie, born in Madras Tamil, Nadu, India, has been a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth since 1988.

Her background is in education, and she previously served as a teacher and administrator in India and Nepal, working with Nazareth Academy, St. Michael School, St. Vincent Matriculation School, Arulanandar College, Navjyoti Centre, Navjyoti School and most recently Jyoti Nivas School, where she was a lecturer

‘I will seek to empower every member of the Province to be her best self.’ of mathematics. This is Sister Nimmie’s first role in provincial leadership.

Sister Nimmie believes in the contemplative approach of consultation, communication, communion and accountability as the basis of governance at any level. She says this widens the

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2012. Prior to that, Sister Vijaya served as a school administrator for Nazareth Academy and as a teacher at St. Michael High School, Nazareth Bhavan and Creane Memorial School in Bihar.

Sister Vijaya understands the importance of contemplative dialogue and honest sharing

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Patna Province In the Patna Province, Latika Kottuppallil, SCN, is welcomed as the new provincial. Born in Kerala, India, Sister Latika has been a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth since 1982. Sister Latika’s professional background is in nursing. She has served the Patna Province as a teacher, nurse, supervisor, nursing service director, associate administrator, and administrator of Nazareth Hospital, Mokama.

Sister Latika steps into provincial leadership for the first time in her new role. Described as wise, intelligent, and a good listener, she has qualities that will carry her far in her service to the province. She has a special love for the poor and the needy, and Sisters see her as very creative in her approach to Mission. She is courageous and risk-taking and she is a spiritual person who sees many possibilities in impossible situations.

SCNs Basanti Lakra and Suchita Kullu join her as vice provincials for Patna.

Sister Basanti has served in the province as a teacher, headmistress, directress of pre-novices, social worker, and community coordinator. She also has extensive experience in leadership, including serving as vice provincial for the Patna

Province from 2007 to 2012 and as provincial from 2012 to 2017.

Her experience in leadership and formation is an asset to the new leadership team.

Sister Basanti’s fellow Sisters describe her as wise, calm, serene, and deeply spiritual with an optimistic, empowering and courageous nature. Recently, she worked as director of

province and congregational levels.

Sister Suchita loves working with women and children in the parishes and offering them spiritual care and moral support.

Her experience working in the initial formation for 10 years, teaching ministry and social field are an asset to the leadership team. She is described as

‘I look forward to revitalizing communities … to respond to the needs of the post pandemic creatively.’ the temporary professed of Patna Province and director of tertians of Patna and Bangalore Provinces, a position she held until April 2022.

“I look forward to revitalizing the communities that work in collaboration to respond to the needs of post pandemic creatively,” she said.

Sister Suchita brings experience in social work and teaching. She has served the province in these capacities as well as director of candidates, student counselor and director of novices. She has worked with various committees at both the

community-minded, optimistic and open to the realities of the world.

As a young leader, she said, “I look forward to working with the Sisters and Associates in the province, Executive Committee, Province Leadership Team and the Board of Directors with love and trust in God and one another.”

Each team was installed this spring with special eucharistic celebrations in their provinces.

Appreciation was also shown during this time for outgoing leadership. The provincials and vice provincials will serve for a term of five years. They will work closely with the Central Leadership Team, which includes President Sangeeta Ayithamattam, SCN, Vice President Jackulin Jesu, SCN, and Vice President Adeline Fehribach, SCN. SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . II 2022

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Running With a Mission 5K Returns to Nazareth Campus In a sight reminiscent of 2019, crowds of men, women and children flocked to the picturesque Nazareth Motherhouse Campus, greeted Sisters with big smiles and learned more about the missions and ministries as they attended the Nazareth 5K Run With a Mission. The event, held on June 4, 2022, near Bardstown, Kentucky, was the first in-person gathering of its kind since

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the race launched three years ago.

The race brought together new and returning visitors alike and placed the Sisters back in their element of engaging with the community after years of lockdown and restrictions.

“It’s so beautiful out here! I don’t think there are words to explain it,” said Carolyn Lucas as she took in her surroundings before the start of the race. Lucas was among a handful of

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women sporting bright pink tutus and socks that morning. The women were running as representatives of the Flaget Cancer Center and were part of a larger team of employees with Flaget Memorial Hospital, which was established by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 1951. Many of them were participating in the 5K for the first time.

“We’re not here to run. We’re here to walk,” Lucas said with a grin

before heading off slowly but steadily with her teammates. While some participants were giving their all to cross the finish line first, the day was about having fun and supporting a good cause.

The 5K took participants around the campus, starting and ending at the Motherhouse. Along the route, signs and photos offered a glimpse at the global ministries and impact of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Several Sisters, clad in red shirts to designate them as such, lined parts of the route waving pom-

poms, homemade signs and bells to cheer on the runners. Sangeeta Ayithamattam, SCN, president of the Congregation, said she noticed how the 5K brought a lot of life and energy to the campus that had been absent since COVID-19.

The Nazareth 5K began in 2019 as an idea to engage the community in a new way.

Chris Kunze, SCN, and Lisa Polega, SCN, were working with the Office of Mission Advancement to determine a way to draw people in, bring them to campus, and spread the word about what Sisters do. It so happened, at the time, Sisters Chris and Lisa had started running 5Ks together. The idea of Nazareth hosting its own 5K began to churn in their minds.

“It would be a neat way to reach a different group of people and welcome people to Nazareth who

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may not normally come here,” Sister Lisa said of how they toyed with the thought.

The idea was introduced to the OMA team, which welcomed the challenge.

“From there, it just unfolded,” Sister Chris said.

As they planned and prepped, the Sisters and the other organizers thought it would be great to have at least 50 people turn out for the

inaugural event. They watched as the registrant numbers surpassed 50, then 100, to 150, to 200 and then over 300.

“We were shocked,” Sister Chris said. The event had drawn more interest than they anticipated. “We certainly had those who run 5Ks, but then there were a lot of people who had a connection with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth who wanted to come and show support.”

While a massive success, the pandemic hindered participation the following year, and the event was canceled for 2020. In 2021, with restrictions still looming, the 5K returned but only as a virtual event.

This year, participants were offered a virtual and in-person option, and most chose the latter. Just shy of 300 people registered for 2022.

The 5K serves as a fundraiser, and this year supported the Pabalelong Hospice in Botswana. The event serves another important purpose,

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however, of promoting the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth’s work and building connections. “It’s really about gathering people,” Sister Chris

said. This year, just as in 2019, neighbors, long-lost friends and even strangers found themselves drawn together by a common interest.

Most of those who attended the 2022 event were Kentuckians who live near the campus. A local, Kyle Crawford, was the top finisher for this year’s race. He has competed in his fair share of 5Ks, but this was his first time participating in the Nazareth event.

“We used to come to Easter Mass at Nazareth,” Crawford said, and he often runs on the campus

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Top photo: The start/finish line in front of the Motherhouse.

Bottom photo: A family participating in the race heads toward the finish line.

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year. Connie Blake, SCNA, traveled in from Chattanooga, Tennessee and walked with a participant who came in from Kansas. The 5K was the first time Connie had been back to visit the campus since

Top photo: Women representing Flaget Cancer Center wore bright pink tutus while running in the Nazareth 5K. Bottom photo: Sisters, wearing red shirts, at left, cheer on runners as they pass by during the race.

recreationally. Still, the 5K took him on a new route, one that has enticed him to explore further on future visits.

Having the Sisters there and having the mission signs placed throughout the course helped educate visitors on the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and who they serve.

“It gives people an opportunity to see what we are about,” Sister Lisa said. “Yes, we are in Botswana. Yes, we are in Nepal. They might not know that we scale the globe.”

In addition to new faces, there were many returning visitors and participants from out of state this

COVID-19, and she was delighted to return.

“This is such a special place. It’s such a holy place,” Blake said. “It just makes sense that once they opened this back up to come and do this, we would come.”

For Blake, who has been a Sister of Charity of Nazareth Associate for 33 years, the mission, connection with the Sisters and personal challenge of the 5K was more than enough to warrant the long commute.

It didn’t matter who crossed the finish line first or what it was that brought them to the campus. At the end of the day, all walked away with a better understanding of the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and an opportunity to connect with those who see it through.

The 2022 return of the Nazareth 5K was indeed a success and a blessing.

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A Long Road Sister dedicates decades to lifting oppressed communities to freedom

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Joel Urumpil, SCN, is known as a

word meaning useless, no value, and

woman with compassion and passion

non-persons, not worth worrying about.

for mission, especially for the Bhuiyan

Her journey with these men, women, and

community of Chatra District, Jharkhand.

children began in 1988 with Asha Bahen,

This community, fraught with casteism

a Medical Mission Sister who was living

and oppression, is a place where Sister

with these “useless” people in one of

Joel has worked tirelessly to be a voice

their huts in Khutikewal Kala, Huntergung

and strength for the people.

Block, Chatra District, Jharkhand. Thirty-

She is a sign of contradiction, one that seeks justice, loves without cost, and walks humbly with her God. “I am blessed to be a companion to

three years later, Sister Joel remains with

the Bhuiyan community in their long and

the community and has found them to

tedious journey to freedom,” Sister Joel

be creative and hardworking, but often

said. She has joined them in their struggle

devoid of opportunity.

and pain, success and sorrows.

Called Dalits, or untouchables, the

In her first encounter with the Bhuiyan

residents are landless people, pushed

community, she asked, “Who are these

to the periphery, who worked for the

people?”

rich and the landlords. Men worked

“They are ‘bekar,’” she was told, a

on someone else's farm from morning to evening. Women looked after the children and worked in rich men’s houses.

Young girls tended animals, took care of their siblings, and did household chores.

Sister Joel became a beacon of light among those in the community who did not know what to hope for but longed for freedom. It was here that she began what she believes to be her life’s work.

In time, Sister Joel and her team realized that the land where these people worked belonged to the government

Sister Joel works for justice for people belonging to the lowest stratum castes in India, known as Dalits or “the untouchables.”

and not to the landlords. They began to conscientize and organize the people through a movement to acquire the land.

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In the beginning people were mortally frightened

Within a year, they cover the syllabus of class

to go against the landlords. After two years of a long

five and can be admitted to class six. Now, there is a

struggle and numerous meetings, rallies, and hunger

rush for admission. Due to scarcity of funds, though,

strikes, they became the owners of 2,200 acres of

Gurukul has to refuse many requests.

land. Sadly, four village leaders were martyred in

Through Gurukul, the girls acquire knowledge

the process. That struggle was historic because the

and self-confidence, can manage a home, and are

illiterate women of the Bhuiyan community were in

quite good in cultural programs and competitions.

the leading line.

They also acquire a basic understanding of child

The land struggle was the first step toward

rights, gender balance and the root causes of the

freedom and dignity, but

oppressive situation of the

there were miles to go to

Bhuiyan community.

gain rights over resources, rights

for

These

have

government

become agents of change

recourses, gender balance,

in society. With the help

and

the

of elders in their villages,

curse of illiteracy. Following

they are able to challenge

the land struggle and other

and stop the plundering

systemic change activities,

of natural resources and

Sister Joel decided to focus

question the irregularity in

on girls’ education, because

the services to the Dalits

freedom

from

she felt education was the basis for self-dignity and overall development.

Sister Joel sees the education of young girls as a way to break the cycle of gender imbalance and child marriage.

The policy was to admit

or

Tribals.

Those

who

have completed their stay at Gurukul are pursuing studies, hold jobs or, in

illiterate or semi-literate girls above 9 years of age

adulthood, are married to educated men. Their

to school, Gurukul, so that they could be saved from

mothers are members of the “Struggling Women’s

child marriage. These girls were kept only for one

Committee for Freedom.” These committees have

year and were sent back to their homes as a new

microcredit and nonbanking programs and are

batch of students arrived. A year of separation from

taking up systemic change issues.

home was essential to really understand what home

Within the last 23 years, around 3,500 girls have

was like. They were provided a “home” away from

passed through from the portals of Gurukul. Out

home, and this practice continues today.

of these, about 90% completed basic or college

There were fears in the beginning, but slowly the girls began to feel secure in their new surroundings.

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girls

studies. For the girls, this is a launching pad for upward mobility.

To follow a routine and disciplined way of life was

There has been a slow and steady change taking

most difficult for them. After 23 years, however, both

place in the lives of the Bhuiyan community and

the children and their parents are convinced and are

Sister Joel is very much part of this change. Her

eager to go through this type of education.

wisdom and creative and innovative thinking have

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enabled her to chalk out new plans and paths

systemic change.

for the welfare of the community longing for

Her tireless effort to empower the girls

freedom. She dares to be different and thinks

and women of the Bhuiyan community, who

out of the box. We admire her indomitable

had lost the opportunity to live a humane life,

spirit, regardless of all the difficulties and

is greatly appreciated. She really embodies

troubles she faces in carrying out her mission.

the name she has adopted, “Jyoti” (light), as

Sister Joel dares to be different for the sake

she brings justice and better life opportunities

of the exploited. Her love for the oppressed is

to many. She is like a mother to the orphans

seen in the changes that have come about in

and the unwanted; a compassionate “Behen”

the Bhuiyan community. Her outspoken nature

(Sister) to the rich and the poor alike. She

has brought a broader vision for her mission

is a spark of fire initiating change in society.

and direction for the Patna Province. She has

Her brave spirit knows no limits and in her

deep faith and trust in God. She leads by

dictionary, there is no word like, “impossible.”

example, she challenges the corrupt systems

She makes everything possible with God in

of the society and has become an agent of

her people.

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A Voice for the Voiceless ‘Mother Catherine would be here.’

Lisa Polega, SCN, often spends her days in the courtroom, as her ministry has taken her to Louisville, Kentucky, to help some of the youngest and most vulnerable residents there. Sister Lisa is an advocacy supervisor for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Louisville. The nonprofit trains volunteers to be a voice for abused and neglected children in family court.

“Oftentimes, and I know a lot of us can say this in our various ministries, I think if Mother Catherine were around today, she would be mixing it up in the Jefferson County family court system,” Sister Lisa said of the work. “Sometimes, I think we don’t have orphans coming down the Ohio River, but there are so many children here in Louisville today that do need care, anything from parenting to fostering. These are the orphans from the wharf.”

Sister Lisa said advocates go “toe-to-toe with attorneys” in court to ensure the best decisions are made for the children.

“Judges love us. The volunteer prepares the report and submits it to the judge and all attorneys involved,” she said. “Sometimes, you’re in court all day. We are an extra set of eyes and ears to make sure the child is in the best place.”

Sister Lisa has a master’s in theology, and through the years, she found herself working toward family unity.

In Chicago, she worked with undocumented people seeking asylum, she worked to keep families together and advocated for immigration reform. In Mississippi, she worked with low-income families and through systems to meet their needs.

When she first came to Louisville looking for a ministry, Sister Lisa went to her Community for ideas. She processed coming to minister at CASA with Eva Kowalski, SCN, who had a lot of experience working with children and the Covenant House.

“I was concerned over some of the difficulties or some of the things I would be encountering,” she said. “Eva basically told me you may not have immediate results, but even if the child 20 or 30 years from now is in the most dire circumstance and they look back on their lives, and they just remember that little glimmer of hope, that kind word that was said to them, measure that as success.”

The late Marie Flowers, SCN, also influenced 16

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Sister Lisa’s interest in CASA. Sister Marie was an advocacy supervisor and volunteer for the nonprofit. CASA is a calling for many, both women religious and laypeople, looking to impact the lives of children in need.

Linda Ilnick is one of the volunteers at CASA in Louisville. She shared about her volunteer work with the nonprofit and working with Sister Lisa.

“It’s important to talk to the families; when you talk to the parents, you realize their lives weren’t much different and that it is cyclical, this kind of life,” Linda said. “Lisa is our support. A lot of times, most CASA helpers come from fixer backgrounds; we want to fix things. So, we come in like bulls in china shops, and that gets nothing accomplished. But Lisa is the one who you kind of talk through it with – this is how we are going to approach this, this is what we need to do.

She goes with us on our first visits to a home because that’s kind of scary, going into people’s homes.”

Lisa also reads through the volunteers’ reports.

“It’s intimidating to write a report that is going to be read in court. For anybody, that’s intimidating,” Linda said. “She goes through our report, and we work through it, so that is a support to us volunteers.

But Lisa has the perfect personality for it. Lisa is kind in her feedback. She says, ‘well, you could do it that way, but I don’t know, or we could do it this way,’ which probably is a little better. She is very supportive and encouraging.”

Sister Lisa is more than happy to offer this help.

“Volunteers are the backbone of CASA,” she said. “Volunteerism, in general, builds capacity into the

CASA President/CEO Will Myers, Advocacy Supervisor Lisa Polega, SCN, and Program Coordinator Megan Mosteller were pictured outside on the children’s playground. CASA offices are located in Louisville on the Kosair Charities campus.

system, any system. Technically, I am the supervisor, but supervision isn’t necessarily telling people what to do. I work with extremely gifted people. My job with volunteers is to help them identify their own giftedness in a situation.”

Sister Lisa says each volunteer is different. Some are more aware and more confident in their giftedness. Her role may be to lead through example, or it may be to simply walk with them and SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . II 2022

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encourage them in the work.

“Sometimes you’re the principal, and sometimes you’re the cheerleader,” she said.

While the work of CASA is essential, the weight of the ministry can be heavy.

Sister Lisa will physically wipe her feet on the rug on her way out at the end of a tough day, an attempt to leave it behind as she heads home.

When she, too, needs support and encouragement, she turns to her SCN Community.

“There are a couple of women in the Community that I do know because of their professional background, their ministerial background, that they are great people to process it with,” she said. “I consider Betty Blandford, SCN, a go-to person. Sister Betty is somebody with whom I can process situations. There

are times I may go home after work and dinner, and she would hear of some of the situations, and she may have ministered in a position where she had encountered that in the past.”

Jacqueline Aceto, SCN, is a listening ear for Sister Lisa as well and can relate due to her own ministry work. SCNs Theresa Knabel and Marlene Lehmkuhl are among other Sisters who have been 18

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connected with CASA over the years.

“We are part of the safety net: teachers, social workers, attorneys, courts,” Sister Lisa said of those involved with CASA. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth support the nonprofit as volunteers and advocates as well as monetary support.

CASA has been a recipient of grants from the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Ministry Fund, receiving its first grant in 2014.

CASA President and CEO Will Myers believes the nonprofit is a continuation of the mission of Mother Catherine Spalding.

For Sister Lisa, working with CASA has its challenges, but every day is a learning opportunity.

“For every bad thing, you have to remember there are people helping. As a woman of faith, you need that rock in your life,” she said. “We experience secondary trauma when we read the reports and talk with the children and families.” She knows there is a God for children who are hurt, as well as for their abusers.

Being an advocate for vulnerable children is not something that can be done alone. It takes a team coming together for a common goal – to be a voice for the otherwise voiceless.

“When I need the strength, when I am in the courtroom talking with a variety of different attorneys who all have conflicting interests, we, as CASA specifically, have the voice of the child in mind. That is who we advocate for,” Sister Lisa said. “So, I think when we are mixing it up, I know there are voices that are louder than mine, that have more legal expertise. I do try to channel my inner Mother Catherine because I do know that to have my voice represent that of the child’s, however small that child’s voice may be,” is important.

NAZARETH.ORG

The Illuminated Path Early influence of Sister, epiphany helps longtime agnostic return to faith Col. J.J. Hansbrough says he spent

for me. I nervously approached her desk

much of his life blissfully unaware of God’s

and issued a heartfelt apology. She

plan for him. He had fallen away from the

immediately hugged me and thanked me,

Church for more than three decades, but

noting that I was the only one in the class

is now an active parishioner in his parish

to do the right thing. Later that evening,

and supporter of the Sisters of Charity

she called my mother to tell her about her

of Nazareth. His early Catholic education

wonderful son. I’d never seen my mother

with the Sisters and the influence of Sister

so proud.”

Rose William continue to impact his

Hansbrough said the story of

life today.

his good deed soon spread

“We were poor, but

around the convent, and

my family managed to

his future at Our Lady

send my older brother

of Nazareth “became

and

me

to

Catholic

pure gold,” he said.

school, where we both

“In the Italian military,

excelled academically,”

they

Hansbrough said of his

as

early years.

path.’ Even when I fell

“The Sisters of Charity

refer ‘the

to

this

illuminated

away from the Church,

loved me,” he said of his 10

I always remembered this

years of Catholic education

incident as a high point in my

at Our Lady of Nazareth. “My biggest fan was Sister Rose William, who was both my mentor and protector.”

life.”

Hansbrough thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Sisters, but in his tenth-

Hansbrough recalls how one morning

grade year, his family moved out of the

in the third grade, Sister Rose became very

city. After the move, Hansbrough began

frustrated with the students’ misbehavior

to shift away from his Catholic upbringing.

and ordered the entire class to stay after school and write her an apology.

While

Hansbrough

found

companionship with those of the Catholic

“When the final bell rang, every pupil

faith during his time in the Air Force,

scrambled for the door and left, except

including an army assistant and a young

SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . II 2022

19

Monsignor, he remained steadfast in his

and desperately trying to remember the

new beliefs – or lack thereof – when it

words of the Act of Contrition.

came to God.

He

explained

that

Sister

Rose’s

It wasn’t until he retired from military

presence in the room was palpable and at

service that Hansbrough changed his

some point, Hansbrough finally fell asleep.

outlook on religion. In December 1997,

As Hansbrough’s condition slowly began

Hansbrough fell ill with an infection and

to improve in the days that followed, he

pneumonia.

considered

his

next

“Journeys of faith are often circuitous.

steps, including visiting

Mine has been a long and twisted path,

churches in his area to

with lots of missteps, stumbles and long

experience Mass. Soon

detours onto dead-end streets,” he said.

he would receive Holy

“Through the mercy of God and the

Communion

prayers of known and unknown loved

first time in 35 years.

for

the

“Even if you have abandoned God, God has not abandoned you.”

ones, I was once again placed on the main

He remembered how a terrible storm

highway in a miraculous event that still

formed outside the church as he visited

mystifies me today.”

the Monsignor to confess his sins. As the

Shortly after a Christmas visit with family, Hansbrough became very ill. He

morning progressed, though, he felt a change in and around him.

found himself exhausted, in agony and

“I walked out of the church, into the

caught between what he describes as

sunshine,” he said. “The storm was over

earth and hell.

and I was back.”

“I was isolated in a place without

Hansbrough and his wife have become

time or color, with a landscape similar to

active in their parish and work in several

the moon, but without any sun, stars or

ministries. His encounter with the Sisters

planets in the sky. … Everything was cold,

of Charity of Nazareth and Sister Rose

barren, black and gray, and silent.”

William occurred early on in his young

Distraught, Hansbrough began to

life, but those influences remained with

pray, “What can I do to get out of this

him, even if dormant for a time. Today, he

place?”

feels that he has returned to Christ, and

The reply he heard was to return to the church of his youth.

he faithfully supports the Sisters' mission.

Hansbrough hopes to pass on a

Hansbrough awoke, thinking that

message that it is never too late, “No

he had never had such a terrifying or

matter what you have done or how long

realistic dream. He knew, however, that

you might have been estranged … even

God was sending a clear message that

if you have abandoned God, God has not

his experience was no dream. He tossed

abandoned you.”

around on the bed, shivering and sweating

20

SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . II 2022

NAZARETH.ORG

A Land of Promise A holistic approach to environmental protection through education In the beautiful hillside of Banakal,

into the ministry of education

India, many hurdles would need to be

to address the concerns of

overcome to complete the desired

the employees of the coffee

school. From chasing cattle to diverting

estates in Banakal.

water sources, it took careful stewardship

Nestled atop the Charmadi

of land over many years for Nazareth

hills in the scenic Western

School to find its place in Banakal,

Ghats, Banakal is surrounded

and become recognized as a leading

by coffee estates and paddy

educational institution in Mudigere.

fields and is known for its

In the 1990s, the Sisters of Charity of

pleasant weather throughout

Nazareth sought to expand their mission

the year. It is one of the

beyond Bihar and Jharkhand. Invitations

agriculture dominant villages

to open missions in the south of India

in the Chikmagalur district.

were already coming, and some missions

Marietta

were already open. As the Sisters looked

and Hilda Lobo, SCN, were

at a possible mission in the Diocese of

the first to be missioned.

Chikmagalur in the year 1996, Babil A.

Saldanha,

Recalling

SCN,

her

Saldanha, a philanthropist from Banakal,

pioneering days, Sister

offered to donate two acres of property

Hilda says, “The initial

with a wish that the Sisters would venture

period of my ministry

SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . II 2022

21

was all about chasing the cattle from the property

years to cross all the legal hurdles to ensure that the

full of coffee plants. Since there was no fence to the

foundation for the education ministry was sound on

property, the cattle from the neighborhood found

the property. Today it hosts the sprawling Nazareth

the place a haven for them.” It took just six months

School.

for the two-acre property of the coffee plantation to

After 10 years of labor, the Sisters finally moved

become a barren land, and this shattered the heart

from a rented home to a partially converted convent

of the Sisters.

in the school. By 2007, Sisters had acquired an

‘You care for the earth and the earth, in turn, cares for you.’

additional five acres of property, predominantly through the generosity of a family. After 13 years of careful stewardship, the school building was completed, and Nazareth School found a place on the map of Banakal, recognized as a leading educational institution of Mudigere Taluk. Four years

The land had no water to support any ministry

later, in 2012, a convent was constructed so that the

on it. Sisters also ran into difficulty as the land was

classrooms used as a convent until then could be

registered agricultural land and using it for any other

utilized for the students.

purpose was illegal as per the government. While

The mostly undeveloped part of the property

Banakal and its neighboring towns do not run short

stirred the Sisters to expand their mission of caring

of annual rains, the sloppy terrain meant that the

for the earth. Frequent entry of cattle left the place

water did not replenish the groundwater source.

devoid of any plantation. Under the initiative of

As hurdles piled up, the Sisters had lost hope of

Elizabeth Jaya Rani, SCN, a compound wall was

continuing ministry in Banakal. Fortunately for them,

constructed, but part of this wall was destroyed

in 1998, through the help of a water diviner, they

by devastating rains in 2019. With the first hurdle

found a good running stream under the land, and

crossed, the objective now was to retain the rain

the first well was dug on the land. It took eight

waters on the campus. A pond was dug on the

22

SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . II 2022

NAZARETH.ORG

campus to which rainwater from the entire

tends the property. He carefully plans the layout

property was collected. The available water was

of the plots and plants trees appropriately, tends

just enough for the needs of the school. The local

the plants, and prepares bio-manure with cow

administration then helped with funds to dig a

dung, humus, and vegetable wastes. Apart from

second well on the campus. Today, a third well is

this, he also cultivates seasonal vegetables and

being constructed in the middle of the pond to

nurtures small-scale poultry with 13 hens, two

ensure that water does not dry up in the three to

cocks, and eight chicks.

four months of water shortage.

Sister Hilda, who is the principal of the school,

All the Sisters who have been missioned as

currently walks around the campus every day

administrators have taken enormous steps to

and talks to the plants and trees. She believes

build a green cover on the campus that housed

that her touch and sound impact the health of

the school building. As Banakal mission begins

the plant and subsequently its produce. Her

to celebrate its Silver Jubilee this year, a trek on

younger brother, Ignatius Lobo, is her inspiration,

the property laid barren in 1996 will reveal over

she says. He regularly supplies new saplings and

10,000 trees spread over four-and-a-half acres of

guides her as well. The Sisters in Banakal find

land. One cannot miss the tall oaks, mahoganies,

God in the nature around them. “You care for

acacia, teak, pines, fig, almond,

the earth and the earth, in turn,

and

cares for you,” they say.

fruits

ranging

from

jackfruit, mango, mud apple,

The land once barren and

blackberry, lemon, grapefruit,

gave no hope for ministry is

banana, pomelo, hog plum,

now a thick green cover. Like

papaya, avocado, mangosteen,

the western ghats, Nazareth

rambutan, kokum, breadfruit,

School aims to conserve the

litchi, eggplant, guava, and

biodiversity of the earth on

pineapple.

also

its campus. The school has

coconut trees, coffee plants,

seen 10 batches of graduating

areca

students,

nut

pepper,

There trees,

and

are

champak,

cardamom

many

of

whom

to

are well placed in society.

support the biodiversity of the

Sabreesh, a student of the

land. The beautiful gardens

first batch of Nazareth School,

around the school and the convent are feasts to

is now a medical doctor at St. John’s Medical

the eyes. The green cover is home to varieties

College Hospital, Bangalore, where Jessie

of birds and butterflies. One can see rabbits

Saldanha, SCN, and Sheeli Chinnarani, SCN, are

hopping on their webbed feet in the quiet of the

among the staff. In harmony with the care for the

night.

earth, the education ministry makes the mission

Mohan, a full-time gardener, is deeply committed to the development of the land as he

in Banakal whole and fulfilling for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . II 2022

23

Letting Scripture Speak From the Toolbox for Prayer Series: By Maggie Cooper, SCN Lectio Divina is a special kind of scripture prayer. The term means a “holy reading” or “a prayerful reading” of scripture. It is a process of praying with scripture in a way that invites us to be more open to hearing a personal and meaningful message from within the passage. This kind of prayer also leads us to a contemplative stance in our prayer with scripture.

Our personal response and use of scripture for growth in our spirituality are at the center of this kind of prayer. The use of Lectio Divina as we pray the scripture is a very effective means of strengthening our prayer, both by listening and responding more deeply to the Word of God.

Prayer for readiness

We prepare ourselves by quieting our hearts and prayerfully placing the scripture in a special place near us. The purpose of this activity is to pause, wait, focus, and quiet ourselves by honoring the sacred scripture in our midst. Through this activity, we create an atmosphere of prayer and deeper receptivity within ourselves.

Read the scripture

Read the scripture passage slowly and prayerfully.

Listen with an eagerness to hear a fresh word for us and our prayer.

As we consider this kind of prayer, it is important to know what the Lectio Divina method is not. It is not a scripture study or an analysis. The purpose of this process is to present the scripture to us in a fresh way, in a way that leads us to prayer. This prayer is one of letting God’s word in the scriptures touch us more deeply. Its goal is to help us grow in our relationship with God and to allow God’s word to take a deeper root in our lives.

Lectio Divina has four basic steps. They are read, meditate, pray, and contemplate. All that is needed is a scripture passage and an outline of the process. Often the gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday is used.

Meditate

After the reading of the scripture, take a quiet moment to think of a word, phrase, or concept that touches you or one that has significance for you in your life right now. Take about three to five minutes to choose a word or phrase from this scripture.

Read the scripture again

Read the scripture passage again, slowly and prayerfully. Notice your word or phrase as it is read.

Listen with an eagerness for the word you have chosen.

Prayer

Pray about the word or phrase you chose. Ask yourself, why did I choose

24

SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . II 2022

that word? How is God speaking to me through the word or phrase I chose? Is God encouraging, giving me a fresh understanding or calling me in some way?

Let God speak. Reverence the message you may be receiving in your prayer.

Contemplate

This is the time of prayer or contemplation. Put your word or phrase before God and ask for guidance.

Welcome God’s presence and sit in silence. Let go and let God speak or work in you, or just be in God’s presence. Open your heart in receptivity.

Final prayer

Take time for a simple prayer of thanksgiving.

NAZARETH.ORG

Highlights Highlights

Jyoti Thottam, author of “Sisters of Mokama: The Pioneering Women Who Brought Hope and Healing to India,” visited the Nazareth campus in May for a special book release event.

During her visit, Jyoti answered questions about her book, which explores the lives of six Kentucky Sisters who traveled to India in the 1940s to establish Nazareth Hospital.

Sisters and Associate members of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth gathered at Nazareth in April to celebrate 50 years of the Associates’ relationship with and commitment to the Sisters’ mission.

Rosemarie Kirwan, SCN, walks the Nazareth campus searching for litter during an Earth Day cleanup. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have long understood the importance of caring for the earth through ongoing environmental and ecological sustainability initiatives and education. While a year-round endeavor, this mission is especially highlighted in April and upon the celebration of Earth Day.

Bardstown High School senior Addie Woods spent much of the school year interning with the Office of Mission Advancement. “Everyone has been so welcoming,” Addie said of her internship. “I have loved meeting new people at Nazareth and forming relationships with those at OMA.” Addie will attend the University of Louisville to pursue a degree in marketing.

Because of the generous support shown to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the construction of a convent home for Sisters in Kallanode is complete. The inauguration was initiated with the ribbon-cutting ritual by Vimala Rani, SCN, treasurer of the Bangalore Province followed by a Eucharistic celebration and the blessing of the new convent home.

SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . II 2022

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Lorena Fleischmann, SCN, 81, (formerly Sister Mary Andre) was born in Utica, Kentucky, on March 10, 1941.

She died on March 11, 2022, in Nazareth, Kentucky. She was a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 59 years.

Sister Lorena served in education ministries, earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Nazareth College and a master’s degree in religious education from the University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas.

She taught religion and math at the grade school level at Holy Rosary in Memphis, Tennessee; St. Mary of the Woods in Whitesville, Kentucky; and Blessed Mother School in Owensboro, Kentucky. From 1974-1980 she taught religion at Owensboro Catholic High.

She later taught religion at St. Joseph School in Bardstown, Kentucky.

In the 1980s Sister Lorena served in pastoral ministries in Kentucky at St. Ann Parish in Morganfield; at Blessed Mother Parish in Owensboro; and Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish in Owensboro. After earning certification as a vision therapist, she worked in this field from 1990-1998, serving children in Henderson and Bardstown, Kentucky.

She assisted her Community in the transportation. She also worked as coordinator for offcampus activities. In 2015, she traveled to Botswana, Africa, to assist with SCN ministries.

She is survived by her sisters Erma Millay and Charlene Williams, her brother Gene Fleischmann, by her extended family, and by her religious community.

26

Anne Marie Thayilchirayil, SCN, was born in Pazhayangady, Changanacherry Diocese, Kerala on Feb. 7, 1938.

She died on April 6, 2022, at Kurji Holy Family Hospital, Patna. She was a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 62 years.

From a very young age, Annamma had a great desire to become a missionary. She made her first vows on Dec. 21, 1960.

From June 1965 to April 1967, she studied for her M.Ed. at Spalding College, Louisville, Kentucky, From June 1967 to January 1968 she was assigned as a teacher at Nazareth Academy, Gaya.

She served at Nazareth Convent Mokama and Nazareth Academy, Gaya, India, becoming the first Indian SCN principal there.

In 1979, Sister Anne Marie was chosen to serve in Nepal, the first foreign mission of the India Province.

She returned to India in 1986, and was appointed as the director of temporary professed.

Sister Anne Marie was very jovial and outgoing. She loved being with Sisters and people. Her approachable nature, care, and concern attracted everyone to her and they loved her company. She was a valiant, wise woman, friend, and mentor to many.

She experienced fulfillment in community life wherever she worked.

She is survived by her three sisters, Elimma Varghese, Lillykutty Jose, Ansamma Thomas, and two brothers T.J. Antony and T.J. Chacko, and by her religious community.

Elizabeth Emmanuel Vattakunnel, SCN, died on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Nazareth Hospital Mokama.

She was 92 years old and in her 62nd year of religious life.

Sister Elizabeth Emmanuel Vattakunnel, fondly called Kunjamma, was born on Jan. 1, 1930, in Nagapuzha parish, Thodupuzha Taluk, in Ernakulum diocese in Kerala.

Sister Elizabeth Emmanuel made her first vows on Dec. 8, 1959, at the shrine of Our Lady of Divine Grace in Mokama.

After first vows, she continued to work in the hospital pharmacy.

She was a very hardworking, committed and God-fearing person. For her second mission, she went to Kerwateri Ashram in Sokho in 1980. In 1982, she moved to Bakhtiarpur, where she was an administrator for one and a half years before she moved back to Nazareth Hospital Mokama. From then on, she worked in the pharmacy, purchasing medicines and keeping the records, etc. She was happy that she could serve Nazareth Hospital in different capacities for 37 years.

She became close to many young Sisters who shared their personal and communal life stories with her. She considered some of them as her guardian angels, for they accompanied her to Church or wherever she needed to go. She was transferred to Mokama, Shalom, in 2019.

She is survived by her religious community.

SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . II 2022

Anne Elizabeth Elampalathottyil, SCN, died on May 29, 2022. She was 86 and a Professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 62 years.

Sister Anne was born to Abraham and Eley Elampalathottyil on Feb. 1, 1936, at Previthanam village, in Kottayam District, Kerala. She was the fourth child of seven children. She had five brothers and one sister. She is survived by a brother and her Sisters in SCN community.

From 1985 to 2016, she served as the medical officer for the Gynecology department of Nazareth Hospital. She helped many women to conceive after long years of marriage and to lead a happy family life. It was one of the most rewarding experiences in her life. In an interview, she said, “I felt extremely joyful to see God’s mystery unfolding in human life. I must have conducted close to 50,000 deliveries over the 41 years of service at the hospital.”

Sister Anne said, “My best contribution to the community was my life itself. I feel that I have been a role model to the young members of the community. I have generously shared my skills, gifts and blessings with all. My only hope and dream for the province is that many more young women may volunteer to commit their life to God in serving the people, especially the poor and the marginalized”.

She has touched many through her healing ministry.

NAZARETH.ORG

Legacy Society Ann Kernen, SCN, 90, (formerly Sister Anthony) was born in Frankfort, Kentucky on Oct. 18, 1931. She died June 6, 2022, in Louisville, Kentucky. She was a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 70 years.

Sister Ann’s early ministries were in education. She earned her undergraduate degree in education from Spalding University in Louisville and her master’s in guidance from Michigan State.

Following a year-long sabbatical, Sister Ann served her religious community as assistant provincial. She later was the assistant coordinator at Nazareth Home in Louisville.

From 1999 to 2002 she was the associate regional for the U.S. southern region of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Congregation.

After several months of study and orientation in Mokama, India, Sister Ann served as a counselor and in pastoral ministry in Kathmandu, Nepal. Sister Ann later served in Belize in parish ministry and as the vocations director in Belize.

Sister Ann served as vice president of mission in London, Kentucky at Marymount Hospital; as Appalachian outreach counselor at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky; and as a chaplain at Flaget Hospital in Bardstown, Kentucky.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Joyce Kernen, SCN; by her extended family, and by her religious community.

Charles Mary Burns, SCN, 86, (formerly Blanche Eleanor) was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 2, 1936.

She died June 24, 2022, in Bardstown, Kentucky. She was a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth for nearly 65 years.

She was one of 10 children born to William Martin Burns and Mary Thelma Maratta Burns. Two of her sisters also joined the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Her sister, Jean, who withdrew after 18 years, and her sister Mary, who joined in 1947 and was a Sister of Charity of Nazareth until she died in 2017.

Known for her big smile, personality, and perfect bourbon balls, Sister Charles Mary studied elementary education at Spalding College in Louisville, where she earned a master’s degree and served in education for many years.

From 1992 to 1996, Sister Charles Mary served at St. Jerome Parish at Fancy Farm, Kentucky, where she was a pastoral associate and coordinator of the senior citizen ministry.

Sister Charles Mary spent many years volunteering in health care and social services. She served at Hospice in Paducah, Kentucky; Owensboro, Kentucky; and Nelson County, Kentucky. She also served as a volunteer at The Caring Place in Lebanon, Kentucky.

She is survived by her extended family and her religious community.

na pihnsotalgReriudnE

g n r oi H

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.

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: Spalding Hurst Office of Mission Advancement P.O. Box 9 Nazareth, Kentucky 40048 (502) 348-1593 spalding@nazareth.org

We prayerfully remember former students of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth: Ana Estela Echeverria Briceno, Nazareth College, 1963

Norma “Jean” Haner King, St. Joseph Infirmary, 1950

Catherine “Cathy” Barrett, Nazareth Jr. College, 1959

Birdie Sims Anstrand, St. Vincent Infirmary, Little Rock

SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARETH • VOL . II 2022

27

Nonprofit U.S. Postage

PAID

Office of Mission Advancement

Louisville, KY Permit No. 715

P.O. Box 9 Nazareth, Kentucky 40048

nazareth.org | 502-348-1500

SCN LAY MISSION VOLUNTEER PROGRAM We host many domestic and international immersion trips throughout the year and work in collaboration with our SCN's in mission, outreach organizations, and village leadership to build or repair homes, distribute food and clothing, etc., in order to meet the needs of those we are serving. Those of all faiths are welcomed to join a group or let us help you create your own mission trip with a group of family, friends, etc.

Domestic Immersions: International Immersions: Nazareth, KY Belize City, Belize Appalachia - Kentucky, Ohio, Las Flores, Belize & West Virginia Nepal Holly Springs, Mississippi India New Orleans, Louisiana Botswana, Africa Montana, Crow Reservations

Visit our website to learn more about the Volunteer Program, Disaster Relief Program, and our AmeriCorps opportunities

https://nazareth.org/volunteer Follow us on Facebook @Volunteers of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Phone: 502-348-1583 Email: aulrich@scnky.org