The JOURNEY
THE LOVE OF CHRIST IMPELS US
Vol. III 2012
A publication of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Letter from the President
COVER STORY: 3 Stepping Back in Time
Dear Friends,
4 A Monument of Honor 5 Nazareth Picnic a Huge Success 6 Chelle’s Story 7 A Pioneer in Education 8 Vincentian Academy Celebrates 80th 9 Camp Maria Turns 75 11 New Province Leadership Teams Take Office 12 Belize Welcomes Visiting Sister 13 A Trip of a Lifetime 14 Eastern Province Jubilarians Visit Nazareth 15 Following Her Calling 17 Unforgettable Trip to Botswana 18 Volunteers Visit Big Sky Country 19 Highlights 21 Sharing Our Stories 22 Journeying On
Mary Elizabeth Miller, SCN The signs of autumn are all around us. Here at Nazareth, trees are turning bright orange, yellow and red before our eyes. Crops are being harvested, cooler temperatures are being felt and days are getting shorter. I hope your part of the world has enjoyed peak expressions of the beauty of God’s creation that surround you. We lift our hearts in gratitude for each and every gift that the season of autumn traditionally offers us. This is truly a season of blessing! Fifty years ago, in October 1962, the Bishops of the Church around the world gathered in Rome to open the Second Vatican Council. Many of us recall the Council and the changes that it brought to our lives. For those who do no not remember the Council, we hope that the Year of Faith, begun on October 11, will bring a deeper understanding of the working of the Spirit in our Church. How blest we are to be living at this moment in history. The year 2012 has been a year of blessing for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth! As we look back at the story of our 200-year history — to learn and to envision our future — we are filled with gratitude for God’s abundant blessings and faithfulness over the years. For two centuries, SCNs have offered a model of daring to dream and risking new ventures, not for ourselves, but for those most in need. Our SCN Mission Statement challenges us, “impelled by the love of Christ, in the tradition of Vincent de Paul and the pioneer spirit of Catherine Spalding, our foundress, to work for justice in solidarity with oppressed peoples, especially the economically poor and women and to care for the earth.” It is in this context that we pray, reflect and consider what it means to be “women of the Church” in the 21st century. It is in this context that we continue to offer loving service to meet the critical needs of God’s people today. We call ourselves to a response patterned on the life of Jesus, to prophetic presence in collaboration with others, in service to those on the margins of society. The challenge as we begin our third century, then, is to love fearlessly, “to risk our lives and resources” in service of a prophetic mission and to envision a future full of hope! This issue of The Journey contains many amazing stories of mission in action! It recounts events and gatherings in celebration of our 200 years. The spirit is alive and contagious! Through our congregational ministries, service in and with other organizations, work with our Associates, lay collaborators, partners, and volunteers, we continue to live out our Mission Statement in many and varied ways. Thank you for all the ways you join with us in furthering Christ’s Mission in our world.
23 Memorials/Honoraries Mary Elizabeth Miller, SCN President
ON THE COVER: Sisters gather in front of the Motherhouse at Nazareth, Ky., for a photo commemorating the Congregation’s 200th anniversary. The photo was taken by Spalding Hurst who was positioned in a crane high above those lining up for the photo shoot. 1
The Journey is produced by the Office of Congregational Advancement. Contributors for this publication include: Diane Curtis, Dana Hinton, Spalding Hurst, Dianne Smith, Janice White, Leslie Wilson; SCNAs Trudi Maish, Jo Ann Paulin, Patsy O’Toole; and SCNs Malini Manjoly, Rita Spalding, Joan Wilson, Anne Magruder, and Luke Boiarski.
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Office of Congregational Advancement P.O. Box 9 Nazareth, Kentucky 40048-0009 www.scnfamily.org twitter.com/scnfamily facebook.com/scnfamily www.scnfamily.org
Flaget Honors SCNs
This year, Flaget Memorial Hospital in Bardstown, Ky., recognized the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for their rich legacy in health care.
A new building being built on the hospital campus will be named in honor of the SCNs. Ground was broken for the new building in October. In an earlier celebration this summer, a commemorative plaque was presented to the Sisters as well as a check for $5,000. The check will be used for the SCN scholarship program honoring the Congregation’s 200th anniversary. The Congregation established Flaget Memorial Hospital in 1951. It was the
Members of the Central Leadership Team display the plaque and only facility of its check that the president of Flaget presented to the Congregation. kind in the Nelson From left to right — SCN President Mary Elizabeth Miller, and County area and Vice Provincials Teresa Kotturan, and Susan Gatz. patients came from Marion, Washington, Spencer, Bullitt, and LaRue counties in Marymount Hospital (later named Saint addition to Nelson County. When funds Joseph) in London and Saint Joseph in needed to be raised to build Flaget, Sisters Martin. recall how everybody in Bardstown gave to it — wealthy and poor, Catholic Sister Mary Elizabeth Miller, president and non-Catholic. SCNs also recall how of the Congregation, attended both Flaget before the hospital was built and cars were celebrations. She was surprised by the common, if anybody needed medical care, announcement to name a building in honor they had to be transported to a hospital of the Congregation and the generous gift in Louisville, Ky., and they went on a to the scholarship campaign. “We’re very baggage car in the train. SCNs also had honored and we’re very proud of Flaget a presence at other Kentucky hospitals in and the work they do,” shared Sister Mary both Louisville and Lexington as well as Elizabeth.
Educating Young Women for a Better World You can support the Sisters during this Bicentennial year by making a contribution to the Bicentennial Scholarship Campaign. Through this campaign, SCNs hope to raise $500,000 for scholarships for 200 girls and young women. SCN president, Mary
Elizabeth Miller reflects, “Providing a solid Catholic education to young women will instill knowledge, skills, and values for these women to create better lives for themselves, and in turn, gives us great hope for all they will bring to our world.”
Every gift is greatly appreciated. All gifts of $1,000 or more will be named on a plaque at Nazareth at the end of the campaign.
To make a donation to this campaign or to learn how you can be a part of this effort, please contact: Leslie Wilson Director of Development Office of Congregational Advancement P.O. Box 9 Nazareth, KY 40048 (502) 348–1551 lwilson@scnazarethky.org
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Stepping Back in Time
Sisters traveled back in time this summer as they gathered at St. Thomas in Nelson County, Ky., to attend a reenactment of the Congregation’s early days. Over 130 Sisters and Associates made their way to the log cabin and farm on Saturday, June 9, 2012, where they were greeted by friends wearing sunbonnets and bib aprons. Through a series of readings and dialogues with the original log cabin and St. Thomas Church as a backdrop, Sisters and Associates recounted the early days of the Congregation. They recalled how Father David, while establishing his seminary on the farm of St. Thomas near Bardstown, found children without instructors, and the sick, aged, and poor without care and how the need for devoted religious women was felt. As the play continued, a number of Sisters were portrayed, including the first to respond to a calling to become
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a Sister — Teresa Carrico. Marie Flowers, SCN, portrayed Catherine Spalding, who delighted the audience when she arrived by horse and buggy. Those gathered continued to act out the story of how very soon six women religious, all daughters of pioneers, were assembled in 1812, with the Congregation springing to life. The early SCNs taught children, spun wool or flax, and wove it into cloth out of which they made garments for themselves and for the seminarians. As the play moved along, Miss Eleanor O’Connell (Sister Ellen), a scholarly woman and experienced teacher was introduced. It was noted that Sister Ellen joined the group from Baltimore, Md., and is largely credited with the early success of the educational work of Nazareth. Also highlighted, the reputation of Nazareth Academy and how students, even from a distance,
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ABOVE — Sisters enjoying the celebration at St. Thomas. RIGHT — A young Mother Catherine, portrayed by Marie Flowers, SCN, arrives by horse and buggy at St. Thomas.
crowded the classrooms. The vignettes also offered opportunity for the audience to enter into moments of reflection. Sisters and Associates were encouraged to think about what it must have been like for Mother Catherine and the Sisters when they made the difficult decision in 1822 to leave St. Thomas and move to Nazareth after learning that they could never own the land. Following the play, those gathered were asked to move into the church for prayer. A group photo was also taken, similar to a photo that was taken in front of the log house when SCNs gathered at St. Thomas for their centennial celebration in 1912. Sisters and Associates were encouraged to walk the grounds and visit the
renovated cabin, which served as a home for the Sisters for a time. Charlene Jacobs, SCN, who was instrumental in the renovation of the log cabin at St. Thomas, shared how the cabin was lovingly restored. Some also made their way to the springhouse, remembering the times that the early Sisters went there to draw water. At the close of the day, SCN family members returned to Nazareth to dedicate a plaque commemorating the site of the original “Lapsley Home,” the home in which the Sisters and early boarders lived when they first came to Nazareth.
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A Monument of Honor
A breathtaking bronze plaque now sits on Nazareth Campus next to the cemetery honoring those enslaved at Nazareth from 1818 to 1865. The artwork, created by internationally-known artist Ed Hamilton, was dedicated during a powerful ceremony that included touching speeches, rousing music, and the placing of flowers upon the graves of slaves buried on campus. Dozens turned out to take part in the blessing.
The Congregation believes in the importance of recalling and recognizing the Congregation’s history. During the Congregation’s centennial year of 1912, the former slaves who had worked and lived at Nazareth, along with their families, were invited to Nazareth to celebrate the Congregation’s 100th anniversary. A photo was taken to commemorate the occasion. One hundred years later, during the Congregation’s bicentennial, the great-greatgrandchildren of those enslaved at Nazareth were invited to help dedicate the Hamilton sculpture. In addition to the bronze plaque depicting a family and extended family members, the monument is engraved with 28 names identifying the men, women, and children buried alongside the Sisters in Nazareth cemetery. An older headstone in the cemetery reads: “Here lies Wm Butler, wife and other faithful servants of Nazareth.” It was important to the Congregation to observe the bicentennial year by naming and honoring the women and men whose labor helped Nazareth to grow and flourish.
SCNs Rita Davis and Theresa Knabel, share a smile with artist Ed Hamilton next to the new memorial. The two were passionate about the memorial becoming a reality and were thrilled when Hamilton agreed to create the bronze plaque.
Hamilton is a resident of Louisville, Ky. He has many works in both private and corporate collections. His public work includes the “Spirit of Freedom,” a National Memorial in the District of Columbia, which achieved worldwide acclaim. This tribute to the Colored Soldiers and Sailors of the Civil War now stands at 10th and U Streets NW in Washington, D.C.
Theresa Knabel, SCN, and sculptor Ed Hamilton unveil the memorial honoring those enslaved at Nazareth.
Other public memorials of note include the Amistad Memorial, the Joe Louis Memorial, the Booker T. Washington Memorial, the Whitney M. Young Jr. tribute, and the Lenny Lyles Memorial. Ed Hamilton also created a Memorial to honor York, the slave of William Clark, who was a vital part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803–1806. The Abraham Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront Plaza in Louisville has received much critical acclaim as well. During the July dedication at Nazareth, Hamilton’s remarks certainly touched those gathered as he thanked his wife for being a source of inspiration. Several bicentennial events are taking place throughout the year. For more information about the SCN Congregation and bicentennial events, check out www.scnfamily.org.
During the Congregation’s centennial in 1912, former slaves who had worked and lived at Nazareth, along with their families, were invited to a gathering to mark the occasion.
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NAZARETH PICNIC
A HUGE SUCCESS Thousands of people visited the Motherhouse Campus for the last annual Nazareth Picnic on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. This picnic was special, too, because it is the bicentennial year of the Congregation. The crowd enjoyed the usual offerings of fried chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs, live entertainment, games, capital prizes and a quilt raffle, the petting zoo, and the chance to visit with friends. Attendance was up this year from 2011, as more than 1,400 dinners were sold (1,200 were sold last year), and over 200 barbecue sandwiches were purchased. Hamburgers, hot dogs and brats sold out! The winners of the capital prizes include: • First prize: $2,000 — Cynthia Messier of Germantown, Tenn. • Second prize: $1,000 — Kevin Crump of Paris, Ky. • Third prize: $500 — Julie Harrison of Bardstown, Ky. • Quilt — Tom Robertson of Bardstown, Ky. Though this was our final Nazareth Picnic, the needs in our ministries continue. Stay tuned for new ways to support the SCN Ministries! Our thanks to each of you who have attended, supported, or volunteered at the Nazareth Picnic over the years.
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Chelle’s Story When representatives from Thistle Farms, in Nashville, Tenn., were invited to participate in the SCN Ministry Fair, they were also asked if someone might be willing to speak about the life-changing program. Chelle, a former client and current employee, came to mind. Though she is not an experienced public speaker and is very private, she couldn’t turn down the request of a friend, Carolyn Goddard, SCNA. An employee at Thistle Farms, Carolyn shares the following reflection about the visit to Nazareth, Ky.
Chelle, a former client and current employee of Thistle Farms, gave a powerful presentation at the SCN Ministry Fair.
Her opening did not go well. She tried to say something funny, but people couldn’t hear her. “Speak up,” a small, shawled Sister called from the back of the long, elegant drawing room. Its floor-length windows and antique furniture spoke of another era, a gentler time. “Let her be!” This from another gray haired woman toward the front of the seated audience. I was sitting to the side of the Thistle Farms display, able to see both Sisters, plus the other attendees gathered in that oversized parlor. I could see Chelle, bits of sweat already condensing on her forehead. Holding notes in one hand and a microphone in the other, Chelle shook slightly as she began again. Chelle and I had driven up to Kentucky the day before, chatting about our children, life at Thistle Farms, and the possibility of her taking a class at Nashville State Community College. Talk was easy and comforting for our friendship dates back at least a decade. As I drove north on I-65 with Chelle in the passenger seat, a memory from those early days surfaced in my mind: There
is Chelle sitting uncomfortably on the floor in the old St. Augustine’s, encircled by four small wheels, six pieces of black plastic, two silver bars, and lots and lots of nuts and bolts. Chelle glances at me, “Carolyn, do you know how to put this thing together?” Together we constructed that cheap, wheeled device that allowed Chelle to carry Thistle Farms candles to vendors around Nashville. She was good at sales, one on one. What she was not as good at was talking at home parties. She did not like telling her story. It didn’t include childhood abuse or terrible poverty; she started using because it was fun. And she was high functioning — graduating from high school, opening a beauty salon — until crack got her. Beaten, raped, addicted; she landed at Magdalene, then at Thistle Farms where we worked together as the cottage industry grew into a social enterprise, moving us from St. Augustine’s to St. George’s to Charlotte Pike. During that decade of growth, I was also traveling to and from Kentucky as an Associate of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Through me the SCNs heard of the two-year program for women who were criminally convicted of prostitution and had a history of substance abuse. Since Magdalene’s ministry dovetailed with the Sisters’ mission, the SCNs offered support to nurture Magdalene and Thistle Farms. Now the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth were to celebrate their 200th anniversary. They invited various nonprofits that had received support from them to come to their campus for a Ministry Fair. I was the obvious choice to go — and Chelle came with me to sell products and give a brief talk. I minimized the talk — “You won’t have to speak for long; it will be to a bunch of Sisters. No problem. And I will help you as we drive up to Nazareth together.” Well, we hadn’t done that; nor had we prepared on Saturday as a steady stream of SCN family members, presenters, and people from the surrounding area, wended their way through the various booths of
the Ministry Fair. Between sales, Chelle had made a few notes on scraps of paper. Shortly before her talk was scheduled, as she finalized yet another sale, she looked over at me. “I’m just going to read these notes.” “Whatever works for you.” I was wishing I had been more diligent about helping her prepare. Now it was too late and her nervousness was palpable as more and more people flowed into the room. With the ease of well-oiled practice, a bevy of Sisters silently funneled folding chairs into the space as the audience continued to swell. Turning to face me, Chelle’s eyes were wide. “I can’t talk loud enough for all of them to hear me.” “I’ll see if I can get you a mike.” Sister Marlene Lehmkuhl gave a brief introduction, then handed the mike to Chelle, she stepped forward to speak. Whatever happens is fine, whatever happens is fine, I intoned while gripping the arms of the chair. And then it happened. Chelle put her scraps of notes down on the display table, took hold of the mike with both hands and brought it in toward her mouth so that it could actually fulfill its function. She began to tell her story — caring for younger siblings while her mother worked, doing well at her salon, crashing on crack, coming to Magdalene, getting back on track, doing well, crashing again, coming back to sweep floors at Thistle Farms, working her way back up to office manager. Brilliantly she sprinkled in facts about Magdalene and Thistle Farms — but it was her story that carried us all along, taking us into her life, letting us see her soul. When she finished, there was silence — but only for a moment. Then Sisters and others were on their feet — some with the aid of their walkers. All around that grand old ballroom, people were clapping and clapping as a steady ovation gave witness to the power of love.
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A Pioneer in Education Dozens of former and current students turned out to help Anne Rita Mauck, SCN, celebrate her 85th birthday at the Spalding Mansion on the campus of Spalding University in July. Many offered well wishes and reflected upon Sister Anne Rita and the impact she has had on their lives. Current students sang Happy Birthday and de Paul School families shared stories and memories. Sister Anne Rita began the de Paul School in Louisville, Ky., to reach students who were experiencing learning differences and needed an innovative approach to their educational career. Today de Paul is one of the nation’s largest independent schools that teaches students who have learning differences due to dyslexia, ADHD and central auditory processing deficit. Shy when it comes to talking about herself, Sister Ann Rita always points to the work of others. The de Paul School website states the following: The de Paul School exists because of a visionary woman, Sister Anne Rita Mauck, who in the 1960s, saw the imperative need for an educational approach that taught smart children who were falling through the cracks in traditional education settings due to learning differences. As she oversaw the development of innovative programs and curriculum, Sister insisted that de Paul’s style of instruction would emphasize the dignity and potential of each child. She taught students how to learn, and she taught their parents how to teach. But as importantly, she taught all of them to be advocates for themselves and their dreams. Excerpts from a Courier Journal column, in which reporter Ken Neuhauser spoke with the current leader of de Paul School, Tony Kemper, offer insight into Sister Anne Rita and what makes the school so unique: The founder of the de Paul School, Sister Anne Rita Mauck, inspired me with her tremendous entrepreneurial spirit as an educator. The most important life lesson she passed along to me was to always make decisions with the child’s best interest in mind … to keep the child in the center of every discussion. As long as I did that, the decision would be correct. I learned that it’s important to set aside any agendas, politics and even the comfort of others and instead focus on what is best for the child in any particular situation. … When people visit the de Paul School, they often comment that the school is remarkably congruent. There may be different classrooms, teachers and goings-on — but guests always notice recurring themes during their tour. This is no accident. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons we have learned as educators is to provide a structured learning environment that revolves around our mission. Children who learn differently can rely upon the promise of a shared purpose that permeates the entire school and creates a community of success. After nearly 30 years as an educator, I continue to be impressed by the power of a passionate teacher. Many children who learn differently have not had positive experiences in school. Here at de Paul, our teachers are driven to uncover the hidden individual — the artist, author, athlete, the leader, or the ambitious executive-to-be. … Sister Ann Rita can’t say enough about her amazing students and the passionate staff at de Paul. She remains active at the school she founded. In October, Sister Anne Rita was honored at another gathering, Presentation Academy’s Tower Awards. 7
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Vincentian Academy Celebrates 80th “Community must be the center from which all our good works emanate, and in the name of the Community all must be done. God will judge it thereafter.” A favorite quote from Catherine Spalding, co-founder of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, these words seem to embody many Congregational ministries, like that of Vincentian Academy in Pittsburgh, Pa. The good work that emanates from Vincentian Academy began when Vincentian High School was founded Nov. 14, 1932, as a private, independent, Catholic boarding school for girls and continues today, as a new freshman class enters the academy and the graduating class of 39 students begin their college careers. During this year’s graduation, a special one as the Academy celebrate its 80th anniversary, Principal Camille Panich, SCN, noted a year rich in accomplishments including the fact that 33 out of the 39 graduates had a 4.0 grade point average and that members of the class of 2012 earned in excess of 7.2 million dollars in scholarships. Class members were applauded for their major contributions in many areas including the success of the yearly musical as well as their accomplishments in the athletic arena. Vincentian Academy students were part of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League section championship teams in girls tennis, boys and girls basketball, softball, and baseball. Sister Camille also added several doses of humor to her remarks noting that this graduating class was so charming that certain members were able to convincingly apologize and assure the police that they would report to the principal that they had been sleigh riding by the Sisters’ cemetery late on a Saturday night in January … and indeed, the first thing on Monday, the students did tell on themselves. The Academy has graduated many talented and rambunctious groups of seniors over the years, leaving the halls with tall tales to tell and Pittsburgh and the country with many a community and industry leader. When the school opened in 1932, most students were aspiring to join the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. In short order, families throughout the Pittsburgh region embraced the school and by the 1950s the Academy boasted an enrollment of almost 200 girls. The Academy’s popular Business Curriculum won acclaim from regional employers and colleges, and the mandatory study of Slovak was attractive to the large Eastern
European communities that dotted the area. In 1959, the high school moved from the Vincentian Motherhouse building into a newly constructed high school building, the current location of the Academy. In the 1960s, the suburbs began to flourish and surround the 67-acre property and in the early 1970s the Sisters closed the boarding facility and Vincentian High School became co-ed. In the early 1990s, strategic planning efforts involving the Vincentian Sisters of Charity, Duquesne University, and the stakeholders of Vincentian High School created Vincentian Academy-Duquesne University which built its curriculum on the International Baccalaureate Program. Among those embracing this new curriculum at the time, Antoinette “Tonya” Severin, SCN, a constant presence in the classroom for over two decades. Sister Tonya recalls when the IB program was first introduced and says it was like learning a whole new language. Teachers had specific, new requirements to fulfill and samples of their work were sent to other parts of the world — Italy, Brazil, Australia — to be assessed. But with the support of the administration everyone soon embraced the program and quickly saw the advantages. “The level of education has always been excellent. When people say the U.S. is falling behind we know our students are not because they take exams on an international level and are tops.” In 2010, the terms of the agreement between the Vincentian Sisters of Charity and Duquesne University were fulfilled. Both parties enjoyed a vibrant partnership. With its success, the Academy maintained its strength and became a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, since the Vincentian Sisters had merged with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 2008. Earlier this year, Sister Tonya, a former Vincentian Sister and now a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, was elected vice-provincial to the SCN Western Province. Excited about her new ministry in Leadership at Nazareth, Ky., she says she will dearly miss Pittsburgh and Vincentian Academy. “It has such a beautiful spirit. Faculty support one another and students express such concern and care for fellow students. They support each other at academic endeavors, sports activities, art and music.” Home to over 4,000 alumni, Sister Tonya is certain Vincentian Academy will continue to flourish thanks to esteemed faculty members and classrooms filled with students eager to learn and full of possibility. Sisters of Charity of Nazareth • Vol. III 2012
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Camp Maria Turns 75
It has been a part of many lives over the last 75 years, Camp Maria, on Breton Bay in Leonardtown, Md. This year a series of celebrations took place to mark the milestone. Current and former campers joined in. On July 8, Sisters, Associates, and friends gathered for a celebratory Mass at Camp Maria Retreat Center. SCN President Mary Elizabeth Miller welcomed the crowd: “We recall that in the early 1800s a small group of Catholic families traveled from Charles County, here in Maryland, across the mountains to the Kentucky frontier, where a new diocese had recently been established. Among those who made the journey with her family was a young girl named Catherine Spalding, who some years later would join two other young women in the foundation of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. We celebrate this year the Bicentennial of our foundation! Seventy-five years ago, SCNs imagined the possibilities that this location on the shores of Breton Bay would offer to young girls during the summer months, and they opened Camp Maria. Year after year, summer after summer, young girls came to learn swimming, boating, sports, and crafts — forming friendships that 9
would last. Some of these young girls were inspired to become Sisters. A couple of us are here today. Later another group of SCNs, inspired by the beauty, tranquility and serenity of this location, with a magnificent view of Breton Bay, envisioned it as a place for retreats: family retreats, Sisters’ retreats, youth retreats, days of prayer and recollection — and this ministry grew and continues until today. As we gather here this morning, may we remember and give thanks for all that has been, and especially for all the people of Southern Maryland who have walked with us through the years. You are truly an important part of the SCN family! We celebrate all that is happening here at Camp Maria Retreat Center now, and envision the future with hope and trust.” Established by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 1937 near Abell’s Wharf on Breton Bay, Camp Maria was originally designed as a Catholic summer camp for girls. Beginning in the mid-1930s, Mary Aline Kearns, SCN, dreamt of a place to take the St. Mary’s Academy students. As head of the school, she needed something fun for the girls during the summer months. She found a large farm in Maryland owned by the Greenwell family
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and the girls were able to spend time on the waterfront property exploring its many, many acres of land. Looking for a place to call their own, Sister Mary Aline searched up and down the east coast until she found the place at Abell’s Wharf. Sister Lucina Glenn succeeded her as superior of St. Mary’s Academy and she found the 10.5 acres of land on Breton Bay where Camp Maria still sits today. Mother General Ann Sebastian Sullivan named it Camp Maria. During the first camping season, five SCNs were on staff and Sister Jeanne Claire Bulleit was its first director for the 17 campers. In 1938, campers increased to 52; in 1939, there were 91 campers. Early campers came from Latin America, Washington, D.C., Kentucky and Maryland. As more and more campers attended each summer, additional accommodations were built. Soon a multipurpose room was added, a pier and diving board were put in, and canoes and row boats were purchased for water sports. All campers were taught water safety and lifeguards were on duty. In 1948, a large chapel was constructed. An original brochure promoted camp as a place “for girls to enjoy outdoor activities and appreciate the beauty of nature.” As Sister Mary Elizabeth mentioned in www.scnfamily.org
her opening remarks, some of these young girls, some campers, some counselors, were inspired through their camp experience to become SCNs, including Sister Mary Elizabeth. Camp Maria continued to be staffed and run exclusively as a summer camp by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth until 1969 when, under the direction of SCNs Maria Smick, Rose Carmel Harden and Eunice Ann Arnold, Camp Maria became the retreat center for which it is now known. Sisters decided to start inviting families for reunions and retreats. Soon there were high schools interested in sending school groups. Once the camp opened to the public, it just took off, especially since Camp Maria is convenient to Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Baltimore. In the years since 1969, the Sisters have weatherized the camp, allowing for yearround use of the facilities, and in the late 1990s, Sister Carol McKean and Sister Michaella Cronin expanded on the mission by offering more retreat programs. Today, Camp Maria boasts a dining lodge, game room, bathhouse, meeting rooms and lodging buildings. Outdoor amenities include an outdoor altar area, pool, campfire site, canoes, swings, basketball and volleyball courts. A total
of 153 beds are available (51 in heated buildings), and all buildings as well as the pier and pool are wheelchair accessible. Director Ann Kovalcik says that Camp Maria, just like the SCNs, continues to evolve and will always strive to meet the current needs of the people. She is currently working on a new program for those recovering from addictions as well as training recovery coaches. “So many groups, once they come they re-book,” says Ann. After a successful first time at camp, a men’s group from St. Peter’s Parish in Maryland not only re-booked, but doubled in attendance. “There is an excitement about Camp Maria, people are looking for a spiritual experience.” Among the groups that have created rich traditions at Camp Maria is the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which has hosted campers at the camp for more than 40 years. Because of the way the camp is designed with its amenities, the camp is open and accessible. The campers that attend MDA camp each year look forward to the camp because they can do things they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. This year MDA campers helped kick off the summer of Camp Maria’s anniversary celebrations with a “birthday party.” Also helping to celebrate the camp’s
anniversary this summer, Sisters and Associates. Every year these members of the SCN family attend Camp Maria for a week. This year there were a number of “anniversary events” including a tour of the birthplace of Mother Catherine Spalding and other points of interest and landmarks in Southern Maryland. SCNs were also able to reunite with members of the community whom they worked with and taught, reconnecting with St. Mary’s Academy, which the Congregation owned and operated until the establishment of St. Mary’s Ryken High School. As the center strives day in and day out to carry out its mission to provide an atmosphere of prayer, hospitality and simplicity in a peaceful, natural environment, Ann says she makes sure that spirit of ministry is palpable in everything she and her staff do. “I tell everyone, above all, when people come to Camp Maria they need to know they are meeting Christ. That we are providing an environment that is Christ to others.” A closing Mass and oyster scald in October 2012 concluded the series of anniversary events, for more information, go to Camp Maria’s website at www. campmaria.org.
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New Province Leadership Teams Take Office The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have installed new leadership teams for both the Eastern and Western Provinces. The members of the Western Province team are SCNs Adeline Fehribach, Rhoda Kay Glunk and Antoinette “Tonya” Severin. Both Sisters Rhoda Kay and Tonya are former Vincentian Sisters of Charity. The Vincentian Sisters of Charity merged into the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Congregation in 2008. During the installation of the Western Province leadership team at St. Vincent Church, Nazareth, Ky., a symbolic washing of the feet took place. Members of the new leadership team washed the feet of those they will be leading — members of the Congregation, Associate members, and other SCN family members. In India, two new leadership teams were installed. The Province Leadership Team of the Bangalore Province includes Sisters Ann Palatty and Sheela Palamoottil. The leadership team of the Patna Province is made up of Sisters Basanti Lakra and Philomena Kottoor. The two Province teams assumed leadership during a morning liturgy at Nazareth Convent, Mokama, India in June. Sister Elveera Pereira, in her introduction to the Celebratory Mass in India said, “This is a significant moment in the life of our Provinces and one that is also historical in every sense. Leadership is indeed set in history. As we look back, we see how God chooses, appoints and uses leadership. When God wanted to lead the people out of Israel, he chose someone like Moses. When God wanted to put them in Israel, God raised Joseph. Later God raised up Daniel who worked 80 years in the lives of God’s people, through five dynasties and two different empires to care for them. God works in amazing ways!”
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The historic General Assembly 2008 of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth directed that the Eastern Province of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth move from one province to two. On June 9, 2012, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth celebrated the inauguration of the Bangalore Province, which is the Second Indian Province. The new Province has 13 houses and 59 SCNs and is spread across the states of Maharastra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and the Union Territory of New Delhi.
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Belize Welcomes Visiting Sister
SCNs recently gathered to celebrate in Belize as Carlette Gentle, SCN, renewed her vows. From left to right: SCNs Barbara Flores, Maggie Cooper, Sharon Gray, Chris Kunze, Bev Hoffman, Carlette Gentle, Adeline Fehribach, Paschal Fernicola, Joan Wilson, and Higinia Bol.
Sisters and Associates have had a busy several months in Belize, most recently welcoming Joan Wilson, SCN, who joined the mission there for a spell. SCN volunteers made three trips to Belize in 2012 and members of the SCN family across Belize celebrated the Congregation’s 200th bicentennial in several ways including marching in the Independence Day parade on Sept. 21. Paschal Fernicola, SCN, notes that area house repairs are still a main priority in Las Flores, along with emergency food and medical assistance for families. Carlette Gentle, SCN, continues her ministry with children. She is planning to finish the park project this year with her youth group. The group has made a number of improvements to the park including chopping down weeds, picking up trash and installing playground equipment. Sister Carlette is also engaged in her last semester at the University of Belize for her degree in Social Work. Paschal also shares that the Las Flores sewing co-op is joining a country-wide organization of sewing groups, the Christian Sewing Partners of Belize. Its objectives are to improve the lives of women through sewing and related skills development, to empower women by building a network to enhance opportunities for sales and supplies, and
SCNs Joan Wilson and Carlette Gentle, visit with a Belizean Family in their home which was recently built by SCN volunteers. The family just welcomed a new set of twins.
to further training. Women will be able to market their articles of clothing under the label “Mareshah — Made in Belize.” In Belize City, Beverly Hoffman, SCN, is also finishing up her studies this year and continues to volunteer with CARE Belize, working with and developing assistance programs for children and adults with disabilities. Maggie Cooper, SCN, is organizing a country-wide Liturgical Conference to be held in October. Many of the presenters and group discussion leaders are graduates of her LIMEX program out of New Orleans’ Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension. These leaders are also working together with SCNs Barbara Flores and Maggie and a Mercy Sister, to conduct courses and workshops for teacher enrichment and continuing education across Belize. Sister Barbara, as president of the Catholic Schools in Belize, is focused on improving education for students and organizing infrastructure for the Catholic School System in the country. Meanwhile, Higinia Bol, SCN, has great hopes for the project she is working with in the inner city, the St. Martin’s Area. She is involved in an empowerment program for women. Among the successes of the program, making candy to sell to tourists. Chris Kunze, SCN, a nurse, continues to help and encourage the sick children and
SCNs Chris Kunze and Paschal Fernicola display a beautiful quilt at the convent in Belize City. Sister Chris created the quilt as part of a class project.
adults she cares for in homes, hospitals and in the Hand in Hand Ministries Outreach Center. In addition to this ministry, she is also finishing up her course work for the LIMEX program, and will graduate in 2013. As Sister Joan settles into the country, she writes that the first month has been a whirlwind. She has been visiting Sisters throughout Belize to learn more about their ministries. She has also had the chance just to sit and talk with the Sisters, like Sister Chris, in Belize City, who just finished a quilt for a class project. Sister Joan says she was happy to help with the project, as she and Paschal put in many stitches. At the ministry in Las Flores, Sister Joan met the women involved in the sewing cooperative. She heard their stories and enjoyed watching them collaborate with Sister Paschal. She noted how pleased they were with reading glasses and how some of the women are now able to “see to sew.” With Sister Carlette, Sister Joan traveled to meet Veronica and her family, in their new house built by SCN volunteers. Sister Joan writes the family is so proud of their home adding the newest addition, the twins, are healthy and growing as well as all the other children.
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A Trip of a Lifetime
It is a trip that neither Sister will soon forget with first a stop in Greece and the final destination of India. As SCNs Rita Gesue and Jeanine Jaster planned their travels, they also prepared themselves to see some of the most heart warming and heartbreaking sights one could ever imagine! The two were participants in the Congregation’s Global Exchange Program. Sister Rita, from Pittsburgh, Pa., who has ministered for years in the deaf community, eagerly described her adventures to those back home and Sister Jeanine, from Memphis, Tenn., captured breathtaking photos. Sister Jeanine, a retired teacher, shares the following insights. On Oct. 19, 2011, I was airborne for an experience of a lifetime, a flight to India and Nepal, sponsored by the Global Exchange committee. I was privileged to spend two months with our Sisters, praying with them, visiting their missions, and getting to know them by sharing our stories and our passions. I also was able to experience firsthand many of our missions where we quietly go about spreading the love of God. We do this in educational facilities for both rich and poor children, in women’s self-help groups both in India and in Nepal, in the slums 13
of Delhi teaching children in non-formal educational settings and teaching women cosmetology skills, in Mokama caring for AIDS patients and other sick, and in the school at Kathmandu which is for “differently-abled” children. Many things impressed me but it was the spirit which imbued the people that was most impressive. The people I experienced exuded a spirit of peace and joy. It didn’t matter that they were poor or sick. Their faces had a radiance and a beauty which was evident everywhere. This was especially evident in the faces of the children who are in our care at Dharuhera and Gurgaon. Here we educate children of women who work in the brothels. Wherever we are in ministry, the people feel happy, safe, loved and respected by our Sisters. I also saw peace, joy, and a sense of wonder and commitment to the Gospel in the young women who are in the Novitiate. Our sightseeing trips to places like the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Rajghat Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, the Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi Smriti Museums, and the Lotus Temple in Delhi gave me a new perspective on the history, culture, art, architecture, and ingenuity of the people. A visit to Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, the oldest university in the world, let me know of their rich heritage in education; Bodhgaya, the place of the Buddha’s enlightenment, helped me to understand better Eastern spirituality, Yogoda Mutt in Ranchi, a place where
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Eastern and Western Spirituality meet in one of the most gorgeous flower gardens I have ever seen, gave me an appreciation of their love of and need for solitude, contemplation and beauty. Life moves at a much slower pace. The people truly do “take time to smell the flowers …” Sister Rita, who is missioned in Pittsburgh, kept a journal as she traveled and found the sights and sounds of India exhilarating. She writes: So, why did I apply to go to India? After having met Sisters from India who visited us here in Pittsburgh, I felt a desire within me to meet more of them and to experience their serenity. That’s the best word I can think of to describe what I sensed in their presence. My journal entry of our arrival in Delhi in October 2011 reads as follows: “Arrived in Delhi, got luggage fine. [airport] Clean and well layed out and big. Customs was easy … mosquitoes were everywhere! Traffic jams and car horns were the norm … Tired of noise but fascinated by negotiations of drivers and police. Bedlam to me! The ride to Asha Niwas (House of Hope) in Gurgaon was a big relief — arrived 11 p.m. Sister Agnes greeted us at the door … to sleep in India!! … that was the beginning of a wonderful experience/adventure. … In later communications, Sister Rita explains how the Sisters came to be in India. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Ky., sent six “pioneers” to India in 1947 at the request of the Jesuit Bishop of Patna, India, who asked that the Sisters come to operate a hospital in Mokama in his Diocese. Today, we have more than 200 native Indian Sisters living and working in many states both in Southern and Northern India and in Nepal. We spent time at the hospital visiting the nursery, the AIDS patients, witnessing two births, one natural and a Cesarean, and helping the first year nursing students with their English skills. … Sister Rita goes on to share that she and Sister Jeanine visited many ministries in India and Nepal, including several schools. Sister Rita was especially touched by her visit to the ministry of Ann Moyalan, SCN, in Delhi. We visited a slum area of Delhi where our Sister Ann Moyalan ministers to women and children. It was very difficult seeing how the people live; however, in the midst of all the crowded places, we came www.scnfamily.org
to a classroom in an abandoned concrete building with numerous occupants. The classroom was eight feet wide at the most and probably 10 feet deep. The concrete walls had hangings of several educational posters, some colorful cloth, and electric outlet connections (which went out for about 10 minutes while we were there). In the classroom several women were learning a number of skills: how to give manicures, facials, pedicures, hand and body artistry, and hair styling. They welcomed us and were anxious to show us what they learned. … Behind this classroom was another one filled with little children sitting on the floor learning to read. They, too, welcomed
us with flowers and songs. They are the children of the slums who have no access to schooling and are very eager to learn. Imagine 30 or so children sitting side by side on the floor with only enough space for their knees — and all behaving! It was hard to believe. We next returned to the first classroom where 15 women were sitting on the floor with hand-cranking sewing machines between two or three of them and their personal sewing projects on their laps … Sister Ann’s ministry is providing an education for children who cannot get one plus empowering many women who have little access to money for their children and themselves. … Both Sisters Jeanine and Rita were touched by the hospitality of the people. At many stops along the way they experienced having shawls or scarves wrapped around their shoulders, and gifts of garlands made from marigolds, placed around their necks. Another highlight for both Sisters was being able to celebrate the Congregation’s 200th anniversary in India. Sisters Jeanine and Rita, who both served on the Congregation’s Bicentennial
Committee, say that India had a celebration “the likes of which we had not expected … it was spectacular!” Among the high points of the celebration, the chance to spend time with Ann Roberta Powers, SCN, one of the pioneers who went to India in 1947. Sister Jeanine describes her time in India as profound and powerful. Sister Rita echoes these sentiments. I’m very grateful for having had the opportunity to visit our Sisters in India. They are remarkable women who have true missionary hearts. I ask that you remember them in your prayers and if you wish, to help them in any way that you can.
Eastern Province Jubilarians Visit Nazareth
From various SCN ministries in India, SCNs Smita Karikkattil, Rena Fernandes, Cecilia Simick, and Lilly Luka visited Nazareth, Ky., on a renewal program as they celebrated their silver jubilees. They arrived at Nazareth in early June and traveled to a number of places while in the United States including SCN ministries in Kentucky, Maryland and Massachusetts. The group also toured St. Thomas and spent time visiting with Indian Sisters who currently minister in the U.S.
Pictured on the front steps of the original log home at St. Thomas are (front row) SCNs Rena Fernandes, Smita Karikkattil, and Cecilia Simick; (back row) SCN Vice President Teresa Kotturan, SCNs Hilda Lobo, Margaret Rodericks, and Lilly Luka.
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Following Her Calling
“Daughters of Catherine, simple and free, pioneer women we are called to be. For the love of Christ urges us on. …”
These are the first lines of a song written by Olive Pinto, SCN, remembering Mother Catherine Spalding and describing the SCN Congregation. Appropriately, the words also describe Sister Olive’s life. In 1962, Sister Olive was the first postulant to enter the SCN Congregation from Mumbai, India. She credits much of her response to God’s call to Patricia Kelley, SCN. Correspondence from Sister Patricia prompted Sister Olive to consider joining the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Once she entered, she says that Sister Patricia “pulled out gifts in me that I didn’t know I had,” and sparked the fire in her that ignited a love for God, for the Church, and for the SCN Community. Many describe Sister Olive as a pioneer, but she doesn’t really see herself that way. “Maybe I did some daring things in the early days, but now so many others have come up and are doing great things,” she says.
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When the Jesuits invited the SCNs to join them in mission in Nepal, Sisters Olive and Patricia traveled there to discern the invitation and identify possible future ministry sites. Two years later, in 1979, SCN ministry in Nepal became a reality.
the limelight, but often is highlighted because of her personality and wonderful sense of humor. Sister Teresa Rose added that some of Sister Olive’s gifts to the community are her creativity, spontaneity, and sense of mission.
While Sister Olive has ministered in education and formation, she is most known for her work in social outreach and pastoral ministry. She was one of the pioneers in the ministry of social outreach to the tribal areas in Chaibasa. She glows as she remembers those early days of being with the people. She also spent some time working with the “pavement dwellers” who migrated to the city from outlying villages in hopes of finding work. In response to a mission questionnaire in 2004, Sister Olive wrote, “I am immersed in the midst of the people, mainly migrants, who live on the edge of society, struggling to survive. I am often reminded of St. Vincent’s driving force — to see the face of Jesus in the faces of the poor, especially the women, children and the sick, and to do what He would do.”
In response to a need, Sister Olive volunteered to go to Botswana, Africa, in 2009 to help at St. Mary’s Pre-School. Since she didn’t have any experience with that age group, at the age of 60, she studied early childhood education in India prior to leaving for her new mission. She says that she’s always wanted to be available to respond to the needs of the SCN Community, whatever that need might be. She works alongside the other SCNs in Botswana, supporting and encouraging in any way that she can. As the Congregation looks at vocation promotion and formation in Botswana, Sister Olive is ready to assist. “I feel my call is to be in mission 24 hours a day and to be in a state and attitude of readiness and availability for whatever God calls me to.”
Teresa Rose Nabholz, SCN, who was missioned in India for 40 years, reflects on Sister Olive’s gifts saying, “she is a delightful person.” Sister Teresa Rose remembers that Sister Olive was one of those who met her at the port in Bombay when she and Sister Gail Collins arrived in India in 1962 after traveling 28 days by ship. She says that Sister Olive never chooses to be in
She quotes the words of St. Teresa of Avila as an inspiration in her life: “Christ has no body now on earth but yours; no feet but yours; yours are the eyes through which to look with Christ’s compassion to the world; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good, and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.”
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Unforgettable Trip to Botswana
Millard and Monica Boggs recently volunteered to work in the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth booth at the Kentucky State Fair. The story they shared over and over again with visitors was that of their mission trip to Botswana, Africa. Millard’s experience continues to impact his life daily. People’s need for, and conservation of water, impressed him so much that if he has any water left over, he will “go pour it on a plant or something.” He can’t stand to see such a precious resource wasted. Though water was scarce in some places they visited, they found that hospitality was aplenty. The couple traveled with SCNAs Sharon Cecil and Patsy O’Toole to Botswana in April 2012 through the SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program. Their trip began with a two-day safari experience in Chobe National Forest. With great excitement, they recall the elephants, water buffaloes, giraffes, lions, monkeys and wart hogs among other animals they encountered. The safari was the perfect introduction to the beauty of the country. Reflecting back on the trip, what stands out most, say the volunteers, is the beauty of the people they encountered, especially the Sisters and SCN Associate Tootsie Gish whom they came to know and love.
In Nthlanthle, they visited the day care where Tootsie serves as director. The children greeted them, sang songs and shared all they are learning. They traveled to Lobatse where SCNs Ann Muthukattil and Olive Pinto minister. The students were practicing for an upcoming sports day competition, hoping to keep the trophy they won the previous year. The group attended Sunday Mass in Kanye, where Pat Huitt, SCN, ministers, and they were enthralled with the singing and spirit of celebration for the three-hour liturgy. SCN Associates gathered for a fun night of getting to know one another. They shared about the culture and history of Botswana. At each place, the travelers were welcomed and showered with warmth and hospitality. Their first service project was to paint a church in the remote village of Tswaaneng, where Sister Pat conducts a monthly communion service. After traveling for an hour and a half, they arrived in the village and were welcomed by the village chief. Together, the volunteers, along with Sister Pat, SCN Associate Jane Magosi, and a faithful parishioner named Thandy, painted the inside and outside of the small church.
Because there is no electricity there, Millard replaced two doors using a handsaw and manual drill. Water is scarce in the village, and the volunteers came to appreciate this resource as they watched villagers fill water buckets loaded on donkey carts at the nearest watering station. In Metsimotlhabe, the volunteers visited the Pabalelong Hospice, where Sunila Erumangalathu, SCN, is the Administrator. They spent the next few days painting the English alphabet and other learning tools on the walls of the preschool in Mmopane, where Vinaya Chalil, SCN, is the Director. As the mission trip drew to a close, the volunteers gathered with the SCN family in Botswana for a time of sharing and prayer. It was clear that hearts were deeply touched during the mission experience. Millard, Monica, Sharon and Patsy returned to the United States with a profound respect for those ministering in Botswana and for the people they encountered along the way. To learn more about the SCN Lay Mission Volunteer program and opportunities, visit the SCN family website at www.scnfamily.org.
Volunteers Sharon Cecil, Millard and Monica Boggs, and Patsy O’Toole, began their adventure in Botswana, Africa with a two-day safari.
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VOLUNTEERS VISIT BIG SKY COUNTRY It was a mission trip that was supposed to take place in June of 2011. Preparations were made and the travelers were ready for the SCN Volunteer Program’s first journey to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, Montana. Meanwhile in North Dakota, the Souris River continued to rise as flooding ravaged the area and suspended all train To learn more about service between the Pacific volunteer opportunities Northwest and Minnesota. The volunteers would have to wait until 2012, for this mission experience. scnfamily.org This past June nine volunteers joined Luke Luke Boiarski, SCN Boiarski, SCN, for an epic 36 (502) 348–1581 hour journey across the United States by car, bus, and train all the way to the Big Sky state. “Our first impression of the area was one of vastness and grandeur. The mountains are absolutely gorgeous,” says Sister Luke. The group spent a week at Blackfeet Nation working with Brother Ray of the De La Salle Blackfeet School. Volunteers helped to mow, weed, repair fences, lay a walkway, and construct a ramp to make the bunkhouse more accessible. In the evenings, the group gathered to share meals centered around deep reflections and prayer. The group traveled many miles for this volunteer experience. Delving into the rich culture of the Blackfeet Nation, they saw wondrous sites, like the alpine meadows, rugged peaks and glacial-carved valleys of Glacier National Park. Yet it was the simple connections made with the people there and the opportunity to give of one’s self that volunteers say kept them going.
V ISIT CONTACT
SISTERS HOST BIBLE SCHOOL
An opportunity to create a memorable camp for the children on one Crow Reservation, brought Luke Boiarski, SCN, and volunteers back to Montana for a second time this summer. The idea for the camp developed over a year ago when SCNs Anne Magruder and Luke, spent several days at the St. Charles Mission on the Crow Reservation in Pryor, Montana, with Sisters from Leavenworth, Kan. It was a rich time of sharing and an opportunity to reconnect with Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCLs) Sharon Smith and Mary Lou Mendal. Both of these women Sister Luke came to know during her prior position as vocation director for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. When Sisters from the two Congregations dreamed together, they came up with the possibility of organizing a bible school for the children on the reservation. Sister Luke immediately thought of others she could invite to join her on this venture. SCNs Sharon Gray and Nancy Gerth came to mind since both, according to Sister Luke, are, “extremely creative and talented.” The long-awaited week of the bible school came July 8–13. The theme, Camp with Jesus, was based on the parables of Jesus — Sower and the Seed, Using Talents, Lost Sheep, Prodigal Child, and The Good Samaritan. Each day, Sister Sharon Gray had the children singing and swaying to songs while Sister Nancy used combinations of props, plays, and puppets to convey parable stories. At the end of the day, the parables
were reinforced with craft projects directed by SCNs Janet Ballard and Luke. During one of the evenings the children, teens, and their families, were invited to an evening of prayer, fun, and music. This gathering, in the auditorium at St. Charles, was well attended and very much appreciated. SCLs and SCNs deemed the week a success, as did the children. “We take with us a grateful heart of being with our Sisters from Leavenworth and from the Crow Tribe,” says Sister Luke.
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HIGHLIGHTS SCN family members in Boston, Mass., gathered to mark the SCN bicentennial with a celebratory Mass at Archbishop Williams High School, September 2012. The Nazareth Academy, Nazareth 2 Junior College and Nazareth College “Country Campus” Alum Reunion (all classes) took place on the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Motherhouse Campus, Nazareth, Ky., Sept. 21–23. Over 250 people attended this event. The Sisters, Associates, and friends in 3 Memphis, Tenn., gathered for a Bicentennial Open House to honor the SCNs on Sept. 30 at Holy Rosary Parish. Sisters who were previously missioned in Memphis traveled from Nazareth, Ky., for this reunion. Friends of the Sisters of Charity of 4 Nazareth gathered at several Bardstown and Louisville, Ky., sites to hold prayer vigils during the summer in support of the LCWR National Board. 1
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Central and Province Leadership teams attended the LCWR meetings in St. Louis, Aug. 7–11, 2012. It was an opportunity for prayer and connecting and also a chance to discuss next steps in the process by which LCWR will move forward with regard to the Doctrinal Assessment and Mandate from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF). The newly elected members of the 6 Western Province Board are SCNs Carol Rogers, Charlene Reebel, Christine Beckett, Mary Angela Shaughnessy and Paula Merrill. They were photographed with the Western Province Leadership Team. The Steering Committee for the 7 General Assembly 2013 is most grateful for the 97 themes submitted by approximately 150 Sisters and Associates. The Steering Committee chose the SCN motto, “Impelled by the love of Christ.” 5
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The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth hosted a booth at the Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, Ky., Aug. 16–26. People stopped by the booth to thank Sisters for their ministries and to ask for prayers. Catholic Health Initiatives awarded a 9 $25,000 grant to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth to support the efforts of a Human Trafficking Task Force in Nelson County, Ky. SCNs initiated this task force following a presentation at Nazareth, Ky., by Marissa Castellanos of KY Rescue and Restore through Catholic Charities. Approximately 17 people representing the SCNs, social services, law enforcement, and other areas of the broader civic community have been meeting regularly to learn more about the issue of human trafficking and to discuss what might be done in Nelson County. In August, Mary Boyce and Marissa Castellanos sat down for an interview with Roth Stratton on WBRT AM1320. Mary and Marissa had an informative discussion about human trafficking, its definition, warning signs, and what you can do to help. 8
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A program called “The Way of the Sisters” to honor the legacy of religious orders of Sisters in the Archdiocese of Louisville took place in July at the Patterson Education Center, Louisville, Ky. The program included a presentation by Mary Ellen Doyle, SCN. Sister Mary Ellen portrayed Mother Catherine Spalding and depicted the establishment of Presentation Academy. Participants were also able to board a bus for a 90-minute guided tour of sites throughout Louisville where women religious have made significant contributions. SCN family member Addie Everhart 11 was recently highlighted in The Record. She attended an anniversary celebration at St. Thomas Church on July 1, where she shared her memories of the parish and a few tips for “growing to 100 years.” She credited the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth with having a tremendous impact on her life. 10
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Nazareth Hospital in Mokama, India, opened by SCNs in 1948, has served hundreds of thousands of patients over the years. In response to current realities, Nazareth Hospital is shifting the focus of care to pain alleviation, AIDS and palliative care only. A blessing of the new Disaster Relief 13 Trailer took place this summer at the Holy Family Circle in front of the Motherhouse in Nazareth, Ky. The Motherhouse SCNs initiated the efforts to raise money to purchase this trailer and equipment which will be used to help in disaster relief efforts. Nine SCNs marked 55 to 80 years of 14 religious life with a Jubilee Celebration at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Ky., on July 19. Current Jubilarians are: 80 years — Sara Ann Abell, SCN; 70 years — SCNs Ann Jeanette Effinger, Caroline Maria Clarke and Ellen Maria Ballew (now deceased); 65 years — SCNs Carleen Mouser, Ann Elizabeth Moloney, and Eunice Ann Arnold; 60 years — Caroline Field, SCN; and 55 years — Mary Carolyn Abell, SCN. 12
Over 90 people gathered the weekend of June 29–July 1 for the Former Members Reunion at Nazareth Motherhouse Campus, Nazareth, Ky. Former members began gathering Friday evening and participated in activities throughout the weekend. Two SCNs renewed vows in August. 16 TOP — Isa Garcia, SCN, renewed her vows on Aug. 26, at Saint Rita Church, Louisville, Ky., at the Sunday Spanish Mass. BOTTOM — Carlette Gentle, SCN, renewed her vows the same day at St. Martin de Porres Church in Belize City, Belize. On July 3, several candidates entered 17 into the Pre-Novitiate Program at Chandapura, Bangalore, India. These Pre-Novices join those who entered the Pre-Novitiate on April 28, 2012. SCNs Ann Margaret Boone, Barbara 18 Joseph Lammers, Betty Fracchia, Gwen McMahon, Margaret Voglewede, Mary Braley, Mary Elizabeth Miller, Ruth Ann Humphrey, Sarah Ferriell, Shirley Ann Howe, Edna Fabre, and Margaret Rodericks celebrated their Golden Jubilee at the Motherhouse in Nazareth, Ky., on July 15. 15
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Sharing Our Stories
You may have heard them speak at your church, Sisters and Associates sharing the stories of SCN ministries world-wide. For several months each year, members of the SCN family are invited to travel to parishes around the United States and their experiences with parish members are always moving. Anne Magruder, SCN, is the coordinator of this program, the Missionary Cooperation Plan (MCP). It is a role that seems to come naturally as she has always been engaged in some form of education ministry. The Missionary Cooperation Plan is a program directed by the Archdiocesan/ Diocesan Offices of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Through this program SCN family members are invited to give mission appeals in parishes around the country. Sister Anne says the program provides significant financial support for SCN ministries. More importantly, it supports the missionary work of the universal Church, allows the Congregation to share its stories, and may plant a seed for future vocations. Speakers also encourage others to join in prayer for the missions and make lasting connections with new and former acquaintances. More than 47 SCNs and Associates have stepped forward to volunteer for this program in order to meet the request for speakers. They are always grateful for the opportunity to be in partnership with Archdioceses/Dioceses in the missionary work of the Church. Each year Sister Anne, herself, gives appeals. Speaking from personal experience, she believes that parishioners are eager to hear about the wider mission of the Church, are touched by SCN stories, and are moved to be a part of this ministry. Sister Anne enjoys hearing stories from Sisters and Associates when they return from a weekend experience. The speakers have very positive encounters and often return energized. MCP speaker Margaret Rodericks, SCN, delights in meeting persons who have a connection with Sisters in India or those who inquire about a former teacher, relative or friend in the States. Letters also pour in after a Sister or Associate visits a parish. A former student sent a letter to the Community thanking Sisters for the education he received in Bellevue, Ky., and at Ft. Thomas, Ky., after hearing Barbara Joseph Lammers, SCN, speak. A pastor sent an email to thank the Congregation for sending Betty Blandford, SCN, to speak at his parish. A parishioner shared fond memories of SCNs serving in their local school and hospital. And over the years, others have conveyed sincere appreciation for the education they received from the Sisters. Some are even inspired to become volunteers or regular donors after hearing stories of ministry.
Anne Magruder, SCN, receives a warm reception from parishioners.
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Journeying On Margaret Dillier, SCN, formerly Sister Mary Matthias Dillier, 95, a native of Scranton, Ark., died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Ky., on May 23, 2012. She was a Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 70 years. Sister Margaret served in ministry in the United States and Belize, Central America for 53 years. In Louisville, Sister served at both St. Vincent Orphanage and at St. Thomas-St. Vincent Orphanage and also engaged in social work. Survivors include a sister, Marie Jones of Jonesboro, Ark., a brother, Justin Dillier of Heber Springs, Ark., nieces and nephews, and her religious community. Bridget Cottle, SCN, 83, a native of Middletown, Ohio, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Ky., on June 10, 2012. She was a Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 63 years. Sister Bridget served in elementary education, as both teacher and principal for 25 years. She also served in religious education, pastoral ministry, and community and volunteer services. In Louisville, Sister served at Most Blessed Sacrament in 1950, at St. Matthias School from 1955–1959, and at Holy Name School from 1960–1961. Survivors include nieces, nephews, a devoted cousin, Monsignor Paul Metzger of Middletown, Ohio, and her religious community. Angeline Driscoll, SCN, 91, a native of Roanoke, Va., died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Ky., on July 25, 2012. She was a Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 69 years. Sister Angeline served in elementary education, as both teacher and principal in Kentucky for 32 years. In Louisville, Sister taught primary grades at St. Frances of Rome School from 1971–75. She also served in health care at St. Joseph Hospital, Lexington, Ky., from 1975–1991. In retirement, Sister Angeline served as a volunteer. Survivors include nieces and nephews, and her religious community.
Mary De Sales Kolhoven, SCN, 75, a native of Newport, Ky., died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Ky., on July 29, 2012. She was a Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 56 years. Sister Mary De Sales served in health care in Kentucky, Arkansas, Ohio and Tennessee for 48 years. In Louisville, Sister served at St. Joseph Infirmary from 1963–66 and again from 1967–71. Survivors include a nephew and his wife, Bob and Jeana Wahlbrink of Cincinnati, Ohio, and her religious community. Ellen Maria Ballew, SCN, 90, a native of Phoenix, Ariz., died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Ky., on July 30, 2012. She was a Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 73 years. Sister Ellen Maria served in both elementary and secondary education as teacher and principal throughout the United States and in Gaya, India for 29 years. In Louisville, Sister served at Resurrection School and at Presentation Academy. She also served in health care in San José, Calif., and as a volunteer with the blind in West Roxbury, Mass. Survivors include a sister, Cornelia M. Grenier of Roseville, Calif., and her religious community. Mary Grace Yesko, SCN, 91, a native of Rankin, Pa., died at Vincentian Home, Pittsburgh, Pa., on September 3, 2012. She was a Sister of Charity of Nazareth (formerly a Vincentian Sister of Charity) for 77 years. Sister Mary Grace received a Master of Education degree from Duquesne University and taught for 22 years in elementary schools throughout the Dioceses of Pittsburgh; Greensburg; Youngstown, Ohio; and Mobile, Ala. During 23 years in Canada, she served as teacher and principal in four different schools in Scarborough, Ontario. In Pittsburgh, Sister Mary Grace ministered in social service and pastoral care. Survivors include her sister-in-law Patricia Yesko, nephew Frank Yesko, niece Lorraine Grace Whited, grandniece Francine and her religious community. Sisters of Charity of Nazareth • Vol. III 2012
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Journeying On Mary Kevin Egan, SCN, 89, a native of Louisville, Ky., died at Carrico Hall, Nazareth, Ky., on September 4, 2012. She was a Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 63 years. Sister Mary Kevin served in elementary education in Owensboro, Ky., as Postmaster at Nazareth, Ky.; in Provincial Administration at the Motherhouse; in the admitting office at St. Joseph Hospital, Lexington, Ky., and at the Guest House at Nazareth. In Louisville, Sister served in health care at Nazareth Home Business Office from 1975-77 and in the Provincial Office from 1980–86. Survivors include nieces, nephews and her religious community. Margaret Spalding Wathen, SCN, 82, a native of Owensboro, Ky., died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Ky., on September 6, 2012. She was a Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 61 years. Sister Margaret Spalding served in elementary education as teacher and principal in Kentucky and Ohio; as director of Nazareth Campus Service; as choir director at St. Stephen Cathedral Parish in Owensboro, Ky., in health ministry at Memorial Hospital, Chattanooga, Tenn.; as a Volunteer in the Western Province Office and in family ministry. Survivors include four brothers, Robert Louis Wathen of Orlando, Fla.; John Hamilton Wathen, Sr., of Louisville, Ky.; Samuel Thomas and William Patrick Wathen of Hardin, Ky.; one sister, Margaret Bauer of Norman, Okla.; and her religious community.
Alumni Obituaries
Maxine Wheat Keene, St. Joseph School of Nursing, Lexington, Ky., 1943 Emma Lou Martin, St. Joseph Infirmary, 1957 Catherine Datillo Martin, St. Joseph Infirmary, 1938 Lydia Wehrle, St. Catherine Academy, 1948 Rose G. Deal, Sacred Heart School, Memphis, Tenn. Ruth Eyl Gregory, St. Joseph Infirmary, 1952 Dorothy Paslick Klein, St. Joseph Infirmary, 1944 Martha Elizabeth Brynes Thomas, St. Joseph Infirmary, 1944 Betty Delzell Grantz, St. Joseph Infirmary, 1945 Mary Jane Miller Schorch, St. Joseph Infirmary, 1947
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Sisters of Charity of Nazareth • Vol. III 2012
Memorial/Honorary Donations 5/16/12 Thru 8/31/12
MEMORIALS CRAWFORD\JUANITA ADAMS Sandra Adams Clark LEAMOND ONNIE ALLEN Leamond Anthony Allen JOSEPHINE ANDIORIO SCN Associates Vincentian Collaborative System EMILY ANN APPLETON, SCN Lisa Heuser TIM BAESMANN Sharen Baldy, SCN DEBORAH BAILEY Paula Palotay WALLACE BALLARD Dorothy Wilson, SCN Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN ELLEN MARIA BALLEW, SCN Emily Pugh, SCN Rita Schafer Eleanor Willett, SCN Gwen McMahon, SCN Shirley Nugent, SCN Evelyn Hurley, SCN John Loretto Mueller, SCN Maureen Taaffe, SCN Richard Langley Grace Maria Saia, SCN Cornelia M. Grenier Kathleen Dunlea FRANCES BARBER, SCN Paul Barber Amy Tanner MAUDE MICHELLE BARBER, SCN Paul Barber Amy Tanner JOHN BARNETT Sharen Baldy, SCN MARIE BASSFORD Joyce Abramson JOHN F. BATCHELDOR Marilyn Shea, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN LAURA ANN BATEMAN Laura M. Bateman MARY MARGARET BEATTY Les\Patsy Whitmer Jere E. Sullivan Hilda\James Quisenberry CLARENCE BELL Rosemary Bell MARGUERITE BENOTAS Evelyn Hurley, SCN MARY HERBERT BIEGER, SCN Trudy A. Bieger KATHLEEN MARY BOHAN, SCN Eileen Mary Meyer, SCN EUGENE BOHN Atkins Family LAURITA BOHN, SCN Paul Bohn Deborah\Tony Christ LOUIS BOWLING Dorothy Wilson, SCN Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN ROBERT BRAKE Richard G. Lohre BROWN FAMILY\DECEASED MEMBERS Doris M. Howerton
HELEN BURKE Jerri Brandenburg BOB BURT Phyllis A. Burt JEAN CALHOUN Marian Schwind TOM\HELEN CANARY Anna Marie Canary, SCN TOM CANARY, JR. Ann Marie Canary, SCN JAMES CANTWELL Catherine Weckel LINDA WILLETT CARRICO Rachel Willett, SCN Eleanor Willett, SCN CONNIE CASH Rachel Willett, SCN FELINA CASTILLO, SCNA SCN Associates VICTORIA CHANEY John\Beverly Metzler VERONICA CIMPRICH, SCN Teresa C. Igo KITTY COLONNA Joyce M. Abramson HELEN COLVIN Richard\Brenda Oechslin ALMA CLARE COMBS, SCN Joan H. Burroughs ANDREW H. COSBY Anita Hager, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN Marilyn Shea, SCN Barbara MacDonald, SCN John Loretto Mueller, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Loretta Weller, SCN Miriam Louise Hauser, SCN BRIDGET COTTLE, SCN Marilyn Shea, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN AGNES CRONE, SCN Patricia Lynch-Hayes JAMES ANN CRUISE, SCN Michael W. Cruise IRENE D’SOUSA Maureen Taaffe, SCN EDWIN\VIRGINIA DANT M. Joyce Webster ROBERTA DEDOMING Maureen Taaffe, SCN BARBARA DEHARDIT Laura M. Bateman ELIZABETH DENNE Betty Fracchia, SCN Barbara Spencer, SCN MARGARET DILLIER, SCN Diane\Dan Dillier IRENE DORSEY Jerri Brandenburg JEAN DORSEY Jerri Brandenburg DIANNE E. DRAKE Elaine Puthoff, SCN AGNES DREA Mary Loretto Krimple, SCN Eleanor Willett, SCN Theresa Knabel, SCN Elaine McCarron, SCN Grace Mary Whittaker, SCN Loretta Weller, SCN Dorothy Wilson, SCN Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN John Loretto Mueller, SCN
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Miriam Corcoran, SCN Miriam Louise Hauser, SCN CAROLE DRESSMAN Lea Furlong ANGELINE DRISCOLL, SCN Helen\Jim Rowe Madeline Theimer Doris\Tom Dugan Bill\Kathy Reed Eleanor Willett, SCN Johnnie\Joan Gray ROBERT LOUISE DUNCAN, SCN Dr. Robert B. Scripko ETHEL DURBIN, SCN Shirley M. Rogers BECKY PIKE EDELEN, SCNA SCN Associates Kay Clark Deidre Clark Danette Frangowlakes Anonymous Marion Edelen DOROTHY EGAN Evelyn Hurley, SCN CHRISTINE ELLIS, SCN Helen McNulty, SCN Ruth McNulty BILL ENDRES SCN Associates FRANCES RICHARD ENDRES Margaret R. Stricker DORIS MARIE Curt\Amildia Lesmeister JOHANNA FEDEROWICZ Richard\Martha Federowicz MARY LYNN FIELDS, SCN Nancy Leatherman JOAN FINNERAN Sharen Baldy, SCN ERICA FLORES SCN Associates MARY CHARLOTTE FOWLER, SCN Josephine L. Hill JOHN GALVIN Donald\Dorothy Gammon KEITH GEARHEART Dorothy Wilson, SCN Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN GERALDINE GILL Marie John Kelley, SCN MR.\MRS. JOHN GILMETTI Barbara Gilmetti, SCN GILMETTI FAMILY\DECEASED MEMBERS Barbara Gilmetti, SCN ALLEN GREEN Connie Tarallo, SCN REGGIE GREENWELL Marilyn Shea, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN MARY ELIZABETH GREIFENKAMP Eleanor Willett, SCN JULIA ANN GRIFFITH Betty Fracchia, SCN Barbara Spencer, SCN DOROTHY HALCHUK Helen McNulty, SCN Ruth McNulty WILLIAM HAMMER Eleanor Willett, SCN ROSE CARMEL HARNDEN, SCN Clinton Bubb LUCY HARNETT Jerri Brandenburg BERNICE HOLSTEIN Emily Pugh, SCN Eleanor Willett, SCN
Pat Worley, SCN Grace Mary Whittaker, SCN Loretta Weller, SCN Theresa Knabel, SCN Elaine McCarron, SCN John Loretto Mueller, SCN Evelyn Hurley, SCN Janet Dougherty, SCN Miriam Louise Hauser, SCN HOWERTON FAMILY\DECEASED MEMBERS Doris M. Howerton DR. WILLIAM HUNDLEY Jack\Diane\Kristina Miller KEN IMMEGART Don\Dorothy Gammon DAVID ISGRIG Loretta Weller, SCN KRISTEN JACKSON Sandra Adams Clark BARBARA JOHNSON Jerri Brandenburg MARY CLARENCE KAMBER, SCN Barbara A. Mayer MAXINE KEENE William Leslie Keene THEKLA KELLER, SCN Claire M. DeLouise PATRICIA “PAT” KELLEY, SCN Kitty Wilson, SCN Katie B. Hunt Sharen Baldy, SCN Mary Hill Connie Lusher, SCNA MARTIN\VERONICA KERN Virginia M. Kern, SCNA RITA KINNEAVY Evelyn Fuhs, SCN Janet Dougherty, SCN MARY DESALES KOLHOVEN, SCN Rita Schafer Eleanor Willett, SCN Robert\Jeana Wahlbrink Wil\Susan Kolhoven PHYLLIS KOPEC Connie Tarallo, SCN KATHLEEN LABUDA Mary Loretto Krimple, SCN Marilyn Shea, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN Eleanor Willett, SCN Theresa Knabel, SCN Elaine McCarron, SCN Grace Mary Whittaker, SCN Loretta Weller, SCN Dorothy Wilson, SCN Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN John Loretto Mueller, SCN Evelyn Hurley, SCN Janet Dougherty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Miriam Louise Hauser, SCN BROTHER LAZARUS LAKRA Miriam Corcoran, SCN ANNA ROSALIA LAKRA Grace Mary Whittaker, SCN Loretta Weller, SCN Rosemarie Kirwan, SCN John Loretto Mueller, SCN ELMER LASKO Helen Lasko MARY JO DELANEY LECHLEITER James Lechleiter KATHY MCKELVY LEONCAVALLO Mary Margaret Mulroy
RICHARD LESMEISTER Curt\Amildia Lesmeister PATRICK LOFTUS Evelyn Hurley, SCN FRANCES MIRIAM LOKER, SCN George\Elizabeth Wigginton CATHERINE LOOBY, SCN Patricia Pendergast ROBERT H. MACE, SR. Robert Mace GRACE MACKIN, SCN Don Alexczuk BARBARA MACLELLAN Evelyn Hurley, SCN ANTOINETTE MAGISTRO, SCN Helen McNulty, SCN Ruth McNulty EMILY MAHER Connie Tarallo, SCN THOMAS MANJOLY Marilyn Shea, SCN John Loretto Mueller, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN MARGARET MARY MARCINEK, SCN Chuck\Monica Merrell SYLVIA GUY MAST Pete\Betsy Wigginton HELEN MAZZOLI SCN Associates Mary Loretto Krimple, SCN Marilyn Shea, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN Theresa Knabel, SCN Dorothy Wilson, SCN Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN Nazareth Home Community Service Verna M. Lehmann ELIZABETH\LAWRENCE MCCROSKEY Celeste Ann Midkiff ALICE R. MCDONALD Pete\Betsy Wigginton EDWARD MCMENEMY Robert A. Kennedy, III J.A.\ELIZABETH MEDLEY William J.\Patricia L. Deatrick EARL MEYER Emily Pugh, SCN PAUL MEYER Katrina Kargl VIRGINIA MEYER Emily Pugh, SCN
MIDLO FAMILY\DECEASED MEMBERS JoAn Midlo ROBERT MILLER Kathleen M. Miller RAYMOND “RAY” MIRKA Donald Leffler ALICE R. MOONEY Peggi\Paul McNeil TOM MORGAN Paula E. Palotay CHARLES MUNSCH Elaine Munsch FORD\LELA MURPHY James P. Murphy MOTHER OF SUJITA MUTHALAKUZHY, SCN Grace Mary Whittaker, SCN Loretta Weller, SCN Rosemarie Kirwan, SCN SKIP NAGIN Luke Boiarski, SCN BRENDA NAPIER Connie Tarallo, SCN RONNIE NARDO Luke Boiarski, SCN JACK NOLAN Ellen Paul McGovern, SCN MILDRED “MICKIE” NOONING Mary Assumpta Dwyer, SCN Trudy Foster, SCN Betty Fracchia, SCN Barbara Spencer, SCN PETER NORTON Dorothy Wilson, SCN Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN Kathleen M. White Theresa Knabel, SCN Helen McNulty, SCN Ruth McNulty Patricia Ann Healey, SCN BOB OSBORNE Kay Clark BEVERLY PALMER Luke Boiarski, SCN CATHERINE THERESA RAPP, SCN Barbara A. Mayer GEORGE MARIA RAPP, SCN Barbara A. Mayer MARIE CONSTANCE RAPP, SCN Barbara A. Mayer
Partners in Mission
The SCN Legacy Society was established to recognize and honor benefactors who have named the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in their estate plans. With deep faith, these individuals have chosen as their legacy a share in the SCN mission. Members of the SCN Legacy Society are valued partners in bringing the love of Christ to coming generations. If you would like information about including the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in your estate planning, please contact Leslie Wilson at (502) 348-1551 or lwilson@scnazarethky.org.
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MARY URIEL RAPP, SCN Barbara A. Mayer PAUL REINHART Phil\Patricia Reinhart BRO. AMBROSE RICO Abbey of Gethsemani BRO. OSCAR RODERICKS, SJ Maureen Taaffe, SCN KATHLEEN ROGERS, SCN Jane Rogers Naber MARY VICTORINE ROGERS, SCN Jane Rogers Naber MICHAEL ROSA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN MARGARET ROSS, SCN Rita McFarland MARY JO ROTTMAN Barry\Kathryn R. Penn JOHN C. “JACK” RUEFF, JR. Marilyn Shea, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN Theresa Knabel, SCN Elaine McCarron, SCN Grace Mary Whittaker, SCN Loretta Weller, SCN Rosemarie Kirwan, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Eleanor Willett, SCN John Loretto Mueller, SCN Dorothy Wilson, SCN Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN MOTHER LUCILLE RUSSELL, SCN Carol Heilman HELEN SALDANHA Marilyn Shea, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN FRANCES SCHULTZMAN Jerri Brandenburg WILLIAM J.\CLARA SCHWIND Marian Schwind SCN\As\DECEASED MEMBERS Bridgid Clifford, SCN Carol Rogers, SCN SCN\As RELATIVES\DECEASED MEMBERS Mary Ellen Doyle, SCN Marie Becker, SCN Bridgid Clifford, SCN Carol Rogers, SCN SCNs\ST. BARNABAS, ’56–‘64\ DECEASED Mark\Kathleen Smith SCNs\ROANOKE, ’39–‘66\ DECEASED Catherine C. Barrett SCNs WHO TAUGHT ME\ DECEASED Jerri Brandenburg SCNs WHO TAUGHT MY CHILDREN AT HOLY NAMES SCHOOL\DECEASED Josephine M. Wood MARTHA BELL SCOTT William Logan Scott MARK SEIDELL Anna Marie Canary, SCN MR.\MRS. ALBERT SHACKLETTE Jane A. Clark DAN SHEEHAN Marilyn Shea, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN Pat Worley, SCN Grace Mary Whittaker, SCN Loretta Weller, SCN Rosemarie Kirwan, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Dorothy Wilson, SCN
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Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN Eleanor Willett, SCN John Loretto Mueller, SCN Theresa Knabel, SCN NANCY ADKINS SILVERSTEIN Theresa Knabel, SCN PATRICK SIMPSON Evelyn Hurley, SCN BLANCHE MARIANNE SMITH, SCN Marianne Smith VICTOR SOLIGUE Evelyn Hurley, SCN JEAN SOUTHERLAND Marian Schwind MARGARET STRACK Lauren\Brenda Grenier GLORIA L. SUNDAY James\Michele Riley Joann O. Fohl Jim\Carolyn Glasser UPMC Corporate Treasury Dept. Brad\Bob\George\Alicia Zevola Joseph DePasquale, D.M.D. Frank\Susan Hamilton Anne L. Casali Fred Sunday JOHN “JACK” TAAFFE Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Maureen Taaffe, SCN MARIAKUTTY THOMAS Marilyn Shea, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN John Loretto Mueller, SCN ELINOR THOMPSON John W. Thompson MADELINE P. “PAGIE” THORNBERRY James Thornberry James E. Burke Kathy Pellegrino Kathleen\Wayne Keown Judy Behler EDITH CORBIN TUCKER SCN Associates RUTH\JOHN TUEMLER Liz Blevins VALLORIC FAMILY\DECEASED MEMBERS Anna Marie Valloric DR. JOHN VANCE Shirley C. Wunder MARGARET MARY VESSELS, SCN William\Margaret Mills JOSEPH WALSH Evelyn Hurley, SCN PAT WERNER Dorothy Wilson, SCN Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN MACRINA WETTERER SCN Claire M. DeLouise ANNE WHITEHEAD, SCN Dr. Robert B. Scripko JEANNE WILLETT Eleanor Willett, SCN JOHN L. WILLETT Eleanor Willett, SCN LYNNE WILLETT Eleanor Willett, SCN MICHAEL SCOTT WILLETT Eleanor Willett, SCN Don\Carol Greifenkamp SUZANNE WILLIAMS Jerri Brandenburg CLAUDIA WIRTZ, SCN John\Lisa Rotunni
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth • Vol. III 2012
MICHAEL WOERNER Sharen Baldy, SCN BETTIE WOHLBRINK Theresa Knabel, SCN MARGARET WOK Helen McNulty, SCN Ruth McNulty FRANK WOOD Margaret Rodericks, SCN Eleanor Willett, SCN Sharen Baldy, SCN NELLIE YANOVITCH Evelyn Hurley, SCN Janet Dougherty, SCN FRANCIS LORETTA YOWAISKI, SCN Michelle Marietta
HONORARIES JANE AMSHOFF\BIRTHDAY Eileen Mary Meyer, SCN ELLEN MARIA BALLEW, SCN Barbara MacDonald, SCN AMINA BEJOS, SCN\SILVER JUBILEE Margaret Meisner, SCN BEUSTERIEN FAMILY\LIVING MEMBERS Patricia Beusterien ANN MARGARET BOONE, SCN\ GOLDEN JUBILEE Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN Marilyn Shea, SCN Molly Thompson, SCN Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Margaret Meisner, SCN MARTHA BOURNE, MM Jerri Brandenburg JOSEPH BOYCE Mary Boyce MARY BRALEY, SCN\GOLDEN JUBILEE Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN Marilyn Shea, SCN Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Janet Gustafson\Family Francis Mataac Margaret Meisner, SCN MARIA VINCENT BROCATO, SCN Sue Ross MIRIAM ELIZABETH BROWN, SCN Martha Joan Bennett ANNA MARIE CANARY, SCN Mary R. Davis REV. JAMES CANNIFF\ BIRTHDAY Evelyn Hurley, SCN THERESA CASH, SCN Sharen Baldy, SCN LINDA WALTER CHUDOWSKY Jerri Brandenburg BERNADETTE COMBS John\Rosaleen Pratapas PHYLLIS COTTON Connie Tarallo, SCN MIRIAM CORCORAN, SCN Anne Marie Leofanti VERNA L. CRAIG Dorothy Wilson, SCN
Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN MARGARET JOSEPH HARNETT DAVIES Jerri Brandenburg JIM DONOVAN Mary Austin Donovan, SCN PAT DONOVAN Mary Austin Donovan, SCN MARY ASSUMPTA DWYER, SCN Ed\Catherine D. Weckel ANN JEANETTE EFFINGER, SCN\70TH JUBILEE Wanda\George Effinger MARY KEVIN EGAN, SCN Mary Austin Donovan, SCN EDNA FABRE, SCN\GOLDEN JUBILEE Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Jerri Brandenburg Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Eileen Mary Meyer, SCN Margaret Meisner, SCN MARY\LOU FABRO\50TH ANNIVERSARY Sharen Baldy, SCN ADELINE FEHRIBACH, SCN Sister Adeline Fehribach’s Faith Group RENA FERNANDES, SCN\SILVER JUBILEE Margaret Meisner, SCN SARAH FERRIELL, SCN\GOLDEN JUBILEE Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Evelyn Hurley, SCN Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Eileen Mary Meyer, SCN Margaret Meisner, SCN CECE FISTER Jerri Brandenburg KATHLEEN FLAHERTY Maureen Taaffe, SCN MARIE FLOWERS\ENTRANCE INTO SCN COMMUNITY Pat Worley, SCN BETTY FRACCHIA, SCN\ GOLDEN JUBILEE Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Catherine Wells Mensi Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN MARY GENE FRANK, SCNA Susan M. Zurschmiede Joetta Davis, SCNA Eileen Mitchell, SCNA LUCY FREIBERT, SCN Zion Hermit Monks of Mount Carmel AGNES ANN FUHS, SCN Ellen Contreras LEA FURLONG Kate Furlong Jim Walker ISAMARY GARCIA, SCN Sarah Beth Woodruff Janice Downs, SCN ELIZABETH\FELIX GARZA, SCNAs\SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Margaret Rodericks, SCN
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GOLDEN JUBILARIANS Ellen Paul McGovern, SCN Connie Tarallo, SCN Judy Raley, SCN Mary Braley, SCN Eleanor Willett, SCN Emily Pugh, SCN SCNs\Nazareth Motherhouse Nazareth Motherhouse Coordinators Alice Casper, SCN Mary Pauletta Kane, SCN Katharine Hanahran, SCN Barbara Gilmetti, SCN Carolyn Wilson, SCN Therese Arru, SCN Margaret Rodericks, SCN Mary Joyce Kernen, SCN Ann Kernen, SCN Janice Downs, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN Marilyn Shea, SCN Evelyn Hurley, SCN Janet Dougherty, SCN Miriam Elizabeth Brown, SCN Mary Elizabeth Middendorf, SCN Carmelita Dunn, SCN Mary Ninette Manning, SCN Grace Mary Whittaker, SCN Molly Thompson, SCN Bridgid Clifford, SCN Carol Rogers, SCN Miriam Louise Hauser, SCN Pat Norton, SCN John Loretto Mueller, SCN Clare McNeil, SCN Dorothy MacDougall, SCN Catherine Lee, SCN Diane Pharo, SCN Sharon Gray, SCN Angela Hicks, SCN JEAN GOLDEN Dorothy Wilson, SCN Elizabeth Blandford, SCN Virginia Blair, SCN BRENDA GONZALES, SCN Patricia B. Crapo MARY SUSAN RIPLEY GOODYKOONTZ Jim\Helen Rowe KATHARINE HANRAHAN, SCN Joseph\Shirley Schneringer Carol Heilman JUDY\TONY HEITZMAN\SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Margaret Rodericks, SCN MARGARET HOHMAN, SCN Sheila O’Donnell-Schuster SHIRLEY ANN HOWE, SCN\ GOLDEN JUBILEE Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Margaret Meisner, SCN RUTH ANN HUMPHREY, SCN\ GOLDEN JUBILEE Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Pat Worley, SCN Elaine McCarron, SCN Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Eileen Mitchell, SCNA Joetta Davis, SCNA Eileen Mary Meyer, SCN Susan Montague Patty Rademaker Margaret Meisner, SCN
Judy Feger Connie Lusher, SCNA JENNY HURST\GOOD HEALTH Anna Marie Rhodes, SCN SPALDING HURST Barbara Gilmetti, SCN SHANTI MARY JAMES, SCN\ SILVER JUBILEE Margaret Meisner, SCN JEANINE JASTER, SCN\ BIRTHDAY Karen Schmitt, SCNA JACKULIN JESU, SCN\SILVER JUBILEE Margaret Meisner, SCN JUBILARIANS Mary Margaret Reid, SCN Pat Worley, SCN Elaine McCarron, SCN Mary Serra Goethals, SCN Rose Ann Howard, SCN Paris Slapikas, SCN Mary Gene Frank, SCNA Marietta Putzig, SCN ROSEMARIE KIRWAN, SCN Robert R. Hackel MARY LORETTO KRIMPLE, SCN Harriett Lair RAYNITA KRISTOFCO, SCN\ GOLDEN JUBILEE Margaret Meisner, SCN BARBARA JOSEPH LAMMERS, SCN\GOLDEN JUBILEE Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Margaret Meisner, SCN Faith Group\Louisville, Ky. ANNE RITA MAUCK, SCN Philly Rains GWEN MCMAHON, SCN\ GOLDEN JUBILEE Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN Marilyn Shea, SCN Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Margaret Meisner, SCN MARY SCARIA MENONPARAMPIL, SCN\ GOLDEN JUBILEE Margaret Meisner, SCN MARY ELIZABETH MILLER, SCN\GOLDEN JUBILEE Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN Marilyn Shea, SCN Evelyn Hurley, SCN Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Eileen Mary Meyer, SCN Margaret Meisner, SCN HELEN MORRISSEY Ellen Paul McGovern, SCN EMILY NABHOLZ, SCN Paul\Karen Griffith REV. EDWARD NEDDER Barbara MacDonald, SCN NOVITIATE CLASS OF 1958 Alice\C. Fred Howard HELEN NUGENT, SCN Elaine M. Nugent DIANE PHARO, SCN Maureen “Reen” Gutgsell
PROVINCIAL LEADERSHIP TEAM\INCOMING Grace Mary Whittaker, SCN PROVINCIAL LEADERSHIP TEAM\OUTGOING Grace Mary Whittaker, SCN EMILY PUGH, SCN Mary McEnery RAINBOW JUBILARIANS\55 YEARS Angela Hicks, SCN MARION REARDON, SCN\70TH JUBILEE Patricia Ann Healey, SCN ANNA MARIE RHODES, SCN\ GRATITUDE Mary Jane Rhodes, SCN MARY JANE RHODES, SCN\ GRATITUDE Anna Marie Rhodes, SCN MARGARET RODERICKS, SCN\ GOLDEN JUBILEE Marilyn Shea, SCN Marlene Lehmkuhl, SCN Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Eileen Mary Meyer, SCN Margaret Meisner, SCN Faith Group\Louisville, Ky. Evelyn Hurley, SCN CAROL ROGERS, SCN\ BIRTHDAY Angela Hicks, SCN MARIETTA SALDANHA, SCN\ GOLDEN JUBILEE Margaret Meisner, SCN CASEY\RYAN SCHULZ\ WEDDING Mary Anne Burkardt, SCN ALL SCNs Barbara A. Mayer SCN CLASS ENTERING, 1964 Sara Sullivan SCNs\ST. BARNABAS, ’56–‘64\ LIVING MEMBERS Mark\Kathleen Smith SCNs WHO TAUGHT AT ST. VINCENT DE PAUL\MOUNT VERNON, OHIO Dr. Lorle A. Porter MARY DEE ALLEN SCHROERING Edith Pitzer SILVER JUBILARIANS Therese Arru, SCN Carolyn Wilson, SCN Connie Tarallo, SCN Margaret Rodericks, SCN Sharon Gray, SCN Angela Hicks, SCN PARIS SLAPIKAS, SCN Sarah Beth Woodruff MARTHA MORRISON SMELSER Jerri Brandenburg JOE SPALDING Sarah Abell ROSE SULLIVAN, SCN Rita Schafer XAVIER VALIAKUNNACKAL, SCN\GOLDEN JUBILEE Margaret Meisner, SCN VALLORIC FAMILY\LIVING MEMBERS Anna Marie Valloric BETTY VANNUCCI, SCN Dr. Robert B. Scripko
MARGARET VOGLEWEDE, SCN\ GOLDEN JUBILEE Jeanine Jaster, SCN Martha Borders, SCNA Patricia Ann Healey, SCN Anna Jeanne Hardesty, SCN Miriam Corcoran, SCN Eileen Mary Meyer, SCN Margaret Meisner, SCN MARY WECKEL-ANDERSON Mary Assumpta Dwyer, SCN ELEANOR WILLETT, SCN Rita A. Schafer RACHEL WILLETT, SCN John A. Kleier BARBARA HAZARD WHITLOCK Jerri Brandenburg CAROLYN WILSON, SCN Catherine Barrett JOAN WILSON, SCN Catherine Barrett KITTY WILSON, SCN Catherine Barrett PAT WORLEY, SCN Alan\Barbara Johnson KAY YOUNG Emily Pugh, SCN
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth • Vol. III 2012
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Louisville, KY Permit No. 715 Office of Congregational Advancement P.O. Box 9 • Nazareth, Kentucky 40048–0009 www.scnfamily.org twitter.com/scnfamily facebook.com/scnfamily
We Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are an international Congregation in a multicultural world. Impelled by the love of Christ, in the tradition of Vincent de Paul and the pioneer spirit of Catherine Spalding, we and our Associates are
committed to work for justice in solidarity with oppressed peoples, especially the economically poor and women, and to care for the earth. We risk our lives and resources, both personally and corporately, as we engage in diverse ministries in carrying out this mission.
Join us for upcoming Bicentennial Celebrations. Thanks for the many ways each of you have already helped us celebrate this year and make sure to check periodically on other celebrations and events at www.scnfamily.org.
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth 200th Anniversary Celebration
Bicentennial Liturgy Cathedral of the Assumption 433 South Fifth Street Louisville, Kentucky Saturday, the first of December at two o’clock Celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz and the Most Reverend William F. Medley