The J
URNEY
SISTER CHRIS SHARES HER STORY
VOL. I 2019
Letter from Leadership
“From God’s fullness we have all received one gracious blessing after another.” (John 1:16) Dear Sisters, Associates and friends, As we entered 2019, the above scripture quote from the Gospel reading of New Year’s Eve Mass, came alive for me. This quote awakened in me a fresh awareness and sense of gratitude for the constant overflowing of gifts in the past year inundated with the grace of God. What an amazing journey of loving companionship you share with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth embodying the charism of charity as our Sisters, Associates, collaborators, employees and friends across the globe, in the United States, Belize, Botswana, India and Nepal. This awareness of God’s gracious blessings in our journey brings us joy, hope and energy. I can assure you that skimming through the pages of this issue of The Journey will inspire you as the stories demonstrate a compassionate outreach to homeless persons in southern Maryland, empowerment for a young artist in Nepal, the faith of a young Sister who faces the future with courage and optimism, and our faithful housing ministry at Nazareth Villages. Thank you for the ways you join us in our efforts to be in solidarity with the marginalized. Together let us continue to ignite the fresh fires of spiritual space to birth a new vision and promote a culture that respects and welcomes all. Please pray with us that we will continue to share this blessed journey of love. This beautiful blessing of Archbishop Tutu describes my prayer for you. “God wants you to be filled with joy and excitement and ever longing to be able to find what is so beautiful in God’s creation: the compassion of so many, the caring, the sharing. And God says, please, my child, help me. Help me to spread love and laughter and joy and compassion. And you know what, my child? As you do this—hey, presto—you discover joy. Joy, which you had not sought, comes as the gift, as almost the reward for this non-self-regarding caring for others.” May you discover this amazing gift of joy. Sangeeta Ayithamattam, SCN
SCN President
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Inside this Issue 4
The Artist
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Nazareth 5K
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Embracing an Unfolding Future
12 A Home of Love
Join With Us PRAY WITH US An integral part of the life of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is prayer. You are welcome to join the Sisters for daily Mass at St. Vincent Church on the Nazareth Campus if you are nearby. Check scnfamily.org/mass for the Mass schedule. If at a distance, please join the Sisters through your daily prayer for the needs of our world. If you have a special prayer intention, you can send it to the Sisters at scnfamily.org/prayers. Your intentions are remembered by the Office of Mission Advancement during their daily prayer, and placed in a book for the Sisters to remember in personal prayer.
BECOME AN ASSOCIATE
16 Christmas at Camp Maria 20 A Home at Nazareth 22 Nazareth Academy Grows 24 Highlights 26 Journeying On
On the C over Christine Kunze, SCN, the new SCN vocation director, shares the story of her call to religious life.
Associates are lay people who commit to living out the Sisters’ mission in their own lives, to deepen their spirituality, to build community with other Associates and Sisters, and to reach out in compassionate service in the tradition of St. Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, and Catherine Spalding. Visit scnfamily.org/associates to learn more.
LEAVE A LEGACY Do you want to support the ministries of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth even beyond your lifetime? Contact Leslie Wilson, director of development, at (502) 348-1551 or lwilson@scnky.org, to learn more about how you can remember the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in your estate plans. Have you already done so? Let us know so we can say thank you.
DISCERN A RELIGIOUS VOCATION Catholic Sisters are dynamic and passionate, dedicated to diverse ministries and their charism, lived out in community. Their devotion is carried out in prayer, action, leadership, or service. Do you feel called to discern a call to religious life as a Sister of Charity of Nazareth? Visit scnfamily.org/sisters to learn more about the Sisters entering the Congregation today and how you can be in touch with a Sister to discuss your vocation further.
The Journey is produced by the Office of Mission Advancement for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Contributors include: Diane Curtis, Dana Hinton, Spalding Hurst, Dianne Smith, Janice White, and Leslie Wilson; SCNA Patsy O’Toole; SCNs Sangeeta Ayithamattam, Jackulin Jesu, Adeline Fehribach, Malini Manjoly and Mary Margaret Nirmala.
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The
Artist
Challenges do not hinder his creativity
Kshitizz Baniya is a talented and gifted young man. His intricately-detailed artwork and drawings are admired by everyone who catches a glimpse. At the age of nine, his artistic talent began to bloom at Navjyoti Center, where the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth empower students who have learning challenges and differences. From birth, Kshitizz has dealt with hearing loss, with only 20 percent hearing in one ear. When he first came to Navjyoti Center, it was difficult to connect with him. Through their continued efforts and through drawing, Sisters and staff learned to effectively communicate with him.
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At the Navjyoti Center operated by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Kathmandu, Nepal, Kshitizz Baniya’s artistic talents have blossomed and serve as a reminder of God’s gifts.
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This collage shows some of Kshitizz’s recent paintings. The Sisters of Kathmandu are pictured at the top right, SCNs Philomina Bading, Aisha Kavalakattu, and Lisa Perekkatt.
Located in Kathmandu, Nepal, under the leadership of Lisa Perekkatt, SCN, 70 children come daily to this dynamic learning center to meet with the caring, highly-qualified faculty. At the school, Kshitizz slowly developed his talent and
blossomed into the artist he is today. In addition to the program at Navjyoti, he attended art class once a week where he learned sketching and how to draw faces. Most of his drawings are things that interest him. At one time he was drawing detailed replica airplanes from different countries. Then he began drawing birds, fruits, and vegetables. Now he is drawing scenic landscapes of Nepal and India. “He has such a loving spirit,” says Sarah Geier, SCN. “It made me very joyful to see that he was being recognized for his individual talent and to see how much pride he takes in his art.” She had the opportunity to meet with him while visiting Nepal last Spring. Sister Sarah marvels at how hard he works at his art as well as the packaging he makes to sell his artwork.
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All that Kshitizz embodies is ultimately the goal of Navjyoti Center – to equip the students with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to become independent learners, to succeed in school, find fulfilling careers and lead balanced lives. The Sisters continue to nurture his talent, so that it may support him in the future. “On a few occasions we have found professional short-term assistance for cultivating his drawing and painting. However, it is through his own efforts that he has come this far,” says Sister Lisa. The holistic experience of Navjyoti Center produces trust and builds self-confidence. Sisters embrace students in a nurturing school environment where each child feels accepted and supported. “From the moment students get off the school bus in the morning, the children love to have each other's companionship,” says Sister Lisa. “Every student at Navjyoti Center is breaking down their own barriers.” The days at Navjyoti Center begin with yoga and prayer. Each child has a curriculum designed individually for their own learning style. Sister Lisa and her staff use academic, behavioral, and social strategies blended into a program comprehensively designed to educate the whole student. Kshitizz excels at most things he tries. He is a gifted athlete, taking home gold medals for the school in sporting events. He enjoys dancing. With minimal hearing, he is able to concentrate and truly listen to music. Recently he learned cycling and is making crafts alongside his artwork. “Whatever he takes on, he is perfect at it,” says Sister Lisa. The happiness and well-being of every child of God is at the heart of the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. With each stroke of his pen or brush, Kshitizz helps complete a picture where a future of dignity and equality is realized.
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Run with a Mission June 1, 2019 Join the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for this first-ever 5K run/walk on the Motherhouse grounds at Nazareth, Kentucky.
For details visit:
scnfamily.org/5K
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Embracing an Unfolding Future The journey of discernment and profession Christine Kunze, SCN, shares her story of becoming a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, what inspired her then and what continues to inspire her for the future. She recently spoke at the annual Join the Journey luncheon. “It was while I was a student at the University of WisconsinOshkosh, where I was studying to be a nurse, that I first met a Sister of Charity of Nazareth. Sharon Gray, SCN, was the person who first journeyed with me as I explored where God and my heart were leading me.
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“Several times, I accompanied Sharon when she would travel to Kentucky from Wisconsin, and I informed my parents and friends that I was going along simply to ‘help her with the drive.’ Eventually it changed to I was going for ‘service work,’ then for ‘retreat.’ They did not question me too much, but allowed it to unfold until I was finally able to express that, ‘yes, I was pondering the possibility of being a Sister.’ Thankfully, they blessed me with the support and love to freely choose the path before me. “This sense of freedom was a great gift throughout this process of discernment, not only from my family, but also from the community. In numerous ways, I felt assured that whatever I decided was holy and good. I was completely free to choose and the Sisters helped me to see that God would delight and be with me whatever the path!
sense of joy with one another. It was also during this time that they were in the throes of deciding if they would embark on a mission in Botswana, Africa. This spoke so strongly to me as one who was first inquiring. They were not unlike other communities in which fewer woman were entering, however, this was not holding them back from continuing to risk and go forth and respond to what was before them. Could I dare to be a part of this group, a part of something so much bigger than myself?
68%
“Thankfully, I did dare. Today, it gives great meaning to my life that I am a part of a community of people willing to grapple with how to respond to the difficult issues that *Foundations and Donors abound in the church and world Interested in Catholic Activities around us. And while I am not working directly with immigration issues or going to help the flood and hurricane stricken areas of our “So, what inspired me about the Sisters of Charity of country – some of my Sisters are, and therefore, I am Nazareth? I was inspired by their various ministries a part of it! Never would I have imagined that the life among the people, their openness to allowing life to and spirituality of the people of Belize and India would lead them where it will, and I was inspired by their intimately touch my heart, and while I have never even
of Catholic Sisters (new members) first considered religious life by age 21.
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been to Botswana or Nepal, the people, their struggles, and their celebrations are interwoven with my life. “Without a doubt, my heart and my thinking have expanded by being a part of the SCN Community. Never would I have dreamed that my life would take me from the dairy farms of Wisconsin, to the horse farms of Kentucky, and then my first mission as an SCN to the Appalachian foothills in Tennessee where I was in ministry at Memorial Hospital. Less so, could I have imagined that I would spend the next 11 years missioned in Belize, Central America. “For seven of those years, I had the great privilege of working with children and families living with HIV through the organization Hand in Hand Ministries. It was my first ongoing experience of working with those living in poverty and on the margins. Then the opportunity arose to go to the southernmost part of Belize to be in mission among the Mayan peoples. A people who truly witnessed to me what it means to live
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“While the tinge of fear is real, so is the excitement and hope that awaits the unfolding future …”
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simply, with the earth, and with deep faith. Have I already mentioned – never would I have dreamed or imagined! “It has been over a year since I returned to Nazareth, Kentucky from Belize. Currently, I am the vocation director for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. It is my hope that I can extend that same open and free invitation to other women today and journey with them as they ponder and explore where their heart is leading them – perhaps as an SCN, but also in the many other ways God’s invitation may lead one in life. “Sometimes, I am asked if it scares me that so few are choosing this life. For a moment there is a tinge of fear, what will the future hold? What will it look like? I do not know the answer to these questions. However, I quickly remember the many conversations I have had throughout the years with our older Sisters. In sharing their life journey they often reminisce how religious
life was when they first entered and exclaim that they had no idea all the twists and turns that their life and religious life would take! They could never have imagined. Then they quickly add – ‘Oh, thank God for this moment!’ “I, too, cannot fully imagine what twists and turns lie ahead, but whatever it will be, I trust that I will surely add – Thank God for this moment! Religious life is in the challenging process of transformation. This we know and the rest is for us to discover. I trust that God’s spirit and God’s wisdom is in motion. While the tinge of fear is real, so is the excitement and hope that awaits the unfolding future of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.”
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A HOME O F LOVE Restoring dignity and offering hope Sisters are restoring hope to girls who have fallen victim to traffickers in India. Among the faces of hope is Jagmani, who was one of 10 girls rescued by the Jharkhand police from Delhi, India, in January 2013.
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The young woman had been lured to the city alongside other girls from her village with promises of work. She found herself trapped by an agent who supplies girls for domestic work for a price. She was yet to be placed when police raided the agent’s office. After being rescued, she was brought to Catherine Spalding Center (CSC) in Ranchi, India, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth which helps and heals young women and children. Jagmani went on to finish her studies and to pursue nursing. The numbers are staggering. Each year 33,000 girls are trafficked from Jharkhand. Many are forced to work as domestic workers in homes or brothels or are placed in restaurants and factories in the major cities of North India. Some of the young women are underage, have dropped out of school, and easily fall prey to a vicious circle of traffickers who lure them with stories of a better life and work opportunities. In the process they may be physically, mentally, and sexually abused and sometimes killed.
Jagmani, a victim of trafficking, was empowered at the Catherine Spalding Center and went on to study nursing. Above she is pictured giving immunizations.
Catherine Spalding Center in Ranchi, India, is an initiative of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth to help such marginalized women and children. After her term of office as president of the Congregation in 2009,
Jagmani, third row, second from the left, is pictured in pink, surrounded by friends.
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Shalini D’Souza, SCN, now deceased, was moved to serve among people whose human rights were being violated. Sister Shalini saw the brutal reality involving the unabated migration of under-age tribal girls to the major satellite cities of India to be sold for domestic work. In 2011, she joined with the National Domestic Workers Movement in Mumbai for collaboration and consultative resources. The next year, Sisters also collaborated with the Jaan Foundation. As a result, Premashray (“Home of Love”), was opened as a shortstay shelter home for girls and young women, many of whom have been trafficked.
Sisters provide a safe place at the Catherine Spalding Center in Ranchi, India, for young girls and women rescued from being trafficked, many of whom are forced to work as domestic workers, in factories, restaurants, or brothels.
The innovative ministry works in close collaboration with the social welfare department, police, and the Child-line of Ranchi. To date over 1,475 children have been served. Those rescued come from a variety of circumstances, they have been trafficked, or have run away, been abandoned or struggle with mental illness. CSC offers counseling, and through this process Sisters and staff engage the girls in healing, and encourage them to further their studies. In the cases where it is not possible to reunite the girls with their parents, they stay at CSC to pursue studies. Mary Basanti Besra, SCN, is the coordinator of the program and superintendent of Premashray. Marcelline Indwar, SCN, has been part of CSC and Premashray since 2012, serving in various capacities.
Shalini D’Souza, SCN, founded the Catherine Spalding Center for young girls and women rescued from trafficking. Sister Shalini (now deceased) is shown helping to care for Payal, a rescued girl.
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These two SCNs, along with two staff members, work as a team to help those rescued. This includes focusing on professional education for employment. Currently, 10 girls have completed their high-school and professional training, and five of them are working. Jagmani is among the early success stories. After being rescued, Sister Shalini discovered the young woman was from a well-respected family but had crossed S C N FA M I LY.O R G
paths with traffickers who talked of living in a big city. Jagmani had completed the tenth grade with good grades. Sister Shalini supported the young woman’s potential, aptitude and desire for studies. She helped Jagmani complete her high school education to ensure that she would not find herself being lured back into domestic work. Jagmani enrolled in a two-year Nursing and Midwifery program and graduated. Today she ministers with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth at a Community Health Center in Bihar where she is greatly respected. Jagmani is grateful to Catherine Spalding Center and to the memory of Sister Shalini. Catherine Spalding Center is proud of the many young women and girls who have passed through their doors on the way to healing, like Jagmani, and is steadfast in the ongoing mission of restoring dignity and offering hope to those struggling or trapped by traffickers.
Mary Basanti Besra, SCN, provides guidance and care for those rescued from trafficking. Young women and children find shelter and support at the Catherine Spalding Center in Ranchi, India.
Subscribe to the Newsletter Get the latest news from the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in your inbox. Learn about their daily life of prayer and their work in ministries around the world. Sign up at scnfamily.org
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CHRISTMAS AT CAMP MARIA Wrapping Arms ‘Round Many
For the last two weeks of December, Camp Maria Retreat Center, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in southern Maryland, offers a “room in the inn” to guests who might otherwise be sleeping out in the cold. They do so as part of a collaboration known as the WARM Program – Wrapping Arms ‘Round Many. It is a sacred time as volunteers set up, cook, welcome, and share conversation and activities with men and women who call Camp Maria home over the holidays.
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Terri Williams-Pressley, a member of the staff at Camp Maria enjoys sharing the beautiful grounds overlooking Breton Bay with others, saying the rural campus always has an impact on guests “once they’ve come and get a glimpse of the view, they experience peace and quiet.” This past December, 24 guests came to Camp Maria. WARM exists because there are more individuals and families impacted by homelessness in St. Mary’s community than shelters can serve. Camp Maria board member Sarah Kane says the thought of people having no place to go over the holidays has become even more profound to her in recent years. “Can you think of a worse time of year to not have a home … and I speak from a slightly different place, I’m now living by myself, my husband died two years ago. So Christmastime, until my family gets to my house, is a rather lonely time. If I didn’t have a place to go … and I didn’t have things that reminded me of my family, what must that be like?”
Camp Maria staff member Terri Williams-Pressley, pictured back right, was joined by volunteers who helped prepare meals for homeless guests staying at the retreat center over the holidays as part of the WARM (Wrapping Arms ‘Round Many) Program. Camp Maria board member, Sarah Kane, is one of several board members that volunteer at the retreat center.
Mark was among the guests staying at Camp Maria. Quiet and polite, he was reserved at first, but as volunteers asked to share a meal, he opened up. He spoke about living in St. Mary’s County for 40 years, adding he longed for warmer weather because the nights could get cold. After dinner, Mark and others began playing bingo. A smile moved across his face as he won repeatedly. A family that was volunteering, two teenagers and their mother, played bingo next to him. Each time he called out, “Bingo!” they cheered. Mark was able to choose a prize from a table covered in a variety of items. He chose staples needed for long days on the street, tuna salad kits, beef jerky, and stamps. One of the more poignant moments came when he returned with two pairs of insulated socks, turning one inside out and placing it against his skin to feel how soft. Minutes later, he handed one of his prizes, the stamps, to the mother of the teens, saying, “Here’s a gift for you.” At another table, a group of friends spent much of their night giving away care packages and gear for winter weather. These women had driven in from Washington, D.C. The volunteers were part of a larger group that comes to Camp Maria for family retreats every summer. Many have come to the retreat center
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for up to four decades. This close-knit community asked to come back mid-year to experience the peace and sacredness of Camp Maria. Volunteering at WARM seemed a beautiful extension of meaningful time spent together each summer. The giving spirit was also seen earlier in the day as soccer team members gave up their afternoon to set up cots and make beds with handmade quilts. The volunteers also put up Christmas lights, a fresh-cut tree, and outdoor decorations. WARM is a sheltering program that provides warm, dry, and safe places for men and women to sleep during the cold weather months of November through March. Shelter is provided by local congregations and the locations rotate. A challenge for WARM during the holidays is finding a hosting site since many church members, many of whom would volunteer otherwise, are away for the holidays. Camp Maria was approached by a representative from WARM and asked to consider hosting guests. “Camp Maria tends to be not as busy at Christmas, and we are purposely not busy to give staff a break, but we discussed it and said absolutely,” recalls the director of Camp Maria, Ann Kovalcik. The desire to participate was overwhelming recalls Ann, as staff said, “We’re going to have WARM here during the holidays, we have the facility, and we want to support this.” Staff members have now hosted the WARM program of St. Mary’s County for three years. Since Camp Maria is not a church with parishioners, help is needed from the local community. Support comes pouring in. Typically each day the guests arrive by 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., followed by recreation. Lights go out at 10 p.m., with breakfast served the following morning. As one of the Camp Maria staff helping to coordinate volunteers, Terri has long days during this period. She leaves Camp Maria after dinner has been served and the kitchen cleaned, and returns just mere hours later at 4:30 a.m., in order to prepare a warm meal to start the guests’ day. Terri also offers each person a kind word. “We should make some effort to make a connection because a lot of times people are in the situations they are in because no one has made a connection with them … we have an opportunity to positively impact (guests) when they come in and that can be something as warm as asking ‘How was your night?’ and ‘How are things going?’” 18
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Camp Maria, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth on Breton Bay in Maryland hosted the WARM (Wrapping Arms ‘Round Many) program the last two weeks of December. Volunteers from a number of churches prepared meals and organized activities each night for homeless guests.
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The WARM (Wrapping Arms ‘Round Many) Program was hosted at Camp Maria in December 2018 with two dozens guests.
As Camp Maria prepares to host guests each year, a number of organizations and individuals step forward. South Point, an Interdenominational Church in Leonardtown, Maryland, is one such partner. A large group volunteered and prepared ham with all the trimmings. Benjamin Shevchuk, who served in the navy, spoke of how humbled he was by his experience. His Bible study group meets once a week, and when they found out about WARM, they chose to shift time together to organize a meal at Camp Maria. “What I sensed, what I realized was that the body of Christ was deciding how they would share gifts, resources … a big ham, a big bucket of mashed potatoes, lots of cookies, things like that. That’s not the experience that these guests have, they don’t have that available to them often during this time of year, or any time … I’m humbled just to be part of and see people come together in a loving act.” Adding, how grateful he was for all the people he met, “I was the one who got the blessing.” His wife Cheryl Shevchuk, a member of the St. Mary’s Ryken High School staff reflects, “God calls us to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, but then the second thing is to love our neighbor as ourselves.” Both were especially happy they collaborated with Camp Maria as they emphasized how the staff was organized and made it easy to volunteer.
Also serving alongside Camp Maria over the years, Our Lady’s Catholic Church in Medley’s Neck, Maryland, Trinity Episcopal Church, and the Islamic Center of Lexington Park. All have provided meals and Our Lady’s music ministry has led Christmas caroling. Camp Maria board members have prepared meals and lead activities. Groups like Hollywood Acts of Random Kindness, the Father Andrew White school community, Saint Aloysius Parish Youth Group, and St. Mary’s Ryken High School have also come together. A highlight of the time is Christmas Eve when volunteers and guests share a traditional Christmas feast and a service. Camp Maria provides an atmosphere of prayer, hospitality and simplicity in a peaceful, natural environment. The facilities are available to those who seek to strengthen and deepen their commitment to God, the Church, and to God’s people. This spirit is evident throughout the year and is especially poignant in December. Cheryl says she and her husband look forward to volunteering at Camp Maria again, “God is always at work and he’s planting his people everywhere, and oftentimes it's not the people that come in and help, but the people that are right there in the program. They are part of God’s plan for all to hear and to know his love.”
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A HOME AT NAZARETH Patient, awesome, thoughtful, compassionate, helpful, and dedicated … these are among the words Nazareth Villages residents use in describing the apartment facility’s chief executive officer and president, Vicki Ward. Vicki was recently recognized by the Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce as the Woman of the Year for her ministry at Nazareth Villages as well as her outreach in the local Bardstown, Kentucky, community. As a leader, Vicki supports her staff each day providing education and training and creating trust among them and a respect for each other. “It all works with Vicki. Compassion is one of her greatest strengths,” shares Molly Thompson, SCN. Sister Molly is part of the staff at Nazareth Villages and has been a member of the staff for 16 years. She says Vicki has led them through the HUD inspection in which they received a perfect score, something very difficult to achieve. “She is a good leader of a super team and I’m proud to be a part of her team.” Myrtle Hutchins who is also on the Nazareth Villages staff echoes Sister Molly. “We’ve got a good team. We all work together. It feels like staff is family.” Not only are residents and staff of Nazareth Villages celebrating Vicki’s recent recognition, but the apartment facility will also mark big milestones this year. Nazareth Village I will celebrate its 40th anniversary and Nazareth Village II will celebrate its 30th anniversary. 20
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Director of the Office of Congregational Ministries Michelle Grgurich, SCN, left, is pictured with Vicki Ward, right, as she receives the Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year award for her ministry work at Nazareth Villages, an apartment facility for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
Nazareth Villages is an apartment facility for persons who are 62 years old and older, or for individuals with disabilities. The complex is located on the beautiful campus of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth just outside historic Bardstown. The campus has 245 acres with walking paths and several ponds. Over 150 residents call Nazareth Villages home. The residents are close-knit and very happy to be a part of the Nazareth Villages family. Rosemary Bailey has lived at Nazareth Villages for 12 years. Over the years, she has been quite active. She spearheaded a regular newsletter for residents, introducing new neighbors and sharing happenings around campus. She gardens and loves the beautiful grounds at Nazareth, one of the S C N FA M I LY.O R G
things that attract her the most, “I’m a nature nut.” She also writes poetry and visits friends in nearby Bardstown. During the holidays, she organized a Christmas bazaar so residents could share some of the crafts and baked goods they had been making. After being on the waiting list for three months, Loretta Bivens was also thrilled to move into Nazareth Villages. She came to Nazareth nearly two years ago. She says her favorite thing about living at Nazareth Villages is the sense of safety. She explored other apartments and living options, but never felt the peace and security that she feels on Nazareth campus. “You don’t really realize how important that is until you get old.” Adding, “Everyone is so kind. Vicki is so caring. They are in tune to your needs.” Residents often point out that their home is quiet and peaceful, and super clean! Loretta notes that when she moved into her new apartment it looked like no one had ever lived there before due to its immaculate appearance. “I didn’t think anyone had ever used the kitchen, but the woman before me had lived here for 19 years!”
Over and over the residents praise the ability to share the campus with the Sisters and young students attending the nearby Saint Joseph Montessori Children's Center. Nazareth Villages came into being decades ago after the Sisters recognized a growing need in the community for affordable housing. Nazareth College had merged and became Spalding University in 1971 and several buildings on the Campus of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth became available. Aware of the increasing number of elderly persons in the area with special housing needs and the lack of available housing, the Sisters responded by opening Nazareth Village I in 1979. The ministry has been a hub of activity on the Nazareth campus since. Mark your calendars for upcoming celebrations as plans are being made to honor the anniversaries of this vibrant Kentucky ministry. To find out more about Nazareth Villages, go to http://nazarethvillages.org.
Sisters and staff came together to celebrate Vicki Ward, second from the right, as she received the Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year award for her leadership of the Nazareth Villages, an SCN ministry in Nelson County, Kentucky.
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NAZARETH ACADEMY GROWS
Seventy-two years – that’s how long it has been since the first six Sisters, impelled by the love of Christ, traveled in 1947 from Kentucky to Mokama, India. What could they have been feeling and thinking as they established Nazareth Hospital, the first mission of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in India? Could they ever have imagined that the same campus would be teeming with life and ministry in so many and varied forms? During the bicentennial year of 2012, in response to a long-standing request of the people, the Mokama campus became home to an educational venture, Nazareth Academy.
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During the opening celebration of Nazareth Academy on April 2, 2012, 26 excited students were admitted to the school. Within the next six years, the Academy flourished and is now “bursting at the seams” with 600 students and 30 staff members. Expansion and upgrades are necessary to meet requirements of the growing student population. Construction of two floors of classrooms, a staff room, computer and science labs, library, and bathrooms is part of the dream to insure quality education for students.
During this Lenten season, Sisters give thanks to all of the donors who are helping make this dream a reality. Financial support is a blessing for students, staff, family, and for donors. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 As the Sisters pray that God will bless you and all your family, they ask that you also pray for the students, Sisters, and staff of Nazareth Academy.
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h g i H The annual Nazareth Yard and Bake sale at the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Motherhouse campus, Nazareth, Kentucky last fall was a success. Proceeds from the Yard and Bake Sale support the Nazareth Mission Committee which funds the Employee Emergency Financial Assistance Program.
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth hosted a weekend retreat for SCN Associates in Dangriga Belize, Oct. 5-7, 2018. Two SCN Associate candidates, Dana Ayuso and Marilyn Cutkelvin made first commitments, and 18 SCN Associates made recommitments.
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Last fall, Asha Kiran, a shelter home for orphaned or semi-orphaned children in Gurgaon, India, held its traditional celebration of the feast of St. Vincent. The day included a special morning prayer. Many neighbors were guests at the cultural program.
Dozens of SCN Associates and Sisters gathered in September 2018, at the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Motherhouse, Nazareth, Kentucky, for the Associate weekend. The next SCN Associate weekend will be April 11-14, 2019, at Camp Maria, Leonardtown, Maryland.
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Sisters at Pabalelong Hospice in Botswana, Africa, participated in a study on aging, frailty, and resilience. The Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, in collaboration with representatives from the Institute of Global Innovation University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, hosted a workshop to encourage open discussion to identify key challenges affecting the aging population in Botswana.
The young adults participating in Charity Alive visited Nazareth, Kentucky before the holidays. The participants gathered for prayer and decorated Christmas trees. Amelia Kolb and Shelby Reardon made first-time commitments, Andreiona Williams and Erica Watts renewed commitments for two years.
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h g i l h Sisters and Associates gathered at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, for a family Christmas party. They traveled from near and far for this annual tradition.
Employees and Sisters enjoyed a Christmas celebration at St. Louise Convent, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There were over 70 people present, including the immigrant families who are living on the property.
Michelle Grgurich, SCN, met with a pair of VIPs in December at Nazareth, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Claus visited with the Montessori students and faculty as well as other Sisters and staff on campus.
Sisters and Associates in Botswana, Africa, celebrated Christmas with a family of 15 who live in a remote area where there is no electricity or water. The SCN Associates of Metsimotlhabe formed the Vincent de Paul group in Metsimotlhabe Parish to reach out to families in need.
Almost all of the former Central Leaders (11 in person and four by Zoom) gathered with the three current members of the Central Leadership Team at the SCN Center, Nazareth, Kentucky. They entered into contemplative engagement on the General Assembly 2018 calls and decisions for the purpose of deepening the living out of the directives and other decisions of the General Assembly.
Students from the Marian English Medium School in Anakkampoil, India, had the opportunity to visit the Indian Naval Academy (INA). Sisters accompanied the 52 students as they traveled to Ezhimala, Kannur District, on Jan. 12, 2019. The young women and men were able to learn more about the INA, the initial officer training center for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. INA Ezhimala is the largest Naval Academy in Asia.
Patricia Diane Hawkins (in red) renewed her commitment as an SCN Associate in January on the Nazareth Motherhouse campus, Nazareth, Kentucky. Diane has been an Associate since 1995.
The seventh SCN inter-school cultural meet was held on Jan. 12, 2019, at Nazareth Convent High School Vasai, India. The welcoming ceremony depicted the culture of Vasai, followed by a variety of cultural events. The inter-school competitions included a debate on the theme “Conservation and development cannot go hand in hand,” duet singing, and folk dance.
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth played host in January to the Salt River Conservation Collaborative, a group of Kentucky conservation organizations who are working to protect water quality, wildlife habitat, natural areas and farmland in the Salt River watershed while increasing awareness and support for conservation. The SCNs monitor water quality in the part of Froman Creek that runs through campus.
Congratulations to the Vincentian Academy girls basketball game for an upset in February. In front of a large crowd in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the team defeated Rochester, 55-50. Rochester was undefeated in their section until their match with Vincentian Academy. Michelle Grgugrich, SCN, witnessed the upset and joined the team in a cheer after the victory.
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JOURNEYING ON
Patricia “Pat” Ann Haley, SCN, 73, a native of Columbus, Georgia, died at the Motherhouse, Nazareth, Kentucky, Nov. 27, 2018. She was in her 52nd year of religious life. In September 1963, Sister Pat entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth as the Congregation’s first African American postulant and was the first African American Sister to serve in the Archdiocese of Louisville. She is a founding member of the National Black Sisters’ Conference. She continued to be a vital member of the Conference until her death, attending the 50-year anniversary celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana, in August 2018. Sister Pat served in educational ministries as an elementary school teacher at St. Ladislas in Columbus, Ohio, and in Louisville, Kentucky, at Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Thomas-St. Vincent. From 1970-1981, Sister Pat served in parish ministry at St. Benedict Church in Louisville. She spent 18 years in ministry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serving the Mariyama Vocation Center and as coordinator of the Spiritual Enrichment Program for the Institute of Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of New Orleans. She also served for many years in pastoral/social ministry in St. Petersburg, Florida, before returning to Nazareth in 2011. Survivors include her sister, Gladys McGee of Birmingham, Alabama; extended family; and her religious community.
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Katharine “Kitty” Hanrahan, SCN, 94, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, on Dec. 17, 2018. She was in her 71st year of religious life. Sister Kitty served in educational ministries as a music teacher from 1947-1966 at several grade schools in Kentucky. From 1970-1979, she served as a pastoral associate in Richmond, Virginia, and later as pastoral associate for two years at St. Bernard Parish in Louisville. Sister Kitty engaged in hospitality ministry at the Catherine Spalding Retreat Center, Nazareth, Kentucky, from 1998-2007. She served her SCN Community as the director of Junior Professed from 1966-1970, and also served as provincial for the Louisville area. Survivors include a niece, Patricia Cooper Cason, of West Chester, Ohio; extended family; and her religious community.
Mary Stella Ambrose, SCN, 81, a native of Dindigul District in Tamil Nadu, India, died in Bangalore, India, Jan. 13, 2019. She was in her 58th year of religious life. After attending St. Joseph’s High School, in Dindigul, Sister Mary Stella pursued her education in teaching and worked in Kodaikanal, India, as an educator. She later moved to the capital city of Chennai, India, where she taught visually-challenged children. She earned her B.SC. in nursing at Mercy College in Detroit, Michigan, and worked for a year at Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital. Upon her return to India, Sister Mary Stella founded a Leprosorium at Battalagundu, Dindigul. Sister Mary Stella served in the ministry of health care in Mokama, India. She served in a number of capacities including as a tutor, an assistant director, and director of Nursing Service from 1978-1986. She was administrator of Community Health Center Bakhtiarpur from 1986-89. Sister Mary Stella also taught visually and hearing impaired persons in Madurai, Trichy, India, and Bangalore, India. In 1991, Sister pioneered a suitable place in the South for the expansion of SCN mission and established the present Snehalayam plot of land in Trichy and later in Crawford (Crawford is in Trichy), the school and center. Later ministries include being a Nazareth Hospital Mokama tutor, a school nurse at Nazareth School, Chandapura, and overseeeing care of retired and ill Sisters. Survivors include family; and members of her community.
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Marie Smith, SCN, 87, a native of Deer Lodge, Montana, died at the Motherhouse, Nazareth, Kentucky, Jan. 23, 2019. She was in her 67th year of religious life. Sister Marie served in educational ministries as a grade school teacher and choir director. In Louisville, Kentucky, she served at Sacred Heart, St. Brigid, and Holy Name. From 19661975, she served as principal, teacher and choir director at St. Vincent de Paul in New Hope, Kentucky. Her ministry from 1979-1986 was as an assistant at the Learning Center at Spalding College in Louisville. Sister Marie was involved in social service, serving as a teacher at the Nelson County Jail from 1990-1994. She was an organist for liturgies at St. James in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and St. Francis Xavier in Mt. Washington, Kentucky. She served her SCN Community in a variety of ways, including as a musician and chaplain. Survivors include her siblings Robert Smith of Champaign, Illinois, John E. Cissell of Bardstown, Kentucky, Louise Simpson of Coxs Creek, Kentucky, Theresa Ayers of Miami, Florida, and Margie Collinsworth of Columbus, Ohio; and her religious community.
Barbara Von Bokern, SCN, 76, a native of Covington, Kentucky, died in Louisville, Kentucky, Jan. 24, 2019. She was in her 55th year of religious life. Sister Barbara served in educational ministries, teaching math and religion at St. Rita in Alexandria, Louisiana, St. Joseph in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Presentation Academy in Louisville, Kentucky. She served as principal of St. Francis de Sales in Paducah, Kentucky, from 19681974, and at Community Catholic in Louisville from 1978-1998. She served the SCN Community with her ministry in community service at Nazareth Home from 1998-2014. Survivors include siblings Bernard Von Bokern, Betty Herold, Darlene Hill, Jerry Von Bokern, David Von Bokern, Mary “Bird” Von Bokern, and Shirley German; her extended family; and her religious community.
Honorary and Memorial Donations With gratitude, gifts are acknowledged that support ministries of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in memory or in honor of others. To view a listing visit: scnfamily.org/hons
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Anita Hager, SCN, 89, a native of Henderson, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, on Jan. 27, 2019. She was in her 66th year of religious life. Sister Anita served in educational ministries in both grade and high school. She taught at the grade school level in Kentucky at St. Agnes School in Louisville from 1952-1957, and at schools in Owensboro and Morganfield. She also taught in Newburyport, Massachusetts. At the high school level, she taught home economics, government, history and English at Immaculate Conception in Dennison, Ohio, Good Shepherd in Frankfort, Kentucky, and St. John Central in Bellaire, Ohio. She also served as a librarian at La Salette Academy in Covington, Kentucky. Sister Anita spent several months in Dangriga, Belize, in order to set up a library catalog system at Stann Creek Ecumenical High School. As director of Be Concerned, Inc. in Covington, Kentucky, she served low-income residents in the area. At Nazareth, she served as the manager of the bookstore at Catherine Spalding Center and as the librarian at the Motherhouse at Nazareth. Survivors include nieces and nephews; and her religious community.
M. Georgine Bires, SCN, 93, a native of West Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jan. 27, 2019. She was in her 75th year of her religious life. Sister entered the Congregation of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity from St. Joseph Parish in West Aliquippa in 1944. She received her B.Ed. and M.Ed. degrees from Duquesne University and served the Church as an elementary teacher for 28 years in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Sister Georgine always had a great love for children. She ministered in the Head Start Program and at the Vincentian Child Care Center where she was a teacher for five years and the director for 25 years. Survivors include sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and her religious community.
M. Regina Joscak, SCN, 94, a native of Braddock, Pennsylvania, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Feb. 4, 2019. She was in her 75th year of religious life. Sister Regina received her bachelor’s degree in education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Her teaching ministry included 23 years in elementary education in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Youngstown, Ohio, and Mobile, Alabama. Sister Regina also served at St. Anthony’s School for Exceptional Children in Pittsburgh, in social service at St. Jude’s Social Service Center in Alabama, as an accountant at Assumption Nursing Home, and as assistant treasurer and treasurer for the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. Survivors include nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews; and members of her community.
Ruth McAllister, SCN, 89, a native of Columbus, Ohio, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Feb. 8, 2019. She was in her 67th year of religious life. Sister Ruth served in educational ministries in Louisville at St. Augustine and St. Frances of Rome; St. Mary School, Paris, Kentucky; St. Mary, St. Clairsville, Ohio; and LaSalette Academy, Covington, Kentucky. She served in the business office at Spalding University (then Catherine Spalding College) in Louisville. She also served in Pastoral/ Parish ministry at Mother of God in Covington, Kentucky (1972-1980); St. Peter, Lexington, Kentucky, and Holy Family, Birmingham, Alabama. Sister Ruth served as the director of religious education at Berea College; Berea, Kentucky, St. Brigid, Vine Grove, Kentucky; and Holy Rosary, St. Mary, Ohio. Sister Ruth studied art full time at Xavier University for two semesters from 1994-1995. She served in community service at Nazareth from 1995-2015 and practiced art during that time. Survivors include her sisters Jean McFadden, Rose Marie Bigler and Judy Dennison; nieces and nephews; and members of her religious community.
Sisters prayerfully remember the following former students of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth:
Margaret Ann (Marge) Arnzen Maschmeyer, Immaculate Conception, Newport, Kentucky; LaSalette Academy, 1947
Maurita Fischer Klingenberg, LaSalette Academy, 1946
Mary Margaret Costillo McLernon, St Vincent de Paul, Mt. Vernon, 1956
Mildred “Millie” McGovern, SCN, 86, a native of Hawesville, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Feb. 17, 2019. She was in her 65th year of religious life. Sister Millie served in educational ministries in Bardstown, Kentucky at St. Joseph; and at St. Matthias and Holy Name in Louisville; and Our Lady of Victory in Columbus, Ohio. She served as principal at St. Paul in Lexington, Kentucky from 1963-1966. She served as the Diocesan Supervisor at La Salette, Covington, Kentucky from 1969-1974. With her interest in media, she served as the media coordinator in the Columbus Diocese and later as the director of communications for the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas. Sister Millie also served as the cable/satellite consultant for the Houston, Texas Diocese and as the media center coordinator for the Archdiocese of Louisville from 1985-2002. She served her SCN Community through her volunteer work at the Catherine Spalding Bookshop and as director of the media center at Nazareth from 2004-2017. Survivors include her sisters Martha Hamilton, Mary Young, Ann Johnson, Rita McGovern, Marie Ratliff, and her brother John McGovern; nieces and nephews; and members of her religious community.
Gloria Montesi, Sacred Heart School, Memphis, Tennessee, 1943 Emmabel Manning Tibbs, Nazareth College, Nazareth, 1962 Dwala Griffin, St. Joseph Infirmary, 1963
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A drawing will be held Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. in Nazareth, Kentucky.
