President’s Pen
Rome
May 1 to May 11, 2013 On May 1, 2013, I traveled to Rome to attend the Union of International Superiors General (UISG) meeting. Sisters from all over the world were in attendance. The theme of the plenary assembly was, “It Will Not Be So Among You, The Service of Leadership According to the Gospel.” I have grown as a Presentation Sister and a person with experiencing international travel; My trip to Africa in early January offered these learnings. There are good people everywhere meaning people who do the right thing, that although most people have less than Americans they make do with what they have and there is a deep reverence of God and our Catholic church. I grew up in the small rural area of Montrose, South Dakota. I had dreams of travel, canvassing the world learning all I could and experiencing many different peoples and cultures. I can hardly believe that being the President of the Presentation Sisters made these dreams come true. It is a privilege to be the President of the Presentation Sisters and travel to Rome to represent our sisters at this most important meeting. As Sister Janice Klein, Development Director for the Presentation Sisters, wrote recently, “These are challenging and hopeful times in our church and world. Our world is evolving and God is present in this evolving and gradually we become aware as our own consciousness evolves. God is in all and draws all forward into the future of loving, forgiving and creativity. Within the Universal Church, one can see a movement toward humility and explicit attentiveness toward the poor.” Jesus, in the Gospel, calls all Christians to be attentive to those made poor in our local area and in our global world. Sister Pat Farrell, OSF and the past President of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) states there is a kind of eucalyptus tree in Australia whose seeds cannot germinate without a forest fire. The intense heat cracks open the seed and allows it to grow. Perhaps with us too, there are deep parts of ourselves activated only when more shallow layers are stripped away. We are pruned and purified in the dark night. I believe this is what has happened to me as I traveled the world. My trips to Newfoundland, Africa and Rome are a new kind of ministry for me. There is much detail to attend to and lots of preparation to be made. Once in the airplane, I could just lean back and give the trip/trips to God, however, I worry about the flight and the rest of the trip as though that is going to be any help. I try to concentrate on reading, writing, sleeping and definitely praying. It is after I am home and back into my safe and structured routine I begin to reflect on the travel and see how my world has grown. I thank God for the safe trip and all the wonderful people I have met on the way. I thank God for all the ways my trip is guided and protected and I thank the Presentation Sisters for the opportunity to represent them.
Go in Peace, Sister Pam Donelan, President Aberdeen Presentation Sisters
Sister Mary Deane, Congregational Leader of the Union and Sister Pam Donelan in Rome.
Front Cover Photo - Sister Elaine Garry, Aberdeen Presentation Sister, and Sister Andrea Arendt, Fargo Presentation Sister as they co-lead a Dream Group in Fargo, ND, which provides lay women a deeper understanding of God’s message through symbols found in their dreams.
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To Teach and Heal
Sister Brigid Carey
All praise and thanks to God for: • My precious mother and inspiration • My terrific vocation • My heavenly years of teaching “Darling Angels” • The privilege of ministering to the sick and dying • The wonderful friends who have so generously given me love, support and inspiration
In a cozy little ranch home near Isabel, SD, miles from the end of the nearest railroad, Glen and Isabel (Morrison) Carey welcomed Sister Brigid (Sarah Lee) Carey. After graduating from Mobridge High School, Sister Brigid had a great desire to serve God and His people. She and her family planned to visit several convents before choosing a community, but on her first visit to the Presentation Sisters in Aberdeen, she fell in love with the sisters’ deep faith, joy and hospitality. Sister Brigid taught fourth through seventh grades in schools throughout SD and MN for 30 years. She earned a master’s degree in religious education and taught methods of teaching for the U.S. Army in Thailand and Germany. After earning a master’s in spirituality Sister Brigid did retreat work and gave spiritual direction to the divorced, widowed and separated at Immaculate Heart Retreat House in Spokane, WA. She went on to study clinical pastoral education at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA and St. Joseph Hospital of Orange County, CA, after which Sister Brigid became the Hospice Chaplain at the Providence Medical Center in Portland, OR. In 2008, Sister Brigid moved to Laguna Woods, CA to take care of her sister, Elizabeth Griffin. Her sister has Hometown: now passed away, but Sister Brigid Mobridge, SD continues to live in Laguna Woods.
Entered Convent: November 1, 1950
Education:
• Presentation College Aberdeen, SD Teaching Certificate • Northern State University Aberdeen, SD BS in Education • Notre Dame University South Bend, IN MA Religious Education • Gonzaga University Spokane, WA MA Spirituality
Experiences:
• Elementary Teacher -30 years •Retreat Ministry - 1 year •Chaplain - 22 years
Current Ministry:
•Spiritual Director for the Catholic Women’s Society • Vice President of St. Vincent DePaul Ministry • Eucharistic Minister to nursing homes • Prayer Ministry
“I thank God every day for all my years as a Presentation Sister.”
Although Sister Lucy Callaghan, formerly Mary Dismas, grew up the daughter of two teachers, Adelaide (Daly) and C.L. “Leo” Callaghan, in Westport, SD, Sister Lucy Callagan she felt her life was going in a different direction. After graduating from Norte Dame Academy in Mitchell, SD she enrolled at the Presentation School of Nursing in Aberdeen, SD. Upon graduating in 1949 it became apparent to Sister Lucy that the Lord wanted her to join His service as a Presentation Sister and she entered the Community later that year. Even though Sister Lucy chose to become a nurse and served as a staff nurse at (Avera) McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD and St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN, God in His divine wisdom called her to spend a good deal of her career teaching pediatric and family nursing. Sister Lucy earned a BS in nursing, a MS of Nursing in clinical teaching of pediatrics and a pediatric nurse practitioner certificate. She delighted in seeing countless students grow, develop and become nurses at Presentation College, Aberdeen, SD, Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS and Loyola University, New Oleans, LA. Sister Lucy was also called to work as a pediatric nurse practitioner in one of the poorest areas of the country. She was invited by Dr. Larry Hofmann to help set up a children and youth clinic to meet the health needs of the indigent in Mississippi.
Hometown: Westport, SD
Entered Convent: November 1, 1949
Experiences:
•Staff Nurse - 4 years. •Nursing Instructor -13 years. •Pediatric Nurse Practitioner 4 years • Assistant Professor of Nursing 22 years
Current Ministry:
• Full time prayer ministry
Education:
• Presentation School of Nursing • Presentation Junior College Associate of Arts • Creighton University BS in Nursing • Wayne State University MS in Clinical Teaching of Pediatrics • Washington University School of Medicine MS in Clinical Teaching of Pediatrics Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
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Partners in Ministry Sister Kathleen (Kathy) McCluskey is a Sister of Saint Joseph of Boston who is serving as Chapter Facilitator for the Aberdeen Presentation Sisters. Chapter is a periodic gathering of the community in which the Sisters set direction for the future and elect community leaders. Sister Kathy is working with the Chapter Planning Committee to design meetings between now and the full Chapter session in March 2014. Born and raised in the Boston area, Sister Kathy received her BA from Regis College and began her ministerial career as a high school teacher. She earned her MA and PhD in English and American Literature from Brandeis University and went on to teach at Regis, a sponsored ministry of the Boston CSJs. Sister Kathy served as General Councilor and then President of her community, and then as Executive Director for the US Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. In this position, she had the opportunity to work with sisters from all over the country and to interact with sisters from around the world. Sister Kathy currently ministers full time as a Process Facilitator for Religious Congregations. She lives in a local Sister Kathy McCluskey, CSJ community of four sisters in Watertown, MA. In her facilitation, Sister Kathy’s focus is on enabling women religious to set direction for the future in ways that are attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit in the community. “At this time, apostolic women religious are especially attentive to the value of contemplative silence and conversations as pathways to deeper union with one another and good decision making. It has been wonderful to meet and work with the Presentation community as they look to the future together. Their hospitality, commitment to one another and dedication to the people they love and serve is palpable. I am happy to be walking with sisters who say of themselves: “we live in our present so that the future will always include a willingness to hear Our Lord asking us to ‘go forth to the whole world, and proclaim the good news to all creation.’” A little over a year ago, the Presentation Sisters welcomed Brooke Nicholson as Major Gifts and Stewardship Officer. She provides guidance and coordination of comprehensive major gifts, planned giving and stewardship programs that support the mission of the Presentation Sisters. This position works very closely with donorcentered programs to help raise awareness of the current needs and cultivate relationships with the donors and prospective donors. Brooke grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Applied Communication. After graduation, she moved back to South Dakota and completed Stephen Ministry training, a program that trains lay people to provide Christ-centered care and support to others experiencing life’s difficulties. Brooke is also a member of PEO, a philanthropic educational organization established to advance, educate and motivate young women. Prior to joining the Sisters, Brooke served as sales manager for the Sheraton Sioux Falls Hotel and Convention Center, vice president of Pepper Entertainment and Brooke Nicholson Marketing, Inc. and communications coordinator for Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. Since 2008, Brooke has volunteered and been a part of the executive committee organizing the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, a fundraising event benefiting the Sisters’ Caminando Juntos Ministry. While serving on the committee, she worked closely with Presentation Sisters Janice Klein and Janet Horstman. “I have volunteered each year since and have loved the opportunity to get to know so many of the Sisters; it has been an amazing experience,” commented Brooke. “I am so blessed to have joined the Presentation Sisters family and am astounded by the accomplishments of these miraculous women. The Presentation Sisters and their partners are committed to doing everything they can to make the world a better place today and for generations to come.”
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Inspired by Joyful Service Sister Joyce Meyer recently retired from her post as executive director of the Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters, but she is far from being retired. At an age when most individuals are looking to take life easy, Sister Joyce has taken on not one but two new challenging roles. The Leadership Council of Women Religious (LCWR) has engaged Sister Joyce as a grant writer and a resource person to explore ways that LCWR can build relationships with communities of sisters beyond the United States. Recently, she worked with the leadership of the Union of International Superiors General (UISG) to sponsor the May meeting of major superiors from developing countries who have sisters in mission in the United States. Sister Joyce is currently raising funds so a LCWR delegation can meet with representatives from the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) and the Conference of Religious of Haiti to discuss ways LCWR and CMSM can help meet the Conference of Religious’ need for leadership training. She is also working to raise funds for a new online leadership program being designed by LCWR staff to assist newly elected congregational leaders. Sister Joyce has also joined the Board of Directors for Medicines for Humanity, a non-profit organization with a mission to reach the most vulnerable children in the world with life-saving healthcare services. In addition, she serves as a consultant to foundations and other organizations who work with sisters in the United States and the developing world. A native of Minnesota, Sister Joyce finds her call to a religious vocation integral to her ministry. “I wish people knew more about the powerful contribution sisters make in this world, and not just spiritually. I am awestruck by the dedication sisters have shown worldwide. They are willing go to places that no one else will go. I’ve witnessed sisters taking amazing risks to help the poor in developing Third World countries.” She added, “My work with these sisters makes me very proud to be a woman religious.” While she currently resides hundreds of miles from the Aberdeen Presentation Sisters, Sister Joyce finds spiritual support and a sense of community by living in an intercongregational community of sisters in Los Angeles. She attends gatherings of two Californiabased congregations of Presentation Sisters and returns to Aberdeen for major congregational gatherings. Right photo: Sister Joyce Meyer in Rome.
Hebrews 13:16 Keep doing good works and sharing your resources. These are the sacrifices that please God.
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Celebrating Jubilarians Jubilee is a celebration of joy, inner joy and outward jubilation. Whether serving the poor, educating the young, caring for the sick, praying for God’s people or spreading the Good News, the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary answer God’s call to live lives of love and joyful service. The following Presentation Sisters will mark milestone anniversaries of consecrated life:
Sister Deb Nelson
“I experienced the compassion, tenderness and love of God through the Presentation Sisters I’d known early in my life, and living a religious life has offered me the opportunity to share this gift with others in need of it.” Ministry Highlights: Sister Deb served as Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry for the Holy Spirit Parish, Sioux Falls, SD and Director of Youth Ministry for St. Mary and Sacred Heart Parishes, Aberdeen, SD. She was a parish minister at St. Ann Parish, Miller, SD and St. Joseph Parish in Wessington, SD. She served as Director of Youth Formation for St. Thomas More, Brookings, SD. Currently, Sister Deb is a missionary sister in Kalomo, Zambia, Africa.
Sister Loraine Brown
“For me, to live our Presentation ministry of Joyful Service is to begin each day expectantly reflecting on Christ’s words ‘I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance.’” Ministry Highlights: Sister Loraine taught at Woonsocket, Jefferson, Bridgewater, Mitchell and Huron, SD as well as Willmar, Anoka, and Mound, MN. In Forest Lake, MN, she worked in parish ministry at St. Peter Parish and as administrative coordinator for the Senior Center. Sister Loraine ministered as a massage therapist at Virga Chiropractic Clinic, Lindstrom, MN and is currently a massage therapist at the Avera Queen of Peace Hospital Wellness Center, Mitchell, SD.
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“Being a Presentation Sisters has always been my calling, and working in our health system has been such a wonderful journey for me.” Ministry Highlights: Sister Mary Denis served at Avera St. Luke’s, Aberdeen, SD; Avera McKennan, Sioux Falls, SD and Holy Rosary, Miles City, MT. She served as President of the Congregation, worked at Barrett House, a shelter for homeless women and children in Albuquerque, NM and served as vice president of the System Services of the Presentation Health System. At this time, Sister Mary Denis visits the sisters and patients at Mother Joseph Manor. Sister Mary Denis Collins
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Sister Gabriella Crowley
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“I have been blessed to have ministered with various cultures and groups – the Lakota people, the Latino community and homeless and street people. Every ministry has brought me the most wonderful of treasures.” Ministry Highlights: Sister Gabriella ministered as a dietitian at Holy Rosary Hospital, Miles City, MT and Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD. She worked with Native American parishioners at St. Joseph Parish, Mobridge, SD, and served as a missionary in Guerrero, Mexico. Sister Gabriella was the assistant director of the Good Shepherd Center, Sioux Falls, SD. She is currently the receptionist at Caminando Juntos Hispanic Ministry, Sioux Falls, SD, and is actively involved in promotion of social justice issues, working to abolish the death penalty and ministering at the state penitentiary.
A Journey of Faith In Joyful Service “I’m glad I’ve traveled the path the Lord laid out for me. I’ve had many rewarding ministries in various missions, and the continual love and support of my Community.” Ministry Highlights: Sister Antonia served as a dietician at St. Joseph Hospital, Mitchell, SD, Holy Rosary Hospital, Miles City, MT and Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen, SD. She served as retirement counselor, convent administrator and administrative assistant at Presentation Heights, and as home care and hospice aide for Sisters Care, St. Paul, MN. Sister Antonia volunteered with the St. Lawrence Parish, Milbank, SD, the Foster Grandparent Program and the Meals on Wheels Program, Aberdeen, SD. She is currently serving in full time prayer ministry at Mother Joseph Manor, Aberdeen, SD. “Religious life has been such a gift for me. I’d had Presentation Sisters as teachers since I started school, and knew that I wanted to be a Presentation Sister and a teacher from the time I was in the third grade.” Ministry Highlights: Sister Paulette was privileged to fulfill her dream of teaching. She taught in the Catholic shools in Mound and Willmar, MN, Madison, Woonsocket, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, and Dell Rapids, SD. She also served as principal of Sacred Heart school, Aberdeen, SD. Sister Paulette currently serves as the Community Life and Hospitality Director and Sacristan as well as a member of the Sisters’ Care Team all at Presentation Heights, Aberdeen, SD. “I have loved my work, and I am truly grateful to Almighty God for each day I have been able to care for those that were in need. I still try to spread cheer to everyone I meet.” Ministry Highlights: Sister Olive served in health care ministry as a floor nurse at Presentation Hospitals and nursing homes in Aberdeen and Mitchell, SD as well as in Miles City, MT. She also worked at the Presentation Children’s Home in Sioux Falls, SD and as a convent nurse in Aberdeen, SD. Sister Olive acted as a Eucharistic minister at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, several nursing homes, Presentation Heights and to many of the home bound in Aberdeen, SD. Sister Olive volunteered with Meals on Wheels and as organist for area nursing homes. She is currently serving in full time prayer ministry at Presentation Convent, Aberdeen, SD. “I feel the focus of religious life has been to develop a deep spirituality while improving one’s personal talents to be of service to the community and others. For me, religious life has proven to be challenging, rewarding, eventful and satisfying.” Ministry Highlights: Sister Eleanor taught music, Latin, journalism, English, geography, chorus, history and social science in Milbank, Dell Rapids, Mitchell, Bridgewater, Aberdeen and Sioux Falls, SD and Winsted, MN. In Woonsocket, Gettysburg, Lebanon, Parkston, Ethan and Redfield, she taught Religious Education. Sister Eleanor also ministered at Presentation College, Aberdeen, SD as registrar, librarian, and instructor. She is currently serving in full time prayer ministry at Mother Joseph Manor, Aberdeen, SD. Phil 1:6 And I am sure of this much: that God, who has begun the good work in you, will carry it through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus.
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Sister Antonia Dunn
60 Sister Paulette Garry
75 Sister Olive Ewalt
75 Sister Eleanor Joyce
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Voices of Collaboration Advocating Peace The ninth annual South Dakota Pax Christi Peace Conference will be held September 28, 2013 at the County Fair Banquet Hall in Watertown, SD. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the conference running from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The keynote speaker for this year’s event will be Pax Christi International Co-President Marie Dennis. In 2007, Marie became the first layperson and the first woman to serve equally with Bishop Kevin Dowling, South Africa, as co-president of the international Catholic peace movement, Pax Christi International. She holds a Master’s Degree in Moral Theology from the Washington Theological Union and is the author or co-author of seven books on social justice, peace, spirituality and the integrity of creation. Marie has lectured on such topics as Catholic social teaching, globalization, peacemaking, economic justice Marie Dennis and Latin America at numerous universities, conferences, workshops and parishes. She is the former director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, a former Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace, a founding member of the Assisi community in Washington, DC, a Secular Franciscan and a contributing editor for Sojourners magazine. The South Dakota Pax Christi Peace Conference will also feature a reader’s theatre rendition of “Dead Man Walking.” Join us for this expressive reading of Sister Helen Prejean’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated book “Dead Man Walking”, which tells of Prejean’s early experiences ministering to inmates on Louisiana’s death row and focuses particularly on Prejean’s relationship with death row inmate Matt Poncelet. Aberdeen Presentation Sisters, the Watertown Benedictine Sisters and local Pax Christi chapters, sponsor the conference. Cost is $25, which includes lunch and breaks.
Latino Culture Celebrated The 2013 Wells Fargo Cinco de Mayo Fiesta held May 11, 2013 in Falls Park was a fun-filled, enjoyable event for the whole family. The day started with thousands of participants gathering to run or walk in the 25th Annual Avera Race Against Breast Cancer. Together, friends, families, neighbors and cancer survivors raced to enhance cancer care, treatment and support for patients in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities. Fiesta-goers kicked up their heels as Los Guerreros de el Amor, Banda La Fortalezza and Escuadron Musical preformed on the Avera McKennan stage. The traditional Aztec dance group, Mexica Yolotl, demonstrated the heritage and beautiful pre-Hispanic culture of Mexico through their stunningly beautiful Aztec dance and dress and local dancers, Martin and Andrea Lopez Estrada, presented traditional folclórico dances. Mexican and Central American food vendors served up delicious tacos, burritos, pupusas, enchiladas, tortas, nachos, elotes, fruta and tamales. The Wells Fargo Kids’ Zone, once again, entertained and delighted younger participants with piñatas, face painting, inflatables, musical chairs and more surprises. Proceeds from the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta benefit Caminando Juntos. Caminando Juntos, sponsored by the Aberdeen Presentation Sisters, is an outreach ministry with the Latino population in the Sioux Falls area. The primary purpose of the ministry is to help create a welcoming presence and to respond to the needs of Latino immigrants as they seek to make a home and become a part of Sioux Falls and surrounding communities.
Making a Difference In the fall of 2005, while I was still teaching at Presentation College, in Aberdeen, SD, I traveled to Fargo, ND once a month to participate in several spiritual direction ministries. Even after moving to Brookings, SD, and taking on the role of pastoral associate at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, I continued traveling to the Presentation Sisters Sacred Heart Convent in Fargo, ND to journey with religious and lay individuals who are looking to enter into a deeper relationship with God through prayer. For the past seven years, I met with the Peer Supervision for Spiritual Directors group the second weekend of each month, September through May. We provide area spiritual directors with the opportunity to continue learning and share experiences from their ministries. The group includes a priest, three Presentation Sisters, a lay man and a lay woman. Each month, one individual serves as a facilitator and another as a presenter. Sister Elaine Garry and Sister Andrea Arendt I also work with a Dream Group in Fargo where lay women look for a deeper understanding of God’s message through the symbols found in their dreams. I had the privilege to co-lead this group with Fargo Presentation Sister Andrea Arendt. I’ve so enjoyed helping people understand how God communicates with us by way of our nighttime dreams. In addition to the Peer Supervision Support Group and Dream Group, I’ve met with a number of lay and religious individuals for spiritual direction at the Presentation Prayer Center. The Center is a place for prayer, solitude, reflective listening and sharing for group or individual spiritual growth. It is with a heavy heart that I decided to discontinue my Fargo ministries in May 2013. Recently, especially after this difficult winter, I noticed my energy to “continually hurry” has dwindled. I plan to spend more time fulfilling my ministry in Brookings. I have come to feel very much at home with the Fargo Presentation Sisters and have really appreciated the continued welcome they extended to me. Maybe I will return to minister with them again sometime in the future. ~Sister Elaine Garry
Catholic Scholarships
Cojourner Leon Schliesman
“I feel we are guided by the Holy Spirit. We all feel blessed to be able to serve on this committee.”
In 2008, Sister Kathleen Bierne asked Cojourner Leon Schliesman to serve on a committee to initiate the Presentation Sisters Catholic Scholarship program, and he has served on the selection committee for the past five years. Leon has a long partnership with the Presentation Sisters and with Catholic education. He was taught by Presentation Sisters at St. Lawrence School in Milbank, SD, as were his father, his six children and several of his grandchildren. Leon and his wife, Kathy, have been Cojourners for 22 years and have taught marriage instruction and CCD classes. Leon and other members of the selection committee review essays the students, or their parents, have written on the importance and value of a Catholic education before meeting to select the scholarship recipients. “It is encouraging to read the applications and essays. The sincerity and love of their Faith is heartwarming,” commented Leon. “I have enjoyed serving on this committee for the past 5 years. It has kept me involved with our Catholic school system as well as serving with the Presentation Sisters that Kathy and I have known for many years.” The Presentation Sisters are proud to congratulate the 30 recipients of the Presentation Sisters Catholic Scholarships for the 2013-2014 school year. Elijah Madsen Dominick Scholten
To join benefactor Ken Lakowske in contributing to the Presentation Sisters Catholic Scholarship Fund, please contact the Presentation Sisters Development Office at 605-229-8337 or devoff@presentationsisters.org.
Garner Aasen Bauer Anderson Mercedes Arnett Lauren Burton Kathryn Cassidy Clare Dahlhoff Margaret Dow
Hannah Eide Megan Ekern Paul Fogarty Catherine Foy Bailey Frerichs Kaylee King Aiden Ludvigson
Erick Magana Ethan Miller Sheridan Nickolas Emily Ortmann Theresa Pujado Nora Robb Damon Schmidt
1 John 3:18 My children, our love must not be simply words or mere talk – it must be true love, which shows itself in action and truth.
Hayden Scott Leona Stastny Connor Tapia Austin Terveen Tyler Traphagen Kylie Rae Waters Jack Ziemer
Voices of Faith
Volunteer Mission Service
Presentation College Student preparing meals at Lantern Light. “My experience at Lantern Light was truly amazing and unforgettable. I have never seen so many smiles and heard so many thank-yous in such a short time.” ~ Kristin Wiechers “The sisters at Lantern light are absolutely inspirational. This experience has touched my heart in many ways.” ~ Kelly Garman
In its tradition of challenging learners academically as well as spiritually, Presentation College, which is sponsored by the Presentation Sisters, requires students to complete 80 hours of volunteer service in order to graduate. Recently, 20 Presentation College students embarked on a weeklong mission trip of volunteer service at Lantern Light in the city of New Orleans. Lantern Light is a collaborative ministry of the Conference of Presentation Sisters in North America that serves people made homeless by hurricane Katrina, the chronically homeless and immigrants seeking work. The ministry began in September 2005 and since then Presentation Sisters from various congregations have worked together among the homeless and underserved in Orleans Parish of New Orleans. Collaborating with other local organizations, the sisters helped to create St. Joseph Rebuild Center, a multi-service recovery center on the grounds of St. Joseph Church. While at Lantern Light, Presentation College students served meals, talked with the guests, packed toiletry bags, stocked the food pantry and many more projects from landscaping to cleaning. They also learned a lot from the Sisters about New Orleans, the effects of the hurricane Katrina and the needs of the community and its residents. In addition to volunteering at Lantern Light, PC students helped repackage recovered Mardi Gras beads at The Arc of New Orleans, which re-sells the beads; constructed traditional huts from palmetto leaves at Los Islenos, a Hispanic culture center; worked at Rescue Ranch, which houses rescued farm animals and helps at-risk teens; and harvested produce at L’Hoste Citrus, a chemical free citrus orchard heavily damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Isaac. Presentation College students with Sister Vera Butler, U.S. Province of the Union, in New Orleans.
Women’s Retreat The Presentation Sisters welcomed Amy Novak to our 2013 Women’s Retreats. Amy is President Elect at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD and is a passionate Christian deeply committed to helping others discover God’s presence in their lives. Amy presented a wonderful message to over 160 attendees in Aberdeen and Sioux Falls. Through her presentation entitled “Clothe Yourself with Love” she invited the audience to laugh, reminisce and renew themselves in the light and hope of Christ. Using reflections from scripture and the saints, Amy guided women through a period of self-reflection designed to help the women explore their own sense of belovedness and their vocational calling which stems from His love. “I was very touched by Amy’s stories and her warm and gentle spirit,” stated an attendee. A few attendees at the Sioux Falls Women’s Retreat.
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In Loving Memory Sister Gertrude Nemmers March 15, 1915 - March 7, 2013
Clara Agnes Nemmers was born to Magdelena (Roeder) and Joseph Nemmers. She began her grade school education in Granville, IA and then in 1924 her family moved to Dell Rapids, SD where she completed her education through grade ten at St. Mary Grade and High School. She entered Presentation Convent on August 25, 1932 and made her first profession of vows on July 9, 1935. She became a registered X-Ray and EKG Technician in 1940. Sister Gertrude ministered at Avera Queen of Peace (St. Joseph Hospital), Mitchell, Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, and Avera St. Luke’s in Aberdeen, SD (1945- 1960). She also ministered at Presentation Children’s Home in Sioux Falls from 1965-1966. She managed the altar bread department at the convent in Aberdeen from 1966-1989 and was caregiver for family members, Arnold in Tucson, AZ and Florence Ginsbach, Dell Rapids, SD, from 1989-2007. Sister Gertrude resided at Presentation Convent from 2007 until her death. She will be remembered for her great sense of humor and when asked what her position or profession was she would reply, “Keeping my eye on the eternal goal.” She enjoyed making birthday and feast day cards, delighting the recipients and then eagerly awaiting their responses.
Renovations During their April assembly, Presentation Sisters’ President Sister Pam Donelan blessed the newly renovated third and fourth floors on the northwest wing of the convent. The remodeling project began in June 2012 and included a partial remodel of second floor and a complete renovation on third floor and fourth floors. A portion of the renovation also included replacement of all the windows, rebuilding the sisters’ living spaces and adding airy, light filled kitchen and lounge areas where the sisters can more fully enjoy community living. The lounge areas have already welcomed several sisters and visitors. A discernment retreat was held in the lounge the first week of April, Standing in back row of the new lounge on third floor are nine sisters hosted a Plate and Prayer for Presentation College students Sister Ruth Geraets, Deb Bossly, Carmen Morrison, Patty on April 10 and many of the sisters that were home during assembly Pietz and Steve Sommers. Front row: Sisters Lois Ann Sargent, Phyllis Gill and Pam Donelan. gathered in the new space. The building committee members, Sister Pam Donelan, Sister Phyllis Gill, Steve Sommers, Patty Pietz, Carmen Morrison and Deb Bossly, considered the sisters’ current as well as future needs as they planned the renovation. The decorating committee members, Sister Phyllis Gill, Sister Lois Ann Sargent, Sister Ruth Geraets and Deb Bossly, worked hard to create a welcoming gathering space for the sisters and visitors. “We are so grateful to Deb Bosley and the housekeeping staff for all the extra effort they took to clean and prepare the rooms for the sisters’ use. Steve Sommers and the maintenance crew also deserve many thanks for moving all the furniture and ironing out last minute kinks. We are so grateful for such a lovely and comfortable living space,” said Sister Phyllis Gill.
VOICES & VENTURES • Summer 2013 Volume 21 No. 2 •Printed on Recycled Paper Voices and Ventures is published by the Presentation Sisters’ Public Awareness Office to communicate the ministries and mission of the Presentation Sisters. We invite your comments as well as your prayers. www.presentationsisters.org
You may send any correspondence to: Public Awareness Office, Dawn Maas, Director of Public Awareness 1500 North Second Street, Aberdeen, S.D. 57401-1238 Phone: 605.229.8317 Email: dmaas@presentationsisters.org
Acts 2:28 You have shown me the paths of Life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.
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Calendar of Events: June 5, 2013 Live Out Loud Camp Broom Tree Retreat Center Irene, South Dakota 605.229.8414
For more information, please contact:
June 17, 2013 Women’s Golf Tournament Moccasin Creek Country Club Aberdeen, South Dakota 605.229.8391
Development Office 605-229-8337
Public Awareness Office 605-229-8317 Vocation Outreach Office 605-229-8414
September 28, 2013 SD Pax Christi Conference Watertown, South Dakota 605.229.8317
www.presentationsisters.org