Intercom
Annual Report 2020
S i s t e r s
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C h a r i t y
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C i n c i n n at i
A Letter From Our President Dear Sisters, Associates, and Friends,
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t seems like it was only yesterday when our 2019 General Chapter, Venture Deeper into Divine Mystery, convened and our current Leadership Council was elected: Sisters Joanne Burrows, Teresa Dutcher, Monica Gundler, Marge Kloos, and myself. Elizabeth Seton’s words of wisdom have guided us this past year: “Meeting our grace in every circumstance of life.”
Contents Communications........................3 Congregational Leadership...... 4-5 Spirituality..................................6 Archives......................................7 Vocation/Formation................ 8-9 Associates..................................10 EarthConnection......................11 Ministry.............................. 12-14 Peace, Justice and Care for Creation....................................15 Corporation Board for Sponsored Ministries........... 16-17 Social Justice Fund.............. 18-19 Seton Enablement Fund...... 20-21 Stewardship...............................22
On the Cover: The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati have met their grace in every circumstance of life during the past year. Disclaimer: The information contained in Intercom is intended for general information and educational purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are the views of individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.
We have walked with Elizabeth during all the challenges and opportunities presented to us this last year. Our 2015 General Chapter Directives will continue to guide us for the next 10 years: Called from the beginning of our foundation as Sisters of Charity to address the needs of our world, we move intentionally and creatively toward the vulnerabilities of our Earth and our sisters and brothers. Infused by a spirituality of union with the Divine Mystery within and around us, “we journey together towards wholeness.” Two major events have captured our attention and focus this last year, and all their implications: As our year began we realized we had some major concerns that needed to be addressed in regards to Seton Hall located on the Motherhouse campus. We presented our Sisters with these challenges at our Fall Congregational Days and we unanimously decided it was not cost effective to address the major needed repairs. It was decided to demolish Seton Hall. What followed was the realization and impact of that decision. We began looking at our future realities and ministries going forward to 2025, 2030 and beyond. Then, a once-in-a-century global pandemic struck the world and life as we had known it changed. In our Annual Report we share with you remarkable stories of how we have met our grace in every circumstance of life that was presented to us this fiscal year. In our journey we have walked with Elizabeth Ann Seton, and we have journeyed together toward wholeness. We are living in unprecedented times, with much unrest in our country and around the world. Let us continue to hold in prayer our sisters and brothers who struggle with grief, loss and healing. It has been an honor to serve as the president of the Sisters of Charity during these trying times. Peace to all, S. Patricia Hayden, SC
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Re-imagining the Future with Technology By S. Georgia Kitt and Erin Reder
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his fiscal year has provided many surprises and unknowns, particularly in 2020. What we have learned is the importance of technology in a time when physical distancing and the safety of those we care about called us to re-evaluate our communications strategies. For many years our office has seen the value in technology and electronic media and we were able to continue the same quality publications and communications prior to the pandemic. We focused on keeping our Sisters and Associates connected through internal publications, emails and Zoom discussions while also reaching out to our external audience through the website, social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and electronic newsletters (Mission, Charity in Motion and E-Voc). With our new website in place in the spring 2019, we concentrated on finetuning the site and helping our Sisters and Associates become acquainted with it during the fall. Tutorials were hosted in the Cedars Auditorium for Sisters and one-on-one instruction was offered. New capabilities were discovered and we enjoyed the opportunity to provide new offerings such as video interviews and series. We again appreciated the additions of our intern AJ Keith to the story ideas and interviews. Our office has always taken pride in providing assistance to all other congregational offices and Community members in need of our help. In doing so, we were able to share the good news and general information necessary to keep us all connected, near and far. Production of the 2020 pictorial directory, articles and display boards related to the Seton Enablement A n n u al R eport 2 0 2 0
Fund’s 40th anniversary, press releases and features announcing first vow and Associate commitment and lifetime celebrations, detailed information on spiritual programs and retreats, and historical resources all were communicated on the website and social media or through internal strategies that assisted offices in reaching their intended audiences. We believe in the benefits of collaboration with groups beyond the congregation. We serve on the planning committee for the Bicentennial of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, occurring in June 2021, and are coordinating the women and men religious’ efforts to sponsor a diocesan-wide outreach day. Quarterly meetings of the Archdiocesan communicators as well as frequent collaboration with communicators of the SC Federation offer opportunities to share resources. Inspired by the keynote presentation of S. Joan Chittister, OSB, at the 2019 Communicators for Women Religious conference, our staff made the decision to emphasize the issue of homelessness in our magazine, on our website and in all social media platforms. In addition to featuring articles on Sisters and Associates directly serving our homeless sisters and brothers, we provided statistics for our social media channels as well as informational pieces on local organizations doing their part to address the issue, and looked at the systemic
and structural changes that are necessary in creating true change. In March 2020, as the pandemic began to become more serious, many congregational office employees were asked to work from home as a precautionary measure for the Sisters living at the Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall. Our office seamlessly adapted to the request and was dedicated to ensuring that our message and mission were communicated to those who needed it so desperately. This included inspiring quotes and articles, livestream features through our website that integrated daily prayer, and internal messaging and timely updates to Sisters, Associates and employees. COVID-19 and the reality of a new normal called for Communications staff members to meet our grace in every circumstance. The call among us to embrace what was happening globally became more real. We turned to grace and were reassured through our multiple ways of being connected. As Elizabeth Seton noted, “To correspond to the grace of the moment means a wonderful union between you and God all day.” 3
Reliance on Grace By S. Joanne Burrows
“We must be so careful to meet our grace – wherever we go ‘there is a store of grace waiting …” - Elizabeth Ann Seton
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eeting the store of grace that awaits has taken extra vigilance and courage for the new Leadership Council (LC) that took office in July 2019. As S. Marge Kloos so aptly captured in a recent reflection on the team’s first year in leadership, The Leadership Team of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati began “During these months, the ‘yes’ to their four-year term on July 1, 2019. Pictured are (front row, from leadership has certainly unfolded in left) Sisters Marge Kloos, councilor; Teresa Dutcher, councilor; ways unimaginable to all of us. ... Patricia Hayden, president; (back row, from left) Joanne Burrows, councilor; and Monica Gundler, councilor. Never did it dawn on me that ‘yes’ could be so pervasively defined by of assessing congregational realities and a global event for which no yet-to-be developing a direction for the future. The identified intervention exists, no use of committee presented its findings at the Fall resources can fix, and no discernable plan Congregational Days in September 2019. can move us from crisis to normalcy.” The presentation included an assessment of The year began challengingly enough with relocations, establishing a new team, defining expectations and roles, and immersing themselves in congregational affairs. With the exception of S. Marge Kloos, who continued as an executive councilor, S. Patricia Hayden, president, and Sisters Joanne Burrows, Teresa Dutcher and Monica Gundler were new to congregational leadership. Advancing the facilities planning process set in motion by the previous Leadership Council was a priority for the new team. The team joined the Motherhouse Property Planning Committee (MPPC) over the summer in the intense work 4
Seton Hall, the former college dormitory, and its potential for renovation to meet future needs. Following a discussion of the information presented, a leaning was taken, and the Sisters unanimously agreed that Seton should be demolished. Further investigation determined that there is adequate space in the Motherhouse and other buildings to meet congregational needs for the next 10 years, thus, there is no need to build a new office/welcome facility at this time. After touring buildings, conversing with residents and staff, and reviewing lots of possible scenarios, new locations for all congregational offices and Sisters services were determined.
In early February 2020, the Leadership Council began planning for a Congregational Day in March to present the work of the MPPC to the Sisters. At the same time, the coronavirus was emerging as a major story. On March 13, our world turned on its head with the news that COVID-19 was raging in New York. Four councilors were out of town at conferences and meetings. Abrupt travel home, texting and conference calls kept us in contact as we strategized to address the situation. It would not be until late May that we would be able to share the property plans with Sisters using livestreaming and closed circuit television. On St. Patrick’s Day, Ohio Governor DeWine issued a stay-at-home order for Ohio. LC quickly joined with the Campus Senior Management Team to establish a COVID-19 Response Team to coordinate the campus-wide response. We watched daily briefings, and researched the emerging information from the CDC and ODH to help us respond to the crisis. The Response Team has continued to meet through the intervening months to handle the emerging nature of this global pandemic. S. Monica compares it to “building the plane while flying it.” Care for the Sisters on campus and support for the staff were our primary focus. We took the unimaginable and wrenching steps of closing our campus to the public and the Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall to all but Sisters in residence and staff performing critical I n tercom
Throughout the pandemic, Sisters of Charity employees have been compensated and recognized for their hard work and efforts to keep the campus and Sisters as safe and healthy as possible.
functions. The different populations on campus were isolated to prevent undue exposure. Dining procedures were radically altered, activities halted, gatherings cancelled, and communal prayer delivered virtually from the chapel. Communication with Sisters on and off campus was frequent but never enough to stay abreast of the constantly changing conditions. The Sisters of Charity chose to retain all employees and to compensate them fully throughout the stay-at-home order. Many employees worked from home. Essential personnel came to work and received additional compensation. We chose not to seek the federal assistance available during this time. Initiatives were developed by the new Human Resources staff to keep our employees informed and healthy. In the midst of all this disruption, frustration and pain, we continued to advance the business of the congregation and to engage in the larger world of religious life. Zoom became a way of life, replacing every gathering from inperson meetings to national conferences. In addition to Zoom, livestreaming and A n n u al R eport 2 0 2 0
closed-circuit television kept us connected as a congregation through twice-daily prayer services, group conversations and presentations. Planning for Seton Hall’s demolition, renovation of new areas, and office moves continued over the summer using virtual meetings and lots of ingenuity. As summer began, social unrest reverberated across the nation with the death of George Floyd on May 27, 2020, and the growing body of evidence that the coronavirus was disproportionately effecting people of color and, in particular, the African-American community. We found ourselves struggling with how to take meaningful action calling for the end of racism, while remaining vigilant to the dangers of the pandemic. Unlike past times of unrest, most Sisters were not in a position to take to the streets, due either to their age or health situation. The congregational means that were available to us were our financial resources dedicated to support social justice concerns
related to COVID-19. We chose to partner with agencies providing direct COVID relief to the underserved. Seven social agencies serving those living in poverty in the Greater Cincinnati area received significant grants. During the pandemic these agencies have intentionally focused on housing for families in safe shelter; assisting families with housing, food and utility payments; assisting with direct service needs of the regions poorest homeless and nearhomeless; feeding food insecure families and individuals; assisting with healthcare for the most vulnerable; and expanding service areas to meet increased demand during COVID. In her reflection on the past year, S. Teresa described the ups and downs of the year by recalling Isaiah’s lament “Woe is me!” and contrasting with all the many things she has thanked God for in this time. In a year when we were called to act in ways that those who preceded us had not experienced, we have had to create a road map for leading when you cannot be together; when you cannot touch each other. In it all, we have relied on the grace that awaited us in each decision and new challenge.
Leadership Team members continued to advance the business of the congregation and keep Sisters and Associates connected through Zoom technology, livestreaming and closed-circuit television. 5
Moving Forward with Hope and Grace By S. Marty Dermody, director, Spirituality Center
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s we look back over the end of 2019 and these last months, we were filled with much grace and many blessings. In early August 2019 we enjoyed a summer retreat offered by S. Melannie Svoboda, SND, titled How Can I Keep from Singing? The retreat focused on the ways we can nourish our song and our Christian discipleship through love of nature, prayer, friendship, compassion, service, playfulness, gratitude, letting go, laughter, art, courage during pain and sorrow, and hope. S. Melannie shared her deep spirit with participants using music, video, and personal stories of her own life. While the guided retreat was taking place, other retreatants were blessed by the direction of Sisters Judith Bonini, IHM, Carol Brenner, Maureen Heverin, as well as Fr. Jack Conley, CP. All were graced with days of reflection, liturgy and rest during their time of connecting with God. Throughout the fall we offered a variety of programs that focused on praying with clay, nature and book sharing. The readers enjoyed sharing stories with S. Maureen Heverin using the book Wrestling with God: Finding Hope and Meaning in our Daily Struggles. S. Betty Finn graced us with the gift of The Beatitudes Revisited, examining these guidelines to make them easier to relate to our current world and language. During the Advent season we welcomed S. Margaret Mach for an Advent day of reflection, titled We Wait in Joyful Hope. S. Margaret helped all the participants enter more deeply into the spirit and themes of the season, as we waited with joy and hope. 6
pandemic. We faced challenges that changed our lives completely. This meant staying at home and learning a new way to live our daily lives.
In November 2019 Mooydeen Frees facilitated “Earth, Water, Air and Fire: SoulCollage® Workshop” to allow participants to explore their own spiritual connection to the four elements. We celebrated our Sundays of Reflection with the theme of our Charism Statement. We were blessed by our Sisters Nancy Bramlage and Anita Maroun, and our Associates Sue Miele and Carla Rush. Each presentation helped us to realize our theme, When God Comes Close and We Grow Wise. God’s love and spirit were present daily as we moved into the new year of 2020. During January and February we enjoyed a variety of movies, and shared our dreams with S. Mary Bookser. As the year continued we stepped into March and everything came to a screeching halt. Life changed overnight due to the COVID-19
The Spirituality Center stepped up to offer twice daily prayer services to the congregation, as well as invited others to join us in prayer via livestreaming. Many of our spiritual directors also continued to share spiritual direction via Zoom, FaceTime and other virtual technologies. Early in June we even had several people connect with Dr. Nicki Verploegen for a virtual retreat using technology. We chose to open a new window and refresh our lives with others through our prayer. Even though many of our programs were canceled, we moved ahead with hope, offering new ways to pray and connect. We look with hope to the future when we can begin again with a new way, new programs and a new space. As Jeremiah says of God, “I know the plans I have for you” (Jeremiah 29:11).
In September 2019 S. Caroljean Willie introduced Spirituality Center participants to the art form of Zentangle, as a part of the center’s Pathways to Prayer series. I n tercom
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Archives conducted specialized tours for the orientation program for new Motherhouse and sponsored ministry employees.
Preserving Our History
In Every Circumstance By Veronica Buchanan, Archivist
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uring the 2019-2020 year, the Archives and its dedicated team of 14 Sister and Associate volunteers continued their mission to convey, preserve, and share the rich legacy of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. This year’s focus was on adding and enhancing our digital outreach, which proved to be quite timely! In discussions with our new Leadership Team, a goal was set to enhance our digital presence for the Archives over the next four years. The first project outlined was to digitize a collection of microfilm created by current and past Sister volunteers, preserving more than 100,000 pages of the most vital records in the collection. Necrologies, records from early missions, and portions of the Community admission ledger will be made publicly available in the coming months. Having this project and our existing digital resources made the transition to working from home during the pandemic much easier and allowed us to continue to make progress on existing projects and answer research requests without significant interruption. During the shutdown months, the Archives team continued to work to instill a sense of A n n u al R eport 2 0 2 0
connectivity to Sisters and Associates through collaborations with the Communications team to release educational resources on the SC website as well as weekly challenges to identify Sisters and places in photographs from the collection. Although we were unable to provide many of the tours normally scheduled in the last quarter of the year, our Sister and Associate docents were still able to conduct 21 tours for more than 250 visitors this year. Highlights include providing tours for nine sections of the Freshmen Orientation course at Mount Saint Joseph University, welcoming a group from Bayley’s Adult Day Program, and conducting specialized tours for the re-invigorated orientation program for new Motherhouse and sponsored ministry employees. We look forward to the day when we can continue to further the Community’s commitment to hospitality by again welcoming visitors to the Motherhouse! Servant of God Blandina Segale continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Archives. This year, we assisted Petitioner Allen Sanchez with research and supplemental documentation from the collection to aid in
In February 2020, the first Shrine was dedicated in Servant of God S. Blandina Segale’s honor at St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
the advancement of her Cause to Veneration. In February 2020, the first Shrine was dedicated in S. Blandina’s honor at St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This year, we hosted two students from DePaul Cristo Rey High School’s Corporate Work Study program. Senior Emily Ann focused on creating new records for Sisters buried at Mount St. Joseph Cemetery on the website Findagrave. Freshman Nadia digitized photographs from the College of Mount St. Joseph for its centennial anniversary and assisted in re-designing or freshening up displays in the Rose Room and St. Mary’s Hall. The Archives has forged new paths in this crisis and found solace in the spirit of Elizabeth Seton, who met each challenge with grace and the conviction of her beliefs. In every circumstance, we continue to illuminate the past in the hopes of developing a brighter future. 7
Collaborating into the Future By S. Monica Gundler
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t the end of August 2019, the Community shared in the celebration of first vows for S. Whitney Schieltz. It was a wonderful opportunity for Sisters, family and friends to gather. S. Donna Steffen also completed her term as novice director. We are grateful to S. Donna for her many years of service to not only the Sisters of Charity, but also to the Cincinnati area formation directors and the Sisters of Charity Federation. In addition to S. Whitney’s first vows, S. Annie Klapheke renewed her temporary vows in a lovely ceremony at Visitation House last fall. S. Tracy Kemme prepared for final vows to be professed in July of 2020. S. Andrea Koverman has also In August 2019, S. Whitney Schieltz (second from left) celebrated her first vows with Sisters, family and friends at the Motherhouse, including S. Donna Steffen (right) who completed her term as novice director at the time.
S. Annie Klapheke (front, right) renewed her temporary vows with the Community at the end of 2019.
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in a ceremony at Visitation House
begun preparation for final vows. Sisters Romina Sapinoso, Annie Klapheke, Andrea Koverman, Whitney Schieltz and Tracy Kemme continue to contribute regularly as writers for both Update and E-Voc, the monthly e-newsletter on discernment. S. Andrea Koverman continued to coordinate the AVE (After Volunteer Experience) program at Casa de Caridad before the pandemic. The Future of Charity gathering for those in all stages of formation in the Sisters of Charity Federation gathered in November 2019 over All Saints/Souls weekend at the House of Charity in New Orleans, Louisiana. I n tercom
In November 2019 the Future of Charity gathered in New Orleans, Louisiana, for a weekend of fellowship, prayer and planning.
The Religious Formation Conference (RFC) is also looking at developing opportunities for collaboration in emerging realities of religious life. At the RFC national gathering in Louisville, Kentucky in October 2019, Being Signs of Courageous Hope, Father Bryan Massingale and S. Norma Pimetel, MJ, urged us to care for those in most need and to respond to the emerging needs of our time, especially the call to racial justice, climate change and the growing concerns of divisive nationalism. Formation for the future calls us to provide opportunities for immersion into ministries addressing the signs of the times. In addition, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious has described the future of religious life as mission driven, cross-cultural and crosscongregational. The work with the Federation has used these as a guide in planning for our collective future. Although the pandemic has caused some interruption in activities for vocation outreach, the ability to connect online with discerners has been a blessing. Several young women have remained in contact and have participated in a variety of opportunities over the past several years including retreats, service trips and online events. Vocation promotion and outreach continue both within our congregation and through the Sisters of Charity Federation.
This year was an active one for the Sisters of Charity Federation. At the Gathering of the Whole in June 2019, a committee of the Company of Charity Formation Personnel (CCFP) was convened to implement the next steps of a collaborative vocation and formation process for the Federation. A video presentation to all the Federation Leadership teams gave further direction and asked for feedback to continue moving forward. In January 2020, the Sisters of Charity Federation vocation ministers hosted an annual gathering of young adults at the House of Charity. Sisters and young adults were present as S. Monica Gundler was the presenter for the Facebook Live reflection to highlight the Feast of Elizabeth Seton. At the beginning of March, the annual CCFP meeting was held in New York. The committee for the collaborative formation program gathered more information and stayed after to continue work on the stages of formation. This was the last in-person gathering as members returned home to the news of the emerging pandemic. The work has continued and further implementation will be presented to the SC Federation Board in the fall.
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S. Monica Gundler (front, left) serves on the SC Federation’s Company of Charity Formation Personnel (CCFP) committee, formed to implement the next steps of a collaborative vocation and formation process.
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Furthering the Mission By Chanin Wilson, director of Associates
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uring the past year, 12 new Associates joined the nearly 200 women and men who have committed to furthering the mission of the Sisters of Charity as Associates in Mission. Associate commitments took place in Alaska, Ohio, New Mexico, Colorado and Montana. It does not matter where Associates live, each one is “meeting their grace in every circumstance.”
could be finalized, the pandemic hit, and travel was not allowed. The “grace” of that moment was the technology to have an online commitment ceremony. Associate Dee Mansi from England congratulated Jean on Facebook, “Welcome to our lovely band of sisters and brothers, all working on the mission, doing God’s work.”
One of the many “graces” during the last year is connecting across Before the shelter-in-place geographic lines. In one Zoom (Front row, from left) Associates Dee Mansi, Patsy Schwaiger, Dave order, Sisters and Associates in the meeting an Associate in Florida Scharfenberger, (back row, from left) Linda Jung, Cheryl Dagy and Veronica Greater Cincinnati area enjoyed invited an Associate in Ohio to Buchanan made their commitments as Associates in Mission of the Sisters of the Summer Picnic and Fall Soup. come and visit when travel is safe Charity in 2019 in Cincinnati. We were looking forward to the again. Associate Maria Rogers in Ice Cream Social with the Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall and the Alaska reflected, “It is good to talk to other people about what is Spring Fling. Instead, Associates began sending cards and calling going on besides the people I’m hunkered down with.” Associate Sisters at the Motherhouse. Sisters Victoria Marie Forde and Ruth Chess Campbell added, “I appreciated so much the reflection and Bockenstette wrote, “For all of you, including your children, who to hear and see some Sisters and Associates that I have met.” have kept lifting our spirits with your delightful cards, thank you!” Our “Associate Share” Zoom chats are planned for the second Tuesday of each month. These bring Associates and Sisters from all geographic regions together to reflect on our shared living of the Charity Charism and allow them to get to know others not living in the same area. Our inaugural “Associate Share” had seven participants, our second hosted 20, and since then a minimum of 30 Sisters and Associates have been coming together to share on a variety of topics. Candidate Gail Metcalf in Florida commented, “I am amazed at how much our thinking is alike. I feel a real spiritual connection to the Sisters and Associates, and not just the ones in Florida.” In March 2020, Candidate Jean Simpson was prepared to make her formal commitment as an Associate. She planned to travel to Pueblo, Colorado for the celebration with her companion, S. Barbara Jeanne Krekeler. However, before plans 10
The Cincinnati Sisters of Charity Associates hosted the annual Fall Soup on Nov. 10, 2019. In addition to enjoying fellowship and a meal, Associates Sue DiTullio (standing, right) and Carmen Ferguson (standing, left) offered a presentation on their experiences with the Collaborative Leadership Development Program. I n tercom
S. Winnie Brubach (back, second from left) and her many volunteers contributed almost 800 pounds of fresh vegetables to the Good Samaritan Health Center in Price Hill.
EarthConnection’s Bottle Caps to Benches program, started this fiscal year, encourages scouts to save plastic lids and caps to be recycled into a park bench.
Beacons of Hope in Our Evolving Universe By S. Caroljean Willie, program director, EarthConnection
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ope Francis reminds us that, “Today too, amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others. To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope.” Heeding the words of Pope Francis and Elizabeth’s injunction “to meet our grace in every circumstance of life,” EarthConnection’s (EC) staff, Sisters Winnie Brubach, Caroljean (Cj) Willie and Associate Sue DiTullio, strive to provide programs, activities, and digital resources to help increase people’s awareness of the interconnectedness of all creation and the integral role they play to be beacons of hope in our evolving universe. This past year is divided into two parts: pre- and post-pandemic. Before the pandemic EC continued its “Movies That Matter” program featuring the following films: “Paris to Pittsburgh” which highlighted the efforts of individuals who are battling the threats of climate change; “Chasing Ice” about ice melting and glaciers retreating in the Arctic; and “Anote’s Ark” which takes place on the Pacific island of Kiribati which is in imminent annihilation from sea-level rise. Dr. Michael Roman, who served as a Peace Corps volunteer A n n u al R eport 2 0 2 0
on the island of Kiribati, gave a presentation on the current status of the island which he continues to visit. Ten Girl Scout Troops of varying ages visited EC to work on a variety of badges related to earth literacy and environmental sustainability. Associate Sue DiTullio started a program entitled “Bottle Caps to Benches” which encourages scouts to save plastic lids and caps to be recycled into a park bench. This program became so popular that not only scouts, but Sisters, Associates, and others also contributed caps. Boxes arrived at EC from states throughout the country who heard about the program and wanted to be a part of it. The first bench now sits proudly outside the front entrance of EC. We are continuing to save caps for another bench and a picnic table. A group of youth, ages 5-17, from the Zoroastrian faith tradition spent an afternoon at EC learning about renewable energy, sustainability and participated in a variety of hands-on activities. EC provided a calendar for the Season of Creation and collaborated with our Spirituality Center to provide daily photos and reflections on environmental themes during Advent and Lent.
S. Winnie and her faithful “garden ladies” contributed almost 800 pounds of fresh vegetables to the Good Samaritan Health Center in Price Hill. She is also continuing to assist Dr. Gene Kritsky, a professor at Mount St. Joseph University (MSJU), with a hive of honeybees on EC’s property. A lot of EC’s work takes place off campus. Sisters Winnie and Cj participated in MSJU’s activity fair and S. Cj also spoke on a variety of different environmental topics to several MSJU classes. She also gave presentations in Michigan, California, Maryland, Kentucky and throughout Ohio. Post-pandemic EC is providing webinars bi-monthly not only for those on our EC mailing list, but also for other members of the Sisters of Charity Federation, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, and for other religious congregations. We also continue to provide current information on our website, scearthconnection.org, and through our newsletter. EC is represented on the Archdiocesan Care for Creation Task Force, Green Umbrella’s Go Green Faith Impact Team, Nuns on the Bus Environmental Committee, MSJU’s Sustainability Committee and the Charity Earth Network. 11
The Shape of Ministry
During a Global Pandemic By S. Marge Kloos
Ministry of Prayer and the Healing World
this way, we will be able to transform the roots of our physical, spiritual and social infirmities and the destructive practices that separate us from each other, threatening the human family and our planet. (Pope Francis, August 2020)
In the Motherhouse chapel, a simple statue of Mary and a prayer card, illuminated by a perpetually burning candle, has stood undisturbed as a focal point for weeks. O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm. You, Mother of the Divine Physician, know what we need, and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy after this time of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are inspired by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen. As a presence of comfort and encouragement, Mary models for us how our ministry turns to the situation of our world in this time of crisis. We take our inspiration from Mary’s posture at the foot of the cross, keeping vigil with the world’s heartaches. Since March 18, 2020, Sisters Marty Dermody (director of the Sisters of Charity Spirituality Center) and Mary Therese Thorman (Congregational music director) have coordinated virtual prayer twice daily. 12
The shape of ministry looks different since the pandemic began. As has been true for generations of Sisters of Charity, when crisis demands that a way open where there appears to be no way, ingenuity and intentionality are not in short supply. After all, over a lifetime of service one’s heart and spirit fill to the brim with possibility. During the pandemic, Sisters have drawn on that possibility to continue providing direct service and outreach, albeit following recommended practices for keeping everyone safe. S. Marie Irene Schneider lights a vigil candle near the statue of Mary in the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse chapel.
Our prayer invites an opening for God to interact with our hurting world.
Ministry of Presence: Being with the World in New Ways In August, Pope Francis offered these words of encouragement about ministry in today’s world: Renewed contact with the Gospel of faith, of hope and of love invites us to assume a creative and renewed spirit. In
In Bedford, Ohio, S. Dorothy Ann Blatnica serves as the property manager for a new 70-unit “supported housing” complex for working poor, located on the grounds of the Motherhouse of the former Vincentian Sisters of Charity. With a deadline to fill all the apartments by December 2020, there has been precious little time to spare. The project has slowed because construction materials have been hard to get during the pandemic. But the realities of poverty and homelessness do not stop during a pandemic, “so we have been onsite, in masks, continuing to work through these months.” As Sister goes on I n tercom
to explain, “So many of those seeking safe, affordable housing are struggling to apply for housing while working full time. We have to be here for them.” In the hardest hit area of Texas, S. Anne Darlene Wojtowicz had just begun what she imagined would be a more relaxed preretirement phase of her life. But this summer, she began receiving phone calls for help from families across the Rio Grande Valley community. Like other rural communities across the country, the virus arrived late and left in its wake devastating consequences. One news article shared by S. Anne Darlene states that “deaths were coming so
fast for families that there was no time to plan burials.” Sister and her good friend Associate Viola Elizondo began responding to requests for food, burial expenses, and providing a comforting presence to grieving families forever impacted by COVID. In Pueblo, Colorado, S. Nancy Crafton serves at the Los Pobres Center. Ordinarily the center provides aid to more than 5,000 families of migrant workers in the Diocese of Pueblo, across five of Colorado’s poorest counties. “The terrible reality of this pandemic,” says Sister, “has shown the disparities for working poor. Even though these
families pay taxes, most did not receive stimulus dollars. To accommodate the state requirements during shutdown, the center itself could do little to respond to needs as we usually had, five days a week. Eventually we were able to re-open as a drive-through center and not able to offer many of the services and supports ordinarily available. This has been a rough time—with COVID and with deepening poverty hitting the same families hard. This struggle will be with us for years.” During the past two years, S. Sandy Howe has worked with a team of volunteers to coordinate outreach to two immigrant families living at Mount St. Joseph. Sister, coordinator of the Newcomers Immigration Program at Mount St. Joseph, Ohio, comments, “Patience is something that is needed more than ever during this pandemic. Our family’s asylum case is taking longer due to offices being closed. Work permits are slow in coming and inperson English as a Second Language classes have come to a stop. A pandemic is hard to explain to a 5-yearold who wants a hug or a 9-year-old who asks constantly ‘when will the coronavirus be gone?’”
Since March 2020, Sisters Marty Dermody (right) and Mary Therese Thorman (left) have coordinated virtual prayer twice daily.
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Life-long nature lover, S. Joyce Richter continues to minister during the pandemic with Western Wildlife Corridor in Cincinnati. While many of her commitments are virtual, she has frequently been able to join others outside on the 140-acre Bender Preserve (80 acres belong to the Sisters of Charity) to remove invasive species. This allows native flowers and plants to populate the area and brings beauty and health to the preserve. Sister says: “I enjoy walking the trails and discovering new flowers, fungi, butterflies and insects. While there I love to greet visitors who have discovered this beautiful nature preserve with clearly marked trails.”
S. Joyce Richter, who continues her volunteer work with the Western Wildlife Corridor in Cincinnati, enjoys taking hikes through the wooded areas of the Bender Preserve. 14
She has also used this time to complete an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program (OCVN) through The Ohio State University. To become certified Sister took 40 hours of classwork and spent 40 hours doing volunteer work. Part of Sister’s volunteer hours were spent creating and giving a Zoom presentation on the Natural Wonders of the Bender Preserve. One of the challenges during a pandemic is finding ways to safely support those mourning the loss of loved ones. In the Detroit, Michigan area, S. Karen Hawver has been called upon to officiate at burial services. When a former Sister of Charity died, her husband asked Sister to be with the family. The necessity to close nursing care facilities to outside visitors has prevented loved ones from being present at the time of death. The gradual process of healing for a grieving family during an especially difficult time of loss is made more bearable when the compassionate and caring presence of a minister is involved. “It was a privilege to be asked to walk with this family, sharing memories of a loving, forgiving woman of great kindness whose own ministry to others needed to be remembered and honored with dignity,” comments Sister. S. Annie Klapheke serves as a nutritionist at the Good Samaritan Free Health Center on the Westside of Cincinnati. “This time has been really different but we have been able to interact with patients, even though there have been restrictions,” she said. For so many of the Health Center’s patients the services they receive are essential to quality of life. Sadly, a common denominator for many of the patients is that of food insecurity. During the pandemic, the Health Center has partnered with a local food bank to provide
Throughout the pandemic, S. Annie Klapheke, a nutritionist at the Good Samaritan Free Health Center in Cincinnati, has been grateful to be able to continue ministering with her patients who so desperately depend on the services the center provides.
boxes of food for families. Sister reflects on the times she and a colleague have had the opportunity to deliver boxes of food to families, many of which are singlemother households. “I’ve gotten a different perspective on their lives and circumstances by going to the homes.” Ministry is always a partnership with God. This partnership has taken on many different forms during this past year. The partnership has been one of meeting God in the most unusual of global situations. Like Mary, Sisters are birthing healing Love where we each are and in the circumstances given us. And we all are praying for something new to be born that will bring justice and a deepening attentiveness to the sacredness of our global family. I n tercom
Moving Justice with Grace By Debbie Weber, OPJCC director
T
he Office of Peace, Justice and Care for Creation (OPJCC) enjoyed a faith-filled, collaborative, and productive year despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
became a reality for all of us and the collection initiative halted. For the first few months of the pandemic, there was a collective pause. Despite the shock of this novel virus amongst us, it was an opportunity for deeper prayer and contemplation, and a time to regroup and begin to adjust to a new way of being. It was a time to “meet our grace.”
During the month of August 2019, the office was open for Sisters and Associates to write letters to Congress. OPJCC collaborated with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in a letter writing campaign urging Congress to make changes in Thanks to the coordination of Sisters our broken immigration system. Driven In August 2019, OPJCC collaborated with the Archdiocese of and employees at the Motherhouse, Cincinnati in a letter writing campaign urging Congress to make by the tragic shooting in Dayton, Ohio staff from Shelterhouse picked up our changes in our broken immigration system. that month, OPJCC offered another donations in June 2020. Even though we letter writing opportunity for Sisters and could not continue to collect donations Associates to encourage Congress to address gun control. during Lent, the Shelterhouse staff was thankful for such a large From Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, Christians around the world celebrate the Season of Creation. Some of us pray, some of us do handson projects, and some of us advocate. With the help of several Sisters, OPJCC kicked off the Season of Creation with a beautiful prayer service followed by a month of “handouts” consisting of compostable corn straws, fairly traded tea, and recycled newspaper pencils. It was a fun way to celebrate creative alternatives to ordinary purchases we make. OPJCC Director Debbie Weber continued her partnership with Mount St. Joseph University, mentoring and working with a service-learning student during the 2019 fall semester. Emma focused on human trafficking, particularly concerning our vulnerable migrant sisters and brothers. Her project was writing an OPJCC column for Update. Unbeknownst to us, OPJCC was about to “meet our grace in every circumstance” as we began the 2020 liturgical season of Lent. The office partnered with Cincinnati-based Shelterhouse to provide a unique opportunity for almsgiving. Shelterhouse was in need of liquid laundry soap and toothbrushes for their residents who were experiencing homelessness. A Charity Family Lenten Collection was initiated. Three weeks into the robust collection, COVID-19 A n n u al R eport 2 0 2 0
amount of laundry soap and toothbrushes. Water With Blessings (WWB) is the nonprofit co-founded by S. Larraine Lauter, OSU, that supplies water filtration systems to women in countries who have no access to clean water. WWB also serves people in emergency situations such as in the aftermath of earthquakes, tornadoes and tsunamis. Throughout the years, OPJCC has supported these endeavors. S. Larraine reached out asking for assistance in getting water filtration systems to the Navajo Reservation. Navajo families were struggling to survive a massive COVID-19 outbreak and many had no access to clean water. Through the OPJCC water initiatives fund, we were able to buy enough filtration kits to serve up to 40 Navajo families. As a liaison to the SC Federation’s representative to the United Nations, Debbie usually participates in the annual SC Federation Leadership meetings. Because of the pandemic, the liaisons now meet via Zoom technology and correspond via email on a regular basis. OPJCC staff, advisory committee members and collaborators are grateful for the many opportunities during the last fiscal year. We look forward to moving the work of social and Earth justice in a grace-filled and creative way. 15
Sharing Resources with Those in Need By S. Patricia Hayden
T
Mount St. Joseph University
he Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati (SC) sponsor five institutions that address education, health care and social service needs, with direct services to the poor. The SC Corporation Board for Sponsored Ministries (CBSM) is an organization which supports the mission of these institutions. There is a Sister of Charity liaison for each of these ministries and she also sits on their Board. A special thank you to those who serve: Barbara Davis, SC (DePaul Cristo Rey High School); Mary Ann Flannery, SC (Mount St. Joseph University); Franette Hyc, SC (St. Joseph Home); Annette Paveglio, SC (Seton High School); Christine Rody (Senior Care Corporation at Bayley); Tim Moller (Sisters of Charity CFO) and assistant Diane Geiser; Joanne Burrows, SC (SC Leadership) and Patricia Hayden, SC (SC Leadership); Jeanne Bessette, OSF (CEO of DePaul Cristo Rey High School); H. James Williams (CEO of Mount St. Joseph University); Dan Connors (CEO of St. Joseph Home); Kathy Ciarla (CEO of Seton High School); and Adrienne Walsh (CEO of Senior Care Corporation Bayley). There are existing growth opportunities happening in all five of our sponsored ministries, and each are looking toward the future and how they will meet those needs. Every year the sponsored ministries focus on an aspect of the Sisters of Charity Mission Statement. This year they reflected and took action around the phrase, “sharing our resources with those in need.” This was never more true than in 2020 as they all responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. 16
DePaul Cristo Rey High School expanded their campus with a new student center, academic and administrative building.
DePaul Cristo Rey High School DePaul Cristo Rey High School in Cincinnati continues to provide their students the opportunity to prepare for success in college and in life, through an affordable Catholic, college prep curriculum combined with a unique work study program. By design, their high school only serves students from families with limited financial resources. The average household income of their ninth grade class was $24,200, the third lowest out of 37 Cristo Rey Network high schools around the country. The Gospel values of community and gratitude are important for their culture and incorporated into the life of their school. They created a culture of gratitude through a practice they call “Paws for Gratitude.” This practice is an opportunity for students and all members of their community to pause and reflect on the people they are most grateful for and why. To support their students they undertook and expanded their campus with a new student center, academic and administrative building.
Mount St. Joseph University celebrated its centennial year with Mass and a huge kickoff celebration, ending with fireworks. MSJU is a Catholic university providing a liberal arts and professional education emphasizing values, integrity and social responsibility. Founded in 1920 as Southwestern Ohio’s first Catholic university for women, the university today is a coeducational institution serving traditional, adult and graduate students and is nationally recognized for academic quality, innovative technology, career preparation, and character development. Mount students continue their outreach and sharing of their resources with those in need. The University has continued the following mission-support programs: New Orleans Mission Service Trip for students; New Student Orientation’s “Heritage WalkAbout” around the Motherhouse grounds, during which the students meet five of the important characters in the history of the Sisters of Charity; history and tours,
In September 2019, Mount St. Joseph University celebrated its centennial with Mass and a kickoff celebration. I n tercom
respectively, of the Sisters of Charity and the Motherhouse during the year for faculty and staff orientations; and the presentation of “Mission Mugs” to a faculty member, a staff member, and a student each month. The University continues to subsidize the Children’s Center to allow students, primarily single moms, to attend the University. MSJU continues to hold an annual Employee Service Day. Service sites often include Anderson Ferry Food Pantry, Be Concerned food pantry, Oyler School, Imago Earth Center, Sayler Park Recreation Center, Western Wildlife Corridor, and Habitat for Humanity.
which raised money for Children’s Hospital and Holiday on the Hill, an outreach for the Price Hill community to kick off the Christmas season and build community engagement. The school also engaged in events for the Price Hill initiative “Belong, Be Strong,” which focuses on improving the entire Price Hill neighborhood. Service is just a part of the fabric of Seton. Nationally recognized speaker Teepa Snow presented an educational program called Dementia, A Positive Approach to Care on Sept. 11, 2019 for the community.
a position within the agency and not furloughed or laid off.
Because of COVID-19, Mount St. Joseph University realized, like others, they needed to respond to their own students and families. Much of the University’s human and financial resources are being redirected to assist students in addressing their emotional and financial needs that are resulting from the COVID-19 siege they have experienced over the past five months.
Th Respite Center continued to provide scholarship funds for families who needed financial assistance in paying for their stays. FY 2020 saw a continuing trend of guests needing respite who have increased medical support needs, increasing the cost of their respite services. St. Joseph Home has remained committed to these families.
Saint Joseph Home
Seton High School in Cincinnati provides a Catholic education to young women centered in the values and charism of the Sisters of Charity. The coursework challenges students and engages them in learning and their faith-centered curriculum gives students the foundation they need to be successful. A competitive athletic program, thriving fine arts, and 25 extra-curricular clubs provide students with exceptional opportunities for personal growth.
St. Joseph Home of Cincinnati (SJH) creates a home for adults and children with developmental disabilities who have complex support needs and use a wheelchair for mobility. The Home offers a creative, loving environment for those in residential, respite programs and adult day programs. Attention to the individual’s medical, social, educational and spiritual development reveals the unique giftedness of each person. Compassionate care and respect for the dignity of life are the hallmarks of St. Joseph Home. St. Joseph Home continued its commitment to staff as the pandemic struck in the last quarter of the year. As revenues fell dramatically, SJH committed to make sure all impacted staff were offered A n n u al R eport 2 0 2 0
Seton High School
The school has 100 percent participation in community service experiences which encourage students to serve others in need in Price Hill (Cincinnati). They host several events with community organizations and open their campus to help others. Seton hosted the Kindervelt Christmas Kraft Sale
Senior Care Corporation (Bayley) Bayley (1989) is a continuing care retirement community in Delhi (Cincinnati) that offers a full spectrum of lifestyle options that promote engagement, wellness and vitality. Bayley offers progressive services for adults through two service lines: Bayley Access, a collection of programs enabling older adults still living at home to enjoy community and fellowship, and Bayley Living, which provides varied residential options for mature adults of all faiths. They sponsored an educational program called Dementia, A Positive Approach to Care, with nationally recognized speaker Teepa Snow on Sept. 11, 2019. Program sessions were open to all members of the Bayley community, Sisters of Charity, and University campus, as well as to the greater community at no charge to support caregivers and those learning about or dealing with dementia. Responding to community needs, Bayley continued with its sustainability efforts; equipment and fixtures were repurposed or donated to appropriate organizations throughout the year. The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati are grateful to the dedicated leaders and staff of all five SC sponsored ministries. Through their commitment and service they have touched the hearts of many and greatly impacted the lives of those in our communities. 17
Roses Blooming in Concrete:
Social Justice during a Pandemic By S. Marge Kloos
S
igns of the times always point us toward seeds of hope. Blossoms of hope push through the harshest of realities when concerned humans join with one another to address the ravages of poverty, injustice, inequalities, and suffering.
Family Assistance during COVID-19
Hunger and Food Insecurity
Transitional and Employment
As a partner, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati engage with organizations capable of improving the quality of life for the most impoverished and disenfranchised of our sisters and brothers. Partnerships leverage resources and potentially bring about much needed systemic change, making a crack through which blossoms of life can grow.
A Year of Unique Challenges COVID-19’s unrelenting impact on those already struggling under the weight of poverty, racism, environmental degradation, and marginalization is undeniable. As a sign of the times, Americans have sadly witnessed first-hand the uncontrollable force of a disease that unfairly makes its way to the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters. Nationally, the pandemic has magnified the disparities of health care access for brothers and sisters of color, bringing into focus racism’s egregious and pervasive consequences. “For decades, Black people have been starved of the investments, the systems of care and quality environments that are needed for sustained, healthy growth and development as a people. For even a rose, as the writer Nikki Giovanni reminds us, can 18
bloom from the concrete, if we give it the resources, care and love it deserves,” reflects Jay Phillips, program officer for youth development in California.
of congregational outreach since Elizabeth Seton’s first inklings about her own faith and Jesus’ imperative for justice in the Gospel.
Locally, the pandemic’s raging disregard for human life intersects with racism in indisputable ways. “The pandemic must be approached as an issue of public health,” acknowledging social disparities best understood through the lens of racism. The Sisters of Charity have joined our voice and resources with multiple other organizations, religious groups, and individuals to promote lasting systemic change in the Cincinnati community and beyond.
As Pope Francis has stated, “our response to the pandemic must be twofold: finding a cure for this small but terrible virus but also curing a larger virus, that of social injustice, inequality of opportunity, marginalization, and lack of protection for the weakest.”
Timeless Gospel Message: Option for Those Living in Poverty Empowerment has been the cornerstone
Challenges for those struggling with poverty do not hibernate during a pandemic. During the year funding requests came from organizations and agencies that were on the front lines of COVID relief. This pandemic era has helped us all better understand the suffering and dilemmas posed especially for those living in poverty. I n tercom
• Those living on the street are particularly vulnerable to the virus, dying at greater rates. These sisters and brothers are without adequate access to healthcare and must turn toward agencies operating with greatly reduced-service capacity.
Pope Francis is calling all people of faith to go “beyond the bare necessities, walking together, allowing ourselves to be evangelized by those experiencing poverty, who know the suffering Christ well, letting ourselves be ‘infected’ by their experience of salvation, their wisdom, and creativity.”
• The urgency for organizations providing housing for the homeless has shifted to crisis level as shelters scramble to accommodate physical distancing and adapt to safe service practices and priorities.
As Elizabeth Seton and Margaret George
before us, we will endeavor to care for those living on the margins of a society’s wealth “rooted in the virtues of faith, hope and love.” We are listening to our most vulnerable sisters and brothers with renewed commitment to resourcing and energizing the global movement of loving care necessary for the world’s healing.
A Few of Our Social Justice Partners
• Food insecurity is accelerating among the already-struggling. Agencies providing food have needed more resources to accommodate the growing low-income earners seeking assistance. • Adding to this urgency, immediately following the stay-at-home orders, unemployment rose quickly and those living paycheck-to-paycheck continue to face eviction and uncertain futures, causing levels of psychological and spiritual distress to spike among the already-fragile. After hearing from our partners in the field about the lack of resources to effectively address the impact of COVID-19, the ordinary funding criteria was adjusted for the fiscal year’s social justice funding cycle. (See the Response to COVID graphic.) Moving into the next funding cycle, there will no doubt be new challenges during this difficult pandemic. So our criteria remains flexible enough to provide a caring response to those most in need. It is a time of great opportunity for the Sisters of Charity to partner with others, creating safety nets while empowering new opportunities for those trying to manage the day-to-day burden of poverty. A n n u al R eport 2 0 2 0
Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center Members of the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center educate and advocate for peace, challenge unjust local, national and global systems and promote the creation of a nonviolent society. The organization focuses on the death penalty, immigration, human trafficking and peace and nonviolence.
Maslow’s Army During the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, Maslow’s Army sheltered more than 261 individuals, families, and veterans experiencing homelessness.
St. Vincent DePaul Society of Cincinnati The organization provides 11 neighborhoodbased food pantries and emergency food closets; a Charitable Pharmacy (the only assistance pharmacy in Southwest Ohio dedicated to providing free medication); rent and utility assistance to prevent homelessness; access to clothing, furniture, and household items via seven thrift stores; and beds and other basic needs otherwise not available to those struggling with poverty. 1 9
The Seton Enablement Fund:
Meeting Our Grace By S. Patricia Wittberg
The Mission of the Seton Enablement Fund Committee is to assist the Congregation in living its Mission by providing loans and investments to community-based organizations that may not qualify for conventional financing as they serve the social justice needs of people living in poverty.
F
ollowing Elizabeth Seton, the Seton Enablement Fund has seen each loan request as a call from God to “meet our grace” in the pressing needs of those we serve. This has been especially important since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In spite of the fact that we were unable to meet and consider any loans this past spring, the Seton Enablement Fund Committee met three times during Fiscal Year 2020, and made seven loans in the areas of affordable housing and job training in the United States, as well as microlending in developing countries. Five of these loans are described below. Housing is becoming more and more expensive, compared to the amount of money families can earn. Most U.S. cities have a shortage of affordable housing units that runs into the tens of thousands; Hamilton County alone lacks 40,000 houses and apartments that poor and workingclass families could afford to rent or buy. Capital for Change provides loans to nonprofit and socially responsible developers of affordable housing throughout the state of Connecticut. Since 2016, Capital for Change has created/preserved 2,550 20
affordable housing units, primarily in the poorest and largest urban centers of the state. Its goal is to create or preserve approximately 700 affordable housing units each year for communities throughout Connecticut, and the Seton Enablement Fund loan will help them achieve this goal. It is difficult for most people to find work in this time of quarantine; for disabled people it is far more difficult. The Disability Opportunity Fund provides technical and financial services to individuals and organizations which serve the disabled throughout the United States, with a focus on affordable housing, education, vocational training, and employment. The Seton Enablement Fund’s loan will be added to their investment portfolio and will directly benefit a thousand individuals with disabilities. Another category of persons who have difficulty finding employment are veterans and the spouses of current armed services personnel. Liberty Source hires and trains these men and women in high-demand skills of accounting, data curation, financial research, and data analytics, which Liberty Source then provides to its banking and investment clients. The Seton Enablement Fund loan will be used to attract new clients, which will then enable Liberty Source to hire at least 75 more military spouses and veterans. If the pandemic has caused financial hardship in the United States, it has affected developing countries even more
severely. Several Seton Enablement Fund loans have gone to organizations which help develop women and other marginalized rural people in these countries. Friendship Bridge offers small loans to impoverished women in Guatemala who work primarily in rural villages where they cannot access traditional financing. Loans average $400 for four- to 12-month terms. Friendship Bridge’s program also includes participatory education and provides preventive health services. One Acre Fund gives loans to small farmers in six African countries, providing agricultural inputs, financing, training, and market facilitation that will enable them to grow out of hunger and poverty. They also teach methods to help maintain and promote soil health, so that future generations can continue to grow nutritious food without having to clear more forested land. One Acre Fund also engages in green business activities by supplying clean energy products to smallholder farmers: for example, in 2018 they sold 190,000 solar lights and 16,000 cook stoves. With each of these loans, and with all of the 409 loans that the Seton Enablement Fund has given since its inception in 1979, the Sisters of Charity answer Christ’s call to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and care for the stranger. We at the Seton Enablement Fund are both proud and humbled by what the Congregation can accomplish through these loans, and we look forward to “meeting our grace” in the coming year. I n tercom
Seton Enablement fund
Statistics and Dollars Allocated as of June 30, 2020 Total Loans/Investments
Locations of Loans/Investments
Millions
Committed Funds Distributions Low Income Housing Community Development, Co-Ops, Land Trusts Business Ventures Other
21 15 26 7
Total Current Loans and Deposits as of 6/30/20
69
SEF Committee Members for Fiscal Year 2019-2020
S. Nancy Bramlage Associate Patrice Harty Associate Catherine Herzog S. Sandy Howe S. Andrea Koverman Associate Kate Lears
S. Jackie Leech S. Anita Maroun Tim Moller, CFO S. Ruth Ann Rody S. Clarann Weinert S. Pat Wittberg
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Since Inception of the Program (1979) Cumulative Number of Loans/Investments = 409 Cumulative Dollars Loaned/Invested = $31,412,500
Loans/Investments for FY 2019 • Beneficial Returns • Capital for Change #2 • Colonias Development Council #2 • Disability Opportunity Fund #3 • Friendship Bridge #2 • Liberty Source • One Acre Fund
Arkansas Arizona California Canada Colorado Connecticut Florida Illinois Indiana Kentucky Maine Massachusetts Mexico Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Nebraska New Mexico New York North Carolina Pennsylvania Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Rhode Island South Carolina Switzerland Texas Vermont Virginia Washington Washington, D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Zambia
2 1 2 1 4 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 4 1 2 1 6 5 1 1 7 1 3 1 2 1 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 1
There are loans that are domiciled in the U.S. but serve foreign countries including: Ecuador, Peru, Malawi, South Africa, Guatemala, Nicaragua among others. 2 1
Facing Challenges with Grace By Tim Moller, CFO
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iscal 2020 Congregational financial results were slightly positive, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on expenses and the investment markets. Investment returns were in the 2-3 percent range, significantly less than the last four years which have averaged about 7 percent.
circumstance, employees continued to be paid and those present on campus received extra pay. The fiscal year was one of mutual gratitude – both the Sisters and their dedicated employees met their grace as lived out by their caring responses to each other’s needs.
Excluding investment results, total net operating revenue and expense were favorable to budget primarily due to lower than anticipated spending, higher bequest income, and the receipt of Economic Impact payments. Operating revenues and expenses were consistent with last year’s results.
The charts below depict the categories of congregational income and outflow for Fiscal 2020.
Looking ahead to Fiscal 2021, equity markets have recovered and are again near all-time highs despite the pandemic. Record levels of monetary and fiscal intervention by the Federal Reserve and U.S. Government have stabilized markets, but the economy still faces a high degree of risk. Investment market valuations are relatively high and any slowdown in the economy due to the pandemic or social unrest, could cause a significant market pullback. During Fiscal 2020, the Sisters of Charity faced challenges of historic proportions. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis and investment downturn were met with steadfast Sister of Charity resolve. Leadership put in place many new controls and safeguards to protect both Sisters and employees. At the height of the pandemic, certain employees were unable to be on campus to do their jobs; others could remotely perform their duties. Our employee caregivers remained on campus to provide for the needs of the Sisters. No matter the 22
On the Source side, Retirement Income provided 44.4 percent of Total Income, and includes support payments from the Sisters of Charity Charitable Trust, Social Security and Sisters’ pensions. Investment Income, which includes interest, dividends and realized gains, amounted to 47.0 percent of Total Income. General Congregational Income amounted to 7.9 percent of Total Income and is primarily comprised of Sisters’ earnings, bequests and support from benefactors. Other Sources totaled 0.7 percent. On the Use side, Retirement Related
Expenses was the largest expense category at 43.6 percent, and includes costs associated with the care of our retired Sisters. Unrealized Losses on Investments amounted to 21.0 percent. Local House Expenses, comprised of total living expenses for Sisters living away from the Mount St. Joseph campus and incidental expenses for Sisters living independently at the Motherhouse, amounted to 10.6 percent of Total Expenses. The cost of maintaining Sisters of Charity facilities is reflected in Property Expenses, which totaled 11.2 percent of Total Expenses. Service Department Expenses, net, amounted to 7.1 percent of total costs and includes the unallocated costs of Shared Services such as Maintenance, Grounds, Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. General Congregational Expenses, primarily comprised of administrative costs, legal and audit fees, insurance premiums and contributions, amounted to 6.5 percent of Total Expenses.
Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, Ohio, Inc. Source and Use of Funds June 30, 2020
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Source of Funds 1 Investment Income 2 Retirement Income 3 General Congregational Income 4 Other Income
46.98% 44.37% 7.86% 0.79% 100.00%
Use of Funds 1 Retirement Related Expenses 43.62% 2 Unrealized Losses on Investments 20.97% 3 Property Expenses 11.17% 4 Local House Expenses 10.62% 5 Service Department Expenses, net 7.11% 6 General Congregational Expenses 6.51% 100.00% I n tercom
Meeting Our Grace Vulnerable is this space of now … ambiguity and questions bear the tale … answers not yet visible not yet revealing … where are we? New paths await in the fog We cannot see them We feel uneasy … queasy, insecure. Oh to not miss and savor this time this middle place we find ourselves in … while we wander to the edges and wonder what’s beyond. Can we hold still and quiet in this defenseless place where the past looms large and real and full of grace, with the future vague and obscure yet to unfold, grace to behold. Can we cling to God who walks with us and talks with us in this formless, faith-full time and space? Can we just be … in God … just be? Can we willingly yield to God’s holding pattern attentively meeting our grace? S. Mary Ellen Murphy, SC February 2006
Intercom is the magazine of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. This apostolic Catholic women’s religious community exists to carry out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through service and prayer in the world. Approximately 240 Sisters are joined in their mission by 200 Associates (lay women and men). Sisters, using their professional talents as ministers of education, health care, social services and environmental justice, live and minister in 16 U.S. dioceses and in two foreign countries. They also sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor. Intercom Staff Editor
Erin Reder Graphic Design/Layout
Michelle Bley Director of Communications
S. Georgia Kitt Executive Council Liaison
S. Monica Gundler Advisory Board Members:
Veronica Buchanan S. Mary Ann Flannery S. Tracy Kemme S. Joyce Richter Debbie Weber Vicki Welsh Letters to the editor, articles and photos are welcome. The staff reserves the right to edit for space and readability. Make submissions to: Communications Office 5900 Delhi Road Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051 Phone: 513-347-5447 Fax: 513-347-5467 Email: erin.reder@srcharitycinti.org Subscriptions: $15 per year
5900 Delhi Road Mount Saint Joseph, OH 45051 www.srcharitycinti.org www.facebook.com/ sistersofcharityofcincinnati
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5900 Delhi Road Mount Saint Joseph, OH 45051 http://www.srcharitycinti.org www.facebook.com/sistersofcharityofcincinnati
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4 Planning and preparation for the demolition of Seton Hall began this summer as Sisters and employees packed boxes and began moving office space.
A finished bench from EarthConnection’s Bottle Caps to Benches program now sits proudly outside the front entrance of the building.
During the Season of Creation OPJCC Director Debbie Weber (right) provided “handouts” to Sisters and SC employees which included compostable corn straws, fairly traded tea, and recycled newspaper pencils.
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