Intercom
Spring 2013
s i s t e r s
O F
c H a r i t y
O F
c i n c i n n at i
A Letter
From
oUr SISter
In
LeADerSHIP
Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends,
Contents FEATURES The Work of Elizabeth Seton’s Mustard Seed .......................................................... 8 Leaving our legacy in the city of Santa Fe. Coming Full Circle ................................. 14 S. Juanita Marie Gonzales’ life and ministry in Santa Fe. A Second Home ...................................... 17 MMH Clinical Dietitian Anne Gutzwiller’s relationship with the SCs. My Days in Santa Fe ............................... 18 S. Pat Marie Bernard remembers her 42 years in the City of Holy Faith. Charity in Action .................................... 20 New Mexico Associate Virginia Johnson reflects on 25 years with the Community. Homeless Shelter Continues Sister’s Vision .................................................... 21 St. Elizabeth Shelter, founded by S. Shirley Le Blanc, continues to thrive.
DEPARTMENTS OpJiC ...................................................... 7 Violence Against Women Symposium A Memorable Event Vocation/Formation ................................ 16 Vocation Work in a Different Lens Motherhouse/Mother Margaret Hall ....... 25 Prayer Ministry Gratefully Received From the Archives ................................... 26 S. Mary De Sales Leheney On the cover: S. Juanita Marie Gonzales (at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi) is the only Sister of Charity of Cincinnati currently ministering in Santa Fe, N.M., continuing the SC legacy that began in 1865. Photo by Sergio Pinela correction: In the winter issue of Intercom Associate Carla Rush was mistakenly identified as Associate Jennifer Melke. We apologize for the error. 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.
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Since our last Intercom publication, we’ve made it through winter. Then spring arrived with the colorful crocuses, abundant daffodils, singing birds and greening grass to awaken us to the season of new life. With spring we began the work of preparing the soil for summer planting. it takes extra energy and time to prepare the ground for the vegetables, herbs and wide variety of flowers to be planted. But, as all gardeners know, this preparation is most essential for the laying of a good foundation to receive the moisture of the rains and the warmth of the day. now we are nearly at the end of spring, with summer, the season of fruitfulness, at our door. The hard work in the garden is starting to show as the beauty of creation begins to burst forth. A good foundation is needed in all aspects of life. This issue of Intercom will share some of the soil preparation that helped build the Sisters of Charity Santa Fe legacy in new Mexico. How our Sisters, putting “down roots in responding to god’s call to serve” as teachers, nurses, pastoral associates, brought forth a fruitfulness that is alive today. Enjoy some personal stories of Sisters and Associates who have or continue to minister in new Mexico. Openness to receive the many gifts god showers upon us daily requires a sort of tilling of mind, heart and soul – of the hidden potential deep inside. Articles from the Vocation Office, the Office of peace, Justice and integrity of Creation (OpJiC), Technology for the Sake of the Mission, and Ecclesial Women might challenge us to “turn over” some solid-packed soil or beliefs, so god’s call to care for all god’s people will blossom in compassion and love. Our seasons are about transitions, about change and growth in our life. As we journey together, let us listen to the stirrings deep within as we apply the call of the gospel to the needs of today. More legacies are waiting to be written. Your Sister,
S. Lois Jean goettke
Intercom
Mem-bits this column by s. Benedicta Mahoney offers brief glimpses of the past, tiny bits of memories. Do you remember? Were you there? Did you know? April 20, 1835 – Mary Ann Harvey, the first Brooklyn girl to enter a convent (according to an anniversary issue of The Brooklyn Tablet), entered the Sisters of Charity at Emmitsburg, Md., on her 16th birthday, receiving the name S. Eleazar. Seventeen years later, in 1852, she became one of the original Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and became known as S. Josephine, later, Mother.
S. Fidelia Coles
September 1932 – Several Sisters of Charity were involved in initiating a new Archdiocesan educational program, the Latin School. The school was designed to teach boys of superior intellectual talent in accelerated classes for grades seven, eight and nine in two years. After their special classes in Latin School i and Latin School ii, the boys would be sent to their respective high schools for their final three years before graduation. For the first year of the program, Cincinnati’s Latin School, located at St. Lawrence School, was taught by S. Fidelia Coles; Dayton’s school, located at Sacred Heart School, was taught by S. Mary Catherine ratermann. The program was dropped in 1939. April 1947 – The west wing of the Motherhouse, completed in 1886, has undergone many changes through the years. Originally referred to as The Academy, it became known as Marian Hall when Mount St. Joseph Academy closed in 1947. remodeling at that time included installation of an elevator and enclosing the porches on the north side to provide additional bedrooms.
S. Mary Catherine Ratermann
Aug. 9, 1957 – A headline in The Batesville Herald-Tribune (indiana) announced this alarming news: “Typhoid Outbreak isolates 400 nuns, 90 Sisters teaching in Cincinnati parochial schools among them.” The Franciscan Sisters of Oldenburg appealed to the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati for nursing help. Mother Mary romana Dodd sent three Sisters on the Mother Margaret Hall staff: Sisters Matilda Jagger, Ann Majella Dunn and Anna Suttman.
In Memoriam Please visit “In Memoriam” at www.srcharitycinti.org for biographical information and reflections on the Sisters of Charity and Associates who have died. May our Sisters and Associates enjoy the fruits of their labor as well as peace with their God. Associate Kathryn McConlogue April 24, 2013 S. Angela Marie Chiado March 29, 2013 Associate Joyce Yorkievitz March 21, 2013 S. Agnes Schaumleffel March 10, 2013 Associate Peg Granger Feb. 26, 2013
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Technology for the Sake of the Mission By S. Louise Lears
“W
e commit to on-going education and development about the use of information technology for the sake of our Mission.” Our pledge at the Chapter of Affairs in April 2011 highlighted the enormous significance of technology, including social media, for our global community. Technology, and its impact on humanity, is not new. Consider the Gutenberg Bible, the first complete book printed with moveable metal type. prior to its printing in the mid-1400s, books were either copied by hand or printed from engraved wooden blocks—processes that could take months or years to complete. gutenberg’s printing press made it possible to produce many copies of a work in a relatively short amount of time. The Gutenberg Bible revolutionized the distribution of knowledge. When we talk about technology today, it is often of the use of computers or other sophisticated electronic devices. The catalyst for the current technology revolution was the creation of the internet, which helped to transform high-tech electronic devices into powerful tools for communication and information sharing. Because the internet is a global network, today’s technology revolution has global implications. Technology itself is value neutral; the same technology can do vast good or vast harm. The value attached to technology depends who is using it and evaluating it, and what they do with it. Each new development and invention raises questions about the extent to which technology controls us or we control technology. As Sisters of Charity and Associates, we promise to employ technology for the sake of our Mission: to act justly, to build loving relationships, to share our resources with those in need, and to care for all creation. Our challenge is to use technology to
Sue DiTullio, OPJIC administrative assistant, offers computer help to S. Marie Irene Schneider in the Motherhouse computer lab.
present gospel values in response to the basic human yearning for meaning, faith, community and justice that we already find in the online community. Such use places technology at the service of the common good. Since our April 2011 commitment regarding the use of technology, we have released a Facebook page to share our mission with others, implemented live video streaming for those who are unable to physically attend Congregational events, enhanced the SC website to feature ministry stories, created digital forms to save paper, designed electronic newsletters, surveyed Sisters and Associates to determine technology needs, and set up “help sessions” for those in need of support. And, one of our Affiliates writes a blog, “Diary of a Sister-in-Training”! To proclaim the gospel through the new social media means witnessing consistently to gospel values in the ideas we communicate. Our voices on blogs, webcasts, and social networks offer graced opportunities to engage in meaningful, mutual dialogue with our neighbors of the “digital continent.” As St. Vincent de paul said, “Our vocation is to go not just to one parish, not just to one diocese, but all over the world.” We are committed to utilizing technology in ways that enhance our global vocation. Source: St. Vincent de paul. xii: 262 (May 30, 1659)
Social Media Use by U.S. Catholics
Born before 1943
Born 1943-1981
Born 1982 or later
YouTube (videos)
43%
67%
84%
Facebook (personal/organizational information)
37%
59%
82%
Twitter (short messages)
6%
10%
24%
How should we evaluate both the promise and peril of technology? How might theological considerations illuminate our understanding and use of technology?
“Use of new Media by Catholics, 2012 CArA report,” at usccb.org/about/communications 4
Intercom
Charity Family The Singing Circle By S. Mary Bodde anDrea KOVerMan HOnOreD On Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, Affiliate Andrea Koverman (left) was named the Teacher of the Year for Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School at the 17th Annual Seed Awards of the Diocese of El paso, Texas. The event recognizes an outstanding faculty or staff member, a benefactor and a volunteer at each school. Superintendent S. Elizabeth Ann Swartz, SSnD, presented the award and thanked Andrea for the many positive contributions she has made to Catholic education in the diocese.
assOciates HOst sPring FLing Sisters, Associates and Candidates in the greater Cincinnati area braved the cold and light snow on March 24 to attend the annual Spring Fling held in regina Hall. The afternoon included prayer, lunch and fellowship. To view additional photos visit our photo gallery at www.srcharitycinti.org/news_ events/photos.htm#springfling.
Visit us On FaceBOOK We are pleased to announce the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati launched our official Facebook page in February. The page is one more way for the Congregation to share our story and communicate with our friends. please visit us at http://www.facebook.com/ sistersofcharityofcincinnati. And don’t forget to “like” our page. Encourage your friends and family to do the same!
grass rOOts gatHering More than 80 Sisters and Associates from Cincinnati, nazareth, Ky., and Seton Hill, pa., attended “The Future of Charity is now” at Mount St. Joseph on March 23, 2013. Organized by the grass roots Committee of the Sisters of Charity Federation and hosted in Cincinnati by Sisters Joan Cook and Alice Ann (From left) Marie Flowers, SCN Novice, S. Alice Ann O’neill, it was a spirited meeting O’Neill and SC Affiliate Andrea Koverman took part in that included presentations, a panel presentation during the March 23 gathering. reflection, discussion, and a panel presentation by newer members on its main theme. The meeting was one of several being held throughout north America by members of the Federation.
Spring 2013
Artist Annie Ruth created this panel in honor of S. Helen Margaret Cullen for the Dada Rafiki: Sisters of Legacy exhibit.
eXHiBit Features s. HeLen Margaret cuLLen S. Helen Margaret Cullen was featured in the Dada rafiki: Sisters of Legacy exhibit “honoring the spirit and legacy of 40 phenomenal women, ages 65 and older, who have left their footprints on Cincinnati history.” The exhibit runs from March 2, 2013, through May 31, 2013, at the national Underground railroad Freedom Center.
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Pope Francis Brings Hope AppOinTMEnT OF
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Affiliate Andrea Koverman “To start with, pope Francis can bring new life to the whole Church by re-establishing credibility. in his very brief experience of being pope, Francis has already demonstrated that he actually believes and is authentically living out what is preached in the Christian faith. namely, that we are directed by our Lord to put our faith into action, being the body of Christ Photo courtesy of S. Rebecca Sepepka, SUSC in our own day and time, loving our neighbor without condition or S. Barbara Counts exclusion and putting ourselves at their service. A great deal of “i was touched by pope Francis’ Easter Homily. He began rebuilding of trust needs to happen in order to neutralize the with women at the grave, referred to them as Christ’s disciples damage done by the misuse of power, betrayal and exclusion and followed them as his theme to the end. His language is that has so publicly plagued us. people are longing for that of the ordinary people; he speaks of god as life. My hope someone to believe in, and whose example they can follow. it is that he continues to speak the language of the people and seems very hopeful that pope Francis is such a person.” listen and hear them in return as Church.” Associate Karen Martin S. Pat Dittmeier “i vision Francis as a ‘pope of Hope’ – hope for the Church “One way pope Francis brings new life to the Church is in his within the world today. i celebrated his choice of name with evident love and compassion for the poor. During these early his intention to imitate Francis of Assisi, his living simplicity, days as pope, he has repeatedly shown solidarity with the poor his personal outreach to the people especially to the poor and in the choices he makes.” outcast, his humility, and his intention to guide the Church back to the gospel message. i don’t envision him making S. Ruth Hunt drastic, immediate changes. i do see his actions sending “When i first saw a picture of our new pope, there was a strong, much-needed message for the Church to clean something in his total being that spoke of peace, humility and house and embrace all the people of god, men and women, simplicity. The name he chose seemed, to me, to give added young and old, Christian and non-Christian. i believe that impetus and i found myself saying, ‘This is good. This will Francis is the pope of Hope to renew the life of the Church lead to changes so badly needed and which i feel Jesus and the by inspiring, empowering and guiding all to pray together, people of god are crying out for.’ The following quote that i live simply, attend to the poor and be as Christ to each other found from St. Francis of Assisi seemed to identify with the (excluding none).” person who could, for as long or short his reign might be, be able to begin the work that Francis called for: Associate Cathy Colque Ruggieri “i hope and pray that pope Francis has the vision to move the “You must have peace in your hearts. Let no one be Church in a positive and forward direction; that he will engage provoked to anger or scandal by you, but may they be drawn in open discussions which will lead to more involvement of to peace and good will, to kindness and concord through your gentleness. We have been called to heal wounds, to bring the laity in Church affairs; that by his example of simplicity, openness and humility people all over the world will continue together what has fallen apart and to bring home those who to put service to others as a priority in their lives.” have lost their way.’” n March 13, 2013, pope Francis was appointed the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church. As the first South American to lead the Church, the first nonEuropean pope in more than 1,200 years, and the first member of the Jesuit order to be named pope, his appointment can be seen as a breath of fresh air. We asked our Sisters and Associates to offer their thoughts on how pope Francis might give new life to the whole Church.
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Intercom
Violence Against Women Symposium A Memorable Event
By Debbie Weber, coordinator, Office of Peace, Justice and Integrity of Creation
T
he xavier University Schiff Banquet and Conference Center was transformed the evening of April 4, 2013. Attendees knew they were coming to hear the beautiful voices of the MUSE choir and to hear the prophetic words of S. Joan Chittister, OSB. Many had a vague idea what the advertised Clothesline project was about. As soon as people entered the lobby, they got the visual of this important project: T-shirts hanging on clotheslines. These were not ordinary T-shirts, but shirts decorated by local women that told stories of the violence they experienced. The exhibit was powerful.
S. Joan Chittister, OSB, signed books and spoke with guests after an inspirational talk at the Violence Against Women Symposium on April 4.
Why a clothesline you may ask. According to the national Clothesline project, doing the laundry was always considered women’s work and in the days of close-knit neighborhoods, women often exchanged information over backyard fences while hanging their clothes out to dry. The action of telling a story and hanging it on a clothesline serves many purposes. it acts as an educational tool for those who come to view the exhibit. it can become a healing tool for women who decorated a shirt; by hanging the shirt on the line, survivors, friends and family can literally turn their back on some of that pain of their experience and walk away. Finally, it allows those who are still suffering in silence to understand that they are not alone.
Transitioning attendees of the symposium from the Clothesline project to a talk given by S. Joan Chittister was the task at hand for the Cincinnati women’s choir MUSE. This nationally known choir strives to entertain, inspire, motivate, heal and create a feeling of community when they perform – and they did just that! These diverse and incredibly talented women of varied ages, races, ethnicities, musical abilities, political interests, and life experiences brought us to our feet as they sang songs composed by women, pieces written to enhance the sound of women’s voices and songs that honor the enduring spirit of all peoples. MUSE was the perfect segue to S. Joan. A Benedictine Sister of Erie, pa., S. Joan Chittister is a best-selling author and well-known international lecturer on topics of justice, peace, human rights, women’s issues, and contemporary spirituality in the Church and in society. Her talk was an amazing combination of storytelling, information, and Spring 2013
Attendees of the April 4 Violence Against Women Symposium had the opportunity to view the powerful display, known as the Clothesline Project, comprised of T-shirts designed by local survivors of violence, their families and friends.
challenges. Speaking to a full house, S. Joan was filled with emotion when telling us about women who had been or are currently victims of violence all over the world. it was a moving experience for all. The following excerpt was taken from S. Joan’s biography on Benetvision: “‘My mother, undereducated and dependent all her life, trained me fiercely for independence. What she could not have, she wanted for me. The question I grew up with in the center of my soul was, “Why all this diminishment of women?”’ It is the question that has led Sister Joan into solidarity with women from every walk of life and every religion. With extraordinary courage and often with some risk, Sister Joan has chosen to interact with people from all religious backgrounds and work for understanding and peace in the midst of oppressive and violent situations.” On behalf of the Office of peace, Justice and integrity of Creation and the Violence Against Women planning committee, we thank all who attended, our major donors, our co-sponsors and our volunteers. We could not have done this without you. Additional photos from the Violence Against Women Symposium can be viewed at www.srcharitycinti.org/news_ events/photos.htm. resources: Benetvision: http://www.benetvision.org/slideshows/Biography/index.html The Clothesline Project: http://www.clotheslineproject.org MUSE: http://www.musechoir.org
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Our Legacy: T H E W O r K O F E L i Z A B E T H S E TO n ’ S M U S TA r D S E E D Intercom continues its two-year legacy series with Santa Fe, N.M. First inhabited by Native Americans, then taken over by the Spanish, Santa Fe was colonized in 1598 and named by its second governor in 1610 when he selected the site at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and began construction of what he planned as his new capital. The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati arrived in the New Mexico Territory 255 years later. At that time census stated there were 5,000 Mexicans and 300 Americans residing there.
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n 1865 four Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati began a 25-day grueling journey that would take them crosscountry to Santa Fe, n.M., the Land of Enchantment, to open a hospital and an orphanage in the new Mexico Territory. The Sisters came at the request of Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, who had ministered in Ohio with Bishop John purcell and was familiar with the SC Congregation. Mother regina Mattingly asked Bishop Lamy to meet with the Sisters to explain the mission territory to which they would be going and the great need that existed there. Of the 120 members in the Congregation more than half requested to be sent. As the chosen pioneers, Sisters Catherine Mallon, Vincent O’Keefe, pauline Leo and Theodosia Farn journeyed to Omaha, neb., by way of St. Louis, Mo., using rail and boat; in Omaha the Sisters of Mercy promised to keep a light burning before the altar until they heard of their safe arrival in Santa Fe. The stagecoach in which they traveled more than one-thousand miles was built for four, but eight adults and one child were crowded into it. intense heat, great thirst and the constant fear of being attacked by indians marked the trip. There were no places along the way where meals could be purchased; much of the traveling was done at night. Soldiers along the way respected the garb which they recognized as that of the “nuns of the Battlefield” of Civil War fame, women who had ministered to so many of their wounded comrades. After reaching Denver, Colo., the Sisters were taken to the Sisters of Loretto where they were received “with truly motherly love and sympathy. Bishop [Joseph] Machebeuf welcomed us to Denver. The kindness of the Sisters of 8
Loretto made us strong for the journey and never in long years following did we forget the consolations of that visit,” S. Catherine Mallon wrote in her journal. “The miles meant another series of nights and days in a coach. There were more fears, more hunger and thirst, more jolting, more rosaries said over and over.” Arriving, finally, at Lamy Junction they began the gradual ascent to the City of Holy Faith, which stretches out in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The stagecoach stopped at the plaza, the endpoint of the Santa Fe Trail. As the four Sisters alighted they saw no friendly faces, and unable to speak the language they were somewhat embarrassed. The four recovered quickly, though, when they were received with open arms by Mother Magdalen Hayden and the Sisters of Loretto. Following a day of rest they met with Bishop Lamy who showed them the place of their future labors, where they would serve the sick poor. The building where they would reside was adobe; the door opening covered with a blanket and mud ceiling and floors. When the rains came they ate their meals under an umbrella. The absence of necessary equipment and need for hard work did not appear to discourage these Sisters of Charity. This was September 1865 and on every side there was poverty, ignorance and illness, requiring their attentiveness and energy. Each Sister had a generous heart, willing hands and a desire to make things better for the people. From the very first orphans received in the orphanage to the sick and elderly cared for in the hospital and surrounding Intercom
buildings, glorious deeds of love and zeal abounded. Both ministries would carry the name of St. Vincent de Paul, whose spirit Elizabeth Seton chose to follow. Their first patient was Mrs. Mary Herbert; the first orphan was a Navaho Indian baby found on the battlefield and brought to the Sisters by General Carleton. They baptized the baby Mary Carleton, in honor of the General who was a very good friend. The Sisters visited the sick in the old Spanish town, taking with them whatever remedies and delicacies they could obtain. In 1867 Hermana Dolores Gutierrez, a widow, sought admission to the Community, a lifelong desire. She gave all her worldly possessions to the Sisters, which helped the poor, local community immensely. So rapidly did the colony grow that the call for more Sisters became imperative. As was true with the first group of Sisters of Charity, much of the challenge of this new mission call to the West was in getting there. On May 10, 1867, two blood sisters, Augustine and Louise Barron, left Cincinnati for the trek across country. They met Bishop Lamy and his party of missionaries in St. Louis. Upon reaching Leavenworth, Kan., the group was received by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. Rumors of Indian attacks did not delay the progress of the missionaries. A caravan of wagons left Leavenworth on June 14 for the famous journey over the Santa Fe Trail. Suspicious-looking Indians seen near Junction City, Kan., caused the group to return to Leavenworth. The bishop planned a detour, hoping to throw the ferocious Kiowa Indians off the scent; this way they would meet a Mexican train of 100 men and eight wagons. To the Indian menace was the added horror of the plague. Two of the missionaries they traveled with were taken ill with cholera and died shortly after. They consigned the remains of the dead to graves on the prairie and moved on, determined to outdo the Indians by strategy. Long before they reached Santa Fe the group was met by folks from surrounding villages, escorting the beloved bishop and his companions to their adobe Cathedral where they sang the “Te Deum,” expressing their gratitude to God. With the years the two SC institutions (St. Vincent Hospital and St. Vincent Orphanage) became well known in Santa Fe. Ralph Emerson Twitchell writes: “The work of these Sisters has been immeasurable, ministering to the sick and afflicted, and to the orphans, many of whom have been nurtured and educated by them.” Every Saturday morning the blind, the lame, and incapacitated for work came strolling into the St. Vincent Hospital grounds. The Sisters made their rounds in twos and threes, each carrying a basket into which charitable persons might make a contribution. At noon time they all found their way into the placita, awaiting the coming of S. Catherine; she waited upon each with a benevolence
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which was truly admirable. Whatever the Sisters had been able to put aside for them during the week she distributed. Each recipient looked into his basket and then exchanged foods with one another according to their needs. Gratitude smiled on all as they left the premises and proclaimed “Gracias a Dios.” In time St. Vincent Orphanage proved to be a true home for the poor children, and St. Vincent Hospital served as a hospice for the aged as well as a hospital for the sick and suffering. Since it had no means of support except what the poor patients could offer, it became necessary for the Sisters to go on begging trips to the mining camps. The hardships they had to endure compare favorably with any Wild West story. S. Catherine tells that she and her companions walked miles from one camp to another, forded rivers, scaled mountain sides and when shadows began to lengthen, without even a guide and often with no light but that of the stars, they sought shelter for the night. At this same time the railroads were being built in the West and all the men who needed surgical or medical aid were sent to St. Vincent. It has been said that the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad could not have been successfully built without the services of St. Vincent Hospital. In turn the mine owners and railroad officials came to support the Sisters’ efforts in building, expanding or improving their facilities. By 1880 St. Vincent Hospital was a three-story building, accommodating the many demands for private rooms by the health seekers coming to Santa Fe. A serious fire in 1896 destroyed the buildings used for both the orphanage and the hospital; by 1908 plans for a three-story building were in the works, and in 1910 it was completed.
Loretto Sister Mary Alphonsa Thompson was one of two missionaries traveling with the Barron sisters to take ill with cholera during the trip to Santa Fe in 1867.
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The City of Holy Faith It was an afternoon of magic that we came, An afternoon that held a subtle charm Within itself, A deep and satisfying blithe content— And more then that, because an unexpected Promise lent From faith and hope gave forth some unseen Strength— Over the breadth and length Of vast blue sky, bluer than any turquoise At its best Tiny dabs of snowy clouds came lazily to Rest; The blazing sun sent eager glowing heat, Down through the blazing emerald trees Within the Plaza The rhythmic, steady beat Of quiet, genial living seemed to meet it There, as at “Fiesta” and give a royal Welcome— The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, like Patient guides Awaiting climbers, stood before us as we Went And in-between and round-about and here And there In unexpected places everywhere, Squatted the quaint substantial adobe Houses, Gay with blue and orange paint; And suddenly a church bell rang across The distance Calling and calling with a grave persistence; All this and more is Santa Fe. - Grace Meredith, “And This, Is Santa Fe,” New Mexico, October, 1935, 23 10
S. Gertrudis Pfeiffer (right) established the first school of practical nursing in the state of New Mexico.
A school of nursing was opened in 1921; it merged with St. Joseph Hospital in Albuquerque in 1941. The first school of practical nursing in the state of New Mexico was established by S. Gertrudis Pfeiffer at St. Vincent Hospital. Young women could earn their livelihood in a shortened amount of time, at less cost and sooner. The need was great. In 1930 a 150-bed hospital was erected and 20 years later a 200-bed facility was dedicated. The Community was assured that 60 percent of the construction of this new facility would be covered by federal funds; a sizeable amount was pledged by Santa Fe citizens and the Congregation underwrote the $2 million balance of the costs. At this time the original vacant, historic adobe buildings were razed. By 1951 the hospital was caring for 4,184 patients per year; $15,715.41 worth of charity work was being done there. Thirteen Sisters of Charity and 52 doctors made up the personnel. In the 1960s S. Joaquin Bitler was sent to administer St. Vincent; her influence over those years advanced medical treatment and shaped state medical care programs. The new hospital of the early 1970s was a product of her determination, dedication and selfless contributions. Charles Boatwright, a physician serving there, recalls S. Joaquin as a straight-forward, kind taskmaster. “She created a caring, professional environment throughout the whole of the hospital,” he said. In 1970 the Sisters of Charity Governing Board approved the transfer of St. Vincent Hospital to a Lay Board of Trustees and the community of Santa Fe. S. Joaquin continued as administrator Intercom
and chair of the new board. The transfer included this message from SC president S. Mary Assunta Stang: “Our role as Sisters is one of leadership in getting things started in an area where there is great need. When the work is accomplished, we turn it over to the local residents to continue and then we go into another area.” Stories from the hospital and the Santa Fe environs abound. Following 11 years of mission work in peru, S. Jane Vogt put her bilingual skills to use among the senior citizens of the town. St. Vincent Hospital personnel would provide her with the names of those recently released; she would visit them in their homes and provide a ride to the grocery, transportation to appointments, follow-ups regarding their care, and even help them hang their laundry on the line. She expanded the reach and services of the hospital, and people once again experienced the ongoing compassion and care of the Sisters firsthand.
(From left) Sisters Mary Eudora Corbin, Jane Vogt, Mary Frances Dempsey and Mary Joaquin Bitler were the last four Sisters of Charity serving at St. Vincent Hospital.
One of those individuals, S. Jane remembers, was a man suffering a broken leg. She helped him take his hard-earned salary over the border when he returned to Mexico. The nurses secured the $450 S. Jane received from the man’s boss in his leg cast, away from the wound; at that time the most that could legally be carried across was $40. They added blood to the outside of the cast after cutting it to keep any suspecting border patrol official from any further checking. Sisters Jane and Mary Eudora Corbin, who worked in the hospital business office, were the last Sisters to minister at St. Vincent Hospital, leaving in 1977. St. Vincent Orphanage was the only institution of its kind in 1865, but the Sisters were following the chief objectives
and spirit of Mother Seton in their work with the children of the Southwest. For many years the number of orphans exceeded the number of patients. in 1880 thirty-five homeless children were being cared for; within the next five years the number doubled. By 1950 they were caring for 20 to 30 little girls with two Sisters of Charity on staff. By then the children were placed either through Catholic Charities, by court order or the department of public welfare. The Sisters had raised awareness of the need for broader participation by more of the city’s citizens, another recognized quality of the SC legacy. The state was appropriating 50 cents a day for some of the little ones; the remaining cost was being taken care of by the Sisters with the help of any donation sent in by their loyal friends. in 1955, in a new location, a facility which could accommodate 16 was opened; it was called St. Vincent Home
St. Vincent Orphanage in the early 1900s. Spring 2013
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(From left) Sisters Linda Chavez, Victoria Marie Forde, Juanita Marie Gonzales, Marie Evelyn Dow, Rose Therese Wich, Carol Power, Barbara Padilla, Marie Vincentia Roney and Patricia Sabourin joined in the celebrations surrounding the Sisters of Charity Historic Marker in New Mexico in 2010. (Photo by Associate Margaret Mary Olona)
for Girls. It was financed by the diocese, city and state, closing in 1966. Yet another ministry call to serve the indigent poor came from Santa Fe’s Archbishop Rudolph Gerken in 1937. The Community began a free-care outpatient clinic, eventually known as Villa Therese Catholic Clinic. Unique to this ministry was that it was staffed by all volunteer professionals. Since its start local physicians provided generous cooperation. The first Sister-directors were Sisters Mary Isadore Linden and Francis Loretto Lopez. Medical and surgical services were provided for adults and children. For a period during World War II and after (14 years) several other congregations took over the administration of the clinic, including the Medical Mission Sisters and the Handmaids of the Precious Blood. In 1957 the Sisters of Charity resumed supervision with S. Philip Neri MacInnis as director. Teaming up with the United Way of Santa Fe County, Inc. in 1957 gave funding of the clinic a substantial boost operationally. In 1958 it received the Certificate of Incorporation from the state of New Mexico and a Board of Directors. S. Pat Marie Bernard had been ministering at St. Joseph Hospital in Albuquerque and earlier at St. Vincent Hospital as a medical technologist 12
(1963-’68) when she was named executive director in 1981. Under S. Pat Marie's directorship and a dedicated team of board members, medical and para-medical volunteers the clinic prospered. Benefactors were sought to help expand services including well and sick child care, podiatry and even orthodontic services. In the early 1990s low-cost counseling services and a back-to-school program were initiated. The clinic staff serves more than 7,000 annually from a budget of only $200,000. Other SC staff members during S. Pat Marie's tenure included Sisters John McDonnell, Shirley Le Blanc (assistant director), Peggy Deneweth (LPN), and Janet Gildea (staff physician). S. Pat Marie served Villa Therese Catholic Clinic until 2004. Upon retirement she left the leadership responsibilities in the capable hands of the current director Joanne Salizar. The majority of the families being served now are the undocumented and indigent poor. As new needs became evident in the 1970s and 1980s Sisters serving in traditional ministries began to rethink how best to meet the growing homeless population. S. Shirley Le Blanc was assistant director at Villa Therese Catholic Clinic when she realized many of its visitors were experiencing homelessness. With her organizational skills and desire to seek Intercom
a solution S. Shirley founded, named and directed St. Elizabeth Shelter for the Homeless in 1986. The homeless of Santa Fe had a place to sleep. Obstacles, disappointments and persons not desiring the homeless in their neighborhood could have stopped lesser persons, but not S. Shirley. Donations came from people of all faiths, each desiring to help the needy; listening, dialogue and kindness brought results. Countless numbers of distraught and down-trodden persons have been blessed by the ministry of the shelter. Both Sisters Virginia Bohnert and Patricia Sabourin served as assistant directors under S. Shirley. Twenty-seven years later the shelter continues, providing high-quality care for its visitors. Still very present and serving at San Isidro-San Jose parish, Santa Fe, we find S. Juanita Marie Gonzales, the only SC in the city today. S. Juanita serves as the parish’s pastoral minister, a position she has held since 2004. S. Lorraine
Delisle previously served there as religious education director from 1993-’01. On a marker at the La Bajada Rest Area along I-25 between Santa Fe and Albuquerque the early Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati who began New Mexico ministries are honored. It is a part of a group of New Mexico’s Official Scenic Historic Markers. Women’s contributions to New Mexico history, through this effort, will continue to be remembered and told to future generations. They will inspire and guide, just as the efforts of our early Sisters have guided so many. The work of Elizabeth Seton’s mustard seed continues. References used from Archives: Mary Agnes McCann, Vol. II & III, We Are Many and Thesis of Catherine Miriam Lawlor, SC.
- By Communications Office Staff
La Conquistadora
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n the Cathedral of Santa Fe, N.M., there is a side chapel devoted to a 30-inch-high, wood-carved statue of La Conquistadora, Our Lady of Conquest (or Conquering Love). It is believed that she was carved from willow in Spain in the early 1600s. La Conquistadora is the oldest representation of the Virgin Mary in the United States and came to Santa Fe in 1626 with the Franciscan missionaries. She was rescued from the 1680 Pueblo Revolt and then hidden. She returned in 1693 with Don DeVargas, whom the King of Spain sent to reclaim the city. He claimed that “the Lady” helped prevent major bloodshed. She is the constant source of public devotion and is considered the patroness and protectress of Santa Fe. Her presence is annually celebrated by parading the icon on San Francisco Street during the Fiesta de Santa Fe in September, which commemorates the city’s reconquest. The grandfather of our S. Rose Genevieve Alarid, who entered the Sisters of Charity from Santa Fe in 1929, was a town official and friend of Archbishop Lamy. It is S. Rose Genevieve who was the source of the information that La Conquistadora’s hair came from a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati. S. Angelica Ortiz, a Santa Fe native who entered the Community in 1878, donated her long black hair to be used for “the Lady.” La Conquistadora has gone by many names: Our Lady of the Assumption, Our Lady of the Conception, Our Lady of the Rosary, Our Lady of Conquest, Our Lady of Peace. Regardless it is clear that the benevolent presence of Our Lady has been manifest from our very beginnings in the Southwest. Spring 2013
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Coming Full Circle By S. Victoria Marie Forde
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eturning to Santa Fe, n.M., completes a full circle in S. Juanita Marie gonzales’ life. in 1958 when she began studying nursing at St. Vincent Hospital, this native new Mexican had never met a Sister of Charity, and certainly had never had any thought of becoming one. As she writes, “The Lord obviously had other plans that He had not shared with me until after a few months of being in the program. i began to dream about being a Sister, but quickly put it out of my mind. However, when the Lord sets His mind, He does not give up. “Once in pediatrics, S. Frances Jerome Quinlan and i were each feeding a baby, and out of the blue Sister says, ‘You are thinking of going to the convent.’ i almost dropped the poor child i was feeding. i had said nothing to anybody about that.” Though S. Juanita answered emphatically, “no, no, Sister. i am not,” she adds, “Once out, this idea took on a different shape. i had never had Sisters in school or really knew about them. So i began asking, ‘What are you and what do you do?’ Things moved rather quickly after that, and here i am 53 years later. i have come full circle and am back in the City of Holy Faith ministering in a wonderful parish with great people and a truly priestly priest.” Earlier, as a young Sister, a back injury had changed her career from nursing to teaching, and she became an awardwinning principal in Lansing, Mich.
For six years she taught English in poland, but rheumatoid arthritis sent her home. providentially, to complete the full circle, the rev. Frank pettro needed a Spanish-speaking minister in his San isidro parish in Santa Fe. “So here i am in the City of Holy Faith as the director of the Faith Formation program. That would have never happened to me as a nurse. The Lord has a very strange sense of humor.” When S. Juanita arrived in San isidro parish, the 600 registered families attended Mass in a 175-year-old church. now 2,500 families attend Mass on weekends in the parish center, and others are in the mission church San Jose. in this second largest parish in Santa Fe, Masses are in either English or Spanish. Besides S. Juanita, four deacons help, one blind and two Spanish-speaking. S. Felipa from Texas also works with Spanish ministry as well as helping in another parish. S. Juanita had time to volunteer as a Spanish-speaking receptionist at the Villa Therese Catholic Clinic. now her packed schedule seems almost too much for one person. One program involves meeting monthly with parents whose children are preparing for the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist. She explains, “i present lessons which they must teach the children at home and then bring the work to the next meeting. if parents cannot be at the regular meeting, we make another meeting time. “Two years ago i separated the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking groups even though it means more
S. Juanita Marie Gonzales (standing, left) is the director of the Faith Formation program at San Isidro-San Jose parish in Santa Fe, N.M.
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meetings for me,” she said. “However, it’s worth it because the parents themselves are being catechized.” She feels fortunate to have wonderful catechists for Faith Formation classes Saturday and Sunday for grades one through six. “Two catechists for every class, so that if one cannot be there, the other covers if i have evening meetings with parents for sacrament preparation.” A blessing for S. Juanita is working with Fr. Frank, a panamanian convert from Judaism. He has been at San isidro for almost 30 years, and like Elizabeth Seton his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament is extraordinary. She S. Juanita Marie Gonzales (third from right) meets monthly with parents whose children are explains, “i have the freedom to do what preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. needs to be done and run the programs as necessary. We discuss different ideas, S. Juanita did not tell them that when she thought of and we are able to speak honestly about the problems in the being a religious, she was not a practicing Catholic. Only Church and share our concerns and frustrations.” elders had taught them religion in her mining town of Santa When Father is away, S. Juanita prepares Communion rita, and ever since her beloved father had died young, only services for deacons, but when they are unavailable, S. Juanita 50, she, then 16, had been angry with god. That relationship herself leads them and shares reflections on the readings. She changed dramatically when she entered the Sisters of Charity. also trains lectors and Communion ministers. in 1865 Sisters established St. Vincent Hospital and She revitalized the Altar Society which now decorates Orphanage, but in 1977 the last Sister administrator left. altars with real flowers for big feast days. “We also ordered now, on a limited basis, S. Juanita is the lone Sister of banners in English and Spanish, especially for the Center to Charity still involved in Christus St. Vincent Hospital. help make it look more like a place of prayer,” she said. At a recent meeting they presented a session on end-of-life preparation they are willing to offer to the parish. A big part of S. Juanita’s ministry is juggling parish responsibilities with CHi (Catholic Health initiatives) board S. Juanita loves living in colorful Santa Fe, the “City and committee meetings in Albuquerque, often driving there Different.” She enjoys the seasonal “markets,” and she loves twice a week. if the meeting is late, she stays with her sister the food, “my food,” that she could never find in other Anna overnight, but she has to be back in Santa Fe Tuesdays places. Sadly, she still finds prejudice against the Mexicans, to prepare for Confirmation classes held after the 5:30 p.m. something the Sisters from the beginning fought against. Mass and for Faith Formation classes for seventh and eighth A special blessing for S. Juanita was being near her mother, grades Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. a clear-minded matriarch, 100 when she died. One of 14 “Somehow, again, how the Lord works in strange ways! children, S. Juanita is close to her brothers and sisters, and the i ended up on the Archdiocesan Vocations Committee,” weeklong family reunion, five generations, is held every three she said. “Dominican Sister Jo and i drive to Albuquerque years. At the same time being away for even a short time is Saturdays every other month for meetings. in February we part of the long-term challenge of her ministry. She wonders had our first Focus 11, a program for sixth graders to speak if anyone will be willing to take her place when she has to about vocations. We had close to 400 sixth graders that day, leave finally. and besides my display, i was on a panel. Their questions were “people still remember S. Joaquin Bitler at the hospital impressive: ‘When did you think about becoming a priest, and S. pat Marie Bernard at the clinic and others,” she said, sister or brother?’ ‘What do you do?’ ‘Are you sorry that you “but who will be willing to continue the 148-year legacy of don’t have children?’ ‘Did you ever want to leave this way the Sisters of Charity in Santa Fe?” of life?’”
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Vocation Work in a Different Lens By S. Monica Gundler
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t is 10 p.m. and a room full of college students scribble furiously in journals. They are pondering the day they have spent in service and learning. As they finish writing, a young man, a student leader, asks “How is your Vincentian heart?” One student describes her experience of the day and talks of Vincent wearing the same tunic with the rich and the poor. Another describes how she felt her heart grow larger in love after a family in the neighborhood where they were working came over to talk with them. This is not what one usually thinks of in vocation work; however, it is very much the way our charism is growing in our world today among a younger generation. Engaged in service to others, reflecting on this experience in the light of the Vincentian charism, and sharing prayer and community, these Vincentians in Action from Depaul University are on a more contemporary kind of “come and see” week at the House of Charity. They are exploring charism and call in a broad sense. Tracy Kemme’s blog, “Diary of a Sister-in-Training,” has attracted not only those discerning religious life, but others who want to know more about Sisters in general and those who hadn’t thought seriously before, but now have entertained the idea more than casually. Tracy’s reflections on her journey have given a whole new audience an awareness and appreciation for religious life—both women and men. Tracey Horan, in pre-entrance, lived at Casa de Caridad as she began her first year of teaching. After graduating from college, she was seeking an opportunity to live in community, deepen her relationship with god and walk with those on the margins. This time she spent in community was integral in her decision to explore religious life more deeply. Lori Williams from Baltimore, Md., also is in pre-entrance. Lori had the opportunity to meet Sisters through a search and serve week at the House of Charity in new Orleans, La. This led to more time with other Sisters and discerners in Cincinnati, Ohio, and new Mexico. 16
Students from DePaul University, Chicago, Ill., journal while on a more contemporary “come and see” week at the House of Charity in New Orleans, La.
Yet another avenue, the popular “Theology on Tap,” has also been a place of encounter for young people both in Cincinnati and El paso, Texas, over the last few years. These evenings are opportunities to engage young adults in issues of faith and life. Our Sisters have been involved as planners, speakers and part of the core committees. in addition our Sisters and Associates have been part of diocesan events such as the annual Columbus, Ohio, vocation dinner for those interested in religious life and at “Cast Your nets” in northern Ohio and Focus 11 in Denver, Colo. Many of these are opportunities not to “give a vocation talk” but to engage and interact with youth and young adults. With new twists on an old theme the House of Charity hosted a “nun run” with more than a dozen young women from Alabama. They arrived in new Orleans to visit five or six religious houses starting with prayer at one and progressing to dinner and dessert at others. They were able to learn about the community, share some time in the Sisters’ homes and get a bit more flavor of religious life. new Orleans is also home to the Magnificat House, a place for women discerning a religious vocation. S. Sandy Howe has been engaged with Seton students in regular mission and service opportunities through the lens of the Charity Charism, as well. Some dioceses have programs geared to those in fifth grade. in new Orleans this May there will be an annual gathering of more than 1,000 fifth graders for a whole day focused on vocation awareness with music, speakers and a Mass with the archbishop. All of these situations have some common opportunities to be with Sisters in prayer, service and community as part of their exploration of call. We are blessed to be able to offer them and continue to dream of new ways to provide these moments of encounter.
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A Second Home
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nne gutzwiller’s relationship with the Sisters of Charity began in the first grade. The clinical dietitian at Mother Margaret Hall says she was taught by many Sisters at St. William in price Hill (Cincinnati). Today those relationships have changed as Anne is responsible for the clinical dietary and nutritional needs of all the residents in Assisted Living and nursing, which, through the years, has included many of her former teachers.
hard taking each patient, working with them individually, working with what their needs are, what their likes are, what their intolerances are, to keep them at their highest function.” As a former student of many Sisters of Charity, Anne says it is a little surreal to now care for her former teachers. Many remembered her, including S. Miriam Thomas Busch, who Anne continues to work with today. “You never forget those lessons when you were a child,” Anne said. “She was a stickler at times. She has been a wonderful friend here at Mother Margaret Hall.”
While Anne established new relationships with the Sisters of Charity throughout the years, attending the College of Mount St. Joseph and Being taught by the Sisters of completing her dietetic internship at Charity, having SC family, and after A former student of many of her Sisters of Charity Cincinnati good Samaritan Hospital, it caring for our Sisters for the last 33 patients, including S. Miriam Thomas Busch (front), was a family connection that ultimately years, Anne has an appreciation for Anne Gutzwiller is the clinical dietitian in Mother brought her to employment at Mount the Community and its charism that Margaret Hall. St. Joseph. Anne’s late husband, Louis, continues to grow. “it has 100 percent has two sisters who are Sisters of Charity influenced my life. i have appreciated and enjoyed all of those – S. Judith gutzwiller and the late S. Mary Ann gutzwiller. associations.” in 1979, her mother-in-law fell and was taken to Mother Anne also praises the Sisters of Charity as employers. Margaret Hall nursing facility as a patient. “They are always asking about my family, supporting me, “She was a diabetic,” Anne recounted. “When the praying for us when we have special needs,” she said. Her nurse said the dietitian will be in to speak to you about your husband, Louis, was ill for 16 years; the last five were spent diet, my mother-in-law said that’s not necessary because at Bayley, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Charity my daughter-in-law is a dietitian and she will take care of and located across the road from Mother Margaret Hall. me. The late S. Agnes Celeste Schaumleffel, who was then “Through those long years my administrator, S. pat Saul, administrator, said they were looking for a dietitian and asked always worked hard to make certain it was going well for if i would like to work with them. There was no interview, me,” Anne said. “She was always concerned, always there, nothing more than that. i started working here on Jan. 2, and always offering help.” 1980, four weeks after my mother-in-law arrived. And i have “All these years have been a gift,” Anne concluded. “The been here for 33 years.” job has been a gift. i was a mile from home. Our youngest With an interdisciplinary team that includes nursing, children [twin boys] were in first grade at Our Lady of Social Services, Activities and Medical records, the group Victory, and i was as close to them there as i would be at meets weekly to develop care plans for their residents, which home. The Mount really became a second home. it has been include the residents’ care needs, nutrition, socialization, a wonderful, wonderful job in every way. i am grateful to the activities and, hopefully, discharge plans. As a clinical dietitian Sisters of Charity. They are wonderful employers who have Anne stresses the importance of nutrition. “it keeps them on the best interest of their employees at heart.” the road to a good life. When their nutrition declines all of - By Communications Office Staff their problems begin to surface,” she said. “We really work Spring 2013
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s. Pat Marie Bernard (center) forms a prayer circle with friends and some of her longtime patients during her farewell party June 19, 2004, at the Villa therese catholic clinic in santa Fe. Photo by Raul Vasquez/The New Mexican©
My Days in Santa Fe
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eceiving the mission slip to serve at St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, n.M., in 1962, brought joy to my heart. i loved new Mexico from the moment i journeyed on that old Santa Fe Trail into the City of Holy Faith. i was 22 at the time and was blessed for the next 42 years by new Mexico’s gente – the tri-cultural people, native American, Hispanic and Anglo-Saxon – and by the beauty of the land. it truly is the Land of Enchantment. So many Santa Fe stories could be shared, beginning with my years serving as a medical technologist at the lab at St. Vincent Hospital. i remember calling in blood donors in the wee hours of the morning (2 a.m. or 3 a.m.) for an exchange transfusion of a newborn. Knowing it would save the life of a baby, those on the donor list never refused. i also went monthly to the state prison – through seven locked doors – to collect blood donations from 30 willing inmates who got two weeks taken off their sentence. it was during those early days in Santa Fe that i began to do wood carving. Through the years i accumulated chisels 18
By S. Pat Marie Bernard
and loved to wood sculpt. i had a strong table and vise in the basement of the convent at St. Vincent Hospital. My “portfolio” of carvings grew, and my creations have made marvelous gifts over the years. i continue to enjoy this creative outlet. i also enjoyed winter picnics in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. in the fall Sisters Mary Bertha Kelley, Jean Angela noppenberger and Barbara Jeanne Krekeler were among my hiking buddies. Since fall was also hunting season, with our long black habits we donned red veils for protection so the hunters wouldn’t mistake us. i regret we didn’t have cameras to capture the picture. in 1968 i began a 13-year ministry at St. Joseph Medical Center in Albuquerque, initially as medical technologist, then as surgical head nurse, and later, as education coordinator. Adding a nursing background and significant management preparation during those years prepared me to achieve a long-time dream – to minister in a health-care clinic with outreach to god’s poor. Intercom
The opportunity opened for me via instrumental angels, Sisters Jean Miller, Celestia Koebel and Shirley Le Blanc. in 1981 i became executive director of the Villa Therese Catholic Clinic in Santa Fe. Villa Therese is an archdiocesan clinic nestled in the middle of a huge city block in the shadow of St. Francis Cathedral. i felt it was a significant witness to the archdiocese’s care for the sick poor. Here again, i was so blessed during my 23 years “at the helm.” i felt i was truly living our SC Vision Statement: solidarity with the poor and underserved. i worked with a team of dedicated, hard-working staff and board members. We were blessed with wonderful volunteers, including 70 doctors, dentists, nurses, and receptionists, and many generous benefactors - all providing multiple services to god’s poor. Arriving from a big institution with maintenance, housekeeping, and finance departments, we were suddenly it. S. Shirley Le Blanc arrived with me, and among other things handled the financial details (which she later “schooled” me in). Wonderful, skilled, generous people “appeared” to do electrical repairs, furnace maintenance. They accepted no payment, stating that their families had been helped by clinic services over the years - an example of earlier Sisters planting the seeds, and we reaping the fruits. Financially, the clinic operated on minimal budget monies. Meeting stringent accountability guidelines and outcome measurements, we received funding from United Way and multiple foundation grants, including SC Ministry Foundation in later years. i continue to be amazed that my accounting skills matured to the level needed for providing accurate records for the annual audit, and that my grant-writing skills produced viable results. Other funding sources were our fundraising activities - and a little begging. Among my special memories of the clinic is that of a woman and her two children who were in flight from an abusive husband/father from a nearby town. We became their medical home with well and sick child care, supplied them with school backpacks, Christmas surprises and most importantly love and a safe haven. The mother was industrious in providing for the children, encouraging education (her son recently earned his master’s degree), and included me in celebrations of their First Communion and Confirmation. She continues to update me about la familia.
Spring 2013
Many were the blessings from the families we served. Their smiles, their willingness to communicate in “Spanglish,” their teaching me so much about generous living and forgiveness, and their continuing communication over the years, have all enriched me. Traveling on after 23 years and a five-star farewell from la gente i found my niche in the Cincinnati area in the Bienestar/ Wellness clinics of Santa Maria Community Services. This outreach to immigrant populations was founded 115 years ago by the Sisters of Charity, and i’m so glad to be part of it today. involvement with Bayley Senior Care Corp. and the Bayley Adult Day Care Center are also professionally enriching to me. With all this said, my passion is the spiritual journey! i love to journey with people via spiritual direction/companioning and retreat work. i was privileged to help in this way at the Sangre de Cristo sabbatical program while in Santa Fe and now in collaboration with our SC Spirituality Center. When asked, on the occasion of my golden jubilee in 2008, how i would describe my current life and ministry, i wrote: “Continuing the journey toward wholeness as a Sister of Charity while serving in a health care ministry; and with 42 of those years in new Mexico, a big part of my heart will forever remain there, but god is in the now, and all is well!” Thank you to S. Frances Maureen Trampiets for her assistance with this article.
S. Pat Marie Bernard served as executive director of Villa Therese Catholic Clinic for 23 years.
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Charity in Action By S. Marie Vincentia Roney
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ssociate Virginia Johnson lives on a farm near Socorro, a town in New Mexico that few have heard of. She celebrated her 86th birthday in 2013; this year is also her 25th as an Associate member of our Community. Virginia names her years of relationship to the Sisters and their missions among the treasures of her life, along with more than 20 years of elementary school teaching; 10 years of writing for various newspapers in the area; and most of all raising two daughters with now-deceased husband, Walter, in what is a rare and rich environment these days – a working family farm. She found in her early Associate years that for many Sisters of Charity the idea of Associates was a gulp to swallow. The Associates had much to learn, as well. First and foremost was the fact that Associates were not being welcomed into this warm, creative, but previously rather private Community, to run the place. “These new Associates had opinions on every subject. And the ones that came to every gathering were the ones who had the most,” she said. Virginia is not known anywhere for her reluctance to speak out, SC meetings no exception. But time has quieted the chatter. The Sisters couldn’t help being their loving, supportive selves. Peace spread and friendships prospered for Virginia with other Sisters of Charity, mainly in Albuquerque. She rarely missed a monthly gathering and prayer.
on a strawbale house in El Paso’s Tierra Madre followed by a shared pot of beans at S. Jean Miller’s, to the joy of unrolling one’s sleeping bag on the chapel floor at Casa de Caridad (and rolling it up again for 6 a.m. Mass) and feeding a child in the clinic in Anapra, Mexico. The music goes on and on … Virginia wishes similar treasured moments to all Associates, although through them Virginia describes herself as becoming an ever more critical Catholic, full of questions for the Church. Even though Virginia had a stroke, which prevents her from being independent and able to drive to Albuquerque, a member of her family will see that she is able to participate in her small group and larger gatherings, usually monthly, because they know the value and importance of her being a Sisters of Charity Associate, a Community member. As for our future together as Sisters of Charity and Associates, Virginia’s deepest wish is that we continue the spirit of Charity in a personal way. Watching her maneuver herself in the wheelchair and being ever so patient with herself and her family, deeply grateful for them and their care of her, she is exemplifying charity in action.
Twenty-five years ago Virginia had no formal preparation for the role of Associate except conversations with her “contact” Sister, S. Carol Marie Power, who taught full-time, led and accompanied a choir in Socorro’s San Miguel parish, guided First Communion class and other children’s groups. She generally was as busy as, well, as a Sister of Charity. Virginia describes herself with a smile as a seeker, lofty company to aspire to. A member of the Quakers (Society of Friends) and a protester during the Vietnam War, she was a newly hatched Catholic when she got to know S. Carol and became interested in Affiliate membership, which was appearing in so many vowed communities after Vatican II. “The experiences of a quarter-century constantly reinforce my appreciation of the Sisters’ hospitality, openness and flexibility,” Virginia says. From a first-shared movie, beer and pizza with S. Carol in the San Miguel convent to moments of that much-sought-after, much-valued truth with S. Marie Vincentia Roney as her spiritual guide, to a day of shoveling 20
Associate Virginia Johnson (left) and S. Carol Marie Power.
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Vision
Homeless Shelter Continues Sister’s Vision By S. Jean Miller
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anta Fe, N.M., is a city of art, culture, rich history and curious tourists. Would you think of it as a place where homeless people have gathered for so many years?
In 1988 S. Shirley Le Blanc was approached by a member of an ecumenical coalition, who asked her to consider a response to homelessness in the city. S. Shirley knew that Santa Fe is located in the southern travel belt running east to west, where the homeless travel according to the season of the year to seek warmth. So she knew her gifts could be used for this task. Finding a house that could accommodate a number of people was the first challenge. In any city the response to locating this kind of ministry in a neighborhood usually awakens attitudes of fear which produce rejection of those who need acceptance. “Not in My Back Yard” (NIMBY) was heard over and over, and appearances in court became a challenge. Naming such a project can also create tension because creative people can find lots of reasons for different names. St. Elizabeth Shelter was an obvious name for a home that would be founded by a Sister of Charity in honor of St. Elizabeth Seton. Despite all the obstacles and after community-wide interfaith commitment to continue to address the growing needs of the homeless in the city, on Dec. 15, 1986, the door to St. Elizabeth was opened at Don Gaspar Avenue. With limited space and beds in the basement, people were protected from the cold and hunger. It was always known that the house on Don Gaspar Avenue was temporary because numbers of men and women and families continued to need housing and the support systems that would eventually move them to health and homes. Almost immediately the search was on for a bigger place and more money to finance this ministry. The Interfaith Coalition went into action right away. The United Way building was a great possibility, but of course, NIMBY raised its head again and back to court for decisions the staff went.
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Once the vacant United Way building was purchased, out came the architect plans, hammers, nails, doors, windows, paint and all the things needed for a complete renovation. S. Shirley presided over the two-year complete renovation and subsequent opening of the permanent home of St. Elizabeth’s at its new location in 1988. The larger facility was able to accommodate 30 men and 10 women.
The shelter’s mission is dedicated to assisting homeless individuals and families by providing emergency shelter, food, case management, counseling, and referrals to partnering human-service agencies. Through the years it has added a women and family facility, apartment buildings for transitional housing, youth shelters, a winter shelter, and a Supportive Living Program for individuals with disabilities. They even have a homeless legal clinic staffed by three volunteer attorneys who assist with wills, power of attorney, personal injury, custody and child support, outstanding warrants and landlordtenant disputes. Deborah Tang, the shelter’s current director, says they are committed to continually examining and improving their programs. “We use the rate of housing achieved as the leading measure for determining effectiveness. The shorter the time the people are homeless the less likely they are to become homeless again.” All of this was started by the dedication and team efforts of S. Shirley and the Interfaith Coalition. S. Shirley calls St. Elizabeth Shelter “the greatest achievement of my ministry.” Today she wears a pin that had been a ring of one of the guests with the inscription “solidarity with homeless.” Surely those in homes have memories of gratitude of S. Shirley. Our Legacy Continues In 2012, St. Elizabeth Shelter served nearly 2,200 people with more than 40,000 bed nights of shelter (from two shelters and three housing programs); 52,000 meals were served; and nearly 300 moved to housing (more than 50 percent of those in one of St. Elizabeth’s five residential programs). 21
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s part of our ongoing Congregational process, we offer two companion articles in this issue of Intercom. S. Patricia Wittberg’s piece below reflects an emphasis in her article published in America magazine (Feb. 20, 2012) entitled “A Lost Generation? Fewer young women are practicing their faith: How the Church can win them back.” S. Louise Akers’ article (on Page 22) describes the summer conference of Catholic Feminist Theologians that offers an alternative voice within the Church today; part of S. Pat’s conclusions suggest alternative voices and approaches within the Catholic Church. Our hope is that these two articles, along with additional resources, will promote continued conversations and new pathways that are characteristic of many women within today’s Church.
E x i t, V o i ce a n d L oyalty :
Responses of Catholic Women to the Church By S. Patricia Wittberg
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hen do people decide to leave an organization if they disagree with its actions? When do they decide to stay and fight for change? One book, Exit, Voice and Loyalty, argues that the deciding factor in choosing one or the other of these two alternatives is the loyalty (or lack of it) which a person feels toward the organization.
n “Millennial Catholic women are more likely than men their age to say that they never attend church, more likely to say that the doctrine of papal infallibility is false, and less likely to express complete confidence in churches or religious organizations.”
How does this apply to the Catholic Church in the United States today? Studies have found that the youngest age cohort of Catholic adults – the “millennials” who are currently in their 20s – are the least likely to be strongly attached to the Church. Only 15 percent attend Mass weekly (although 32 percent say they do attend once a month). Many do not choose to marry in Church ceremonies or to have their children baptized. Fewer than half say that their religion is a very important part of their lives. The next-older generation, Catholics in their 30s and early 40s, are becoming less religious too – at an age when married couples used to resume Church attendance as an example for their children. In increasing numbers, therefore, Catholics younger than 50 are on their way to exiting the Church. While most are not completely out the door yet, many are on the threshold. Ominously, this disaffiliation is even stronger for Catholic women than it is for Catholic men – the first time in our history that this has been true. Millennial Catholic women are more likely than men their age to say that they never attend church, more likely to say that the doctrine of papal infallibility 22
is false, and less likely to express complete confidence in churches or religious organizations. Fewer millennial Catholic women (8 percent) than men (13 percent) say they have ever thought about having a religious vocation – again, a historical first.
Why are younger women choosing the exit rather than the voice option? Perhaps their experience of Church was not life-giving enough, or welcoming enough, to nurture the kind of loyalty that propelled older Catholics to join “voice” organizations such as Call to Action or Voice of the Faithful. Increasingly, a large percentage of younger Catholics simply don’t care enough about what the Church does/ doesn’t permit or teach to devote any time to trying to change it. So they exit.
It is essential that those whose loyalty to Church has persuaded them to remain in it and exercise their voice for change, find some way to instill a similar loyalty in coming generations. Catholic teens and 20-somethings (and 30- and 40-somethings as well) are a diverse lot, but Catholicism has equally diverse riches to offer them. No one group or movement could – or should – assume that the rich version of Catholicism which it enacts is the only one. Nor, on the contrary, should a group or movement fail to safeguard its own particular way of being Catholic by neglecting to invite the coming generation. We need a wide variety of voices in the Church.
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ECCLESiAL WOMEn
Come in all Shapes and Sizes By S. Louise Akers
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all to Action (CTA) and Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER) gathered 21 women to focus on Catholic feminist movement building. This historic gathering took place at Bon Secours retreat Center July 8-11, 2012, in Maryland. participants, which included pioneer feminist theologian Rosemary Radford Ruether, exemplified diversity of experience, race and ethnicity. ranging in age from their 70s to their 20s, coming from communities of African-American, African, Asian, Hispanic, Caucasian with lifestyles that included married, single, religious and lesbians, women brought a broad analysis of the current Catholic feminist movement as we looked toward the future. We gathered following the Vatican’s rebuke toward the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR); a critique of NETWORK, a Catholic Social Justice Lobby; and a condemnation of the academic work of Margaret Farley, RSM, a Catholic feminist theologian. The tenor of the meeting registered the gravity of threats against women’s wellbeing but also the immense strength of the Catholic feminist movement. Just weeks prior to our gathering a delegation of Catholic organizations delivered a petition with 57,000 signatures to the bishops and coordinated more than 50 nationwide vigils in support of women religious that included heavy media coverage of these events. Designed creatively by Nicole Sotelo (CTA) and Mary Hunt (WATER) our process included brief presentations, the majority of time dedicated to in-depth discussions and contemplative silence to invite participants’ collective wisdom. There was also a certain magic to the meeting! The spark of new friendships, the recognition of our difficult situation as feminist Catholics, the shared commitment to use the resources of our common faith in the service of women’s and global well-being were all evident. Spring 2013
We began with an overview of the Catholic feminist landscape which encompassed: • Ways in which U.S. Sisters and other groups have developed circular modes of leadership. • Ways in which women engage in social change work despite the institutional Church’s resistance. • The need for sustained feminist analysis and strategizing to broaden and deepen the movement. in order to broaden the conversation, a teleconference was hosted to gather input from 20 additional women; among them S. Louise Lears. Formal presentations focused on three broad categories that analyzed the current state of feminism in ministry and Church justice, in theology and feminist education, in social justice and political action. We committed ourselves to: • Create material via a Catholic feminist lens for use with children, youth and young adults. • Design new ways of doing activist coalition work and collaborative academic work. • Write about feminists in religion via academic and secular publications. • Continue to build international connections around Catholic feminist issues. • pull together strands of feminist Catholic movement work – academic/intellectual, liturgical/spiritual, connections with social justice issues. Finally, we were grateful for the funding received to help make this gathering possible; the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati were among them! Thank you to Nicole Sotelo and Mary Hunt for providing a summary of our gathering. 23
Lasting Friendships By S. Mary Bodde
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“praying for Mike and Jim was and is a special blessing,” S. Bernadette said. “i feel so privileged to have known them and been associated with their ministries.”
. Bernadette Marie Shumate has fond memories of her almost 50 years of ministry at St. rita School for the Deaf in Evendale (Cincinnati). retired since 1995, S. Bernadette Marie maintains a number of friendships with former St. rita students; some of her dearest relationships she discusses below.
“i also kept in correspondence with other former students, like Jeanne, Monica and Arthur. When they would come back to St. rita’s, we would get together,” she said.
Sister’s first mission was to St. rita in 1945. raised in the glendale area, Sister was pleased to learn she would be ministering near there. Sister said she would often drive by St. rita and see the Sisters in the yard with the students. “Each time i passed i prayed, ‘Lord i’d give anything to be there with those Sisters,’” she said.
“i hadn’t heard from Monica in some time. (She lives in romulus, Mich., S. Bernadette Marie Shumate (back, right) enjoys and attends Fr. Mike’s church.) When keeping in touch with former St. Rita students and my name came up she told Mike she their families, including Kitty Fogerty (back, left), thought i had died! She learned i was Carrie Pierson (front, left) and Kitty’s mother, Elly very much alive and recently made a visit Fogerty. to the Motherhouse with her husband. it was wonderful. We talked and talked and talked.” S. Bernadette Marie dedicated her entire years of ministry to the school and its students, 26 years as an elementary Another student close to Sister’s heart is Kitty Fogerty, teacher, 19 as a resident advisor and five years teaching religion now Seaton. S. Bernadette Marie describes her as one of the to children from kindergarten through sixth grades. most stubborn students she knew. “We had many struggles,” Although he was not a student of hers, Sister cherishes her relationship with Fr. Michael Depcik, an Oblate of St. Francis De Sales, who graduated from St. rita, then from gallaudet College (for the hearing impaired) in Washington, D.C. Later he returned to St. rita’s as a resident adviser.
she said. “Her stubbornness got her through life. When she was married i received an invitation. Her mom and dad said i was her second mom and they wanted me there. i stayed at their house in the mountains. The day of the wedding, i was responsible for one of the readings.”
One day Sister saw Mike in the chapel at St. rita’s. “inspired by the Holy Spirit,” she says, “i slipped in and asked him, ‘Are you thinking about becoming a priest?’ With a finger to his lip he responded, ‘Shhhh.’” ‘Okay, i won’t tell anyone,’ i replied, ‘and i will pray for you.’”
S. Bernadette Marie says her heart is still at St. rita’s. She treasures the years she spent there with the children and the many friendships she has gained and continued. “i am blessed to maintain these relationships,” Sister concluded. “i thank god that i’ve been an influence in their lives.”
“That was the beginning of our relationship,” she said, “and i’ve prayed for him ever since. He comes and visits every now and again at the Motherhouse.” The late Fr. Jim Hall was another former St. rita student who entered the brotherhood and later became a priest. “Jim would come back and i’d pray for him and when he’d visit i would tell him i wanted to be at his ordination,” Sister said. He was ordained June 9, 2001 – and S. Bernadette was in attendance with others from St. rita. 24
Dear Sister B
ernadette M
arie: My wife and our daughter for all the tim s, Elly and K e and effort itty, are inde you have cont bted to you an proud of he ributed to K r pleasant di itty’s developm d St. Rita’s sposition, go od manners ent. We are and caring at very The worries titude. about her te enage develo becomes a w pment years holesome pe are slipping rson and a jo absence are away as she yful daughter greatly appr . Your caring eciated. You will certainly and love in ou r influence on help to carry r her faith and her on to a m sense of prop ore fulfilling riety John Fogerty life. and family
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prayer Ministry gratefully received By S. Mary Bodde
“The extension of our prayer life gives our ministry joy and in turn your life and ministry become a part of our day.”
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efore Mass each day in the Mother Margaret Hall (MMH) chapel, the lector announces the names of two Sisters of Charity and one Associate who will be the intention of the resident Sisters that particular day. This program is coordinated by the Spiritual Life Services Committee and includes alphabetically all Sisters of Charity in the Community; the Associates were added this past summer. “Sisters have told me how pleased they are to be involved in this prayer ministry,” S. Barbara Jean Maniaci, a member of the committee, stated. “They feel that they are able to contribute – by their prayers and suffering – in some way, since they can no longer directly work in one of their Sisters of Charity ministries.” S. Barbara Jean is a volunteer to the Spiritual Life Committee, and as a pastoral visitor in MMH she hears Sisters share their thoughts about how they feel included in spite of their physical limitations. “i often think how comforting that is for Sisters (who may no longer be able to even communicate) to hear the names of Sisters and Associates – some they may have known – and they can share in ministries that they may not have ever served. They are included from their beds, often of pain, with their prayers and suffering.” Spring 2013
The daily announcements are prepared by the Spiritual Life Services Committee, which includes staff and volunteers. prior to the date a particular Sister and Associate are prayed for, they receive a letter informing them that their intentions will be remembered. This even gives some the opportunity to attend the Mass. S. pat Saul said the committee has received numerous notes and responses from recipients of the prayers. S. pat shared some of the feedback: “Thank you so very much for a day praying for me and my many intentions … You cannot imagine how much this means.” “Thank you so much for your prayers. We are preparing for First Eucharist and Confirmation and prayers are greatly appreciated.” “You are a special blessing to all of us.” A blessing it is. The tradition begun has offered support, comfort and strength to our Sisters and Associates, and has been gratefully received. As S. Marty Dermody says, “Knowing my Sisters are remembering me and my work is enriching. Their gifts of prayer and concern bring a feeling of connectedness, and it reminds me to keep them in my daily prayer.”
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S. Mary De Sales Leheney FrOM THE ArCHiVES–
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n Feb. 21, 1901, new Mexico’s Territorial Board of Health issued a license for the practice of medicine to a S. Mary De Sales Leheney in Santa Fe, n.M. Today that would scarcely be a newsworthy item, but in 1901, in the Territory, no other woman had yet been licensed, and even in the United States there were few women doctors.
to continue in her work without medical school diploma. The public ceremony brought people from the farthest boundaries of new Mexico to see the nun everyone in Santa Fe knew as “mother” made a certified doctor – a doctor with an eighthgrade education!
Until a fire in the hospital, when she carried amputees out on her To make the situation unique back (they had no wheelchairs then), in medical history, not only had S. Mary De Sales had a beautiful S. Mary De Sales never attended carriage, tall and regal. As a result of medical school, she had terminated the fire, however, she suffered a back her formal education in the eighth injury for which nothing could be grade and then worked in a Cincinnati done at the time, and soon she was S. Mary De Sales Leheney shoe factory before entering the hopelessly crippled. She was so bent convent. Assigned to Santa Fe after her over that one could scarcely see her year of novitiate, she went West over the newly opened face. But she never went off duty. She kept her quiet air of Santa Fe Trail in 1881. There, in a little adobe hospital where command, her kindness, her fine mind and that wonderful destitute men from mines, road construction sites, and smile of hers to the end. lumber camps were cared for, she found opportunity to give “She had a man’s mind and a man’s courage to tackle the full scope to her remarkable gifts of mind, heart and body. unknown,” S. Aloysia Moorman once told me, “but she was Quickly she acquired nursing skills, became an excellent completely womanly in appearance and in her compassion diagnostician, a capable pharmacist and an invaluable aide to for the poor and suffering. She was handsome and had what the few overworked doctors in the Territory. the papers, which loved to feature her, always called a ‘golden One day a poor fellow was brought in from a saloon brawl with a bullet lodged in his throat. no doctor was available and Sister, knowing that unless he had surgery at once the man’s minutes were numbered, gathered the necessary instruments and performed the operation as she had watched doctors do it time and again. The man recovered in record time and after that whenever a patient’s life depended on the immediate probing for a bullet, or the suturing of a knife wound, or even on the amputation of a gangrenous limb, if no doctor were present, Sister would take over in the operating room. Her patients made fine recoveries and doctors who examined them after their emergency operations were loud in their praise. Sister was 45 years old when grateful patients, admiring doctors, and appreciative Vips in Territorial government circles initiated the movement to have her licensed, which would officially provide her with the extraordinary permission 26
smile.’” Characteristically she died as the result of a final act of charity. According to S. Aloysia, she stopped one evening while on night duty to console an old man, dying without friends or family at his side. “Sister,” he whispered, “i’d like a bracer of good strong coffee.” The kitchen was in another building and the walkway between the buildings was ice-coated, but bent-over as Sister had been since her accident, she started out in the dark. They found her lying helpless on the ice with a broken hip. Two weeks later she died; it was november 1934. She had spent 54 years at St. Vincent Hospital. Written by S. Marie Emmanuel Streit Intercom
On the Web For full articles, please visit the news/events section of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati website at www.srcharitycinti.org, and click on “Feature Articles.” cLiFFOrD BirD OBserVatOry cOntinues tO eDucate The Clifford Bird Observatory allows the Sisters of Charity and the College of Mount St. Joseph to educate the public, inventory natural areas and become part of the global effort involved in bird conservation.
Intercom is the quarterly 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 350 Sisters are joined in their mission by 195 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 30 U.S. dioceses and in Guatemala, Mexico and the West Indies. They also sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor.
Intercom staff
ceLeBrating sc WOMen in HistOry Did you know that S. Augusta Zimmer attended the Chicago Art institute and won a competition awarding her a fellowship to study abroad? Or that S. Vincent O’Keefe was named one of “the finest pharmacists in the country” by her colleagues at St. John (good Samaritan) Hospital? Twelve SC women in history are featured. sPirit-FiLLeD S. Sandy Howe traveled with a group from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Suyapa on Feb. 3. cHarities reneW acQuaintance WitH sOccer “great” S. Mary Bookser recently renewed contact with soccer great Omar Cummings, a former Colorado rapids forward. insPiring Beauty The late S. Marie Adelaide Bodde freely offered her gifts and talents throughout her 61 years as a Sister of Charity. S. Marie Adelaide’s niece, S. Mary Bodde, shares her memories of her dear aunt. FOOD FOr tHe sOuL The Sisters of Charity Art Collection contains beautiful reproductions of renaissance masters’ oil paintings. Each month a different painting is featured with an account of how it came to be in the art collection, a brief history of the painting, and of the artist and his style.
Spring 2013
Editor Erin reder Graphic Design/Layout Michelle Bley Photographer S. Marty Dermody Director of Communications S. georgia Kitt Executive Council Liaison S. Mary Bookser Advisory Board Members: S. Mary Bodde S. Mary Ann Flannery Mary Jo Mersmann S. Emily Anne phelan S. Joyce richter S. Frances Maureen Trampiets 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 St. Joseph, OH 45051 www.srcharitycinti.org
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5900 Delhi Road Mount Saint Joseph, OH 45051 www.srcharitycinti.org www.facebook.com/sistersofcharityofcincinnati
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18 S. Pat Marie Bernard (right) spent 42 years among the people of New Mexico, serving 23 as the executive director of Villa Therese Catholic Clinic in Santa Fe.
At the 2011 Chapter, Sisters and Associates committed to on-going education and development about the use of information technology for the sake of the Mission.
Members of the MUSE choir, a women’s choir dedicated to musical excellence and social change, performed during the April 4 Violence Against Women Symposium.
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