Intercom Vol. III 2018 by Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati

Intercom

Volume III, 2018

S I S T E R S

O F

C H A R I T Y

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C I N C I N N AT I

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Journey

A LETTER FROM OUR SISTER

LEADERSHIP

Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends,

ot long ago one of my Sisters gave me an article which asked, “What must we emulate if we are to co-create the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible?” What a wonderful question to ponder as you make your way through this issue of Intercom.

CONTENTS FEATURES Golden Memories .................................8 S. Mary Catherine Faller celebrates her Golden Jubilee. Risking a Caring Response ............ 12-13 Sisters of Charity minister at the U.S./Mexico border. Learning Through Diversity .......... 18-19 S. Romina Sapinoso takes part in the Refugee Youth Summer Academy. Ripples ......................................... 22-23 Bayley exemplifies the Sisters of Charity mission. Listening to God’s Call ........................24 S. Mary Dugan assists Sisters in hearing maintenance and care.

Whether on the border companioning families who must remain hopeful in the face of so many obstacles, or at St. Joseph Home where each day presents a new possibility for animating unique ability, the dynamic exchange between God and us makes visible the many ways we co-create what our hearts know is possible. God bends into our reality with utmost fidelity. In our reaching toward God, we lift up the prayers, dreams, hopes, aspirations of God’s most vulnerable. Our own Mother Margaret George, a “valiant woman” whose small beautiful striving continues to ripple across the generations of Sisters of Charity, expected to encounter the vulnerable face of Jesus in each human being. Mother Margaret’s witness reminds us that such striving expands the heart and soul for receiving others into our care along the journey. Today, as in the time of Mother Margaret, discernment about a call to religious community begins when awakening to the God-nurtured desire to join one’s whole self to the small beautiful strivings of other awakening companions. Reading about S. Romina Sapinoso, who recently professed First Vows, reminds us that God touches into our shared journey for the sake of “the world our hearts know is possible” through the women entering religious life today.

Vocation/Formation ............................16 Wildflowers in Our Midst

Over a lifetime, small beautiful strivings give way to small beautiful moments of grace, gently transforming our earthly home and her inhabitants. Milestones along the way are important. Jubilee celebrations give us an opportunity to recognize our Sisters who have faithfully and generously given their lives for the beautiful world they know in their hearts to be possible.

OPJCC ...............................................17 Mary of Magdala: Her Fire Continues Within Us

During this season of thanksgiving, may we recall and celebrate the many ways God graciously bends toward our small beautiful strivings throughout this shared journey of LIFE!

DEPARTMENTS Moments in Ministry ............................3 St. Joseph Infant and Maternity Home

EarthConnection.................................21 Spirituality and Sustainability Traveling the Path ...............................25 S. Maureen Heverin Timeless Treasures ...............................26 Our Beautiful “Stone House” On the Cover: Sisters Carol Wirtz (center), Janet Gildea (second from right) and Peggy Deneweth (right) have been ministering at the U.S./Mexico border for more than 25 years. Currently the three serve special needs children and their families through the Santo Niño clinic in Anapra, Mexico. Read more on pages 12-13. 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.

S. Marge Kloos, councilor 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. S. Helen Attenweiler December 11, 2018

S. Marian Ruede October 13, 2018

S. Mary Corrine Schmidt August 12, 2018

S. Mary Lou Knapke November 6, 2018

S. Jane Grosheider September 19, 2018

S. Annina Morgan July 8, 2018

S. Elizabeth Cashman October 29, 2018

S. Terry Dery September 11, 2018

S. Loretto Burke July 2, 2018 I N T E RC O M

Moments in Ministry St. Joseph Infant and Maternity Home/St. Joseph Home By S. Judith Metz The Sisters of Charity ministry of caring for destitute women and their infants began at Good Samaritan Hospital (Sixth and Lock streets) under the direction of S. Anthony O’Connell. In 1867 “St. Ann’s Home for Destitute Widows and Females” was opened, and soon the hospital rented the adjacent Ewing Mansion for this department.

1873

Through S. Anthony’s intercession, Mr. Joseph Butler purchased the eight-acre Boyle homestead just outside Cincinnati as a more desirable site for this ministry. It was named “St. Joseph’s Foundling and Lying-in Hospital.”

1885

New buildings were made possible by a donation from Mr. Reuben Springer. S. Agnes Browne, the director, adopted the practice of inspecting the yard each evening to search for abandoned infants who had been left on the doorstep or in the hedges.

1923

S. Marceline McLaughlin reported that St. Joseph’s three buildings were caring for 125 infants and children under age 5; housing 30 “old ladies” who had no other place to live; and sheltering unfortunate girls.

1967

St. Joseph Infant and Maternity Home moved to a 20-acre site on Wyscarver Road in Sharonville, Ohio.

1989

St. Joseph Maternity Home closed due to the declining need for its services. Through its years the home served over 10,000 unwed mothers and 15,000 babies.

1991

After a complete renovation and expansion of the facility under S. Marianne Van Vurst’s direction, St. Joseph Home opened. The “new” home served adults and children with developmental disabilities who have complex support needs and use a wheelchair for mobility. Through the years services have expanded to include respite care, a community home, and a day program.

S. Anthony O’Connell

In 1923, St. Joseph Infant and Maternity Home was caring for 125 infants and children under the age of 5.

St. Joseph Infant and Maternity Home moved to Sharonville, Ohio, in 1967.

(Back row, from left) Sisters Lynn Heper, Marianne Van Vurst and Mary Catherine Faller ministered at St. Joseph Home following its transition into a home that serves adults and children.

VOLUME III, 2018

Deeper Into Divine Mystery By S. Mary Caroline Marchal

his fall PBS ran a two-part series on the circus. I didn’t get to watch it all but what I did see made me very aware of what an amazing gift a visit from the circus could be, especially in small town America. I appreciated the “distraction” from the everyday that the circus would provide.

of Charity Federation, it isn’t enough to project qualities for leaders onto someone else but we each need to examine ourselves for the leadership qualities needed in life today. Can we hold the tension of all that is unfinished? How do we avoid the trap of needing to be in control at every minute? Can we dream about a big picture rather than get lost in the details of the task before us right now? Can we juggle the common good with our own individual wants and needs? The leadership we are being called to is for a future yet unknown – but there are glimpses.

I’m sure that, at times, there are many of us who feel like we are part of the entertainment in the ongoing circus of life. The opposite seems true as well. If life is a three ring circus … where do we focus? How do we know what to pay attention to? What deserves our undivided attention? And, how do we juggle the many demanding parts of our life and find clarity and wisdom for a direction that carries it all with Sisters and Associates are currently planning for the us and yet keeps us from being too Congregation’s 2019 Chapter: “Venture Deeper Into Divine distracted? Mystery.”

In our lives as Sisters and Associates we are currently focusing on planning for our Chapter which will be held from March 31 to April 5, 2019. We have been planning for Chapter at every gathering and meeting since the last Chapter in 2015. This coming Chapter will be several days shorter since we set a direction for ourselves that lasts until 2025. All along the way we are pointed toward that direction and so this coming gathering will help us clarify and focus and reassess if the steps we are taking and will take are leading us further and deeper along the path we set for ourselves. Electing leaders for the future is a large part of the task of our next Chapter. We are reminding ourselves that leaders come in all sizes and shapes and are called forth in every circumstance of our lives. As in our work with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the Church and the Sisters

We know how much we value our relationships. Our future will stretch us to include many and varied relationships. I’m challenged when I think of my relationship with the Earth and how the little things I do effect changes. I’m discovering again and again how interdependent life really is. No one does anything alone. As we are learning how interdependent our lives are we are growing to value each person’s gifts and talents more than ever before. The Federation Assembly of the Whole gathering in June 2019 in Chicago, Illinois, is one opportunity to build relations and broaden our circle. The circus of life is alive and well – and very active. Opportunities will present themselves. It is up to us to decide where we want to focus our attention and how we want to respond to the unique possibilities of these amazing days. Enjoy the circus of life!

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Charity Family CHARITY FRIENDSHIP: DEEPENING OUR RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH CONTEMPLATIVE CONVERSATIONS More than 30 participants from Sisters of Charity Federation communities gathered Sept. 11-16, 2018, in Leavenworth, Kansas, for a Federation Grassroots Retreat. S. Judith Metz presented each morning on the virtues practiced by Saints Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac and Elizabeth Ann Seton. S. Alice Ann O’Neill offered guidelines for “contemplative conversations,” and participants partnered to practice these guidelines. Each evening, the Sisters gathered for faith-sharing based on what they had learned during the day.

S. PAT SAUL RETIRES In August Sisters of Charity, Associates, friends and employees came together to celebrate the retirement of Mother Margaret Hall administrator S. Pat Saul, who faithfully served the nursing facility for 20 years. Celebrations took place in both the Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall, thanking S. Pat for her many years of service and dedication to MMH and the Sisters. Happy retirement, S. Pat!

S. WHITNEY SCHIELTZ BEGINS APOSTOLIC NOVITIATE On Aug. 19, 2018, the Novitiate House community celebrated the end of S. Whitney Schieltz’s (back row, center) Canonical Novitiate. As an Apostolic Novice, S. Whitney is volunteering three days a week with Working In Neighborhoods, while also allowing time for further study and discernment of vowed life. Congratulations, S. Whitney!

VOLUME III, 2018

NUNS BUILD 2018 In November, members of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and the SC Federation took part in Nuns Build 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The House of Charity hosted Federation Sisters and participants for the week while the group helped to rebuild New Orleans. WELCOME NEW ASSOCIATES Congratulations to Nellie Derrenkamp, Therese Frye, Patricia Plogmann, Carina Stout and Fr. Bill Morton, who made their commitments as Associations in Mission this summer. In addition, the Community celebrated the Lifetime Commitment of Associate Christine Hicks.

Fr. Bill Morton made his commitment as an Associate in Mission on July 3, 2018, in New Mexico.

(From left) Therese Frye, Nellie Derrenkamp, Carina Stout, Christine Hicks, and Patricia Plogmann celebrate their Associate commitments to the SC Community in June.

2018 JUBILEE

Celebrating Our Jubilarians

total of 13 Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati celebrated jubilees this year. They represent 735 years of service in the Cincinnati area, in dioceses throughout the United States and in Guatemala and Mexico. Diamond, Golden and Silver Jubilarians, celebrating 60, 50 and 25 years of commitment, were honored at a Mass at the Congregation’s Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. Jubilarians celebrating 65, 70 and 75 years of service were honored in Mother Margaret Hall (MMH) with a special celebration on Aug. 22, 2018, with Mass followed by a luncheon provided by MMH staff.

S. Grace Ann Gratsch, celebrating 70 years, was honored during a celebration at Mother Margaret Hall in August.

Diamond, Golden and Silver Jubilarians enter into the Motherhouse chapel for the Mass and celebration in August.

“My lifetime commitment as a Sister of Charity has given me many opportunities to show compassion by embracing people with tenderness, responding to their needs of the moment, and sharing God’s welcoming embrace.” - S. Pat Newhouse “In reflecting on my life, I would joyfully repeat each experience I have had.”

(From left) Diamond Jubilarians Patmarie Bernard and Barbara Jeanne Krekeler reconnect at the celebration following their Jubilee Mass.

S. Bernadette Marie Shumate (front) was one of eight Sisters celebrating their 75th anniversary with the Community this year.

S. Theresa Ann Moran entered the Sisters of Charity Community in September 1943.

“I have had many experiences as a Sister of Charity, and in all of them I can say I am very happy. Religious life has helped me to grow as a woman of faith. The Sisters I have met and lived with have shaped me, stretched me, encouraged me and strengthened me. I am truly blessed.” - S. Ginny Scherer

- S. Marie Irene Schneider 6

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Additional anniversaries were celebrated at the Motherhouse throughout August and September. We are grateful for the lives of service of these women.

75 YEARS OF SERVICE S. Maureen Donovan S. John Miriam Jones S. Ann Koebel S. Benedicta Mahoney S. Marie Alice Moran S. Theresa Ann Moran S. Mary Paula Renne S. Bernadette Marie Shumate

(Front row, from left) Sisters Carol Marie Power, Jackie Kowalski, Ginny Scherer, Roberta Westrick, (middle row, from left) Juliette Sabo, Marie Irene Schneider, Christine Rody, (back row, from left) Pat Newhouse, Patmarie Bernard, Barbara Jeanne Krekeler and Timothy Ann Schroeder celebrated their Diamond Jubilee this year in August.

“I would have to say that I am happy that our Congregation is on the forefront of responding to the needs of God’s people, and that as Sisters, we are given the freedom to pursue careers that are meaningful to us.” - S. Jackie Kowalski

70 YEARS OF SERVICE S. Grace Ann Gratsch S. Marie Patrice Joyce S. Ann Lehman S. Irene Mraz S. Barbara Muth S. Helen Therese Scasny S. Mary Pauline Tsai 65 YEARS OF SERVICE S. Rita Cocquyt S. Marilyn Joseph Czarnecki S. Rose Izzo S. Jane Bernadette Leo S. Frances Maureen Trampiets

S. Mary Catherine Faller (second from right) enjoys celebrating her Golden Jubilee (50 years) with former Band members (from left) Associate Rita Wesseling, S. Marty Dermody and Associate Cathy Colque.

“I am a firm believer that if you honor the God-given creative urge within you and say ‘yes’ to those little whispered ideas that flash like comets through your mind, God will lead you to create.” - S. Roberta Westrick

“God doesn’t give us what we can handle; God helps us handle what we are given.” - S. Louise Zaplitny

Sisters of Charity President S. Joan Cook (left) congratulates S. Rose Izzo on her 65 years as a Sister of Charity. VOLUME III, 2018

S. Louise Zaplitny celebrates her silver anniversary (25 years) as a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati.

Golden Memories of

S. Mary Catherine Faller By S. Regina Kusnir

Mary Catherine Faller, on the The Third Decade was filled occasion of her Golden Jubilee with new professional experiences. on Aug. 18, reflects: “Dag She taught nutrition at the College of Hammarskjöld said it well: ‘For all that Mount St. Joseph, worked as a clinical has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes.’ dietitian at St. Vincent Hospital in I used that quote when I made Final Indianapolis, Indiana, and led the Vows and it is still meaningful today. My Nutrition Department at Bayley, her Golden Jubilee was truly a celebration of first venture into food service and gratitude for all that has happened and long-term care. for all the people who have blessed my The Fourth Decade found her life in any way. It was also a reaffirming working at St. Joseph Home, 1999S. Mary Catherine Faller celebrated her Golden of what ‘yes’ has meant from my early 2011. This “was one of the greatest Jubilee in 2018. days in the Community and will blessings of my entire Community continue to mean into the future. I entered the Community life. Working with children and adults who have profound during a time of great change – and we have continued to physical and cognitive disabilities was challenging and at the change ever since. Therefore, saying ‘yes’ has always required same time so rewarding,” she said. “I learned more from them deep faith and trust in God.” than they learned from me. It was a blessing to work with The oldest of five children in a Cincinnati Irish-German their families and our staff as we worked together to provide a family, S. Mary Catherine was educated by the Sisters of home for our residents.” Charity in Annunciation School. Her first grade teacher, The Fifth Decade found S. Mary Catherine ending S. Gertrude Jean McMahon, became the strongest influence her clinical career and taking on a new challenge. “Through in her decision to enter the Congregation. S. Pat Newhouse, the Meals-on-Wheels program in Warren County, we who she helped with grading papers, putting up bulletin provided meals for seniors throughout the county and at boards and other tasks was another influential person in her five congregate lunch sites,” she recalled. “In the three years life. These Sisters expressed the love, compassion and care that I was there, our clients, who received one or two meals a summarize the SC mission. day, increased from 650 to over 850. A kitchen staff of four The First 10 Years were the most challenging to S. Mary prepared and packaged these meals! The biggest blessing Catherine as the Community was devoted to implementing during this decade has been the last three and a half years many changes following Vatican II. She was one of 10 young serving as Hospitality Coordinator here at the Motherhouse. women who entered the Community in 1968, but the only I enjoy working with the Sisters and various groups who one who stayed. She completed college and taught Home come here. I also had the opportunity to travel to Ireland Economics and Religion for one year at Elizabeth Seton with my sister, brother-in-law and niece. While there, we met High School in South Holland, Illinois, where she lived and a few of my mother’s relatives and saw part of my maternal worked with many supportive SCs. Hers was the first group grandmother’s family home. I never imagined how deeply I to be part of the Intercommunity Novitiate. After completing would be touched by connecting with family roots!” the Novitiate, she spent the next five years teaching Home St. Elizabeth Seton’s saying, “Hazard yet forward,” is the Economics at Seton High School in Cincinnati. guiding light for S. Mary Catherine. She says, “Every ministry The Second Decade found her working in the I have served in has involved things I never learned in school! Nutrition Department at Cincinnati Good Samaritan Whether it was serving as a department chair, being part of a Hospital and inspired her to become a registered dietitian, new interdisciplinary team in a hospital, working with special a career she enjoyed for the next 35 years. She was a clinical needs children and adults, serving on boards, or one of many dietitian on the Nutrition Support Team, taught surgery other things, I have always enjoyed these challenges – and in residents, student nurses, dietetic interns and had the each one I have, indeed, had to “Hazard yet forward!” opportunity to complete a master’s degree during this time. 8

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Enriching Lives By Megan Simmermeyer, Communications co-op

hen Sister of Charity Jane Bernadette Leo began what would become an extensive ministry at St. Rita School for the Deaf in Evendale, Ohio, she knew no sign language. In fact, she said, “I had never heard of the school before I got my assignment.” But in 1955, she began her new ministry, and has been at the school for 60 of her 65 years as a Sister of Charity.

S. Jane Bernadette resumed teaching as an elementary teacher, but shortly after, she began what she says was the most enjoyable part of her ministry at the school – becoming a resident advisor. For 20 years, she acted as dorm mother for the young school girls. She said it was a great experience and an opportunity to be a mother, and many parents thanked her for her motherly role within the children’s lives.

S. Jane Bernadette’s first Jubilarian S. Jane Bernadette Leo has ministered at St. Rita position at St. Rita was as a first After the dorms closed, S. Jane School for the Deaf for 60 of her 65 years as a Sister of Charity. grade teacher. During that time, the Bernadette became a religion classrooms were self-sufficient, with one teacher who taught teacher, then served at Loft, St. Rita’s daycare center, for all the subjects and about a dozen children. Though she didn’t several years. The center cared for children ages six weeks know any sign language initially, she learned as quickly as she to kindergarten age, both deaf and hearing children. “It was could with help from the second grade teacher next door and precious to see the little kids sign,” she said. the students themselves. In addition to her role as teacher, S. Jane Bernadette After about four years, S. Jane Bernadette became proficient enough in sign language that she could teach on her own. The children she taught in the beginning all had various levels of communication capabilities and hearing impairments—some completely deaf, others having some ability to hear. Regardless of the children’s abilities, Sister said she and the other teachers helped them learn. For about a decade, S. Jane Bernadette remained at St. Rita before she was called to a new ministry at St. Charles School in Lima, Ohio, where she taught a class of 50 hearing children for three years. It was a struggle, transitioning from deaf to hearing children, and after a short time, she asked to be transferred back to St. Rita. But in order to continuing teaching deaf children, S. Jane Bernadette needed a master’s degree. So, she began her graduate education at the University of Cincinnati, where she said, “We were the guinea pig class.” By 1971, she earned her Master of Deaf Education and returned to St. Rita the same year. VOLUME III, 2018

assisted with the all-girls Hands of Love choir, which was one of her favorite projects. The group would sign songs for audiences at hotels, parties, and various occasions, and she said, “The people of the community loved them.” To raise money for their performance needs, S. Jane Bernadette said they looked to the community. This often meant collecting aluminum cans to turn in for money, and one local man who owned a bowling alley generously donated all his cans to them. Through their collections, Sister proudly stated that they never had to ask the school for funds and maintained their self-sufficiency all the years she was involved. Though no longer a full-time member of St. Rita, S. Jane Bernadette helps where she can and maintains close ties with the school. St. Rita no longer only ministers to those with hearing impairments. Rather, they have expanded their care to children with apraxia, wheelchairs, autism, etc. The school also offers American Sign Language (ASL) classes in the fall and spring for all who are interested in learning to sign. During her years as a teacher and now as a volunteer helping at events like the ASL seminars, S. Jane Bernadette continuously finds her favorite part of her ministry has been the communication. “The children are appreciative of what you can do for them,” she said, and being able to understand them was so rewarding, as they were so joyful to be understood.

A Blessing on the Sisters:

S. Benedicta Mahoney By AJ Keith, Communications intern

he name “Benedicta” originates in the Latin language and translates to “blessed”; there is not a more fitting name for the humble S. Benedicta Mahoney who has been so generous with sharing her gifts with others since her entrance into the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati in 1943.

as a secondary teacher for seven years in Michigan, Ohio and New Mexico. When asked about her inclination towards English, Sister responded that it develops empathy for others. “Just how to relate to people at all,” she says, “is one of the most important things.” Her love of English was only matched by her love of History, where she taught the subject for a few years in her high school ministry. She taught Yearbook and Journalism in a few of these settings as well, preserving history by teaching others how to document it.

Born in Springfield, Ohio, S. Benedicta answered her call during her third year in high school. Sister recalls that she had the Sisters of Charity as her educators from “first grade through college” and the S. Benedicta Mahoney celebrated her Sisters of Charity also taught her mother. S. Benedicta was first invited into the 75th anniversary as a Sister of Charity of The Sisters’ presence in her life has always Sisters of Charity Archives when she was Cincinnati in 2018. been an inspiration to her and took many tasked with writing a summary of the forms, such as her marvelous English teacher and one History Community from 1898-1971. “I had never written a book teacher in particular that instilled a love for the subject in her. before,” she said nervously. She even admitted to feeling Her parents, both devout Catholics, accepted her decision with contentment since her three brothers all were drafted into World War II only 18 months before. She remembered saying to herself, “If I don’t go now, I’ll probably never go.” Her years of service began shortly after as an elementary school teacher in Detroit, Michigan, at Guardian Angel School (1945-’48). Her chosen name for the Sisters of Charity was St. Benedict since her grandmother would give them medals of the saint whenever she or her siblings were ill. She recalls worrying about not getting her desired name because another Sister was likely to pick it. “She didn’t want it,” she says, “And she was second in line and I was the 31st so I thought to myself, ‘Oh, I bet I have it!’ Sure enough, I did.” The option of returning to her Baptismal name was presented to her 30 years ago, but she “didn’t look back much.” St. Benedict is known for being the patron saint of school children, which coincides well with her decorated history in education. Sister has spent most of her life in the classroom teaching English to numerous generations and forever changing lives in the process. Her desire to teach knew no bounds as she taught throughout the country. After her time at Guardian Angel School, she served as a primary teacher at St. Leo Grade School in Detroit (1948-’49). She served for 10 years as a junior high teacher in Ohio and Michigan, then 10

overwhelmed by the project, which spanned over several summers to complete, but she remembered feeling proud of the final product. She remembered several Sisters helping her with the creation of the index. But in 1982, We Are Many… was published and commended for its attention to detail to the Sisters of Charity history. To this day, this book appears in many of the rooms of the Motherhouse. Sister was awarded the first Elizabeth Seton Award for her work on the book, the Congregation’s highest honor. A particular passage in the book’s introduction states that she wanted this book to provide some degree of “human warmth that characterized the Community…” Sister emulated this sentiment by acting as an inspiration to future generations just as the Sisters of Charity had for her years earlier. As the years passed and the number of her students had grown, so, too, did her reputation as one of the paramount examples of what a teacher should be. When the Communications Office reached out to any students who wanted to mention happy memories with her, the responses poured out like water, citing her passion and razor-sharp wit. Students and co-workers alike had exclusively positive memories about her. Sister is renowned in the Cincinnati area for her years of serving at Seton High School (1983-2002) where she taught Honors English, Yearbook and Sophomore English. For her years there, many remembered I N T E RC O M

reading the book Rebecca and her contagious love of literature. One of her students, Tricia Laiveling Hoar, said that her class inspired her to become an English teacher at her alma mater, where S. Benedicta again played the role of a mentor to her by rejuvenating her confidence after anxieties arose from her new job. A universal theme in these student responses was the idea of nurturing and kindness that S. Benedicta practiced each day. From her perspective, S. Benedicta had mostly humorous stories to tell of her time as an English teacher. One of her favorite stories was coming across a graduate who stated that her class helped Renowned S. Benedicta Mahoney was commended for her ministries in teaching, her with her sleep. When she asked especially with her time at Seton High School how, her student responded, “Those (1983-2002). Shakespearean Records always helped me catch up with my sleep.” Student responses, however, showed that her classes had made them fans of Shakespeare after learning to understand it. Her memories and the memories of her students had painted a picture of her cheery disposition and kindness as an educator. One can only imagine the impact she had in her ministry across the United States and the kindness she practiced. After over 50 years of her relentless ministry in education, Sister returned to the Sisters of Charity Archives in 2002. Her happiest memories were countless, but she could encapsulate her experience in a single word: “Wonderful.” Between her volunteer work here and the release of her book, S. Benedicta mastered an impeccable retentive memory, able to rattle off important dates in the Sisters of Charity history at the drop of a dime. She currently lives in Mother Margaret Hall and enjoys her retirement. When S. Benedicta was asked about some of the important lessons that she learned throughout her service, she mentioned that dedication was essential. It is this dedication and perseverance that aided her in some of her most trying missions, but she emerged as one of the most influential and inspirational Sisters of her time. She states that she has been the one blessed by her years as a Sister of Charity, but anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting her feels just as blessed to have known her.

Student Memories “I loved her! My sophomore year I had S. Benedicta for Journalism and English! She taught me how to write and truly love literature. I was the photography editor my senior year for the Seton Connection and the yearbook. It was so much fun! I was so blessed to be her coworker for many years. She truly exemplifies why I love Seton so much and why Seton High School is my family and home. Congratulations, S. Benedicta. You are the best!” - Shawna McQuillan “S. Benedicta recognized a talent in me that I wasn’t fully aware of at the time. She sparked my love of writing and gave me the chance to flourish as editor of the student newspaper. I graduated from MSJ with a communications degree and held several positions on the student newspaper while there, including editor. My career has been in PR and communications with a strong focus on writing. I’ll be forever grateful for her guidance and encouragement. She was truly the most special teacher that I had the privilege of having during my educational years.” - Jamie Marie “S. Benedicta was one of my absolute favorite teachers of all time. She told me on several occasions that I was extremely gifted and as a senior it meant the world to me. She also knew I was working to pay my own tuition and would often tell me how strong of a woman I was and that I would be something someday and never, ever would I forget that or her. Thank you, S. Benny, you are absolutely amazing and changed my life.” - Nikki Goller

S. Benedicta Mahoney helped found St. Mel’s Elementary School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1949. VOLUME III, 2018

Risking A Caring Response

hroughout our Community’s history, Sisters of Charity have dared to risk a caring response, traveling to the unknown in hopes of meeting the needs as they were presented. Elizabeth Seton, Margaret George, Blandina Segale, all relied on their strength in God to share the journey with their brothers and sisters. Similarly, Sisters Peggy Deneweth, Janet Gildea and Carol Wirtz have been ministering at the U.S./Mexico border for more than 25 years. In fact, as the three explain it, what brought them to Anthony, New Mexico, was unknown, but they knew the Spirit would guide them. “In 1991, a group of us started to think about starting an intentional community that would be based on the newly crafted Vision Statement,” explained S. Janet. “We did not necessarily have a ministry in mind, but we knew we would determine that when we got there. We felt that the border would be a place where there would always be fresh needs with new arriving immigrants and refugees.” They were first called to San Vicente Clinic in El Paso, Texas, where S. Janet was medical director, S. Peggy served as assistant nursing director, and S. Carol was doing alternative therapies. In 1994, after an administration shift, the three had resigned and were drawn to start their own clinic, La Clinica Guadalupana, in the desert colonias of El Paso. Spanish for neighborhoods, the colonias could be described as makeshift communities of trailers and shacks, with off-and-on electricity and running water. Residents were poor and living in third-world health conditions. The need was there. “We didn’t know anything, we didn’t have a business background, we didn’t have funding,” said S. Peggy, and yet the Spirit continued to lead them. The late S. Mary Assunta Stang, administrator of the Seton Enablement Fund at the time, visited the area and upon leaving told them, “Not only should you do this, you must do this, and you can do this.” And with that, Sisters Janet and Peggy secured the funding, found the land for a location, met with the lawyers to write the bylaws to become a nonprofit, received hours upon hours of donated materials and labor to build the clinic, and eventually opened its doors. And the people came. Within six months, they were expanding. For 13 years, the Sisters ministered at the clinic, providing basic and preventive health care. During this time the women also became acquainted with Fr. Bill Morton, who asked 12

S. Peggy Deneweth says the children at the clinic teach her every single day.

S. Janet to take a look at a neighbor of his who had received a burn wound. What started out as one patient quickly developed into many, and eventually they were treating crowds of patients out of Fr. Bill’s home in Anapra, Mexico, a desert colonia on the outskirts of Juarez. Once again the needs presented themselves, and the Sisters found funding from the SC Ministry Foundation to build a clinic to offer family medicine on the corner of Fr. Bill’s house lot. A turning point came, however, when they met Gloria, a 41-year-old woman six months pregnant. After multiple visits, Gloria one day arrived with a newborn who was severely affected with Down syndrome. S. Carol immediately started working with Gloria, teaching her early infant stimulation and helping her to become an advocate for her child. Gloria also became an advocate for the Sisters, telling others with special needs children to go visit them. And again they came; one after the other. “We went home,” said S. Carol “and asked what is God asking of us now? Maybe we just need to focus on special needs children.” Laughing, the three Sisters said they were the most unlikely group of missionaries, but when they came together I N T E RC O M

“Their capacity to care for children, who can’t give the normal feedback to a parent, they aren’t affectionate, many are nonverbal; they are just the most faithful and courageous woman – and patient.” Not only did the mothers find a place where they felt welcome and empowered, but so did the siblings of the children. The clinic evolved to help those children as well, adding teachers to work with them on their school studies. In addition, a religious education program has been initiated for the children, and parents and siblings have also participated. Being open and letting the need present itself, has been their motto from the initial decision to minister at the border. “You have to be ready to go where you are being pulled,” said S. Peggy. “Even in the transition with Guadalupana, and especially at Santo Niño, what I have “We live like there isn’t a border,” says S. Janet Gildea, pictured with Fr. Bill Morton, learned is we don’t know what the next step is, the next step a Sisters of Charity Associate in Mission. takes us. We can’t hold on to anything, it’s very important for it not to be mine or ours. Whatever the next thing is, with their variety of strengths and skills, they were responding we will be ready to let go of one thing to go on to the next.” to a new need. Since 2003, the Sisters have crossed the border three times a week to offer their services. Proyecto Santo Sisters Carol, Peggy and Janet realize the importance of Niño, the Child Jesus, as it became named, specializes in Pope Francis’ call to walk with our brothers and sisters, to providing physical therapy to poor families with special needs treat them with respect and dignity, to offer them love and to children, those often underserved by Mexican health services. share in their journey. Santo Niño provides families, especially Today, the clinic consistently serves an average of 20 families, the children, with a warm and safe place, a place of joy and but there can be up to 35-40. acceptance, a place where they belong and find hope. One of the most important components to come from “They teach me every single day,” said S. Peggy, “they are the clinic is teaching the parents, mostly mothers, to perform the ones that have showed me what life is about. Even when the therapies. “We realized that the moms weren’t afraid to I work with the kids I think what a privilege it is to be here. touch the kids,” explained S. Janet, “they were the best primary These children are God himself. That’s what they are here for.” therapists, and since, that’s been our model – to train the moms to work with their own children.” And while the clinic intended to help children with special needs, it became so much more for the families. They discovered that the mothers longed for a sense of community, to find others who were raising a special child in desperate poverty. Their worries and fears for their children were eased as they learned to lean on each other for support and to feel accepted. “When they come to the clinic for the first time, they are waiting to see our response, how we will react,” says S. Carol. “You can see this relief in their faces because every time a new child arrives everyone rejoices. There aren’t words. It’s a powerful experience.” “These moms are some of the most courageous women I know,” said S. Janet. Over the years since Proyecto Santo Niño was established, S. Carol Wirtz has developed meaningful and lasting relationships with the children and their families. VOLUME III, 2018

Sharing the Journey

at Proyecto Santo Niño Interview By S. Peggy Deneweth

very child to enter the care of the Sisters of Charity at the Santo Niño Project has left their own special imprint on the clinic and touched the lives of those they encountered. One special child, Juan Diego, and his mother, Gloria Lozano, will forever remain in the hearts of the three Sisters of Charity who began the clinic many years ago. When Gloria arrived at the clinic’s doorstep she brought with her a severely underweight newborn with Down syndrome. She came again and again asking for help and advice on how to care for him. And while Juan Diego only lived to be 18 months old, his legacy remains as he is considered the founder of the clinic – which has cared for many more children with special needs and provided a community and safe place for their parents and siblings. In the following article, S. Peggy Deneweth (PD) interviews Juan Diego’s mother, Gloria (GL). PD: What led you to the Sisters of Charity and their clinic? GL: When I was pregnant 18 years ago with my baby, Juan Diego, I had Bell’s palsy and my godmother came to my house to see me. She was so worried and said, “I know S. Janet, she’s a very good doctor, please go.” And so, that’s how I started feeling their love and care for us. Juan Diego was a Down syndrome baby. After I had him all I could think was to run to the Sisters because I didn’t know how to take care of him. He wasn’t doing okay, he was premature. He wasn’t eating, he couldn’t breathe well, he couldn’t do anything. I came to the Sisters and said, “Tell me how to take care of him.” PD: What did you learn and how do you take those learning experiences and carry them forward in your life? GL: After I lost Juan Diego, I wanted to do the same thing for other kids. So I started looking for kids to give to the Sisters! I was telling the mothers to come and bring their special kids. Whenever they told me there was a special kid, I would go and tell them, “Bring them to the Sisters, bring them to the Sisters, come on!” And they started coming, and yes, they started feeling the love and care of the Sisters and all of the volunteers that the Sisters bring here. And then there were things that happened and I left Santo Niño. I suffered a lot when I lived here. I kept on going with my life and I found out I had Multiple Sclerosis. I didn’t know what to do. I was having very hard days. Then one day Mama Peggy showed up at my home and said, “Gloria, I know you’re not doing well. Do you want to come to the clinic and have 14

(From left) S. Peggy Deneweth, Gloria Lozano, S. Janet Gildea and S. Carol Wirtz stand with a picture of Gloria’s son, Juan Diego, who is considered the founder of the Santo Niño Project in Anapra, Mexico.

therapy?” Of course I came! That was four years ago, and look at me, here, fighting with MS, receiving therapy, receiving the love and care from the Sisters. I don’t think I can be better than the way I am now with MS. PD: How have you shared your journey with the families at Santo Niño? GL: I feel very happy to see the love and care that all of the kids receive from the Sisters – not only the special kids, but also the brothers and sisters of the special kids and how they’ve been treated and all they have learned. I see some kids that improve so much. When they first come here they know nobody and they will hide, they don’t want to speak to us, and now, they learn so much. I feel so happy for them – for the kids, for the mothers, for everyone, especially for the Sisters because I know they feel happy about it. PD: Gloria, how special do you feel when you think that your son, little Juan Diego, who you had and you lived 18 loving months with, that he is the one that started this whole Santo Niño Project? We consider him our founder. GL: I don’t know how to explain how I feel because I know that is why he sent me to the Sisters. I know that’s why he came: to touch hearts. He touched hearts here, he touched hearts everywhere. I feel so good about how many hearts he touched, how many people that saw what he was – a little angel. I feel very happy, I feel grateful, but I still miss him and sometimes I wish he was still here with me. PD: You were an instrument that God used to have this special place for his special children. And it was your desire to seek out all of the others. I N T E RC O M

Celebrating Mother Margaret George

he Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati celebrated the life of founder Mother Margaret George on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. On the 150th anniversary of Margaret’s death, the Community planned a day of remembrance that included the Sunday of Reflection, “Margaret George: Living in the Spirit of Vincent, Louise and Elizabeth,” presented by S. Judith Metz, poetry readings, and a prayer service with music inspired by Margaret’s life.

Many of Mother Margaret George’s personal items and portraits from the SC Archives were on display during the Nov. 4 celebration.

The Spirituality Center concluded the celebration with a prayer service that included music inspired by Margaret’s life.

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Wildflowers in Our Midst By S. Monica Gundler

t our Fall Congregational Days, a significant reference to the presidential address at the 2018 Leadership Council of Women Religious (LCWR), given by S. Theresa Maya, CCVI, served as a focal point as we entered our own reflection. In her presentation, S. Theresa framed the current state of our world, our Church and indeed of religious life as in a state of incredible shift comparing it to an erupting volcano. We observed the images of the ashes covering nearby not only countryside, but also cities and villages, roads and structures in the wake of this incredibly transforming event.

A group of Charity Federation Sisters in formation to 10 years finally professed gathered at the House of Charity, New Orleans, for their biannual meeting Nov. 2-4, 2018. Six Federation congregations were represented among the participants.

In our Congregation, we have also experienced the changes of new realities, challenges and opportunities. As her presentation continued, S. Theresa revealed pictures of blooming wildflowers in the midst of the great destruction. New life is emerging from the ashes of what has been. This, too, is happening in religious life and in our congregation. At LCWR, S. Theresa gave significant time in her message to being with the young and listening to them, reminding us that the young have much to offer us as the life we have known continues to “erupt” like a volcano scattering much of what has been familiar and comfortable. S. Theresa also reminded us that the wisdom of our aging members and indeed of all of us still calls us forth into mission. We are not gone! There is still a mission to be lived! This new way invites us to collaborate and to companion others who are also committed to the values and vision of a world of God’s justice, peace and compassion. In a very Vincentian way, it is both/and—we have much to offer and much to learn.

In addition, the witness of S. Romina Sapinoso’s vows attracted several young adults who have been curious, interested and discerning. This event in particular was a window to our path forward as community. Diversity in ages, nationalities, congregations, cultures, etc. all came together to celebrate Romina’s yes to religious life as a Sister of Charity. Members of the Sisters of Charity Federation from Halifax, Leavenworth, New York, Seton Hill, and Nazareth all came to celebrate with us. In addition, younger members from Giving Voice and from numerous other congregations joined us as well.

Our Sisters in initial formation currently include one Sister in Apostolic Novitiate and four in temporary profession. They are involved in a variety of ministries including direct service as well as advocacy with those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and injustice. They also devote time to vocation ministry, volunteer committees and pursuing further education. They write, speak and live the mission of the Sisters of Charity. They are active members of Giving Voice, the Future of Charity and pursue their individual ministries with dedication. In our Vision Statement, we imagined a future such as this. Our newer members are companions on the journey to this emerging time of wildflowers. In the midst of all, our work continues to bring the love of our God and dares to risk a caring response.

The young women who are seeking religious life are yearning to bring their gifts to meet us alongside of our own apostolic call. We have gifts to share and they come with much to contribute to a world in need. This mutual journey enriches us all. Our efforts in vocation continue with meeting them through gatherings at the Visitation House in Cincinnati, the House of Charity in New Orleans, Louisiana, volunteering, and the AVE program (After Volunteer Experience) at Casa de Caridad in New Mexico. 16

Diversity in ages, nationalities, congregations, and cultures came together to celebrate S. Romina Sapinoso’s First Vows as a Sister of Charity in September 2018.

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Mary of Magdala:

Her Fire Continues Within Us By Debbie Weber, OPJCC director

he Sisters of Charity (SC) and the Office of Peace, Justice and Care for Creation celebrated the Feast Day of St. Mary of Magdala in July 2018 in our chapel. A prayer service celebrating Mary and women of the Church, past and present, has been a tradition for many years in the Greater Cincinnati area. The venue of the service has been at various women religious congregations and local parishes. It was our turn to host this joyous prayer service. Mary of Magdala was a faithful witness and a prophet of her time, yet she has endured centuries of mistaken identity and slander. Thankfully today, many know her as the “Apostle to the Apostles.” Mary’s heart was afire with compassion, love and faith. The service reminded us that if our hearts are open, her fire would continue to burn within each of us. Two very special people received Mary’s fire and led us in celebration of Mary’s Feast Day for many years: Betty Schmid and S. Louise Akers, SC. In their memory, the prayer service was dedicated to them. Our guest reflector was Tanya Torres, an artist and writer who was born in New York City of Puerto Rican parents. Tanya grew up in Puerto Rico and came back to live in New York City at age 15. Tanya’s artwork has been presented at the United Nations and numerous cultural institutions worldwide. Since 2005, she has been painting Mary Magdalene - work that is a personal devotion and a source of spiritual inspiration for her. Tanya shared with us: “For me, painting is prayer. And as my prayer I choose to paint Mary Magdalene dressed in the red of passion, illuminated by the yellow of wisdom, holding metaphors and attributes that tell us who she was and what she was. One of these attributes, fire, appears in the heart of Mary in my paintings: Fire as a metaphor of transformation and transcendence, fire burning within, and fire turning experience, thoughts and perception into wisdom. Mary of Magdala, a saint, a guide, and a loving presence, lights the way towards Infinite Love, the Infinite Love that is God.” Tanya challenged us in saying: “Like the Magdalene, we can choose to become enlightened and learn to recognize that, beyond our limited reality, there is love. We can choose to love by doing, by working, by accepting every opportunity to learn and evolve into the best versions of ourselves. We can choose to live prayerfully and gratefully.”

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Mary Magdalene, Our Lady of Fire by Tanya Torres.

In recent years, the Mary of Magdala prayer service has included a social action for all who attend. This year we asked attendees to bring a school supply to donate to St. Boniface School in Northside, a neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. This Catholic, inner-city school serves pre-K to eighth grade students. The response was incredible. From reams of paper to pencils, binders and monetary donations, the attendees of nearly 250 people were very generous. Thank you to all who helped make this prayer service so moving, energetic, diverse, welcoming, and prayerful. The names of our extraordinary volunteers, participants and planners are too many to list, lest I forget someone. Attendees filled the chapel with love and Mary’s fire.

Learning Through Diversity:

Immigration and Education with RYSA By AJ Keith, Communications intern

Romina Sapinoso has always felt a calling to help others in need, a calling that encouraged her to transcend borders and help those in nations neighboring the United States or those that are distant from it, namely in the form of education. Having been raised in a “twicecolonized country,” S. Romina appreciated the importance of education in every global citizen. Sister recently had the opportunity to venture to New York City to answer this call at the Refugee Youth Summer Academy, also known as RYSA.

During her time in New York City, S. Romina Sapinoso had the opportunity to live with and become more acquainted with many Sisters of Charity of Halifax, also members of the Sisters of Charity Federation.

RYSA is a part of the NGO International Rescue Committee that aims to integrate refugees, asylum seekers and immigrant students ages 5 to 20 into the educational system of the United States (specifically the New York Public School System) through their sixweek program. This last summer marked the 19th year of the program, which develops critical skills for the academic success of these students and exposes them to the use of the English language. Longing for a chance to pursue the ministry of cross-cultural and justice education on a wider scale, Sister became aware of the opportunity after learning more about the program from a former student. After applying to RYSA, she was ultimately approved and hired for the 2018 summer program. She took part in teaching socio-emotional learning and mindfulness to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. “Our topics ranged from expectations in school such as paying attention, focus and responsibility to more complex discussions on feelings, identity, community and ways to cope with anxiety and stress,” S. Romina says. “After teaching socio-emotional classes, I am convinced that every classroom, not just those that have new arrivals in them, need socioemotional learning classes.” These subjects are among the many that will develop the necessary skills for these students to be successful in all of the endeavors to come, not just in an educational setting. Sister found that tailoring her curriculum

to a diverse student body was easier than expected due to their desire to learn and do well in their new country. The diversity of rich cultures that were blended in her classes made the experience even more eye-opening for S. Romina. By being exposed to the variety of cultures in her students, Sister learned the importance of developing personal relationships to further their education. However, she was pleased and moved to see that her students learned the same lesson as she did. She found that her students were trying to communicate with one another through their native language and began helping their classmates to understand the concepts that were being taught. Sister expressed her feelings about the value of education and stressed that it’s about much more than just succeeding in school. “I believe that education is really what can be the potential equalizer for people and a tool for dismantling institutionalized and genderized poverty, classism, racism and white supremacy,” says S. Romina. Sister referred to her childhood in Angeles City, Philippines, and how the lack of education was a factor for all of these practices to run rampant. Sister believes that through education, future generations can equip themselves with the necessary tools to thrive. Although S. Romina was tasked with teaching these students, she found herself learning more from them than

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she could ever hope to teach. Because of the harsh and traumatic experiences of some of the students, Sister had to learn how to fully empathize and address difficult subjects in a sensitive manner for the students, all while juggling the curriculum that she had been assigned. This would sometimes involve allowing students to share their experiences with her or the class, but doing so in such a way that the students would not be forced to relive their trauma. “I found walking that line very challenging,” she says. Sister was in awe at the level of resilience that her students possessed, but the experience taught her to look past the façade of smiles and jokes to see if her students were truly troubled. Because of this, her classroom doubled as a safe space and a space for learning. Sister was hardly alone in her experience, as the good-naturedness of the other applicants often inspired her to continue to reach out to her students. S. Romina developed loving relationships with her students but she also deepened her relationships with others in her program, such as the social work interns that were present to help students who were potentially struggling. During her time in New York City, S. Romina also had the opportunity to live in community with four Sisters of Charity of Halifax, a SC Federation congregation which she found parallels the ministries of her Community in Cincinnati. “The Federation connection deepened as I got to live with and to know them well,” she said. S. Romina’s selfless impulse to help those in need of other developing nations was the driving force in her ministry and it is one that has touched lives through the her skills as an educator and the generosity of RYSA. Her ministry reflects the mission of the Sisters of Charity by loving fellow women and men unconditionally and without borders. It is a ministry that both religious and lay people can learn from: to join others hand-in-hand and acknowledge that all of us belong to the same worldwide family.

Sisters of Charity President Joan Elizabeth Cook (left) witnesses S. Romina Sapinoso signing the Vow Book.

Romina Sapinoso pronounced First Vows during a ceremony Sept. 22, 2018, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. During the liturgy Novice Director S. Donna Steffen presented S. Romina for First Vows. Romina committed herself for three years to the service of God and God’s people as a member of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. She promised “to live in community and vow to God poverty, consecrated celibacy and obedience.” “I make these evangelical vows into the hands of our Sisters of Charity president, S. Joan Elizabeth Cook. I ask the continuing grace of God and the support of my Sisters, Associates, family and friends that I may keep faith with the commitment I freely and joyfully make today,” she concluded. Sisters of Charity President, S. Joan Elizabeth Cook, accepted Romina’s vows and following the Mass and ceremony in the chapel guests were invited to celebrate with the Community in the Motherhouse Dining Room.

S. Romina Sapinoso (right) with fellow RYSA staff members in Central Park during the program’s first field trip. VOLUME III, 2018

45 Years:

Celebrating the Associate Relationship By Chanin Wilson, director of Associates

“I

n a Jan. 11, 1973 letter to the Executive Council, S. Jane Grosheider (then S. Mary Christopher), director of Formation, requested consideration of accepting Blasa Rivera as a ‘co-member’… thus began the journey toward our present Associate program,” writes S. Rita Hawk in a brief history of the Associate program. Blasa, a resident of Pueblo, Colorado, made her formal commitment on Sept. 5, 1973, followed closely by Jean Rancoilta and Flo Carris. Because of their faith and desire to be connected with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, and the vision and courage of the Community and Leadership, we are celebrating 45 years of a vibrant, expanding Associate program. The Associate program has gone by various names: co-members, then auxiliary members and finally Associates. There are several different forms of association: Associates in Mission, Associates in Community and Associates in Volunteer Ministry. Several current Sisters started as Associates before discerning a call to vowed life. Sisters Shirley Le Blanc and Romina Sapinoso started as Associates in Community. Sisters Janet Gildea, Mary Kay Bush, and Sandy Alvin were Associates in Mission. Throughout the years, many women and men have made their commitment as Associates in Mission and walked the journey of faith accompanied by many faithful, caring vowed members. In 2013, the Leadership Council approved the possibility of Lifetime Commitment for Associates at least 10 years after their original commitment as an Associate in Mission. Seventeen Associates have made their Lifetime Commitments following a period of prayerful discernment.

Mother and daughter, Associates Pat Grubelnik (left) and Chanin Wilson both joined the Sisters of Charity Associate program. 20

The Associate program has grown throughout the years across the country, like Alaska, where eight Associates and two Associate candidates currently live.

The Associate program continues to grow in Ohio, Alaska, Florida, New Mexico, Colorado, as well as many other parts of the country. It is impressive to note some areas continue to grow the Associate program even as there are no longer Sisters in the region. Currently there are 20 candidates in formation, one in England. Associates are taking the lead and inviting people who share our Charity charism to join the Associate program. Associates are also now able to companion candidates though the formation process. They are also leading gatherings of small groups in various regions. The Associate program is empowering leadership among Associates by inviting Associates to be Regional Representatives. Currently seven Regional Representatives assist with keeping Associates in all parts of the country connected. We celebrate the 203 Associates today, and those hundreds who have gone before us. We celebrate the Sisters who had the vision to propose this form of association, the Leadership who took the risk to make it happen, the directors who added the structure and the spirit, and the Congregation who encouraged and nurtured it along.

Associate Blasa Rivera (left), with Associate Viola Elizondo, was the first Sisters of Charity Associate member.

We pray that over the next 45 years, we Associates will be graced with the Spirit to walk in the same footsteps and carry forth the charism and mission of this courageous and ever-loving community. Thank you, Sisters, for all you have given to us. Happy Anniversary! I N T E RC O M

Spirituality and Sustainability:

EarthConnection’s Outreach By S. Caroljean Willie

arthConnection (EC) is continuing its They met with other organizations who involvement with Girl Scouts. A troop also partner with Girl Scouts to provide opportunities for troops to earn different of juniors from Cincinnati’s St. Antoninus School visited EC to work badges. Keith Lanser from Mount St. Joseph University (MSJU) was also on their Art Explorer badge and receive an EC patch. Activities for this troop in attendance. MSJU offers girls the involved a PowerPoint presentation opportunity to work on a badge in on the EC building including an Civics. explanation of solar and geothermal S. Winnie Brubach, master gardener, energy, a tour of the garden and and volunteers are continuing to outdoors to look for patterns in nature harvest the last of the vegetables from which culminated in a Zentangle activity, the EarthConnection garden. Almost and a circle dance and drumming circle. A 800 pounds of fresh produce have been Brownie troop from Delhi came to earn an EC donated to the Good Samaritan Free Health patch. Their activities included a PowerPoint Center in lower Price Hill to distribute to The EarthConnection patch. presentation on EC, a tour of the garden, their clients. S. Winnie also hosted a group a story entitled Children of Earth Remember followed by a of students from Cincinnati Technical College who came to PowerPoint on African animals. Their time concluded with learn about sustainable energy. a game of environmental bingo and an awarding of the As a member of MSJU’s Sustainability Committee, EC patch. S. Cj participated in an Electronics Recycling Day for the EC hosted Girl Scout leaders from the Cincinnati area Delhi community. Three-hundred eighty cars arrived with for an evening of information about Girl Scout expectations recycled goods ranging from non-working Kindles to large presented by Dondi Tate, a presentation on what EC has to TV sets. A number of Mount students are fulfilling their offer troops by S. Caroljean (Cj) Willie and Sue DiTullio, service requirement at EC by helping in the garden as well as and an art activity. S. Cj and Sue also attended a partners’ designing flyers for a variety of events. breakfast at Girl Scout headquarters in Blue Ash (Cincinnati). A program in the series on “Spirituality and Sustainability” was held in October. Our “Movies That Matter” series featured “This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate.” It is based on a book by Naomi Klein by the same title and asks the question, “What if confronting the climate crisis is the best chance we’ll ever get to build a better world?” In addition to designing programs to be held at EC, S. Cj also speaks at local parishes and to classes at MSJU. She recently addressed Dr. Mike Gable’s class on the topic of “Spirituality and Social Justice.” She also spoke at St. Martin of Tours parish on Laudato Si’ and has upcoming talks to give at St. Clare and Good Shepherd parishes.

The fifth grade St. Antoninus Junior Troop had the opportunity to participate in a drum circle during their visit to EarthConnection.

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For more information about ongoing activities at EarthConnection and up-to-date information on environmental sustainability visit our website at www.scearthconnection.org. You can also find us on Facebook and Pinterest. 21

Ripples – Bayley Written by Joan Mohan, daughter of longtime Bayley resident Larry Wanninger

any of us think of retirement villages/ assisted living/nursing homes as the last chapter in our lives, but for my parents it was a place to call home, where the cares of owning a house faded away and caring became a focus on the individual life. We could not be more blessed to have Bayley as a part of our lives.

As her disease progressed, it became evident that Mom was becoming too much to care for at their home. Bayley had a bed ready if needed in full-time care. We were concerned with how we could help Dad make this difficult decision.

The Bayley family was here for us. They welcomed both my mom into their full-time care My aunt was a Sister of and my dad as he sat with her. Charity and was active at [Mount Everyone got to know them St. Joseph University]. My sisters and treated them with respect (Front center and right) The Wanninger’s and their large family have Kathy, Anna and I attended the and dignity. And we talked Dad created many memories together at Bayley. Mount. My great-aunt entered into going back to the Wellness Bayley assisted living when the Center pool a few days a week. facility opened and was a resident for 11 years. After visiting There he formed a circle of friends and they became support her often, my parents really liked the care she had received to each other. Anything they needed, Bayley was there for them. and the independence she enjoyed. Bayley always had and still does have our back. When My parents raised all 10 of us children with conservative values and taught us by example, to treat each other with respect. There are many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren in the family and as you can imagine, we all have busy lives. When my mother started showing signs of dementia, our lives changed. After a few years our big home was becoming too much for them to handle and posed a danger for Mom. Dad looked to me for advice and we were able to help each other out. Around this time Bayley had broken ground on the new village. My parents were interested, so when the time came, we sold the house and moved them to a lovely three-bedroom in the village, with a view of the lake and a wonderful screened porch. The house was great! Everything was on one level; there were no steps to navigate and it meant safety for Mom. Dad was able to care for her at home. Bayley made the transition very smooth. Everything was convenient. Their doctor was on the campus and they ended up knowing a few people who already lived there. When Mom needed constant supervision, Dad started taking her to the adult day program three days a week so he could have a break. We were all so worried about her being separated from Dad – but she loved it! She was very active there and they kept her busy. 22

my mother passed away five years ago, we all figured my dad would soon follow. No, wait, he still has living to do. There was so much around him that he couldn’t stop. He signed up as a volunteer and helped take people to Mass every day. We continued to visit him often at his house. He kept up his time at the wellness center and with his circle of friends. At the young age of 93, Dad started to show signs of slowing down. I mentioned he should think about moving to assisted living but he did not want to give up his independence. When he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, he went into Bayley’s rehabilitation care for a few days. When he returned home, we hired Bayley Home Services to help with his everyday needs. This was a tremendous help to us! After Dad’s short stay with rehab, he told me he was ready to go to assisted living, that his short stay was not so bad, and he enjoyed the company of having others around. He said, “They all know me here.” I replied, “Of course they do, you have been here a long time.” Following a recent hospital stay this past July, Dad moved from assisted living to full care. He is in a wheelchair so it is great to have everything close at hand. At times he has utilized the physical therapy department for different aches and pains. On occasion, we still visit his friends at the wellness center.

I N T E RC O M

Bayley resident Larry Wanninger and his family enjoy the holidays together in 2016.

Bayley has become a second home to the Wanninger family, who enjoys visiting on a regular basis.

Intercom Subscription Available!

ift and individual subscriptions to Intercom, the magazine of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, are available through the Communications Office for $15.

This place is truly amazing! Last June we celebrated Dad’s 96th birthday. Bayley has been a true blessing to my family. Not only have they cared for my parents over the course of the last 13 years, they have made our busy lives much easier. We are able to be with Dad and not have to worry about him. He has caregivers at Bayley who know him and treat him with dignity each and every day. Every single employee cares for his well-being and safety. Bayley exemplifies the mission of the Sisters of Charity where staff carries out the Gospel values of respect, honesty and excellence by building loving relationships and caring for God’s children.

Gift Subscription Information To purchase a gift subscription, please send your payment and the following gift subscription information to: Sisters of Charity Communications Office, 5900 Delhi Road, Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051.

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VOLUME III, 2018

For questions regarding your subscription and renewal information, please contact S. Georgia Kitt at 513-347-5466, email georgia.kitt@srcharitycinti.org. Please make checks payable to Sisters of Charity.

Listening to God’s Call By Katie Drinkuth, Communications intern

fter 20 years serving the speech and hearing impaired in impoverished areas of Kentucky, Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Mary Dugan is coming home to serve the Sisters of Charity.

asked about a most memorable teaching experience, Sister recalls a particularly special experience with a hearing impaired student who had to write a term paper but lacked the confidence he needed to write it. S. Mary says that many people with speech S. Mary recently opened a new delays often get critiqued on office in the Motherhouse to assist their language skill which leads her Sisters in hearing maintenance to a lack of self-esteem in school. and care. She uses her background She was determined to see him in special education to teach succeed and helped him through Sisters who are hard of hearing to the process by using pieces of take quality care of their hearing paper with the main points of his aids and provides them with term paper written on them so he connections to services and devices S. Mary Dugan assists her Sisters in hearing maintenance and care, could clearly visualize it and be helping improve their quality of life and to self-advocate. to help them. able to write it. A few days later, Since she was a little girl, S. Mary has had a special he showed her the ‘A’ grade he achieved. S. Mary says, “It was connection to those with hearing impairments and has made memorable for me because I was able to teach him to trust in their education and quality of life her mission in life. Born in his skills and I could see him grow in confidence.” Chicago, Illinois, S. Mary’s family moved to Dayton, Ohio In her new ministry assisting her Sisters in hearing aid when she was 5 years old. From a young age, she was taught care, S. Mary feels that she is helping improve their quality to have compassion and respect for those with special needs, of life and helping them self-advocate. Because many adults especially deafness. Her father’s sister, her aunt Teresa Dugan, are not taught how to properly take care of their hearing aids, had speech and hearing problems, and Sister was particularly S. Mary enjoys being able to teach them and set them up close to her. Her family also had connections to the Sisters of with the necessary supplies like ear mold spray to help the Charity and in high school, S. Mary made the decision to join hearing aid stay in place and dry docks to keep out moisture. the Congregation. Additionally, Sister helps them get warranties, insurance Starting out as an elementary teacher, S. Mary taught some coverage, and other helpful devices like a fire alarm that students with language delays and realized that God was calling vibrates beds and flashes lights in addition to sound. her to special education. From there, she was able to attend The idea to bring her knowledge of hearing aids and the University of Cincinnati to obtain her master’s degree in amplifi cation home to her Sisters came to S. Mary after she special education with a concentration in deafness in 1973 and gave three workshops on hearing loss at the Motherhouse. her master’s in religious studies from the University of Detroit Expecting only eight or nine Sisters, she was pleasantly (Michigan) in 1984, both of which enabled her to begin her surprised when around 30 came. Over a year, S. Mary life-long ministry that introduced her to many places she had expects she will be aiding around 25-35 Sisters. never been. Getting proper hearing amplification is so important to For 20 nonconsecutive years, S. Mary taught hearing S. Mary because not only is it a safety issue, but it is also a impaired students in impoverished areas of Kentucky, which provided her with countless rewarding experiences. She remarks social and cognitive one. She says that the language pathways of the brain are kept open through sound and language, and that people with disabilities bring a certain integrity to the without it, cognitive activity decreases. Because her Sisters are classroom that makes teaching them invaluable. Sister has also intelligent and talented women, she feels they should not be spent two years (1983-1985) training catechists in the area of held back in their elder years. Religious Education for the Deaf in Rockford, Illinois. Before retiring, S. Mary taught the hearing impaired at Region 14/Hopewell Center in Hillsboro, Ohio. When 24

S. Mary’s life has truly been filled with a call from God to help those with special needs. She is blessed to be able to share her gifts with her Sisters. I N T E RC O M

Traveling the Path: Getting to Know Our SC Spiritual Director S. Maureen Heverin Q. In your words, what is spiritual direction? A. Spiritual direction is an opportunity to process what’s happening between you and God.

Q. Can you say what spiritual direction is not? A. Spiritual direction is not psychological counseling. It’s not life coaching. Now, life comes into it, so maybe in some senses it becomes coaching, but that’s not what you’re going for. It’s not the place where you go for therapeutic care. It’s about you and God, and where God is in your life.

Q. What compelled you to want to minister as a spiritual director? How long have you been doing so? A. I’ve been doing this 27 years, so it’s been a long time. I think what drew me to it is that I love to listen to people’s stories. The story of the faith journey is very important to me, so spiritual direction was a great opportunity to share time with people who are really serious about the journey. It’s been a wonderful, wonderful time to companion, or to be with, people who are on the journey. Q. What do you want to know when a person begins meeting with you? What is helpful?

S. Maureen Heverin ministers as a spiritual director through the Sisters of

A. What I like to know is something about who they are, Charity Spirituality Center. their story. What’s going on in their life? The spiritual Q. How often would a person come to see you? journey isn’t just about what’s happening with you and God directly in your prayer, but what’s happening with your other A. It varies. Normally, it’s every four to six or eight weeks. relationships in life? What’s happening with your everyday That seems to be the pattern for most people. Once in a experiences in life? What’s going on at work? What’s going on while, somebody will call up and say, “I know we’re not in the family? It’s so much more than just sitting down quietly meeting for a month, but I need to see you now.” And that’s and talking to God. usually when they’re discerning some decision, or something Also, how do people pray? That’s something that I in a crisis nature has happened. So we adapt. Sometimes want to know. How do you connect with God? When do somebody says, “I’ll stop by in a year.” It could be that long, you connect with God? Where do you connect with God? especially if they live far away. My newest venture has been Because I think that’s important, too: time and space and doing direction via Skype. opportunity. All those things play into the relationship. I see our relationship with God as just that, a relationship. Just like Q. What is most satisfying to you in this profession? in a family, like your relationship between siblings or with A. Probably the most satisfying thing is being with a your mom and dad. Or friends. It’s something that needs companion on the journey for a length of time and seeing the to be tended just like your other relationships do, and so deepening and deepening of the relationship with God. That’s I want to know, how are they tending to that relationship very satisfying. in their life? VOLUME III, 2018

TimelessTreasures:

Our Beautiful “Stone House” By S. Judith Metz

eginning in 1857 Mount St. Vincent, Cedar Grove, served as the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity. However, the increasing population of Price Hill, the opening of the Price Hill Incline (1874), and the extension of the Cincinnati Street Railway to the gates of Cedar Grove moved the Sisters to consider re-location of their Motherhouse and boarding academy. The Community purchased the Biggs Farm in Delhi Township in 1869 and transferred the Novices there. By the early 1880s the Sisters began selling some of the Mount St. Vincent property to real estate developers, using the funds to purchase additional farms in Delhi. Soon they began construction of a beautiful new Motherhouse overlooking the Ohio River. St. Joseph Motherhouse, completed in spring 1884, was designed by A.C. Nash, and built of blue limestone quarried on the property, with sandstone trim. Archbishop William Elder dedicated the Sisters’ new home, with many clergy and honored guests in attendance. The beautifully designed Immaculate Conception Chapel featured exquisite furnishings including a hand-carved Communion railing created by five of the Sisters. By fall the Novices, the infirm Sisters from Cedar Grove, and the officers of the Community were all in residence. When Mother Josephine Harvey and S. Anthony O’Connell celebrated their Golden Jubilees in spring 1885, they received gifts for use in the new chapel. Among them

The remains of the original Motherhouse following the 1885 fire. 26

An architect’s rendering of the original Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse, the “Stone House.”

were a solid gold chalice and ciborium, richly embroidered vestments, altar linens, candelabra, and statues. On July 6 the house was filled with Sisters arriving to begin their annual retreat, the first given at the new “Stone House.” Excitement was high, since this was for many their first glimpse of the grand new Motherhouse. When the retreat ended July 14 most returned to their missions. Two days later the Sisters and workers saw smoke coming from the roof of St. Joseph House. Rev. Thomas Byrne, the chaplain, sent orders for all the Sisters to evacuate while he removed the Blessed Sacrament. When fire engines could not make the ascent of the hill from River Road, the large cisterns of water on the property could not be utilized. Nothing could be done except to save as many valuables as possible before the danger became too great. Friends gathered to assist the Sisters, but the splendid chapel furnishings and the clothing and shoes ready to be distributed to the Sisters leaving for their various missions were all in ashes. By evening the charred brick (inner) walls and fireproof vault containing the archives were all that remained of the majestic building. Many friends and supporters offered assistance. Railroad officials granted reduced prices on shipping, while merchants and bankers responded with equal generosity. The heart-broken, having enjoyed their new home for only one year, were resilient as well. Within days of the fire, work began on a new St. Joseph House using materials already on the grounds. By the summer of 1886, Marian Hall, the west wing of the proposed new Motherhouse, was ready for the Sisters. I N T E RC O M

Margaret George:

“A Valiant Woman” By S. Judith Metz

hen Mother Margaret George celebrated her Golden Jubilee as a Sister of Charity in 1862, she was honored by her own Sisters and by the church throughout Cincinnati. Archbishop John Purcell, while presiding at a special Mass in her honor, chose the ‘Valiant Woman’ passage from the Book of Proverbs (31:10-31) to pay tribute to this courageous woman, companion of Elizabeth Seton, and founding mother of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

“Who shall find a valiant woman? Far from the uttermost coast is the price of her.”

Sketch of Mother Margaret George by the late S. Marita Ganley.

Honoring Margaret as a “valiant woman” recognized her journey toward spiritual maturity. Prayerfulness, openness, growth in virtue, and perseverance in navigating life’s ups and downs were habits she nurtured over many years. They were planted like seeds, matured, and bore fruit. Applying portions of this Scriptural passage to Margaret’s life provides insight into some of her qualities:

“The woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Fear of the Lord means holding God in awe, placing trust in God – the one who can be relied on. Throughout her life, Margaret depended on “God Alone,” a phrase that appears again and again in her journals and letters. When she met hardship she wrote: “I must look to God alone and only to him in all, as for human comfort we should not look for it in any way.” In encountering a hostile questioner about the work of the Sisters, she replied: “Every action is done for God here,” and we “try to purify our actions and do them solely for God alone.”

“She puts her hands to the distaff and her fingers ply the spindle.” Margaret treasured her life as a Sister of Charity devoted to the care of others, never tiring of serving both her charges and the Sisters. “I am sitting up with the sick children,” she told one Sister, “but only remember that when I can do anything for you all, let me know it.” Putting her generosity into action, when Margaret was not with her students, “she was engaged in the drudgery of the house; she rose at three o’clock winter mornings to build the fires and have the rooms comfortable for the Sisters.”

“She opens her mouth in wisdom and on her tongue is kindly counsel.”

Intercom is the official 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 270 Sisters are joined in their mission by 203 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 20 U.S. dioceses and in two foreign countries. They also sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor.

Intercom Staff Editor Erin Reder Graphic Design/Layout Michelle Bley Director of Communications S. Georgia Kitt Executive Council Liaison S. Mary Bookser Advisory Board Members: Veronica Buchanan S. Mary Ann Flannery S. Tracy Kemme S. Joyce Richter Debbie Weber Vicki Welsh Letters to the editor, articles and photos are welcome. The staff reserves the right to edit for space and readability. Make submissions to: Communications Office 5900 Delhi Road Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051 Phone: 513-347-5447 Fax: 513-347-5467 Email: erin.reder@srcharitycinti.org Subscriptions: $15 per year

Recognizing Margaret’s generous spirit, others looked to her for support and assistance. One Sister, tempted to think she had been forgotten at the Motherhouse, wrote to thank Margaret for her kind and newsy letters. While Margaret told another, “never fear to apply [for assistance],” for if it becomes a trouble, “I should no longer be worthy of the habit I wear.” Entries in Margaret’s journals and diaries confirm her kindness and wisdom: “Kind words are the music of the soul”; “A frown may crush a gentle heart, a smile of forgiveness may relieve the tortured.” Adding to Archbishop Purcell’s accolade, the Sisters composed a poetic tribute celebrating Margaret as the “second mother” of their hearts, the guardian of their earlier years. Calling her their “polar star,” they prayed her light would shed o’er their future years. To which we may say “Amen.” VOLUME III, 2018

5900 Delhi Road Mount Saint Joseph, OH 45051 www.srcharitycinti.org www.facebook.com/ sistersofcharityofcincinnati 27

5900 Delhi Road Mount Saint Joseph, OH 45051 http://www.srcharitycinti.org www.facebook.com/sistersofcharityofcincinnati

18 Young members of the Sisters of Charity Federation came together for the First Vows of S. Romina Sapinoso in September.

17 A moving Mary of Magdala celebration, co-sponsored by religious organizations and individuals throughout the Cincinnati area, was held at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse in July.

Members of a local Brownie Girl Scout Troop visited EarthConnection, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity, to earn their EarthConnection patch.