Intercom Vol. II 2019 by Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati

Intercom

Volume II, 2019

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

Share the

Journey

A LETTER FROM OUR SISTER

LEADERSHIP

Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends,

CONTENTS FEATURES Going Deeper Into Divine Mystery ... 6-9 The Spirit-led days of Chapter 2019. The Heartbeat of the Earth ................11 The SC Drum Circle invokes spiritual awareness. Share the Journey .......................... 12-13 SC volunteers describe their experiences at the U.S./Mexico border. Serving Needs................................ 22-23 Seton Enablement Fund celebrates 40 years. Ripples .......................................... 26-27 Seton High School President Kathy Ciarla empowers young women to carry on the spirit of the Sisters of Charity.

DEPARTMENTS Moments in Ministry ............................3 St. Lawrence School, Cincinnati, Ohio EarthConnection.................................10 Spring at EarthConnection OPJCC ...............................................18 One Voice Vocation/Formation ............................19 My Second Novitiate On the Cover: The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati welcomed the newly elected Leadership Team of (front row, from left) Sister Marge Kloos, SC, councilor; Sister Teresa Dutcher, SC, councilor; Sister Patricia Hayden, SC, president (back row, from left); Sister Joanne Burrows, SC, councilor and Sister Monica Gundler, SC, councilor on June 29, 2019, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel. 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 Spirit God blows where She will, we Sisters and Associates have been standing in the updraft of Her graces. In the spring, the General Chapter convened to “go deeper into Divine Mystery.” The Chapter agenda gave us gently structured days, making space for us to ponder together what God is asking of us at this time. Ripples of friendship and encouragement flowed among us as we entered into dynamic dialogue about the “next chapter” of living out our Congregation’s mission for the sake of the world. The serendipitous encounters with grace throughout our Chapter will no doubt keep us energized for the days of transition ahead. During Chapter, delegates elected a new Leadership Team who will serve the Congregation for the next four years. However before the torch is passed we recognize and celebrate the generous, courageous and faithful leadership of Sisters Joan Cook, Mary Bookser, Louise Lears, and Mary Caroline Marchal. While our Sisters will be transitioning from leadership responsibilities to new opportunities, their gracious “yes” to the emerging realities of religious life today will no doubt continue as grace for our world. “May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam; may peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May compassion wake you in each morn and walk beside you ‘til you’re Home.” Our new Leadership Team, S. Patricia Hayden (president) and Sisters Joanne Burrows, Teresa Dutcher, Monica Gundler, and Marge Kloos (councilors), begin a new chapter of Congregational Leadership on July 1, 2019. In this issue of Intercom, we get a reflective glimpse into some of the dynamic relationships, new initiatives, milestones, and legacies that our Leadership Team will be tending to during the next four years. From the Seton Enablement Fund’s 40th anniversary to the heart-rending circumstances encountered by our Sisters serving at the U.S.-Mexico Border, we are reminded of the urgency to be the hands and heart of God in the still-awakening world. While reading this issue, we are again inspired by the diverse expressions of selfgiving and ingenuity spanning generations of Charity women. We are profoundly grateful to our Communications staff, led by S. Georgia Kitt, for their unwavering creativity and clarity of message that gives us access to these diverse expressions of our Congregational story. We are all the richer because of the words and images your Team gathers, shapes, and communicates to us. I look forward to the next four years and all that Spirit God will blow our way. “May what we have said together, be what we live together.” S. Marge Kloos 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. S. Janet Gildea April 4, 2019

S. Mary Helen McKenna May 29, 2019

Associate Rosella Verdon April 11, 2019

S. Rose William Herzog June 2, 2019

Associate Gary Campbell June 24, 2019

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Moments in Ministry St. Lawrence School, Cincinnati, Ohio By S. Judith Metz

1868

St. Lawrence parish organized and the school opened with two Sisters of Charity teachers from Cedar Grove. Two years later a church/school building was erected at the corner of Warsaw and St. Lawrence avenues. S. Genevieve Spitzngle served as director of the school from 1870 to 1895. During her tenure enrollment grew from 45 pupils to more than 500.

1905

A 12-room school building was completed at the corner of Carson and Laclede avenues, and from 1913-’14 an additional nine-room building was added. Sisters of Charity faculty members lived at Mount St. Vincent, Cedar Grove and commuted to St. Lawrence until 1921.

1908-’25

S. Ludovica Zoller, a daughter of the parish, served as director of the school. Known as a no-nonsense, law-andorder principal, she was at one time remembered as the “most memorable” principal of the school.

1912-’23

St. Lawrence began offering high school classes, first for students from the parish and later to students from 11 parishes. Named “the Elder High School,” in honor of the late archbishop, the school was moved to a new building at Vincent and Iliff avenues in 1923. Four Sisters of Charity taught there including S. Mary Romana Dodd.

S. Genevieve Spitzngle

The Sisters of Charity convent at Carson and Laclede avenues.

1927

A new 20-room convent for the Sisters was opened at Carson and Laclede avenues.

1960s

With S. Rose Adelaide Anderson as principal, the school grew to more than 900 students who were active religiously, academically, and socially in the school, diocese and city.

1978

Since 1978, S. Helen Julia Hahn has served as teacher, principal, and parish minister at St. Lawrence. She continues to minister to the poor, the sick, the elderly, and shut-ins.

S. Helen Julia Hahn

VOLUME II, 2019

Experiencing Global Sisterhood By S. Louise Lears

ur Sister of Charity mission and vision statements call us to “build loving relationships” committed to the “healing of our global home.” More and more, these loving relationships are experienced in the context of a global sisterhood, whose boundaries extend far beyond Cincinnati and the United States. This global reality was visible (and audible!) at the early May gathering in Rome of 850 Superiors General of women religious throughout the world. These leaders from 80 countries, including our President, S. Joan Cook, explored the theme “Sowers of Prophetic Hope.”

f “I found the UISG Assembly hope-filled and energizing. All of us Sisters from all over the world are claiming our moral authority, from which we committed our Congregations to care for our Earth, to support intercultural living, and to strive for interreligious understanding.” - S. Joan Elizabeth Cook, SC president

Closer to home, an opportunity to consider the global future of religious life came through the presentation at the Motherhouse by four of the 13 authors of the 2018 book, In Our Own Words. These four newer members of their congregations, all under the age of 50, including our S. Tracy Kemme, represented varied cultures, charisms and ministries. Though they focused on different themes—community, identity, interculturality, leadership—each recognized that religious life thrives in a setting of global collaboration and that our different charisms are “places of encounter, not boundaries.” They reminded us that there are newer members

Four of the 13 authors of the 2018 book, In Our Own Words: Religious Life in a Changing World, gathered at the Motherhouse in May for a panel discussion on the book. 4

Sisters of Charity President Joan Elizabeth Cook (center) was one of 850 women religious gathering in Rome in May for the XXI Plenary Assembly of the International Union of Superiors General.

in many religious communities who are from cultures and countries that have been previously underrepresented (or entirely nonexistent); the impact of this cultural change will be fundamental for religious life in the future. As one of the authors noted, “Our future as women religious will be a global reality, marked by partnerships across congregations and international borders … Each of us is called to action in creating a global sisterhood.”

This global reality was visible at the Sisters of Charity Federation of North America, Assembly of the Whole, in Chicago, held June 13-16, 2019. Hundreds of SC Federation members and Associates from 14 congregations and 26 countries had the unique opportunity to experience global community and embrace the possibilities of a collaborative future. Members of the SC Federation are present on every continent except Antarctica! (See the article on the Assembly of the Whole, pages 16-17.) Though each congregation at the meeting of the Superiors General in Rome, each Sister author of In Our Own Words and each member of the SC Federation has its charism and mission, our global sisterhood finds strength and new life in our mutual sharing of charisms. A Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word, S. Teresa Maya says, “A new, smaller, more nimble but global religious life is emerging … new cultures will inspire our charisms.” A global sisterhood, working collaboratively across charisms, cultures and generations, is a witness of hope in a world too often marked by division and conflict. Mary Therese Perez, OP, “Local and Global: Charism of Religious Life Today,” In Our Own Words: Religious Life in a Changing World,” edited by Juliet Mousseau and Sarah Kohles, Liturgical Press, 2018, p. 78-9. www.internationalunionsuperiorsgeneral.org/uisgplenary2019-first-day

I N T E RC O M

Charity Family COMMUNITY CELEBRATES NATIONAL CATHOLIC SISTERS WEEK Sisters of Charity and employees came together on March 12 to celebrate National Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14). Human Resources and the SC Communications Office collaborated to plan the afternoon celebration, which included root beer floats and the announcement of the winners of the “Make It a Habit” guessing game that had been circulating throughout the Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall during the week. DANIEL COMBONI COMMUNITY CLINIC CELEBRATES 25 YEARS In May, the community of Mixco, Guatemala, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Daniel Comboni Community Clinic, opened in 1995 with the help of Comboni Priest, the late Father Bill Jansen, and Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Sarah Mulligan (pictured). For a quarter of a century, the clinic has provided health and education services and programs to the people of Mixco and surrounding areas. S. Sarah has ministered as the clinic’s director for all its years. The anniversary celebrations included a community walk on May 4 and a Mass and presentation on May 5 that included a reenactment by high school students of S. Sarah and Fr. Bill. The Sisters of Charity were also presented with a book to commemorate the clinic’s years of service.

WELCOME NEW ASSOCIATE Congratulations to Kate Branch (center) who made her initial commitment as an Associate in Mission on Sunday, May 5 in the Motherhouse chapel. Kate is the niece of S. Marie Pauline Skalski (right) and daughter of Associate Pat Branch (left).

FLYING TO THE FINISH LINE S. ROSE WILLIAM HERZOG HONORED The late S. Rose William Herzog was honored by St. John the Baptist in Harrison, Ohio, on May 17. For 47 years S. Rose William taught and tutored at the school. Throughout the day of celebration, students, parents and adult members of the parish had the opportunity to express their gratitude to Sister. In addition, on behalf of the school, the mayor of Harrison and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Mission Office presented S. Rose William with a $1,200 check in her honor to the Holy Childhood Missions as a thank you for her ongoing support. S. Rose William died on June 2, 2019. VOLUME II, 2019

Congratulations to Sisters Joyce Richter (pictured) and Sally Duffy for participating in the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon in May. S. Joyce walked and S. Sally ran the half-marathon. Both were raising money for the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center in Cincinnati to challenge systemic injustices.

Chapter 2019:

Going Deeper into Divine Mystery By S. Georgia Kitt

pring days of holy listening, of one another, and our willingness paying attention and a to take the risk of expressing our shared desire to go deeper led thoughts and feelings on a deeper Community members further along level was much in evidence.” our unfolding future. These were the Associate collaborator Pat Spirit-led days of Chapter 2019. We Grubelnik commented, “I came asked participants to share what has away with a deeper awareness of stayed with them from the Chapter the miracle we call life, sharing this experience and whether they found with Sister participants and other themselves approaching life any Associate collaborators; it was a differently as a result. All responses blessed time.” received were interwoven in the four (From left) Sisters Catherine Kirby and Martha Glockner. “My heart and soul were components determined in our 2015 enriched. I stop and think of the love and charity that we share Chapter Direction: spirituality, relationships, margins and together as persons of faith and sacrifi ce. It has strengthened creation/earth, and all reflect a movement of going deeper, my love of each Sister, and has broadened my view of those we connecting with the theme: Venture Deeper into Divine serve with around the world,” said S. Marty Dermody. Mystery. The sharing in pairs the first day was mentioned by many. Several participants commented that by our access It had a co-creating impact one-on-one. “The pair sharing to social media we are in closer contact with one another was, for me, a wonderful experience,” commented S. Lynn including the knowledge of where we are and what we are Heper. “Both of us had experienced some hard times in other doing. In our living purposefully we are witnessing the ministries, but felt the support and encouragement from other impact of co-creating, expanding our connections, coSisters which really helped us become the women we are today. creating with new groups and using available resources. I really did not know much about the Sister I shared with, but S. Mary Ann Flannery shared, “Though we are fewer in I am so thankful to know her better; we really listened to one membership we find we are now brought closer together as another.” It seemed to help Sisters appreciate one another’s evidenced in these days.” background, experiences and hopes for the S. Carol Leveque found this Chapter easier than those of future. Might this be something we build on in the past: “I think we have grown a lot at working to achieve the coming Fall Congregational Days? We help goals and to be sister to one another. Everything seemed to each other to see with new eyes! flow well.” S. Annette Paveglio reflected, “The prayerfulness of the Chapter as a whole ‘walking toward communion,’ acceptance

Delegates offer their participation cards during the Chapter’s opening.

I N T E RC O M

1. (From left) Sisters Juliette Sabo and Marie Karen Sammons. 2. (From left) Associates Jo Carol Laymon and Patrice Harty with S. Mary Ann Humbert. 3. (From left) Sisters Patrick Ann O’Connor and Mary Gallagher.

8. 4. The Community gathered in prayer and blessing March 31-April 5, 2019 for the 2019 Chapter. 5. Sister and Associate collaborators join in discussion from the Rose Room.

Intergenerational/intercommunity panel presentations confirmed for us a broad span of living religious life that gave evidence of our own lived history and an awareness of the culture of the present. It is taking us beyond traditional boundaries. We appreciated our Sisters, younger and older, who willingly shared their lived experiences with the Sister participants and Associates who served as collaborators. It caused us to think more deeply about our own call, to be supportive of those in discernment as well as any persons we are encouraging to consider religious life. Sharing future ‘headlines’ of what the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati might be up to in 2025 and 2040 provided a little levity among the Sister delegates. The table groups enjoyed the activity of dreaming, thinking and willingly risking. The words of the SC Charism Statement were reflected in many of the headlines that came forward. “We pray for the wisdom to know the needs of our sisters and brothers and we dare to risk VOLUME II, 2019

6. Associate Pam Korte shares a future headline. 7. A panel of Sisters share their lived experiences. 8. (From left) Sisters Marie Tessmer and Winnie Brubach.

a caring response.” This experience has planted seeds that may be found in our future directions. The election of leadership was referred to by Sister participants as a sacramental time. Just prior to election, we had a day for presentations by the nominees who remained in the discernment process. The prayer, the singing, the silence and the acceptance of the outcome was a time of reverence for all. Nominees spoke in groups of two or three followed by time for table discussion. “I was filled with such a sense of pride and gratitude for the 11 women and for our whole Community,” S. Joan Deiters shared. “Each of these women was articulate, highly qualified and willing to serve. I was moved by each of them and I felt a deep gratitude for our Community that has nurtured all of us and specifically nurtured each of these women to become her own unique reflection of the call, charism and mission of the Sisters of Charity.” 7

S. Mary Ann Flannery added, “I was very proud of the way our women stepped up to be included in this wonderfilled experience of the Holy Spirit.” S. Annette Paveglio mentioned that her recent experience at the U.S./Mexico border has caused her to approach life differently. “Chapter followed that experience and built upon my openness to be intergenerational, collaborative and intercultural in building relationships. I find myself less apprehensive about our future, ready to let go of what is no longer adequate and embrace what is needed to keep our charism alive and more hopeful.”

10.

S. Marty Dermody feels that each person in the Congregation has enriched her personal prayer time since the Chapter experience. “I feel a real need to be still, to be silent and to listen to the variety of ways I go about my day. I honor the silence and try to listen to the deeper voices that speak to me.” Associate collaborator Karen Martin summed up her experience in this way: “I left the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse with a personal enlightened awareness of the SC Family focused on the future, understanding the present and grounded in tradition. All challenges and celebrations are met with fervor, excitement and hope. Social relationships, quiet reflection, nature hikes and fun times all embraced Divine Mystery.” Novice Whitney Schieltz shared, “The Earth Mama song we sang together, ‘A New Chapter,’ stands out to me as a perfect symbol of our time together in Chapter. From deepening relationships through one-on-one sharing to envisioning the emerging reality of religious life with an intergenerational, inter-congregational panel of diverse Sisters and with our creative news headlines, the week was full of openness, hope and an attentiveness to where the Spirit was moving us. The experience made me all the more ready and excited to apply for First Vows with this Congregation!”

11.

12. 9. (From left) S. Joyce Brehm and Associate Brother Gary Sawyer. 10. (From left) Sisters Whitney Schieltz and Tracy Kemme. 11. (From left) Sisters Joanne Burrows, Patricia Sabourin and Mary Catherine Faller.

13. 12. (From left) Sisters Regina Kusnir and Pat Newhouse. 13. Associate Mary Ellen Williams (left) congratulates the newly elected president, S. Patricia Hayden.

Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Elect New Leadership Team Delegates of the 2019 Chapter elected S. Patricia Hayden as president of the Congregation. Sisters Monica Gundler, Marge Kloos, Joanne Burrows and Teresa Dutcher were elected as councilors. The newly elected Leadership Team will serve a term of four years, July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2023. Installation was held on Saturday, June 29, 2019, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse. The Community continues to ask for prayers and ongoing support during their time of transition. 8

Members of the newly elected Leadership Council of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati are: (from left) S. Patricia Hayden, president, and councilors Sisters Marge Kloos, Joanne Burrows, Teresa Dutcher and Monica Gundler. I N T E RC O M

Many Hands Make Light Work By S. Barbara Davis

he involvement of almost 140 Sister and Associate volunteers, along with our amazing Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall staff and persons serving in our Congregational offices, made this article’s headline a reality before and during Chapter 2019! It was not uncommon to hear someone say, “Is there anything I can do to help?” or “I’ve already taken care of that detail” or “No worries, we can handle that.” Chapter Planning Committee members served as liaisons to the nine subcommittees: communication, entertainment, environment, facilities and technology, food, health and wellness, prayer and ritual, registration, and transportation. Subcommittee chairs organized the work assigned to each committee and appreciated the help of volunteers in attending to the numerous details involved in each area. Often the tasks were completed “behind the scenes.” All of the preparations prior to Chapter created a feeling of “seamlessness” as the days of Chapter unfolded. Collaboration and flexibility were certainly hallmarks of the work of these committees. Often the tasks of one subcommittee affected the work of another. Chairs were in communication as plans and specific details were developed. Flexibility came into play on more than one occasion when “the best laid plans” had to be changed.

Table centerpieces were designed by the Chapter Environment Committee, led by S. Ramona Chisholm.

Another group that assisted in the work of the Chapter was the writing team. Although this group was not an official subcommittee, the time and effort they devoted to listening intently to plenary sessions in the Cedars Auditorium and Rose Room provided a list of essential questions for reflection and discussion as we continue to live out our Chapter Direction. The members of the Chapter Planning Committee are most grateful to all of our delegates, collaborators, and supporters for their commitment to participate in meetings prior to Chapter and participation, through attendance and prayer, and during the Chapter itself. Truly this was a blessed time as we explored ways to deepen and continue living out the Chapter Direction set in 2015 which carries us until 2025: Called from the beginning of our foundation as Sisters of Charity to address the needs of our world, we move intentionally and creatively toward the vulnerabilities of our Earth and our sisters and brothers. Infused by a spirituality of union with Divine Mystery within and around us, “we journey together toward wholeness.”

VOLUME II, 2019

S. Mary Catherine Faller served on the Liturgy Committee for Chapter 2019. 9

Spring at EarthConnection By Sisters Winnie Brubach and Caroljean Willie

t has been a busy spring in the garden. All but six of the raised beds have been replaced with new western red cedar boards (the six were replaced a few years ago). Besides smelling wonderful, especially after a rain, these boards are sturdy and should last for a long time. We will add soil, humus and manure as needed to the beds as we plant.

Zoroastrian community. They noted that the Zoroastrian faith is 4,000 years old and that care of creation has always been an integral part of their faith tradition. “Movies That Matter” continues to feature films monthly to educate viewers about climate change around the world. Tara Poling from the Marianist Environmental Center gave a presentation on “Native Plants” and S. Marty Dermody offered a morning presentation on “Our Feathered Friends.”

Planting started a little early as we were lulled by all the beautiful warm spring weather in Cincinnati in April and early May. The garlic S. Caroljean (Cj) collaborated with Mount St. Joseph University Professor Gene planted last October is doing well Sisters Christine Pratt, OSU, Barbara Kritsky delivered a new hive of honey bees at and the peas, onions, potatoes, and Kane, OP, and Leanne Jablonski, FMI, to EarthConnection. cabbages are planted and sprouting. establish a new entity entitled Ohio Sisters We’ve also planted lettuces, spinach, carrots, and chard. Integral Ecology Collaborative (OSIEC). Sisters and women In the “greenhouse” (better known as the Sun Space in from throughout Ohio were invited to an inaugural meeting EarthConnection) bell peppers, three varieties of tomatoes, in Columbus to share hopes, dreams, ideas and resources on basil, and eggplant are all sprouted and almost ready for how to work together to promote environmental sustainability transplanting to bigger pots. throughout the state at both the local and state levels. We received lots of great help from Service Learning students from Mount St. Joseph University. They have done everything including ripping out all the old wood from around the beds, taking up the carpet we have used in the pathways, and helping the two builders construct the new beds. In addition they pulled weeds and helped set up the “greenhouse,” planted the seeds, and began the transplanting of the tomatoes. Some of them have never worked in a garden or with plants or with the construction of raised beds. Their learning curve was pretty high and they rose to the occasion. We are most grateful for their assistance!

Approximately 25 women attended the first gathering at the Dominican Sisters’ Martin de Porres Center in Columbus, Ohio. A quarterly newsletter will continue to provide an opportunity to share resources and strategies for advocacy. A full day of activities was held at the Motherhouse for Earth Day. The day began with a speaker from the Cincinnati Zoo on “The History of the Cincinnati Zoo.” A film on S. Dorothy Stang, games and other presentations were offered. A prayer service in chapel brought the day to a close.

The week of May 6 was momentous for two reasons. First, Gene Kritsky and his student assistant from MSJU delivered a new hive of honey bees. The new queen is a hybrid of Italian and Russian ancestry! There were about 3,000 bees delivered with the queen. Secondly, the Garden Ladies first day was May 8. It was good to be back together and get caught up on our activities over winter. We surveyed the beds, decided what vegetables were going to be grown in which bed, and began the planting. It won’t be long before we are delivering fresh vegetables to the Good Samaritan Free Health Center in Price Hill (Cincinnati). EarthConnection’s (EC) ongoing series on “Spirituality and Sustainability” hosted Fred and Becca Desai from the 10

Service Learning students from Mount St. Joseph University helped with the EarthConnection garden this spring. I N T E RC O M

The Heartbeat of the Earth:

The Drum Circle of the Sisters of Charity By AJ Keith, Communications intern

he drum is the most Goes Rolling Along” and “The universal instrument in U.S. Air Force” among others. the world, appearing But because it was founded in almost every culture around through the United Nations, the world in some variation; it comes as no surprise to see it is spotted in ceremonies of that the drum circle celebrates worship and celebration, but diversity and different cultures of the best part is that anyone music. For example, the group can play. According to Sister of will incorporate Native American Charity Shirley Le Blanc, who rhythms into their hour of founded the drum circle for the The Sisters of Charity drum circle gathers to create music and playing while also honoring the memories with each monthly meeting. Congregation four years ago, the various African traditions. When drum circle is perfect for those who want to get in touch with celebrating these different cultures, the drum circle uses a their inner selves, explore other cultures and invoke a spiritual wide array of different drums from all over the world, like awareness. the more commonly seen woodblock and tambourine or the exotic tubano, djembe and darbuka drums. After ministering as an NGO for the United Nations, Sister of Charity Caroljean (Cj) Willie had become acquainted with the different cultures around the world and some of their unique ways of using drums for praise and ceremonies. Inspired by the rich diversity, S. Cj requested that a drum circle be created, a task which drummer S. Shirley fulfilled after some research on the traditions around the world. S. Shirley has been drumming for 30 years for churches and choirs, making her the ideal choice to spearhead the program. Four years later, the drum circle boasts an impressive 33 attendants and a rhythm that is both unique yet communal. “Because of my love for drums, I was eager and I just flew with it,” S. Shirley says. One of the first practices that takes place in the drum circle is understanding the natural noises and tunes of the body, like the heart – often called the drum within the chest – and the breath – the rhythm of life. A typical meeting for the drum circle involves drumming to the sounds of other music. Despite this music playing, S. Shirley encourages others to match the beat of their hearts. S. Shirley says that even when the participants stray from the overarching rhythm, they are still gaining from the experience because they are expressing themselves freely and creatively which has a therapeutic effect on the drummer. As S. Shirley says, “We aren’t big drummers but we play from our hearts and we have fun doing it.”

Native American rhythms are among the many favorites of S. Shirley because it demonstrates how the drum circle mirrors the feelings of prayer and spiritualism in each drummer. To enhance this spiritual experience, S. Shirley will often hold the drum circle meeting outside to connect with the chirping birds and ruffling leaves. S. Shirley is happy to share her passion of drumming with others on the last Saturday of each month. She says that there is a tendency to express ourselves through drums, as people can be seen tapping their feet or marching to music that they like. While the participants enjoy being able to express themselves and broaden their horizons, S. Shirley looks at it as an opportunity to share her passions with others and to prove, as she says, that there is a little drummer in all of us. S. Shirley Le Blanc acts as drum circle facilitator.

When celebrating their fourth anniversary over the Memorial Day weekend, the drum circle played to the national anthem and paid homage to the U.S. Armed Forces for their service by playing along with “The Army VOLUME II, 2019

Share the Journey:

Stories at the Border By S. Patricia Wittberg

In one of the new refugee shelters in El Paso, Texas, the above mural was painted to make the shelter more welcoming to its guests.

his article is the second of Intercom’s three-part series on “Sharing the Journey” with the migrants who cross our borders from Central America. The previous article shared some of the reasons the migrants come, and how Sisters and Associates of Charity have joined other volunteers to help them. To date, at least 34 different congregations of women religious have sent volunteers to the border in the past year alone. Estimates have placed the number of Sister and Associate volunteers nationwide between 160 and 200. The present article will describe the work the SC volunteers did while on the border, and some of the experiences they and the migrants had. Those who couldn’t speak Spanish worked preparing meals and helping distribute donated clothes. Sisters Louise Lears and Juliette Sabo described the reactions of the migrants: Some only came with the clothes off their back, and that’s it. A little girl came in and held up a pair of underwear and said, “Mira daddy, mira daddy, mira,” which is “Look Daddy, Look Daddy, Look.” And she was so pleased with this pair of underwear. We still had a little bit of food left, and this one young man wanted more bread. He took the bread and picked up every bit of the juice left in the pan. He enjoyed it to no end. And after that, whenever we would see him in the hall, he would smile and pat his tummy. Others packed travel kits for the migrants to take with them on the bus; food for journeys that might last two or three days. The Sisters who could speak Spanish helped drive families to the bus station or airport to join their relatives or sponsors elsewhere in the United States. They also helped process the migrants when they first came to the shelters. Associate Patrice Harty described the process: They would bring their paperwork in, and we had forms that we had to fill out and questions that we had to ask, like, “Was there anybody else that was traveling with you that has been detained somewhere and you don’t know where they are?” We asked them about their health and we had to confirm where they 12

S. Peggy Rein (right) and her sister Theresa (left) accompany S. Peggy Deneweth to a refugee shelter to offer their volunteer services.

were going, and make sure that where their hearing was going to be held was in the same area where they were going, which didn’t always happen. The volunteers told numerous stories of experiences they had while working at these tasks. S. Caroljean Willie told of interviewing a mother with three small children, who only spoke a Mayan language. Her husband was already in the United States and had sent her plane tickets to Oakland, California. She had never been on a plane before and was terrified. S. Caroljean said that the hardest thing was not knowing what happened to the migrants after they left El Paso: “I want to know if Guadalupe ever got to where she was supposed to go. But we don’t know. We don’t know if they get to where they are going.” S. Annette Paveglio pointed out that the migrants’ future is not assured even after arriving at their destination: “If they stay there until their court date, they could still be sent back.” Associate Patrice Harty told of another situation: There was a mother and her daughter. The mother didn’t speak Spanish; she spoke only some Mayan dialect. The daughter was learning Spanish. I didn’t know if she understood the medical questions. Anyway, I N T E RC O M

this girl is diabetic. We had visiting doctors who would come to the shelters because there were so many kids with nasal congestion and coughs from the conditions. And he caught the fact that she was close to a diabetic coma. They sent her to the hospital. Her blood sugar was up over 570, I think. She hadn’t had any medication for six months. No insulin, nothing. There were also inspiring experiences. Sisters Christine Rody and Annette mentioned the deep faith of the migrants they served in El Paso: The Sister in charge said, “The people who have just come want to pray.” So she was inviting everyone to come and pray with them. And there was kind of an empty room with a good-sized crucifix, about four feet tall, and it was on a table so that people could gather around it. So this whole group of refugees stood around and Sister led them in prayer. We didn’t suggest to pray together. It was their idea. S. Sally Duffy, who volunteered at the shelter in McAllen, said that the migrants there organized a daily communal prayer service. Several Sisters mentioned the eagerness of the migrants to help out in the shelters: The men who were there were very helpful. They were the ones who volunteered for the cleaning crew. They’d clean the tables, sweep the floors, and do all that kind of stuff. The women were mostly watching the kids, trying to take care of their children. But they were stripping beds and collecting towels. In fact, that was what the work crew was composed of – someone from the volunteer staff who organized the people. Like, one day in the clothing room, we had about five women who came in. The place was chaotic because people just bring clothing and drop it off. Well, nobody had time to sort through it. These five migrant women brought order out of the chaos in the clothing room. Another group of women

At Nazareth House in El Paso, Texas, a shelter that welcomes migrants and asylum seekers, up to 135 guests can stay and receive temporary hospitality and travel assistance. Sisters Annette Paveglio and Mary Fran Davisson helped with the organization of the clothing donations.

organized themselves to do the meal preparation during their short shelter stay. The volunteers heard sad stories, too. S. Jean Miller recounted the story of one woman: One woman who was helping in the clothing room said she was from Guatemala. I asked her what part of Guatemala. She said: “Well, I am not really from Guatemala, I grew up in Honduras. The drug cartel killed my brother because he wouldn’t get involved. I was not at all involved in anything with him, but all of a sudden they were after me.” She said, “I got very fearful that I would be next.” So, she said, “I moved to Guatemala. I was there four months when they found me there, so I decided I would have to leave.” And so that’s what made her leave Guatemala. S. Caroljean told of a woman whose 12-year-old daughter was sent to a separate facility. The woman couldn’t find her, and so the girl was expected to travel on a bus by herself from El Paso to Florida. “That’s a recipe for disaster,” S. Caroljean said. Associate Evangeline Andarsio told a similar story: One of the women was separated from her husband. He was in a different detention center, and she started to cry. It was so sad to see her reaction of not knowing where her husband was located, the tears, and that she was pregnant.

View of the U.S.-Mexico border wall. VOLUME II, 2019

Only a small fraction of all the volunteers’ experiences can fit on these pages. But all emphasized that they were deeply affected by their time with the migrants. The third article, in Volume III of Intercom, will describe some of the lessons they learned. 13

Birding: The Life Birds of Friendship By AJ Keith, Communications intern

hen wings take to the sky during the changing of the seasons, Sister of Charity Marty Dermody and Associate in Mission Rita Wesseling are quick to grab their equipment to watch for the brilliant birds in the sky. Birdwatching, also known as birding, laid the groundwork for the friendship that took flight between S. Marty and Rita and has nourished the spiritual growth between them. A friendship that has endured for more than 50 years, the duo have no plans of stopping their unifying pastime. S. Marty became interested in birding when she was teaching at Corpus Christi in Dayton, Ohio, in the late 1970s. She heard of a class entitled “Spring Ornithology for Adults,” which was a 10-week program that was being offered at a nearby museum. Over the course of these weeks, S. Marty became familiar with the calls and songs of numerous birds and their colors. In addition, she learned about the various flowers and trees that were often associated with the birds that she would find. Eager to learn more, S. Marty took the class several more times even though she had moved away from Dayton. “I just couldn’t get enough,” she says. Rita, however, began birding as a result of S. Marty’s interest. Their friendship began in 1968 when they entered

the Community. However, their friendship became even stronger in the mid-1990s. While on a trip to Africa in 1995 with the Cincinnati Nature Center, Rita saw S. Marty’s interest in birds and began to take up the practice of birdwatching. Together, they recall seeing more than 300 birds on that trip alone. Rita began to hone the craft of birding through daily practice on this trip, but she was more pleased with the friendship that began to bud between her and S. Marty. Despite her skill and years of practice, Rita still humbles herself on her ability to birdwatch compared to S. Marty. She says, “I like to joke that I’m a kindergartener when it comes to knowing birds, but S. Marty has a Ph.D.!” The friendship began as a mutual love and respect for the Earth, but evolved into a friendship just as concerned with spirituality. As a result of S. Marty’s devotion, Rita felt called to be an Associate in Mission to the Sisters of Charity. To honor her mission as an Associate, Rita has taken part in many faith-based services for the Sisters of Charity. For example, Rita volunteers her time to help S. Marty with her ministry in spirituality, another important pillar of the friendship that they have created. While they mostly operate according to the travel and birding lists that they create on a year-by-year basis, their list

S. Marty Dermody (right) and Associate Rita Wesseling have traveled all over the world to find new species of birds together in exciting places like Glacier National Park in Montana.

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of accomplishments expands as often as their lists of tasks that they undertake. Their list of tasks is not exclusively based on the birds that they want to see, but the places they want to visit. “We see monuments and seek out birds and wildflowers. Wherever we go, we work those two things in,” S. Marty says. The list idea came from the organized mind of Rita, who compiles a list of places to visit, creates a budget and plans out when they can travel to these places. S. Marty will then find a list of birds that are specific to the places that they would like to explore. They are ultimately Though their passion is birdwatching, S. Marty Dermody (left) and Associate Rita Wesseling enjoy sightseeing in working towards crossing off items places like Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota just as much. that are on their all-encompassing bucket list. While they believe An appreciation for nature has always been an integral some of their desired locations are out of reach or just out of part of Rita’s personality as well, as the life of the outdoors budget, they are hopeful to visit these places one day. soothes her mind and puts her worries at ease for a short S. Marty and Rita have taken their friendship to staggering new heights and unfamiliar places to explore the various bird species. Some of the places that they have visited in the United States to spot some of these majestic winged creatures are Wyoming, Alaska, Alabama and Utah. Some of their more exotic and out-of-country experiences include Iceland and Africa. But, no matter where they are, they honor one tradition: they always make sure that they start off each new year by birdwatching together on the first of January. “Balance” is the word that the two most attribute to birding because it marries appreciation of the Earth to the faith that they share. The duo finds that it offers an escape that they can’t find anywhere else. Following a surgery, S. Marty wanted nothing more than to look at the birds out of the window, something that Rita made happen when she visited her in the hospital. Putting her in a wheelchair, Rita and S. Marty went on a small birding expedition to a nearby window. Birding also helps S. Marty appreciate the gifts of nature and creation, which puts into perspective the responsibility of all people for the stewardship of creation. “It’s just a respect for creation and a respect for nature,” S. Marty says. VOLUME II, 2019

period of time. Birding in particular gives her something else to focus on besides her anxieties, a distraction that she welcomes. As a retired science teacher, Rita is able to better appreciate this pastime with S. Marty because of her knowledge in biology, which makes it a unifying experience for the two. The “feathered friends” that they often see are responsible for their friendship and spiritual growth. When a birdwatcher spots a bird that they haven’t seen before, they are referred to as, “life birds,” but the friendship between S. Marty and Rita allows new discoveries to be found every day in birds, faith and one another. The two will continue to seek out new winged allies in every new exciting place that they visit, while always making sure that the other is learning and growing from the experience. In fact, Rita now considers herself more of a “first grader than a kindergartner” in birding skills because of S. Marty’s mentorship over the past 50 years. They hope to one day cross every item off of their bucket list, both in travel and in birding, all the while keeping each other in nurturing company.

Weaving Together Unstoppable Charity

t took 10 years for the dream to become a reality, but when the Assembly of the Whole finally convened June 13-16, 2019, in Chicago, Illinois, it was everything it was imagined to be. The momentous event brought together 551 participants of the Sisters of Charity Federation – members, Associates, staff and guests representing 14 congregations. Powerful, inspiring, hope-filled, the energy was palpable. The four-day gathering began with a moving opening ritual procession of the congregations. Sisters from each congregation carried in a colorful banner along with their congregational logo banners. Together, they were posted and woven together on the large, front dais. Attendees began by each sharing their “hopes” for the assembly and tying together their own, individual colored ribbons – weaving together unstoppable charity, the theme for the gathering.

Fr. Bill Morton, Sisters of Charity Associate, presided over liturgy on Friday of the gathering.

Love continued to weave itself through the activities of the following day as Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Joan Elizabeth Cook gave her presidential report. S. Joan focused on the Federation’s Futuring 2017 and Beyond document, emphasizing its two goals: deepening and widening relationships among the Federation and beyond, and effecting systemic change by addressing issues of social and ecological justice, particularly those living in poverty and on the margins. Throughout the remainder of the gathering those two goals would continue to be emphasized.

is the Answer.” She began: “These times beguile us with more questions than answers but we Sisters of Charity know the answer is love. One large life circulating through all … evolving in harmony with the becoming God.” S. Peggy stressed congregations are standing at the edge, together, facing the future with hope. She suggested that all are connected – God becomes what God loves and she calls us to repeat the pattern. S. Peggy concluded her address saying, “Christianity is a life and death system that shows us how to give away our lives, how to give away our love, and eventually how to give away our death … basically how to give away and in doing so … how to connect with the world, with others and with God.” A panel of reflectors and participants then had the opportunity to share their observations from the morning session and engage in small group discussions.

S. Peggy O’Neill, SC (Convent Station), brought her energy and lived experience to the keynote address, “Love

The second full day began with a focus on the deepening of relationships. “Vignettes of Unstoppable Charity,” a

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compilation of compelling ministry photos and inspiring videos contributed by the 14 Federation congregations, evoked laughter and tears and gave a glimpse of the generosity and compassion extended by the 2,650 members of the SC Federation. The vignettes served as a reminder that the faces of charity are not all alike, but they are building deep oneness through interculturality. Addressing issues of social justice, a discussion on homelessness ensued with S. Judy Warmbold, DC, coordinator of the DePaul USA Chicago DAX Program. She shared the reality of student homelessness at DePaul University in Chicago. S. Teresa Kotturan, SCN, Federation NGO representative at the UN, and Debbie Weber, director of the Sisters of Charity OPJCC and Associate, spoke on the work being done at the UN to stop homelessness. Debbie concluded the discussion with the affirmation of the Federation to acknowledge the critical need to end homelessness. The afternoon continued with a look to the future. Panelists responded to the question, “What is the next generation of unstoppable charity?” Their comments included being better together, the joy of charity, embracing diversity, beautiful encountering and the amazing mystery God is speaking to and leading us to. The day concluded with a banquet dinner and performance by Harmony, Hope and Healing who work to alleviate homelessness.

During the opening procession, Sisters from each congregation carried a colorful banner and their congregational banner into the meeting room.

S. Romina Sapinoso (right) was one of the panelists responding to the question, “What is the next generation of unstoppable charity?”

over the years and how to move forward together, weaving unstoppable charity. S. Andrea Koverman, a member of the planning committee, said the experience was special. “Aware that there were many Sisters across the Federation who had dreamed of the moment when we would all gather as one community, it was a privilege to help make it a reality. The planning committee itself was like a microcosm of what we envision the Federation evolving into as representatives from the various individual congregations brought their unique style of operation, their gifts and talents, and their differing perspectives to the table. There was a respectful appreciation and openness to each other. The result was a beautiful, inspiring and impactful experience for all who attended and even for those who participated via Livestream. Imagine what we’ll be able to accomplish if we move forward together in this manner … “… There is a strength in number, if for no other reason than the encouragement it gives knowing you are not facing such huge issues and suffering of people alone,” she continued. “As members of the Sisters of Charity Federation, we are not alone. God has blessed us with a deep, broad and diverse community and I can hardly wait to see how we in turn, together, can be blessing to others.”

The final day of the assembly began with an opening prayer, which included a Litany of Remembrance for Sisters who passed. Throughout the week, and through the advancement of technology, S. Sujita Kallupurakkathu provided reflections for participants related to the key messages of the day. On this final day of gathering, S. Sujita reflected on the theme Imaging the Future. Attendees were tasked to state a commitment to making a change or taking an action, and, since the Federation is writing its own story for the future, they were encouraged to come up with titles of chapters for the story that will be written. The assembly was a moving and thought-provoking time to consider what congregations have accomplished VOLUME II, 2019

The spirit throughout the gathering was one of joy, hope and togetherness.

One Voice By Karen Martin, Associate

“... [T]o forgo the luxury of separate ways when a common path can be found ...” That is the way of MARCC, the Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati. I am privileged to serve as a delegate from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Judicatory representing the Sisters of Charity through their Office of Peace, Justice and Care for Creation. As a delegate of MARCC, I have met inspirational and dedicated people from 15 Jewish, Roman Catholic, Muslim, Protestant and Unitarian-Universalist judicatories (local decision-making bodies of national denominations) who work intently and vigorously to develop a just and equitable community for the citizens of metropolitan Cincinnati. MARCC began in 1968 with a group of several different faith leaders interested in working together to bring a compassionate impact on local social problems. They realized that speaking in one voice is more effective and their work requires total consensus. If one denomination dissents, there is no action, unless abstention is chosen. MARCC’s work is sevenfold: listen, learn (including doing their own research and fact-finding), convene, send representatives, interpret, inform and advocate. MARCC works in a sovereign or political style, often behind the scenes, including: attending and commenting at public local and state government meetings and press conferences, writing letters and/or sending written statements on social justice issues to appropriate recipients, participating on advisory committees, and working with decision makers. MARCC’s executive board, one representative from each judicatory, meets weekly to determine the greatest needs and how best to proceed. MARCC’s Delegates Council, the representatives from each judicatory, convenes monthly to listen and learn, discuss and interpret information and make decisions. The delegates report back to their judicatory the results of the meetings, educate themselves and others about the local issues relevant to the key concerns, take action on priorities and policies of MARCC within their judicatory, increase awareness of MARCC’s unique role, and advocate for its support. 18

MARCC delegates from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Judicatory (front, from left) Rachel Anderson, Connie Widmer, (back, from left) Bob Ehrsam, Andrew Musgrave, and Karen Martin.

The MARCC judicatories work together at an annual planning meeting that includes a social dinner and intense discussion prior to voting for the year’s focus. Concerns include: community-police relations and justice reform; displacement, affordable housing and homelessness; economic inequality and employment/career readiness; public education, pre-k to university; interfaith dialogue, human rights and immigration. The 2019 priority concerns are: immigration/human rights, community-police relations/justice reform, and displacement/affordable housing/homelessness. One example of MARCC’s impact is to the current immigrant crisis. In response to the many immigrants who were taken to jail for minor offenses because they could not document their identity, MARCC developed the MARCC ID card with local Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities led the issuing of cards based on proof of identity and MARCC led the effort raising money to purchase equipment to produce the photo cards and negotiating agreements with local police departments to accept the card as valid ID. Almost 2,000 cards to date have been issued mostly to immigrants, but also to people returning from prison, and to the homeless who have lost identity documents. The ID has helped to create a safer, more inclusive and welcoming community! The monthly delegates’ meetings welcome guests. The speakers are professionals from the community and present valuable information related to local issues within the key concerns. Everyone can benefit from these meetings the second Wednesday of the month (no meetings July, August, November, February) at noon (bring your lunch) at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral downtown Cincinnati. No RSVP needed, sign in as a guest. I am a MARCC delegate. I am more informed, compassionate and involved in social justice issues. I am very grateful. For more information about MARCC visit marcconline.com. I N T E RC O M

My Second Novitiate By S. Donna Steffen

n October 2011, four days after burying my aunt, S. Florence Brotzge, I received a phone call from Leadership Formation liaison S. Lois Goettke asking me to discern being Novice Director. Wow! I set aside Thanksgiving weekend to pray about this question: “God, lead this, I don’t know the way.” As I wrote about my own call to and life as a Sister of Charity, my spiritual journey, I was filled with tears of gratitude. I found a strong “yes” in me. I desired to share what I had received in our Congregation with our newer members. My appointment as Novice Director began Jan. 1, 2012. First things first, I asked to make a 30-day Ignatian retreat. This retreat was such a grounding for me for the “work” of the Novitiate. Once again, gratitude filled me. Next, how do I put together a Novitiate? God responded again as I learned of a Novice Director in another community. After meeting with her for three hours, I had a sense of how to begin putting things in place. I could see a basic structure. I knew there was an extremely small Intercommunity Novitiate Program (ICN) in Cincinnati, and found a peer supervision group of Novice Directors. I called on a number of our Sisters as I wanted to share the rich heritage of who we are with our Novices, in addition to Novitiate class sessions. Every Sister I contacted said “yes!” As I searched for how/ where to have a component on sexuality, I learned of the St. Louis ICN. Things kept falling into place! Over time, I also discovered three yearly Total Formation programs held at Villa Maria, Pennsylvania, which provided connections, support, and learning. Over time, as I put together our Novitiate sessions, I received calls from other local congregations, and I became the coordinator of our local ICN! When questions about the next thing arose, whether it be putting together an assessment process, planning sessions, or personal conversations, I always knew what to do. God provided for me every step along the way. The to-be Novitiate community, Sisters Nancy Bramlage, Maureen Heverin, Carol Leveque, and Terry Thorman, moved to Bayley House. We planned an opening of Novitiate faith-sharing and goal-setting weekend at Lake Lorelei. All was unfolding – grace! I also was privileged to get to know more about our Federation. In particular I connected with the Novice Directors from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and Leavenworth, Kansas, and visited these motherhouses. With our Novices during the various years I was in Emmitsburg, Maryland, VOLUME II, 2019

Novice Director S. Donna Steffen (front, center) accompanied Novices five times to Emmitsburg, Maryland, to learn more about the life of founder Elizabeth Seton.

five times (I had never been there before!) When staying in Elizabeth Seton’s White House I was graced to pray in the chapel there about Novitiate questions. I also visited the motherhouses of the New York and New Jersey communities, as well as the New York Charity’s Novitiate in Guatemala. The Company of Charity Formation Personnel’s yearly Federation meetings helped me participate in the life of the Federation. Over time I had many personal encounters and learnings about the dynamics of Novitiate for talented professional women entering a religious community as Novice, while not being “new” in the rest of their life. I found I was an authority figure, an image I did not live out of internally, yet was the case for our new members. I was interested in deepening spirituality and personal growth! My retreat experience continued to unfold in my being as I wrestled with decisions for the Novitiate, given the experience of the newer members, the charism and leadership of our Congregation, and what was true in my own heart and spirit. I had to respond to God in faithfulness, at times with an unpopular choice. My time of being Novice Director will soon be complete. I have experienced God’s presence in so many ways. I am filled with even more gratitude than during my initial discernment of saying “yes”. My love of our Sisters and respect for the charism of our Congregation as it is lived fills my heart. As Elizabeth Seton exhorts us, “Be prepared to meet your grace in every circumstance of life.” It truly happens! 19

Art Academy Anniversary Intersects Sisters of Charity History By S. Judith Metz

hile most Cincinnatians are aware of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Cincinnati Reds as the first professional baseball team, fewer know that 1869 was also the year the Art Academy of Cincinnati opened. Originally known as the McMicken School of Drawing and Design, the school moved to Eden Park when the Cincinnati Art Museum opened in 1886. Cincinnati philanthropists Joseph and Nicholas Longworth, David Sinton, and Reuben Springer contributed generously to the adjacent Art Academy building that opened the following year. Here thousands of Academy art students had easy access to the museum’s collections for study and inspiration. During its early decades renowned artist and inspirational teacher, Frank Duveneck, served as dean and instructor at the three-story limestone and sandstone castle-like structure.

S. Appolonia Liguori

Among these students were four Sisters of Charity selected by Mother Sebastian Shea to attend classes in the first decade of the 20th century. All had previously done work under S. Stella O’Rourke, “the queen of the art department” at Mount St. Vincent’s, Cedar Grove. S. Appolonia Liguori, who for many years taught art at Cedar Grove, painted murals there and in the dining room at Mount St. Joseph. Her subjects included St. Vincent de Paul, Jesus and the disciples at Emmaus, St. Michael, and Nazareth Home life. She also contributed to the support of Saint Vincent Academy in Albuquerque by selling glass and porcelain pieces A porcelain-painted vase by S. Appolonia she painted. A large Limoges porcelain-painted vase Liguori. depicting angels, foliage and berries executed by S. Appolonia is on display in the Art Room at Mount St. Joseph.

S. Olivia Lefevre, another Art Academy student, specialized in designing and painting vestments and tabernacle veils. For 37 years she cared for the chapel at Cedar Grove and then did the same at the Motherhouse for another 15 years. In addition to her work, the beautiful arrangements of flowers and vases she created for the altars were greatly appreciated by Sisters, students, and visitors both at Cedar Grove and Mount St. Joseph. Olivia also painted florals and New Testament scenes on the dining room walls. S. Olivia Lefevre painted New Testament scenes on the dining room walls.

S. Olivia Lefevre

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S. Ann Xavier Magevney’s classes in drawing and painting at the Art Academy led her to specialize in painting on porcelain, a popular artistic medium in the early 20th century. Two of her oil-on-canvas paintings hang at Mount St. Joseph. “White Snowballs” is on display in the Rose Room, while S. Ann Xavier Magevney her small “Scene from St. Aloysius Academy” is found in the second floor corridor just outside the Rose Room.

S. Ann Xavier Magevney’s “White Snowballs” hangs on display in the Motherhouse Rose Room.

By far the most prolific of these students was S. Ernestine Foskey. An art teacher from her early days in the Community, she painted murals, oils, and watercolors at Sisters of Charity missions including St. Vincent Academy, Albuquerque, and Mount St. Joseph. She completed three large “Angel of the Battlefield” canvases, portraits of three of the Mothers of the Community, and a number of watercolor still-lifes that S. Ernestine Foskey currently adorn the halls and rooms of the Motherhouse. In addition to her own creative output, she taught and inspired art students at Mount St. Joseph Academy and the College of Mount St. Joseph for many years.

S. Ernestine Foskey is known around the Motherhouse as the artist behind three large “Angel of the Battlefield” canvases.

The Sisters of Charity connection to the Art Academy goes beyond these four Sisters. One of the Community’s goals was to foster appreciation of art among Sisters and students, and the Community’s art collection includes a number of works by Cincinnati artists who attended the Academy. The most prominent of these are Clement Barnhorn’s Carrara marble statues, “Madonna of the Lilies” and “St. Joseph and Child,” that adorn the side altars in the Motherhouse chapel. Oil paintings in the Art Room include works by Frank Duveneck, Elizabeth Nourse, John Weis, Martin Rettig, and Herman Wessel. John Ruthven prints are also displayed at the Motherhouse. The Sisters proudly join in congratulating the Art Academy of Cincinnati on this landmark anniversary.

VOLUME II, 2019

Serving Needs: Seton Enablement Fund Celebrates 40 Years

The Washing Well has provided Lower Price Hill community members Brandon Thomas (left) and Felicia Dowdy with the opportunity to run the day-to-day operations of the business, with the intended goal to eventually own it.

The Mission of the Seton Enablement Fund Committee is to assist the Congregation in living its Mission by providing loans and investments to community-based organizations that may not qualify for conventional financing as they serve the social justice needs of people living in poverty.

n 1979, during the Congregation’s Chapter of Affairs, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati initiated a formal program to allocate a portion of the Congregation’s unrestricted funds for the purpose of assisting systemic changes through loans and investments. Known as the Seton Enablement Fund (SEF), the low-interest revolving loan fund is a contemporary expression of the Sisters of Charity commitment to respond in faith to human needs. SEF serves primarily not-for-profit organizations who are unable to receive reasonable loans, if any, at banks. Monies are loaned at a low interest rate of usually 3 percent per year. The dedicated organizations SEF works with are engaged in creative and effective ways to simultaneously give back and economically empower the people they are serving. Through the SEF loans, the Gospel values and mission of the Sisters of Charity continue to reach far and wide. The Seton Enablement Fund is as relevant today as it was when it was created 40 years ago. It continues to seek 22

to alleviate and address the problems faced by the poor, investing in organizations and projects designed to enable the economically deprived in developing themselves. As we look back on the last 40 years of the Seton Enablement Fund, through articles in Intercom and on our website and social media, we look to highlight the work and efforts of a few of the organizations that have benefited from these loans.

Community Matters As executive director Mary Delaney states, “Community Matters exists with the vision to create a thriving community as defined by and driven by residents. Too often a thriving community is defined by a narrow set of economic measures and you can get there by displacing everyone that is in the neighborhood. They may have changed the overall look of the neighborhood but the lives of those in the neighborhood haven’t changed.” Community Matters believes that by investing directly in the people of Lower Price Hill (a neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio) through resident leadership, family stabilization and housing, they are able to help community members create a thriving community that doesn’t displace its residents. It was in late 2015 that Delaney said the organization was made aware of the Seton Enablement Fund. As the organization was looking at the barriers that faced residents, they realized the need for a community laundromat. Many I N T E RC O M

were left taking a bus or taxi to complete this household chore, only adding to its expense and time. To help, Community Matters came up with a plan to take on the startup costs of building the laundromat, residents would run the day-to-day operations, and once the startup costs were paid off and it was debt-free, the laundromat would be turned over to its residents. Through the suggestion of board member, Sister of Charity Kathryn Ann Connelly, Community Matters applied for a loan through the SEF that would enable the organization to purchase the equipment needed to get the project up and running. The Washing Well, as it became affectionately called, opened in 2016 and has become a much loved place in the neighborhood. Says Delaney, “The [loan] process was human-based and it aligned so well with our mission focus. Our goal with the laundromat is that we pay off the debt and transition to a worker-owned business. To get a great rate (3% fixed) it will allow us to do that within six years instead of 15 years. That’s a huge difference in the lives of those that are going to own that business. It would have taken us a much longer time with market lenders. … “I am grateful that the SEF recognized the need for this type of tool for nonprofits. Offering grants to nonprofits is critical but offering this type of access to capital, that is rooted in mission, it’s so well aligned with the needs of nonprofits and sadly rare to find,” she concluded.

With just under 99 properties in 11 states, Streblo says the loan’s biggest impact has been its ability to enable their residents to be part of the broader community. Individuals who have been segregated from society and not allowed to fully participate are now able to be engaged in their community – to live in a home of their own, to go to church or shopping, etc. “The Seton Enablement Fund makes it all possible,” she says. “Traditional lenders just didn’t understand our model and what we do. The other issue we were challenged with, interest rates were going up and that added more costs for us. Working with the Seton Enablement Fund and the rate being more reasonable helped our burden of not having increased expenses for the mortgage and refinancing that we would have been faced with if we had gone through a traditional bank or lender. “It’s an enormous mission and a really important mission. We are really proud of the impact we make and we are very appreciative of what the Seton Enablement Fund has done for us,” Streblo concludes. Editor’s Note: Additional articles related to the SEF fund can be found on our website at www.srcharitycinti.org/newsand-events/feature-stories/.

Options for Supported Housing With a focus on providing safe, quality community housing for people with developmental disabilities, Options for Supported Housing believes that individuals with developmental disabilities, who have greater personal choice in their living arrangements, employment, pastimes, and service providers, are more physically and mentally healthy. As a property owner and landlord to a very specific population of people – all low income and developmentally disabled – Options for Supported Housing offers its tenants the opportunity to enjoy the same right to living in the community as anyone else. The organization sought the help of the Seton Enablement Fund to help offset the cost to finance and provide housing for its residents. “Everyone we serve is somebody living below the poverty line,” explains Executive Director Kathy Streblo. “Increasing the rent is putting a greater burden on our tenants. The resources we have through our social lenders, like the SEF, allow us to maintain the rent as low as possible to allow people to have more money as needed for things like groceries, utilities, etc. The fund also allows us to properly maintain the home without any further burden to the tenant.” VOLUME II, 2019

With the help of the Seton Enablement Fund, Options for Supported Housing is able to help offset the cost to finance and provide housing for its residents. 23

Alive With the Spirit of God By S. Regina Kusnir

he Sisters who reside in Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility (MMH) have spent decades as women of prayer and of service to the people of God. Today they give others the opportunity to pray with and for them and to minster to them. They are especially appreciative of the efforts of the Sisters who comprise the Spiritual Life Department: Sisters of Charity Carol Leveque and Mary Gallagher and Franciscan, S. Elaine Merkel.

Elaine and Carol know that ministry is best when one prays with open arms, “Here I am, God. Use me.”

As the Sisters reflect on their ministry, they feel blessed to be pilgrims on the journey of life and are inspired by the Sisters. They are attentive to needs. Each Sister is a good listener. They become aware of what is meaningful to the Sisters and seek to provide the enrichment they look for.

What does their ministry mean to the Sisters in MMH?

S. Carol recognizes that she is able to draw on the gifts acquired in previous ministries. S. Mary relies on the Scripture passage, “Be still and know that I am God,” to balance listening with giving advice. S. Elaine finds being a Franciscan is an asset since she can listen objectively to the Sisters. Sisters Carol, Mary and Elaine plan their offerings according to what they have heard. There is daily Mass. They use Monday morning meetings to learn about health issues that need support, deaths, requests of nurses and who has not been seen for a while. They offer weekly group reflection based on the Sunday readings. They bring in retreat directors to provide three-day retreats twice a year. They help Sisters articulate their gratitude, joys, sorrows and the wonderful ministry and good they have done over the years. Together they have come to realize that God really directs their days and their plans. Like the Sisters they serve, Sisters Mary,

The Sisters they serve gift them. They model graciously growing old and letting go. They are patient in their suffering. Their friendship is vital to the ministry. They appreciate life and see aging and its limitations as part of the Paschal Mystery. Even in the midst of their challenges, they say, “How blessed are we and I am so grateful.” “The Sisters visit us often and hear our needs and concerns. They are very happy to serve us in their wisdom and understanding.” - S. Cheryl Ann Grenier “They are very friendly individuals who are involved in our lives. They are welcoming to all in MMH and to visitors. They treat everyone with welcoming hearts and respect.” - S. Kathleen Pagac “They give us beautiful opportunities for prayer. They encourage involvement and participation in liturgical and daily practices. They plan and provide each year for retreats and make sure that there is an atmosphere of silence in areas during that time. They provide ways to include each of us, and the inclusion makes us feel happy to serve, however we are able.” - S. Ann Hunt Sisters Carol, Elaine and Mary are alive with the Spirit of God. That Spirit brings joy and life to the Sisters in MMH. Spiritual Life Department staff members Sisters Mary Gallagher (back, left), Elaine Merkel, OSF (back, right) and Carol Leveque (right) say they are gifted by the Sisters they serve, including (front, from left) Sisters Cheryl Ann Grenier and Kathleen Pagac.

I N T E RC O M

Elizabeth Ann Seton Award Winners:

Risking A Caring Response By AJ Keith, Communications intern

ach year, the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award is given to individuals who exemplify the charism and teachings of the award’s namesake. This year, the award was given to Rick Theders for his various services through St. Joseph Home and the Clark-Theders Insurance Agency; Colleen McSwiggin for her numerous sustainability efforts; and Dr. Marie Pashi and Dr. Claver Pashi for their international relief for the impoverished citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The winners of this year’s award have demonstrated the Sisters of Charity influence in the world by honoring people who are enacting systemic change at home, in the environment and on behalf of people across the globe.

Elizabeth Ann Seton Award recipients for 2019 were honored during a prayer service on April 27, 2019, in the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Motherhouse chapel. Pictured (from left) Jacky Kalubi (on behalf of Dr. Marie Pashi and Dr. Claver Pashi), Rick Theders and Colleen McSwiggin.

Rick founded Clark-Theders Insurance Agency, or CTIA, in 1977. The agency has created the RiskSOURCE program, which is a risk management and mitigation program. This program is as responsive Doctors Claver and Marie Pashi were honored that she was even considered for the award, to the client’s needs as possible and boasts with the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for their social but would like to express her most sincere an impressive success rate as the closing justice works. thanks to the Congregation. rate for prospects is at 100 percent. The CTIA also features a quarterly theme that donates goods to Also grateful for the honor are Dr. Marie Pashi for her others in need, known as the Cares Program. In the past, the local humanitarian work in Cincinnati, and Dr. Claver Pashi CTIA was able to gather 450 pairs of socks through donations for his humanitarian work in the Democratic Republic of the with additional funding being raised for the Faces Without Congo, or DRC. Acting as both justice activists and educators, Places charity. “The Sisters of Charity Mission Statement talks Doctors Marie and Claver founded the Center for Community about serving the needs of others,” Rick says. “Each of us has the Engagement that teaches migrants career-readiness skills opportunity to give back.” so that they can succeed in the workplace. Dr. Marie is the administrator of the Child Development Center. Rick also volunteers his time at St. Joseph Home, which aims to meet medical and spiritual needs alike for the Dr. Claver, who teaches at the National Pedagogy University institution’s residents. He is a member of the board for this SC in the DRC, also grooms future leaders to be stewards “of the sponsored ministry and volunteers for their Day Program, which people.” One of Dr. Claver’s most notable services is providing helps adults with communication and skill development, and custom-made textbooks for the people that are taking his classes. their Greenspace Program, which focuses on care for creation. He has received funding from the Sisters of Charity so that he can help these citizens with their education. According to Colleen, another recipient of the award, has made care for Debbie Weber, the director of the SC Office of Peace, Justice and creation her primary focus. Through her numerous activities Care for Creation who co-nominated them, Doctors Marie and around Mount St. Joseph University where she is a chemistry Claver, “exemplify what it means to risk a caring response.” lab manager, Colleen is able to make a substantial difference for sustainability in her workplace and around Cincinnati. The Elizabeth Ann Seton award is a prestigious honor Some of these activities include her annual electronic recycling that only the most dedicated to service can earn, but this year’s events, updating the recycling system on the MSJU campus and winners far exceed expectations. These individuals demonstrate collecting denim that can be reused as insulation for houses. that the legacy of Elizabeth Ann Seton and her teachings are intact with each new life that they touch. Inspired by the Raised by a chemical engineer who grew up on a farm and a Sisters of Charity, all of the recipients are proud to represent teacher who taught her empathy, Colleen attributes her care for the Congregation and its mission statement by risking a caring creation to her parents that taught her the “interconnectedness” of the planet and its people. Colleen says that she was astounded response to others. VOLUME II, 2019

Ripples: Kathy Ciarla By AJ Keith, Communications intern

athy Ciarla, the president of Cincinnati’s Seton High School, is more than just a natural leader and prayerful Catholic; she’s more than just a graduate of Seton High School that has returned to make her alma mater proud; she is a shining example of how the Sisters of Charity are changing lives to this day through the lives that they’ve touched. Between Kathy’s volunteer work and her career, she has been using her faith and talents to empower the young women of Seton High School who will carry on the spirit of the Sisters of Charity. Since before she was born, Kathy has had connections to the Sisters of Charity; her parents, who taught at St. William Grade School, worked alongside some of the Sisters of Charity and Kathy would eventually attend this same grade school. Additionally, Kathy’s mother was a graduate of both Seton High School and the College of Mount St. Joseph, both sponsored ministries of the Sisters of Charity. Kathy met numerous Sisters of Charity throughout her academic career since the first grade when she was taught by S. Cookie Crowley. It was the late S. Helen Attenweiler that helped prepare Kathy for her First Communion in the second grade; also, during preparation for her Confirmation, Kathy chose Elizabeth as her Confirmation name because she was inspired by Elizabeth Seton’s trials as a widow and her dedication to caring for others. She would also be taught by many SCs in Seton High School, including Sisters Benedicta Mahoney, Mary Dolores and Marie Irene Schneider. These Sisters were just a few of the many role models and inspirations that Kathy had that

nurtured her faith. In addition, Kathy worked with the Sisters in a co-op position at the College of Mount St. Joseph where she attended, which has since become Mount St. Joseph University. “Every year growing up, I had them as one of my teachers,” she says. “I like to joke that the Sisters of Charity raised me.” When Kathy graduated from the Mount in 1992 with a major in Communications, Seton High School needed someone to run their Development Department for six months until a director was hired. Though she was hesitant to return to her alma mater, she found that she was a natural fit as an employee like she was a natural fit as a student. She says, “After the first week I asked myself why I would ever leave.” Kathy was hired by her former principal, S. Brenda Busch, who continues to be a mentor and friend to her today. After the six-month period had been fulfilled, Seton High School decided that Kathy was the ideal choice for the position and was hired as the director of the school’s Development Department. Kathy attributed her professionalism to her “fantastic education,” stating that she was well-equipped for the workplace because of the Sisters. She stayed for eight years, leaving to become a stay-at-home mom after her second child was born. Kathy continued to volunteer at her high school for eight years before returning to work in the Development Department once again. She stayed for five more years, but was looking for new opportunities to grow in a professional setting. Eventually finding work at the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati for five years, Kathy was surprised to learn that the organization was founded by Sister of Charity Julia Mary Deiters. “I knew that was a sign,” Kathy says. Working alongside the Sisters of Charity once more, Kathy was approached by the board of Seton High School to see if she was interested in the presidency. She accepted and has been there for four years, something that she describes as a “wonderful experience.”

Seton High School President Kathy Ciarla (second from right) says she is incredibly grateful to the Sisters of Charity for their willingness to help the upcoming generations thrive. 26

Having many of the Sisters of Charity as religion teachers, Kathy realized from an early age that her beliefs were well-aligned with the charism of the Sisters. Recognizing how faith plays an important role in every part of daily life, Kathy has seen how hers has benefitted her on a I N T E RC O M

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 260 Sisters are joined in their mission by 198 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 19 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 Seton High School President Kathy Ciarla (standing) encourages students to give back to their community through service.

daily basis. Her loving relationship with God is ever-evolving, but she also prays to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton to live by her example. “I credit who I am today to the role models I had,” she says. “The staff that taught me at Seton, my parents and the Sisters of Charity have all been my role models.” True to the mission of the Sisters of Charity, Kathy has encouraged all of those around her to take part in serving others. Because of her degree in Communications, Kathy has used her skillset in fundraising and public relations to further the mission of the Sisters of Charity. This includes the many outreach services that Seton High School provides, such as their Earth Day projects, food baskets and week-long mission trips. Kathy notes that the students of Seton often exceed their graduation requirement of service hours because they find that giving back to the community is as rewarding for them as it was for Kathy. Kathy’s family life has also been a witness to the many ministries of the Sisters of Charity. Her husband, Pat, was also educated by the Sisters of Charity at St. William and their daughter is currently enrolled in Seton High School, receiving the highest quality education that the staff can offer. She extends her faith life to her two sons as well, as their faith acts as a bedrock for their family. “I have three kids to pass on traditions to,” Kathy says. As the president of Seton High School, Kathy is able to impart their mission to the young women who will inherit the earth. However, Kathy is constantly learning from the Sisters of Charity. Several members of the board of Seton, such as S. Annette Marie Paveglio, have guided and mentored Kathy through the majority of her years at the school, but she finds that there is always something new and important to be learned. Kathy has been incredibly grateful to the Sisters for their willingness to watch the upcoming generations thrive. Eager to help young women by nurturing them to the same mindset that the Sisters helped her find, Kathy will continue to influence the lives of these young women. “I continue to be amazed by the Sisters,” she says. “They have empowered me to be the best version of myself and I’m just trying to do what’s right.” Kathy remains faithful to the charism of the Sisters of Charity and is still as excited about it as the day she accepted the position as president of Seton High School. To this day, Kathy maintains close relationships with the Sisters that she has encountered in her life. Living out their mission, Kathy has become an empowering example to future generations of women while also making her Sisters of Charity teachers and mentors proud. VOLUME II, 2019

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

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14 The 50-year friendship of S. Marty Dermody (left) and Associate Rita Wesseling continues to grow through their mutual love for travel and birding.

22 The Washing Well, a community laundromat offering access to safe, affordable, and local laundry in the Lower Price Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati, opened in 2016 with the help of a loan from the Seton Enablement Fund.

(From left) Sisters Andrea Koverman and Peggy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, SC (Convent Station), enjoy a moment together at the first-ever Sisters of Charity Federation Assembly of the Whole in June.