A Letter From Our Sister
in
Leadership
“See, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth. The time for singing has come.” - Song of Songs Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends,
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t this writing, the green of spring has not yet arisen, but the birds are singing and the horizon for the end of the pandemic draws closer. Hope is growing! The lines above seem especially fitting after this long year of so many challenges.
Contents Features Unanswered Prayers........................... 6-7 S. Ginny Scherer’s call to teach. Living the Charism of Elizabeth Ann Seton.................................................. 8-9 Educators reflect on Elizabeth’s influence. Called to Teach....................................10 S. Mary Alice Haithcoat’s dedicated education ministry. In the Name of Love...................... 16-17 S. Sandy Howe walks with family seeking asylum. Blessings Among Us....................... 18-19 SC Community gifted with presence of six international Sisters. Carrying Forward the Spirit........... 20-21 Years after Elizabeth’s death, Cincinnati SCs follow in her spirit.
Departments EarthConnection.................................11 Working Toward a Sustainable Future
As the dormant days of winter seem to indicate an absence of life, we know that deep within is the silent work that prepares life waiting to come forth. This issue highlights a variety of the transforming both inside and out of the Mount campus, as well as the ongoing mission of education that is part of our Charity legacy. The stories illustrate that the journeys, much like the seasons, contain chapters of dying and rising to new life. Much has happened in preparation for the deconstruction of Seton Hall: offices moved, new spaces and places rearranged and renovated even as doors had to remain closed and distances kept. All this in a building that has housed some form of schools, offices, school again, Sisters, retreatants, etc. over these many years. We are excited to share all that has happened over these months as the cranes have certainly brought an end to any silent waiting! Sisters Ginny Scherer and Mary Alice Haithcoat, some of our extraordinary educators, are highlighted in this issue. They are part of the rich lineage and legacy of the Sisters of Charity in education as S. Pat Wittberg has so well depicted in her introduction. It is truly a legacy of love. As you will find in reading about the happenings at EarthConnection, in our Series on Racism, and with our former international guests, there is much continuing in the mission of Charity to move us forward. As flowers appear on the earth, may it be a time for singing for all of us. The journey continues. Blessings,
Timeless Treasures................................26 The original oak tree near Elizabeth’s first gravesite.
S. Monica Gundler, SC
OPJCC................................................27 Transforming Racisms at Three Levels of Society
In Memoriam
On the Cover: Since 2018, Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Sandy Howe (back, second from right) has ministered as the Community’s Newcomers Transitions Program Coordinator. During this time she has walked with Samuel (right) and his family as they sought asylum and acclimated to a new country. Read more on pages 16-17. Disclaimer: The information contained in Intercom is intended for general information and educational purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are the views of individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.
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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. Janet Marie Wehmhoff January 4, 2021
S. Irene Luther February 2, 2021
S. Theresa Ann Moran March 8, 2021
S. Jacqueline Riggio January 20, 2021
S. Marie Patrice Joyce February 10, 2021
S. Carol Bauer March 13, 2021
S. Regina Tevis January 24, 2021
S. Lucien Marie Davis February 22, 2021
S. Kathleen Houck April 12, 2021 I n terc o m
