Intercom Vol. II 2020 by Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati

Intercom

Volume II, 2020

S i s t e r s

o f

C h a r i t y

o f

C i n c i n n at i

A Letter From Our Sister

Leadership

Dear friends,

A Contents Features A New Reality.................................... 4-5 How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed Us. Empowering Lives for Change......... 8-10 Working In Neighborhoods uses holistic approach to community development. A Giving Heart....................................11 Associate Peggy Brockman’s devotion to the poor and homeless.

s a global pandemic threatened, “stay-at-home” directives brought to a swift end our daily ministry commitments and routines. The abruptness and intrusiveness of this moment resulted in the cruelest of necessities—physical distancing from one another. Throughout, we have been together in constant prayer for our world. Lent unfolded with a more-than-usual somber tone. Easter was underscored by our efforts to “flatten the curve,” a resurrection of sort for our world. Pentecost arrived just as a ritualization of our new normal felt necessary for moving forward. We welcomed the Spirit’s encouraging salve. Meanwhile, news reports began to highlight newly unemployed people telling their stories about suddenly experiencing homelessness. How do you “stay at home” when you have no home? Bonds of charity, tethering us precariously to one another’s fate, stretch into the suffering of our world. As you will read in this issue of Intercom, there is an urgency in turning our collective attention toward our sisters and brothers experiencing homelessness, now made even more tragic by a pandemic.

Where is God in this unfolding human drama?

Amazing Graces.............................. 12-14 SC Sponsored Ministries risk a caring response to students and their needs.

The clarifying truth for our time is that God is in la lucha—the struggle.

God is in the endurance we glimpse in one another’s spirit.

Changing Lives One Donation at a Time..............................................15 S. Pat Newhouse’s volunteer ministry at Haven House.

God is in the extraordinary commitment of our Sisters of Charity employees, caring for usual and unusual details of daily living.

Never Giving Up Hope.................. 22-23 S. Nancy Crafton’s ministry to immigrant farm workers in Avondale, Colorado.

God is in our grieving for the suffering of COVID-19 victims and for the unemployed struggling to economically survive.

Departments OPJCC................................................20 Systemic Change Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching EarthConnection.................................24 Living Lightly on Earth Timeless Treasures................................25 S. Jean Patrice Harrington’s honorary doctoral degree Moments in Ministry...........................27 St. Mary’s Elementary and High School, Lansing, Michigan On the Cover: (Back row, from left) Sisters Whitney Schieltz, Barbara Busch, (front row, from left) Brenda Busch and Annette Muckerheide empower others to make informed choices for themselves and their neighborhoods through their ministries at Working In Neighborhoods in Cincinnati, Ohio. Read more on Pages 8-10. 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.

God is in our gratitude for our Charity Family. We are Eucharist to one another, even when apart.

God is in the risk-taking of health care workers, in the teaching of parents at kitchen tables-turned-classrooms, in the restaurant employees converting bustling social environments into safe centers of nourishment for the “weary hungry.” God is in generations of broken humans, especially our African-American brothers and sisters, struggling still to overcome disparity of every kind. God is in the awakening acknowledgement of unfair advantage and privilege. God is in pending justice.

God is dwelling with our wounded earthly Home.

In the days ahead, may you be well, peaceful, and at home in God’s healing embrace.

Blessings,

S. Marge Kloos, SC

In Memoriam Please visit “In Memoriam” at www.srcharitycinti.org for biographical information and reflections on the Sisters of Charity and Associates who have died. May our Sisters and Associates enjoy the fruits of their labor as well as peace with their God. S. Rebecca Hurr April 3, 2020

S. Mary Pauline Tsai June 18, 2020

Associate Rita Wesseling June 28, 2020

S. Catherine Kirby April 14, 2020

Associate Jo Ann Ballinger June 27, 2020

S. Florence (Rose) Izzo July 11, 2020 I n tercom

The Mission Continues … By S. Monica Gundler

“T

he World Turned Upside Down,” a refrain from the blockbuster musical Hamilton, seems an apt description of the last five months. The reality of a worldwide pandemic and the egregious ongoing evidence of systemic racism have reframed our lives. In addition, the great suffering of so many of the most vulnerable among us has multiplied by the economics of the pandemic. Protests in the streets, daily shifts in the graphs of virus news and the constant uncertainty about employment and economics adds to the mix of frustration, anger and discouragement. These months have also seen changes in how we spend our days. We have had to cancel, postpone and learn new technology. We are in uncertain days and the horizon seems to shift with each passing week. There is loss and grief. There have also been gifts. The planet has literally been given a “breather.” Reports of cleaner air and water, animals wandering deserted streets and blooming new life offer respite from the headlines of gloom. The roads and the skies are less crowded with engines, bicycles are sold out, and nature has gained new admirers.

New precautions and protocols have been implemented at the Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall to keep employees and Sisters healthy and safe.

• Daily prayer at the Motherhouse is accessible to the public via livestream and a variety of Zoom gatherings have offered opportunities for connection in these days of living apart.

The gifts and challenges of this time are partners that unfold in a myriad of experiences. As with almost the entire planet, the shifts require navigating new realities.

• Technology updates and assessments are in process to provide broader access and more user-friendly equipment moving forward.

When presented with the challenges and dilemmas of his day, St. Vincent de Paul famously asked, “What must be done?” As Sisters of Charity, we know the answer does not concern only ourselves, but always our brothers and sisters in need.

• As new needs have emerged, donations were made to organizations serving those affected by the economic downturn and those involved in addressing justice issues specific to systemic racism.

In the days since mid-March, when “the World Turned Upside Down,” a variety of responses to St. Vincent’s question have arisen:

• In addition to affirming statements from both the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) on the commitment to racial justice, we pledge to continue to raise our voices and work for systemic change and to examine our own lives before our God. Pope Francis has challenged us to remember, “We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form ... and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.” Action and advocacy are a vital part of moving forward with our commitment through our investments, vendors, etc.

• At the Motherhouse, weekly COVID-19 Zoom updates from all departments with the Leadership Team allow for ongoing planning and updated information to be communicated in a timely manner. Precautions and protocols for staying safe have been implemented in all parts of the campus for employees and Sisters. • The Motherhouse Property Planning Committee has continued to move forward with finding new locations for offices and creating a timeline for proposed renovation and progress toward the emptying of Seton Hall. A presentation to the Congregation in May via livestream gave updates on the process. The next steps of implementation and relocating are underway. V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

• In a variety of new circumstances, Sisters, Associates and employees have been creative in responding to the needs of these days with generosity, prayer, and service. The mission continues, even when the world turns upside down. 3

A New Reality:

How the Pandemic Has Changed Us

n March 2020, the United States began to experience the reality and urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic. As schools closed, businesses shut down and stay-at-home orders were mandated, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and their Leadership Team found it vital to make numerous decisions and changes to assure the health and safety of Sisters and SC employees.

Bill Owen, activities director, and his staff were permitted onsite throughout the pandemic and continuously worked to generate new and varied opportunities to keep Sisters engaged throughout quarantine. Group exercise amongst the floors, movies televised in their rooms and even Bingo streamed from the Community Room to the individual floors were welcome additions. Outdoor opportunities proved to be important to the mind and spirit as well. The Sisters were filled with joy and gratitude during a campus 5k walk/run on Earth Day, and while only open to Sisters of Charity this summer, the Motherhouse pool has offered time to enjoy the warm sun and physical activity.

The continuing spread of the virus in its early days in the U.S. made it clear that measures needed to be taken mid-March to alter the living and workplace environment at Mount St. Joseph. Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall (MMH) were asked to During this time of quiet and quarantine, S. Martha Walsh has found the many blessings gifted to her. remain in the facility, unable to see or visit with Sisters living in the Motherhouse or off-campus, One of the most significant changes for Sisters in the and likewise Sisters living in the Motherhouse were asked to Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall was the suspension stay in their building. of Mass at Mount St. Joseph. Following the lead of the Archdiocese dispensing the Catholic faithful from their MMH resident S. Jean Miller reflected on the slow and obligation to attend Sunday Mass, one of the many blessings quiet of the experience at the time: “I must say that I am that Sisters Jean and Martha noted came in the form of enjoying doing the things I like to do without cramming daily prayer services that were organized by Sisters Marty them in to a schedule. Yes, I have time to read good books, Dermody, Terry Thorman and Mary Catherine Faller. do jigsaw puzzles, and take long walks to experience the The experiences were livestreamed at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. beauty of spring’s budding. I have tried watercolor painting from the Motherhouse chapel. The three Sisters received in various times in my life with a few lessons but now I can enjoy good teachers helping me with watercolor and acrylics.” positive feedback from Sisters as well as those outside the Community, saying the services provided them with a sense of Added S. Martha Walsh, “The first thought I had was connectedness. what I could not do sheltering on the sixth floor of Assisted Sisters ministering and living at the Motherhouse have Living. But, gradually, this began to change into seeing also felt the change in routine and lifestyle. S. Mary Catherine the situation as a blessing, not denying the challenges. The is the hospitality coordinator at the Motherhouse and also blessings have come from all the staff in Mother Margaret lives in Marian West. She offers her perspective: Hall, who have cared for us with cheerful attitudes; this includes all support services: nursing, activities, environmental “In many ways it feels like I have been living in what I services, maintenance, and nutrition.” call ‘an oblong bubble’ for the past three months. There has been a major decrease in person-to-person interaction. We Only essential clinical and maintenance staff were now hold most meetings via Zoom or conference call. … permitted at Mount St. Joseph for most of the month of The Front Desk area of the Motherhouse is dead! Since the April; all other employees were asked to work from home doors are locked, there are no comings and goings. There remotely, as they were able. Their dedication to the Sisters’ was an eerie quiet for the first couple of months. Now, there health and safety as well as attention to the total campus are at last a few more people circulating. I definitely miss the during those uncharted days, were more than appreciated by contact I usually have with employees as well as guests.” the Sisters, Leadership and administrative staff. 4

I n tercom

Throughout the pandemic, (from left) Sisters Mary Catherine Faller, Terry Thorman and Marty Dermody have created relevant prayer experiences daily that are livestreamed from the Motherhouse chapel.

method is to demonstrate and then to physically assist them in learning these important skills properly – trying to do this virtually is difficult for both of us.” Rewards of online teaching have also been present. S. Alice Ann is grateful to be able to allow her students to continue with the music they love and that she is able to help them share music with others. In fact, this spring they were able to still hold the annual spring concert online with hundreds of people from all over the world joining on Zoom.

S. Alice Ann O’Neill has used technology to continue teaching her cello students during this time of quarantine and physical distancing.

As for her living area, S. Mary Catherine says, “I live with a great group of women on Marian West. Although we have all probably had our days when we felt overwhelmed, we have been able to support each other. We find it much easier to schedule times to have a meal together because our social calendars are pretty empty!” Sisters living off campus in homes or apartments have also felt the changes around them. S. Alice Ann O’Neill is a Suzuki cello instructor and ministering in the pandemic has led her to develop new ways of teaching her students. She began offering online lessons to her students from her home. She says, “I am constantly learning more layers of new technology to achieve high quality video, and more importantly better sound. … My online teaching has itself required a tremendous amount of energy. Inperson interaction tends to produce energy, however online interactions require less physical movement and more looking into a screen all day which has a draining effect. The most challenging lessons I teach are my 3-year-old students who are just learning to hold their bows and cellos. The usual V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

Ministries of the Sisters of Charity, like the Spirituality Center and EarthConnection, have also used the time to reevaluate their programs, providing more virtual presentations and opportunities to those from a distance. In June EarthConnection began offering Zoom presentations on environmental topics every two weeks. Topics included “Ecospirituality” and “Journaling with Nature.” In recent years the ministry has been involved with the Girl Scouts, offering tours and programs for all ages of scouts to earn badges. With schools and their programs on hold through summer, EC has been providing activities online for troops, even sponsoring an essay contest on environmental topics with prizes in three age groups. The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Spirituality Center announced it would be offering Virtual Directed Retreats from June 14-20. In these online retreats Dr. Nicki Verploegen, S. Patmarie Bernard and S. Maureen Heverin met with participants for an hour each day via phone or computer to help pray and recognize how God is speaking. As we look to the future it is still unclear what the rest of our summer or fall will look like. For now, we find peace in knowing that God is present among us and has guided us in living in this new moment. To read additional reflections from Sisters and Associates, please visit the Sisters of Charity website at https://www. srcharitycinti.org/news-and-events/feature-stories/. 5

Housing Our Future By S. Sally Duffy

ithout a bed, pillow and a roof a person finds it very difficult to find and sustain employment, address a health issue such as substance abuse, mental health or diabetes, or support their children’s education. Hardworking persons often experience homelessness or being one paycheck away from being evicted. Before the pandemic the Federal Reserve reports that 40 percent of Americans do not have more than $400 cash reserves. Poverty is a multi-faceted issue and its elimination requires a multi-faceted approach. A recent study conducted by the University of Cincinnati revealed that 71 percent of jobs in the metropolitan statistical area that includes Cincinnati will not lead to self-sufficiency. Holding a steady job is not necessarily a ticket out of poverty. Another issue related to the movement out of poverty is the cliff effect. Unfortunately if you improve your income at a wage just above $20,000 per year while receiving public benefits, you become vulnerable to losing public benefits. This is known as the “cliff effect.” “The combination of rising housing costs and stagnating incomes is creating unprecedented housing affordability challenges in Hamilton County” including Cincinnati. Unfortunately, this is also a situation experienced in New Orleans, Louisiana, Bay City and Detroit, Michigan, Dayton, Ohio, and Denver, Colorado. Systemic racism has impacted housing for people of color due to redlining, restrictive deed covenants, white flight and fewer approvals for a loan. Nearly one-third of Hamilton County households live in unaffordable housing. Median gross rent (includes utilities) for a two-bedroom apartment is $831. Seventy-five percent of the homes within Cincinnati are more than 40 years old. Low-income families and immigrants are often at a disadvantage to get repairs made to prevent asbestos, high lead levels, mold and bug infestation. There is a difference between affordable housing and safe, quality affordable housing. Mixed income neighborhoods are often the goal in terms of housing. You avoid having a concentration of high income and wealth (property and stocks) or a concentration of low income and minimal wealth. Most people want to feel safe in a neighborhood where they can choose to work, live, play, worship, and educate their children.

Poverty is a multi-faceted issue and its elimination requires a multi-faceted approach. The income level of a neighborhood is usually readily identifiable if you see fast food restaurants, quick tax stores, payday lenders, social service agencies and gas stations that also serve as food markets. Another neighborhood will be walkable and have restaurants, banks, clothing stores, coffee shops, nationally recognized grocery stores, wine stores and yoga and fitness centers. Why not just fix up the houses or apartment buildings? One of the challenges with housing is gap financing. In an area where the median home values are low to buy a home, a comprehensive community development organization (CDC) can purchase the home, have holding costs and improvement costs of new HVAC, eliminate lead and asbestos, re-wire electricity, fix the infrastructure, and modernize closets and bathrooms. With the housing market you sell the house for $75,000 plus fees and closing costs. The gap financing is a loss of $33,000. If the house is built on a hill, the loss can be $48,000. The gap financing for an older apartment building becomes even more expensive because of the same issues plus bringing the building up to code (elevators and water sprinklers). “Housing Our Future: Strategies for Cincinnati and Hamilton County” is a comprehensive housing plan that was led by Greater Cincinnati Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) with extensive community participation. This plan is recommending 34 key actions to produce and preserve affordable housing, protect the most vulnerable residents from housing insecurity, and alter underlying systems that affect housing access and the capacity to create change.

I n tercom

What are some systemic and structural changes that can provide safe, quality and affordable housing and also prevent evictions? 1.

Create an initiative or a community challenge for all employers to pay a living wage.

Address the cliff effect so there is an upward slope to move and stay out of poverty rather than a cliff.

Start and/or expand an Affordable Housing Trust Fund such as grants, loans, credit enhancement, tax deductions or the waiver of developer fees for projects including affordable housing. Explore new revenue sources such as hotel and/or Airbnb taxes or eviction filing fees. Additional investments can also be requested of corporations, philanthropy, and not-for-profit organizations.

Advocate for a National Housing Trust Fund or the Housing Is Infrastructure Act (H.R. 5187/S2961) that would invest more than $100 billion to improve housing infrastructure, build affordable rental homes and create jobs.

Advocate for an increase in housing choice vouchers such as the Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act (S. 3083) that would create an additional 500,000 housing vouchers and benefit low-income families with children under 6 to expand their opportunities for better jobs and high performing schools.

Advocate for the Eviction Crisis Act (S.3030) that establishes a federal emergency grant assistance program that helps to prevent homelessness and creates a national database to track evictions, and/or currently advocate for the Cares Act in the Senate.

Advocate for the Rent Relief Act (H.R.2169/S.1106) that creates a new refundable tax credit for renter households paying more than 30 percent (cost burdened) of their gross income for the taxable year on rent and utilities.

Modify tax incentives such as tax abatements in high opportunity neighborhoods that must include affordable units in order to receive the tax benefit. Expand tax abatements to include two to 10 units conditioned on having some affordable units.

Amend zoning codes that limit the production, preservation and location of affordable housing. Update zoning maps and codes to allow denser development beyond single family homes.

10. Establish a housing court. In Ohio this would be a county housing court that can assist with keeping landlords accountable, and providing more expertise, remedies, mediation and legal counseling.

11. Expand tax relief for vulnerable homeowners. Tax relief can be through a freeze, deferral or an abatement for low and moderate incomes such as seniors.

12. Expand opportunities for new innovative models for home ownership that reduce racial disparities, create generational wealth through home ownership and stabilize neighborhoods such as the homesteading program in Price Hill (p. 25 “Housing Our Future”) and St. Bernard Project homes in New Orleans.

13. Rental registration and inspection programs including lead. You know a home or restaurant has been inspected but not a rental apartment. For landlords choosing not to fix and resolve health and safety issues, there are penalties and increased inspections.

14. Create a fund to assist with legal assistance related to tangled titles. In New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina this issue was experienced often when the person living or had been living in that home, and claiming an ownership interest, is not actually listed on the deed. Tangled title may occur when a house is inherited, and the name change is not properly recorded. Rent-to-own agreements can also lead to tangled title.

15. Review “Housing Our Future: Strategies for Cincinnati and Hamilton County” for additional system changes. https://www.lisc.org/ media/filer_public/6e/a0/6ea0be11-fc3a-4a07-bcac52f73172c96e/strategy_guide_-_5-26-2020.pdf

Editor’s Note: S. Sally Duffy served on the Equitable Zoning and Policies Task Force for the comprehensive housing plan “Housing Our Future: Strategies for Cincinnati and Hamilton County” and also serves on the board of Price Hill Will. V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

Empowering Lives for Change

mpowering people to make informed choices for themselves and their neighborhoods through community building, home ownership, and economic learning has long been the mission of Working In Neighborhoods (WIN), the nonprofit organization formed to help low- and moderateincome residents in Cincinnati’s neighborhoods. At the heart of WIN’s mission is its ability to create environments where neighbors can speak for themselves and gain a voice in issues directly affecting them. Sisters Barbara Busch, While in Washington, D.C., to attend the Just Economy Conference hosted by the National Community Whitney Schieltz, Brenda Busch Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), S. Barbara Busch (back, center), WIN staff and Beekman corridor residents and Annette Muckerheide minister met with Senator Sherrod Brown and a representative from Senator Rob Portman’s office to advocate for a in either full-time or volunteer strong Community Reinvestment Act and commitments to affordable housing. roles at the organization and took the time to provide insight into the financial literacy, sustainability and energy education, health organization’s efforts to help their residents develop strategic and fresh food access, beautification and safety, walkability plans that build toward positive change for themselves, their and transportation, youth education and engagement, job families and their neighborhoods. training and employment. Building or fixing up a house Working In Neighborhood’s mission is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago. S. Barbara Busch is the organization’s executive director and co-founded WIN in 1978 as a result of her former ministry. As a social worker with Catholic Social Services, S. Barbara saw the need for a Cincinnati organization that trained people to advocate for themselves and to address the bigger issues leading families into the cycle of poverty, such as a lack of affordable housing, skyrocketing utility rates and a shortage of living-wage jobs. Homeownership emerged as a key focus. “We were working on the principle that residents should take ownership of their community – it became apparent they needed to own their own property to do that,” S. Barbara said in a previous interview. “Communities needed homeownership to create stability.” This vision expanded through the years as it became clear and necessary to provide residents with the knowledge and resources needed to allow them to make informed choices. Housing Coordinator S. Whitney Schieltz explains, “WIN’s holistic approach to community development is a major ingredient for success. WIN also focuses on issues regarding 8

may provide a roof over a family’s head but it takes a lot of other elements to improve their quality of life. Additionally, while WIN does provide direct services and some immediate aid, our main focus is on systemic changes and personal empowerment.” According to WIN’s website, research throughout the U.S. and in the surrounding community demonstrates the measurable improvements in health, education, community safety, stability and wealth generation due to increased homeownership. This is why it is most important for the staff at WIN to listen to their residents and to help them develop strategic plans that build toward that positive change. S. Barbara says, “All of WIN’s services have emerged from requests from our people. … The people know best what will work in their own environment. A shared goal brings people together.” It is the strong, well-trained, well-organized residents and community leaders that come out of the process that propel communities into the future. WIN is there to give I n tercom

them support; its ability to build partnerships with banks, governments, corporations and organizations that can provide essential resources to residents is fundamental to success. In her role as executive director, S. Barbara uses her voice and stature in the community to advocate for housing and economic justice in local, regional, and national forums. In addition S. Barbara praises the hard work and dedication of staff members, who are faithful to the organization’s mission and support its commitment to justice. WIN works closely with local groups and neighborhood associations like the South Cumminsville Community Council. Through its housing counseling and financial literacy program, the organization has developed partnerships with organizations like Legal Aid, as well as several financial institutions and local Community Development Corporations. WIN’s sister organization, and until recently led by S. Barbara, Communities United for Action (CUFA) has also been essential in working with the organization to see change. Focusing specifically on social justice issues that overlap the work of WIN, CUFA leaders, neighborhood leaders and citizens have partnered together to build a better future for all. “Community organizers need to have a willingness to work hard day in and day out; victories over corporate greed are very hard to achieve. But they do happen – and they give us the strength to continue the work of bettering ordinary peoples’ lives!” said S. Brenda. Trust is another key factor in the organization’s ability to help residents achieve their goals. S. Brenda, who ministers to potential and current homeowners, says, “Trust takes years of hard work, numerous conversations and misunderstandings,

tears and laughter to build relationships in a local community. When WIN and S. Barbara are involved in a project the men and women of South Cumminsville know it is aimed at making their community better (even if they can’t see it immediately).” “People know that the community’s best interest – not profit – is at the heart of every WIN project,” added S. Whitney. “Even in other neighborhoods where WIN does housing development (currently our target area includes College Hill and Northside) people have taken notice of WIN’s commitment to quality affordable housing, and we will receive calls from property owners and real estate agents when a lot or a house is for sale because they know and trust WIN.” Working In Neighborhood’s commitment and persistence are visible in every program initiated by the organization, even when obstacles stand in the way. As part of the South Cumminsville Out of Poverty in a Generation Initiative, WIN’s 50 Net Zero Urban Village project includes 50 near net zero homes – 25 energy-efficient homes for senior home owners and 25 near net zero new homes including solar units. S. Barbara explained the intention was to fund the project through the organization’s advocacy for the Clean Air Act, which included funding for energy conservation and solar housing development in communities of color. When the EPA changed direction, WIN had to develop new sources of funding. That persistence paid off, and by the end of 2020, they will have completed 20 of the 25 senior home rehabs in phase one and begun the construction of seven new near net zero homes.

Ground is broken for WIN’s Net Zero Urban Village in South Cumminsville. The project will include 25 new construction single-family homes that are affordable and sustainable. The project will also include 25 energy retrofits to the homes of seniors in the neighborhood. Volume II, 2020

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, WIN has hosted Produce Pop-Ups twice a month on campus to distribute free fresh foods and dry goods to local residents in need. Freestore Foodbank delivers the food in bulk, then WIN staff and volunteers assemble variety packages that get handed out via a drive-thru in WIN’s parking lot.

WIN also sees the importance of helping future generations succeed. S. Annette Muckerheide volunteers with the organization and is responsible for an after-school program for children in the neighborhood. She says that many of her students come S. Annette Muckerheide (right) is responsible for WIN’s after-school program for from economically challenged environments children in the South Cumminsville neighborhood. and are often in and out of the program because of family matters. “My efforts with the children (and sometimes with their parents) Through her efforts S. Annette hopes she can help them are focused on the people I serve – seeing each of them as uncover their full potential. “I have simply grown to love a special incarnation of God, sometimes hidden in a shell them and want to do anything I can to help them,” she says. of frustration, pain, exhaustion and hopelessness. So, I try At its core Working In Neighborhoods is committed to give them a small place of relief and safety, where they to creating change and empowering people to speak for can trust, relax, and learn, where they can at least begin to themselves and build positive solutions to be that change. realize their potential and look forward to a better future for Sisters Barbara, Whitney, Brenda and Annette are inspired by themselves.” the residents they minister with. Their joy comes in walking S. Annette says she has seen the effects of instability. with and supporting the residents as they grow and create Frequent moving, multiple caregivers due to a parent being in positive outcomes to the neighborhoods around them. prison or rehab, the lack of sleep, living in overcrowded, noisy “The people in our communities are examples of environments all result in students inability to concentrate resilience, kindness and willingness to share what they have,” and make it very difficult for them to learn, to gain the skills said S. Barbara. “My belief is that we are working together to necessary for living as an adult and as a caring citizen able to build the kingdom of God together.” care for, nurture and build society. 10

I n tercom

A Giving Heart

fter making her commitment as an Associate in Mission in 2011, Florida Associate Peggy Brockman says she wanted to emulate Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Mary Loyola Mathia’s service to others and live the charism of Saint Elizabeth Seton. Peggy’s devotion and years of volunteerism at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and Thrift Store in Spring Hill, Florida, are a strong indication she has taken her commitment to heart. Eight years ago, a friend invited Peggy to accompany her to the St. Vincent de Paul Store and pantry (Hernando/ Citrus District Council) in Springhill. She was so taken by the friendly and dedicated volunteers who were serving the people there that she signed up instantly. “I was put to work on the phone. Initially I worked in sorting clothing and pricing, then bagged food in the pantry, and for a few years now, I have been a cashier,” she says. “Cashiering has been a real eye-opening position. I get to meet and greet many people. I have seen homeless mothers with small children who would ask me for blankets, clothing and food for their children. “Homelessness is a challenging situation for so many,” she continued. “This was an interesting story a volunteer told me: A gentleman saw a homeless man and tried to take him to a shelter and find a place of employment for him. The homeless man said, ‘Thanks but no thanks.’ He told the volunteer that he was content with his homelessness and did not want any home responsibilities or a taxing job. The man also stated many of his homeless friends felt the same. I was reading one of St. Elizabeth Seton’s writings and thought of this event: ‘Two great objects require all our attention in this world – the glory of God and the salvation of our souls. To these two ends all our views and plans and actions should tend – there are no actions so small which may not be made great and precious before God by an upright and pure intention.”

It was while she was serving at St. Francis Cabrini that she first met S. Mary Loyola Mathia, who at the time was actively ministering at the parish as director of RCIA and annulments. S. Loyola introduced Peggy to the SC Associate program, and in 2011, she made her commitment to the Community. Since, she has become the group leader for 15 Associate members. “I am so proud to say I am also mentoring eight new candidates and hoping to have them ready for commitment in January 2021. During this pandemic we are studying through text messaging, various books, tapes and computer information. I have been a member of the Associate Advisory Board for several years, and I enjoy the meetings and visiting with the Sisters at the Motherhouse.” Peggy has also recruited some of her friends, including fellow Associate Genny Sample, to volunteer at SVDP. “They have the heart of giving and sharing to others and that is the requisite necessary to serve all people in need,” she said. Homelessness is a global issue, affecting people of all ages from all walks of life. And while the solution and its end seem to be years away, Peggy says, “Our love, prayers and compassion is the only way we can continue to help those who cannot help themselves.” To learn more about the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Food Pantry in Spring Hill, visit http://svdphernando.org/ foodpantry.php.

Service has always had a piece of Peggy’s heart. The mother of two and cosmetologist has been involved in church activities for as long as she can remember. A Eucharistic minister, Sacristan, and minister to the homebound and in hospitals and nursing homes, Peggy said she was blessed to be chosen as one of her parish’s (St. Francis Xavier Cabrini) first women altar servers. A volunteer at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and Thrift Store in Spring Hill, Florida, Associate Peggy Brockman (left) says she was inspired by S. Mary Loyola Mathia’s service to others. V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

Amazing Graces Grace Amazing By Kusnir By S. Regina Kusnir

They are amazing. They are resilient. They are wise in ways we never imagined. They have dreams and aspire to great things. They see hope in a future still clouded over. They face obstacles. They do not cower from challenge. They gain strength from a higher power. They are tough and determined. They are dissatisfied with our impertinence. They know that we are stronger when we stand together. They are our youth. They are our future. They are our students. They are life-giving.

understand the circumstances of their lives within a society often presenting challenges greater than any young person should bear. Financial insecurity often finds students and their families bordering on homelessness, a plight potentially hindering educational excellence. The education of children brought the Sisters of Charity to Cincinnati in 1829. Today they sponsor three diverse educational opportunities in Cincinnati. Each is rich in “risking a caring response” to young people.

Seton High School, in the Price Hill area, has educated young women since 1854. Kathy Allen Ciarla ’87 is the president and knows that Seton lives by its Vision Statement to be: a learning environment in which students will grow and develop into young women who are influenced and guided by Catholic teaching and the mission of the Sisters of Charity. Seton students will be faithfilled women, critical thinkers, and servant leaders prepared to transform the world in which they are destined to live. Seton High School will create and maintain systems and processes to ensure sustainability, while engaging with local and global communities. The all-female environment encourages leadership and self-confidence. Alumnae send their daughters to Seton as do families from the neighborhood. Seton is a tight-knit community with programs and support services leading young women to personal success.

Mentoring, multiple scholarship options, diverse after-school activities and Seton’s Tri-Health Summer Employment Program is among the school’s many efforts to prepare students for success and address financial and environmental challenges. the Tri-Health Summer Employment Program are hey come to us for an education, for knowledge, among efforts preparing these young women for success and for the tools to pursue their dreams and meet helping to address financial and environmental challenges. their aspirations. When we earn their trust, we Students, faculty, families and the greater community benefit are permitted to enter into the magnificence of their lives. from these well-rounded, well-educated women. We may never know the burden they carry nor do we fully

T 12

I n tercom

the universe for students. It is the stable place where they are treated well and encouraged to focus on who they are – the launching point for hope, dreaming, wondering and perseverance. He says, “In the grand scheme of things, our students are resilient, they are the unmined gems in society.” Students have diverse backgrounds, faiths, living situations and support systems. They all have financial challenges. But at DPCR they are a community of youth encouraged to be their best selves, to look challenges in the eye and realize they have people encouraging them to show what they can do. The Corporate Work Study Program is a door opener. It pairs students with local businesses and organizations where they work one DePaul Cristo Rey High School’s Corporate Work Study Program pairs students with local businesses and organizations where they work one day a week and hold real jobs. day a week and hold real jobs. The sum DPCR is paid for their services In the tradition of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and through is applied to their tuition. It finds the mission of the Sisters of Charity, Seton develops a students amazed at the work they can do, the skills they diverse population of young women for a life of faith, service didn’t know they had, the thinking capacity they develop and leadership, and engages them in achieving academic and the relationships built with CEOs and other community excellence in a college preparatory environment. Leadership leaders. The experience is invaluable on resumes and college opportunities abound at Seton. Kathy says that witnessing the applications. All 2020 graduates have been accepted by growth in the students is “simply incredible”: colleges of choice. “I see young women enter our doors as shy freshmen There is a sense of gratitude built into daily routines. and watch them become empowered leaders. We encourage Paul and other faculty find that the students are their teachers. students to use the gifts God gave them to make a difference They are changed by students as they get to know them and in our school, community and world. Our student leaders empathically listen to their hearts and aspirations. They offer in various clubs, athletic teams and religious retreats work the psychological space of genuine concern and care. They to create meaningful experiences for classmates and learn garner the wisdom of students. And when students seek help, valuable life lessons along the way. Their creativity and energy they know that a caring response will be given. As stated in help ignite school spirit and promote the Seton Sisterhood, DPCR Belief: Faith is integral to each person’s life. By modeling which stays with you for life. integrity, faith, tenacity and purpose, we can support our students “In addition, students are challenged in the classroom to become critical thinkers and to really learn the material, not just study to pass a test. Our exceptional faculty go above and beyond to use all the resources available to prepare students for college and career.”

DePaul Cristo Rey High School opened its doors in 2011. Paul Ebert has been with DPCR from the beginning, first as an English teacher and since October 2018 as principal. He sees DPCR as the vehicle that is expanding V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

in achieving their life goals. The students and adults of the DPCR community “dare to risk a caring response” as modeled by St. Vincent de Paul, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. Distance learning has been challenging for students since the community is so important. In light of the racial tensions, DPCR held a virtual listening session. There is much to learn about the diversity among students, about how they do business at school, and above all how to help students to become change agents in the community. 13

Paul dreams: “In 10 years I hope the world will see our kids as people first. That it would love them as much as we do for who and what they are as people, that all other demographic qualifiers would be secondary and irrelevant. Our Bruins are young men and women of purpose with beautiful gifts to share with the world if it will let them.”

Mount St. Joseph University was established in 1920 and is celebrating its centennial year. Associate Patsy Schwaiger Willig ’73 is director of the Wellness Center and supervises Student Health Services and Student Counseling Services. A Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, she has worked as a mental health counselor in the center for 25 years. Currently, she splits her time between counseling students and administrative work. Getting a college degree is an expensive undertaking for any student, but particularly for those with limited resources. At MSJU, faculty advisors and administrative staff who provide support services to students will sometimes encounter students who are struggling financially. In 2018, the University conducted an American College Health Survey to which 263 full-time undergraduate and graduate students responded. Forty-six percent of those students reported concern over finances impacting their academics (48 percent female and 34 percent male). MSJU has many resources available on campus to meet student needs. These include: • A Student Resource Center coordinated by a MSJU alum and an Americorp volunteer provides unemployment and benefits assistance, housing, utilities assistance and help with referrals for other services students need on and off campus. • The Student Care Team holds bi-weekly meetings to address needs of students and provide an opportunity to collaborate with one another to provide appropriate assistance and support to students facing challenges. • The Dean of Students Office partners with Be Concerned Food Pantry whose director is a Mount alum. Monthly, a mobile food pantry van travels to MSJU so students can access food from fresh vegetables to staples. • The Emergency Fund is administered by the Dean of Students and offers financial assistance for rent, utilities, book vouchers, bus passes, food plans, etc. • Collaboration between the Wellness Center, the Dean of Students Office and the Office of Mission Integration provides referrals to one another for student support. 14

Mount St. Joseph University alumni Andy Brunsman ’10, executive director of Be Concerned, loads a mobile food pantry van for delivery to MSJU.

Patsy states, “The students often bear total financial responsibility for their families. Some are single parents. Some are adult children of parents who may be experiencing unemployment and feel responsible for helping with finances at home in addition to paying for their education. Some students report having to make choices between feeding themselves and/or their families and paying the rent or utilities. Some students, who may live in unsafe environments, may find themselves seeking temporary housing, juggling jobs and academics while doing so. “MSJU’s motto is from St. Elizabeth Seton: ‘Dare to risk a caring response.’ Everything that we do at the Mount is driven by our mission and our Catholic identity seen through the lens of the charism of our founders, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. Students choose the Mount because we are a community that cares about the whole student. We are a family.” “Risking a caring response” is a hallmark of the Sisters of Charity and shared in their ministries. The complexity of financial stressors in our society easily leads to youth homelessness and is more predominant in our cities. These sponsored ministries are remarkable. They are amazing graces to students, from students and with students. I n tercom

Changing Lives

One Donation at a Time On a street in East Lansing there’s a home that’s known to all. Its specialty is helping families who’ve lost their home. Haven House is always ready to get them on their feet, To start their lives all over and help them with their needs. Volunteers are always ready to help them when they can. So give, give, all you’ve got and we’ll do it all over again.

“I don’t think people are aware,” S. Pat said. “You don’t see families on the street; they might be living with another family member. It’s a strain on the family they are staying with but they have no place to go. While families are at Haven House, children are in school, parents are looking for a job and eventually working to find an affordable place to live.” The shelter uses its funds to help families who are homeless prepare for permanent housing by developing and promoting self-sufficiency, stability, and financial responsibility. In addition to housing, residents receive meals, crisis counseling, assistance with goal setting and referrals to other agencies as needed.

t started out as a simple gesture – selling cookbooks to help a local organization raise funds for its Committed to the work of Haven House in Lansing, homeless families. But it wasn’t long Michigan, S. Pat Newhouse was a star server at the before S. Pat Newhouse’s involvement organization’s Pancake Palooza in February where While her efforts are mostly she was named the People’s Choice Award Winner and love for Haven House – an concentrated on fundraising, S. Pat does for reaching the most supporters. organization providing emergency have opportunities to meet some of the housing and support services for one-parent and two-parent families staying at the home. She is known to dress up as the families with children – grew infinitely. Cat in the Hat every now and again and recalls a grandfather of three who came to the home last year. “If he had gone to a Invited to participate, as a celebrity, in Haven House’s second annual pancake breakfast fundraiser, Pancake Palooza, different shelter, they would have only taken him and put the kids in foster care. Haven House took them all in and they S. Pat left that day only to meet a mom, her small child and were able to stay together as a family. The grandfather had lost her six-day-old baby. “That really touched my heart and his job, and with the help of Haven House was able to find spurred my efforts to try to do my best to help homeless another and eventually housing. They then followed him for families,” she said. a year – helping him to plan his finances and get him back on A Sister of Charity for the past 61 years, S. Pat has his feet. They do great work!” devoted her life to teaching and pastoral care but in her spare Again this year S. Pat was a star server at the Haven House time she has enjoyed volunteering to help those in need. “I Pancake Palooza in February. Joining others in doing “whatever think I got my inspiration to help others during my years in grade and high school, when we raised money for missionaries it takes” to raise the most funds to help homeless families, S. Pat earned almost $5,300 for the organization and was named the in foreign lands by selling magazines, candy bars and making People’s Choice Award Winner for reaching the most supporters. goodies for bake sales,” she recalled. The honor affirms her ability to connect with others and her Her recent efforts have most certainly been beneficial determination to helping the families of Haven House. to the mission of Haven House. The organization depends upon the support of the community to help end homelessness What started as another fundraising challenge for S. Pat Newhouse quickly became so much more. The mission of in the Lansing, Michigan, area. Using her natural friendly Haven House touched her own heart and now many families disposition, S. Pat has been able to raise approximately in need are benefitting from her kindness and outreach. $30,000 over the last eight years for the organization. Just as important is the awareness she has brought to the issue Note: The above lyrics are to the Haven House fight song, written of homelessness as well as the organization through her by S. Pat Newhouse and sung to the tune of the Michigan State fundraising efforts. fight song. V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

Being Homeless in a Pandemic By S. Patricia Wittberg

he relationship between COVID-19 and homelessness goes two ways – and both are extremely harmful. On the one hand, persons experiencing homelessness are much more vulnerable to coming down with the infection. Whether doubled-up with relatives, living in crowded shelters, or sleeping on the streets, homeless persons are exposed to more potential coronavirus carriers, and are less likely to be able to practice social distancing. As for cleanliness and sanitation, many of the homeless do not have access to places where they can shower or even wash their hands: for example, Mary Magdalene House in Cincinnati, which had provided such services for the homeless, had to close its shower facilities temporarily because its own staff and volunteers were themselves elderly or medically at risk. Some homeless people in Cincinnati have had to go as long as three weeks without a shower or bath as a result. Homeless people often have other health conditions that render them especially susceptible to catching COVID-19, and to having more severe cases of the disease when they do. And once 16

homeless COVID patients are released from the hospital to “recuperate at home,” there is often no established quarantine location for them and they must return to their crowded shelters – where they continue to infect others. In places like New York City, many sleep overnight on the subway cars or in the underground stations, where they may spread COVID-19 to commuters. The subway is now closed for several hours each night so that crews can disinfect the car – but this simply forces more homeless persons onto the streets. The relationship goes the other way, too. The collapse of the economy due to COVID-19 means that many more people are out of work. Some estimates put the U.S. unemployment rate as high as 25 or 30 percent, matching the worst of the Great Depression. Lack of an income makes many people unable to pay their rent or mortgage. In Cincinnati, a larger percentage of householders are renters: 62 percent as compared to 34 percent statewide. Over half of Cincinnati’s renters are “rent burdened,” which means they spend more – often much more – than 30 percent I n tercom

of their income for rent. Even before COVID-19, the Cincinnati eviction rate was 4,500 per year, which is twice the national average. Ohio is one of only six states that does not have a statewide policy on evictions, which leads to wide discrepancies in how they are carried out. Currently, in Cincinnati, evictions continue to be served on householders who are behind in their rent, but the eviction courts are closed due to the coronavirus. When these courts re-open again, there will be a backlog of more than 1,000 eviction cases for them to process; a rushed, cursory hearing for these cases could lead to tenants being unjustly evicted. Homeowners may be in equally difficult straits. There is currently a federal moratorium on home foreclosures which expires this coming fall. A homeowner who has been furloughed or laid off from employment and is unable to make one or more mortgage payments cannot be forced to forfeit his or her house until that time. But the legislation passed by Congress allows a bank to demand the entire threeor four-months’ mortgage payment as soon as the moratorium expires, instead of just adding three or four months to the end of the mortgage period. Many homeowners will not be able to pay the entire lump sum all at once, and may lose their house. The fate of homeowners and renters is intertwined: landlords owning (and paying mortgages on) rental properties will not be able to meet their own expenses if their renters are unable to pay. If these rental properties are foreclosed upon and possibly allowed to deteriorate while a new buyer is sought, this will further reduce the number of rental properties available – at a time when there will be more families in need of a rental home. So far, there has not been an increase in the number of persons failing to make their rent or mortgage payments, in comparison to the same months last year. But economists believe that this is because many had used the $1,200 stimulus payments which they received from the government to pay their rent. The Cincinnati Enquirer (May 3 and May 13, 2020) predicted a flood of evictions this summer, once the stimulus payment money is used up. Subsequent federal funds promised to local governments to aid in the crisis $3.5 million to Cincinnati and another million dollars to Hamilton County – have been slow to arrive. Homelessness makes COVID-19 worse, and COVID-19 makes homelessness worse. What is being done to help alleviate the situation? The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition has been active on several fronts. They have pushed the city to establish a quarantine zone in the shelters for homeless persons who have had COVID-19 or have tested positive for the coronavirus, staffed 24/7 by nurses. To aid in social distancing, they advocated with United Way to pay

V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

for rooms in hotels, first for homeless families and children and later for homeless single adults, and they worked with Shelterhouse and the Convention and Visitors Bureau to negotiate lower hotel room rates for this effort. The Coalition estimates that sheltering and protecting homeless persons in this way will cost $850,000 per month, not counting any increase in homelessness from COVID-19-caused joblessness and evictions. Where will the money come from? In so many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed systemic inequities in American society that we have ignored for years. Our country’s systematic under-funding and underregulating of nursing homes, the digital divide between poor and middle-class students trying to learn from home, the racial disparities in everything from health to education to housing, the chaotic and patchwork way we fund (or do not fund) health care – all have been made more obvious by the current pandemic. The crisis in affordable housing and homelessness in our country is another systemic flaw. Perhaps God is calling Americans to derive something good from the COVID-19 pandemic by working to alleviate these injustices. Will we listen?

According to the CDC,

some individuals are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. They include older

adults age 65 and over. However, people experiencing homelessness age faster than housed people. Research indicates

they have physical conditions that mirror those of people 15-20 years older than them. On a single

day, an estimated 202,623 single adults experiencing homelessness are over age 50, suggesting they may be uniquely vulnerable to becoming seriously ill during the pandemic crisis. Source: endhomelessness.org

Seeds of Hope

By Helen Jahn and Carolyn Shields, Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

“I

n the shrine, the doors are wide open to the sick, the disabled, and above all, the marginalized, refugees, and migrants,” said Pope Francis in 2017, when he recognized the need for the Church – particularly shrines – to engage with those on the margins. Pope Francis challenged the Church to help the marginalized wherever it could, whether in Cincinnati, Ohio or Emmitsburg, Maryland. In response, the Seton Shrine introduced the Seeds of Hope retreat program in 2018, to offer free day retreats for the poor and marginalized. Shrine Executive Director Rob Judge commented, “Mother Seton founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph to serve Christ in the poor. The Shrine board and staff view the Shrine as a refuge for the poor, the forgotten, those most hurting. It is only fitting that a shrine, dedicated to a woman who served Christ in the poor, is a refuge to the poor.” James, a participant in the retreats, agreed, commenting, “What Mother Seton did to turn around so many lives, and to find that people are still carrying on her mission, is quite a blessing.” Retreats include a tour, meals and time for reflection. Staff and volunteers are especially attentive, so participants feel seen and loved. Those who struggle with mobility are accompanied by volunteers, the visually impaired are given places up front, and the hard of hearing receive listening devices. Seeds of Hope was initially envisioned by S. Anne Marie Lamoureaux, DC, to continue her vow of service to the poor. “One of the greatest blessings for me is getting to know the people,” S. Anne Marie said. “To be in the presence of Christ in those people makes me realize what’s really important in life.” Conducting a Seeds of Hope retreat takes many hands. “We could never do this without our volunteers,” said S. Anne Marie. Sometimes there’s nearly a one-to-one ratio of volunteers to participants. Nonetheless, help is always needed. S. Anne Marie commented, “Transportation, meals and fees are big expenses. Sometimes we bring people from the city, and transportation costs up to $2,000 for one bus. We’ve greatly appreciated grant assistance from the MMI Foundation, as well as private donations. With this support, we’ve welcomed more people to experience peace and hope at the Shrine. To continue helping people on the margins, gift support is always welcome.” “These retreats were begun for the poor, and now we partner with groups who serve the poor directly. We prepare with them a customized retreat for their group,” Rob said. 18

Retreatants gather for prayer during a Seeds of Hope Retreat at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

“Over time, we’ve gotten to know the attendees. Many have wanted to come back again, so we began inviting them to other events – concerts, living history, pilgrimage days. They feel welcome and view Seeds of Hope as a source of support as they get to know each other and the Shrine more. It’s beautiful to see them identify with Mother Seton and draw encouragement from her life.” “I’ve been on three to four retreats and love the peace and calm at the Shrine,” said Margie, another participant. “You can be at ease here and not worry about the struggles of the day or what’s happening in the world.” “We want to remove barriers between the marginalized and those who are not ... we work to form a community so we can help and learn from one another, and know that we are not alone,” S. Anne Marie explained. Seeds of Hope has held eight retreats and multiple “follow up” events to build upon the relationships formed at the retreats. Approximately 214 people have participated, and all receive free admission to future Shrine events. Retreats have been paused due to the pandemic, but will resume when it’s safe to do so. The Shrine has established a prayer line for anyone to call, talk and/or pray with someone. The prayer line is available at 866-202-4934, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. To learn more or become a partner, please call 301-447-7083 or email seedsofhope@setonshrine.org. Editor’s Note: The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Sisters of Charity Federation of North America. I n tercom

Our Sister of Charity Legacy

of Caring for the Homeless By S. Judith Metz

hen a small group of women gathered around Elizabeth Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland (1809), they pledged themselves to care for the most needy, especially through education and the care of homeless children, and soon these Sisters of Charity began their ministries that expanded throughout the country. Invoking the charity charism of St. Vincent de Paul, they embraced the spirituality of finding God in all persons, especially the poor. Even before they established a boarding school at St. Joseph’s in Emmitsburg, the Sisters opened a free school and a ‘St. Joseph’s class’ to receive orphans. They also regularly visited the poor and sick in the neighborhood, and took in three widowed mothers of the original members of the community.

epidemic, five children under the age of 7 died. To Margaret they were “not to be given up without a sigh, nor without a tear.” During the epidemic the asylum was full to overflowing and, much to their sorrow, the Sisters had to place a temporary halt on admissions.

Ministering to orphans was a major work of Sisters of Charity in the 19th century. (Painting by Pietro Gagliardi, courtesy Archives, Sisters of Charity of New York.)

Within a few years they were invited to Philadelphia and New York to open orphan asylums, focusing particularly on orphan girls left homeless by the casualties of immigration and periodic epidemics. During epidemics, asylums previously housing 50 or 60 orphans had to provide for several hundred. By the time the Sisters arrived in Cincinnati in 1829 they had already opened 10 orphan asylums. St. Peter’s in Cincinnati started with five orphans but the number jumped to 34 when cholera hit in 1832, and by midcentury had 150 young ladies residing there. Additionally, in 1842, the Sisters assumed responsibility for St. Aloysius Asylum for German boys, but this ministry was short-lived. When S. Margaret George arrived in 1845, she brought a lifetime of experience working with orphans, and a love for children as shown by her letters and many pictures, stories and verses preserved in her scrapbooks. She transformed St. Peter’s by overseeing the building of three additions along with interior improvements that included warm water baths and new furniture to accommodate. During the 1849 cholera V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

When the orphan girls attended a ceremony at St. Peter’s Cathedral, they “dressed in new and beautiful attire, [and] looked the picture of health.” Friends described St. Peter’s as a “school of good manners” and noted that “the good government of this little kingdom [was] truly incomparable.” The girls’ “neat white aprons” and “well-washed hands and faces” impressed visitors as did their “laughter and merry-making.”

S. Anthony O’Connell, who arrived at St. Peter’s in 1837, played a major role in the more than 30 years she served there. One of her special duties was making rounds at the markets begging for food for the asylum. Many stories tell of her dauntless efforts despite ridicule and prejudice. In 1852, she was named director of the new St. Joseph’s boys’ orphanage. When a larger facility that combined the boy and girl orphanages was built, she was placed in charge, doing a stellar job managing a facility for nearly 300 orphans. Later, when S. Anthony was in charge of Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, she again reached out to the poor in the form of “erring young women” and their “illegitimate infants” by founding St. Ann’s Home for Destitute Widows and Females.” When 56 foundlings were received the first year, she secured a beautiful home for them on the outskirts of the city, and overcoming suspicion and accusations, she saw it grow into a thriving infant and maternity home. From Elizabeth Seton to Margaret George to Anthony O’Connell, this legacy of caring for the homeless and marginalized was the cornerstone – a firm foundation – that has been built upon by succeeding generations of Sisters of Charity. 19

Systemic Change Rooted in Catholic Social Justice Teaching By Debbie Weber, OPJCC director

he current pandemic caused by COVID-19 has highlighted social systems that are serving us well and systems that are failing us. It may be time (or past the time) for change of the systems that are failing us. Systemic change can refer to change in any system, globally, nationally or locally such as health care, affordable housing, economics, immigration, schools, food, etc. It is required when efforts to change one aspect of a system fail to fix the problem and the whole system needs to be transformed. Systemic change requires imagination, innovation, ongoing learning and adaptation. We have a rich treasure of wisdom to guide us through systemic change as well as personally living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of everyday life. This treasure is called Catholic Social Teaching. The Catholic Church has a history of social teaching that goes back centuries and provides a moral challenge for living responsibly and building a just society. Modern Catholic Social Teaching is rooted in Scripture and articulated through official written documents issued by popes, bishops, and other prominent faith leaders. It has evolved over time in response to the challenges of the day. Catholic Social Teaching covers all spheres of life such as social, economic, political, personal, spiritual and environmental. At its core is the protection of the dignity and well-being of all people. Promotion of ethical choices, just interactions within societies, and the preservation of the natural world are also integrated in the teachings.

every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.” USCCB Read that again and think about our sisters and brothers who experience homelessness. Do we in the U.S. treat our homeless population as if they are “precious?” Do we “enhance their lives” and their “dignity” as children of our loving Creator? Repeat that exercise but insert a system of your choice and ask the same questions.

Below is the first, and core theme, of seven key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition: Human Dignity.

The world, post COVID-19, will not be the same as it was. Some systems will transform, and some will not. It is my hope that those involved in systemic change will keep Catholic Social Teaching at the forefront.

Life and Dignity of the Human Person

Sources: Caritas International Catholic Charities USA Catholic Community Services United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

“The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. We believe that 20

I n tercom

Staying Connected Through Technology By Chanin Wilson, director of Associates

ne of the things I have always loved about Elizabeth Seton is how she stayed connected with her dear friend Julia Scott. They were not in the same geographic area, but they were a great comfort for each other through letters. We have the same ability to be of comfort to each other, however, we have more than just the ability to write letters.

participate in a Zoom meeting. It is always the second Tuesday of the month. There are two opportunities: one in the morning and another in the evening. This allows Associates in all time zones to participate.

In the first month, we had seven Associates join us. The topic was the Associate “Christmas Card Ministry.” Associate Mary Of the 200 Associates, half of Hirsh, who works in Mother them are in the Tri-state area, but half Margaret Hall, shared the impact are not. The common thread is the receiving cards had on the Sisters Charity charism. For eight years there in MMH, and the Associates had has been an online small group that the opportunity to share the graces meets every month. This group has they received by sending the cards. grown and changed as technology has In April, after the 20 participants changed. At first, it was a conference heard Associate Carla Rush talk call, then a Skype meeting, and now about her Sunday Reflection, the Zoom. What has not changed is the Associates then split into “Zoom blessing of being connected with Breakout Rooms” where four With the assistance of technology, Director of Associates others who share the mission and Associates had the opportunity to Chanin Wilson has the ability to work remotely from her home charism. reflect then come back and share office in Colorado. with the entire group. Associates The Sisters of Charity of from Alaska, Florida, Ohio, Colorado, and England are Cincinnati have always been forward-thinking. Living connecting monthly over our shared charism. It is rewarding in Colorado, miles away from the Mount St. Joseph to see how easily the groups relate and share. Motherhouse, I was hired as the director of Associates and was permitted to work remotely. This is a major change from anything that had been tried before. There has been a lot of learning, creativity, and new ways of thinking. Never would we have thought the knowledge we were gaining would be so valuable so soon. The Associate Office and the seven regional representatives meet every other month via Zoom. Technology has allowed the Associate Office to stay connected with Associates in all regions. It is always a bright day when we can see each other, hear about all the exciting things happening in each area and share creative ideas. The North American Conference of Associates and Religious (NACAR) has facilitated “Creative Conversations” for Associate leaders for the last couple of years. I have enjoyed meeting others and sharing ideas with people I would never have the opportunity to meet in person. From these meetings came the idea for the “Associate Share.” Once a month Associates have the opportunity to sign up to V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

Associate Mary McHale wrote, “I really enjoyed the Zoom meeting. I have not been part of small group meetings for a long while; it was great feeling a part of the Associates again.” Candidate Jean Simpson was ready to become an Associate in Mission just as the pandemic began. She had planned to travel to Pueblo, Colorado, to make her commitment with her companion S. Barbara Jeanne Krekeler. Jean did not want to wait, so we offered the idea of a Zoom Commitment. Sisters and Associates from all regions were able to join. S. Clarann Weinert in Montana commented, “That was a lovely service. Thank you. It was good to see so many people.” New Associate Jean was touched at how welcomed she felt and also how important her commitment was to others. With all that is being canceled this year, I am grateful for the ability to continue to be connected. What would Elizabeth Ann Seton have thought about this? (Maybe that is a topic for an “Associate Share”!) 21

Never Giving Up Hope By Associate Vicki Welsh

“T

his is NOT a happy place!” These are S. Nancy Crafton’s own words, spoken to S. Jean Miller for a 2014 Intercom article about her ministry at Los Pobres, a center for the immigrant farm worker population in Avondale, Colorado. It is now the year 2020 and this is a story that has gotten worse! Yet the goodness and hope of this story is, as always, found in our Charity Charism: “As pilgrims we pray for the wisdom to know the needs of our sisters and brothers and we dare to risk a caring response.” S. Nancy and a legion of 40 volunteers are imbued with this charism. It is total love that fuels the center’s ministry; a ministry that has only suggested operating hours. For in truth, the problems of a displaced people know no time of day or situation too great to bring to Los Pobres. The center provides migrants with food, clothing, medical care, bill assistance, and even a place to lay their heads when there is nowhere else to go. Dedicated donors help support the center, which opened in 2000. At that time Los Pobres was about 5,000 families, 200 visiting each week. Many factors have caused the numbers to decrease, but not the seriousness of the problems! Here are some of the changes S. Nancy has witnessed in the last 20 years: Misdemeanors became felonies. Driver’s licenses from their native countries were confiscated and destroyed, leaving them with no official ID. If a worker was stopped for any reason without a license they were incarcerated and deported. This resulted in the ceasing of the migrant farm worker traveling across the United States to follow the crops. They had to ‘hunker’ and settle out in the five counties in and around Avondale. S. Nancy said they see about 1,000 families with 600-1,000 children. Many of these children are from mixed documented parents with Mexican and American children all desperately trying to find a way to have a status change for immigration. In 2012, President Obama instituted by executive order DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Thousands of children, young adults and high school students were able to legally drive, work and go to college. DACA papers at that time cost $495 to process and obtain. In 2016, immediately after the inauguration of the new president, the DACA program was ended. Thousands of dollars in legal fees are incurred to help secure the retention of the detainees within our country. The fee for a renewal document, alone, was raised to $895 if it remains solvent. The temporary reprieve that the Supreme Court gave us this June may be just that, 22

S. Nancy Crafton stands outside Los Pobres in Avondale, Colorado, with Rudy.

temporary. The president has already filed papers to stop it once again. You may remember a great deal of confused misinformation surrounding the caravans coming toward the U.S. in droves from as far away as South America. The Department of Homeland Security began discouraging refugee applications by closing entryways at the border. Authorities went so far as to automatically charge all these adults crossing the border as felons! As a result, the adults were incarcerated and because children could not be put into these prison settings, they were separated into holding cells, amounting to little more than cages. S. Nancy picks up the most recent thread of the story. “Now we have the pandemic virus COVID-19 upon us. The closure of the U.S. with the advice of the CDC has impacted every human being on Earth. However, the greatest impact is within that segment of society on the lowest rung: those menial labor, agriculture and low-income jobs I n tercom

without benefits. The government financial aid excludes the immigrants who with their ITINs** pay more than $7 billion in Social Security yearly. None of them qualify for assistance. Also, families with one undocumented parent do not qualify for assistance. They already are not allowed to have health insurance due to a lack of Social Security Numbers. Life is one of survival. “One of Los Pobres’ American-born caregivers was denied government help because her husband is undocumented. They have three American-born children. He pays his taxes with an ITIN number. She pays with her Social Security Number. Any family member that has an ITIN number totally denies any other family member access to the stimulus package even though that member has a Social Security Number. Without her foreign-born husband, the wife would have been eligible for a stimulus check of $2,700!” Hardships arise on a daily basis. S. Nancy, as a trained nurse, shares some of her most poignant stories about the health care road blocks that the immigrant encounters. Read Jorge’s story told by S. Nancy: “One cold Tuesday morning I arrived at our closed center to find three young men patiently waiting for help in our parking lot. They had driven 36 hours with an injured friend. They had slept all night in the car not knowing whether or not someone would come to find them. The three of them were working as a roofing crew when Jorge fell off the roof injuring his back. His friends drove him to the nearest hospital where he was turned away due to his lack of insurance and documentation. After making a few frantic calls to friends in other states, they started out for Colorado. The trip was painful and difficult; they had gas money but no food or water. Jorge was in terrible pain. I found him lying in the backseat of

A mother and her two children at Los Pobres Center.

the small compact car, his legs drawn up in a fetal position. He told me his back hurt so badly and his legs were cramping but he could feel them and move his toes. I put a call into an orthopedic surgeon who has helped us more times than I can count. He sent them right into the Emergency Room at St. Mary-Corwin Hospital where the surgeon met them. Jorge was taken to surgery after MRIs and spine films showed a badly fractured lumbar spine. He underwent an ‘instrumented fusion’ and was hospitalized for five days. After a brief recovery, Jorge returned to roofing as is often the case with our clients who feel desperate to send money to their families.” S. Nancy cares for each client as a loved and valued member of God’s creation, buoyed by her Charity Charism. She never loses love or hope for those she serves. To read additional narratives about Margarita and Federico, visit the following link: https://www.srcharitycinti.org/news-andevents/feature-stories/. Editor’s note: An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number which is a tax processing number issued by the IRS. The IRS issues ITINs to help individuals comply with the U.S. tax laws for those not eligible for Social Security.

Young trafficked farm workers were brought to Los Pobres Center in Avondale, Colorado, by the state patrol to receive proper care. V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

Living Lightly on Earth By S. Caroljean Willie

arthConnection’s staff, Sisters Winnie Brubach and Caroljean Willie and Associate Sue DiTullio, continue to seek new and creative ways to pursue its ministry of providing a center for learning and reflection about living lightly on Earth. Programs are designed to reach a variety of audiences from children through adults.

potatoes,

Prior to the closure of EarthConnection (EC) due to the pandemic, Girl Scout troops were visiting EC approximately every week or two. Some troops came to earn their EarthConnection patch by learning about alternative energies and participating in a variety of activities. Others wanted to fulfill the requirements for badges pertaining to nature and EarthConnection’s bottle caps to benc hes program invited Girl Scouts environmental issues available at their to save plastic bottle caps which wou ld be recycled into benches and picnic tables. level of scouting. Since we cannot meet in person right now, we are providing activities for the girls on our website. One is an essay contest asking girls to write about their love cabbage, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and Anaheim chilies. for nature, the importance of caring for the environment and The excessive weeding for us is due to not having the help the world young people want. The other is a suggested poetic form (changed every few weeks) that invites them to take a trip of MSJU volunteer students in the early spring. Letting the weeds grow and bloom turned the garden into a beautiful to their backyards and write about what they see. array of wild flowers. The colors were soft pinks to deep Sue DiTullio, our administrative assistant, designed a bottle yellows. Of course, there is the ever-present dandelion and we caps to benches program which invited Girl Scouts to save plastic have an invasive grass that gives us trouble everywhere. bottle caps which would be recycled into benches and picnic Our gardeners this year are June Greensmith, Diane tables. The goal of the program is to encourage Girl Scouts to become better stewards of our environment by learning the value Massa, Barb Huber, Mary Levitch, and Robin Boeskin and Marietta Bucalo when they can join us. We are happy to have of recycling. Somehow word of this endeavor ended up on a number of websites and we have gotten calls, emails and boxes of Mary with us. She is an experienced gardener and not shy about the work necessary. We look forward to helping the lids from throughout the country. Good Samaritan Free Health Center with fresh vegetables. EC is also hosting a series of webinars on environmental Our garden will have assistance again this year from the topics every two weeks to continue our mission of educating about sustainability. Topics include “Climate Change, Poverty hive of honey bees kept at EC by Dr. Gene Kritsky, MSJU entomologist. They help us pollinate our vegetables and and Refugees,” “Ecospirituality,” “The Earth Charter: A flowers and those of gardens within their three-to-five mile Document for Our Times,” and Journaling with Nature.” radius. Because there are no students at MSJU to assist Dr. Those interested can check out our website, Kritsky, S. Winnie is feeding the bees with sugar water until www.scearthconnection.org, for dates and times. they can provide for themselves. The EC veggie garden was slow to start this spring due to both COVID-19 and the weather. Now that we are meeting weekly we have weeded, weeded, weeded and planted peas, 24

I n tercom

Timeless Treasures By S. Judith Metz

mong the many honorary degrees, plaques, certificates and other awards recognizing the late S. Jean Patrice Harrington, the 1989 honorary doctoral degree from the College of Mount St. Joseph, was her most cherished recognition. Received just two years after her retirement as president of the institution, nothing could be more fitting to acknowledge and celebrate her contribution as a “determined leader, woman of deep faith and premier innovative educator.” Born in Denver, Colorado, and educated by the Sisters of Charity at Cathedral High School, Patricia Jean Harrington then received a scholarship to the College of Mount St. Joseph but instead entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati in 1940. She spent her early years teaching at schools in Trinidad, Pueblo, and Denver before earning a Ph.D. in university administration from the University of Colorado in 1967. Although recruited by several universities and colleges for administrative positions, S. Jean Patrice spent the next 10 years serving in Sister of Charity community administrative roles. When named president of the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1977, this experienced educator and administrator faced significant financial and educational challenges. According to the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, she “led one of the biggest comebacks in the community in recent memory, bringing the College of Mount St. Joseph back from educational and financial obscurity.” When she took over its leadership, the college was $1.2 million in debt and enrollment was falling. When she retired 10 years later the budget was balanced, fundraising targets were being surpassed, and enrollment had nearly doubled. S. Jean Patrice built the institution’s visibility by partnering with the business community. She integrated the college’s liberal arts mission with its career-based education. She extended the Mount’s enrollment to include women and men of all ages, including minorities and low-income students. Under her leadership, the Mount started the first weekend college for adults in Cincinnati, Project EXCEL for students with learning disabilities, and Project SCOPE, a high school mentoring program and summer residency program for Cincinnati-area AfricanAmerican students.

In 1989, the late S. Jean Patrice Harrington received the honorary doctoral degree from the College of Mount St. Joseph.

When reflecting on these accomplishments, S. Jean Patrice commented: “I got a lot of credit for what people said I did, but I have to honestly say it was because I was surrounded by a faculty who was willing and ready for change, by loyal lay people who went to the city and made the college known, solicited funds, and at the end of one year we were able to balance the budget…. I could never say enough about the good people who surrounded me and made me look good.” After her retirement, S. Jean Patrice was appointed director of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, served on numerous boards, and contributed her time and talents to many local organizations. In all this, she never forgot the Mount, serving on its board and initiating the foundation of a college archives to preserve forever the history of her alma mater. V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

Charity Family Sisters Enjoy Earth Day Walk

(From left) Sisters Katharine Pinto and Juliette Sabo enjoy the weather for the Earth Day Walk on the Motherhouse grounds.

The gorgeous spring weather was perfect on Earth Day, April 22, for many Sisters to participate in a 5k (more or less) walk around the Motherhouse grounds. An idea of S. Peggy Rein, the walk included approximately 60 SCs participating or cheering their Sisters on. In addition, Sisters from Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility watched and waved from their patios and the MMH porch.

Memorial Garden Dedicated in S. Blandina’s Honor St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, dedicated a memorial garden on its campus in honor of Servant of God S. Blandina Segale. The high school shares the campus with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe’s administrative center; S. Blandina ministered to the people of the Archdiocese for many years, where she came to be known in every level of society from members of the state legislature to the indigent. Sisters and Associates in the area, SC president S. Patricia Hayden, as well as past and present board members of St. Joseph’s Children, were in attendance. Team IJPC Despite the pandemic, Sisters Joyce Richter and Sally Duffy and Associate Karen Martin committed to taking part in the 2020 Flying Pig marathon, each raising funds on behalf of the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center (IJPC) in Cincinnati. S. Joyce walked the virtual half-marathon, while S. Sally ran the 13.1 miles, both doing so on their own time in May. Karen will walk both the 10k and the half-marathon on separate days yet to be determined. S. Joyce Richter completed her virtual Flying Pig half-marathon in May, her ninth year doing so. 26

(From left) Grounds Worker Eric Niehaus and S. Ann Elizabeth Von Hagel enjoy their time together at the CSW root beer social in March.

Employees Celebrate Sisters, CSW Sisters of Charity and employees came together on March 10, 2020, to celebrate 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 a friendly quiz about the history of the Sisters of Charity. In addition, hearts were distributed throughout the Motherhouse for employees to write special notes to the Sisters.

Community members gathered via Zoom to welcome Jean Simpson as an Associate in Mission.

Welcome New Associate On Sunday, April 19, 2020, Jean Simpson, a resident of Montana, became an Associate in Mission with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. Due to the pandemic, the commitment ceremony was held through Zoom technology. Sixteen Sisters and Associates were present from Montana, Colorado, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Welcome Jean! I n tercom

Moments in Ministry St. Mary’s Elementary and High School, Lansing, Michigan By S. Judith Metz

St. Mary School’s first building on Chestnut Street circa 1880.

1874

Three Sisters of Charity, led by S. Octavia McKenna, opened a six-room school house with an enrollment of about 100 students.

1900

St. Mary’s High School opened. By the 1920s its enrollment was 220 students. Tuition for out-of-parish students was $15 per year.

Editor Erin Reder

Administrators were interested in introducing the curriculum developed by the Committee on American Citizenship from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. S. Mary Janet Miller was named principal of the high school to oversee this project.

Executive Council Liaison S. Monica Gundler

1963

St. Mary’s High School closed and O’Rafferty High School opened, staffed by Sisters of Charity and Christian Brothers.

1969

St. Mary’s elementary school closed and merged with Holy Cross School. Sisters of Charity Juanita Marie Gonzales (as principal) and Pat Newhouse (as classroom teacher) continued to teach there until the 1990s.

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

1970

O’Rafferty High School closed. Sisters of Charity continued their ministry at Catholic Central until 1991.

1993

Sisters Marie Pauline Skalski, Pat Newhouse, Anita Parks, and the late Cheryl Ann Grenier were on the inaugural faculty of St. Martha’s School in nearby Okemos.

The pictured postcard commemorates the transition of St. Mary’s Church to St. Mary’s Cathedral in 1937.

S. Mary Janet Miller was named principal of St. Mary’s High School in Lansing in 1958.

V olume I I , 2 0 2 0

Intercom Staff

Lansing was named a diocese with St. Mary’s as the Cathedral. By this time there were 18 Sisters of Charity and three lay teachers serving 383 elementary school students and 290 high schoolers.

1937

1958

The last faculty of the St. Mary’s Cathedral Grade School in June 1969.

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 245 Sisters are joined in their mission by 204 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 18 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.

Graphic Design/Layout Michelle Bley Director of Communications S. Georgia Kitt

Advisory Board Members: Veronica Buchanan S. Mary Ann Flannery S. Tracy Kemme S. Joyce Richter Debbie Weber Vicki Welsh

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

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

4 Sisters of Charity employees’ commitment to the Sisters’ health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic has been more than appreciated by the Community and administrative staff.

24 S. Winnie Brubach (pictured) has been working with Dr. Gene Kritsky, a Mount St. Joseph University professor, to care for a hive of bees on the grounds of EarthConnection.

S. Pat Newhouse’s dedication to the mission of Haven House in Lansing, Michigan has benefited many families.

Intercom Vol. II 2020

Articles inside

A Giving Heart

Moments in Ministry St. Mary’s Elementary and High School, Lansing, Michigan

Timeless Treasures S. Jean Patrice Harrington’s honorary doctoral degree

EarthConnection Living Lightly on Earth

Changing Lives One Donation at a Time S. Pat Newhouse’s volunteer ministry at Haven House

Departments