Intercom Vol. III 2019

Intercom

Volume III, 2019

S I S T E R S

O F

C H A R I T Y

O F

C I N C I N N AT I

Share the

Journey

A LETTER FROM OUR SISTER

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LEADERSHIP

Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends,

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n behalf of our entire Leadership Council, Sisters Joanne, Teresa, Monica, Marge and myself, we welcome you to this edition of Intercom.

The Charity of Christ urges us on, day by day. In these last few months we have come together to celebrate:

CONTENTS FEATURES Journeying With Our Jubilarians ....... 6-7 The Community celebrates SCs special anniversaries.

Honored, Esteemed and Charitable ... 8-9 S. Clarann Weinert celebrates 60 years as a Sister of Charity.

Share the Journey: Encountering Christ ............................................ 12-13 SC volunteers describe their experiences at the U.S./Mexico border.

Walking With God........................ 14-15 Life through love and friendship in Weslaco, Texas.

Centennial Celebration ................. 22-23 S. Mary Loyola Mathia reflects on the evolution of MSJU.

DEPARTMENTS Moments in Ministry ............................3 Holy Angels School/Lehman High School, Sidney, Ohio Vocation/Formation ..............................5 S. Whitney Schieltz Professes First Vows OPJCC ...............................................17 Season of Creation: Living Out Your Faith

• Our Sisters who marked significant Jubilee years, • S. Whitney Schieltz who made her first profession of vows, • Liturgies for our nine Sisters and one Associate who went on to eternal life, • Sisters Barbara Hagedorn and Catherine Kirby who were honored at DePaul Cristo Rey High School’s Founders Day celebration, • Our charism and life together during Fall Congregational Days, • Mount St. Joseph University’s kickoff to the centennial celebrations, • S. Rose William Herzog (posthumously) and Associate Carol Herbert who were honored with the Archdiocese’s Spirit of S. Dorothy Stang Award, and • S. Judith Metz who was presented with the Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal by Mount St. Joseph University.

We truly have been given many gifts that we share with our sisters and brothers in our communities around the world. You will be inspired by all the stories of our journey of Charity. They tell of our footprint, collaborating and partnering with others as we strive to live Gospel values. We walk with our God in humility, simplicity, and charity. As pilgrims we pray for the wisdom to know the needs of our sisters and brothers and we dare to risk a caring response.

Let us continue to be present with our sisters and brothers and make our world a more loving and just society. Enjoy the stories and may you have a blessed Christmas season.

Gratefully,

S. Patricia Hayden, SC President

EarthConnection.................................20 Connecting With All Creation

IN MEMORIAM

Timeless Treasures ...............................24 S. Maria Corona Molloy’s Blessed Mother statue

May our Sisters and Associates enjoy the fruits of their labor as well as peace with their God.

On the Cover: (Front row, from left) Associate Mary Ann Perez, her grandson, Ethan (back row, from left) Associate Viola Elizondo, Mary Ann’s granddaughter, Olivia, and S. Anne Darlene Wojtowicz share life through relationships in Weslaco, Texas. To read more visit Pages 14-15.

S. Mary Kathryn McFerrin July 29, 2019

Associate Phyllis Siler Aug. 24, 2019

S. Cheryl Ann Grenier Oct. 13, 2019

S. Patricia McNally Aug. 2, 2019

S. Joan Groff Sept. 2, 2019

S. Loretta Saupe Oct. 29, 2019

Disclaimer: The information contained in Intercom is intended for general information and educational purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are the views of individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

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S. Marie Josetta Wethington S. Catherine Cahur Aug. 17, 2019 Sept. 22, 2019

S. John Miriam Jones Nov. 3, 2019

S. Eileen Therese Breslin Aug. 23, 2019 I N T E RC O M

Moments in Ministry Holy Angels School and Lehman High School, Sidney, Ohio

By S. Judith Metz Holy Angels Parish was founded in 1848 by German and Irish immigrants.

Despite opposition from the anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant Know-Nothing Party, the Catholics in Sidney built a church and opened a Catholic school for 20 children in 1858.

1876

Rev. Francis Quatman led the way for construction of a modern two-story school and invited the Sisters of Charity to staff it. Four Sisters arrived to open classes for 95 students.

1883

The school expanded to grade 10 and included a music department that offered both vocal and instrumental instruction. By 1887 a complete high school curriculum was adopted. The first four students graduated in 1889.

1900

Under S. Leonita Mulhall, who began a 19-year tenure at the school, the curriculum was revised and the school began a steady advancement academically and in enrollment.

S. Leonita Mulhall began her 19-year tenure at Holy Angels School in 1900.

1935

S. Marie Devota Theskin taught science at Holy Angels School for 13 years.

S. Ginny Scherer has ministered at Lehman High School for more than 40 years.

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The school reached its largest enrollment to date with 400 elementary students and 100 high school students. The following year a fire destroyed the elementary school, and classes were held in temporary locations until a new threestory school opened 19 months later.

1955

A new high school building was completed. By this time there were 15 Sisters teaching at Holy Angels. Among them was S. Marie Devota Theskin who taught science from 1942 to 1955.

1970

Holy Angels High School merged with Piqua Catholic High School to become Lehman High School in honor of long-time Holy Angels pastor, Rev. Edward C. Lehman.

S. Virginia Scherer served at Holy Angels/Lehman from 1968-1977, and again from 1987 to the present.

1978

Sisters of Charity left Holy Angels Elementary School after 111 years, but their presence continued with S. Rita Maureen Schmidt’s work in parish ministry.

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Into Our Future

By S. Monica Gundler

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hapter 2019 in April brought new leadership to the congregation and a recommitment to the Chapter directions of 2015. The presentation of the Congregation’s Annual Report shared our movement over the past four years in the areas of Margins, Relationships, and Creation/Earth and the specifics mentioned within each.

These focus areas are not “finished” but give us direction over the next years.

S. Patricia Hayden was elected president along with council members Monica Gundler, Marge Kloos, Joanne Burrows and Teresa Dutcher to serve as the leadership of the congregation for the next four years. To view bios, please visit www.srcharitycinti.org/who-we-are/leadership/.

Although the formal installation of the new leadership was on July 1, the team began with meetings with facilitator Debbie Asberry as well as the outgoing leadership team members for a time of transitioning and orientation. The new leadership team also attended the national gathering of the Leadership Council of Women Religious (LCWR) in August.

During the LCWR gathering, a presentation on “Essential Dimensions of Religious Life Leadership” called to our awareness the centrality of The Charism of Religious Life for Now and for the Future Within and Across Congregations. We know the way forward is together and the reality of our newer members is that they are more diverse culturally and have formed relationships across not only congregations but also across membership of both the LCWR and the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR). This desire to connect through the charism of religious life is already happening.

Emerging orientations in religious life include the movement toward a more global view and an embracing of our call to interculturality, as well as the need and natural movement toward collaboration through a variety of partnerships. Our global reality is also calling us to be more technologically astute with the growing connections at the press of a button or touch of a screen. The need for us to claim our place in the “Public Square” with the moral authority of our witness to the crisis in climate, violence, poverty and unmet needs of people, etc. is imperative.

Along with these orientations a diagram of the “Essential Dimensions of Religious Life Leadership” was presented to the group with both data and commentary in each area.

In the center is The Charism of Religious Life for Now and

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At the annual LCWR gathering in August 2019, a diagram of the “Essential Dimensions of Religious Life Leadership” was presented with both data and commentary in each area.

for the Future Within and Across Congregations. Around this center are elements including Mission and Vision, Prophetic Engagement, Nurturing Relationships, Ensuring Stewardship of Temporal Goods and Community Patrimony, and Leadership for the Whole of Religious Life. In reporting on these elements, it was cautioned that many congregations are spending 80 percent of their time on the Stewardship of Temporal Goods and Community Patrimony, which leaves the other areas of significance only 20 percent between them.

The world around us is shifting rapidly and reading the signs of the times continues to be critical amidst our changing realities. What is ours to do? That has become a central question in this time in history, a time that Pope Francis calls “not an era of change, but a change in era.” During our Chapter, several critical questions emerged for reflection and action in the years ahead.

A quote from S. Teresa Maya, CCVI, posed the question: “What if the most important contribution of religious life has not yet happened?” As we move forward, how will we address our own resistance? How do we embrace our realities and let go of things that no longer serve us in order to continue forward? As we gathered at Chapter we left in a spirit of hope for this new time and a desire to walk together into our future.

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Sisters, Associates, friends of the SC Community and family members of S. Whitney Schieltz gathered on Aug. 24, 2019 to celebrate Whitney’s profession of First Vows.

Sister of Charity of Cincinnati

Whitney Schieltz Professes First Vows

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ister of Charity of Cincinnati Whitney Schieltz pronounced First Vows during a ceremony Aug. 24, 2019, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. During the liturgy Novice Director S. Donna Steffen presented Whitney for First Vows.

Whitney committed herself for three years to the service of God, God’s people, and all of Creation as a member of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. She promised “to live in community and vow to God poverty, consecrated celibacy and obedience according to the Constitutions of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.”

“I make these evangelical vows into the hands of S. Patricia Hayden. I ask for the continuing grace of God and the support of my Sisters, Associates, family and friends that I may keep faith with the commitment I freely and joyfully make today,” she concluded.

Sisters of Charity President, S. Patricia Hayden, accepted Whitney’s vows and following the Mass and ceremony guests were invited to celebrate with the Community in the Motherhouse Dining Room.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Whitney is the younger of two children to Beverly and Richard Schieltz. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2010 with a degree in architecture, and continued her studies at the University of Kentucky (Lexington) in the area of historic preservation attaining her master’s degree in 2012. Whitney returned to Dayton and participated in the Rite of Christian Initiation for

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S. Whitney Schieltz (left), with Sisters of Charity President Patricia Hayden, pronounced First Vows during a ceremony Aug. 24, 2019, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse.

Adults where she was confirmed Aug. 24, 2014, at St. Luke parish in Beavercreek, Ohio.

Whitney began Affiliation with the Community in September 2015 and became a Canonical Novice on Aug. 19, 2017. During her Canonical year she participated weekly in the Greater Cincinnati Intercommunity Novitiate. In addition, she had the opportunity to participate in a five-day session with the St. Louis Intercommunity Novitiate, minister once a week for six months at Working In Neighborhoods and another six months at Price Hill Will, find time for prayer and reflection, and volunteer with S. Sarah Mulligan at the Daniel Comboni Community Clinic (Mixco, Guatemala) for 10 days.

During her Apostolic Novitiate, beginning Aug. 20, 2018, Whitney volunteered three days a week at Working in Neighborhoods. Whitney’s vow preparation included workshops with the St. Louis Intercommunity Novitiate as well as participation in Sisters of Charity Federation Future of Charity gatherings and the Assembly of the Whole held in Chicago, Illinois.

Whitney is currently ministering full time at Working in Neighborhoods where she is able to use her architectural skills to work alongside Sisters of Charity Barbara and Brenda Busch to help those who are economically poor.

She is living with the Visitation House community in Price Hill (Cincinnati).

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2019 JUBILEE

Journeying With Our Jubilarians

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ixty years ago a group of women entered the Sisters of Charity Community.

Some were taught by the SCs in grade or high school, others first met the Sisters of Charity as college students or in the workplace. All, however, were inspired by the women they met and were called to enter the Community and to a life of prayer, love, friendship and service.

Throughout the 60 years the women have shared the journey with members of the Charity Family, immigrants, students and family members, in foreign missions, parishes and their communities. They have touched hearts and inspired many others in their ministries and lives through the loving relationships developed. In July the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati honored these Diamond Jubilarians, thanking them for their years of service and lives filled with love and charity. The following pages highlight their shared journeys as women religious and the many ways they have carried forward the Legacy of Charity throughout these 60 years.

For many years S. Marty Gallagher served the migrant population in medical clinics in Ohio, California and New Mexico.

“There were many moments in my 60 years that brought me into deeper realization of the human condition, the fragility of life. We are what our experiences have taught us. The people in our lives touch us and we grow, and hopefully, I touched others and allowed them to grow.”

- S. Marty Gallagher

Diamond Jubilarians, celebrating 60 years as women religious, are: (front row, from left) Sisters Marty Gallagher, Suzanne Donovan, Mary Gallagher, Mary Alice Stein, (back row, from left) Jo Ann Martini, Juanita Marie Gonzales, Clarann Weinert, Joan Wessendarp, Carol Leveque and Maureen Heverin.

“Elizabeth Seton’s Legacy of Charity changed my life in ways I never imagined. It is the drive that keeps me going to wherever I can be of service to God’s people. Elizabeth has always been an inspiration as to what it means to be open to God’s will and trust that He will see us through.” - S. Juanita Marie Gonzales 6

S. Suzanne Donovan says her decision to enter the community was a following of what was clear in her heart.

S. Juanita Marie Gonzales as director of faith formation at San Isidro-San Jose parish in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

“The joy of being with my Sisters enriches my day and life. I always come home profoundly grateful for the Women of Charity.”

- S. Suzanne Donovan I N T E RC O M

Additional anniversaries were celebrated in 2019. We are grateful for the lives of service of these women.

75 YEARS OF SERVICE S. Florence Cremering S. Betty Jane Lillie S. Rose Therese Wich

S. Jo Ann Martini (second from right) was director of religious education at St. John the Baptist in Harrison, Ohio, for many years.

“As a DRE I found an enriched, fulfilling role in ministry. Many fine adults have been a unique part of my life. God, through Mary, fellow Sisters of Charity, my family and parish members have blessed my life deeply to this very day.”

- S. Jo Ann Martini

70 YEARS OF SERVICE S. Joan Cain S. Jean Ann Glutz S. Mary Germaine Maximovich S. Joseph Ellen Noppenberger S. Patrice Vales 65 Years of Service S. Carol Ann Brockmeyer S. Donna Collins S. Shirley Dix S. Mary Ann Flannery S. John Michael Geis S. Rosemarie Gerrety S. Katrinka Gunn S. Judith Gutzwiller S. Catherine Kirby S. Elizabeth Jane Mann S. Kathleen Ann Murray S. Stephen Ann O’Malley S. Jean Welling

For more than 40 years, S. Mary Alice Stein ministered at Carroll High School in Dayton, Ohio. “... [O]ften I meet graduates who thank me for not only teaching them English or Latin, but also for things I said that inspired them to become who they are.”

S. Joan Wessendarp ministered in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as teacher, counselor and director of religious formation. “... [M]y heart is filled with gratitude and humility – gratitude for my calling and humility that I was chosen to be part of the Legacy of Charity.”

“I have had the opportunity to renew friendships with Sisters who either taught me or with whom I lived. To see their struggles, their faith and acceptance, has taught me more about the ‘aging process’ than any book.” - S. Mary Gallagher VOLUME III, 2019

“Community living for me has usually included one to five other Sisters.

The sharing of life, including prayer, conversations, play and household responsibilities, has been a great gift and source of personal growth.”

- S. Maureen Heverin

S. Florence Cremering (left) celebrated 75 years with the Community in 2019.

(From left) Jubilarians Mary Germaine Maximovich (70 years) and Betty Jane Lillie (75 years)

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S. Clarann Weinert:

Honored, Esteemed and Charitable

By AJ Keith, Communications intern

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uilding loving relationships has been the bedrock of Sister of Charity Clarann Weinert’s ministries. Using it in both her ministries and her faith life, S. Clarann responds to her Diamond Jubilee of 60 years with gratitude to the people in her life.

For S. Clarann, the call to become a woman religious began as a “whispering in her heart” that started during her late middle-school years. Her calling to help others by becoming a nurse – which was her dream since she was about 4 years old – was just as important. However, she found the opportunity to become both a nurse and a woman religious while studying at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. While she worked there, she met the Sisters of Charity through Sisters Michael Ann Daly, Ann Seton Gallagher, Margaret Ebbing and Anna Suttman. After one of the Sisters of Charity passed away, S. Clarann was selected to attend the funeral at Mount St. Joseph as a representative of her school.

Enamored by the chapel and the chance to pursue her degree as a nurse and to grow spiritually as a Sister, S. Clarann entered the Community with the guidance of S. Michael Ann. “It was through working with and being alongside the Sisters that I found a home,” S. Clarann said. “Watching them enjoy each other was all that I needed to see.”

Because her credits could not be transferred to the Mount, she had to begin as a freshman in the nursing program. Graduating in 1965, S. Clarann began her journey of service that took her across the nation, including Colorado, New Mexico, Washington and Montana. St. Joseph Hospital in Mount Clemens, Michigan, was the first ministry where she served as an operating room intern for a year to learn how to become a supervisor. While she had an accomplished career as an operating room and emergency room nurse, S. Clarann wanted to learn the best ways to help others. She pursued a master’s degree in nursing from The Ohio State University (Columbus) in 1972, but, as she says, “I felt that God planted a seed in my head that steered me towards nursing science.”

The University of Washington in Seattle accepted her application for the doctoral program to earn her Ph.D. in sociology. During this time, a friend had suggested a place for her to grow as an educator – skills that she would need with her Ph.D. It was after this that S. Clarann began her 38year stay in Bozeman, Montana at Montana State University, where she conducted numerous studies on rural nursing care

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S. Clarann Weinert’s desire to join the medical field was matched only by her desire to become a Sister from a young age.

as a nurse scientist. Though she only intended to stay for two years, she became close to the people of Bozeman and the faculty. Additionally, the setting was a perfect place to study the effects that a rural setting can have on the health of people. “I fell in love with the rural people,” S. Clarann says. “It was this whole group of people who no one else was looking at with long-term illness and I wanted to help them.”

In her ministries, S. Clarann discovered the recurring theme of “social support,” which refers to a system of people in one’s life that can reduce stress levels through their support and even helps some people heal quicker. It was during her doctoral studies that she and another colleague developed a 25-item questionnaire used to measure social support.

Known as “PRQ85,” or the Personal Resource Questionnaire, the survey was so unique and in-depth that her professors I N T E RC O M

immediately recommended having it published. The instrument has since been translated into five languages and continues to be used to date in multiple research projects nationally and internationally.

The project that she is most proud of was known as Womento-Women, a study that spanned 15 years and involved installing computers in women’s homes.

The benefit of the computers was that women living with long-term illnesses were able to communicate with others via a chatroom. The installation of these computers was integral to the better health of these women, as was the 15-week course used to teach these women how to take Her proudest accomplishment, S. Clarann Weinert’s study entitled Women-to-Women impacted the social support of care of themselves beyond the women in rural areas and its correspondence to their health. duration of the class. The study Montana, New York and Ohio. “I’ve had two groups for over included women from eastern Oregon, Washington, Idaho, 25 years that helped me to sustain living my vows and not Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Nebraska being alone in my spirituality,” S. Clarann says. and Missouri. “The government wanted more studies done on women because there were so many men-based studies,” Despite her time living geographically away from S. Clarann says. “We gave a questionnaire to the 700 women the Sisters of Charity, S. Clarann emphasizes a sense of after our intervention and received an overwhelmingly “rootedness” in the Congregation that she takes everywhere positive response.” that she goes. To stay active in her Community, S. Clarann Her efforts in such projects did not go unnoticed as Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, or STTI, recognized her and awarded her many times throughout the years since her induction in 1977 at the University of Washington. As a part of the Zeta Upsilon Chapter of STTI, S. Clarann is proud to be a part of an organization that supports people of her profession as the only honor society for nurses. The “icing on the cake” for S. Clarann was when she was inducted into the STTI Researcher’s Hall of Fame in 2010, which she helped to establish. S. Clarann says, “The best part of my career as a nurse scientist was to see other people succeed be they faculty, other colleagues or students.”

Though it can be difficult for her to practice her faith between her 70-80 hour work week and being the only woman religious in Bozeman, S. Clarann began her own prayer group. Publicizing it more as a gathering than a prayer group, the “community of faith” meets every other Tuesday for prayer and is celebrating its 25th anniversary. She also became part of an experimental small group at the same time with a few of the Sisters of Charity. Affectionately called the “Somewhere Out There” small group, it consisted of 10 individuals from California, Washington, Kansas, Florida,

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participates as a part of the Seton Enablement Fund Committee. This allows her to make visits to Cincinnati, which refresh her memory on why she chose this Congregation in the first place. “I always come to Congregational Days, Chapter and other Community gatherings, and I have a personal writing ministry for birthdays and anniversaries,” S. Clarann says. “I made a firm commitment to stay connected. I didn’t join the Community to be isolated.”

Because of her fateful encounter with S. Michael Ann and others in the Community, S. Clarann was able to live out her personal mission as a healer while living out the teachings of Elizabeth Ann Seton. Though she is retired from her professor position, S. Clarann continues to serve as a research scientist for Montana State University, primarily concerning herself with projects related to healthcare in rural areas. S. Clarann says that wherever she is in the world, she will take the Sisters of Charity with her and that she may even return to Ohio when her research is complete. Until then, S. Clarann says, “The Sisters of Charity are such a powerful and educated and holy group of women. I am who I am because of who they were from the beginning and who they are now.”

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Trustworthy and True

By AJ Keith, Communications intern

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ew people have the experience of being a former woman religious, but Betty Rensing, a former Sister of Charity and current Associate, provides a unique perspective that others can learn from. With a foot in both worlds, Betty has seen the best that the Congregation has to offer to its members by ways of faith and a sense of community that have endured over the years.

privilege to serve with the Sisters of Charity again because of her new and renewed friendships and her desire to help others. “I appreciate the welcome I feel when sharing the experience of Mass and my volunteer work,” Betty says. “I feel refreshed in the beautiful atmosphere of these holy grounds.”

Currently, Betty serves as an archival typist for the SC In 1939, Betty entered the fourth Motherhouse, where she transcribes grade at St. Dominic School in the ministries of earlier Sisters.

Cincinnati, Ohio, her first experience She feels connected with the Associate Betty Rensing has volunteered her unique with the Sisters of Charity. Faithful at late Sisters because of their selfless gifts to the Sisters of Charity Archives for the last a young age, Betty attended Mass each devotion to others. Because of her 25 years. morning before she went to school. Though attention to detail, she has become an she would be late, her teacher, Sister of Charity Marie Dolores invaluable asset to the office. Veronica Buchanan, archivist Heitz, was an inspiring mentor that Betty describes as, “fair for the Congregation, says, “Betty has lived the Community’s and kind.”

Charism by sharing her unique gifts in the Archives for 25 years. Her efforts have deepened our understanding of the The following years Betty was taught by S. Joseph Miriam work and spirituality of the Sisters.”

Berning and became Sister’s “prudent companion” for her trips to downtown Cincinnati. This gave her additional time to experience the ethos of the Congregation and loving relationships. During this time, Betty discovered that trust was the foundation of any relationship, which molded her into a faith-filled woman whose place was with the Sisters of Charity.

“I was impressed by their kindness and friendliness,” Betty says.

Betty has known and loved many in the Community and just as many people have returned that love. She continues serving in the Archives, but awaits a grand reunion with the Sisters of the past who have filled her with the spirit of charity. “I love the spirit of the Sisters – their faith-filled outlook moves me each day,” says Betty.

Her first ministry as a Sister was teaching for almost 20 years in Catholic elementary schools in Ohio and Michigan.

Later, she ministered at Cincinnati Good Samaritan Hospital where she reciprocated the trust that her mentors once showed her. “My office became a stopping point for many of the Sisters to share their joys and problems,” Betty says.

“They knew every word was safe with me.”

Though she discovered that her destiny was not as a woman religious, Betty was still heavily involved with the Congregation and maintained the same level of trust with her Sisters. After life as a Sister, Betty and another former member formed a group of, “exes where much healing and reconnecting was accomplished,” Betty says. “We established names of former Sisters and we invited them to the Motherhouse for get-togethers.”

Most members of this group eventually became Associates because of their dedication to the mission of the Congregation. Betty followed suit, where she had the distinct 10

Director of Associates Chanin Wilson (left) and S. Teresa Dutcher (right) congratulate Associates Betty Rensing (second from right) and Sandra Schafer on 25 years as SC Associates in Mission.

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Dedicated Service

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n May, the Seton High School community celebrated the end of an era with the retirement of S. Teresa Dutcher.

Not only was it the end of S. Teresa’s 39 dedicated years to the school, but it was also the end of more than 160 years (1854) of service by the Sisters of Charity as teachers and administrators. S. Teresa took the time to reminisce about her years at the school and the significance of her retirement.

S. Teresa first arrived at Seton High School in 1974 as a member of its social studies department. With little experience under her belt, she found the school to be quite large, particularly in comparison to her first teaching ministry at Marian High School. Those were the years when more than half of the staff was made up of Sisters of Charity and S. Teresa said she enjoyed the pleasant, friendly community of teachers she came to work with. Five years later she returned to Marian, eventually moving into an administrative role and seeing the school through its merger with Purcell High School.

In 1985, S. Teresa returned to Seton this time as assistant principal. Through the years she transitioned from administration to faculty and department chair, holding the role of chair of the religion department for many years.

Changes are inevitable in almost four decades of service, and S. Teresa recalls many through the years, particularly as local demographics changed. Enrollment decreased and increased with the trends of the times, and the physical look of the school was altered as buildings were torn down and new ones erected to accommodate the needs of the students.

Convents were once a part of the school’s existence and many Sisters of Charity lived in one of the residences throughout the years, including S. Teresa. As a member of Farrell House, she recalls each house of Sisters being responsible for the celebration of a particular holiday and coordinating activities and games for all to participate in.

Throughout the years the number of Sisters of Charity on staff also slowly declined. As one of the last Sisters of Charity to minister at the school, S. Teresa said she was very aware of the fact that there was a certain torch she carried.

She always felt welcome to offer her opinions or suggestions to keep the school aligned with the Sisters of Charity mission.

More recently, as the only SCs on staff, she and S. Sandy Howe worked with faculty and staff to implement a recycling program at Seton that embraced the SC commitment to care for all creation. They were always open to the Sisters input and willing to act, she recalled.

For all the change what has remained at Seton High School is its spirit and commitment to the Sisters of Charity VOLUME III, 2019

S. Teresa Dutcher retired from Seton High School in May 2019 after 39 years of ministry to the school.

mission. S. Teresa says students have always risen to the direction of their teachers and showed respect and general concern for others. “There were kindnesses that we did for each other that were positively reinforcing,” she said. Acts of kindness such as a student offering to read from the book when she noticed Sister had a sore throat, supporting one another when a family or staff member lost a loved one, to even picking up their former teacher’s check at a local restaurant; their fondness for one another was mutual.

In looking to the future S. Teresa is only filled with assurance and hope. Many of the current administrators and teachers she herself has taught, and over the last several years she has witnessed a much more directed, focused curriculum incorporating the heritage of the Sisters of Charity.

“I feel that we are leaving Seton High School in good hands. The school continues its way up,” she adds. “There were times when I felt like I wanted to leave but then stayed because I felt the Sisters of Charity needed to be there. The current administration made it very easy to leave. They are doing a fine job of carrying on the Sisters of Charity spirit and charism. It is part of the atmosphere.”

And how is S. Teresa spending her retirement? After one month of restful retirement she began her new role – councilor for the Sisters of Charity Leadership Team. “I went from a part-time position and summers off, to a full-time position year-round,” she laughed. And so her life of service and ministry continues in a new role bringing with her many gifts and learnings from the faculty, staff and students of Seton High School.

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A child’s shoe left under the barbed-wire fence at the U.S./ Mexico border.

Share the Journey: Encountering Christ

By S. Patricia Wittberg

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his article is the last of Intercom’s three-part series on “Sharing the Journey” with the migrants who cross our southern border. The previous two articles shared some of the stories of the migrants and of the Sisters and Associates of Charity who have joined with other volunteers to help them. This final article will describe how the Sister- and Associate-volunteers have been changed by their experiences, and how they hope others will be, too.

The volunteers were inspired by the spirituality and faith of those they served. When asked what she had learned from the migrants, S. Sally Duffy quickly said: Faith, deepening faith. There was a group that organized a prayer every day, outside. They have an incredible hope. For me they witnessed dependency on God. Sisters Louise Lears and Jean Miller admired the migrants’ resilience and patience: It was an experience of patience and realizing how patient these people had been, walking through several countries probably. So a waiting with patience, trying to match their patience.

We are so accustomed in our country to think we shouldn’t suffer. And I see these people who know suffering so well. Somehow or other they can smile and joke and tell you stories, etc., yet they have had great suffering. Which I think is a big lesson for those in first-world countries.

Associate Patrice Harty mentioned the migrants’ trust that God was with them on their journey. One night after a

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The chapel at Casa de los Refugiados, a center through which refugees came and were assisted in contacting their relatives/sponsors in the U.S., demonstrates the deep faith of those entering the states. Photo courtesy of S. Paula Rose Jauernig, SCL

long day working at one of the shelters, she got lost driving back to Casa de Caridad: I just kept praying, and I thought, “This is just a tiny fraction of what they must feel like, walking through the desert or wherever they walked, through the cities.”

I didn’t have to sleep outside. I didn’t have to figure out how I was going to eat. It was dark. It scared me a little bit. It made me realize, “OK God, you brought me here, you’re going to bring me home.” That actual experience, I think, gave me empathy.

The volunteers were also inspired by the way the migrants formed community among themselves, and by their willingness to help. As Sisters Caroljean Willie and Annette Paveglio said: Whatever needed to be done, they were willing to do it. At the San Juan Diego Center, they were out cutting I N T E RC O M

each other’s hair, and washing their clothes.

There was one of the migrants who was waiting for her papers.

She got some women together and they were helping out in the kitchen, cooking! They had everyone lined up in the hall and they would let just so many in first, and when those got through the line they let the next ones in and so on. She was really running the show, she had it organized.

Well, first of all, that the people coming are not dangerous. These are people who in most cases have only what they’re wearing, and they are simply trying to survive and provide a life for their children. The archbishop from Honduras came and spoke here earlier this year, and one of the things he said was, “There is nothing you can do that compares to what they’re running from.”

I just keep reminding myself, “Whatever I can do I would like to do.”

The many donations collected for migrants and And if it is spreading the word about refugees by shelters in the El Paso area. Photo this to change people’s attitudes, I want For all of the volunteers, their courtesy of S. Paula Rose Jauernig, SCL to do it. It’s not that people don’t care, I experiences have been transformative. think they don’t get what is really going Associate Evangeline Andarsio said: on in the news, and they don’t understand. So I think I thought that I was on Holy Ground. I was in the that the more that I can spread the message, the better. midst of God’s presence constantly! When I was in the For Associate Patrice Harty, it has meant educating her intake center, I was on Holy Ground, that was 24/7, high school students: because there weren’t just holy moments, it was all sacred. God’s presence was so evident and palpable.

I did a whole unit on immigration. I used Justice for Immigrants for my materials. One thing I did at the After encountering Jesus at the border, the Sisters and end of their fourth year, I had them make some kind Associates want to spark similarly transformative encounters of a game over some topic for their final project. One in their families, friends, and coworkers back home. student took a Chutes and Ladders game and when Sometimes this involves correcting misunderstandings about you opened it up, up pops this wall and it was all who the migrants are and what their experiences have been, about immigration. One side was Mexico and one side as Sisters Caroljean Willie, Andrea Koverman and Annette was the U.S. And you had to pick a card; this card Paveglio pointed out: said, “You had to go back because you got caught by I think that what is most important is that the stories immigration.” It was really, really well thought out. of these people get out. The rhetoric that you are Still others have advocated with their public officials, as hearing refers to drug smugglers and human traffickers, S. Caroljean Willie noted: coming across the border. Every one of us that was there did not meet a single drug dealer or a single I think that the most important thing we can do is terrorist. tell stories, talk to people, talk to our legislators, write letters, write letters to the editor, write for Global Sisters Report. I do all of the above, except talk to my legislators. Well, I have called them, but we want to make an appointment.

The 16 Sisters and Associates who have volunteered at the border this year all say they have been deeply touched by meeting Christ in those they served. As S. Andrea Koverman said at the end of her interview: I want to reiterate what a privilege it is. I think that’s why all the Sisters come – because we all know that it is our call and a privilege to be the face of God to the people who are really the most in need. I’m grateful for that.

A mural painted on the wall of one of the refugee shelters in El Paso, Texas reads “Esperanza,” or hope in Spanish. Photo courtesy of S. Paula Rose Jauernig, SCL VOLUME III, 2019

When and if the opportunity arises, we would all like to meet Christ at the border again!

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Walking With God

“L

ife through love and friendship …” The Sisters of Charity Charism Statement emphasizes this call to relationship and its significance in the lives of Community members. In Weslaco, Texas, near the southernmost tip of the state, three members of the Charity Family exemplify lives of love and friendship, bringing the charism of the Sisters of Charity to the community around them.

together, what keeps them close is their devotion to relationship and to the community around them. Viola and Mary Ann were raised in the Rio Grande Valley and it is easy to see how committed they are to the people they know and love. Says Viola, “As I was growing up I saw a migration of educated students leaving the area to look for better jobs, money, positions, and I thought it was an injustice to the people who remained in the area.

I managed to travel throughout the country but I always came back to share with my people what the rest of the world was like and what I learned.”

In the mid-1980s S. Anne Darlene Wojtowicz felt called to the Rio Grande Valley to open a birth center with three other women religious. It was in this very region that S. Stephanie Lindsey Added Mary Ann, “It’s home. We found herself working to empower the are born and raised here. We know the poor. Shortly after arriving in Weslaco, people here and we understand them.

(From left) Associate Viola Elizondo, S. Anne S. Anne Darlene was encouraged to get You become family.”

Darlene Wojtowicz and Associate Mary Ann involved in the community. She found Perez met more than 30 years ago as members While the city of Weslaco has a herself at St. Pius X Church helping with of St. Pius X in Weslaco. population of almost 40,000, the Church a youth retreat. It was there that she first community is still small enough that met Associate Viola Elizondo. “One of the team members everyone knows each other. And people particularly know assigned her the topic of sex,” recalled Viola with a chuckle. “I S. Anne Darlene, Viola and Mary Ann. They are invited really didn’t think a Sister could handle the issue but she did to funerals, weddings and celebrations at all three of the so beautifully.”

Catholic churches in the area, and more importantly, they Thus began a relationship that has solidified into much more than friendship. Says Viola, “When I met S. Anne Darlene I saw a very different view [of women religious].

She was very much a part of the world, not removed from it. Her spirituality was like mine, we clicked automatically.

We started to work together and to do things together. Quite honestly she has become my sister.”

The feeling is mutual for Associate Mary Ann Perez, who met S. Anne Darlene and Viola almost 30 years ago, also as a member of St. Pius X parish. “We have been family ever since,” she said. “They are my moms, aunts, sisters, counselors and grandmas to my children. They are everything to us.”

The mother of four, grandmother of seven says that when Sister and Viola first approached her about becoming an Associate in Mission eight years ago, she felt overwhelmed. “I cried and told them I wasn’t worthy,” she recalled. Realizing that the call wasn’t coming from them but from God, Mary Ann says she couldn’t say no.

While St. Pius X may have brought the three of them 14

are called on when people have needs, particularly spiritual needs. “They see us as good people,” explains Mary Ann, “as people that want to serve and help. There’s a lot of people in our community that need help and we try to serve and do whatever we can.”

“People recognize the spirituality that is among us,” adds Viola. She and S. Anne Darlene have been asked to lead prayer services and spiritual retreats. When someone needs a building or home blessed, a meal, or a listening ear to confide in, it is known that they can contact one of them.

Most recently they have found themselves helping migrants crossing the southern border. And while the wider community is divided on the issue, the women say that they are doing what they can to help. “There are many needs – food, volunteers, clothing,” said Mary Ann, “We have a good community, trying to do good by faith.”

S. Sally Duffy visited the area in February 2019. There she volunteered for one week at the Humanitarian Respite Center (HRC) in McAllen, Texas. “The Charity charism I N T E RC O M

After 36 years ministering in the Rio Grande Valley, S. Anne Darlene retired from her ministry as nurse practitioner in October 2019.

was so evident,” she remembered. “… Generosity, humility, hospitality, friendship, love, simplicity, flexibility, othercenteredness, knowing your need of God and remembering God is ever-present was so evident daily and regardless of the time of the day or night.”

S. Sally recalled many kindnesses through her interactions with S. Anne Darlene and Viola, including homemade meals, transportation and tours of the Weslaco and Brownsville area.

She also saw first-hand their involvement in the community.

In addition to giving their time and loving support, they organize donations for the migrants, including monetary donations from the Sisters of Charity Social Justice Fund used to purchase personal care items for guests of the HRC. “Their hospitality made my volunteering possible,” S. Sally added, “I totally felt and experienced their care and support.”

family at her home for all their special gatherings, she is also godmother to one of her great-nieces. Mary Ann’s family, particularly her grandchildren, also look fondly on her good friends. “They expect them everywhere we are at,” she says.

“And they question where they are when they aren’t around.

They respect them so much.”

After 36 years ministering in the Rio Grande Valley, S. Anne Darlene retired in October. Just as S. Stephanie’s legacy continues forward, so too will Sister’s commitment to the underserved and to persons and families living in poverty.

She plans to remain in the area and focus her energies on the migrant population. “My love is here,” she says. “We walk with God here.”

The three women are honest in admitting that their parish has had its struggles, particularly within recent years, but they remain devoted to their church community and service to others. “I have worked for the Church all my life,” says Viola. “I have a vocation to the Church. … [T]he community is there and we continue to challenge and support people. This is who we are, this is what we do, and we call each other.”

Their relationship is natural. Sharing the charism with others is as important as spending time together – as family.

The women enjoy fishing, bird watching, football, cooking, and of course, gathering with family for barbecues. S. Anne Darlene has come to call Weslaco home and most certainly has been accepted into both families. Besides hosting Viola’s VOLUME III, 2019

(From left) Associate Mary Ann Perez, S. Anne Darlene Wojtowicz and Associate Viola Elizondo enjoy relationship and service as they bring the charism of the Sisters of Charity to their Weslaco, Texas, community.

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Charity Family GIVING VOICE HOSTS NATIONAL GATHERING Catholic Sisters under age 50 gathered in St. Louis, Missouri, June 27-30, 2019, to attend the Giving Voice National Gathering. Every two years Giving Voice hosts the bridge-building gathering in hopes of deepening relationships and fostering growth, leadership skills and a vision for the future of religious life. During the four-day gathering participants focused conversations and workshops around the theme: “Boldness and Beauty of Communion: Living Religious Life Now!”

S. Martha Walsh stands next to her artwork, “Africans and Moon.”

MMH ART SHOW DISPLAY The annual Mother Margaret Hall Art Show, sharing the work of both Sisters and employees, was exhibited on Oct. 16 in the Mother Margaret Hall Community Room. Artwork included watercolor, photography, oil paintings and various other mediums.

MSJU KICKS OFF CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS Sisters of Charity were in attendance in September for Mount St. Joseph University’s Founders Day Mass and kickoff to the university’s 100th anniversary celebrations. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr celebrated Mass in Mater Dei Chapel. Other events during the day included an art show, festival in the quad and fireworks that evening. To learn more about MSJU’s yearlong celebration visit https://www.msj.edu/about/centennial/.

SISTER, ASSOCIATE RECEIVE 2019 SPIRIT OF SISTER DOROTHY STANG AWARD Congratulations to the late S. Rose William Herzog and Associate Carol Herbert who were both honored in October as recipients of the 2019 Spirit of Sister Dorothy Stang Award. The award, presented by the Archdiocesan Mission Office and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, is given to individuals who exemplify the values of S. Dorothy through their social justice ministry and teaching.

Sisters of Charity were present to celebrate the late S. Rose William Herzog as a recipient of the 2019 Spirit of Sister Dorothy Stang Award.

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Associate Carol Herbert was honored with the award at St. William parish in October.

(From left) Sisters Barbara Hagedorn, Jeanne Bessette, OSF, and Catherine Kirby

DPCR HONORS SCs ON FOUNDERS DAY DePaul Cristo Rey High School, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Charity, celebrated Founders Day on Sept. 27 by honoring Sisters of Charity Barbara Hagedorn and Catherine Kirby with the DePaul Cristo Rey Founders Leadership Award. The award honors persons specially connected to DPCR whose leadership demonstrated the inspiring qualities of St. Vincent de Paul and the school’s founders. Both women were instrumental in nurturing the school’s founding; S. Barbara was president during the Congregation’s exploration and launch of the school, and S. Catherine headed the feasibility study committee and oversaw the task force work.

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Season of Creation:

Living Out Your Faith

By Debbie Weber, OPJCC director

F

rom Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, Christians around the world celebrate the Season of Creation. Some of us pray, some of us do hands-on projects, some of us advocate.

The Season of Creation starts on Sept. 1, World Day of Prayer for Creation proclaimed by Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I for the Orthodox in 1989. It was embraced by the other major Christian European churches in 2001 and by Pope Francis for the Roman Catholic Church in 2015.

The Season of Creation ends Oct. 4, which is the feast date that many Western traditions observe for St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is widely associated with nature, and for Catholics is the patron saint of those who promote ecology.

The Sisters of Charity Office of Peace, Justice and Care for Creation (OPJCC) took a unique approach during the Season of Creation to live out our faith to care for creation – human and non-human.

S. Mary Barbara Philippart and Debbie Weber, OPJCC director, kicked off the Season of Creation with a prayer service in the Motherhouse. Song, prayer and discussion around single-use plastics was the theme.

Handouts were provided at the end of the prayer service to stimulate further discussion about single-use plastics.

These were not ordinary handouts, but straws made from corn – biodegradable, petroleum-free alternatives to singleuse, throw-away plastic straws. The corn straws were then personally distributed to Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall employees, Sisters, volunteers and visitors.

OPJCC Director Debbie Weber (left) distributes a biodegradable, petroleumfree straw made from corn to Sisters of Charity employees.

During the rest of the Season of Creation, two additional handouts were distributed throughout the Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall. Again, these were not ordinary handouts, but gifts from OPJCC to help educate about, and advocate for, care of Earth and all creation. And, it was a fun way to celebrate creative alternatives to ordinary purchases we make.

For the second round of handouts, three choices of tea (bags) were offered to all. This fairly traded tea is good for our sisters and brothers who make a living growing it. It is tea from democratically organized, small-scale farmers. When these tea farmers have more economic power, they tend to have better quality of life and healthier communities. In addition, this tea is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Good for Earth, good for people.

The third round of handouts were pencils. Yes, ordinary #2 graphite pencils. However, they were not so ordinary in their construction. As an alternative to pencils made of wood, these pencils are made of rolled up, 100-percent recycled, newspaper. No toxic chemicals are used in manufacturing and the eraser tips are latex-free. Again, good for Earth and good for people.

The Sisters of Charity began the Season of Creation with a prayer service in the Motherhouse.

VOLUME III, 2019

For the Sisters of Charity family, the Season of Creation will never really come to an end. Working, praying and advocating together for the common good of Earth and our sisters and brothers is what we do. We invite you to celebrate the Season of Creation and to live out your faith every day!

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The Tie Which Binds Us

By Chanin Wilson, director of Associates

“My heart melts at the thought of how dear we are to each other and the tie which binds us.”

- Elizabeth Ann Seton

S

ince May 2019 ten new Associates have made their initial commitments to the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, and there are two more set to make their commitments in January 2020 on the Feast of Elizabeth Seton in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I have had the honor of being at each of these commitments. The emotion and reverence with which each of these new Associates have done so is genuinely amazing. I can truly relate to Elizabeth Seton’s sentiment that “my heart melts.”

The Associate Mission Statement reads, “We commit ourselves to participate in this mission through our individual life situations.” I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with each new Associate and it is a blessing to the Community how each one lives the mission though their life, but the “tie which binds us” is charity. It is delightful to see how each person lives the same charism differently.

In May Associate Kate Branch made her commitment.

The pride was evident in the smiling faces of Kate’s aunt S. Marie Pauline Skalski and her mother Associate Pat Branch. Associate Nancy Clark lived her individual life situation by playing the harp to welcome our new Associate.

(From left) Associate Pat Branch, Associate Kate Branch and S. Marie Pauline Skalski

August was a busy month. There were two separate commitment ceremonies: one in Juneau, Alaska and another in Cincinnati, Ohio. In Juneau two new Associates were welcomed into the Community. It was a blessing to be able to meet the Associates living the charism in Alaska, an additional grace was S. Delia Sizler also being in Juneau and joining us.

While getting to know the Associates, Lisa McDowell stated, “It is amazing how much we have in common.” The spirit of Elizabeth Seton continues to draw us together. Lisa and Bonnie Elder made their commitments in the chapel at the National Shrine of St. Therese. It was clear by those present that Alaska has a very vibrant Associate community.

Less than a week later six more candidates made their commitments at the Motherhouse. The tie which binds us was so strong both Dee Mansi and Cheryl Dagy journeyed to the Motherhouse – one from England and the other from the Bedford, Ohio, area. They joined Veronica Buchanan, Linda Jung, David Scharfenberger and Patsy Schwaiger. This vibrant Band of new Associates had never met, but there was an instant connection between one another, Sisters, Associates, and the continuation of the Charity charism.

(From left) Alaska Associates Bonnie Elder and Lisa McDowell 18

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Theresa Piatt made her commitment in October in Santa Fe, New Mexico, during liturgy at San Isidro Catholic Church. S. Juanita Marie Gonzales and Theresa wanted the entire parish community to be aware that becoming an Associate of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati is an option. Even Father John who presided over Mass said, “I have no idea what Associates are, but it sounds interesting.�

The New Mexico Sisters and Associates were very hospitable and invited Southwest Regional Representative Pat Grubelnik and Chanin Wilson to meet and talk.

The Spirit of Charity is alive and well in the Southwest.

Associate Dorothy Cordova asked how we had so many new Associates. I attribute this to the fact that Associates have joined the Sisters in inviting others who share our charism to become Associates.

Each of the Associate commitments were unique and personal. I look forward to seeing how each one continues to live out the Charity charism in the spirit of Elizabeth Seton, as well as welcoming Agnes Patrick and Patricia Traver in Colorado Springs in January.

Source for quote: Elizabeth Seton to Cecilia Seton, undated note, Archives St. Joseph Provincial House ASJPH 1-3-3-8:143 (From left) S. Juanita Marie Gonzales and Associate Theresa Piatt

(Front row, from left) S. Teresa Dutcher, Leadership liaison to Associates, Dee Mansi, Patsy Schwaiger, Dave Scharfenberger, Chanin Wilson, director of Associates, (back row, from left) Linda Jung, Cheryl Dagy and Veronica Buchanan

VOLUME III, 2019

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Connecting With All Creation

By S. Caroljean Willie

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eister Eckhart wrote in the 13th century, “Every single creature is full of God and is a book about God.” In our own times, Pope Francis reminds us that “… the ecological crisis is a summons to profound interior conversion … an ecological conversion whereby the effects of our encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in our relationship with the world around us.” EarthConnection (EC) continues to provide programming and participate in events that help people to grow into an understanding of their connectedness with all of creation as well as the need for a deepening relationship with their Creator that translates into action.

EC has continued its monthly “Movies That Matter” program featuring the latter two segments of “Sinking Cities” addressing the challenges and opportunities that face the cities of London and Miami as well as the specific steps each city is taking to address those challenges. The film “Paris to Pittsburgh” highlighted the efforts of individuals who are battling the most severe threats of climate change in their own backyards. This film series, including the follow-up questionand-answer sessions, are designed to illustrate the severity of the climate crisis as well as to provoke a thoughtful response from participants as they see not only what others are doing, but what they can do right where they are.

A number of Girl Scout troops of all ages continue to come to EC to earn their EC patch as well as Girl Scout badges related to the outdoors. Troops have earned badges in Outdoor Art Exploration, Flowers, and Gardening. Activities include a tour of the EC garden, a PowerPoint presentation on EC and its use of recycled materials and alternative solar and geothermal energy, art activities, scavenger hunts and Earth-related bingo games. A number of troops have signed up to come during the next several months to earn other badges related to their levels. In addition to Girl Scout troops, a group of students ages 5-17 attending a summer camp for youth of the Zoroastrian tradition spent a day at EC learning about the facility and also engaging in a variety of outdoor activities as well as presentations and art activities indoors.

S. Winnie Brubach and the “Garden Ladies,” a faithful group of volunteers, harvested more than 700 pounds of fresh produce this summer which is donated to the Good Samaritan Free Health Center in Price Hill. There, S. Annie Klapheke, a staff dietician, and other staff members clean the veggies, put them in bags with recipes and make them available to their clients. This provides a source of fresh and healthy vegetables all summer to clients who might not otherwise have access to such nutritious food.

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A number of Girl Scout troops of all ages visit EarthConnection to earn their EC patch as well as Girl Scout badges related to the outdoors.

Several personnel from the Cincinnati Garden Center met with Sisters Winnie Brubach and Caroljean (Cj) Willie at EC to discuss how we might work together and support each other’s initiatives. An invitation to visit their workplace was offered and will take place shortly.

In addition to programs that take place at EC, a variety of presentations and activities occur off-campus. S. Cj represented EC at the Chamber of Commerce event entitled “Beyond 34” which seeks to improve recycling in the Greater Cincinnati area. She also serves on the Archdiocesan Care for Creation Committee and Mount St. Joseph University’s Sustainability Committee and has given presentations on environmental issues at St. Monica/St. George parish in Cincinnati; SC sponsored ministry Bayley; the Sisters of Notre Dame in Covington, Kentucky, for their Associates; the Mount Notre Dame Spirituality Center in Cincinnati; St. Louis School in Owensville, Ohio; the Lay Mission Helper Center in Los Angeles, California; and in the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, for religious of the diocese.

Sometimes the scale and scope of the climate crisis seems overwhelming, but the words of Mother Teresa help to put it in perspective. When asked by a young man how she could continue to do the work that she does in the face of such poverty and destitution, she replied simply, “Do what is right in front of you.” That is all any of us can do.

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Charity Hospitality

By S. Kathryn Ann Connelly

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he entrance to Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility can be a bit mystifying to a new visitor or delivery person. Coming into the building, one sees a lovely bedecked space and an elevator, but no one at a desk to give direction. With perhaps some trepidation, the visitor will board this elevator, push the ‘up’ button and after ascending one floor, the rear door of the elevator opens and voila! One sees a pleasant reception area with sounds of birds chirping. At the desk to receive the visitor is one of the many Sisters who serve as receptionists, or as in days long gone by, this position was called portress duty.

lots of chatting with each other and are entertaining. S. Diana Durling agreed that the birds do add an interesting ambiance to the quiet when she reads or catches up on correspondence in between visitors. S. Lorraine Delisle says the hours go by quickly as she greets all the traffic in and out of the building. For her, it’s great joy to see the smiles.

For Sisters Rosie Burns and Barb Muth, it’s the contact with folks from outside and in that brings life-giving energy. It’s always a chance to have Sisters Judith Ann Ansberry (standing) and Mary a conversation about the book they Alice Stein are two of the faithful volunteers at happen to be reading, or to catch up on the Mother Margaret Hall Reception Desk. employees’ family news. Sisters Irene Michelle Farwick, Mother Margaret Hall Medical Records Mraz and Judith Ann Ansberry both appreciate that this manager, coordinates the schedule for the receptionists. She is ministry provides them the opportunity to get to know Sisters grateful to each Sister volunteer and says their presence is so and employees by name. S. Jo Anne Termini really loves her important to the spirit of the house. Since this is the Sisters’ time at the desk. She mentioned Father Dennis Dettenwanger home, that hospitable atmosphere must be the hallmark of is always so cheerful and upbeat when he comes on Monday the building. The Sisters who volunteer here take their job morning. It gives a bright start to the week. S. Mary Alice seriously and look upon it as a true ministry, bringing Christ Stein got involved when she saw a request for help shortly to others as our motto states, “Caritas Christi urget nos.” after she moved to the Mount. She is impressed by the sensitivity of the hospice nurses when they come to minister In conversations with these Sisters, each one mentioned to one of our Sisters. Sisters Shirley Dix and Rita Cocquyt are that this time is often a highlight of their day: to welcome considered subs and are always delighted to help whenever visitors, to greet employees, to give direction to service needed. They both mentioned the time is so valuable when and delivery persons, and most importantly, to give special hospitality to others means so much. attention to Sister residents as they come and go. This ministry of hospitality can be such blessing and fun and it also provides a needed security in today’s world.

S. Ann Lehman has probably served the longest, having started in the reception area with the late S. Ruth Hunt.

They both recognized their days of active ministry were over but felt this would be a way to continue to serve the Lord in welcoming others to their home. S. Jo Ann Martini has served a few hours each week for the past six years and considers it a privilege to greet guests. She especially enjoys seeing initial anxiety turn to smiles upon departure. S. Pam Jones loves meeting people and learning names, and also giving a hug when one is needed. S. Jean Glutz is so grateful to the nurses who accompany Sisters on their way to appointments. For her, it is a vital way to be in contact with others. S. Elizabeth Jane Mann remarked that her time is in the morning and it is often quiet, but she loves to interact with employees as they go about their duties. She says the birds in the aviary do VOLUME III, 2019

Anyone and everyone who comes to Mother Margaret Hall is met with a smile, a word of welcome and indeed is blessed. These women of hospitality do make a difference.

S. Ann Lehman is one of the longest serving volunteers at the Mother Margaret Hall Reception Desk.

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Centennial Celebration:

S. Mary Loyola Mathia Reflects on the Mount

By AJ Keith, Communications intern

F

or a century, Mount St. Joseph University – previously known as the College of Mount St. Joseph – has offered an unparalleled education to its students. As the 100-year-old institution reaches this centennial anniversary, Sister of Charity Mary Loyola Mathia reflects on the evolution of the facility as one of its oldest living graduates.

and greet and help anyone who came to learn about the college,” S. Mary Loyola says.

The Mount was not only a place of learning, but it was a place where friendship blossomed as abundantly as flowers in a meadow. S. Mary Loyola recalls the times when she and her fellow Sisters would walk around the campus to a place called “Sister’s Hill.” They were able to share in their faith as well as their education, which the institution only enhanced with its emphasis on Catholic Social Teaching in relation to one of the core goals of the institution, social justice.

“We always got along well,” S. Mary Loyola says. “This is truly a Catholic community.”

The College of Mount St. Joseph was established in 1920 by the Sisters of Charity as the first Catholic college for women in Southwestern Ohio. In 1986, the college allowed male students to enroll making it a co-educational institution. But before the Mount S. Mary Loyola Mathia is one of the oldest graduates became the staple of Cincinnati culture of Mount St. Joseph University and has fond that it is today, S. Mary Loyola entered the Sisters of Charity in 1941 and began memories and gratitude to the 100-year-old institution.

Her graduation in 1953 with a at the College of Mount St. Joseph the bachelor’s degree in history marked the beginning of her life same year. She describes her experience as, “happy, joyful and of service and the skillsets that she developed from the Mount challenging.” greatly aided her in her ministries of education. Graduating In her studies, she explored a variety of topics and noticed a keen emphasis placed on the Humanities, like English and psychology, which would “serve her in good stead” for the rest of her ministries and life. However, the Mount also had a wealth of knowledge to share with its students in the natural sciences, such as biology, and in spiritual thought, theology, both of which S. Mary Loyola studied. “I learned from them how to pay attention to details,” S. Mary Loyola says.

This attention to detail served her well when preparing for her ministries and the workplace. With numerous programs like service learning opportunities and experiential learning from collaborative efforts between Mount St. Joseph University and their partners, students gain work experience to better prepare themselves for the workplace. “Career readiness” has always been a priority of the Mount, even in its earliest years; for example, S. Mary Loyola earned her room and board by working as a receptionist for Seton Hall.

Not only was she given work experience, but S. Mary Loyola was also happy to become part of the warm and welcoming atmosphere that she had grown to love. “There I got to meet 22

after years of hands-on teaching experiences that were laced into her curriculum and lengthened her education, S. Mary Loyola ventured to schools in Michigan, Florida, Ohio and Maryland, but her heart always stayed with the community of the Mount. In Cleveland, Ohio, she became a high school teacher of history and social studies at Holy Name; her efforts did not go unnoticed as S. Mary Loyola was asked to come and work in the education office of the Diocese of Cleveland as a coordinating consultant. Despite having little experience in administration at this point in her life, she felt wellprepared due to her background at the Mount. “I served as the social studies consultant and department chairman for the diocese from 1970-1978,” S. Mary Loyola says.

Though she would pursue her master’s degree in pastoral studies at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, she utilized the skills that she learned at the Mount to pursue her degree with vigorous energy. These same skills helped her in 1985, when she helped to direct the opening of the first Catholic school in Citrus County, Florida; she acted as an influential educator and principal for the first year of the school. The I N T E RC O M

S. Mary Loyola Mathia stands in the Mater Dei Chapel at Mount St. Joseph University. Artwork gracing the chapel was created by Sister of Charity Augusta Zimmer and her students.

school still thrives to this day and is celebrating its 34th anniversary from these humble beginnings, making good use of the adaptive teaching methods that she was exposed to at the Mount. S. Mary Loyola also mentioned the way in which the school developed: “We began with kindergarten through grade 3 and we added a grade each year,” S. Mary Loyola says.

Much like the school that S. Mary Loyola began, the Mount’s education has been highly responsive to the needs of society and its students. Its 11:1 student-to-professor ratio allows for a personal educational experience to help students thrive and build relationships with their educators, something that makes this university unique. “The value of education is that students learn of the wider world,” S. Mary Loyola says. “Not just through lecture, but technology that provides experiences far beyond the lecture experience which I was exposed to in my years.”

Possibly the most glaring difference between her schooling experience at the Mount and the current experience that students have is the development of technology that has made information readily accessible for the students.

One of the most important skills that S. Mary Loyola says that she learned was how to “read, reflect and respond,” something that is made easier through the use of technology and computers today. By enhancing the methods of teaching students, S. Mary Loyola believes that students are better prepared for the ever-changing world.

The institution was granted university status in 2013 with new opportunities for study and academic achievement.

VOLUME III, 2019

Mount St. Joseph University currently boasts more than 1,000 undergraduate students and 520 graduate students. Not only has S. Mary Loyola noticed the S. Mary Loyola Mathia graduated impact that the university had from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1953. on her, but how it reaches out to other communities in the area and beyond through their service projects and the activism of the students. “As I move in the area of Delhi, I see the influence of the Sisters of Charity who for more than 100 years have taught people how to know God, how to love Him and how to serve him,” S. Mary Loyola says.

Throughout her ministries, S. Mary Loyola emphasized that education is one of the true benefits to understanding the world and preparing for the workplace. According to S. Mary Loyola, Mount St. Joseph University is the epitome of what a learning institution should strive towards because of its up-to-date teaching methods and innovative technology.

S. Mary Loyola, with an esteemed record of service in education, cites Mount St. Joseph University as a forwardthinking and ever-evolving institution that is on the cutting edge. She bestows blessings upon this graduating class, alumni and future graduates on their journeys. “Mother Seton always encouraged others to move forward and the university continues to do that,” S. Mary Loyola says. “As Elizabeth Seton said, ‘May you always be prepared for the world to which you are called.’”

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Timeless Treasures

By S. Judith Metz

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cabinet filled with statues of the Blessed Mother occupies a prominent place behind S. Maria Corona Molloy’s desk, each one holds a special significance.

A thrilled student emerges from the office carrying one of the statues – a gift from “the Dean.”

This scene offers a snapshot of a woman who dedicated 47 years of her life to the College of Mount St. Joseph. S. Maria Corona, “the Dean,” considered the students her “girls,” and she cared for them like they were her own daughters. Her goal was to build character and pride in being a “Mount girl”; to nurture students into mature Catholic women. That meant acting in a dignified and cultured manner – and she had definite ideas about that! On the back of a 1948 photograph of several students wearing slacks, one wrote in quotation marks: “I’m shocked! Trousers!” presumably quoting S. Maria Corona.

From her office she guarded, guided, counseled, censured, and even dismissed students when circumstance warranted it. S. Maria Corona held conferences with many students because she believed in the personal approach. She encouraged, offered support, and comforted in time of family crises. One student recalled her assuring words: “You’ll do just fine … and don’t ever be afraid to come to me for support or encouragement.” When it came to financial matters, no one knew how much monetary assistance Sister meted out. She felt that “if we want leaders we need to get girls with brains. Brains and money do not always go together. That is why we need to help girls with scholarships.”

Peggy Whitehead Gokay, a 1938 graduate of S. Maria Corona, wrote: “Throughout her life she held the ground upon which she had taken her essential stand: charity. She was a Sister of Charity, understanding perfectly what that meant: to serve the unseen God, to trade in one’s own life for others, to pray ceaselessly, to find the poor, to build, to honor the right to be merry and free, to open doors for others” (Mountings, 1971).

At the time of her retirement, the alumnae offered a tribute: “There are no farewells to one so securely locked in our hearts, so indelibly identified with our first measure of womanhood, so fast our friend of the years.”

Continuing with words of thanks for all she had done for the Mount, they enumerated a few specifics: “The gratitude of so many of us for an education we never would have had without you.

For the understanding and respect you offered us at an age in our lives when understanding and respect were so needed.”

“For the Irish humor you spiced our college days with – and also the Irish temperament that produced some of the most pyrotechnic assemblies of our lives.”

“For the love that surrounded us always at Mount St. Joseph.”

“That love, that deep compassion for others that you brought into our lives and intended us to share, as you did with us, may be the most enduring witness of the years we’ve spent together.”

One of the many statues of the Blessed Mother displayed behind the desk of S. Maria Corona Molloy when she served as Dean of the College of Mount St. Joseph.

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I N T E RC O M

ELIZABETH SETON AND THE VIRGIN MARY: “I Felt I Had a Mother”

ELIZABETH SETON AND THE VIRGIN MARY

“I F�lt I Ha� � Mo�er”

By Judith Metz, SC

By S. Judith Metz, SC

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ister of Charity Judith Metz explores Elizabeth Seton’s dawning relationship with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Metz’s work examines how Mary became a comfort to Elizabeth, who early in life was deprived of the love of her own mother, and a model for Elizabeth in her role as mother to her children and as founding mother of the Sisters of Charity. Price: $5.00. To purchase the book, contact Sister Judith Metz at judith.metz@srcharitycinti.org or 513-347-4058.

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Intercom Subscription Available!

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ift and individual subscriptions to Intercom, the magazine of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, are available through the Communications Office for $15.  Yes, I would like to receive a personal copy of Intercom. Enclosed is the $15 subscription fee for the publication.

Name:

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

 Yes, I would like to send a subscription of Intercom as a gift. Enclosed is the $15 subscription fee for the publication. (Two-year gift subscriptions are also available for $25.)

Recipient’s name : Recipient’s home/personal address:

Home/personal address: Name of individual giving gift subscription:

 Yes, I would like to purchase a two-year subscription to Intercom at a discounted price. Enclosed is the $25 subscription fee for the next 8 issues of the publication.

(Gift subscriptions will be acknowledged to the recipient.)

Name:

Contact Information

Home/personal address:

VOLUME III, 2019

For questions regarding your subscription and renewal information, please contact S. Georgia Kitt at 513-347-5466, email georgia.kitt@srcharitycinti.org.

Please make checks payable to Sisters of Charity.

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The Sisters of Charity Communications Office:

An Office of Modest Beginnings

By AJ Keith, Communications intern

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he origins of the Communications Office of the Sisters of Charity are humble, beginning only with one Sister and her typewriter. As the mission of the Sisters of Charity has evolved, so, too, has its methods of informing the community on the ministries and news concerning the Congregation for more than 40 years.

S. Alice Elizabeth Streit was the frontrunner of what would ultimately become the Communications Office. As the executive secretary of Mother Superior Mary Zoe Farrell, S. Alice Elizabeth requested an internal news vehicle to update the Sisters of the Community in 1950. Mother Mary Zoe agreed to the proposition and created the Community News Sheet which lasted 13 years and spanned 43 issues. The news sheet provided information on Sisters who had passed away and awards others had received for their ministries.

Due to the news sheet’s ability to inform the Sisters, the Community began to ask for a steady mode of information.

While the Community has always kept their Sisters well-informed, an official Communications Office wasn’t established until 1980 under the direction of S. Frances Maureen Trampiets. Because of her background in English and communications, she was the ideal choice to both establish and lead the fledgling office into the limelight. S. Fran was chosen to form the office under the supervision of S. Catherine Kirby who served in leadership at the time and urged its creation.

Similar to S. Alice Elizabeth who informed others in the Community on her own, S. Fran began as the sole employee in the first rendition of the office. Her work spearheaded the quality that the Communications Office would maintain in the years to come. In what began as yet another one-person operation, S. Fran would recruit Sisters to see if they would be interested in writing articles for the newly created SC Intercom, established in 1980.

This new magazine showcased some of the ministries of the Sisters of Charity and updated readers on how they were making their presence known through their service.

S. Fran listened to many focus groups for their invaluable input on how to present their news which eventually led to the advisory council. “I depended on the focus groups and then I put together an advisory council of people who were professional communicators. They helped bridge the gap between the people I was listening to and the rest of the laity,” she says.

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The SC Communications Office began as a one-person office which has since expanded into an office that regularly informs the Community on how the Sisters of Charity are still living the Gospel values. Pictured (front row, from left) Sisters Mary Alberta Bodde, Helene Roberts, (back row, from left) Mary Kathryn McFerrin, Laetitia Slusser, Laura Mary Legibel and Carol Leveque.

Among this Communications Advisory Committee was Sister of Charity Mary Bookser, whose input was integral to the Communications Office becoming an adept news program. She was among the many highly regarded pillars of the Communications Office alongside some of the reputable writers like Sisters Judith Metz and Carol Leveque.

In 1984, S. Carol became the new director of the Communications Office after a year under the mentorship of S. Fran. S. Carol’s ministries with the office during this time held her in high-esteem with her fellow Sisters and colleagues who were recruited by her, praising her for her ability to adapt to new situations. Her most prominent quality was her ability to establish a personal connection between herself and those that she was interviewing, making the articles more personal and humanizing for Intercom. S. Carol recalls that her favorite part of being involved in the Communications Office was traveling to visit Sisters and learning about their different ministries. She says, “Getting a story about the ministries of the Sisters out there was the best part of my time.”

As the ministries of the Sisters of Charity were growing in scope, the inner workings of the Communications Office were becoming more advanced than ever. S. Marge Kloos, the newly appointed director of the office in 1987, was a witness to the transition into an industrious and efficient age that utilized technology to the best of its ability. Under her guidance, the office exchanged plate-printing for the I N T E RC O M

convenient and reliable printers that came with their new computers. Not only did this become part of the office, but the development of a new website launched in the 1990s. To meet the needs of every Sister, Update was also created as a regularly published newsletter for the whole Congregation, a newsletter that continues to this day.

The installation of new technology contributes to the success in the office Equipped with these and the use of computers increased efficiency. Pictured: S. Marty Dermody new tools, the directors (front) and College of Mount St. Joseph student Kim Wilson. that followed were able to continue the legacy of the Communications Office in exciting new ways. For example, when Mary Kay Gilbert became the director of the office, she was able to provide a unique perspective for the Sisters of Charity as a lay person through the use of these resources.

She says, “With the latest tools at their disposal, the members of the office were able to undertake their personal missions to spread the news of St. Elizabeth Seton, Mother Margaret George and current and past members of the Congregation.”

The current staff - editor Erin Reder, graphic designer Michelle Bley and current director S. Georgia Kitt - has assumed this mission to spread the news of the Sisters of Charity in as many ways as possible. During their time of service, the office has installed an internship program to give the students of Mount St. Joseph University a chance to gain professional experience. With these students came a new wave of ideas and ways to connect with people outside of the Community. Their input inspired the office to create public accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and have amassed a substantial following. “We always strive to stay ahead to make sure that people are conscious of what’s out there and how they can get involved with our mission,” S. Georgia says.

Eager to share important experiences and relationships, the staff has been using new communications tools to carry the ministries of the Sisters of Charity beyond the walls of the Motherhouse. “The focus for our office these last few years is to reach an audience beyond the Community through the use of electronic media, whether it be our website, electronic newsletters or social media. There is a real hunger from those outside the Community to either be or remain connected to the Sisters and their mission,” Erin says.

S. Georgia Kitt, the current Communications Director, is proud to be part of a tradition of journalistic integrity and has taken the office into the age of social media seamlessly.

VOLUME III, 2019

Maintaining relationships is just as important as building them, a notion that the Communications Office understands well. The office continues to inform, inspire and commend the Sisters for their ministries. Since the dawn of the office, it has evolved into an operation with several employees, a remarkable Internet presence and ample vehicles of communications.

With these resources and the public awareness of the Sisters’ zeal for new ministries, the Sisters of Charity and their Community can rest assured that they will be receiving the most current information in the upcoming 40 years.

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 250 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.

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

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

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S. Whitney Schieltz (center) professed First Vows during a ceremony Aug. 24, 2019, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Motherhouse.

S. Catherine Kirby (right) was one of the Sisters of Charity Jubilarians honored in 2019 for their years of service and lives filled with love and charity.

Many Sisters of Charity have fond memories of serving as faculty and staff of Seton High School, founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1854. Photo courtesy of Don Denney.

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