Signs of Hope S. Tracy Kemme professes final vows

By Erin Reder

Looking into the faces of a small group of loved ones in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on July 25, 2020, the day of her final vow ceremony, S. Tracy Kemme felt the presence and support of so many more. Watching, praying and celebrating with her through livestream video were thousands of friends, family members, Sisters and Associates from across the world who had the opportunity to ‘tune-in’ to a service that looked quite differently from the one she had originally envisioned.

“I know how many meaningful ceremonies have taken place in that chapel over so many years and I could feel that powerful presence, the legacy of our Community, the long impact of our charism. That was so strengthening,” S. Tracy said. “The opening song that I chose was called ‘With All the Saints’; each verse describes different groups of people gathering together as one body in the Lord, a sign and sacrament of Christ. It speaks of those that have gone before and those still to come. It was a way to call upon everyone that I knew watching, the people that were there and the Sisters and family members that have gone before.”

Who would have ever guessed that the day she had been planning for, the day she had been anticipating since entering the Community in 2012, would take place during a global pandemic? When this pandemic prohibited visitors to Mount St. Joseph and temporarily halted any sense of normalcy on campus, S. Tracy and her mentors had to rethink the celebration creatively.

Through all the uncertainty, S. Tracy says her constants were God’s faithful love and an unwavering sense that she was still supposed to make final vows even if it looked very different than originally anticipated.

“There was something about having so much stripped away that shined a light on the commitment in a way I didn’t expect,” she recalled. “It forced me to think about what this commitment really means at its core. I had to ask, ‘What is most essential?’ Strangely, the chaos of the pandemic, a contentious election season, and a long overdue reckoning about race in America actually highlighted why I want to be a Sister – to respond to the pain of the world. My heart said clearly: Yes, this is what I want to do no matter what is

going on! The support of the people walking with me was amazing. They made me feel like it would be a joyful day no matter how it happened. They assured me that my willingness to go on with it was a sign of hope.”

S. Tracy’s faith has been steadfast and present throughout her discernment process. She first thought about becoming a Sister as a volunteer in ecuador following graduation from the university of Dayton in 2008. She had the opportunity to live in a neighborhood that was economically poor and made friends with neighbors facing oppression and poverty. It was then that she started to feel this growing desire to use her life to combat that poverty and oppression in some way.

She recalls praying on a beach in ecuador when she felt God inviting her to be a Sister. At the time she didn’t know any Sisters her age and wasn’t even sure what it meant to be a Sister at this particular time in history. She remembers initially feeling terrified and resistant. Slowly, though, and over time, she began spiritual direction and reached out to trusted people in her life that were able to help her process her feelings and realize that religious life was a viable option for her. enter S. Janet Gildea and the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

A native of Cincinnati, ohio, S. Tracy’s mom, Patty, grew up in the Delhi area where the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse is located, and although she had driven by the Motherhouse many times, S. Tracy said she had never heard of the Sisters of Charity. It took going to the u.S./Mexico border to first meet the SCs. As a college student doing research on her senior thesis project on immigration, she needed a place to stay and was referred to Sisters Janet Gildea, Carol Wirtz and Peggy Deneweth, Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati living and ministering on the border. The experience and time with the women stayed with her, and when S. Tracy began considering religious life in ecuador, she remembered their hospitality and thought she could start there with her questions. S. Tracy reached out to S. Janet, the SC vocation director at the time, and they stayed in touch during her time in ecuador. eventually S. Tracy moved in with the three Sisters, participating in the Community’s Associate in Volunteer Ministry program.

“For me S. Janet was a special mentor because she’s the one who introduced me to the Community,” she added. “She was very persistent, reaching out to me even when I wasn’t sure that’s what I wanted. She was a faithful companion on

the journey, willing to walk with me and other discerners without judgment, with support and understanding. And the same with Sisters Peggy and Carol. over decades of living together, they cultivated a space into which they could welcome people and share the life that they love. I think they really see and appreciate me and the other women coming to our Community for who we are, and they also help us to recognize the potential in our lives. Before I could even believe that I could be called to be a Sister of Charity, they could see it in me and helped draw it out.” on June 27, 2015, and in the presence of a filled Motherhouse chapel, S. Tracy professed first vows with S. Andrea Koverman. At the time she had returned to the Cincinnati area and was beginning to cultivate many treasured relationships with her Sisters, relationships that naturally strengthened during her formation years. The conversations and stories shared with Sisters living in the Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall inspired her. “I see in our Sisters evidence of God’s faithfulness,” she said. “It’s amazing to hear all they have done and been through in so many years, and they remain so joyful, loving and committed to the Gospel. Their witness helps me to say, ‘I can do this.’ That sense of inter-generational love is a bond that keeps me going on tough days.”

And now she too will be inspiring others as a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati. S. Tracy has long been involved with the issue of immigration and sees part of her call as a religious being to walk alongside those communities as they struggle for justice. She will complete her Master of Divinity at Chicago’s Catholic Theological union this spring and is currently ministering at St. Leo’s parish in Cincinnati, a community with a large population of Guatemalan immigrants as well as refugees from the Congo and Burundi. “The laws are immoral and the ways we are responding to the people coming to our borders – and to the immigrants who have been here for many years – are immoral,” she said. “As a Sister trying to live Jesus’ mission, I want to be engaged in that struggle for justice and love.”

In addition, one of her most endearing attributes is S. Tracy’s openness and honesty when sharing her journey and call throughout her years of formation. She recalls not knowing much about religious life herself, and feels if more women knew what it looks like today, then more would view religious life as a viable, even exciting option for their lives. As part of her education at CTu, S. Tracy is doing an internship with SC vocation ministry and hopes to keep sharing her vocation journey with others. “I was so blessed by Sisters willing to give of their time and wisdom during the discernment process. Knowing that those relationships are what sustained me, I want to pay it forward,” she says. “I hope to be a supportive companion for other women who are discerning. I am grateful for the opportunity to do that.”

Filled with hope and excitement for the bright future of religious life that awaits, S. Tracy knows that community is what will carry the vision forward through joys and challenges. She holds on to the memories from her vow day and the presence she felt of an expansive congregation, the true body of Christ, present for her. “The day overflowed with love from all the people that God has blessed me with,” she says. “I look back through the pictures and feel so clearly that God was with me in each person. As I move forward in this life as a finally professed Sister of Charity of Cincinnati, I am rooted in that truth – God is ever present.”

Following God’s Will

By Erin Reder

As she looks back on her 25 years as an Associate in Mission of the Sisters of Charity, Mary McHale says there wasn’t one particular moment that led her to make her commitment to the Community. Rather, it was a series of small moments that strengthened Mary’s belief that God still had plans for her.

In 1986, at the age of 40, Mary became a widow. With six children, and as their sole provider, she felt overwhelmed. In addition to carrying that weight on her shoulders, Mary had inherited the family business – which felt daunting. She decided to set her oldest son up to run the business. This enabled her to look for something that provided a fair wage and benefits. Fate would have it that she found herself accepting a part-time position at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati.

It was there that Mary first met the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. She was introduced to many SCs who were kind, helpful and welcoming. They eventually invited her to meet with their Associates, and once again it seemed providential that the topic for that meeting was “Virgin Mothers,” a topic Mary could most certainly relate to as a widow and mother of six.

For a long time having felt lost and unable to fit in comfortably with those around her, Mary began to finally feel like she had found a group of individuals with whom she connected. eventually she met S. Ann elizabeth Von Hagel who became her sponsor. The two clicked immediately; their similar sense of humor sealing the friendship. Shortly after,

S. Ann Elizabeth Von Hagel (left) companioned Associate Mary McHale (right) through her discernment as a Sister of Charity Associate.

she was introduced to S. Betty Finn. “She lit up the room,” said Mary. “She spoke to my heart unlike anyone had ever before.”

These encounters slowly enabled Mary to begin to heal. It was comforting to learn about elizabeth Seton and Margaret George, both widows who went on to live full lives and to do God’s will. S. Betty became her spiritual director and she attended many classes and workshops that resonated with her. She even had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala to visit S. Sarah Mulligan and see her work with the people there.

While at one time Mary thought she was supposed to join the Sisters of Charity, she realized that God’s plan was calling her to continue living her everyday life, doing the best she can, one day at a time. Today, at 75 years old, Mary is living in the notre Dame Sisters Senior Village in Covington, Kentucky. She has 15 grandchildren and one greatgranddaughter and enjoys attending Zoom meetings and talks, and communicating on Facebook with other Associates and Sisters.

She feels blessed for the relationships she’s built through the years and the opportunities to live the Mission. “I’m following the Charity Charism and I’m always grateful!” she concludes.

Associate Mary McHale (center) has enjoyed the many social opportunities she has had to get to know the Sisters of Charity better.

In 2003, S. Roberta Westrick was commissioned by St. Mary’s Cathedral to create an outdoor display of the patron saints for all the parishes in the Diocese of Colorado Springs.

Answering Her Call

By S. Georgia Kitt

In 1892 the Sisters of Charity arrived in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Throughout the years their contributions in health care, retreat work, education and parish ministry were cooperative experiences, accomplished and continued with the help of the Greater Colorado Springs community. In the fall of 2019, S. Roberta Westrick became the last Sister of Charity to leave the area, entrusting the Spirit to continue to accomplish God’s work there. We highlight S. Roberta’s varied ministries below as they offer another example of being open to God’s call ‘to risk a caring response.’

Looking back on 125 years of Sisters of Charity presence in Colorado Springs, S. Roberta served the area close to onethird of that time. never would she have thought she would remain in the area that long when she was first missioned to teach primary students at Pauline Memorial in 1968. The friendliness of the people made it easy to get to know those in the parish and she found the Catholic community was small enough that everyone seemed to know one another. The big vistas and the great variety of beauty nature offered made exploring fun on weekends.

After four years with young children S. Roberta was invited by S. Jean Patrice Harrington to serve as director of the Catholic youth groups of the parishes which put her in contact with the teenagers and their vibrant spirit. She would say, “They challenged me in new ways; it was through their personal searching and struggles that I learned that pastoral work was calling me to seek out more one-on-one opportunities to listen and learn.”

After four more years working with teens S. Roberta went to Penrose Hospital, serving on the pastoral care team; one thing led to another and she soon realized the need for more formal training in pastoral counseling. She took time out to receive her master’s degree in counseling from St. Paul’s in ottawa, Canada in 1978.

Ministering elsewhere for eight years she realized that the inviting spirit of Colorado Springs was calling her back, along with the special attributes of the Hispanic and southwestern cultures. Being open to what presents itself, S. Roberta offered 20 more years of service in various forms of pastoral work in area parishes, the homeless center (adults) and high school campus ministry. These years also found her painting saints as a hobby. This was a future ‘fit’ for her! She became a working artist in this southwestern art form known as santos, holy images. S. Roberta was even commissioned by St. Mary’s Cathedral to create an outdoor display of the patron saints for all the parishes in the Diocese of Colorado Springs in 2003.

Retiring from active ministry in 2008, S. Roberta continued to remain in the area pursuing art through various exhibits, displaying her work at Regis university, Pikes Peak Community College and in private collections. In addition, as another retirement activity, she coordinated reservations for the Sisters of Charity cabins outside of Manitu Springs for the last 12 years and volunteered at the Sacred Heart Church pantry. In the fall of 2019, she said farewell to Colorado Springs. She concludes, “I have had a rich and varied ministry experience, always trying to be open to new calls and new avenues for learning. I have been truly blessed and proud to have contributed to the Sisters of Charity spirit here.” Editor’s Note: S. Roberta Westrick died peacefully on December 11, 2020 in Mother Margaret Hall after a short illness.

Spirit Led: SC Service in Colorado Springs

By S. Judith Metz

Although the Sisters of Charity arrived in Trinidad, Colorado in 1870, it wasn’t until 1893 that they made their way to Colorado Springs when they were invited to take over Glockner Tuberculosis Sanitarium that had been operating at a deficit. Glockner was a shoestring operation subsidized by the Motherhouse during the Sisters first years there. In 1900 the Community decided to sell the sanitarium, but when the Bishop of Denver protested, S. Rose Alexis Broderick took over as administrator. She soon turned it into a thriving operation that expanded into a general hospital and opened a school for nurses.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new 12-story Penrose Hospital in 1956. (From left) S. Maria Corona Molloy, Mother Mary Romana Dodd, Colorado Springs Archbishop Urban Vehr, S. Helen Eugene Williams, S. Rosarita McKeone and S. Elise Halloran. (From left) Sisters Ann Maureen McCabe, Marie Alice Moran, Marie Evelyn Dow, Zita Burke and Marianella Domenici (seated) taught together at Pauline Memorial in Colorado Springs in 1988.

In the 1930s Spencer Penrose, a wealthy businessman, was being treated for cancer at Glockner Hospital. upon his death in 1939, his wife, Julie Penrose, became a generous donor to the hospital. The following year Penrose Pavilion for cancer research was founded, and established an international reputation for cancer treatment. By the late 1940s the name of the hospital was changed to Glockner-Penrose, and in 1959, after a new 12-story hospital was dedicated, it became Penrose Hospital. Since that time it has continued to grow and thrive as a premier health care facility for the Colorado Springs area.

Mrs. Penrose’s generosity did not end with the hospital. In 1944 she offered her home, el Pomar, to the Sisters of Charity for use as a retreat house. The 30-room Italianate Renaissance mansion built in an apple orchard was located at the base of Cheyenne Mountain. The grounds included a tea house, swimming pool, and stables. el Pomar was the first women’s retreat house west of the Mississippi River. Initially weekend retreats cost $12.50 and included transportation from Denver. Through the years the retreat house flourished thanks in part to the labor provided by the Sisters of Charity on nearby missions who spent weekends there working at the programs. By the 1960s decreasing attendance at retreats led the Sisters to adapt by offering expanded programming, but ultimately the center was closed and the home was repurposed by the el Pomar Foundation.

Sisters of Charity staffed several parochial schools in Colorado Springs beginning in the 1950s. Pauline Memorial School was opened on property that had initially been part of the Penrose estate, and became St. Paul’s parish. The school opened in 1955 with four grades and gradually expanded. By 1962 a new convent was available for the Sisters and the school had an enrollment of more than 300 students. The Sisters continued to serve there through the 1980s. on the other side of town, the Sisters of Charity were invited to staff Divine Redeemer School. While the Sisters were there they conducted a large catechetical outreach program that included more than 600 students at the parish, and more than 300 at the Air Force Academy. even after there were no longer Sisters teaching in the school, a few remained to serve on the pastoral staff. Sisters also taught for a time in the 1970s at Corpus Christi School.

In 1980 the Sisters of Charity opened St. elizabeth’s Residence for retired Sisters who wished to remain in the West. Located on the grounds of el Pomar Retreat House, St. elizabeth was a hub of volunteer activities the residents engaged in. It was the inviting spirit among the Sisters serving in the West that brought our first Associates; today they continue to serve as partners in ministry and mission in the Colorado Springs area. other Sisters were active in individual ministries, and in the 1990s they opened a branch of SeT (Service, empowerment, Transformation), whose goal was to address the unmet health needs of the elderly and low-income population.