Intercom Winter 2013

Intercom

Winter 2013

S i s t e r s

o f

C h a r i t y

o f

C i n c i n n at i

A Letter

from

Our Sister

in

Leadership

Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends,

Contents Features Forever Changed......................................8 Graphic Designer Amelia Riedel’s relationship with the SCs. The work of Elizabeth Seton’s Mustard Seed.......................................................10 Leaving our legacy in the city of Dayton, Ohio.

An Advocate for Medical-Spirituality.....17 How medical-spirituality has become Associate Evangeline Andarsio’s central focus.

God Qualifies the Call............................18 S. Sally Duffy’s journey and ministry with SC Ministry Foundation.

Mission-Centered...................................22 S. Carol Bauer’s ministry at Dayton’s Good Samaritan Hospital.

Departments Vocation/Formation.................................6 Growing Affiliates in the Desert.

OPJIC......................................................7 Violence Against Women –­ A Human Issue From the Archives..................................16 S. Ann Seton Gallagher Motherhouse/Mother Margaret Hall......27 Ministry of the Word On the Cover: Cover photo of Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, by Ron Alvey.

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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On New Year’s Day I had the opportunity to watch a PBS special on the contributions of Jewish people to the theater. The presentation particularly noted composers, lyricists, play and movie writers. What caught my attention was the reflection of the participants on almost 100 years of history. The interweaving of historical events, personal talents and the underlying cultures of the United States and the Jewish community created insightful drama, comedy and music. Viewing the program connected me to an aspect of Intercom.

One of the features of Intercom over the next two years will be to present articles on the cities where the legacy of the Sisters of Charity is still felt. In these features will be the interweaving of historical events, the needs of the people, the call of bishops and pastors, the talents of the Sisters and Associates, the support of the Charity community, and the response to the changing culture of the cities. It is hoped that sharing our history and reflections with you will spark your own reflection on your contributions to making the world a better and more faith-filled place. The featured city in this issue is Dayton, Ohio.

We also enjoy sharing our current goings-on and stories about individuals expressing the charism of charity. In this issue are happenings related to leadership, vocations, the Office of Peace, Justice and Integrity of Creation, and the House of Charity in New Orleans, La. Some of the people we want you to get to know are SC Ministry Foundation’s S. Sally Duffy; this year’s Elizabeth Seton Award recipients; S. Katie Hoelscher, who was recently received into the Archbishop Alter High School Hall of Fame; Amelia Riedel, currently connected to DePaul Cristo Rey High School; and Associate Jackene Laverty.

May your knowledge of things of our history be expanded, your interest in things Setonian be perked, your connection to things of Charity strengthened, and your commitment to the things of your own world of goodness be lived as you read this first issue of the year 2013!

S. Christine Rody

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Mem-bits This column by S. Benedicta Mahoney offers brief glimpses of the past, tiny bits of memories. Do you remember? Were you there? Did you know?

June 2, 1809 – This was the first time the Sisters of Charity appeared in public in uniform attire – black habit, black cape and white cap. It was the feast of Corpus Christi, and the site was St. Mary’s Chapel on Paca Street in Baltimore, Md.

S. Angela Murphy

May 24, 1953 – S. Angela Murphy became the first Sister of Charity of Cincinnati to celebrate her 75th anniversary as a Sister of Charity. Sister was well known in the Congregation for her annual solo rendition of the “Hymn to St. Vincent de Paul.”

In Memoriam Please visit “In Memoriam” at www.srcharitycinti.org for biographical information and reflections on the Sisters of Charity and Associates who have died.

May our Sisters and Associates enjoy the fruits of their labor as well as peace with their God. S. Gemma Glutz February 16, 2013 S. Therese Ann Reis February 15, 2013 S. De Paul Sandoval February 14, 2013

The Rev. Theodore Hesburgh interviews a new assistant, S. John Miriam Jones.

August 1972 – S. John Miriam Jones assumed her new position as assistant provost at Notre Dame University. Her specific responsibility was “to coordinate the smooth transition of Notre Dame from an all-male to a coeducational institution.”

August 1980 – According to Intercom, “The Third Place,” established in Dayton, Ohio, earlier in the year, and coordinated by Sisters Rose Marie Burns and Mary Ann Dittgen, was already popular with Dayton women. Its title is justified by the fact that for women their first place is family; their second place is work; and their third place is separate.

June 5, 1990 – At their annual meeting at Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, the Federation of the Daughters of Charity agreed to change the name of the organization to the Elizabeth Seton Federation.

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S. Marianne Schroeder February 4, 2013 S. Lillian Sandoval February 2, 2013 Associate Rose Mary Mullen January 30, 2013 Associate Jean Stoehr January 16, 2013 S. Teresa Mary Chiou December 20, 2012 Associate Helen Kaminski November 14, 2012 3

Total Commitment to the Common Good

By S. Joan Elizabeth Cook

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he future: its challenges, questions, and unknowns continue to be the focus of the Leadership Team’s attention. We remind ourselves constantly of the words, “See I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19). And we hold before ourselves the question that galvanized us during our 2011 Chapter: “What choices do we need to make, in order to strengthen the witness of consecrated life?” These two questions influence the ways we implement our Chapter Commitments in our daily decision-making.

Leadership of the Whole: One of the values to which we committed ourselves during the Chapter is Leadership of the Whole. This style of leadership and community influences various aspects of our activities. An example is the relationships between our liaison Sisters and those they serve.

We developed this new arrangement in place of our former Networks, and we continue to grow into it by working with the liaisons to clarify expectations: What we ask of them, the mutual aspects of their relationship with each Sister, how they can support one another, and how the Leadership Team can be of service in this endeavor.

Another aspect of Leadership of the Whole is our reliance on those who volunteer to serve in several ways. For example, Sisters and Associates generously offer to create the reflection processes for small group discussions. Our current topic is “Who are we as ecclesial women in the 21st century?”

The planning committee is busily preparing for our June, 2013 Gathering. This group of volunteers envisions a highly participative program, during which Sisters and Associates will celebrate and strengthen our relationships and learn from one another’s expertise.

Networking Efforts: Another priority we set at our Chapter is to strengthen our ties with several larger entities.

For example, we participate in the efforts of the SC Federation, a group of thirteen Charity Congregations in the United States and Canada. The Federation is currently finalizing a new arrangement to make the New Orleans House of Charity an SC Federation ministry.

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(From left) Sisters Joan Elizabeth Cook, president of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, and Mary Elizabeth Miller, president of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Ky., visit with each other following a liturgy celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth on Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville, Ky.

In addition, we are organizing Seton Heritage Ministries (SHM) as an SC Federation undertaking. (SHM is the new umbrella for the Elizabeth Seton-related ministries at her home in Emmitsburg, MD.) We hope to continue the efforts that were formerly undertaken by the Daughters of Charity, in promoting St. Elizabeth Seton’s life and spirituality.

Elizabeth faced many of the same challenges and difficulties that confront people today, such as economic hardship, death of her husband, worries about her children, and Churchrelated tensions. Her faith and courage in the face of these hardships can be a source of strength in today’s world. Seton Heritage Ministries offers opportunities for people to find in Elizabeth a model and source of guidance for their own lives.

This past August at the annual meeting of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), Barbara Marx Hubbard spoke very affirmingly about women religious.

She observed that our style of leadership is based on our total commitment to the good of the whole. As I reflect on the topics that currently engage us, I am grateful for the commitment to the common good on the part of all our Sisters and Associates.

Intercom

Charity Family The Singing Circle

By S. Mary Bodde CONGRATULATIONS On Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, the Father James Hoge Parish Center was dedicated at St. Scholastica Roman Catholic Church in Lecanto, Fla. In appreciation for her ministry to the communities of St. Scholastica parish and Pope John Paul II Catholic School, the Loyola Room was dedicated in honor of S. Mary Loyola Mathia (right).

S. Mary Loyola was the first principal of Pope John Paul II (1985-’90) and served as volunteer in pastoral ministry at St. Scholastica from 1991 until 2007. “The joy, the happiness and the outpour of congratulatory messages is not easy for me to describe,” Sister said of the honor.

CAMP DENNISON DISPLAY FEATURES SISTERS OF CHARITY The Civil War Museum at Camp Dennison, Ohio, recently completed a visual display honoring the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati for their service during the war.

With about 100 Sisters in the Congregation, it is safe to estimate that more than half nursed in some capacity, serving on both the eastern and western fronts. Sisters serving at Camp Dennison, and featured in the display, were Sisters Sophia Gillmeyer, Mary Bernardine King, Anthony O’Connell, Mary Alphonsa Gordon, Clotilda Cain, Magdalen Cooper and Lawrence Donaher.

Sisters Marie Pauline Skalski (left) and Donna Steffen (right) took part in the November 2012 Nuns Build.

SISTERS GATHER IN NEW ORLEANS FOR NUNS BUILD Catholic Sisters from across the country gathered in New Orleans, La., Nov. 12-16, 2012, to participate in the St. Bernard Project’s Nuns Build to rebuild the homes and lives of Hurricane Katrina survivors. Seven Sisters of Charity from the SC Federation spent the five days mudding and sanding, priming and painting with the help of site supervisors. The group stayed at the SC Federation’s House of Charity where they enjoyed community and prayer together.

TRACY KEMME RECEIVES SPARTAN AWARD Congratulations to Affiliate Tracy Kemme who was honored Nov. 10, 2012, with the Roger Bacon High School Spartan Award. The award is given to a Roger Bacon graduate from 1985 to the present who has accomplished significant lifetime achievements since graduation. Tracy graduated from the school in 2004.

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WELCOME (From left) Tracey Horan from Indianapolis, Ind., and Lori Williams from Baltimore, Md., began Pre-entrance with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati on Dec. 8, 2012. This is a formal time of ongoing discernment as they continue to learn and reflect on entering vowed religious life.

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Growing Affiliates in the Desert

By S. Janet Gildea

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he prophet Isaiah says, “Let the desert and the dry lands be glad, let the wastelands rejoice and bloom; let it burst into flower, let it rejoice and sing for joy!” (Isaiah 35:1-2). Two years ago the Sisters of Charity embarked on an experiment that would test this prophecy. Casa de Caridad, a local community of Sisters, Associates and volunteers at the border of the United States and Mexico, was designated the house of initial formation for Affiliates. Years of experience welcoming young women as volunteers, endless possibilities for ministries with the poor on both sides of the border and a congregational home with eight bedrooms were some of the considerations that weighed favorably in the decision.

Figure 1

Six months into the experience, the first Affiliates at Casa de Caridad, Andrea Koverman and Tracy Kemme, offered some reflections: “How is the Affiliation experience different from Preentrance? I am living with the same community, doing the same ministry, but it is very different in some very significant ways,” writes Andrea. “There is an intense and focused intentionality about it.”

For Tracy, “This time has been about discovery. I am learning more about the Community, the charism, the founders, and more Sisters’ names. I am experiencing community living in new ways. I am also discovering myself each day and growing more into the person that God calls me to be. Counseling, spiritual direction, and community show me my gifts and weaknesses and help me to integrate the lights and darks of my life.”

“We know we have a limited period of time to accomplish some of the most personally challenging and important work of our lives thus far,” Andrea concurs.

Tracy discovered her questions have changed from, “Is this what you want me to do, God?” to “OK, God, how are we going to live this out?” She also notes, “The religious life is no longer something that strikes fear in my heart, nor is it a picture-perfect Eden. Initial romance has dispelled, and I am looking at the life with realistic and grounded questioning and excitement. Affiliation allows for this wonderful insertion into the community accompanied with an assurance that it is still part of discernment.”

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Figure 2

An avid gardener, Andrea offers this analogy about the difference between Pre-entrance and Affiliation: “As a Preentrant living in community, I knew I had been planted in fertile soil where all conditions were right for spiritual growth and discernment. In comparison, the Affiliate year is like having regular applications of Miracle-Gro added to the growing season. Imagine two potted plants sitting side by side. The first plant (Figure 1) looks healthy enough, and even has some blossoms to show for its care. No one observing it would think it was not fruitful and healthy, were it not sitting next to the Miracle-Gro plant. Suddenly the first plant pales in comparison to the second (Figure 2) which has grown beyond all expectation and is simply bursting in vibrant blooms. Just what this Affiliate Miracle-Gro formula consists of varies according to individual need. What is uniform is the provision of whatever is necessary-stretching, challenging, pushing, illumination and light, guidance, support, encouragement, space, recognition, celebration, accompaniment. Pushing up through what can feel like heavy darkness and opening up to the bright sunshine is not an easy or painless process, but it is incredibly fulfilling and joyful when it happens. Affiliation process = Miracle…Grow!”

So it seems that the desert is indeed a place of growth and life for these Affiliates as they continue to discern their calling. We have a Green-House of Charity preparing the way for future generations.

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Violence Against Women ­– A Human Issue

By Debbie Weber, coordinator

“Violence against women ... this is not a woman’s issue, this is a human issue.”

~ Joan Chittister, Westminster Town Hall Forum, Nov. 1, 2012

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hat comes to mind when you think about violence against women? For most, it is the physical and emotional domestic violence that occurs here in the U.S. as well as all over the world. The statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence are scary: “One in every four U.S. women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Eighty-five percent of U.S. domestic violence victims are women. Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults. Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.”

However, if one defines violence as an unjust or unwarranted exertion of force or power, domestic violence is only one type of violence committed against women.

According to Amnesty International, “there is a global culture that discriminates against women and denies them equal rights with men. Women today earn less than men, own less property than men, and have less access to education, employment, housing and health care. Most of the casualties of war are women and children; most of the world’s refugees and displaced people are women and children; most of the world’s poor are women and children. Human rights violations against women are often complicated by further discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, sexual identity, caste, religion, class or age. Women experience systematic denial of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.” From my perspective, human trafficking, female genital mutilation and limited access to food and clean water, to name a few, are also acts of violence against women.

Thankfully, there are dedicated individuals and organizations that are educating the world about all forms of violence against women. From actors and sports figures to the United Nations and nonprofits, people are speaking out against, and educating us about, violence toward women.

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Artwork created by Associate Karen Martin.

One such organization is The Clothesline Project, a dramatic and moving exhibit that addresses violence against women. Women decorate T-shirts using words and/or artwork to represent their particular experiences of violence against them, a friend or a loved one. The T-shirts are hung on a clothesline and displayed in a public venue. The purpose of this project is to bear witness to the survivors as well as the victims of violence toward women, to help with the healing process, to educate, document and raise awareness, and to provide support for communities starting their own Clothesline Project.

Advocate and educator S. Joan Chittister, OSB, has been addressing women’s issues for more than 30 years. She is a founding member of The Global Peace Initiative of Women and has dedicated herself to advocating for universal recognition of the critical questions impacting the global community: peace, justice and equality. Her recent talk at the Westminster Town Hall Forum in November 2012 was entitled “The New Violence and its Unexpected Victims.” In that talk S. Joan stated, “Women are two-thirds of the illiterate of the world.

Women are two-thirds of the starving of the world. And women are two-thirds of the poorest of the poor everywhere. That can’t be an accident. That’s a policy and it must be changed by that other third.” Joan will be coming to Cincinnati in April 2013.

For more information call 513-347-1300.

REFERENCES: Amnesty International: Violence Against Women http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/women-s-rights/ violence-against-women National Coalition Against Domestic Violence http://www.ncadv.org The Clothesline Project http://www.clotheslineproject.org Westminster Town Hall Forum: Joan Chittister http://westminsterforum.org/?p=1077

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Forever Changed

Amelia Riedel and her daughters Elizabeth (right) and Anna have spent many hours at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse with S. Judith Metz (left).

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f you are not familiar with the name Amelia Riedel, you most likely are familiar with her work. A visit to the Heritage Room in the Motherhouse, a glance at SC Ministry Foundation’s annual report, or a trip over to the Harrington Center at the College of Mount St. Joseph all reveal the talent of a graphic designer. What you may be surprised to learn is how Amelia’s gifts led her to a much deeper relationship with the Sisters of Charity.

Amelia first met the Sisters of Charity in 1995 at the College of Mount St. Joseph. Following a short relocation to Louisiana, the Ross, Ohio, native and her husband returned to Ohio and Amelia found employment at F+W Publications. A couple years later Amelia saw an advertisement that the College was hiring a graphics coordinator to lead the department. She said what attracted her to the position was that it was a mission she believed in and understood.

She applied and was offered the position at the College, taking over the reins from Fran Hornikel, who had led the department for 30 years. Her first responsibility was to get the department up to speed. “Computers were still fairly new; the Internet was right on the verge; and email was just starting to be used,” Amelia said. “We saw lots of changes. One of the major responsibilities we had was to rebrand the college. We went from 8

the old MSJ bubble letter logo to the logo they have today. That was a five-year implementation process, first with materials, then with signage.” Her projects went on to include helping with the design of the gym floor of the Harrington Center, and even producing the College’s first website.

As she immersed herself in the mission of the College, she also became more familiar with the Sisters of Charity and their mission. Her inclination to look for something more brought her to a niche she truly enjoyed and supported - Catholic communications. After five years at the College, and the birth of her first child, Amelia said it became clear that she needed to make a change. She had taken on a few freelance jobs while at the College and felt it was time to pursue the endeavor full time.

Shortly after, she received a call from SC Ministry Foundation (SCMF) asking if she would be interested in working on their newsletters and annual report. Amelia has fond memories of the late S. Maryanna Coyle, former SCMF president. “We developed a great relationship,” she said. “Sometimes I brought my girls with me to meetings. I didn’t always like to do that, but then there would be times I would show up without them and they would ask where the girls were. That was really touching to me that I could work with people that understood I was trying to balance both family and work and still do meaningful work.”

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Her relationship with SC Ministry Foundation continues today. And what started with S. Maryanna has continued with S. Sally Duffy, current president. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for S. Sally,” she said. “She is such a good role model for professional women. She commands respect and has done some really wonderful things with her life. She is bursting with wisdom, and always has something very appropriate and pertinent to say.”

SC Ministry Foundation shared Amelia’s name with other SC sponsored ministries. “That was the beginning of a wonderful 12-year career of having my own business [Riedel Creative Group] and primarily working for SC ministries,” Amelia said.

From Seton High School to Bayley and Seton Family Center, Amelia has offered her talents to many SC sponsored ministries, as well as the Motherhouse itself.

Amelia has worked with S. Judith Metz on several projects around the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. Included among them are the Heritage Display in the Heritage Room, a display in the Motherhouse Dining Room, the scrolls of our Sisters’ names outside the Motherhouse chapel, and the Cincinnati portion of the Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America traveling exhibit.

She recalls many fond memories while at the Motherhouse, but one of her favorite involves her two daughters Elizabeth and Anna. “I was working on a project with S. Judy and she told the girls we were going to go on a field trip and see how many times we could find their names in the building. We went around and Elizabeth had to count how many times she found Elizabeth and Anna had to count how many times she found Anna [Elizabeth Seton named one of her daughters Anna],” Amelia recalled. “They still remember that. It is important to me that my daughters grow up knowing that Sisters are good people to know and they are still out there, active in their ministry, doing good things.”

As she discusses her relationship with the Sisters of Charity, Amelia says, “I have always felt welcome here. The Sisters always show their appreciation. How many people get that kind of experience where their creativity is appreciated and challenged? To use compelling photography and words and put it together in a format that people really want to hold on to, that to me is a goal that is accomplished.

of Charity of Cincinnati. “I was impressed by the mission and excited when the call came in,” she said. She enlisted the help of her friend and colleague Margee Garbsch to assist the school as they began to build awareness. Margee and Amelia had formerly worked together at the College of Mount St. Joseph and had continued their relationship by teaming up as consultants for some shared clients, including Bayley. As the pair saw the school’s needs increase, they realized it was inevitable that they would need to transition from a consultant role to staff members.

As the current director of marketing communications Amelia has had the opportunity to see the school and its students learn and grow. She’s also been able to see the spirit of its founders live on and touch lives. “I don’t have much day-to-day interaction with the students,” she said, “but when I do it’s very powerful. It’s really cool to talk to the students that are getting it and working toward something great and big. It surprises you. They are only 14 and 15 years old, and they have the maturity of someone much older. They really see what an opportunity this is.”

Amelia could never have dreamed that a connection she made years ago while at the College would lead to friendships and relationships that have forever changed her. “It is important to live your life for God. I think we can all live by example,” she said. “I think that’s what the Sisters of Charity do, and that’s what Elizabeth Seton did. As I’ve grown older and become a mother myself, as I have read about Elizabeth and her exceptional faith and tremendous strength with so many challenges and adversities she had in her life, it really does motivate and inspire me.

“Elizabeth went through so many things and yet was unwavering in her faith. I do look to that as an example. I love so many stories that I’ve heard over the years. So many good examples, so many great things the Sisters have done, their accomplishments, things they have done for our city and the world. It just feels good to be a part of that and support that and help to tell their story.”

“There is so much more to designing and communicating than making something pretty on the page,” she continued. “You want people to read it, you want people to walk away from that piece and have something added to their life in a positive way – gain some knowledge, gain some insight, be inspired and hopefully feel a little warmer and happier about their life. Or maybe it’s a call to action – what could they do to make a change?”

Two years ago Amelia received a phone call from DePaul Cristo Rey High School, a Catholic, college preparatory high school for young adults with economic need – and the newest sponsored ministry of the Sisters W inter 2 0 1 3

(From left) Amelia Riedel with friend and colleague Margee Garbsch.

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Our Legacy:

St. Joseph School opened to both boys and girls in 1902.

T he W ork of E li z abeth S eton ' s M ustard S eed

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ver the next two years Intercom will feature a series of articles on the cities where the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati have left our legacy, places where we have put down our roots in responding to God’s call to serve.

In preparation we asked ourselves some obvious questions: How did it begin? What was it like in the fledgling Ohio Valley in the 1850s? Who were the immigrants? What were their priorities? Who influenced them? Why did they turn to us? We wanted to get a feel for the spirit and drive of the people who were requesting our services in Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, New Mexico and beyond. Our questions brought us to a whole new understanding of the Charity mission, charism and legacy.

As the Sisters of Charity first became established and branched out, Elizabeth Seton often referred to the Gospel image of the tiny mustard seed. She saw the community poised to expand its works to the benefit of hundreds and thousands of needy people throughout the country. Her vision, in fact, did become a reality. Through this series we hope to deepen our sense of mission, its presence in the families living, and its influence as it continues in yet new ways.

In mid-19th century United States, Cincinnati, Ohio, and the entire Midwest was a rapidly expanding “land of opportunity” for migrants from the East Coast as well as for large numbers of immigrants from Europe, many of whom were Catholic. The availability of land, the growth of industry, and the development of a modern transportation system of canals, railroads, and a road system contributed to the attractiveness of the region. But it was also during this period that a bitter anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic spirit grew up in the country. The “Know-Nothing” Party was in the forefront of what has been termed the “Protestant Crusade” to save the country from the evils of Catholicism. Repressive measures against immigrants, inciting mob violence and pushing for restrictive legislation, were all part of their tactics.

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During this period, the Catholic Church in Cincinnati was attempting to respond to the needs of its people. During the 1830s and 1840s the number of parishes grew from one to 12, with others to follow in rapid succession. Archbishop John Purcell took a leadership role in what became known as “the Bible controversy,” a dispute over the teaching of the Protestant Bible in the public schools. The upshot of this overt attempt to lure Catholic students away from their faith led to the bishops advocating for the establishment of a school in each parish. Religious congregations, including the Sisters of Charity, were enlisted to work toward this goal. In the Diocese of Cincinnati, the Sisters of Charity were at the forefront of this effort. Beginning in Cincinnati and then spreading throughout the diocese, which encompassed much of Ohio and beyond, these Sisters, responding to requests from bishops and pastors, sent not only teachers but also nurses and childcare workers to tend to the needs of the Catholic population.

S. Fran Flynn (back, left) with former colleagues at St. Joseph School in Dayton.

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The new and growing community of Sisters of Charity was in high demand and parishes in other cities called. The first request honored came from the Rev. David Kelley, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Dayton, Ohio. His request was approved and four Sisters were sent by Mother Margaret George to start a teaching ministry. The timing was good since the Sisters of Charity had just left St. Mary Academy on Bank Street in Cincinnati.

The Sisters bought the old Presbyterian Church and opened St. Mary Academy, a boarding and day school for girls. S. Regina Mattingly was the first superior and principal and shared teaching duties along with the three other Sisters. The boarding school closed in 1874, but St. Mary’s continued as a day school for girls.

Sacred Heart School in Dayton, Ohio.

Later in 1874, the boys who had been taught by lay men and then by the Brothers of Mary became the parish school, St. Joseph. In 1902 St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s became one.

Named St. Joseph School, the building was located on East Second Street. The Sisters of Charity taught both the boys and the girls. In 1945, a two-year commercial course was added to the curriculum. In 1957, the elementary school closed, and a year later the four-year high school began.

S. Fran Flynn, who graduated from St. Joseph in 1967, remembers the small class size. “The smallness meant you knew everyone in your class and pretty much everyone in the whole school. For the students, though, that meant there were no extracurricular activities. But I think that taught us the importance of developing the skills we needed in the work world. It also taught us the importance of developing relationships.”

The school was known for helping its students find employment, and it had an excellent reputation with downtown businesses for providing well-prepared, reliable workers.

S. Fran returned to St. Joseph in 1972 as a teacher.

She was there for two years until the school closed in 1974.

“I remember very little difference when I returned as a faculty member,” she said. “Again, the smallness of the student population made it possible to know everyone in the school. The same was true for the faculty. I had a great deal of support from the veteran teachers that first year. Everyone wanted me to succeed and become part of a good thing!”

Additional mission requests from Dayton continued.

In 1902, five Sisters opened Sacred Heart School in a small four-room building. The school was located on South W inter 2 0 1 3

Wilkinson Street. Enrollment grew and another building was designated in 1904. The Sisters first lived at the St. Joseph Convent but moved to the Sacred Heart Rectory in 1904; this convent served the Sisters for 55 years.

In 1913, the Miami River flooded Sacred Heart School and church and they were forced to close for cleaning. The Sisters used this time to help the flood victims in the parish.

Many of the families’ homes and businesses had been ruined by the flood. The school closed in 1959.

Three Sisters of Charity opened Corpus Christi School in 1912. The school, located at West Siebenthaler Avenue, began with 130 students, but grew to 800 fifty years later.

Sisters served at Corpus Christi for 81 years contributing to the spiritual, social and academic achievement of thousands of students. S. Judith Gutzwiller was the last SC to minister at Corpus Christi as principal; she retired in 1993. Sister, who ministered at the school for 20 years, said the environment there was unique and conducive to success. The mutual respect between students, teachers, the principal and parents enabled the students to achieve the best education possible and to go on to become outstanding citizens and community leaders.

“Corpus Christi School survived and excelled because of the selfless dedication of the Sisters of Charity,” S. Judy said. “… As alumni reminisce about their days at CCS, they often speak of their favorite Sister of Charity and why she was so important to them. These feelings are passed on to their children who become inspired just by listening to these stories.

What a wonderful way to say thanks to the Sisters of Charity for all their numerous accomplishments over the years.”

In 1928, the city of Dayton, doctors, businessmen and the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati partnered to build a 11

Hospital has the fingerprints of the Sisters throughout the facility. There isn’t a volunteer or employee at [the hospital] who doesn’t demonstrate compassion for the patients and appreciation for the dedication of their co-workers. Any person who has ever been involved at Good Samaritan Hospital will talk about the special culture and caring attitude which reflects the influence of the Sisters of Charity.

Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, opened in 1932.

hospital to serve the citizens of Dayton. They raised $1 million to construct the facility. The Sisters of Charity were chosen to manage the hospital. In 1932, the 250-bed facility was opened and it was appropriately named Good Samaritan Hospital. The school of nursing opened the same year.

In 1967, the last Sister of Charity administrator, S. Anna Suttman, was replaced by the first lay administrator in any Sisters of Charity hospital. In 1972, the Good Samaritan School of Nursing closed and its students were moved to the local Sinclair College. An impressive building campaign began in the early 1970s. A new eight-story hospital was dedicated in 1976 and a new name was adopted, Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center.

In 1996, the sponsorship of the hospital went from the Sisters of Charity Health Systems (SCHCS) to Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI). Though the daily running of the hospital has changed hands, the Sisters of Charity are still ministering there. S. Carol Bauer continues to serve as vice president of mission effectiveness, a position she has held since 1989.

“Compassion for patients, belief in spirituality’s role in the healing process, and attention to the highest level of quality are the cornerstone to the values embraced by the Sisters of Charity,” Sifferlen continued. “The influence of the Sisters of Charity on the Good Samaritan trustee board, senior leadership, ministry or other related work makes Good Samaritan Hospital a welcoming place for persons of diverse backgrounds.”

A general surgeon, Walter Reiling Jr., M.D., has spent his entire career at Dayton Good Samaritan Hospital. “The Sisters of Charity have been a profound and positive impact in my life,” he said. “I was born in their hospital and spent my grade school years under their instruction at Corpus Christi parish. As a youngster I used to make Sunday morning ‘rounds’ at Good Samaritan Hospital with my physician father. Even at that young age I was deeply impressed by the energy and dedication the Sisters devoted to the care of the injured and ill. As a college student I had the opportunity to work in the laboratory at the hospital under the direction of S. Ambrose Byrne. She, perhaps more than any other person, molded my personal view of medicine and the art of healing.

Finally I have had the distinct privilege of serving on that hospital staff for 42 years and I never cease to be impressed by the long and continued legacy of the Sisters of Charity.”

“The footprint left behind by the Sisters of Charity can be seen throughout the hospital in our facility names, in our morning broadcast prayers, in our hallway photo and history gallery, and in the bronze sculptures at our entrances,” said S. Carol in 2007. “But their presence is most felt today in our culture, the healing, nurturing, caring culture that dominates the entire organization and is felt by the patients who entrust us with their care … a culture that is the true legacy of the Sisters of Charity.”

In addition to S. Carol, two other Sisters of Charity serve the hospital, as well. S. Therese Dery ministers at the Samaritan Behavioral Health Counseling Center, connected with Good Samaritan, where she has served for 25 years. She continues the healing and nurturing of those experiencing brokenness. S. Mary Corrine Schmidt began in 1966, ministering in the Finance Department, setting up the first fixed asset system, processing and tracking all capital purchases; Sister retired in 2005, after 39 years, but remains an active volunteer with the Samaritan Health Foundation.

Ned Sifferlen, president emeritus of Sinclair Community College, and former chair of the Good Samaritan Hospital Board of Trustees (2003-2011), agrees. “Good Samaritan

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati also supported education in the town of Kettering, Ohio, just outside of Dayton. In 1949, seven Sisters opened St. Albert the Great

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School located on Far Hills Avenue with S. Melithon Lipan as principal. Opening enrollment was 480 students and by the year 1962 enrollment exceeded 1,500 students. The last Sister of Charity principal, S. Brenda Busch, left in 1992. S. Patrice Vales continued to serve the parish as pastoral minister until retiring in 2006.

S. Katie Hoelscher Honored

The next school to open in Dayton was Carroll High School in 1961.

Located on Linden Avenue, the school served East Dayton, Xenia and Fairborn.

The staff was comprised of a Precious Blood priest and six religious orders of women including the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. Four SCs staffed the English department when the school first opened. S. Mary Alice Stein was the last Sister of Charity to teach at Carroll High School. She retired in 2010, ministering in the English and language departments for 45 years.

Archbishop Alter High School opened on East David Road in 1962 serving the Kettering area with five Sisters of Charity, five diocesan priests and four lay teachers. Only freshmen were admitted at the school’s opening, building a year at a time to a four-year high school with enrollment reaching 1,000 students. Sisters Eleanor Marie Salm, Helen Groeber, Kathryn Ann Connelly and Katie Hoelscher served the school as administrators throughout the 48 years of continuous ministry there.

The last school to open under the Sisters of Charity in the Dayton area was St. Charles School, located on Ackerman Boulevard in Kettering, in 1964. This school was adjacent to Archbishop Alter High School and had a staff of 14. This included four Sisters of Charity and 10 lay persons. S. Mary Helen McKenna was principal. The school admitted grades four through eight the first year with enrollment reaching 500, and soon accommodated all eight grades. In 1967, more classrooms were added which doubled the school’s original size. By 1998, three Sisters of Charity were still teaching there. S. Donna Collins retired in 2006 as the last teaching Sister of Charity.

S. JoAnne Termini currently serves as a parish office volunteer.

Karol Dyer and her husband, Jim, sent their five children to St. Charles. “[We] found our children, regardless of their varied abilities, were cherished and supported,” Karol said. “ … Several of the Sisters are very important in the lives of our children and our grandchildren.

These same Sisters are extremely important to me personally as they are women I can share deeply with. These are women who listen well, and who open their hearts and their doors to us.”

(From left) Archbishop Alter High School Principal Lourdes Lambert, S. Katie Hoelscher, school President Father Jim Manning

The Sisters of Charity legacy of leadership was celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 18 at Archbishop Alter High School. S. Katie Hoelscher was recognized as the first inductee into the newly created Administrator/Teacher wing of the Archbishop Alter High School Hall of Fame.

S. Katie was honored for her contributions to the school and its students during the school’s 50 years. Sister taught at Alter from 1972-’73 and 1974-’76; served as assistant principal from 1976-’81; principal from 1981-’86; and interim principal from 2005-’07. In addition, S. Katie ministered as director of alumni relations from 2000-’05. The Hall of Fame honor is bestowed upon faith-filled individuals who model Christian values and exemplify the school’s mission of providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.

S. Melithon Lipan was the first principal of St. Albert the Great School in 1949.

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Dayton residents (front, from left) S. JoAnne Termini, Associate Ann Wilger, Associate Monica Nesbitt, S. Rose Marie Burns, (back, from left) S. Rose Martin Morand, S. Donna Collins, S. Rebecca Hurr, S. Teresa Marie Laengle, S. Marie Karen Sammons, S. Mary Alice Stein and S. Fran Flynn gather for dinner and fellowship.

In the early 1980s new ventures, less traditional ministry models, began to surface. The Third Place was opened on Fountain Avenue as a place to retreat, reflect and revive through prayer, sharing and rest. For 15 years it functioned as a haven for women looking for a place, beyond the pressures of home and work, to relax, refresh, and share concerns and ideas. S. Rose Marie Burns and a staff of volunteers made The Third Place a ‘home away from home.’

During that same time – late 1980s and 1990s – Sisters Nancy Bramlage and Frances Maureen Trampiets took their gifts to the University of Dayton; S. Nancy became a campus minister in 1988 and S. Fran served as program director of the University’s Center for Religious Communicators, beginning in 1985. S. Nancy later became director of the University’s Center for Social Concern while S. Fran taught media literacy and culture courses in religious studies until 2001. As new needs surfaced the Sisters of Charity answered the call in a variety of ways.

Three Sisters of Charity, all Dayton natives and all three St. Joseph High graduates, have 14

Dear Sisters , While lookin g through ar tifacts of my Dayton, Ohi late mothero, I came ac in-law, Helen ross “Lotus L early work of Beachler Kle eaves” pamph the Sisters of e of lets containi Charity in C I enjoyed read ng stories of hina. My hu ing through th e sb an th d, em and the hi were taught Charles W. K

by Sisters of story they ho lee Jr., and Charity. ld, especially since both of Charles and us I were born an d raised in D Church, grad ayton. He w uated from C as a member orpus Christi and received of Corpus C Elementary his undergra hristi School, Cha duate degree up across the m inade High S fr om stre the Universit chool, y of Notre D Christi Churc et from Julienne High Sch ame. He grew h, where he ool, and a ha w lf block from as involved w years. He ha the Corpus ith the school s fond memor and church du ies of his first and Sisters C grade teache ring his grow harlotte Mar r, S. Mary S ing ie [McMahon tephanie [D ] and Mary welly], I graduated Anthony [Fol from St. Agn ey]… es Elementa graduated fr ry School, at om St. Joseph te nd ed C Ju om 1950 “Lotus lienne High mercial High Leaves,” I no School and School. On ticed St. Jose the back page of S. Andre ph Commer [Javine], my of the Winter ci al St. Joseph H High Schoo our desks on igh School ju l listed, and Friday morni I think ni or ng ye ar teacher. W s, we always “TWA-Trave found a note hen arriving l With Angel propped up at s.” As you ca her and “TW on our desk n see, I neve A” with a sm stating, r forgot her ile. I also rem S. Mary Cle kindness and ember other tus [Adams] think of St. Joseph fa and S. Madel principal whe culty membe ene Delores n I attended rs, [Harrington] “St. Joe’s.” , who was th e school’s Two of our children wer e born at Goo we had strong d Samaritan connections Hospital in D and happy m ayton, so you emories of th We moved aw can see e Sisters of C ay from Day harity in Day ton long ago have lived al ton… w hen my husb l over the wor and entered ld; however, Sisters whose the U.S. Nav memories of work helped y. We our young ye shaped us st ars in Dayto ill war m our Thank you fo n an he d the ar ts . r all you have done and still do for God’s Sincerely, children.

Martha Hig gins Klee spent Springfield, Virginia

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facilitators, grant writers, Communion distributors, visitors to the hospitalized and homebound, and drivers to seniors.

They are valued members of book discussion groups, parish committees, breakfast clubs, nonviolent communication endeavors and tutors. “The Charity of Christ urges us!”

Given so much achievement, there is no wonder the Sisters of Charity have had a steadfast place in the Dayton area. They have fostered many vocations to religious life as a result. Their conviction has been shown by the Sisters’ connection with the people, their successful leadership, their organizational skill, and their unflinching commitment to the Gospel. They have left and continue to leave the legacy of their presence. They serve as a witness of God’s joy and love, leaving a lasting legacy in all areas they touch.

Information collected in this article was taken from the Sisters of Charity Archives. A heartfelt thank you to Sisters Judith Metz and Benedicta Mahoney for their guidance and help.

S. Rose Martin Morand (right), with Mary Hallinan, currently volunteers at the Montgomery County Jail.

most of their teaching years in the city. In addition to S. Fran Flynn teaching at St. Joseph she also taught at Archbishop Alter High for 35 years (1974–’09). S. Marie Karen Sammons’ (From left) Associate Ann Wilger, S. Fran Trampiets, Associates Jennifer Melke, Elaine Steiner educational career took her to St. Charles School and Monica Nesbitt, all from the Dayton, Ohio, area, met in February for sharing. for 20 years, 18 of those as principal. She served an additional six years as principal of Our Lady of Mercy School and then responded to a new call, manager of St. Vincent Hotel for the Homeless from 1999 until 2007.

Lay women and men join the Sisters of Charity as S. Donna Collins taught at both St. Albert the Great and Associates; this program began in 1976 when women St. Charles, giving a combined total of 29 years to the wished to support and join with Sisters in furthering education of middle school age children. These three Sisters their mission and charism. Ollie Kruger was one of continue to live in Dayton and to serve in various volunteer the earliest Auxiliary members, later becoming known ministries in the area. as Associates. Ollie was a nurse and longtime, valued Other Sisters of Charity continue to serve and live employee of Good Samaritan Hospital. Today there are in the Greater Dayton area, as well. They can be found nine active Dayton Associates; they meet monthly to ministering in mental health, hospital administration, and share prayer and discuss a current book of interest to the prison, retreat and youth services. Sisters currently find group. S. Fran Trampiets serves as facilitator. themselves volunteering at the Samaritan Foundation and Children’s Hospital in Dayton. They can be found serving as nurturers, computer resource persons, receptionists, meeting W inter 2 0 1 3

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F rom the archives —

S. Ann Seton Gallagher

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ince 1852 more than 2,300 women have vowed their lives as Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. They have served as Civil War nurses, doctors, social workers, advocates for the poor and marginalized. They have been educators, missionaries, religious educators, environmentalists and more.

In 2013 we will begin a series spotlighting some of our Sisters who have made contributions to the communities they have lived and ministered in. We are inspired by their dedication to their vocation, and we celebrate a life devoted to serving others.

“It seemed in our early days in the health care ministry at Good Samaritan in Dayton we were always transitioning, moving on to new things, S. Ann Seton Gallagher, with former Dayton Good Samaritan Hospital implementing new concepts,” CEO James Fitzgerald, looking at plans for the nursing school.

S. Roslyn Hafertepe remembered.

“Ann’s goal was to bring the Born into an Irish Catholic family in Cleveland, Ohio, very best possible, new initiatives, new ways of functioning to S. Ann Seton Gallagher entered the Sisters of Charity on the people who were served. Her major focus at that time was Sept. 8, 1946. She was taught by many Sisters of Charity in nursing education and nursing administration. Often there growing up and it was during her high school years that seemed to be insurmountable problems to be addressed, but S. Ann Seton felt God’s call – to the Sisters of Charity and to Ann with faith and determination brought to life a vision. the nursing profession. The pull toward nursing drew her to “She was an example of a quiet, faith-filled, inspiring leader put “vocation” on hold and she began her nursing education who was a ‘change agent,’ a person who dealt respectfully and as a five-year student of the College of Mount St. Joseph. lovingly with change resistors,” S. Roslyn continued. “I witnessed In an autobiographical sketch, S. Ann Seton wrote, “Life Ann implementing a leadership style long before it was popular, at Mount St. Joseph was such it was impossible to ignore of inspiring, engaging and empowering others. And then Ann God’s call for long. Toward the end of my freshman year I humbly gave the credit to others.” applied to enter the Community.”

In 1983, Sister returned to Cincinnati as the first director of She received a nursing diploma from Good Samaritan retirement and later was elected superior of the Cincinnati region.

Hospital in Cincinnati, completed her bachelor’s degree in She remained in that position until 1993. Three years later she nursing from the College and received a master of science from became director of St. Elizabeth Residence in Colorado Springs, The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Colo. In 1996, she was elected the lead of the Sisters of Charity Central Network, for Sisters living at the Motherhouse.

S. Ann Seton was head nurse at Cincinnati’s Good Samaritan Hospital (1951-’54) before heading to Dayton’s “Ann deservingly was held in high regard by her peers and Good Samaritan Hospital for the next 29 years (1954-’83). by so many others for her vision and forward thinking,” said There she held a series of positions including director of S. Roslyn. “She left lasting imprints in so many ways as she nursing education, director of the school of nursing, and vice traveled her life’s journey. She was a prayerful, faith-filled Sister president of nursing services. of Charity, ever conscious and committed of serving others and As director of the Department of Nursing, one of the most demanding in the hospital, S. Ann Seton provided leadership for some 800 nurses, LPNs, aides, technicians and orderlies.

One of her chief responsibilities, she said at the time, was determining whether and how to implement new concepts of nursing care.

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never forgetting those less fortunate – and above all a faithful friend! All who knew her were blessed to have been touched by her goodness and example.”

S. Ann Seton Gallagher died Sept. 1, 1997, at the age of 70.

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Medical-Spirituality an advocate for

By S. Fran Trampiets

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ore than 30 years ago, Evangeline Andarsio, a Dayton OB-GYN physician, became an Associate of the Sisters of Charity. She had been educated by the Sisters of Charity in Springfield, Ohio. “I became an Associate to nourish my faith journey and to be connected with something bigger than myself,” she said.

Evange “is dedicated to healing women and to assist them on the journey of giving birth.” She also has a deep sense of the importance of healing the healer. Medical-spirituality has become a central focus of her life and of her relationships with her patients and medical colleagues.

Dealing with burnout and a crisis of meaning at the midpoint of her career, she attended a weekend program of study and training at The Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago, Ill., from 2001- 2005, obtaining her certificate in spiritual direction. During that same period she began summer courses at The Institute for the Study of Health and Illness in Bolinas, Calif., under the direction of Rachel Naomi Remen, MD. “I resonated with her idea of medicine,” said Evange. “She spoke in my language of caring, compassion and healing.

Attending her physician workshop was a transformative experience. I left knowing I was ‘again’ called to be a physician.”

Not only were these experiences life-altering for Evange, she became committed to sharing them with patients and colleagues.

“I established a ‘Finding Meaning in Medicine’ group in my Dayton medical community in 2004 to assist physicians in developing and maintaining a personal sense of covenant and service, and to strengthen their sense of calling and spiritual community within medicine,” she said.

In addition to maintaining her private practice, Evange is clinical assistant professor at Wright State University School of Medicine and co-director of its Healer’s Art Program.

“The Healer’s Art course has consistently received excellent evaluations from the medical students. [Attendance] has grown from 20 in 2006, the first year it was offered, to twothirds of the first year class every year since 2008,” she said.

She founded and continues to direct an annual MedicalSpirituality conference at Wright State for health care professionals and for the general public. Since the first conference in 2009, more than 1,200 participants have attended.

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In 2010 Evange became president of the Montgomery County Medical Society pledging, in her inaugural address, “to explore what (health care reform) legislation really does mean for our patients and our medical community … and to ensure that our community is receiving excellent quality care.”

Evange’s political activities are key to promoting patient advocacy and ensuring maintenance of the doctor-patient relationship. She is an Ohio State Medical Association councilor, representing District Two, eight counties, in the state of Ohio and an alternate delegate for the American Medical Association. She helped launch and organize the Dayton area grassroots Political Action Committee, Physicians Concerned for the Future of Women’s Healthcare in 2002, which led her to speak at the Ohio Statehouse in front of 3,000 people to advocate for women’s health.

Evange’s recent proposal surrounding the field of spirituality and medicine was recently accepted into the Harvard Macy Institute’s Program for Leading Innovations in Health Care and Education. She is being supported by both Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and Miami Valley Hospital in her research endeavors. The goal, she said, “would be to develop programming that can reach more physicians and ultimately improve patient care and satisfaction as well as improve the health care system.”

Perhaps the most influential aspect of Evange’s medical career is the extent to which she models her belief that the physician’s role is more than curing illness, it’s providing caring compassion and healing to each patient whose life she touches.

In explaining why in the midst of such a demanding professional life she has remained an Associate of the Sisters of Charity all these years, she said, “The SCs are great witnesses of God’s love in this world, are involved in wonderful ministries and support me in my ministry. My association with the Sisters of Charity has been very soul-nourishing.”

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God Qualifies the Call: S. Sally Duffy's Journey and Ministry with SC Ministry Foundation

By Loretta Dees

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Sally Duffy came to minister at SC Ministry Foundation 12 years ago in 2001 and became president Nov. 1, 2004. Under S. Sally’s leadership, SC Ministry Foundation has become a leader in comprehensive immigration reform, Hurricane Katrina recovery, especially for women religious, focused Catholic holistic education, and in ending systemic injustices such as predatory lending and misleading lease-to-buy options in neighborhoods like Price Hill.

Under S. Sally’s leadership, SC Ministry Foundation has been viewed as being far more than a grant-maker.

S. Sally is on the ground interfacing with policy makers in social justice causes such as affordable health care reform, at the table strategizing next steps, at City Council meetings, on the phone calling the White House or representatives, and organizing behind the scenes (when it came to Nuns on the Bus, for example). The Foundation partners with many social justice organizations, such as Legal Aid, NETWORK, Price Hill Will, Santa Maria Community Services, Working in Neighborhoods, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), and Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA).

S. Sally uses her gifts and talents in education, political science, pastoral and crisis counseling, health care administration, and divinity and integrates them in how she relates to individuals and leads the Foundation every day at the national, state and local level. Her breadth of experience comes from across sectors and from the depth of human experience, direct service, administration and systemic change. I asked S. Sally to reflect on her journey and ministry with SC Ministry Foundation, a calling through which God has continued to reveal and nurture her multitude of gifts.

What were some of the things that attracted you and called you to ministering at SC Ministry Foundation?

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S. Maryanna Coyle contacted me in February or March of 2000 asking me if I would come to the Foundation. I didn’t know what the Foundation really involved and I was concerned if there would be enough to put my energy toward. I am high energy (I’d be the first to admit it!) and really get involved.

Clearly, it was different than health care because everything I went to was crisis management. Even as a counselor, it was crisis management. With the Foundation, I knew there wasn’t a crisis, but where we would strategically focus was still being discerned. As vice president in charge of operations, I was looking at how we could promote the mission and ministry of the Sisters of Charity in different areas, trying to tap into Sisters in a variety of geographic areas, and looking at our strategic focus.

SC Ministry Foundation’s mission is to promote the mission and ministry of the Sisters of Charity. How do you describe the role of the Foundation in your own words?

There are so many issues related to social justice, it is a question of where can SC Ministry Foundation catalyze or provide resources to catalyze a system and structure change.

That is a niche we have; we have a reputation as being resourceful on changing systems and structures and we use Catholic Social Teaching and the priorities of the Sisters of Charity, such as ending the death penalty, comprehensive immigration reform, affordable quality housing, systems that help people move toward self sufficiency, and assuring a Catholic education for children in Price Hill, as our compass.

We do that because of the mission of the Sisters of Charity.

Our old mission statement … “Urged by the love of Christ, and give Compelling Witness” provided a great deal of focus in asking “How could we be compelling?”

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other cultures. We challenge organizations not to just address direct services. For example, in Price Hill, we don’t want to move the issue to another neighborhood, but to correct the system that is marginalizing and oppressing people. We ask who is winning, who is losing, who is deciding who is winning and losing, and who is colluding in the decision and system of who’s winning and who’s losing. We are always respectful, but we believe that the love of Christ compels us to ask that question.

How would you define the changes, challenges, and opportunities of the Foundation’s work today?

One of the unique challenges is we don’t have as many investment assets as we had in the past, therefore we don’t have as many dollars available for S. Sally Duffy receives an honorary degree from the College of Mount St. Joseph. grantmaking. That has called us to focus more on collaboration with other funders such as foundations locations. They are truly living our mission. And that gives and United Way, entering into collaborative funding partnerships me so much hope and energy. Some communities are so such as Place Matters, FADICA/LCWR New Orleans Recovery grounded and rooted in the Sisters of Charity – whether it’s Project, and looking more at collective impact – how can we have Bay City, Mich., Price Hill (Cincinnati), Colorado Springs, a shared agenda and outcomes in the behavior or condition we’re Colo., or Pueblo, Colo. I do believe with great humility that trying to bring about or prevent. the Foundation has furthered the mission and ministry of the There are more people in poverty, more families and Sisters of Charity. And we are deeply grateful for the prayers more children living in poverty, which raises systemic and support and loving trust of all Sisters of Charity. questions, and challenges us to ask those social analysis How would you describe your role in carrying out this questions. Justice is right relationship and ensuring people are mission? given their God-given dignity and their shared membership – that implies rights and responsibilities. In this environment I think our relationships are built on loving trust. Loving we are challenged more to ensure people have the right to trust implies that I will challenge and support, and help food, clothing, affordable quality housing, and affordable and catalyze capacity for individuals and the organizations they accessible quality health care. It also implies a responsibility lead. These assets belong to the Sisters of Charity and these on behalf of all of us in ensuring the collective good, in taking are God’s resources. We are called to steward these resources responsibility for our own health care, and in cherishing the to bring about the reign of God and the common good for Earth and the resources God has given us. It is not “either-or” all. I think we are called to be instruments and interfaces of but “both-and” of rights and responsibilities. the love of Jesus. And that motivates me daily. It’s God’s work; it’s not our work.

Under your leadership, the Foundation has led many systemic changes. Examples include: the Vacant Building What makes the Foundation different from other Maintenance License has been created and revised for the foundations? entire city of Cincinnati; Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo We are multi-dimensional when it comes to an issue. are facing a lawsuit from an organization where you sit on An example is immigration – we are working on the Good the board (Price Hill Will); and you have been invited to Samaritan Free Health Center of Price Hill which addresses the White House as a faith leader in areas of immigration health care needs in a holistic way, housing issues, advocacy, and health care reform. What advice would you give other and integration through a project with Center for Migration leaders on how to effectively do systemic change work?

Studies. We are building the capacity of immigration reform You have to spend time with the people affected by and when it happens, sponsoring the “Cincinnati: A City of making the decisions, hearing from them. This includes the Immigrants” booklet and play for our current generation and people who are oppressed and marginalized in some way, as future generations, and working to make our community well as the people who are winning and colluding. You have friendly, welcoming and integrative (not assimilative) with to have a relationship to be able to raise some of the difficult WINTER 2013

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S. Sally Duffy with President Barack Obama at the White House Prayer Breakfast.

questions. There has to be integrity. As St. Francis said, “Preach the Gospel always; if necessary use words.”

I don’t find it helpful to label or classify people; when we spend time in a relationship we find out their circumstances and that’s when we can be most influential in terms of raising questions about the common good. You have to work within the system because it’s very hard to change a system when you’re not a part of it. Once again, you have to “be the change you want to see” as Gandhi said.

That’s why we convene groups and why we go and spend time with the organizations that we have the privilege of partnering with. I am most grateful for my times at Loyola University Institute of pastoral studies – I had amazing mentors who helped provide a theological framework to help me integrate some of my past experiences and to formulate questions to raise issues related to the common good.

but we have to give our all. There will be a day where we will experience God in ways that are unimaginable and nothing else will matter – not power, status, wealth. And those things don’t matter now; they are just the trappings we fall into. Elizabeth was able to acknowledge those trappings existed, but once she committed herself to the Catholic faith, she totally relied on God in terms of where she would be led the next day and months and years to come. She clearly lived her life as if, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,” as St. Paul said. Elizabeth lived her life living for others and that’s why she was charismatic.

I feel relentless about doing this work. I can’t go to sleep at night without knowing that I’ve given my all. Knowing that I am following God’s will gives me energy and hope. It’s life-giving. I do believe in eternal life and I believe that the reign of God is here now and not yet, and that we must work to bring about the reign of God, yet always knowing that there’s another life where we will experience that in its fullest dimension. That’s one of the beautiful legacies of the witness of Elizabeth Seton.

To read the entire interview, please visit the “Feature Articles” section of the Sisters of Charity website at www.srcharitycinti.org/news_events/features.htm.

How does Elizabeth Ann Seton inspire you?

Elizabeth Ann Seton provided direct service throughout her life, but she also came up with a system that provided social justice in terms of educating both those who had resources and those that were in poverty. She believed in a holistic education and believed in diversity and inclusion in terms of race and class. She truly fell in love with God and it decided everything for her. It decided when she got up, what she read, what she did. That relationship was where she placed her reliance.

When it comes to the Foundation, we are called to totally rely on God to work toward bringing about the reign of God and the common good, knowing that it won’t be perfect this day and on this earth, S. Sally Duffy receives the S. Blandina Award from Santa Maria Community Services.

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New Orleans House of Charity

Welcomes First Guests

By Sisters Monica Gundler, SC, Claire Regan, SCNY, Renee Rose, DC

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s we were asked to write this article in November, all three of us thought it would be easy enough as we had been “absolutely” promised (from an original finish at the end of September) to be in our new House of Charity by Nov. 30. We had just finished a great week with Nuns Build and would have time to reflect on our experiences, take lovely pictures of our new home, and prepare for the first of three groups to arrive on New Year’s Day 2013.

God and our contractors had other plans! On Dec. 13, 2012, we still had no floor in the upstairs, wires hanging from the ceiling, missing baseboard and dust everywhere.

Meanwhile the bishop moving into our current house was sending boxes and making plans to move in!

We eventually decided – ready or not – to move in over Christmas weekend. The Saturday before Christmas was moving day. We quickly put out an email SOS for help; that day 25 “elves,” as S. Claire called them, arrived at our door.

Among them were our SC Associate Ann Laiche, some of her relatives and friends, Sisters of Notre Dame from Toledo, Daughters of Charity, Adrian Dominican and Ursuline Sisters, Sisters of St. Joseph and Victor, who helps us with special projects, and his 11-year-old grandson.

The construction fence was still up, one of the stairways was off limits, and some lights didn’t work, but overall the house was looking good! The day after Christmas brought our first guest, Daughter of Charity S. Sharon Richardt, who helped us unpack and organize in preparation for our first group of New Year’s Eve arrivals. We said goodbye to S. Sharon and hello to S. Nancy from Nazareth and S. Mary Anne from Halifax on New Year’s Eve. We were able to toast 2013 and watch fireworks from our new porch.

New Year’s Day brought our house total to 18 as we welcomed our Federation Sisters and young adults for the annual Charity Federation Service Trip. It seemed fitting that we should bless our new house on the Feast of Elizabeth Seton, just as we had three years before. Father Lou Arceneaux, a Vincentian priest, celebrated the first Mass in our chapel and we blessed each room walking through the house with our guests.

Sisters from Nazareth, Ky., Leavenworth, Kan., Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Seton Hill, Pa., Cincinnati, Ohio, WINTER 2013

New York and the Daughters of Charity were all present.

During the blessing there was a candle lit for each of the congregations in the Federation.

We had a wonderful week of service with this group, followed the next week by students from the College of Mount St. Joseph and then by a weekend “Search and Serve” for women discerning religious life. When asked about our future plans at this point, the three of us said in unison “take a break!” It has been a whirlwind beginning with many blessings and much grace. We have often asked for Elizabeth’s “grace of the moment” and heeded her words to “do whatever presents itself ” on a daily or even moment-by-moment basis.

So, now, as we have had time to ponder a bit about our time, we offer this wisdom from the journey: S. Renee: “I did not have any real experience with the Charity Federation before coming to the house. We have met so many Sisters. It has been wonderful and enriching to learn about the different communities. There is a great need for a house like this for young people to have the opportunity to live in a community setting and be with each other and with the Sisters.”

S. Claire: “Our regular prayer and reflection on the Charity charism has deepened my own understanding of my commitment as a Sister of Charity. Sharing this prayer and our lives with the young people who come is very hopeful for the future. We have become a real crossroads for the Federation. Being here is a wonderful grassroots experience for the Sisters who have come.”

S. Renee: “The idea of collaboration is such a part of our lives as we work with the Federation and with other religious in the city.”

We look forward to welcoming many more Sisters, young adults, men and women as our 2013 schedule is full.

To view additional photos of the New Orleans House of Charity and its January events, visit our website at www.srcharitycinti.org/news.htm 21

Mission-Centered

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or more than 20 years S. Carol Bauer has been the “conscience” of Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. As the vice president of mission effectiveness since 1989, S. Carol helps to keep the hospital focused on its mission: to build a healthier community and to care for the whole person – body, mind and spirit.

Sister’s ministry has not always been in health care. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native’s early years were spent teaching religion and math in Albuquerque, N.M., and Dayton. She transitioned to pastoral ministry in 1974, serving at St. Francis of Assisi in Centerville, Ohio, for the next 14 years. Eventually her responsibilities led to the role of pastoral administrator. During those years Sister became part of many community volunteer roles available on committees and boards for the nonprofit and social service sector in Dayton, including Catholic Social Services and the United Way Public Policy.

“The knowledge and exposure provided through these experiences, I believe, were instrumental in the skill development that led to my present ministry at Good Samaritan Hospital,” S. Carol said.

At the hospital she oversees programs such as pastoral care, spiritual care, health ministries, volunteer services and employee assistance. She also advises the hospital’s ethics committee and oversees operation of the hospital’s behavioral health inpatient, intensive outpatient and detox services.

“This is an astoundingly challenging role working in the midst of human suffering and need and seeking insight into

the balancing of ministry and business aspects of the health care industry in the U.S.,” Sister said in a 2010 interview. “I have worked with several CEOs over the years and have heard them refer to my role as the ‘conscience of the organization.’

As I’ve thought about this comment it has dawned on me that what they were observing was the impact that the essence of ministry can bring to the challenges of business.”

Jim Pancoast, current president and CEO of Premier Health, came to know S. Carol while serving as COO and chief executive officer of Good Samaritan Hospital. Pancoast said the Sisters of Charity had great vision to bring quality, Catholic-based health care to the Dayton area. To him, S. Carol continues that tradition.

“I always felt working with S. Carol was a good grounding between providing quality care and remembering our mission to provide care for all people in need. She was our reminder of the vision and mission of what the Sisters started,” he said.

S. Carol has been instrumental in starting several programs at the hospital that focus on its commitment to caring for the spiritual and mental needs of its patients. One of those programs is Anam Cara (Gaelic for “soul friend”), which brings trained volunteers to visit and support patients and families.

In 2005, the Dayton Business Journal named S. Carol one of its Health Care Heroes, recognizing her contributions to not only Good Samaritan Hospital but also to the Dayton community. Among those contributions was the role she S. Carol Bauer (left) has been the vice president of mission effectiveness at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, since 1989.

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played in the development of The Founder’s Project, which brought together eight religious orders, each with unique ministries, to work on Founder’s Family Center, which provided social services to families from 1997 to 2011. In addition Sister was involved in The Phoenix Project, Good Samaritan Hospital’s $8 million matching partnership with the city of Dayton to revitalize its neighborhood.

Ned Sifferlen, former chair of the Good Samaritan Hospital Board of Trustees (2003-2011), said Sister played a significant role in the development of The Phoenix Project.

“She was so special in terms of community outreach,” he said.

Sifferlen remembered how the neighbors “worshiped her.”

Jim Pancoast agreed. “She was the heart and soul of that project,” he said.

Of all her accomplishments and successes, which include being named one of the 2009 YWCA of Dayton Women of Influence, Sister said community board involvement has been a significantly enriching element in her life. In addition to her involvement with Catholic Social Services and the United Way Public Policy, Sister has served on the boards of local agencies, including the AIDS Resource Center Ohio, the Catholic Education Collaborative, National Conference for Community and Justice, and Seton High School. Sister also is a regional and national lecturer and program designer on Faith, Spiritual Development, Ethics and Theological issues.

Pat Meadows, former executive director of the National Conference for Community and Justice, has known S. Carol for more than 10 years. She says, “[S. Carol’s] contributions WINTER 2013

S. Carol Bauer stands next to the photographs of past CEOs of Dayton’s Good Samaritan Hospital; more than half were Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

to the Dayton community are immeasurable. She has supported so many organizations so very well. She is the person everyone wants on their board. Her commitment to social justice, fairness and respect for everyone make her such a remarkable person.”

Sifferlen added, “S. Carol is a doer. She has very strong beliefs and she pushes very hard for what she thinks needs to be accomplished – at the hospital and in the community,” he said. “She is always a team player, which is why I loved working with her. The end result might not end up the way she wanted (however, oftentimes it did), but she was still on board and part of the team and went forward with 100 percent commitment.”

S. Carol’s compassion, decision making and critical thinking are admired by many. She is known for her sense of humor, her wisdom – and her determination. Sifferlen fondly remembers that tenacity as he recalls S. Carol’s involvement in the conception and completion of the Good Samaritan statue outside the front doors of the hospital.

“She wanted to have this new sculpture in the front of the hospital to remind patrons of what they need to do with their lives,” he said. “If it wasn’t for her commitment and work, the statue wouldn’t be there. S. Carol epitomizes the Good Samaritan in the way she lives her life. I think of what she has done – for the hospital, the community and the people of Dayton – and she expects nothing in return. She is an inspiration to all of us.”

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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award C ongregation B estows

By S. Kathryn Ann Connelly

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he feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton means celebration at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. The Congregation uses the day to recognize individuals who emanate the mission of the Sisters of Charity and the beautiful characteristics of Elizabeth. The two women, singled out for the honor this year, portray in their life and work that special mission to live the Gospel values, to act justly, to build loving relationships, and to share with those in need.

Kathryn Preston, known to all as Kate, and Kathy Baker are this year’s recipients. Combined, they have shared in this mission with the Congregation for 38 years; Kate as director of Activities at Mother Margaret Hall, and Kathy, giving service in several areas beginning with Eldermount and now as director of development at Bayley, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Charity.

S. Joan Elizabeth Cook (center), president of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, congratulates St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award recipients Kathy Baker (left) and Kathryn Preston.

Kate Preston retired from Mother Margaret Hall in 2011, but carries fond memories in her heart. She was born in Minneapolis, Minn., and moved to Cincinnati at the age of 16 to live with her brother after the death of her parents. She met her husband while attending The Ohio State University and they parented five girls: Becky, Melissa, Stacey, Stephanie and Sarah. Currently, Kate keeps busy at home caring for family, babysitting and supporting her four grandchildren’s activities.

Having been hired by S. Jeanne Roach, Kate assumed the role of activities director in 1996. Blessed with understanding and supportive administrators, under Kate’s leadership the Activities team put together a program that is fluid with change and adaptation, meeting the needs of the Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall. As department head, Kate recognized the need for ongoing updates in skills and methods through 24

workshops and conferences for members of the department.

She is quick to give credit and appreciation to the Congregation for support of such educational opportunities for herself and the staff. According to Kate, the Sisters of Charity really do share their resources.

The Activities Department of Mother Margaret Hall is a conduit wherein other departments (Nursing, Spirituality, Nutrition, Transportation) all provide wonderful assistance, working together in the spirit of Elizabeth Seton. Cooperation and collaboration are the hallmarks of the department so that the Sister residents are well served.

In her tenure, Kate was aware of the many resources in the Cincinnati community. She made certain that such resources became available, bringing in programs from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as well as the Cincinnati Opera for special performances. Students from the College of Mount St. Joseph and Seton, DePaul Cristo Rey, Ursuline, Elder and Intercom

Lambert when the Eldermount program was started in 1988.

She credits S. Phyllis with teaching her a sense of balance for career and family life. To have an understanding supervisor who knows the value of time with family and with work was gift from S. Phyllis. Kathy gives recognition to S. Phyllis for the pioneering work in adult day programs, a truly great need, and one which continues today.

Moving from volunteer to part-time to full-time worker and collaborator with the Sisters of Charity has been Kathy’s career path. As she says, “God puts you where He wants you,” and she is grateful. She started as activities staff at Eldermount, then became involved in marketing and development. She finished her degree at the College of Mount St. Joseph during this time. Her journey with the Charity Congregation traversed from the Motherhouse to across the street when Eldermount moved to Bayley. The new facility is so perfectly suited to the needs of the adult day care community. Kathy maintains that the Sisters of Charity always respond with love, quality service and resources. She considers hers to be a blessed journey, sharing in the mission of the Sisters of Charity.

Kate Preston, with the late S. Frances Loretto Lopez, served as the director of Activities at Mother Margaret Hall from 1996 until 2011.

St. Xavier high schools all provide hours of volunteer service.

Of course, Kate considers working at Mother Margaret Hall the best of both worlds. Mother Margaret Hall residents benefit not only from the internal staff but also from the beautiful assistance and care from the Motherhouse Sisters for their own ailing and elderly. Building loving relationships and service to others in the spirit of the Gospel is always the underlying motive.

During Kathy’s tenure of serving with the Congregation, the program names have changed. However, be it Eldermount, the Be Connected Program, Bayley Adult Day Program, the mission of service has not. In Kathy Baker’s eyes, the Sisters of Charity see a need, tend to it and do it well.

Currently, Kathy is the director of development at Bayley.

She values teamwork and the atmosphere of trust and respect which seems to be so ingrained in Charity institutions. Her joy is to bring Christ to others and continue in the path of Elizabeth Bayley Seton.

For Kate, her career at Mother Margaret Hall was gift, treasure, for where better could she carry out Christ’s work and word.

Gratitude is the byline from Kate to the Congregation and from the Congregation to Kate.

Kathy Baker, director of development for Bayley, is the other recipient of the Elizabeth Seton Award this year. Kathy has been involved with the Sisters of Charity sponsored ministry to the elderly for 25 years.

A native Cincinnatian, she has been married to Dennis Baker for 39 years and is mother to four children: Denny, Bev, Lisa and Kurt.

Ten grandchildren also have a claim on her attention.

Kathy first became a volunteer and then a part-time employee with the late S. Phyllis WINTER 2013

(From left) EAS Award recipient Kathy Baker with Bayley co-workers Jodi Mayhaus and Debbie Kremer.

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On the Web A ssociate J ackene L averty

Celebrates 40 Years

By Associate Vicki Welsh

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he year 2012 saw the culmination of 40 years of service with the Dietetics Department of Cincinnati Good Samaritan Hospital for Associate Jackene Laverty. We congratulate her on such an accomplished milestone.

Jackie’s journey to Cincinnati, the Sisters of Charity and Good Samaritan Hospital began with a Associate Jackene Laverty has worked train ride from Lansing, Mich., when in the Dietetics Department of Cincinnati she was in high school at St. Mary’s, Good Samaritan Hospital for the last 40 years. a Sisters of Charity school. While on the train Jackie and her friend, Anne, met S. Myra James Bradley who offered them a ride to the Mount, where Anne was meeting with S. Helen Flaherty regarding joining the Community. Jackie decided to talk with S. Helen as well and came away with a desire to become a Sister of Charity.

In 1965, she entered the Postulancy under the direction of S. Emily Anne Phelan. This was one of the largest Bands to enter the Sisters of Charity. She attended the College of Mount St. Joseph where she received her bachelor’s degree in dietetics and the University of Cincinnati where she obtained a master’s in nutrition. She completed her dietetic internship at Good Samaritan Hospital in 1972. During those years she worked at Good Samaritan Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, N.M., and Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility at Mount St. Joseph.

Following her dietetic internship in 1972, Jackie secured a position in Clinical Dietetics at Good Samaritan Hospital. Over the years she worked with cardiac, renal, and critical care patients in the Nutrition Department and worked under Associate Pat Froehle in the Outpatient Clinic dealing primarily with pre-natal and pediatric patients. At one point she was given the opportunity to serve at St. Joseph Home. While she left the Community in 1979, Jackie continued to work at the hospital through many changes that occurred in both the hospital and the field of dietetics.

In 1990, Jackie became director of the Dietetic Internship Program.

She has steered the 43-week post-baccalaureate program through ever-changing accreditation standards and challenges in educating future health care practitioners. Today, she still enjoys working with young professionals on the cusp of their careers. She looks forward to seeing what the future holds as implementation of the Affordable Care Act has a greater influence on the work she does.

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For full articles, please visit the news/events section of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati website at www.srcharitycinti.org, and click on “Feature Articles.”

Birth 2012 On Dec. 22, 2012, Sisters and Associates joined futurist Barbara Marx Hubbard and others around the world in celebrating “our shared journey into the age of conscious evolution.”

Memories of the Season Sisters and Associates share their favorite Christmas and Advent memories.

S. Sarah Mulligan Honored S. Sarah Mulligan was inducted into the Bishop Fenwick High School Hall of Achievement on Nov. 14.

Food for the Soul The Sisters of Charity Art Collection contains beautiful reproductions of Renaissance masters’ oil paintings. Each month a different painting is featured with an account of how it came to be in the art collection, a brief history of the painting, and of the artist and his style.

Making Forever Families Alaska Associate Janet Olmstead and her husband, Steve, have fostered 15 children in the last eight years, adopting four.

Saying Goodbye Congregational employee Lynn Richter retires after 40 years with the Sisters of Charity.

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Ministry of the Word

By S. Mary Bodde

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t the Motherhouse Masses – 8 a.m. during the week, 9:30 a.m. on Sundays and 10 a.m. on special feasts – Sister lectors read the day’s first readings (and if included a second) moving to the podium as if automatic. First readers also lead the Intentions for the day.

Intercom is the quarterly 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 360 Sisters are joined in their mission by 198 Associates (lay women and men).

Sisters, using their professional talents as ministers of education, health care, social services and environmental justice, live and minister in 30 U.S. dioceses and in Guatemala, Mexico and the West Indies. They also sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor.

S. Lorraine Delisle coordinates the volunteer process. She says between 30 and 35 names are on the three-month roster.

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Sign-ups are posted on the Community Room bulletin board. “A note on the form,” she says, “suggests signing only one slot so there are spaces for all who are interested. Sisters are very generous, those living in the Motherhouse and those living off campus, as well.”

Graphic Design/Layout Michelle Bley

Echoing the response behind all their signatures, S. Irene Luther remarks, “I feel very privileged to be part of this Ministry of the Word.”

Editor Erin Reder

Photographer S. Marty Dermody S. Florence Cremering is one of the 30-plus Sisters who volunteers to lector during Mass at the Motherhouse.

S. Patricia Sabourin agreed. “It’s an honor to be a lector and to proclaim the Word,” she said. “I love it when someone really proclaims well. It helps me to understand the Word and to really meditate on it. In preparation it helps me to study the Scriptures.”

“When we first organized this ministry,” S. Lorraine explained, “Sisters would sign up for a whole year because they were often very active, especially those living at the Motherhouse.” Others admitted, ‘I can’t sign up for a whole year!’ Often substitutions had to be made. Then we reduced the service to six months. Now, after our meeting with the lectors, Sisters sign up three months at a time.”

“Volunteers always respond when we have an extra reading (as on Sundays and some feast days),” she adds. “I am always grateful when I hear them read, and I know they have prepared – ‘prayed over the reading’ many say.”

S. Pat Sabourin calls it a privilege to volunteer as a lector during Mass.

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“I look forward to my turn to proclaim the Word of God,” lector S. Florence Cremering said. “It is a special opportunity to ponder, to ask myself, ‘what is the Lord saying to me?’ I pray that the Holy Spirit will help me to present it so that it will be meaningful to others. Without that confidence I would not offer to be a lector.”

Director of Communications S. Georgia Kitt Executive Council Liaison S. Mary Bookser Advisory Board Members: S. Mary Bodde S. Mary Ann Flannery Mary Jo Mersmann S. Emily Anne Phelan S. Joyce Richter S. Frances Maureen Trampiets 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 St. Joseph, OH 45051 www.srcharitycinti.org

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

8 Amelia Riedel, director of marketing communications at DePaul Cristo Rey High School, has come to appreciate and live the Charity mission through her many SC relationships.

24 Kate Preston (left), a recipient of the 2013 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, is congratulated by her nominator S. Paula Mary Russell following the Mass and celebration on Jan. 6.

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As vice president of mission effectiveness at Dayton’s Good Samaritan Hospital, S. Carol Bauer helps to keep the hospital’s mission, established by the Sisters of Charity, in the forefront.