Spirit Magazine - Journeys

Dear families and friends,

There is an old proverb which states “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” in this issue of Spirit magazine, you will have the opportunity to read about several individuals’ interesting and exciting journeys. i would wager that none of these “journeys of a thousand miles” or more began literally with a single step. More likely than not, these journeys began with an inward journey to the place where god leads us to reflect on our real motivations and to assess our convictions that our plans are also in accord with god’s plan.

Sometimes our “journeys of a thousand miles” are not measured in miles at all. More often they are calculated by intangible measurements: changing jobs; moving to another location; or making a decision that will impact my free time or challenge my skills and abilities. in these cases, no shoe leather is worn away but our commitment to follow god’s lead may be worn thin…until we rely on the Source of all good to guide and inspire us not so much for the journey but for the purpose of the journey. Then the path of our journey, though difficult or challenging at times, is clear and certain.

After all, we know what Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland, said: “ if you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”

May all your journeys be guided and inspired by god’s desire for your good and your happiness.

Blessings,

Charlene herinckx ‘66 Superior general

Sister

Sister Charlene Herinckx with three of her four sisters in Luxembourg: (left to right) Angi Duyck, Rosemary Herinckx, Kathy Kemper and Sister Charlene. They visited Vianden Castle, built from the 11th to 14th centuries.

table of Contents

4 Love, Loss and Abiding faith

The original journey of the Sisters of St. Mary of oregon (SSMo).

8 nine Journeys. one Community.

honoring the 2013 Jubilarians of the Sisters of St. Mary of oregon.

12 Where past pilgrims Share and future pilgrims Learn

Walking el Camino de Santiago was just one of the inspiring journeys that eric Berge has shared with his students at Valley Catholic.

16 nothing but a prayer

Maryville celebrates its 50th anniversary – a journey that began with a leap of faith.

20 nuestra Casa es tu Casa: home and family in Latin America

Dr. Bill Warner’s journey has taken him from oregon to a new life in Colombia.

24 A Mission to the Moon and home Again for the SSMo foundation, meaningful journeys build relationships and support.

26 from Valley Catholic to Vatican City

Jeff Meeuwsen ‘95 believes that his time at Valley Catholic formed him more than he will ever know.

30 Alumni news

Celebrating life journeys.

Sisters of St. mary of Oregon

Sister Charlene herinckx ‘66, Superior general

Sisters of St. mary of Oregon ministries Corporation

Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen, president Editor

Barbara Kerr, Apr

Designer

patricia McDonald

Contributors

eric Berge, Casey Braunger, Joe Cramer, Sister Charlene herinckx ‘66, Linda Lawyer, grace Le Chevallier, father Jeff Meeuwsen ‘95, Jean Michel poletto, Danielle tomich, Sister Krista von Borstel, Dr. Bill Warner

Spirit magazine is published by the Sisters of St. Mary of oregon and their sponsored ministries. All rights reserved.

Questions, comments or address changes:

SSmO ministries Corporation

4440 SW 148th Avenue Beaverton, or 97007

503-644-9181 spirit@ssmoministries.org

of El Camino de Santiago courtesy of Jean Michel Poletto.

Love, Loss and Abiding faith

The original journey of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon it was the journey that paved the way for all that have followed.

in 1866, a young ohio girl named emma Bleily left her family to move to Wisconsin with her best friend and a much-loved teacher from the convent of the Sisters of the precious Blood.

one year later, emma and her new community moved west to Minnesota – but the teacher remained behind.

Seventeen difficult years later, emma joined a group of families that boarded a train bound for a new life in oregon – but the friend remained behind.

This was the journey of the girl who became Mother Wilhelmina – the first Superior general of the Sisters of St. Mary of oregon (SSMo). it was a journey marked by loss – but also by love for and from the women who would become her Sisters. Most of all, it was a journey of deep and abiding faith.

today, Sister Charlene herinckx ‘66 is the SSMo Superior general. Sister Krista von Borstel is the Director of the Catholic youth organization (Cyo) and Camp howard and oversees the SSMo archives. With a shared love of history, they made their own journey in 2004 – retracing much of emma Bleily’s path across the Midwest.

What were the defining moments in emma Bleily’s life that ultimately empowered her to become a leader?

Sister Krista: poor little emma had a life of loss in a lot of ways. her family, in the beginning. her playmate. her beloved teacher. everyone that she tried to wrap her heart around would disappear.

i think the fact that Mary appeared to her –and her deep faith – those were the two things that made it possible for her to turn a life of loss into a life of love. There are a lot of people who have been faced with similar difficulties and they have certainly made other choices. But she was a very strong and courageous person. And i think that those qualities are what other Sisters saw that impelled them to vote for her for our first Superior general.

Sister Charlene: i think her rough circumstances caused her to be the leader that she became. if she hadn’t had that early life, she might been a little ‘wimpier,’ so to speak. But the Sisters obviously turned to her for leadership. i think back to how many things were so unknown to her as to what would be next, how the Community would actually be created, learning that their background didn’t really suffice for them to be established as a Community here in oregon. her whole life was about wondering, i think, what would be the next surprise.

As Superior general, you share a special and historic bond with mother Wilhelmina. What inspires you about her leadership journey?

Sister Charlene: today, in leadership, we have other Communities that we can talk to, learn from, share resources. She had none of that. Whenever i think of whatever mystery there was for her, it’s actually inspiring to me. i just think that my life is complicated and a challenge but it helps me say: “She could lean forward that way.” My circumstances are different, but i ’m going to keep leaning into the wind and keep on going.

Love, Loss and Abiding faith

Top (left to right): The grounds of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Himmelgarten, Ohio. Mother Ludmilla Langenbach, appointed superior of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood in Oregon. Sister Donna Marie Kessler of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Bottom: A stained glass image of Mother Maria Anna Brunner, Foundress of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Dayton, Ohio.

if mother Wilhelmina visited the Sisters of St. mary of Oregon campus today, what might she say?

Sister Krista: i think she’d be humbly edified [to see the Sisters’ ministries today]. i think she’d be really happy and proud of the foundation that she and her counterparts laid.

Sister Charlene: i do too. i think it would be way beyond her imagination to think that this would be the result of her journey. i think she would be very proud of the good works that the Sisters do – but not just the Sisters –the ministries on campus – the positive effect those ministries have on the lives of people. That her legacy was so firmly planted that it was able to blossom and to affect the lives of so many people in positive ways and that faith continues to develop. And that good works continue.

A journey through time: Sister Charlene Herinckx, SSMO Superior General, captured these images in Ohio, Missouri and Wisconsin as she and Sister Krista von Borstel retraced Emma Bleily’s journey to becoming Mother Wilhelmina.

Love, Loss and Abiding Faith Above: The girl known as Emma Bleily, who became Mother Wilhelmina.

nine journeys. one Community.

Honoring the 2013 Jubilarians of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.

one grew up in a migrant family. two are sisters – by birth and by faith. They all share a love of education in subjects as diverse as music, reading and mathematics.

They are the 2013 Jubilarians of the Sisters of St. Mary of oregon (SSMo). it has been 70 years since Sister Angeline Sohler became a Sister of St. Mary of oregon. Sister M. grace Schonlau, Sister Janet Slingerland, Sister rita rose Stohosky, Sister Agnes Marie Vandecoevering and Sister Anne Vandecoevering are celebrating their 60th Jubilees. Sister M. Juliana Monti, Sister Barbara rose Sohler and Sister M. Juanita Villarreal are observing their 50th Jubilees.

With more than 500 years of ministry among them, they have touched tens of thousands of lives. While each of their journeys has been unique, there are also common themes: love of teaching, love of their Sisters and, above all, love of god.

Inspiration. Ministry. Service.

it was 1943 when Angeline Sohler ‘43 became a Sister. She went on to teach in parish schools in oregon and Washington for more than 40 years. respected for her photography and artwork, she served in the SSMo foundation and as Valley Catholic high School librarian. Sister Angeline said, “There are many things about teaching that i really loved. teaching children how to read. preparing them for first holy Communion. going out to parishes in the summer to teach religion classes. The best thing of all is living with this wonderful family of Sisters for the last 70 years.”

Sister m. grace Schonlau ‘54 has said, “ i look back on my aunt, Sister Mary grace Schonlau, who was a Sister of St. Joseph of

Wichita, Kansas, and i was so impressed by her. i hoped to be able to find, in religious life, some of the beautiful aspects of her life that i would be able to emulate and live up to her as an example.” respected as a teacher of mathematics, accounting and religion, Sister grace was a consultant for the Silver Burdett ginn publishing Company in the Archdiocese of portland, where she also served as an Archdiocesan Director for the retirement fund for religious.

A teacher, principal and dean of the resident school at St. Mary of the Valley School (now Valley Catholic), Sister Janet Slingerland ‘53 was also called to ministry through clinical pastoral education, specializing in bereavement. Sister Janet said, “ i came to school here – grade school and high school – and we didn’t have the money at the time. The Sisters brought me in and let me work for my board. That meant staying on weekends and holidays. i helped scrub the floors. i discovered the simplicity and the joyfulness of the Sisters, and i think that is what called me to this Community.”

Love, Loss and Abiding Faith

Opposite page: Sister M. Grace Schonlau and her parents, Edward and Virginia. This page: Sister M. Juanita Villarreal (second from left) with Sister Barbara Roberts and Sister Elizabeth Sohler.

Sister rita rose Stohosky ‘54 has known the Sisters of St. Mary of oregon since the first grade. “By the time i was in the sixth grade, i was determined i wanted to be one of them. i wanted to pray like them. i wanted to teach like them,” she said. After a teaching career that spanned 11 schools in oregon and Washington, she has volunteered in a pediatric pastoral care unit and taught english for Speakers of other Languages (eSoL). “ i made the right choice,” said Sister rita rose. “ not once in my 60 years have i ever had a regret or doubt as to whether i made the right choice.”

Whether working in the convent bakery or serving as chapel sacristan, Sister Agnes marie Vandecoevering brought a bright smile to her life with the Sisters of St. Mary of oregon. Sister Agnes said, “ i love being here. The most important part was giving my life to god and to Jesus.” for 26 summers, she “joyfully helped teach religious vacation school with my two sisters, Sister Mary Clare and Sister Mary Anne” in more than 30 parishes in oregon, idaho and Washington. returning to Visitation School in Verboort, where she studied as a child, she now assists in the lunchroom and teaches religion. “ it has been a joy to work together in the Community,” she said.

Another Sister Vandecoevering – Sister Anne ‘55 – spent 36 years teaching first, sixth, seventh and eighth grade classes in the portland area and the Spokane diocese. She was also an accountant for nine years for the Sisters of St. Mary of oregon. Sister Anne said, “ i love being with my two sisters. We enjoy each other very, very much. There is a lot of laughter between us.” of her teaching career, she says, “ i have students who come to me now and tell me that, of all the teachers they had, i was the best. That makes one feel very, very good.”

The 50-year ministry of Sister m. Juliana monti blends her love of music and education. She has spent 49 of those years on the Sisters of St. Mary of oregon campus. in 2012, the Beaverton Arts Commission honored Sister Juliana and the Sisters of St. Mary of oregon Music program as “ performing Arts educator of the year.” Sr. Juliana said, “My joy has been based on being in a Community that is so supportive and loving. i never could have anticipated the peace and joy that i have experienced being a Sister of St. Mary of oregon with the Community sustaining me and supporting me in my ministry of music.”

for Sister Barbara rose Sohler, the joy of being a Sister of St. Mary of oregon is simple: “ it’s knowing that i can be close to god.” Sister Barbara rose has taught at schools in Beaverton, hillsboro, and Salem as well as Mound Bayou School in Mississippi. Supported by teacher grants and several fulbright scholarships, she has had the “privilege and joy to travel extensively throughout the world” and bring those experiences to her classroom and her students. her life as a Sister “helps me to be a better person and to fulfill the purpose in life that i was created for.”

“My biggest thing, being a Mexican migrant worker, was moving around,” said Sister m. Juanita Villarreal ‘62. “So i always told god that i want to keep traveling and he said i want you to be a Sister.” That was 50 years ago. her teaching career has taken her to schools across the pacific northwest and to Mt. Angel Abbey. her ministries have taken her around the world.

“ i have had the most awesome opportunities,” she said. “ i have gone to europe. Costa rica. Mexico. The holy Land. i have been beyond blessed, and the Sisters have supported me in my endeavors to better my life and to better the lives of others that i teach.”

n ine Journeys. o ne Community.

50th

The 2013 Jubilarians will be honored during a Mass on Sunday, July 28, at 1:30 p.m. in the our Lady of perpetual help Chapel of the SSMo Motherhouse. The Sisters of St. Mary of oregon campus is located at 4440 SW 148th Avenue, Beaverton, ore. Biographies of the Sisters are available at www.ssmo.org

60th Jubilee

Sister Janet Slingerland

60th Jubilee

Sister Anne Vandecoevering

50th Jubilee

Sister M. Juanita Villarreal

60th Jubilee

Sister M. Grace Schonlau

60th Jubilee

Sister Agnes Marie Vandecoevering

50th Jubilee

Sister Barbara Rose Sohler

70th Jubilee

Sister Angeline Sohler

60th Jubilee

Sister Rita Rose Stohosky

Jubilee

Sister M. Juliana Monti

Eric Berge’s travels have taken him to Jamaica (above, opposite page, and page 14) and Thailand (page 15).

Where past pilgrims Share and future pilgrims Learn

Walking El Camino de Santiago was just one of the inspiring journeys that Eric Berge has shared with his students at Valley Catholic.

thebusy streets of Kingston, Jamaica – filled with the sounds of people shouting and reggae music blaring – couldn’t have been more different from the quiet Beaverton, ore. neighborhood where eric Berge grew up.

After graduating from gonzaga University in 2005, Berge wanted to do service work for a year before going on to graduate school. he found himself drawn to the mission of passionist Volunteers international, serving the rural poor in Jamaica, West indies, and other countries. “ it was my first extended time out of the country,” he said. “ it was such a contrast in cultures.”

During that year, he taught and did social work in two rural communities, supporting Catholic K-8 schools. “The schools are really underfunded,” he said. i taught art classes and did sports with the kids –cricket and netball. We also ran a mobile library.” he also served older adults, signing them up for health care, distributing donations, and visiting invalid men and women.

Those experiences made him reconsider his own path. When he learned about a teaching job at Valley Catholic School, he applied. today, at age 29, he teaches “ introduction to religion” classes to freshmen and “ peace and Justice” to upper-division classes.

A fulbright-hays grant in 2011 provided a path to a new journey: five weeks in Thailand and Vietnam. “ i got to do a home stay for a few days with a Thai family and got a sense of daily life in another country,” Berge said. “The family was Buddhist and talked to me about how religion influences them and shapes Thai society. We visited schools – including an islamic school in the south of Thailand. We got to see historical and religious sites. We visited an elephant conservation center to see how they are protecting elephants that are endangered due to loss of habitat. We met a wide range of people – from Thai and Vietnamese families to members of the Thai foreign Ministry, the Vietnamese foreign Ministry and the U.S. State Department.”

in summer 2012, Berge embarked on a journey with a deep and rich history. he spent one month walking the 500 miles of el Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James), a pilgrimage route that dates back to the Middle Ages. The route extends from the french pyrenees to the Spanish town of Santiago de Compostela, where St. James the Apostle is believed to be buried. el Camino de Santiago is described as “where past pilgrims share and future pilgrims learn.”

Averaging 16 miles a day, Berge battled the physical strain of walking diverse terrains in intense heat. “The most interesting element of the Camino is that the trail passes through a variety of settings – quiet nature trails and country roads, suburban and industrial sprawl, medieval city centers, and small towns,” he said. “My favorite places to visit on the Camino were the medieval churches – ranging from simple village churches to giant gothic cathedrals.”

“ i was expecting the Camino to be a very individual pursuit,” said Berge. “ instead i found that you form a community with fellow pilgrims walking the route. you get to know people very well through staying in the same hostels, sharing meals, attending the daily pilgrim Mass, and talking while on the route. My favorite part of the Camino was making new friends with fellow pilgrims from all over – france, the netherlands, ireland, poland, italy, Spain, Switzerland, Quebec, and israel. i met one man who had started his journey in rome and had been walking for three months before he started el Camino de Santiago. i met an 80-year-old man who did the entire walk. often, people were motivated for religious reasons. it was inspiring to see their dedication.”

“ i ’m always interested in learning about the daily life of people in other cultures and the

role of religion in culture and people’s lives,” he said. “getting the chance to go to Asia and talk to people who are Buddhist – visiting a temple or an islamic school – or walking the pilgrimage route, i ’ve had a chance to hear a lot of different ways that religion shapes people and inspires people. i try to incorporate those into my classes. By sharing my experiences, i hope my students gain a new interest in cultures and countries outside of their own.”

eric Berge’s journey – with his students – is just beginning.

“My favorite part of the Camino was making new friends with fellow pilgrims from all over—France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Poland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Quebec, and Israel. I met one man who had started his journey in Rome and had been walking for three months before he started El Camino de Santiago. I met an 80-year-old man who did the entire walk. Often, people were motivated for religious reasons. It was inspiring to see their dedication.” – Eric Berge

nothing but a prayer

Maryville celebrates its 50th anniversary – a journey that began with a leap of faith.

Sometimesa journey begins with a leap of faith. on a road that doesn’t exist.

in the early 1960s – before Murray Boulevard even existed south of farmington – the convent of the Sisters of St. Mary of oregon (and within it, St. Mary of the Valley School) stood alone in the rural outskirts of Beaverton. Valley Catholic high School had not yet been built, nor had any other buildings in the area.

With a dream of a nursing home but without cash flow or medical background, the Sisters, then nearly 250 strong, took a leap to make their dream a reality. Sister Theresa Margaret yettick won out over 18 other applicants to win a grant for $300,000. “ it was a miracle,” said Sister Theresa Margaret. “ it was the prayers. We had nothing else to start with.”

it was at considerable risk: if the nursing home didn’t make it within ten years, the full amount would have to be paid back. in addition, they

mortgaged their Convent to pay for the remainder of the building expenses.

Undaunted, some Sisters went back to school to become nurses, a few supervised the building project, and the rest labored in preparation for the facility’s opening. They made all the draw sheets, flannel pads, gowns, feeding cloths and other fabric-based items needed for the opening. “We kept the sewing machines singing,” said Sister Theresa Ann Bunker, who worked as a registered nurse at Maryville from 1963 until she retired in 2005. When construction was complete, all the Sisters pitched in to prepare for the grand opening by washing windows, cabinets, floors and beds until everything shone.

They had a contest to name the new facility – Maryville – which opened in 1963. Murray Boulevard north of farmington was still farmland. Construction of the road, which would run through the Sisters’ field, began later that year.

On these pages: An early drawing and photos – and a vibrant postcard – tell the story of Maryville’s early years.

A moment in time: Staff members celebrate Maryville’s 50th anniversary on June 4, 2013. Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle was among the guests. Residents, staff, family and friends gathered to celebrate the first 50 years and to hear the announcement that 16 new beds will be added and Maryville’s two dining rooms will be expanded. Groundbreaking for the project is scheduled for fall 2013 with completion in spring 2014.

fast forward 50 years. Maryville is part of the busy SSMo campus – located between two of the largest intersections in Beaverton – that includes the three buildings of Valley Catholic School where nearly 1,000 students are educated every day.

Within the first year, Maryville had a waiting list, beginning 50 years of constant growth and adjustments to meet the community’s needs. no longer only a nursing home, the facility includes an Alzheimer’s unit, a physical therapy wing, services for short-term rehabilitation and the latest addition, Maryville Memory Care.

“It was a miracle,” said Sister Theresa Margaret. “It was the prayers. We had nothing else to start with.”

on June 4, Maryville celebrated its golden anniversary. What about the road ahead? “ first and foremost we are part of the Sisters, and it’s important that we honor their ministry, their mission and their values,” said Maryville Administrator Kathleen parry.

While they look to the future, the Sisters and the staff of Maryville celebrate one thing that will remain the same: service with love.

Writer Danielle Tomich is Communications Specialist for the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation.

ThenSister M. Joseph Terhaar, Administrator, 1963, 1964, 1966-1971

The first Administrator of Maryville, Sr. M. Joseph Terhaar set the tone of service with love.

Sister Theresa Margaret Yettick, Administrator, 1971-1994 Considered by many to be the foundress of Maryville, Sister Theresa Margaret Yettick led seven major capital improvements during her time as administrator.

Sister Geraldine Bernards, Administrator, 1994-2004

Sister Geraldine Bernards was loved by residents and staff for her caring and compassion. She taught by example.

Sister Theresa Ann Bunker, RN, 1963-2005

From Maryville’s founding in 1963 until her retirement in 2005, Sister Theresa Ann was a leader in providing skilled nursing care at Maryville.

NowKathleen Parry, President, 2004-present

The first layperson to serve as administrator (now president), Kathleen Parry led the development and opening of Maryville Memory Care in 2011.

Sister Josephine Pelster, Chaplain, 2008 to present Compassionate and caring, Sister Josephine Pelster exemplifies service with love.

Hilee Jackson, Activities Director, 1977-present

Dynamic and joyful, Hilee Jackson is dedicated to Maryville residents and families.

Terry Shrum, Director of Quality Assurance and Infection Control, 1978 to present Her mother lived at Maryville, so Terry Shrum has experienced service with love both as a caregiver and a family member.

Actors in traditional costumes reflect history, tradition and family. Opposite page: Dr. Bill Warner at the Plaza Bolívar in the heart of historic Bogotá.

nuestra Casa e s tu Casa: home and family in Latin America

Dr. Bill Warner, former chair of the SSMO Foundation Board of Directors, shares his journey to a new life in Colombia and the meaning of family and happiness.

At times, life, or the Lord, sends us such strong signals that we must pay attention to them, despite the

pleasures and pressures of daily life at home and at work, despite our need to be seen as ever more successful. Before my retirement in early 2009, i had traveled to Manzanillo, Mexico to help a friend celebrate his 65th birthday. My week there awakened my long-dormant desires to learn more about Latin America and to improve my Spanish speaking abilities. After this visit, i traveled three or four times to panama City, panama to visit an American friend who lived there. panama opened my eyes and my heart to different aspects of Latin American culture. i loved the music, the culture, the dancing, the apparent lack of ageism and racism that i found there. i was very seriously considering moving from portland, oregon to panama. Then i met pola, a retired attorney from Colombia who became my wife. We have lived in her beautiful home country for more than three years.

Colombia – and Latin America – offer a way of life that is far less stressful than life in the USA, though there are serious challenges, too – poverty, crime, insecurity and drugs. Most people seem to be relatively content with what they have. There is far less emphasis on continually trying to earn more money, as in the USA, and people are more content to live within their means. perhaps that is why in recent global surveys Colombia was recognized as third happiest country in the world.

Some of the most striking differences between my new home and the United States can be seen in family life. family means the parents and the children, all of the other relatives and in-laws as well. And family also includes the experiences they share and have shared over the years. it is very common for children here to be cared for at times by aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and family friends. At family get-togethers you can hear the children – ranging from toddlers to young adults – calling out with love in their voices, “ tia, tia; abue (short for abuela or abuelo – grandmother or grandfather); sobrina/o (niece/nephew); mamá or papá; primo/a (cousin)” as they try to get the attention of a relative or parent.

Another aspect of these close-knit families is that children, small or grown, have one or more confidants besides their parents. They may be aunts or uncles, a cousin, a grandparent, a brother or sister-in-law, or a godparent. But almost everyone has one or more close family members to turn to for advice or comfort when opportunities or problems arise.

nuestra casa es tu casa. i am sure you have heard this phrase before. When a Colombian says this to you, he or she really means it. So it is very common for house guests, whether they are relatives or not, to be waited on very well. What can i get you? What would you like? here is your guest room, and when would you like breakfast?

Credit cards are available but are used less often than in the USA. in most families, if there is not enough money (plata, dinero) to make a major purchase, the family does without until they can save enough money to buy what they want or need. in short, the emphasis is on quality of life and family, plus religion, and much less on the north American conception of success.

The first time i visited Colombia i went with friends to el parque nacional del Café (the national park of Coffee) where i walked

throughout the park, learned all about coffee and how it is grown, harvested, processed, shipped, roasted and brewed.

Another aspect of these closeknit families is that children, small or grown, have one or more confidants besides their parents. They may be aunts or uncles, a cousin, a grandparent, a brother or sister-in-law, or a godparent. But almost everyone has one or more close family members to turn to for advice or comfort when opportunities or problems arise.

Then i watched an exciting musical stage show about Colombian culture and the history of coffee in Colombia that was the equal of any Broadway show i have ever seen in new york City. But this was on a small stage, with vivid, historically accurate costumes, plus with machetes being brandished about and clanged together by male and female dancers.

Later, from the park high in the mountains of the department of Quindío, i could see down into the valleys below, even to the capital city, Armenia.

from that moment, i knew Colombia held something special for me. My new life’s journey had begun.

Dr. Bill Warner served as a member of the SSMO Foundation Board, including service as board chair.

nuestra casa es tu casa: home and family in Latin America

Top photo: Bill and his wife Pola at the Museo de la Caña (Sugar Cane Museum) near Ginebra, Colombia. The museum reflects the lifestyle of sugar cane villas in the colonial period and (bottom photo) features equipment used in the sugar cane industry, such as this cane press.

A Mission to the Moon and home Again

For the SSMO Foundation, meaningful journeys build relationships and support.

one was a journey across 18 holes on a beautiful golf course.

Another was a gala trip to the moon.

The Sisters of St. Mary of oregon foundation hosts these kinds of signature events throughout the year.

They foster a sense of community and provide financial support for the Sisters and their sponsored ministries.

Some of the most special events take place on the Sisters’ campus.

They bring us together and remind us that the most meaningful journeys can bring you home again.

SSMO Foundation Events & Alumni Relations Manager Grace Le Chevallier (left) and Valley Catholic President Bob Weber congratulate 2013 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient Pamela Martes Olberding ‘62.

Top row:

”Fly Me to the Moon”: Valley Catholic parents Sally and Remy Delplanche pose with Frank Sinatra at the 2013 Valley Catholic Gala.

Fore! Left to right: Ron Gray, Valley Catholic High School Vice Principal Dale French, and Erik Kola at the SSMO community’s “wHole in One” golf tournament.

Middle row:

Grandparents Shirley and Dr. David Johnson are welcomed at Valley Catholic’s 2013 Grandparents and Special Friends Day.

Andrea Lanphere ‘99, Valley Catholic President Bob Weber and Lyndsey Lanphere ‘97 enjoyed great conversation and fine wine at the 2013 Valley Vintage.

Bottom left:

Coming home: Valiant alums Jasmine Bush ‘12 and Luke VanderZanden ‘12, returned to see teachers and friends on Young Alumni Day.

from Valley Catholic to Vatican City

Jeff Meeuwsen ‘95 believes that his time at Valley Catholic formed him more than he will ever know.

“ people have asked me why i became a priest.  Simply put: i said yes to the call to priesthood because i love god and the Catholic Church.” That is how father Jeff Meeuwsen ‘95 describes his journey from Valley Catholic to Vatican City.

Looking back, father Jeff believes that his journey began at a young age. “The Lord prepared me for this calling without my knowing, even during my youth,” he said. “And my time at Valley Catholic formed me probably more than i will ever know.”

he praises the teachers who taught him to have kindness and respect and reverence for god. he remembers: “one time, when Sister Juliana Monti was directing the choir, a student busted out the ‘ hail holy Queen’ from the movie, ‘Sister Act.’  The whole class laughed.  Sister Juliana stopped the song and said, ‘ if you are going to do that, pray it. Don’t just sing it.’”

Sister Krista von Borstel also taught a lasting lesson by example. “She headed discipline at the time,” he said. “one day, in frustration after losing

yet another basketball game, i kicked a hole in the wall of the boys’ locker room. realizing my fault, possible expulsion, and impending death, i went to find Sister Krista to confess my sin, but she was nowhere to be found. After spending all night in restless torture, i made a beeline to her office the following morning only to discover that she would be absent most of the day.”

The story didn’t end there. “ i had play practice that afternoon and heard that, upon her return, she went on the hunt for the person responsible for the property damage,” he said. “So at the break i found her and told her everything. expecting the worst, she wrapped me in a big hug and said, ‘ i ’m so glad it was you.’  i still don’t know what that meant. i offered to fix everything and take any punishment she could muster. She said, ‘ you did all you needed to by telling me. Thank you.’ She showed me god’s merciful love that day. Since then i ’ve had the privilege of following in their footsteps by teaching at a Catholic school. i hope that i showed my students the same mercy and reverence that the Sisters taught me.”

While he was teaching at Visitation Catholic School in Verboort, a student asked a question that surprised him. “one day during a lesson on vocations, a student asked me, ‘Mr. Meeuwsen, you go to church every day. have you ever thought about being a priest?’ i said that i had thought about it, but decided to become a teacher instead. her question helped me to discern god’s continued call for me to serve him in the Church.”

today, he is studying Canon Law in rome.

This part of his journey came as a surprise in a sacristy conversation with former Archbishop John Vlazny.  “ he said, ‘Jeff, i think you should go study Canon Law.’ he laughed like he was joking. i laughed back hoping he was joking. he wasn’t joking. i figured it out quickly when he finished, ‘ no i ’m serious. We need lawyers with pastoral experience.’ i agreed to it and he decided to send me to study in rome. i ’ve been in the eternal City since october. it’s been both academically challenging and spiritually fulfilling. i study about eight hours a day mostly in italian, english, or Latin. it’s all about Canon Law. outside of studies, i have made a life for prayer: daily Mass, the Liturgy of the hours,

Lectio Divina in a holy hour, the rosary, and pilgrimages to holy sites.”

he was at St. peter’s Square when the new pope was elected. “The weather was terrible. Some other priests and i were standing in the square in the pouring rain sharing stories and guessing what would happen next. in the middle of the conversation i saw white smoke coming out of the chimney. i began screaming, ‘White smoke, white smoke, run!’ We took off running toward the balcony to get as close as we could to greet Benedict’s successor. After almost an hour in the cold rainy darkness, a man appeared on the balcony to proclaim, ‘ habemus papam... francescum!’  We all stood in silence. nobody knew it was the former cardinal from Argentina.  But after about a minute of silence the new pope spoke to us, ‘Buona sera.’ We all cheered and chanted, ‘ francesco!’”

As the year ends, he is looking forward to “coming home for the summer to work in the parishes, see friends, and spend time with family. of course i ’ll make my way over to the old stomping grounds and reminisce about the blessed years i enjoyed at Valley Catholic.”

Memories from the 1995 yearbook. Jeff Meeuwsen (back row, far right) was team manager of the varsity cross-country team. He also played (opposite page) on Valley Catholic’s baseball team.

Senior portrait: Jeff Meeuwsen ‘95

f rom Valley Catholic to Vatican City

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After designing patterns and creating “how-to” projects in the fabric and quilt industries for many years, Joyce Kelly Hoge ’54 is semiretired. She belongs to the Left Coast Artists Collective in portland and to pacific Artists Alliance in Lincoln City. Working with a variety of artists, she shows and sells her one-of-a-kind designer handbags and decorative pillows. She and her husband gerry will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary in August and enjoy time with their two grandchildren, 8-year-old nash and 2-and-1/2 -year-old Marina.

“ i guess it is good god saw fit for me to raise a big family,” says Sandy Baldwin parkison Johnson ’55. Sandy has one great-grandson and three greatgranddaughters. She also hears from many of the foster children that shared in her life.  “They are adults now with families of their own,” Sandy said. “And they share the good times and memories of their childhood with our family.”

Love. Loss. Love. miriam Train Brown ’56 lost her husband orville in 2005 but “found love again” with robert Mast and married him in 2006. A retired paramedic-ambulance director for the City of Myrtle point, Miriam worked part-time as a medical assistant before retiring completely in 2010. She had six children; her eldest daughter passed away in 2007. over the years, her family has included seven stepchildren, 38 grandchildren and 28 greatgrandchildren.

if you visit the Art Walk in gresham, ore. on the third Saturday in July, you might spot Barbara Bosh ’59. She has been taking metalsmithing classes for several years and loves making jewelry. She is one of more than 140 gifted artists from oregon and Southwest Washington whose work will be featured at the event.

mary Jane Sahlfeld Flanagan ’63 may be retired from hospital nursing, but she is clearly in her “adventure medicine phase” with three medical missions in the past year. in oct. 2012, Jane traveled to nepal for three weeks with the Aloha Medical Mission. in feb. 2013, she participated in her

10th annual mission to guatemala with the Cascade Medical team. in March 2013, she was a member of the Lane haitian relief team to haiti.

thow do you travel in nairobi, Kenya? if you’re Dr. Lorna VanderZanden ’71, you ride in a tuk-tuk. That compact vehicle is essentially a motorcycle with a passenger cabin mounted over it. it has a driver’s seat and a bench seat for two or three people in the back. however, it will hold a few more, as Dr. Lorna learned when she took 12 boys and girls from Mama ngina Children’s home to a shoe store. “All 12 children, the driver and i rode to the shoe store in that one tuk-tuk,” she said. “ it was like the 1960s when people tried to see how many they could squeeze into a Volkswagen Bug.”

Carolyn mertens Ludeman ’72 is celebrating the graduation of her youngest, Kelsey, from the University of oregon. After graduation, Kelsey will join the teach America program in Central Los Angeles. Daughter r achel is completing her first year of graduate school in speech therapy at pacific University.

meg Dever mertens ’73 and family are celebrating the graduation of son Matthew from the University of oregon School of Law. After graduation, Matt will clerk for U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge elizabeth perris.

Denise Holladay ’73 attended fifth through tenth grades at St. Mary of the Valley School (SMV) from 1965-1971, when her family moved to the San francisco Bay area. While she did not graduate from St. Mary of the Valley, she “still feels much love and

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connection to the school.” Denise earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in english from Dominican University of California, a Master of Science degree in Counseling from San francisco State University and a Master of Arts degree in Special education from Chapman University in Calif. Denise has worked as a teacher, counselor and social worker throughout her career. Most of her work has been with individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities. She teaches a K-3 Autism Special Day Class at Brookfield elementary School in oakland, Calif. She has a 22-year-old daughter, who still lives at home. She is on facebook as Denise McCortney holladay.

reflecting a career of service and excellence, Judge mary mertens James ’74 was the first recipient of The honorable Mary Mertens James Award for Consistent high Standards and excellence in Mentoring Law, created by the Willamette University College of Law in her honor. earlier this year, she received the Marion County Bar Association Carson Award for Service to the Community. She has mentored law students and lawyers for more than two decades.

Despite being diagnosed with lupus and fibromyalgia in 2008, Audrey Baker ’76 hasn’t slowed down. She reports keeping busy with her sewing, her seven grandchildren and special trips to the beach. Audrey keeps in touch with classmates on facebook.

elisa Hinsdale Williams ’79 and husband Dan have been married for 23 years. They are busy raising two girls, 11 and 16, in Lake oswego. elisa enjoys her job as a hearing aid specialist.

Tammy galligher Cook ’80 lives in McMinnville, in the heart of oregon’s beautiful wine country, where she is raising 16-year-old Anthony Scott Cook while he attends Chemawa indian School. An account executive at oregon Wine press, tammy is chair of the education committee for Confederated tribes of grand ronde. tammy is working on her master’s degree at the University of oregon. She loves the oregon Ducks and travels with all the gallighers to Duck football games. tammy’s husband, Mark Cook, died in 1999.

“oh Sew nice.” That’s the name of the business created by martha Carter Tait ’82, where she teaches sewing and creates custom quilts. “ it’s a great creative outlet for me, and a nice chance to pass on my love of sewing to others,” she said. in the coming year, she plans to design and publish original quilt patterns. She and her husband Mark – “a great guy and very talented software architect” – have been happily married for almost 27 years and have three children. emily is attending portland State University. evan is at pacific University. ethan will attend Valley Catholic Middle School this fall.

Cheers! Val Anctil ’84 has opened a wine tasting room and mid-century market in the heart of oregon wine country. Valley emporium is located in Carlton, ore. Mary reports that she pours her wine, Bigfoot, and other favorite local wines and ciders. Val and her business partner, Jeff Lorton, have also launched Cascadia tours, which offers wine tasting excursions.

Andrea Calkin Fund ’84 and husband Jack have moved to the San francisco Bay area. Jack is an executive Creative Director at grey Advertising, and Andrea is embarking on a new career in the fitness industry. Andrea and Jack live in Marin County and are “grateful for all who have stayed in touch during the health and wealth challenges that the last few years brought.” Andrea added, “ faith, strength and courage which were lovingly taught at SSMo brought us through to the other side and a wonderful new life. Cheers!”

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Kerri Butler Williamson ‘91 and her husband, Jeff Williamson, welcomed their daughter, Landry Kate elizabeth, on february 1. Landry joins big brothers Jack henry, 11, and nathan, 9, and big sister hadley, 5. They live in Beaverton.

Danielle mapston Heissel ’93 and her husband BJ will celebrate their 15th anniversary in July. Danielle is in her 12th year working for a chiropractor; BJ is in his 14th year at Wells Blue Bunny. Danielle recently underwent a cervical discectomy with fusion for a herniated disc in her neck. As she put it, her “old lady” volleyball days are officially over but “at least i can still coach.” Brooklyn, 12, will enter seventh grade in the fall and is involved in athletic and dance activities. Beau, 5, will enter kindergarten in the fall. he began his athletic “career” this year by taking taekwondo lessons and playing t-ball. Carter, 3, “continues to keep us on our toes and wants to do everything big sister and big brother do. he gets to start his ‘athletics’ with swimming lessons this summer. here’s to the next 20 years!”

They just did it. These Valiant runners completed the nike Women’s half Marathon in Washington, D.C. on April 28. Left to right: Shauna Hanson Sauer ’99, erika White ’99, Sara Bonino ’99, nicole mapston gorman ’99, ruby Veniegas ’99.

Alan Blanco ’02 and John Farmer ’01 experienced the majesty and adventure of Alaska during a camping trip to Denali national park, a trip they planned for more than a year. They report being “at the mercy of Mother nature encountering doll sheep, wolves, caribou, moose, and a grizzly bear. Mt. McKinley, on our last day of camping, revealed herself through the thick clouds.” Alan Blanco (left) and John Farmer.

Congratulations to olympic gold Medalist mariel Zagunis ’03 and Michael Swehla, who will be married in September 2013.

meredith Donovan Aronson ’05 and her husband, Kevin, celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary in July. Meredith recently changed jobs and is now the employer & Alumni relations Manager for the Career Center at gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. Meredith and Kevin will move into their new home in Spokane at the end of the summer.

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They are excited about the prospect of hosting parties in their new backyard.

nathan pai Schmitt ’06 has completed his first year of teaching at a low-income, high-performing school in Denver. nathan teaches sixth grade writing and sixth- through eighth-grade urban art, where he and his students have been painting a 3000-square-foot mural with some of Denver’s best graffiti artists. teach for America is making a short documentary on his class, which will also be featured in 303 Magazine, Denver’s arts and culture magazine. nathan will return in the fall to teach “ philosophy and Social hope” which will focus on developing students’ critical thinking and discourse skills.

mary Da prato ’09 is currently a substitute at Montessori School of Beaverton, an Association Montessori internationale (AMi ) accredited school. This summer, she will participate in the 2013 international Montessori Congress at the oregon Convention Center where she will introduce new publications to Montessorians from around the world. This will be the first time in more than 40 years that the Congress has been held in north America.

rebecca Whitney ’09 graduated from franciscan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology.

Owen Jones ’10 was named 2013-14 president of oregon State University’s (oSU) Memorial Union. he is currently serving his second term as a voting member of the Memorial Union Advisory Board. owen is a senior, majoring in Accountancy. While at oSU, owen has been an active member of the university’s greek community. he has served on the Memorial Union information Desk Staff and as an event Support team member. owen says he is most excited about “working on his goals for the organization in order to create an intensely collaborative environment where the student voice is strong and impactful on a global community.”

In Memoriam

We were saddened to hear of the passing of one of our alumna. marion Johnson ’49 passed away at Maryville Memory Care on Jan. 30. Born in forest grove to Al and Leona Smith, Marion is survived by her husband, Merv Johnson, and five adult children.

Bob Sample, husband of mary Vinyard Sample ’52, passed away on April 30. Mary “celebrated his life with a beautiful funeral Mass” in phoenix, Ariz. on May 7 and will honor him at a celebration of life in the Seattle area this summer.

Campus Memories

i will never forget all the wonderful friends, teachers and opportunities afforded me by attending St. Mary of the Valley School, now known as Valley Catholic. probably the most influential teacher in my life was Sr. roberta, my seventh- and eighth-grade teacher. She encouraged me to become the woman god created me to be through her consistent challenging and by her fair and honest treatment of each student. i learned to love reading because of her “star program.” each time we read a book, we received a star on the chart. The competition appealed to my competitive nature.

She also reminded us that the holy Spirit is “alive and present,” noting that he is the person in the trinity who is often overlooked. That was a gift that assisted me later in life when i discovered a prayer that i began praying 15 years ago and still pray today.

Because of my faith and the innumerable graces given to me by my heavenly father, i have been blessed over these many years. When i look back and see what i have been through, i am grateful for my faith, family, education and opportunities to grow and to serve god by serving others.

- Kathleen Bassett Magnusson ’66

If you have alumni news to share, please contact us at alumni@valleycatholic.org or on the alumni webpage: www.ssmofoundation.org/alumni-relations.

Congratulations 2013 to the Valley Catholic Class of Congratulations 2013

The Class of 2013 is going places. Literally.

As they take the next step on their journeys, members of the Valley Catholic Class of 2013 have accepted invitations to attend these prestigious colleges and universities:

Arizona State University

Carroll College

Case Western reserve University

Chapman University

Coastline Community College

Colorado College

franklin College Switzerland

gonzaga University

hofstra University

Lewis and Clark College

Linfield College

Loyola Marymount University

Michigan State University

Mount holyoke College

northwestern University

olin College of engineering

oregon State University

pacific University

portland Community College

portland State University

San Jose State University

Santa Clara University

University of illinois Urbana

University of iowa

University of notre Dame

University of oregon

University of portland

University of San Diego

University of Washington

Western oregon University

Whitman College

yale University

yeshiva University (israel)

The final step in one journey and the next step in another: graduation day for the Valley Catholic Class of 2013. Left to right: Kimberly Howell, Philip Seger, Sophia Chau and Kevin Cho.

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After climbing the Alto del Perdon (Mount of Forgiveness), pilgrims on El Camino de Santiago discover a metal sculpture representing pilgrims on foot and on horse. The sculpture – and the magnificent views of the Spanish countryside – are reminders that, for pilgrims, the journey is eternal.