Spirit Magazine Spring 2024

Behind the Curtain

Lights dim, voices hush, music filters into the room and voilà, the curtain opens! The production begins with flair! It all seems so seamless, so easy, so predictable – the show starts with a flourish.

And, yet, as we know from the list of awards at the Oscars, there are numerous “crews” behind the curtain –from sound to makeup to special effects – each crew playing a crucial part in the production.

Our SSMO campus is a production in motion every single day. Our drama is a 24/7 operation. We have numerous behind the curtain crews who are busy in ministry well before the sun comes up – in fact, they are busy partnering in ministry throughout the night.

Many toil far away from the spotlight – they flit past us as they come and go from being on duty at the night shift at Maryville or in the Sisters’ infirmary. They dart about well before dawn to get the eggs in the steamer and start the coffee. They turn screwdrivers, connect wires, deploy software programs and manage the IT network. They quietly serve in volunteer roles –on boards and committees, in the hallways hustling to bring residents to and from activities, working with students to perfect a lay-up or a golf swing, listening to youngsters sound out words as they employ newly-introduced phonics lessons, fingering their rosary beads with prayers lifted on our behalf – our unsung heroes serve dependably and capably.

Truly, our SSMO campus only “works” because so many are so willing to engage and give so generously of themselves – quietly behind the curtain.

Bless all of you and thank you! Your loyal dedication is a testament and witness of God’s love and care for all of us!

- Sr. Adele Marie Altenhofen President, SSMO Ministries Corporation

As followers of Christ, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon are dedicated to our mission and ministries. We are focused on doing the will of our God in heaven. Our Sisters minister in many aspects of education and health care. We serve on the boards of our sponsored ministries and interact in many ways with volunteers, staff, students and families. Our best gift to the world is to follow Jesus’ example as we pray and minister with love.

Sisters are those who are committed to serve behind the curtain, living as women of prayer in simplicity and sisterly love. Our daily prayer life is at the core of our spirituality and centers us as we attend to our many tasks. Our Sisters come together daily for Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Mass; these are the essentials of our life as religious sisters. Our prayer life helps us be grounded with Mary, the Mother of Our Lord. The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon pray and work, not seeking recognition for our ministry but to be faithful joyful servants of the Lord.

This year, the Sisters are focusing on the Eucharistic Revival, a special focus on the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. We pray for the conversion of our souls and for the whole world. All we do and say and our whole being is focused on Jesus. As Jesus died on the cross new life came forth. In the letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul tells us we have the high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.”

If you look behind the curtain, what you find are women in prayer who give thanksgiving to God and Jesus Who is with us at all times. We strive for holiness and hope by our example to proclaim the Good News that Jesus the Christ is our Lord and Savior.

- Sr. Michael Francine Duncan Superior General, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation

Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen, President

Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

Sister Michael Francine Duncan, Superior General

Editor/writer:

Brad Hilliard, APR

Photographers/writers:

David Cherrytree

Lizette Santiago

Allison Weseman

Contributors:

Kathy Calcagno

Tom Baertlein

Delia Slattery

Colleen Gotze

Designer: David Cherrytree

The award-winning Spirit magazine is published on behalf of 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 97078

503-644-9181 | spirit@ssmoministries.org

For this edition of Spirit Magazine, we share stories from behind the curtain. You are going to find stories about amazing volunteers, dedicated board directors, and rocksteady employees who work diligently and compassionately –motivated by the Sisters’ intentional example of faithful service.

Before we dive into the pages of the magazine, I want to recognize two teams of employees who work behind the scenes to support the Sisters and their sponsored ministries.

The first team is the SSMO Foundation. This team dedicates each day to relationship building, fundraising and stewardship. They diligently create dynamic events, develop collaborative and fun opportunities to give, help alumni connect with each other and build our campus community. You will find them behind the scenes searching for grant opportunities that give students innovative learning experiences and provide Maryville residents extra comfort. Their tireless support helps build a foundation of support for the entire campus to grow and thrive upon.

The second team is mine. I am blessed to work with a small and dedicated team of professional communicators who are committed to sharing inspiring stories. All five entities on this campus (the Sisters, Maryville, SSMO Foundation, Valley Catholic, and the SSMO Ministries Corporation) have different goals, objectives and priorities. The Marketing and Communications team collaborates with each entity to build a meaningful web presence, social media engagement, and creative digital and print products that show how all of those entities work together to make this campus special for the thousands of people it serves.

Ultimately, we are one community and one voice – our community and voice have been established by the Sisters. I see their example in St. Paul’s encouragement to the Phillippians, “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” (Philippians 3:17 NIV)

It is a true blessing to work behind the curtain sharing the diversity and unity of this place.

Enjoy this issue of Spirit Magazine.

Have a blessed day, Brad Hilliard, APR

The Artistry of Set Design in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ From Concept to Curtain:

In the world of high school drama, the stage is not merely a platform for performances. The stage is a canvas where creativity and collaboration intertwine. Behind the mesmerizing production of “The Wizard of Oz” at Valley Catholic School, Drama Director Ginnie Paterson, set designers Matt and Tracey Curfman, and a dedicated team of parent volunteers embarked on a journey of conceptualization, collaboration, and technical innovation.

Conceptualization and Inspiration

The journey of bringing Oz to life began with a meeting between Ginnie Paterson and the Curfmans, where budget, existing resources, and the ambitious scope of the production were laid out. Inspired by the Broadway production of “Wicked” and the classic “Wizard of Oz” movie, the team aimed to infuse a touch of steam-punk and an industrial feel, especially in the Witch’s realm. In a collaborative effort between directors and designers, the initial concepts were solidified during a Christmas break meeting.

Matt and Tracey Curfman, parents of alumni Joshua (‘14) and Jennah (‘16), played a pivotal role in designing the sets. Despite their children having graduated, the Curfmans continued their commitment to the spring musicals, bringing together about 30 people, including students and parents, for at least six hours each Saturday for two months to build and paint sets under their direction.

Collaboration and Team Effort

The collaboration extended beyond set designers, involving vocal director Kelliann Wright and choreographer Brittney Clark. Reflecting on the challenges faced, Ginnie Paterson noted, “The triumphs came with the amazing support from our parents, from alumni parents, and several community members who volunteered. We were blessed to have an incredibly talented and creative production team. Everyone was ‘all in’ for this one.”

Moms who are alumni, Tania Rhein (‘95) and Lisette McNasser (‘94), played important roles in supporting the musical in various capacities. Tania designed the programs,

and together they organized potluck lunches during Saturday work parties, contributed to props, lobby and cafeteria decorations, the Sisters’ reception, the bulletin board with headshots of the cast and crew, and the marquee sign outside the auditorium. Carrie Bateman, a current parent, coordinated all parent volunteers.

Technical Innovations

A standout feature was “The Wizard of Oz” projection scene, where student artists contributed to digital backdrops. Elaborating on this, Ginnie Paterson expressed, “The projection scene is a particular standout. Being able to use student artists for the digital backdrops was a wonderful benefit.”

The Wicked Witch’s unique “melting” effect utilized a hydraulic lift, and a CO2 cannon added a smoke element. Glinda’s dress, sourced from a second-hand bridal store,

received a fairy tale makeover with embellishments and lights. Even Toto, the canine star, became a charming addition to the production.

Adaptations and Challenges

Balancing audience expectations with creative freedom, the team blended budget constraints and personal inspirations to craft a fresh yet recognizable look. Ginnie Paterson emphasized, “We took what we were able to work within budget, spacewise and our own inspirations from both the movie and other sources, and created a look that we wanted to be somewhat fresh but still recognizable to the audience.”

Student Involvement

Drama students also played a vital role in bringing the envisioned set to life. Every Saturday, they joined parent volunteers in constructing, painting, and crafting numerous set pieces and costumes. The students gained handson experience and creative autonomy, learning valuable skills that extended beyond the stage.

In the enchanting world behind the curtain of “The Wizard of Oz” at Valley Catholic, it was not just about presenting a classic tale but about weaving a tapestry of imagination, dedication, and collaborative spirit that will resonate in the memories of everyone involved for years to come.

Camaraderie and ConsistencyBehind the Curtain with VCS Drama Volunteers

It’s true what Dorothy said at the end of the “Wizard of Oz” – “There’s no place like no home.” For the Valley Catholic School Drama Department, a core group of dedicated parents have helped build a home for Valiant students to thrive not only on stage but also behind the curtain.

For several years, audience members who watch a Valley Catholic drama production have been treated to intricate set designs and costumes thanks to dedicated parent volunteers who have meticulously worked behind the scenes for weeks leading up to opening night. Often you will find those dedicated volunteers backstage making final adjustments even as the curtain rises on opening night.

In 2011, Matt and Tracy Curfman jumped into helping build a set for the first time in a Valley Catholic drama production after their son landed a role in the fall play. While the Curfmans had been involved with set building in one way or another, it was not until 2016 that they ventured into set design. Along with another Valley Catholic parent, they helped build and design the set for that year’s spring musical, “Beauty and the Beast.”

In 2019, Ginnie Paterson, Valley Catholic Fine Arts Department Chair and Drama Director, asked the Curfmans to help design the set for that year’s spring musical “Shrek.” In 2020, the Curfmans designed the set for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Sadly the show only ran for one week

Scan the QR code or visit ssmo.org/behind-the-curtain-with-vcs-drama to view this article online

before it was canceled due to COVID-19. Ever since then, the Curfmans have been the lead designers for the spring musicals.

“Not only are Tracy and Matt Curfman incredibly creative and talented, they are wonderful to work with, and the students always learn a lot from them,” said Ginnie Paterson. “Their involvement is a testament to the spirit of the drama department at Valley, and the entire Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus community.”

Unlike other schools with bigger drama departments that offer specific classes for set building, lighting, and costume design, Valley Catholic students learn all of those skills at hands-on Saturday work parties which are often organized by talented parent and alumni volunteers.

“By helping construct the sets and create the costumes, the cast and crew have an ownership in the show that goes well beyond performing in it,” said Paterson. “The whole experience means more to them, because they helped create it.”

> Matt Curfman

Though their children have graduated from Valley Catholic School, the Curfmans have remained involved with set design and construction. Even after a show has closed, you will find the Curfmans helping organize and save the set pieces in the prop room so that the materials can be repurposed for the next drama production.

“When we start pulling flats from the closet on the first day of set building, it’s fun to see what was used in previous dramas or musicals; it always leads us down memory lane,” said Matt and Tracy Curfman. “We

“It is rewarding to see how proficient they become with the tools in just a few short weeks.”

Matt

and Tracy Curfman

typically reuse the flats and other pieces of wood until there are too many screw and nail holes to make it practical to use.”

Once a show theme and casting are completed for a drama production, Drama Director Ginnie Paterson will hold a parent meeting and encourage parents to sign a set building form that allows their students to learn how to use power tools properly and help build the set. Students who do not want to use power tools are still involved by working on craft projects which will be used on set.

The actual set build takes four to six weeks while the set design is more fluid – allowing last-minute changes to be made. The Curfmans say, “On the first day of the build,

we give kids projects that are easy for them to start with, especially if they have never used power tools before. We show them how to use the tools safely, and carefully watch them to make sure they understand what is being asked of them. It is rewarding to see how proficient they become with the tools in just a few short weeks.”

While the set is getting built, parent volunteers Kris Arbaugh and Karin Presnell are hard at work constructing and sewing costumes. Since “CLUE” in the fall of 2021, Kris and Karin have been the primary costume designers for all Valley Catholic theater productions.

“The first thing we do is go through the costume closet and pull anything and everything that would work for the upcoming production. Almost everything in the costume closet is fair game for reuse and refashioning,” said Karin Presnell.

For Karin Presnell, when her child wanted to get involved with the theater department at Valley Catholic School, she made it a family activity. She found that the Saturday work days were a great opportunity to get to know everyone and help the students learn the importance of working together – behind the scenes.

During Presnell’s first time volunteering for a VCS drama production, the students were preparing to put on “Much Ado About Nothing.” The costumes were studentdriven for the play and Presnell was able to give students instructions to capture the overall 1940s style of the hair, makeup, and clothing.

When it comes to sourcing costumes, Kris Arabaugh and Karin Presnell will look absolutely everywhere for materials, fabric and clothing to use – vintage/second hand stores, online, even other schools; nowhere is off limits. The dedicated volunteers will even use their own accessories if it fits with the production.

“We have a few collections that consist of several specific costumes for a particular show. Often, we borrow or rent costumes from other theater companies or high schools; we also let other schools use our stock as well,” said Ginnie Peterson. “The attitude is wonderfully generous from the surrounding drama community. Everyone tries to be as resourceful and sustainable as possible.”

As Kris Arbaugh and Karin Presnell watch their children take their final bows in the Valley Catholic theater, the two volunteers will be back designing and sewing costumes for the next group of theater kids. They will also be joined by the Curfmans who continue to give back to the entire SSMO community.

“We feel like our family received so much from our time at Valley Catholic School. Volunteering here is the best way we can show our gratitude to the schools and the Sisters.” said Matt and Tracy Curfman. “We also enjoy teaching our craft to others, especially the students. We hope they will carry the knowledge they have learned during set building as they journey on into the next chapters of their lives.”

Embracing the Call: The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

In

the tranquil expanse of Oregon, amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes, lies the vibrant heart of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon (SSMO) campus, pulsating with a profound commitment to nurturing vocations. At the helm of this sacred mission stands the SSMO Vocations Committee. The SSMO Vocations Committee is a group of women whose dedication helps guide and illuminate the path for people who are discerning their call toward religious life. They are committed to their work behind the curtain; they walk alongside women and men who are embarking on their personal spiritual journeys and fostering meaningful connections both within and beyond the Catholic community.

Scan the QR code or visit ssmo.org/the-vocations-vision to view this article online

Engagement with the Community

Delving into the rich tapestry of the SSMO’s storied history, Sister Charlene Herinckx, SSMO Vocations Director, reflects, “Our Community has a deep-rooted engagement with the local community.” For nearly 140 years, SSMO has been committed to educating youth and providing compassionate care for the elderly. This legacy of service extends far beyond Oregon’s borders. It reaches distant corners of the U.S. and other parts of the world, such as Washington, California, Chicago, and Peru. Throughout their valiant history, the Sisters have answered the call to serve, regardless of where the need exists.

These days, you will often find the SSMO Vocations Committee serving people and building relationships at local parishes, and at meetings and conferences across the country. They are committed to meeting discerners where they are and helping guide them through their journey.

Sister Charlene regularly underscores the transformative power of prayer as the guiding light for the Sisters’ service and for a person’s discernment. For Sister Charlene, prayer offers solace but it also ignites a continuous stream of spiritual requests. Prayer binds the Sisters’ Community together in faith and compassion. Prayer is also the most important part of personal discernment as it develops a connection for us to hear and understand God’s call for our lives.

Fostering Meaningful Connections

The SSMO Vocations Committee embraces the significance of fostering relationships that transcend religious boundaries. They ardently encourage women to be open about their discernment with friends and family and to take time to engage with Sisters from various Communities.

Sister Charlene remarks, “One of

“By being grounded in prayerful reflection, discernment involves a meticulous process of introspection, dialogue, and alignment with the needs of the Community.”

Sister Charlene

the most illuminating pathways to understanding religious life is through conversations with Sisters who have embraced this sacred commitment.”

Time spent with Sisters leads to encouragement for women to focus on heartfelt prayer, selfless volunteering, and introducing family and friends to Sisters. This process helps women embark on a transformative journey of exploration while building a stronger bond with Sisters and loved ones who truly care about their journey. It creates an environment characterized by nurturing support and encouragement for the discerner.

Mission and Ministry

At the core of SSMO is a profound mission steeped in the proclamation of God’s boundless love.

The SSMO Mission:

We, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, share in the mission of Jesus by proclaiming the Good News of God’s love.

The SSMO mission serves as the guiding light for the Community’s diverse ministries, spanning education, health care, and pastoral care. Sister Charlene underscores the importance of discernment by emphasizing that it serves as the cornerstone for shaping each Sister’s unique ministry. “By being grounded in prayerful reflection, discernment involves a meticulous process of introspection, dialogue, and alignment with the needs of the Community and the people they serve. Prayer ensures that each Sister’s calling resonates deeply with her soul,” says Sr. Charlene.

Embracing Change with Grace

Gazing into the horizon of possibilities, the SSMO Vocations Committee exudes faith in the Community’s ability to adapt and flourish.

Sr. Charlene affirms, “With trust in God’s providence, we possess the resilience to navigate the winds of change and thrive.”

Despite the ebb and flow of societal trends, Sister Charlene and the SSMO Vocations Committee believe in the timeless relevance of religious life.

Each new Sister and everyone who is discerning is welcomed by the SSMO Vocations Committee with open arms and a spirit of inclusivity. Their welcoming spirit embodies the enduring strength and grace of the entire SSMO Community.

Welcoming New Beginnings

In a celebration of diversity and spiritual awakening, the SSMO Vocations Committee extends a

Through open invitations and genuine connections, SSMO stands as a beacon of hope, guiding women towards the transformative embrace of religious life, where each soul finds solace, purpose, and belonging.

A Call to Spiritual Exploration

Sister Charlene and the SSMO Vocations Committee extend an earnest invitation to all seekers of truth and spiritual fulfillment. They encourage women to embark on a journey of prayer, discernment, and heartfelt connection with Sisters who epitomize the essence of religious commitment.

warm embrace to everyone who feels called to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. With a deep sense of gratitude, Sr. Charlene shares, “We rejoice in the arrival of new members, enriching our community with their unique gifts and perspectives.”

The SSMO Vocations Committee Sisters spend many hours on the road and work long hours at several meetings and events. It can sound exhausting, but they find inspiration and excitement in a person’s discernment. That motivation and the genuine relationships they build make their personal vocations meaningful.

For people who are eager to explore the path of religious life, the SSMO Vocations Committee beckons them to embark on a journey of discovery, navigating the sacred terrain with courage, faith, and conviction.

The Sisters’ vision and support serve as a compassionate guide through discernment.

For people who are seeking guidance on their spiritual journey, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon extend a sincere invitation to visit their website or connect directly with Sister Charlene and the SSMO Vocations Committee. Discernment can ignite a transformative journey of exploration and self-discovery that resonates with the timeless call of the soul.

Serving the SSMO Community

> Sr. Theresa Lan

> Sr. Krista von Borstel

> Sr. Alison Green

> SSMOs supporting Sr. Thanh at St. Matthew’s Gala.

Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

We, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, living as women of prayer, in simplicity and sisterly love, are called to be compassionate, joyful servants of the Lord.

To

SSMO VOCATION OFFICE

Sr. Charlene Herinckx, SSMO

503-805-6201

vocations@ssmo.org ssmo.org

Take 5

Behind the Curtain with SSMO Campus Board Directors

Welcome to Take 5 – a Spirit Magazine feature that asks five questions to three people about their connection to the theme of the magazine.

The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon are deeply-rooted in their mission and their ministries of education and health care. Their work is awe-inspiring – having served thousands of people, worldwide, throughout their history.

This level of success does not come naturally. It takes years of prayer, hard work, dedication, and help to continuously achieve this high level of success. Thankfully, the Sisters are blessed with all of these assets.

Volunteerism is a hallmark of the Sisters’ mission and, through the years, they have inspired many people to come alongside them to give joyfully of their time in service to one or more of the Sisters’ four sponsored ministries (Valley Catholic, Maryville, SSMO Foundation, SSMO Ministries Corporation).

These days, the SSMO campus is governed by four boards of directors. These dedicated volunteers help ensure that each entity runs efficiently, effectively and according to the mission and vision of the Sisters. In addition to these dedicated board directors, nearly 1,000 people donate their time and energy to the Sisters and their sponsored ministries.

Each day you can find someone on the SSMO campus giving of their precious time. From board meetings to local ministry work, from music and games with Maryville residents to building sets for a school play or running a concession stand at a Valiant basketball game, from setting up for VCS Gala to delivering golf bags for a day on the links, there are a wide variety of needs and an amazing group of volunteers ready to meet those needs.

For this edition of Take 5, we ask three SSMO campus board directors to share what motivates them to give their time to the Sisters and their sponsored ministries.

Scan the QR code or visit ssmo.org/take-5-with-the-board to see this article online.

Kathy Calcagno, Board Chair, SSMO Ministries Corporation Board of Directors

1. Let’s start with the basics. What is your occupation and primary volunteer role on the SSMO campus? How long have you volunteered with the Sisters?

I am a Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Strategist at Northern Trust Company. Currently, I am the Board Chair for the SSMO Ministries Corporation. I have been happily serving on this campus for 10 years.

2. Why are you drawn to volunteer with the Sisters’ sponsored ministries?

It began when my son, Ace Calcagno, was attending Valley Catholic High School as a freshman. I was extremely impressed with the “ever-present” integrity and character the Sisters bring to every aspect of the campus. Their charism, mission, and values are imbued in every facet and my son’s experience was incredible as a result. I am extremely grateful for the community that was built around him. There is no other school like Valley Catholic and I enjoy helping others find that same community.

3. In your time as a volunteer/board director, what are some accomplishments that would not have been realized without a group of dedicated volunteers?

The sheer number of volunteers on campus contributes to the daily success and accomplishments of all of the Sisters’ sponsored ministries. From building the Science building and renovating Maryville to the volunteers at sporting events, visiting Maryville residents and attending board meetings – every person makes a big difference.

4. Share a story about one of your favorite experiences volunteering with the Sisters’ sponsored ministries.

When I was serving on the SSMO Foundation Board, we were working with the Murdock Foundation, requesting a large grant for ongoing support of the Sisters’ sponsored ministries. It was an all-consuming process and took time and attention to detail to receive approval. Everyone who was involved in those meetings contributed to our success. The experience helped all of us see, firsthand, the dedicated boards, the amazing staff, and the devotion of the Sisters to their sponsored ministries.

5. What is one way someone could join in and volunteer with Sisters’ sponsored ministries today?

There are literally 100 ways you can get involved. Look me up, I would love to have coffee and talk with you about it. From serving on one of our boards, to serving coffee at the turn-around, there are several unique ways to volunteer. We welcome your call and would love to work with you.

Tom Baertlein, Vice Chair, Maryville Board of Directors

1. Let’s start with the basics. What is your occupation and primary volunteer role on the SSMO campus? How long have you volunteered with the Sisters?

I am the Vice President of Sales Operations at nLIGHT Inc. Currently, I am the Vice Chair for the Maryville Board of Directors and have served on its board for four years.

2. Why are you drawn to volunteer with the Sisters’ sponsored ministries?

I am inspired by the Sisters’ loving dedication to the elderly. I lost my parents a few years ago, so their longterm and memory care ministries are very important to me. Throughout the Sisters’ amazing history they have consistently provided loving care to people who need it. Maryville is a top-notch long-term, rehabilitative and memory care facility and its people focus on making their residents and visitors feel at home. I am happy to be a small part of the amazing care they provide to people in the Tualatin Valley.

3. In your time as a volunteer/board director, what are some accomplishments that would not have been realized without a group of dedicated volunteers?

Both Valley Catholic School and Maryville would not run without the day-to-day support of dedicated volunteers. Each day, you can find a volunteer on campus who is motivated by the Sisters’ mission and is helping meet a need. Some jobs are big, others are small, but the people who take time out of their busy lives to come to this campus and serve are so important to helping each entity fulfill its mission and vision.

Personally, I am very appreciative of the musicians, artists and other volunteers who spend time with Maryville residents. They bring absolute joy to both the residents and staff when they visit.

4. Share a story about one of your favorite experiences volunteering with the Sisters’ sponsored ministries.

My favorite moments on campus have been spent with the Sisters. It is a fun-filled and joy-filled experience to attend evening prayer at the Motherhouse and have dinner with these inspiring women.

5. What is one way someone could join in and volunteer with Sisters’ sponsored ministries today?

I encourage you to spend some time at Maryville. The smile you will bring to the residents and the relationships you will form will fill you with joy. Also, Maryville is always looking for great board drectors. We are a great group of people who serve a wonderful ministry. Serving in this capacity is very rewarding.

These are just a few of the nearly 1,000 examples of volunteers who diligently work behind the curtain, contributing to the success of the Sisters’ sponsored ministries. Ready to join in? Send a note to info@ssmo.org to get involved today.

Delia Slattery, Board Chair, Valley Catholic School Board of Directors

1. Let’s start with the basics. What is your occupation and primary volunteer role on the SSMO campus? How long have you volunteered with the Sisters?

I have been a Realtor in Portland since 1990. Currently, I serve as the Board Chair for the Valley Catholic School Board. I joined the board in 2019 and my involvement on campus began when my daughter was attending elementary school. She graduated in 2013 and I still find so much joy serving this wonderful campus.

2. Why are you drawn to volunteer with the Sisters’ sponsored ministries?

I grew up in Ireland, and was taught by nuns. After college, I taught in a New York City middle school that was run by nuns. Thanks to my experiences with those Sisters, I was able to quickly understand and admire the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon for their dedication to God, their mission and their humanity. Their tireless efforts on the behalf of the local community are so inspiring. Exposure to hard work was embedded in my psyche and it was re-awakened on the Sisters’ campus. Their Core Value to ‘Live Valiantly’ has become my mantra.

3. In your time as a volunteer/board director, what are some accomplishments that would not have been realized without a group of dedicated volunteers?

When I started board service, I had no understanding of what it takes to run a teaching institution without state funding. I also did not understand the intricacies of nursing home management and budgeting.

Very few people appreciate the depth and breadth of knowledge that is needed to run organizations the size of Valley Catholic School and Maryville. The teams that the Sisters have put together are quite amazing. Couple that with the tremendous behind the scenes leadership that Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen provides, and one realizes the ministry is on par with any publicly traded company.

On a campus this size, it is difficult to see the wide array of meetings and negotiations that Sr. Adele Marie undertakes on a daily basis. She weaves her way from insurance

negotiator to facilities manager discussing air conditioning duct work to balancing the books of the multi-million dollar nonprofit business.

We do not have shareholders. We have dedicated parents. Under the Sisters’ guidance we strive to bring the best quality education in a nonjudgmental, caring and positive environment. We strive for excellence to help provide VCS students with their own opportunities to strive for excellence.

4. Share a story about one of your favorite experiences volunteering with the Sisters’ sponsored ministries.

The school board is a vibrant and diverse group with a variety of skills and backgrounds. We attempt to be a reflection of our school population. Not all of our directors are Catholic but all have a belief in providing service for the good of the whole community. It is a pleasure to serve alongside this great group of dedicated volunteers.

5. What is one way someone could join in and volunteer with Sisters’ sponsored ministries today?

Service can be as little as holding a door open for the kindergarten class to donating to the Annual Fund and all points in between. We strive to be inclusive and provide an outstanding experience for our students and parents. The Sisters, by their leadership and dedication to their mission, are our beacon and they light our path forward.

The Bright Shining Light from Time Spent with Grandfriends

Thirty minutes, twice a month. It may not seem like much, but for the little Valiants at Valley Catholic Early Learning School and their grandfriends at Maryville the time spent together is uplifting and precious.

Every other week students and teachers from VCELS walk together to Maryville to spend time with Maryville residents. Typically, the time is spent doing a small craft together, such as coloring, playing with stickers or making cards. And though the time is short and the activity small, these simple activities

Scan the QR code or visit ssmo.org/time-with-grandfriends to see this article online.

build beautiful relationships and spur enlightening conversations.

“Behind the curtain, we prepare for our time at Maryville almost daily,” said Lynnettee Burton, VCELS Lead Preschool Teacher. “Our time there is very intentional, so we talk with the kids about it regularly and encourage them to plan how they will spend their time with their grandfriends.”

VCELS teachers initiate discussions with their preschoolers about Maryville and its residents while

they are on walks around the campus, during prayer times and in the classroom. The kids learn how unique it is to have a school, convent and health care facility all in one place. It is an opportunity to help them see how the Sisters’ vision, planning and prayer made all of this possible and how they help people across a wide range of ages. The discussions and the active preparation projects help the children build up their comfort level with older adults – most of the preschoolers’ grandparents have not reached the age of many Maryville residents.

“Kathy and the Maryville team and residents have done a wonderful job helping us create a safe space for the children to interact with their grandfriends and ask questions,” Lynnettee said. “The children respond with excitement to talk and learn from the residents.”

Questions such as “Tell me about your wrinkles?” and “Where did you get your spots?” are pretty common and give everyone in the room a warm smile because the questions are answered graciously and lovingly.

Behind the curtain for Maryville, preparing for the VCELS visits consists of getting the dates on the calendar, arranging the activity room and setting up transportation for the residents who need it. Lately, the visits have occurred after Mass, which has been helpful. Many of the residents are in one location and already prepared to move from the chapel to the activity room for one of their favorite events.

“The residents love seeing the little children. Most of their children and grandchildren are grown so they really cherish their time with the little Valiants,” said Kathy Fedr, Maryville Activities Director. “The retired teachers really embrace the visits. You can see them thrive with this recurring opportunity to help the kids learn.”

The residents enjoy helping the children work on their motor skills. It does not matter if it is coloring, placing stickers, folding cards or singing. The grandfriends and the little Valiants just enjoy the time they spend together.

sheets and extra purple crayons to make sure the residents would have everything they needed. The entire experience, behind the curtain, is a genuine community service project that the children truly enjoy doing. The kids even learn to serve one another as the preschoolers will help the toddlers and infants with the projects that may be too difficult for their age, such as making cards.

“Our grandfriends are very nice to us,” said Vanessa Abercrombie, VCELS student. “Whenever we visit, it makes our light inside us grow brighter and their lights as well.”

“Whenever we visit, it makes our light inside us grow brighter and their lights as well.”

Vanessa Abercrombie

“When the children come to visit, they warm my heart and bring a smile to my face,” said Carol Watson, Maryville resident. “We are so glad to host them; we just love those kids.”

Lynnettee says the excitement she sees from the kids about going to Maryville rivals that of going for ice cream. She marvels at how invested and interested they are in Maryville. VCELS teachers channel the excitement into creative discussions and collaborative planning. They take time to talk about past visits, have the kids plan the upcoming activities, and even work on a few specific logistics.

Kathy Fedr sees those lights shine firsthand. “The visits shine a light beyond the activity room. The visits light up the whole building,” she says. “Visitors, staff members, even the construction workers’ spirits are lifted by the little Valiants and their big hearts.”

Lynnettee Burton sees a similar light from everyone in Maryville. “The Maryville staff members really set the tone for the visits,” she says. “They always greet us with big smiles, high fives and cheers when we walk through the door. Their warmth and energy really help the kids engage. They make a world of difference and may not even realize it.”

Thirty minutes, twice a month is all it takes to create a bright-shining blessing for VCELS, Maryville and all of us on the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus.

Recently, the students asked to take extra color

Alumni Notes

Women in STEM

Valley Catholic Middle School hosted its 3rd annual Women in STEM Day earlier this spring. Seven VCS alumae were amoung the 40 women from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professions who provided presentations and hands-on demonstrations – showcasing how the students’ STEM classes are applied to a wide range of professional careers. The VCS alumnae covered topics from veterinary science to earning a doctorate in a STEM field to solving transportation problems.

A very special thank you to our seven Valiant alumnae who took time to inspire our middle school students.

Stefanie Jacquemin ’90 “Seeking a STEM Job: Skills and Education”

Jennifer Smith ’91 “My Career Development and Various Engineering Disciplines”

Kristine Connolly ’09 “Solving Transportation Problems to Improve People’s Lives”

Celia Gendron-Herndon ’09 “All About Batteries!”

Dr. Claire Lender ’10 “Veterinary Science”

Rachel Smith ’87 “Photography and STEM”

Megan Co ’14 “Pursuing a doctorate in STEM”

Visit ssmo.org/women-in-stem/ to learn more and view photos from this exciting annual event.

No Place Like Home –

More

than 100 Alumni Return to Campus

More than one hundred alumni from nine different decades attended the alumni reception and final performance of Valley Catholic Drama Department’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Friends and family gathered to enjoy treats in the high school cafeteria before singing and clapping along to familiar songs from the beloved musical. Some young children of alumni experienced the magic of Oz for the first time and delighted in watching the Wicked Witch of the West dissolve into a trap door before their eyes.

Behind the curtain, alumni volunteered in a myriad of ways. Jack Pranger ( ’23) helped set up tables, while Jo Drain ( ’48) arranged name tags and organized the raffle display. Lisette Boss McNassar ( ’94) and Tania Vanderschuere Rhein ( ’95) (parents of the talented actors who played Glinda the Good Witch and the Wizard) checked people in and helped manage the sold-out crowd. Ashley Reverman (’06) served rainbow cupcakes with a smile. While the lobby overflowed with people trying to buy last-minute tickets, Kalani Efstathiou (’06) and Melissa McMillan (’98) encouraged guests seated in the auditorium to squeeze in to help accommodate everyone who came to see the show.

At the end of the performance, tech crew member Kaylee Arbaugh ( ’24) invited alumni Kristine Connolly ( ’09) and Ashley Reverman ( ’06) to present Drama Director Ginnie Paterson a gift in honor of her 40th production at VCHS. Kristine played the title role in “Cinderella” in 2009, and Ashley starred as Queen Nancy in Ginnie’s first Valley Catholic play, “Ogre Here, Ogre There” in the fall of 2005.

The cast, crew, parents and staff all appreciated the warm reception and standing ovation that celebrated their months of hard work.

Scan the QR code or visit ssmo.org/foundation/alumni/distinguished-alumni/ to see videos of our 2023-24 award recipients and take a look back at previous winners.

Congratulations to Josephine Koehnke Recht (’71) and Elliott Jackson (’11), our Distinguished Alumni and Emerging Leader Award Recipients for 2023-24

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an SMV or VCS alumnus/a who has excelled in their life’s work, demonstrates a high standard of personal integrity, strives for excellence, and lives a valiant life. The theme for 202324 was Volunteerism.

Josephine Koehnke Recht ( ’71) was nominated by her peers and selected by the Alumni Advisory Committee for the Distinguished Alumni Award. She has a strong belief in Catholic education and helping make Catholic schools accessible to families of all means. Jo has volunteered her business and accounting skills to help Catholic schools around the state modernize their enrollment and finances.

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes one alumna/us of VCS who has graduated in the last 15 years and shows promise as a leader in their field.

Elliott Jackson ( ’11) received the Emerging Leader Award. Elliott is a licensed electrical engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hydroelectric Design Center. He served for two years as Chair of the Future Leaders of Waterpower, a young professionals group within the National Hydropower Foundation that provides mentorship and networking for younger members of the industry.

The Distinguished Alumni Award theme for 2024-25 is Small Business. Join us at the VCS Gala in the fall to celebrate our next recipients.

Scan the QR code or visit ssmo.org/foundation/alumni to keep up with your fellow SMV/VC alums.

Send your update to alumni@valleycatholic.org and we will include it online.

Alumni Notes

Michelle Boss Barba ( ’96) joined the Murdock Charitable Trust as senior program officer for Arts, Culture, and Education. Prior to this new role, Michelle was the founding artistic director of Ethos Music Center in Portland. However, the role that Michelle is most proud of is Momma to her two daughters – Layla, 2nd grade, and Gabriella, Kindergarten.

Megan Co ( ’14) recently defended her thesis and earned her PhD at The Ohio State University in Biomedical Engineering. Amber Co ( ’19) graduated with honors from Oregon State University in June.

Kelly Edwards ( ’17) married Michael Blomenkamp at St. Partrick’s Catholic Church in Portland on Sept. 2, 2023. They couple met while working at the Valley Catholic Early Learning school in 2019.

Anthony Eisenbacher ( ’22), was married on Aug. 19, 2023, to Gabriella Albrecht at St. Birgitta’s Catholic Church in Portland. Anthony’s siblings and Haener aunts, graduates of Valley Catholic, were in attendance. Anthony works for N&S Tractor in Woodburn as a mechanic, and the couple resides in Mt. Angel.

John Eisenbacher ( ’16) was married to Ruth Nelson on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 at St. Birgitta’s Catholic Church in Portland. William Detherage ( ’16), Mary Eisenbacher ( ’18), Joey Eisenbacher ( ’20), Anthony Eisenbacher ( ’22), and Jeannine Haener Eisenbacher ( ’93), and all the Haener aunts were in attendance. John works for Hammelman Farms and the couple resides in Mt. Angel.

Barbe Jenkins-Gibson ( ’65) is celebrating 50 years as the owner of Christmas Cottage in Lincoln City. Her husband Bob Gibson is a professional photographer and owner of The Photography Studio, also in Lincoln City.

Barbe is forever grateful for her time at SMVA.

Be a champion for Valiants

Give today to help us raise $105,000 for the Weston Challenge by September 15. Your contribution, when matched by Mr. Weston, doubles the amount raised for tuition assistance – a total of $210,000.

Katharine Jesse ( ’14) married Brandon Bettinelli at The Grotto in Portland on May 20, 2023. Alumnae in the wedding party included Anna Jesse ( ’11) and Allison Lambert Cook ( ’12). The couple resides in Beaverton.

Allie Merz (’20) had an impressive nine assists in Long Island University’s matchup at the NCAA Volleyball Tournament against #1 overall seed Nebraska. Although the Sharks fell short in three sets (13-25, 16-25, 22-25), they did win their 13th Northeast Conference championship. This was Allie’s second trip to the NCAA tournament.

Mary Da Prato ( ’09) participated in a think tank last summer for Montessorians under the age of 40. Cohosted by AMI/USA and AMS in Orlando, FL, Mary was one of 40 people chosen out of 150 applicants to brainstorm about the future of Montessori education in the United States. Feeling inspired, Mary is currently working on her 30th book. Visit her website to learn more: http:// themontessorimysteryunveiled.weebly.com

Amanda (Farmer) Westphal (’03) founded St. Bezzie’s Art Collab, a non-profit that provides curriculum and supplies for groups to participate in healing through art. The art healing workshops are done locally in Oregon and globally by partnering with Mi Casa International in El Salvador.

Luke ( ’12) and Ashlee VanderZanden welcomed Josephine June VanderZanden to the world on Dec. 15, 2023. The latest little Valiant weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz.

In Memoriam

Pat Joyaux ’54

March 25, 2024

Mrs. Pat Christensen Joyaux entered heaven on SSMO Foundresses Day. We are confident the saints, her family and all the SSMOs in heaven gave Pat and her valiant spirit a warm welcome.

Pat Joyaux graduated from St. Mary of the Valley (now Valley Catholic) in 1954. Later, she served as the heart of the school’s operations from 1978 - 2021. She supported thousands of students and parents, as well as hundreds of staff members and the Sisters with her caring heart and joy-filled enthusiasm.

Gifts in memory of Mrs. Joyaux can be made to the Valley Catholic Henri and Pat Joyaux Scholarship Fund.

Sr. Rose Mary Heineck ’50

February 1, 2024

Laura Michelle Sahlfeld ’06

April 10, 2020

Lucille Vanderzanden Bernards ’49

September 29, 2021

Susan Elizabeth Runtz ’65

August 22, 2023

Barbara Ann Martin ’52

September 18, 2023

Carol Day VanderZanden ’59

October 14, 2023

Karen Alexander ’79

December 20, 2023

Rose Mathilda Coussens ’41

January 14, 2024

Ellen Lenhardt Whitehead ’59

July 31, 2023

Carolyn Sadler Hudson ’45

March 6, 2024

Valley Catholic School Gala

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024

Waves of Love Helps Put Faith in Action

Earlier this school year, more than 700 Valley Catholic middle and high school students, teachers, and parents, experienced a nonstereotypical school day. Instead of being in the classroom, they participated in “Waves of Love,” a day of service where they took their learning to different parts of Oregon to help out in different communities.

From helping sort clothing and serving coffee at St. André Bessette Chapel in downtown Portland to helping the Rockaway Fire Department clean their fire trucks, our campus volunteers served. For those who did not leave the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus, there was still plenty of work to be done, doing anything from cleaning

weeds off the baseball and softball fields to washing headstones in the Sisters’ cemetery.

Valley Catholic High School Principal Dr. Sara Bruins and Gabriel Franco, Director of Campus Ministry, worked together with Valley Catholic Middle School Principal Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer and Vice Principal Nick Hegwood to organize the event.

“For us, it is important to bring both the middle school and the high school together so we can work jointly as a Valley Catholic community rather than as separate schools. We share the campus and for both Dr. Bruins, myself, and the middle school, we want to close that gap and collaborate more since we already participate in

Mass and other activities with each other,” said Gabriel Franco, Director of Campus Ministry at Valley Catholic High School.

Since 1998, Valley Catholic Middle School has participated in their own day of service, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to pause this activity. This year, they teamed up with the high school to bring back this important event from days gone by.

Middle school and high school students worked together on different projects at Rockaway Beach, Camp Howard, and the Grotto in Portland. Instead of completing one big project as a group, students, staff, and parents worked alongside one another on smaller projects.

“It’s a great way to build relationships with fellow classmates and to give back to our community.”

– Malia Groshong

“Service is our faith in action. Promoting service within our school day and modeling service opportunities are part of helping students develop into global citizens.”

Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer

For freshman Finley Winters, “it was easier to work together with your friends serving the community instead of doing it yourself.” Many Valley Catholic students echoed this sentiment; Malia Groshong, a senior at Valley Catholic High School added, “It’s a great way to build relationships with fellow classmates and to give back to our community.”

While Valley Catholic Middle and High School students are already required to complete service hours by themselves, the day of service event showed first-hand how students “live out the ministry of Jesus by serving their local community,” as stated in the Valley Catholic School handbook.

“To get out and serve with the whole school community puts a different emphasis on how Valley Catholic

Scan the QR code or visit ssmo.org/faith-in-action to view this article online.

values community service and does not just add another requirement for students to complete,” said Jawana Homer, Valley Catholic P.E. and Health Teacher.

After a long day of community service, students volunteering at Rockaway Beach were able to bask in the glow of all of their hard work for the day by running on the sand, playing football, and roasting marshmallows on the beach.

“Service is our faith in action. Promoting service within our school day and modeling service opportunities are part of helping students develop into global citizens. Because of this, the traditional academics are paused for the day while service becomes our focus,” said Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer, Valley Catholic Middle School Principal.

In Memory: Sister Rose Mary Heineck

Dec. 5, 1931 – Feb. 1, 2024

Sr. Rose Mary (also known as Sr. Mary Francine) was born in Bend, Ore. on Dec. 5, 1931 to Benjamin and Josephine (Franck) Heineck. With her two brothers and four sisters, Sr. Rose Mary grew up in a family where the Catholic faith with family prayer and devotions was very important. She began her elementary education at St. Matthew School, Hillsboro and she graduated from St. Mary of the Valley (now Valley Catholic) High School, Beaverton in 1950.

Sr. Rose Mary entered the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon (SSMO) on Aug. 15, 1950 and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 15, 1955. Sr. Rose Mary celebrated her 70th Jubilee as a consecrated woman religious in 2020.

In her 46 years as a Catholic school educator, Sr. Rose Mary fulfilled the SSMO mission to proclaim the Good News of God’s love with creativity, educational excellence, and a deep, prayer-filled love of her students. Professionally prepared with a B.S. in Education from Marylhurst (1959) and a M.A. in Religious Education from Fort Wright College, Spokane, WA (1973), Sr. Rose Mary taught primary students in the Archdiocese of Portland schools at Visitation (Verboort), St. Matthew (Hillsboro), St. Francis of Assisi (Roy), St. Mary of the Valley/Valley Catholic (Beaverton), Sacred Heart (Gervais), St. Agatha (Portland), Our Lady of Sorrows (Portland), St. Mary (Stayton), St. Cecilia (Beaverton), and St. Paul (St. Paul). In addition, she served in the Diocese of Spokane at St. Mary Catholic School (Spokane). She continued her professional development with courses from OCE and University of Portland.

In 1999, Sr. Rose Mary changed her focus to working in Liturgical Art. With a creative genius that could design beauty out of nothing, she masterminded art for Sacred Liturgy, seasonal decorations, greeting cards, and

decoupaged icons. Her great joy was gifting her art works to others especially her SSMO Community. Many newly ordained priests and newly professed Sisters received these icons, the work of her hands and heart.

In interactions with Sr. Rose Mary, one always experienced her wit and humor, her individual care and compassion, and her deeply rooted-in-prayer wisdom. Aware of the concerns of other SSMOs, friends and family, she remembered these in her daily prayer faithfully. Her travels brought her closer to Christ and his Mother Mary. She cherished the experiences of her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2000 and the graces of her visit to Our Lady of Guadalupe’s shrine in Mexico. Her favorite quotation from St. Augustine, “Thou has made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in Thee,” aptly describes the focus of her life as she sought our Lord in her SSMO ministry, community, prayer and love for God’s people.

May Sr. Rose Mary rest in God’s loving embrace.

Summer Prayer

We thank You, our Lord and God, that You have given Your only Son to lead us. Your name is above every name and Your ways are perfect and true. As we come to the summer months, help the Sisters, students, faculty, employees and friends of the SSMO community be guided by Your love.

May all have a faith-filled summer and be refreshed from their summer activities. We ask this in Jesus Christ’s name.

Amen.

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