December 2011, Vol. XXXI, No. 10
Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters “What has come into being in Jesus was life, life that was the light of human persons; and this light shines in darkness and darkness could not overpower it.� (John 1:4-5) During the long season of darkness, each year we celebrate the beautiful feast of Thanksgiving as well as the Christmas season. These are times of remembering with gratitude the giftedness of life and that indeed light does overcome the darkness.
All of life is gift. In Jesus, God gifts us with peace , hope , light.
Jesus comes to us a gift from God. He is the Light of the world and it is in Him, with Him and through Him that we also become gifts or blessings to our God, to one another, and even to our planet, our world. The more we open and receive the gift of God, the more we become gifts and pass on to others God’s light, peace, hope and love in our world. If our hearts are closed to the great gift of God (no room in the inn), we become burdens of darkness and heaviness to ourselves, one another and to our world. We spurt out on others our fears, our hopelessness, our angers and our guilt. There is darkness within and around us. We become a drain on life and on others. Let us use this Advent season to become gifts to one another by being a supportive, nurturing, forgiving presence wherever we are. To be a presence of peace and light is a blessing for any community and probably the best gift a person can give. It is also a very expensive gift. It requires constant conversion, being our best self and giving that in each situation. (continued on page 2)
(continued from page 1) Conversion is also required to receive others as the gift they are to us no matter how that gift is packaged. Sometimes the gift other persons offer us is inspiration, support or affirmation. This kind of gift is usually easily received. At other times some may offer us challenge, criticism or anger. This, too, can become a precious gift if it takes us out of our superficiality and makes us go deeper within ourselves to our inner resources and from there to respond in peace and humility. Someone recently told me, “Those who give me the hardest times in life, invite me to the most growth as a person.” What a gift!! In, with and through the Gift of God, Jesus the Light of the world, let us be blessings of peace, hope and light in our world. Sr. Carol Welp
Events in Techny After having a Family Feast filled with harmony and symphony, music and singing kept coming to our house and our hearts. On November 3, entertainers from the Metropolitan Family Services came into the community room singing, “You’re in the Army Now.” They came to entertain the Sisters with tunes that brought back memories of the Great Depression and World War II when times were often hard. It was a full house with guests who included the Sisters of Charity and novices and priests from Divine Word. There were many young people in the audience who might not know what a comfort it could be to hear a love song in those difficult times.
Metropolitan Family Services singers
On November 6, the Heartzingers from Misericordia inspired us with their music and their courage. They were guided in their performance by their faithful volunteer leaders Bob and Madge Erlenbaugh.
Coordinators Bob and Madge lead the Heartzingers of Misericordia in a musical presentation.
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Events in Techny (cont.)
Comings and Goings
On November 13, Frt. Tom Olsen, S.J., visited our community to tell us about the Jesuit Mission among the Lakota people in South Dakota, one to which the SSpS contribute each quarter. The Jesuits have been in this mission for more than 120 years. They are now using a real team Frt. Tom effort for their mission and every program is directed by a local Lakota member. The Jesuits are working as a team with local leadership to bring about a strong local church and a positive change in society.
Sr. Zelia Cordeiro dos Santos returned home from Brazil where she had been nursing her brother back to health after a very unfortunate happening. She is now back at VIVAT and needs your prayers to get her visa situation sorted out. Her brother has finally regained consciousness, but will have to deal with his limitations for the rest of his life. When he is stronger they will do more surgery.
Sr. Peg Conlon from Emmaus House in New Jersey came to visit with and encourage Sr. Dolores Marie on November 16 and 17. Sr. Peg also gave a talk to our community and nursing staff about depression. She ex- Sr. Dolores Marie Kuhl and Sr. Peg plained causes of depression and emphasized self-help in keeping active physically, mentally and socially. It’s necessary to get enough sleep, maintain a healthy diet and keep learning new skills. Having a sense of humor and finding things to make us laugh are also aids to keeping depression at bay. A DVD of Sr. Peg’s talk is available for viewing if desired.
Sr. Agathe Bramkamp has been invited by Fu Jen University to help them celebrate the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of the University in Taiwan. She will participate particularly in the activities of the German department. She leaves November 29 and returns December 12. In December we await the arrival of our three Sisters from Java appointed temporarily to our Province: Sr. Dominika Sinaga, Sr. Sisilia Andri Soelistyani and Sr. Catharina Liliek Angganingwati. Sr. Leonette Kaluzny left Techny to join the New York community. Though she reluctantly gave up her ministry with Franciscan Outreach, she looks forward to being able to use her liturgy and other skills in parish ministry.
Srs. Mary Joseph Hofschulte, Carol Welp, Mary Pardy, Dolores Marie Kuhl and Margaret Hansen celebrate with Sr. Leonette her move to life with the New York Community.
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St. Elizabeth Rejoice and Give Thanks St. Elizabeth, the second Catholic Church to be consecrated in the Archdiocese of Chicago, celebrated its 130th anniversary November 4, 5 and 6. On Friday, November 4, Bishop Joseph Perry, SVD, joined with city officials, parishioners and friends to rename 41st Street “Augustus Tolton,” honoring the first priest of African descent in the United States who served at St. Elizabeth in the early 1890’s. During a festive banquet the following day, a large crowd gathered to share memories of those years through storytelling, singing and dancing. Cardinal Francis George was the main speaker during the banquet. Joining in this festive celebration were myself, Sr. Betty Tranel, serving as coordinator of faith development at St. Elizabeth parish and school; Sr. Elwira Dziuk; Sr. Marie Angela Risi and Marie Dusheck. A jubilant celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday brought 130 years of building a community of disciples of Jesus to a joyous climax. During his homily, a former pastor and friend, Bishop Dominic Carmon, SVD, thanked the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters for their services at St. Elizabeth, mentioning each by name. It was obvious from the quality and success of the celebration that the present pastor, Fr. Richard Andrus, SVD, had been an outstanding team player with the parishioners in planning for this celebration, even though he himself was absent for the actual occasion. The death of his beloved mother on November 3 called him to be present with her and the family, celebrating her new life into eternity.
The Chapel at Thanksgiving
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Since that is so, we are able to squeeze many more “words” into our bulletins via the work of the many photographers who contribute their work. We thought that in this last issue of the year we would take the opportunity to thank all the people who have contributed photographs during the year. We don’t have the space to give credit to them in each issue and sometimes the pictures come to us and the photographers are not known. So, to all of you who have made our bulletins so colorful, as well as more meaningful, a great big thanks. And a special shout-out of gratitude to Sr. Veronica Marie Mikkelsen, who so faithfully records the events at the Convent in Techny with her camera. Blessings on all for your contributions! And please keep up the good work!
Sr. Betty Tranel (Art above and on page 1 by Sr. Agnes Paul.)
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For Your Prayerful Remembrance Our deceased: Fr. Raymond Quetchenbach, SVD, cousin of our Sr. Helen Marie Yockel and beloved friend of many of us, who “jumped into the mystery of God and God’s mercy” (his own words) November 19 and who was buried on November 26. Rito Martinez, beloved brother of our Sr. Therese Mary, who was called home to eternity on November 6. Mary Ellen Andrus, mother of Fr. Rick Andrus, SVD, pastor of St. Elizabeth’s parish in Chicago, who died on November 2 at the age of 76. Ken Cunningham, father of Fr. Sam Cunningham, SVD, who died on November 17 and was laid to rest on November 21. The father of Genoveva Rodriguez and Irene Gonzalez (employed in our housekeeping department), who died in Mexico at the age of 92 years. Rita, the sister of Frank Abby (known from Hyattsville) died on October 3 after a long struggle with cancer. Our sick: Sr. Mathilde Steffens, who is recuperating from having a stent put into her carotid artery. Sr. Francetta Kunkel, who is recuperating from pneumonia. Sr. Martha Fass, who is hospitalized for a bad fall resulting from severe dizziness. After a procedure on her spine, she will have therapy at Abbington. Sr. Agnes Marie Crabb, who is recuperating from a grand mal seizure. It has taken a big toll on her. Sr. Priscilla Burke, who had a lumpectomy on November 22. She is doing well, but appreciates your prayers.
Annette Kehrer, who has had surgery. Celestine, sister-in-law of Sr. Mary Pardy who has recently had surgery to remove scar tissue and to improve her blood circulation. John Gardner, 92 years old, manager of our farm for 40 years, who is dying. Paul King, brother-in-law of Sr. Claudette Burkel, who has lung cancer with about a 50-50 chance of the treatment being successful. News from Epworth On November 15, a ground-breaking and blessing ceremony took place for our new convent and residence for our sisters studying at Divine Word Residence in Epworth. We pray that the builders work safely and soundly. Two of our Sisters will be finishing their English studies in Epworth in December: Sr. Rosalia Service Galmin and Sr. Philippa, Chen Jin Xiu. Sr. Rosalia is appointed to St. Kitts and will be flying there in January after she gets her visa. Sr. Philippa’s appointment has not yet been completely settled. News from Memphis This fall, Sr. Monica Darrichon is again contributing to the Diocesan Biblical, Catholic Faith and Methods courses for the Diocese of Memphis, Tenn. She is offering classes on the Incarnation and the Teaching Methods for Catechetists.
News from Rogers Park On November 5 and 6, our community in Rogers Park opened their newly renovated residence for the Sisters in the Chicago area and some of their neighbors. Visitors liked what they saw. The chapel is now on the fourth floor, the part of the house devoted mainly to the novitiate. The dining room, living room and library are on the third floor, along with bedrooms for four of the Sisters. The second floor is also a residence area. The first floor is for the Life Learning Center which will officially open on January 15, the feast of St. Arnold Janssen. 5
Peace and Justice News
Action for LIFE By Sr. Rosalia Galmin and Sr. Monica Ling Sr. Rosalia Galmin and Sr. Monica Ling, as well as, Fr. Bill Shea, SVD and some SVD students from Divine Word College at Epworth, went to a pro-life action in Dubuque, Iowa on November 23. They held signs before the Planned Parenthood to remind people who passed by on the street how important and meaningful life is. Many people were moved and supported us. Sr. Monica wrote, “I think to protect life is really justice and peace.�
SVD-SSpS-SSpSAP Joint Immigration Venture Sr. Mary Catherine and all the Sisters were very welcoming to Br. Brian McLaughlin, SVD, Stephanie Dernek and Sr. Rose Therese Nolta when they arrived in St. Louis, MO to share about our immigration venture. Our Adoration Sisters are part of the Joint Immigration Venture by their prayers and Sr. Mary Catherine invited the group so that they would be able to bring immigrants and immigration issues more to their prayers. The first session dealt with an overview of the immigration in the USA; the response by the joint venture so far was the second presentation and the third talk was about action on immigration and a prayer ritual -response. Fr. Urey Patrick Mark, SVD had also invited the group to share their joint immigration venture with his parish and preschool at St. Nicholas. Both groups were very attentive and welcoming.
Stephanie Dernek, Br. Brian McLaughlin, SVD and Fr. Mark, SVD
Sr. Rose Therese Nolta at St. Nicholas Parish
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JPIC SSpS USA
Since the young man had come up against bullying when he was in middle school, I decided this was the video that would speak to our students.
December 2011
Welcoming Others We are celebrating Advent during December – a time of welcoming Christ into our lives and welcoming others. It is the time of hospitality, welcoming the unknown. This is the essence of the spirituality of compassion, acceptance and love. There are many ways of living out this in our lives. Sr. Rose Martin Glenn and Sr. Uloma Akpa give us examples of this in their lives and ministry.
Overcoming Bullying by Sr. Rose Martin Glenn, SSpS As the Director of Health Services for 1,400 students in our eight Jubilee Catholic Schools in Memphis, Tennessee, one of my jobs is to educate. Before school let out for the summer vacation I had on my schedule to make a presentation to all of our middle school students on the topic of “Bullying.” I was given a video by our Peace and Justice Coordinator on “Bullying” of a true story of a young man in Wisconsin.
Jamie Nabozny – bullied
One of the 6th grade boys in this school who already looks as if he is in high school after viewing the video said to the class that he was sorry that he had bullied some of the students and promised he would not do it ever again. For the past two years I have given presentations to the students on bullying and would begin the session by asking, "Who has ever been bullied?" and "Who has bullied others?" The students were honest and did not deny either answer to the questions. I saw this student and was aware that he did say he bullied the students. The classmates of this student were silent when he spoke up. I was happy that something touched the heart of this student. There wasn't any squirming or sneering but silence. I said let us give the student a hand and the class applauded as the Principal was holding back her tears. I told the student we all appreciated his honesty and I would certainly pray every day for him to keep this promise as well as for all his classmates. Because the students were so open to this video the High School Social Workers asked me to allow them to show it at their schools as I had showed it to the entire student body and staff of one of our other Catholic Middle and High Schools. Now I have been requested by one of our Catholic Schools to show it to the 6th graders who were in 5th grade last year.
Sr. Rose Martin Glenn, SSpS
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Gathering around a Bonfire by Sr. Uloma Akpa One way of allowing friendship to grow in the midst of sharing peace at the Ministry of Reconciliation was to gather around a bonfire to
Some of our Sisters joined me on this evening: Sr. Agathe Bramkamp, Sr. Angelica Oyarzo Chavol, and Sr. Rose Therese Nolta. At the end of the program, we gathered around the bonfire again in a circle to conclude the Peace Vigil by singing, "Let There Be Peace on Earth." One could see that the 100 days of Prayer for Peace were symbolized by our relationship with God, each other,
celebrate the 100 Days Vigil for Peace. This cookout took place behind the old St. John of God building in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. It was a diverse group of people. The neighbors included men, women, young, old, American, African- American, African, and Caucasians; all were around the bonfire holding hands in prayer. After the prayer, we shared our
Sr. Uloma and Sr. Donna Liette, CPPC
and all the world. Afterwards Sr. Donna and I took the Sisters around to see the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation Center and the different programs of the Center. Sr. Uloma Akpa
Prayer of Welcome: Sr. Agathe, people of the neighborhood and Sr. Uloma
peace by serving each other food. The children enjoyed the evening because they were given balloons and glowing bracelets. Some of the adults received the bracelets too. During the evening I noticed different expressions of peace, e.g., on their faces, as they smiled, greeted and hugged, shared life and entertained children.
Help us by your grace: to banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister; to welcome immigrants, refugees and people who are different with joy and generosity; to realize that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice; to share of your abundance as you spread a banquet before us. We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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