October 2012 Vol. XXXII, No. 8
Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters
The way we look at a group photo can say a lot about how we relate to other events.
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s we begin October, we also begin our discernment process for our provincial elections.
There is a Buddhist teaching that says the way we look at a group photo symbolizes how we look at and relate to events around us. Most of us first look at the photo to see ourselves and how we look. But if we stay there and judge the quality of the picture merely from how “I” look in it, we miss the point of the group photo. We need to widen our focus both in how we look at such a photo and how we look at and make decisions about events in our lives and in our world. Particularly, when we come to important events, like elections, we want to see the whole picture and not get caught in any small egotistical focus.
Our elections are not about “me” but about “ us” and God’s dreams for us as SSpS in the Paraclete Province. Communal discernment starts with the premise and faith that God does have a desire for us as a Province. God is inviting us to a role in his mission right here in 2012. This fills us with enthusiasm and courage and even curiosity to look When one is wrapped up in himself for the big picture, to see God’s plan by together he makes a pretty small package. discerning our direction forward and who can best ~John Ruskin lead us in this way. We want together to be in tune with God’s picture, God’s goodness and dream for us. We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness. Communal Discernment is always a movement ~Thich Nhat Hanh from the “I” to the “We”. To become “we”, to become one with the mind and heart of Christ, we (continued on page 2)
(continued from page 1) need to first to recognize our brokenness and where we are separated from one another. We acknowledge this with contrition and a prayer for healing. We all have within us hurts, angers, resentments and fears. We also have within us a place of peace, generosity, deep unity with our God. We need to know these places inside us and know from which place we are speaking, listening and deciding. Is it from God’s big wide Spirit, or is it from my own small egotistical spirit? We want to build a Common Good beyond our wounds and differences. Ronald Rolheiser in Our One Great Act of Fidelity says that as Bread is broken in the Eucharist, so in order to live the Eucharist we, too, must break. The rending and breaking down that Jesus asks of us in the Eucharist “have to do with narcissism, individualism, pride, self-serving ambition, and all other things inside of us that prevent us from giving ourselves to others.” Around the Eucharistic table healing flows to our wounded parts. We join in the sufferings of Christ and become what we eat. The Eucharist binds us together into the One Body of Christ and makes us ready to give ourselves to one another and receive one another as Gifts: An ideal way to look at our group photo and an ideal way to enter into communal discernment. Sr. Carol Welp
One Heart, Many Faces, Together in Mission At the Convent of the Holy Spirit, workshop sessions entitled One Heart Many Faces, Together In Mission were presented to our employees. To accommodate their various schedules, these sessions were given four times over a period of a week. The purpose of these sessions was threefold: to help them have a better understanding of who we are as Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, to thank them for their collaboration in our mission, and to seek new ways to collaborate in the future. After a brief introduction and slide show presented by Sr. Margaret Hansen, Sr. Marie Angela Risi spoke about our congregational history while Sr. Anita Marie Gutierrez focused on the history of the Paraclete Province. The current reality of our province was presented by Sr. Carol Welp. After a short break Sr. Rose Therese Nolta spoke about JPIC issues, especially our corporate stance on immigration and human trafficking. Sr. Pat
Snider invited the participants to consider becoming members of the Holy Spirit Mission Association. Finally, Sr. Margaret spoke about the many ways we have benefited from the collaboration of our employees and planted seeds for further collaboration. Sr. Pat led us all in a closing prayer.
Employees gather to hear about the mission of the SSpS and to learn of their collaboration in the work of the Sisters.
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For Your Prayerful Remembrance
Our deceased: Our dear Sr. Marguerite Gales, who died at the age of 99 years after having spent her life in the China and the USA Missions. Mary Spitzley, mother of Bro. Bernie Spitzley, SVD, who died on September 22 at the age of 94. Bro. Charles Gerard Pashia, SVD, who died September 25 at the age of 88 years. Brother had served in the mission of New Guinea.
Our sick: Sr. Jeanne Blie, who has broken her hip in several places, been operated on and is now in rehabilitation. Sr. Rose Martin Glenn, who has fractured her pelvis, is in great pain and is recuperating here in Techny. Krystna Przgodzka from our nursing staff, who will be having surgery.
Save the Date! Discernment Retreat We would like to let all the Sisters know that together with the SVD Vocation Ministers we are planning a "Discernment Retreat." It is going to be in February (1517th) 2013 in Miramar Retreat Center near Boston. Our request is that you encourage young women in your area to register for this retreat. It is open to young women who are searching and questioning themselves about God's will for their lives.
At the beginning of October we will meet and plan the retreat so we will inform you later about all the details. If you have questions, please direct them via e-mail to sspsovm@aol.com. Thank you for all your efforts to make our Congregation known! Sr. Elwira Dziuk Vocation Director
Preparation for Communal Discernment September 28-30 Sr. Barbara Valuckas, SSND, was with us in Techny to help the election committee prepare for the communal discernment of our election process. She also gave a talk to the Sr. Barbara Province on communal discernment and how the election assembly will take place. With wonderful expertise, Sr. Margaret Hansen and Sr. Monica Mabel Balbueno were able to have all the communities of the Province present through the web service “GotoMeeting.� It was a joy to be able to see our Sisters in the different stations so clearly and have them see and hear and participate in the meetings right from their living rooms.
Changing Roles On October 1 in a ceremony in the convent chapel, the position of Province Treasurer was passed from Sr. Priscilla Burke to Sr. Dorota Piechaczek. We thank Sr. Priscilla and wish Sr. Dorota all the best in her new office.
l to r: Srs. Dorota, Priscilla and Carol
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Vows
Sr. Salud Osornio made her first profession of vows on September 8 in the beautifully decorated chapel at the Convent. Many of her family were present as well as several of the SVD’s, including Rev. Tom Ascheman who officiated at the Eucharist and vow ceremony. Fr. Daniel Hartnett, SJ, was also in attendance. After making her vows, Sr. Salud’s sister presented her with a bouquet of flowers which she brought to the Blessed Mother. After the liturgical celebration, the festivities continued with a mean and then with some Mexican dancing. Sr. Salud is now in Waukegan studying and working at Peace House, a shelter for victims of sexual abuse. Sr. Uloma Akpa renewed her vows in New York on September 6. The New York community, Sr. Carol and Sr. Rose Therese Nolta were present. Sr. Julie Houser, CSJ, Sr. Uloma’s CPE director, was also a special guest for the occasion. The renewal of vows took place at the 7:00 am Mass and was preceded by a day of recollection facilitated by Sr. Rose Therese.
Sr. Julie and Sr. Uloma
Immigrant Affairs and Immigration Education On September 21, 2012 the Sisters at Techny had a treat to listen to Elena Segura from the Chicago Archdiocesan Office for Immigrant Affairs and Immigration Education. She shared about the reality of immigrants in the parishes of the Chicago Archdiocese. One of the programs she talked about was “Immigrant-To-Immigrant Ministry” or Pastoral Migratoria which has four elements of service, justice, pastoral reflection and leadership formation.
Elena Segura
A New Ministry for Maria Hall Recently, a number of our Sisters began crocheting baby blankets at the North Shore Senior Center. Thus, we have become aware of an additional avenue of giving. There is a five-step process by which plastic bags can be crocheted into blankets for the homeless. This provides greater warmth and additional protection from the rain and snow. The first meeting was held on September 26 in the community room. The next meeting is scheduled for October 8 at 10:00 am. All are welcome!!! Shawne Greney Activities Director
Sr. Terisse Zosso and Shawne 4
Religious Coalition for the Great Lakes
Representatives of several 8th Day Center member congregations who live and minister around the Great Lakes have been meeting by conference calls with the Religious Coalition for the Great Lakes. The original purpose was to work on promoting the ratification of the Great Lakes Compact by the respective States and raising awareness of the sacredness of water and the complex issues affecting the Great Lakes watershed. The present project is developing an educational resource that can be included in school curricula as well as used by religious and civic organizations. A grant from Freshwater Future provided an opportunity for 13 RCGL members to meet at The Well in LaGrange Park August 29 – 31, 2012. Members came from the shores of all five Great Lakes to learn more about climate impacts, both mitigation: decreasing potential for climate change and adaptation: decreasing harm and limiting vulnerability to negative consequences of climate change. www.freshwaterfuture.org
www.greatlakesrestoration.us
Revel in the Revolution – 8th Day Event The 8th Day Center for Justice held its annual event on September 22 at the Irish American Heritage Center. Sr. Josephina Kudo, Diana Veloso and Sr. Rose Therese Nolta attended the afternoon celebration with the theme “Living Out Loud”. Frida Berrigan spoke about her work in the struggle for justice and her family’s legacy of Living Out Loud in movements of nonviolent resistance. The 2nd Annual Mary Elsbernd, OSF Award was given to human rights activist Mary L. Diana Veloso & Sr. Josephina Kudo Johnson.
Mary L. Johnson
Frida Berrigan
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Bread for the World Sunday is October 21 – the same day as Mission Sunday.
JPIC SSpS USA October 2012 Overcoming Poverty – Lack of Food On September 12, 2012 the Census Bureau released American Community Survey (ACS) data for 2011, with reports showing state and metropolitan area poverty and income, as well as a separate report showing health insurance coverage for 19 to 25 year olds - an age group that gained health care coverage through the new health care law. Poverty: This report finds more than 48 million Americans poor in 2011, up 2.2 million from the previous year, or 15.9 percent of all Americans. The five states with the highest poverty rate: Mississippi, 22.6%; New Mexico, 21.5%; Louisiana, 20.4%; Arkansas, 19.5%; and Georgia, 19.1%. Child Poverty: In 12 states plus the District of Columbia, more than one-quarter of children were poor. The 5 states with the highest child poverty rates: Mississippi, 31.5%; New Mexico, 30.6%; District of Columbia, 30.2%; Louisiana, 28.6%; and Arkansas, 27.7 %. What can we do to respond to this? Being aware of this reality, listening to those who struggle with a caring heart, praying for and with the people in need and then doing what we can to help those who are facing hunger are some possibilities. October 14 is Jubilee Sunday when we focus on releasing the debts of the world’s poorest countries while
Sr. Marie Angela Risi, Sr. Dolores Marie Kuhl, Judy Cates
One of the responses in Techny is through providing Hilda’s Place with lunches for those who are in need. Sr. Marie Angela Risi, Sr. Dolores Marie Kuhl and Judy Cates are preparing 40 lunches. You can see them in action every month. This is one way that we are responding to hunger. The Joint Venture Visits New Jersey September 15-19, the SVD-SSpS-SSpSAP Joint Venture on immigration accepted an invitation from Bro. Pat Hogan in Bordentown to give a presentation to the community. Br. Brian McLauchlin, Stephanie Dernek and Sr. Rose Therese Nolta visited the three SVD parishes in New Jersey, gave a presentation to the Bordentown community, and listened to people’s stories and struggles within the immigration system. On Sunday we visited Blessed Sacrament Parish in Trenton, NJ, with
Sr. Rose Therese Nolta at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament
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Fr. Guilherme Andrino. At two Masses, Sr. Rose Therese Nolta gave the homily on immigration through the lens of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching. After the Masses Stephanie Dernek gave some input on immigration, and we listened to some of their stories and struggles.
there is also a school. We also visited the SVD parish in Lakewood where there is a large Latino population. Interestingly, Lakewood also has a sizeable Orthodox Jewish population, and although these two ethnic groups live side-by-side, their economic statuses are markedly different. Fr. Pedro Bou at St. Anthony Claret Parish tries to answer the many needs of the economically poor Latino immigrants of Lakewood and area. We
At Bordentown the Joint Venture gave a presentation to the SVD community: two SSpS Sisters from New York, as well as six other religious and lay people. Stephanie Dernek presented information on the Stephanie Dernek and Brian McLauchlin, SVD
Approximately 60% of Blessed Sacrament Parish is from various African nations. One Liberian woman, in particular, shared from her heart, talking about the difficulty of having family here in the US, while others are still in Liberia. Because of the war in Liberia, family members were killed since most of them could not come to the US because of the complicated paper work and the intricacies of our immigration laws. Most Africans struggle from the moment they arrive in the US, she told us, and work very hard to provide for their families. The next day, the SVD/SSpS/SSpSAP Joint Venture team visited two other SVD parishes in New Jersey. The SVD parish in Asbury Park is undergoing an amalgamation, but trying to offer as many services as possible for their parishioners and the community. Fr. Miguel Virella hopes to offer immigration services for his parishioners. Along with ESL and computer classes for adults,
Sr. Leonette Kaluzny, Sr. Uloma Akpa and other Sisters at Bordentown
current situation of our broken immigration system while Sr. Rose Therese talked about the response of the Joint Venture, and Brian McLauchlin facilitated a conversation on how SVDs, SSpS, and others have responded to immigrants. Bro. Jim Mullen, for example, teaches ESL to immigrants. Sr. Leonette Kaluzny and Sr. Uloma Akpa provide pastoral care to immigrants. Our experiences in New Jersey were rich indeed. The Arnoldus Family is doing many good works for immigrants and advocating on their behalf. Sr. Rose Therese Nolta
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