SSpS Mission Magazine Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters Called by the Spirit ~ Embracing the World 2014 ~ Volume II
Honoring Our Jubilarians
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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Meet our Jubilarians Sr. Agathe Explores Missionary Life 125th Celebration Photos West Indies Mission Experience Future of Hope Ave Maria Ministry Welcome Our New Leaders HSMA
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Our 2014 Jubilarians 65 Years of Religious Life Sr. Mary Agnes Fahrland was born in Bocholt, Germany and professed her first vows as an SSpS Sister in June 1949. A nursing school graduate, Sr. Mary Agnes worked as Maternity Supervisor at St. Mary’s Hospital in Wisconsin, Director of Nursing at St. Joseph Hospital in Iowa and as Administrator of Sacred Heart Home in Maryland. She also served as Assistant Local Leader at the Convent of the Holy Spirit in Techny, IL and ministered to the community as Chapel Sacristan for many years.
Born in 1918 in Wuppertal, Germany, Sr. Maria Fischer joined the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters in 1946 and professed first vows in 1949. She worked as an Office Manager for many years, in addition to serving as Business Manager at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan, IL. Over the years, Sr. Maria has held various positions in business, finance and administration for the Congregation. She served as the United States Provincial Treasurer for more than 20 years.
Sr. Mary Joseph Hofschulte grew up on a small farm in southern Minnesota and professed her first vows at the age of 20. A few years following her final vows, she received a mission appointment to Ghana, where she spent 45 years helping to set up and manage a hospital; start a nursing school; train health workers; treat villagers; supervise accounting and finances at an SSpS school; and prepare children for Baptism and First Holy Communion. Today, Sr. Mary Joseph helps to look after elderly Sisters at the Convent of the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on her Jubilee, Sr. Mary Joseph says, “I am deeply grateful for every day of my life. I am most grateful to God for helping me when I was young to answer the call to be a Missionary Sister. Hailing from Saarland, Germany, Sr. Catherine Mueller joined the SSpS community at the age of 24. After professing her first vows in 1949, she traveled by ship to the United States. She worked for 28 years at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan, IL in various capacities, including Chief Laboratory Technologist and Supervisor of Audit and Coding in Sr. Mary Laureen commends parents for the hospital’s medical records department. Sr. Catherine then served offering their children the “golden treasfor 27 years in the business office of the Convent of the Holy Spirit ure”inof education. Techny, IL prior to her retirement in 2010.
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65 Years Born in Germany, Sr. Maria Agnes Petersmann joined the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters in 1947 and professed her first vows in December, 1949. For more than 50 years, Sr. Maria Agnes has delighted people with her cooking, in both convent and hospital settings. She also served as Homemaker at Holy Ghost Convent in Jackson, MS and at the Convent of the Holy Spirit in Techny, IL. Sr. Maria Agnes is now retired and enjoying having people cook for her.
60 Years Sr. Mary Helen Sullivan hails from Spalding, NE and professed her first vows as an SSpS Sister in June, 1954. For years, she worked as an elementary school educator and then served as Local Superior (and later Provincial Superior) at the Convent of the Holy Spirit in Techny, IL as well as at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan, IL. In 1982, Sr. Mary Helen received her Master’s degree in Social Work, followed by years of social service ministry at parishes in Illinois and Mississippi.
50 Years Born in Heiden, Germany, Sr. Agathe Bramkamp professed her first vows in 1964 in Steyl, Holland. She was sent to the U.S. for additional studies, one of the first SSpS Sisters to travel by air instead of by ship. Five years later, Sr. Agathe began teaching at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan. Her teaching and administration career at Fu Jen would span nearly 25 years. During this time, Sr. Agathe also earned a Ph.D. in German Studies and Comparative Literature. Upon returning to the U.S., she served as the Province’s Vocation Minister and then as Novice Directress. Sr. Agathe is currently the Local Leader for the Rogers Park Community in Chicago and she serves as a Spiritual Director.
Sr. Margaret Anne Norris is a native of Indianapolis, IN and professed her first vows as an SSpS in June, 1964 in Techny, IL. Her studies led to degrees in Spanish and Educational Counseling, with additional coursework in Leadership and Spiritual Direction. Over the years, Sr. Margaret Anne has served as an educator, Novice Directress, Community Coordinator, as a Province Leader and in various forms of Pastoral Ministry in the U.S. and Mexico. She currently works in both Education and Pastoral Ministry in the SSpS community in Antigua, West Indies.
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50 Years Hailing from Dale, IN Sr. Carol Welp joined the SSpS Congregation in 1961, making her first vows in 1964. After completing her studies, Sr. Carol was missioned to Ghana, where she worked as an Educator, Catechist Trainer and Novice Directress for more than 20 years. For the next decade, Sr. Carol served at the Arnold Janssen Spirituality Center in Steyl, Holland. Sr. Carol has been in the U.S. for the last 11 years, working in vocation and formation ministry and as Province Leader. She currently ministers at Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa in Spiritual Direction and Formation and serves on the Province Leadership Team.
25 Years Sr. Ancy Jacob was born in Tambaram, Chennai, India. She made her first vows as an SSpS in 1989 and was appointed to a mission station in Madhya Pradesh. Sr. Ancy worked for many years at Holy Spirit Hospital in Mumbai, serving as a Lab Technician and then as Head of the Laboratory Department. Following her studies, Sr. Ancy received degrees in Sociology and Pastoral Management. Missioned to the U.S., she ministered as a Community Leader and Formation Director in India, as well. Currently, Sr. Ancy directs a special pastoral ministry program for the elderly at Ave Maria Nursing Home as part of the SSpS Memphis, TN Community.
We Are Grateful THANKS TO YOU, our 125th Jubilee celebration of the founding of the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters Congregation was a huge success! More than 300 family members, friends and religious attended the outdoor Mass and picnic dinner held June 29 at the Convent of the Holy Spirit in Northfield, IL. We were blessed with a glorious, sunny summer day for the festivities, which included international attire, dances, prayers and music. Our gratitude to The Most Reverend Kenneth Richards, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre, who concelebrated the Mass with Rev. Tom Ascheman, SVD. A big thank you also to our wonderful supporters — family, friends, vendors and religious — who submitted ads for our Cele- Sr. Margaret Hansen shows off the bration Book or provided donations to sustain our Mission work. painting of St. Arnold Janssen, SVD, a We greatly appreciate your partnership in serving the underprivi- gift from our SVD brothers at Techny. leged and vulnerable among us. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making our 125th Jubilee Celebration so memorable!
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Sr. Agathe Explores Mysteries of Missionary Life I knew rather early in life that I wanted to be a missionary. From where this desire came, and how it grew to be a definite goal, is still a mystery to me, since there was little in a big family on a struggling farm that nourished this idea. But, as a Servant of the Holy Spirit, I have learned that the Spirit knows no barriers and obstacles that seem to loom before us. All inspiration, all strength and perseverance, all opportunities, all challenges, duties, successes and failures that formed my life, are all occasions to give thanks to God, the ever faithful one. After my first Profession in 1964, I came to the U.S. to study. In 1969, I started teaching freshman and sophomore English at the Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan. In 1972, I pronounced my final vows in the University chapel with faculty, staff, and many of my students attending. I came back to the U.S. for another round of studies to obtain a Ph.D. in German Studies and Comparative Literature. The next 20 years were filled with teaching and administrative duties at Fu Jen University again. They were challenging years, heavySchool withchildren at the SSpS Convent in Khandamal. academic work and much attention to student care. I learned a little Chinese and felt my way into the intricacies and beauty of the ancient Chinese culture that rapidly took on a modern face. A graduate visits with Sr. Agathe.
Sr. Agathe (center) spends time with students from Fu Jen University.
As mandatory retirement approached, I searched and prayed for ways to start something new, something that speaks of and deals with the mysteries of God in our lives in a more direct and appreciative way. Since my Chinese was not good enough to do that in Taiwan, I applied for and was invited to the U.S. Province of the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters. This is now my third stay in the Paraclete (U.S.) Province. I was trained in Spiritual Direction and for the first three years was the Vocation minister. In 2008, I was appointed to guide the novices. This ministry was truly a gift from God.
What would I say about this milestone of fifty years? I feel like pinching myself sometimes: 50 years? How did that happen? Can’t be! There is so much to remember and yet it seems like a very short time. It does not feel like a milestone I have reached, but rather like an invitation to take stock, give thanks and wonder what will be next. The Spirit never seems to tire of surprises. I try to be open and receptive to the mystery unfolding. Sr. Agathe Bramkamp
It does not feel like a milestone I have reached, but rather like an invitation to take stock, give thanks and wonder what will be next.
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thanking God for this day
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and friends
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celebrating with family
School children at the SSpS Convent in Khandamal.
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A West Indies Mission Experience Antigua, West Indies has much natural beauty, a rich culture and history and interesting people. My experience of the people is of warmth and welcome. Antigua is 108 square miles, has 365 beaches and a population of just over 85,000. Antigua has virtually no agriculture and no industry, save tourism. As many as four cruise ships arrive every day, bringing thousands of visitors. Nearly all food and goods are imported. When the world economy is bad, there are fewer tourists, which affects Antigua’s economy. Catholics are a minority in Antigua, so Catholic parishes work hard to implement formation programs for adults and children. In our Antigua Community, I minister in four major areas: supervising study periods for upper class students at St. Joseph Academy for boys; tutoring girls at Christ the King School for girls; coordinating adult spiritual formation programs for ALPHA, St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Legion of Mary; collaborating with the Hispanic Catholic FaithSharing Group.
Sr. Margaret Anne Norris coordinates a retreat for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
The students in my study hall at St. Joseph’s Secondary School have the usual adolescent challenges of society around them — family problems, the temptation of drugs. My challenge is to see that they learn better study habits and make the best use of their abilities. This is a central focus of all the school staff. Afternoons I work with students from Christ the King Secondary School for Girls, helping them prepare for their national exams in Spanish. I find the young men and women’s fresh approach to life very appealing and I learn from them as well.
As the Spiritual Advisor for two conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the conference of the Legion of Mary, I lead prayer and scripture reflection at meetings, participate in activities and give Advent and Lenten retreats. I also am a member of the ALPHA Leadership Team. ALPHA is an ecumenical, Scripture-based adult faith formation group. With these groups, I need to listen carefully, be in touch with the culture and help the adults find a deeper understanding of the daily Scripture readings in the context of their own lives. I am inspired by the adults’ desire to help those in need, their interest in spiritual growth, their humor and friendship. I also work with the Hispanic Catholic Faith-Sharing Group, coordinated by Fr. Robert Ratajczak, SVD, and sometimes lead the Sunday Communion Service when Fr. Robert is away. Other activities have included praying the Rosary when a family member has died; marriage preparation; training communion ministers; leading RCIA groups, and conducting mini-courses. This ministry presents challenges for me, including the need to improve my Spanish language skills, listen deeply and accept that often I am not able to do much to resolve a situation. I am blessed by the faith and the warmth of the members of this group.
Sr. Margaret Anne poses with a
Reflecting on this 50th Jubilee year, most of all, it means gratitude: to young Antiguan friend. God for His presence, for knowing Him, for my family, for the call to the SSpS; to family for love and care through the years, for sharing the faith, for letting me follow my religious-missionary vocation; to friends throughout the years; to the SSpS Congregation and individuals in community; for being a part of my natural family, of the Catholic family and of the Arnold Janssen family. Sr. Margaret Anne Norris
I find the young men and women’s fresh approach to life very appealing. … I am inspired by the adults’ desire to help those in need, their interest in spiritual growth, their humor and friendship.
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Mission Ministries Foster Future of Hope Fifty years ago, I made my first vows as a Holy Spirit Missionary Sister and became one of 3,200 other dedicated women whose life is about Communion, widening the circles of love in our world. During my 50 years of missionary-religious life, I have been missioned and lived in three Continents: Africa for 21 years, Europe for 10 years and the rest in the USA. I also have done ministry in Oceania and Asia. Soon after I finished my studies in theology, biology and education, I was missioned to Ghana as a Junior Sister. Wonderful! My dreams were coming true. I arrived in Ghana in August, 1968. Ghana was not hard to adapt to...There was sunshine, people were friendly, ocean waves were nearby and I could use my expertise in teaching. I was busy, happy and always learning new things. While in Ghana, I had several ministries including teacher, catechist Sr. Carol boards a bus heading to St. Mary’s School in Ghana. trainer and novice directress. St. Mary’s was a boarding school — we had the 600 students with us for 24 hours, seven days a week. So, besides teaching, many time I also was chaplain, counselor, study hall supervisor, entertainment prefect and/or dining hall supervisor. By the end of the day, I had earned a good night’s sleep and I usually managed that, thanks also to the mosquito nets. Wherever I was stationed in Ghana, I tried to work with the catechists because Catholicism Ghana in was growing School children at the SSpSinConvent Khandamal. by leaps and bounds and catechists played a great role in this increase. Every year we had about 25 volunteer catechists. Each of the 12 years I was at St. Mary’s secondary schools, our students helped prepare more than 100 students for First Communion and Confirmation. Even better, each year we prepared 25 young ladies to serve as catechists for their home parishes all over Ghana. Our Ghanaian catechists were often barely educated, schoolwise, but they had the hearts and spirits of real witnesses to Christ. Much of the growth of Catholicism is due to their faith and inspiring witness. It has been my privilege to guide novices in our Congregation. In Ghana, we started from scratch building the Convent; making a lawn, garden, orchard and place to keep animals; as well as securing books and materials for the novitiate. Ms. Cecelia Boateng was the first young woman to start the novitiate of the Ghanaian SSpS. Now, 27 years later, we have 26 Ghanaian Sisters and Sisters from Togo, Uganda and Botswana also have been trained in this novitiate. From 1994 to 2003, my home was at the cradle of the SSpS Congregation in Steyl, Holland. There I was a member of the Arnold Janssen Spirituality Center (AJSC) which supports the three Congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen: the Society of the Divine Word (SVD); the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters (SSpS) and the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (SSpSAP). During my time in the AJSC, I came to deeply appreciate the SVD Brothers and Fathers as genuine partners in mission. We work for the liberation of men and women, boys and girls, from injustice, discrimination, isolation, ignorance, infirmity, slavery and indifference. And we are doing this on all five continents. I am extremely proud to be part of the Arnoldus family. Since 2003, I have been back home in the USA. Up until six years ago, I worked in vocation and formation ministry at our Rogers Park Community and, in 2008, served as Provincial Leader for the U.S. Province. Now I am in the cornfields of Iowa (Epworth) helping our international SSpS enculturate into our Province; ministering in Spiritual Direction and Formation at Divine Word College; and serving on the U.S. Province Leadership Team. To me, the future is a place of hope. So, as I celebrate my Golden Jubilee, I am celebrating all we have been together, all we are, and all we will be as Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters. Sr. Carol Welp
Ave Maria Ministry Creates Ripples of Love The 125th anniversary, a milestone in the life of the Missionary Sisters, Servants of the Holy Spirit, is a moment of joy and gratefulness to God. Our motto: “May the Holy Triune God live in our hearts and in the hearts of all peoples,” contains our spirituality and charism. Mission is the origin and purpose of our Congregation. Ave Maria Nursing Home in Memphis, TN is one of the places where we help minister to and care for disabled and elderly persons, some of whom are homebound. Ave Maria lives out the gospel by treating each person as a beloved child of God. The facility is committed to making a difference in the life of the people it serves. Our work at Ave Maria helps introduce clients to creative programs and healthy living. continued on page 10
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Ripples of Love (cont’d)
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The 125th SSpS Jubilee Project for Ave Maria brings together homebound seniors and disabled adults of diverse faiths and backgrounds who do not have the financial resources to attend Ave Maria’s Adult Day Care. The program takes place three days a week and participants have access to care managers, activity staff, as well as nursing staff, in case of illness or an emergency. This program allows homebound seniors to get out of the house and socialize with others, even if just for one day per week. They have a variety of activities available to them— including arts and crafts, a music program, presentations and speakers, games, and education in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They also pray together, which is an important component to the program. This project is extremely important to our ministry as Missionary Sisters, because when we reach out to these people, we touch their hearts, which in turn creates meaningful ripples of love that continue to flow through all of our hearts. It is also a challenging project; however, with the grace and blessings of God, the full support and help of the management at Ave Maria and other SSpS sisters, I am able to meet the challenges and make a difference to those people whom I serve. I would also like to extend my whole hearted thanks to the staff of Ave Maria, Sr. Ancy visits with an Ave especially the Adult Day Care staff, for actualizing this program. Without them it Maria client. would have been next to impossible. The saying “your joy is our happiness” is realized in the lives of those who care for the people in the center. At the end of the day, what brings satisfaction and fulfilment is not what we have accomplished for our clients, but the positive difference we were able to make within them, as well as the significant transformation the clients create within us. Let our 125th Jubilee be an occasion for us to recommit and rededicate ourselves to serve the people of God with renewed vigor, vitality and faith. May we listen to and recognize the voice of the One who called and consecrated us unto Him. Sr. Ancy Jacob
...when we reach out to these people, we touch their hearts, which in turn creates meaningful ripples of love that continue to flow through all of our hearts.
New Leaders in Rome and USA Sr. Margaret Hansen (far right), former Provincial for the SSpS USA Province, has been appointed to the Congregational Leadership Team at the World SSpS Generalate office in Rome. We wish Sr. Margaret every blessing as she begins this exciting new venture! 2014 SSpS Congregational Leadership Team: From left to right: Sr. María Cristina Ávalos (Argentina); Sr. Maria Theresia Hörnemann (Germany -Congregational Leader); Sr. Miriam Altenhofen (Germany); Sr. Eleonora Cichon (Poland); Sr. Mary John Kudiyiruppil (India); Sr. Mikaelin Bupu (Indonesia); Sr. Margaret Hansen (USA).
Sr. Monica Mabel Balbuena (on right) was recently installed as Provincial for the SSpS USA Province and Sr. Carol Welp (left) was installed as a member of the Province Leadership Team. Congratulations, Sisters!
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Holy Spirit Missionary Association (HSMA) This has truly been a year of celebration for our 125th Anniversary. As a result, we have often talked about how God has been so present with us. We know that God speaks to each person in very different ways. Sometimes it is through people, events, insights in prayer, etc. For me it has most often been through symbols. During a retreat I was praying by the pond in our yard, which has a very strong gushing fountain in the middle. It struck me that the Spirit is flowing up within me just like that fountain, bringing new life to me and urging me to be that fount of life and joy for others. A fountain, which had just been a fountain for sometime, became a symbol of God’s life within me urging me on. Recently during a homily at one of our celebrations, one of my favorite quotes from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin,SJ was read: “The day will come when after harnessing space, the winds, the tides, gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.” Fire is my second symbol. Do I spread the fire (Holy Spirit) of love of God to those with whom I come in contact? Think about your own symbols. I’m sure that you have some beautiful ones! Reminder: We can look at some of these symbols at our next HSMA Prayer Day. The two dates for this year are: Saturday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, December 13, 2014. Hope to see you there.
Sr. Pat Snider
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SSpS Mission Magazine The Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters are an international community of 3,200 Catholic religious women serving in 49 countries. Missionary activities include pastoral work and catechesis, education, nursing and health care, social work, adult education, and many other services to uplift the vulnerable and promote human dignity.
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319 Waukegan Road, Northfield, IL 60093 Our web site: www.ssps-usa.org Our phone: (847) 441-0126 Editor: Colette Healey