Called by the Spirit ~ Embracing the World Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters Paraclete Province — USA and Caribbean 2015 Volume III
In This Issue Focus on Mission Planting God’s Garden of Peace SSpS Jubilarians 2015 Stitching Sisters OLPH Women Partner With SSpS Have We Forgotten (HSMA) Peace Camp
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Focus on Mission “Love is our Mission” -- this is the theme for the World Meeting of Families that Pope Francis will attend on his first visit to the United States. It is a simple, but very powerful, statement. It places the call to mission right into the heart of our everyday lives. This can be the most challenging place to live out our Christian vocation to love. Christian families are encouraged, today more than ever, to accept the mission which calls them to be centers where, ideally, we are taught to live out a universal and inclusive love. How did Jesus live out his mission of love? Like every human being the incarnate God learned to receive and give love within his own family. However, as he grew up, he was not satisfied with a cozy and self-centered experience of love. Jesus’ experience of God’s Kingdom urged him to expand the circle of love into a community of men and women disciples, so that they could reach out to those on the margins of their society: the poor, the sick, the women and the foreigners. Jesus’ message and life of love is missionary by nature. It calls us: you, and me, and every disciple, to follow him in a mission of love which is rooted in a deep experience of family, friendship and community. It also expands into a mission of inclusion of those who, in every age, are marginalized and excluded by those with more privileges and advantages. The directions of the last SSpS General Chapter (2014) called us to widen the circle of our mission and to further our communion with God, with the marginalized and excluded, with creation, and with one another. By highlighting these two constitutive aspects of the dynamic of mission, these directions can trigger stirring questions in all those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus. For example: How do I live out the communitarian dimension of the Christian faith? Who are the ones that I consider to be part of my community or circle? What circles am I part of? Who is excluded from those circles? Are my lifestyle and options reinforcing barriers or promoting inclusion? How am I protecting the planet against the depravation of consumerism? Dear friends, may the SSpS mission-stories that we share with you through this magazine inspire you to reflect on these and other similar questions. The model of love that Jesus left us urges us to leave our comfort zones and venture into new paths of commitment to those who are on the margins of our families, communities and societies. In a world of growing individualism and indifference, Jesus’ model impels us to reach out and build the inclusive and egalitarian Kingdom of Justice and Peace that God wants. “Love is our Mission!” ~Sr. Adriana Milmanda, SSpS
Sr. Adriana Milmanda hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina and professed her First Vows as an SSpS Sister in 1992. She has been missioned to Neuquén (southern Argentina); Brisbane and Sydney, Australia; the Fiji Islands and came to the USA Province in 2013 for graduate studies at the Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, where she received her Master of Divinity degree in May 2015. Sr. Adriana’s primary ministries include Pastoral Work, Youth Ministry and Mission Animation.
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PLANTING GOD’S GARDEN Of RECONCILIATION and PEACE
Dear Readers, Our summer issue of SSpS MISSION Magazine is focused on the summer ministries of our Sisters in the Paraclete Province – United States, and our mission collaborators. Throughout the world, our Sisters are invited to “widen the circle” of communion and collaboration in mission. In very simple ways our summer programs reflect this dimension. Empowered by the Spirit and inspired by the example of Christ, each of us is called to mission and to draw all into deeper communion with God and with one another. The Spirit impels us to be the ‘Good News’ we proclaim! Key to our mission ministries is your prayerful support and encouragement! Through you, the circle of God’s love is widened and the hearts of all are enriched! Thank you for your mission collaboration and generosity! Sr. Mary Miller, SSpS
NEXT ISSUE: Collaboration with our Mission helpers from St. Norbert Parish, Northbrook, IL
In the early 1900’s, the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, in collaboration with the Divine Word Missionary (SVD) priests and Brothers, established Catholic “mission” schools in Mississippi and Arkansas. Although the children were predominantly non-Catholic Christians, their parents valued the religious, value-centered education. Also, the schools provided a viable way for Catholic evangelization of families. In the mid-1980’s, due to a number of circumstances and mission needs throughout the world, the focus of mission shifted from formal educational programs to more socio-pastoral initiatives. Today, our Sisters continue life and mission in Mississippi and Arkansas through the Summer Bible School in Greenville and Indianola, Mississippi, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. From June 8-12, three groups of SSpS Sisters and several lay companions from the parishes accompanied children, ages 5-13 for the Summer Bible School during which the children were guided through prayer, Scripture reflection, art, music, and other activities to grow in their relationship to God and others as persons of reconciliation and peace. ~Sr. Mary Miller, SSpS
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It is beautiful to experience the children’s sincerity and simplicity as they quietly center themselves in prayer! Our parish helpers were amazed as they observed the children so peaceful and still in prayer.
St. Peter -- St. Raphael -- St. Justin Parish Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Parent and parishioner volunteers generously shared their time and talents with the children, assisting the Sisters throughout the program.
The children received a good breakfast and lunch each day and had time to socialize with one another.
The children enjoyed working with the parachute during a music class, guided by Ms. Linda Ross and Ms. Mollie.
The children planted seeds and received participation certificates as a reminder to be children of reconciliation and peace in our world.
Sr. Gertrude, SSpS, (from Ghana) leads the children in a Ghanaian dance of praise to the Lord during the closing celebration of the Summer Bible School Program in Pine Bluff, AR. 4
Learning about Peace Sacred Heart Parish, Greenville, Mississippi ~ St. Benedict the Moor Parish, Indianola, MS ...through art activities.
...always ‘widening the circle’ of peace and love with enthusiastic partners in mission!
...through Scripture stories and role playing with Sister Ancy. ...through music and dance with Sr. Margaretha. At the end of the week, a parent expressed gratitude to all who made this experience possible, saying:
“OUR CHILDREN HAD FUN GETTING CLOSER TO GOD AND EXPERIENCED THAT GOD SO LOVES THEM.” 5
Congratulations 2015 Jubilarians “This Jubilee is very, very special. It’s the high point of my life and I’m very happy I can celebrate it. God is always there... always faithful. You give your life to Him and He’ll give you His life. My religious life has been just beautiful!” ~Sr. Mary Jane Lusson Sr. Mary Jane Lusson 70 Years Sr. Maria Elisabeth Klodt 65 Years
Sr. Mary Pardy 65 Years
“When growing up, the saying was ‘listen to your heart, it will never deceive you.’ I did, and I entered the Convent and it has been a very fulfilling life journey.” ~Sr. Veronica Marie Mikkelsen “My Golden Jubilee during this Year of Consecrated Life is a call, a privilege, a blessing and a yearning. As I look to the past, I have been to blessed and I am filled with gratitude. Today as I live the present, I yearn to live with passion, authenticity and radical love. Looking into the future, I want to embrace it with hope, love and gratitude.”
“This is a time of gratefulness for God’s guidance, protection and generosity. God takes me as I am and loves me anyhow. Something that is always in my mind: God says ‘You are mine and mine forever.’ God is so good.”
“I am so grateful to God for where I am. Every day we celebrate in gratitude for all we’ve received through the years. This has been a wonderful opportunity for me to prepare for heaven. And through it all, God has always been there for us.” ~Sr. Mary Pardy
~Sr. Maria Elisabeth Klodt
~Sr. Rose Therese Nolta “I am grateful that my jubilee is in the year dedicated to consecrated life. I think this is a special privilege that carries some responsibility.”
Sr. Veronica Marie Mikkelsen 50 Years Sr. Rose Therese Nolta 50 Years Sr. Elwira Dziuk 25 Years
~Sr. Elwira Dziuk 6
Stitching Sisters Help Senior Center Serve Others
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very Wednesday, a small contingent of SSpS Sisters travels to the North Shore Senior Center (NSSC) in Northfield, IL to collaborate with other women in warming the hearts of others. The Sisters are valued members of the NSSC Stitchers Group: 10 to 15 women who knit or crochet borders around fleece fabric to create blankets for hospital patients. The Stitchers also make hats and other garments for babies served by Aid for Women, an agency that provides services to women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.
Sr. Maria Elisabeth (far right) finishes her work on a blanket while visiting with other Stitchers.
Another Stitchers member, Sr. Dolores Marie, is very grateful to participate in the stitching ministry. “It means very much to me that I am well enough to be able to go to do this type of work,” she explains. “It’s helpful on two levels: We are making blankets for a good cause and we are socializing with women from the community.”
Four SSpS Sisters are currently members of the Stitchers Group: Sr. Maria Elisabeth Klodt, Sr. Dolores Marie Kuhl, Sr. Therese Mary Martinez and Sr. Martha Fass. Sr. Maria Elisabeth has been a part of the group for more than two years and says she enjoys the ministry very much. “It seems to help the atmosphere that we are there,” she comments. “The women are very friendly. It’s nice that there is a group of women who can support each other in doing good work.”
Rose Carroll, Associate Director of Lifelong Learning at the NSSC, states that the Stitchers Group has actually been in existence for close to 10 years, though the Sisters participation began in the last few years. “We love having the Sisters attend events at the Center,” Rose says. “The volunteers who greet visitors at our door comment how they enjoy the Sisters; coming in with a smile and a cheerful hello.” She adds, “The Sisters bring a gentle, peaceful spirit to the group, as well as a wonderful sense of humor.” Over the years, the SSpS Sisters have collectively made more than 100 blankets through their stitching ministry.
(From left): Srs. Therese Mary and Dolores Marie join a fellow Stitchers Group member in creating blankets for hospital patients. 7
~Colette Healey
OLPH Women Form Longstanding Partnership with SSpS to Sr. Margaret about her missionary work in New Guinea,” Cara adds. “I find the Sisters amazing, selfless women who look at life with such joy.” “The OLPH women are very devoted to their relationship with the Sisters,” says SSpS Activities Coordinator, Shawne Greney. “Some of the women have been coming here for several years...and their children and even grandchildren come with them now,” Shawne says. The twice-monthly visits center around activities for the Sisters such as bingo, puzzles or card games, as well as birthday and holiday celebrations. “It’s very positive. The Sisters really look forward to their visits,” comments Shawne. She adds, “It’s wonderful for the Sisters to see different people and Members of the OLPH Women’s Club entertain Sisters twice monthly with enjoy different conversations. And birthday parties, bingo and social celebrations. they know it’s a longstanding relationship with these women. The Sisters feel uietly, unassumingly and without very connected to OLPH.” fanfare, the women of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) parish in The feeling is quite mutual, according to regular Glenview, IL have been forging visitor, Cara, who says, “I am always so happy relationships with the Sisters at the Convent of to be visiting. The Convent is a beautiful, the Holy Spirit in Northfield — for many decades, peaceful place and a hidden gem.” in fact. ~Colette Healey The Sisters’ partnership with OLPH has a long history — dating back to the days of volunteering in the Mission Department at the Convent complex at 2600 Waukegan Road in the 1960s.
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Today, OLPH Women’s Club members visit the Convent primarily to spend time with elderly sisters in Maria Hall. It’s a match made in heaven! “The Convent is a very special place for me,” says Cara Lanscioni, who has been a Convent fixture for several years. “I love playing bingo with the Sisters and working on puzzles with them. I spend a long time talking 8
Have We forgotten
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n the past few weeks, I have spoken to several people who, though supposedly “lifetime Christians”, told me that they are not sure they really believe in a personal God. Faith is a big question for them.
During the same few weeks we have had two stories of faith in the morning Mass readings. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his greatly-loved son, Isaac, on the altar of sacrifice at God’s request. God relented and Isaac’s life was saved, but what an act of faith on Abraham’s part! Then, there was the story of Thomas, who didn’t believe the other Apostles when they said that they had seen the Risen Jesus. Only when he himself could touch the Lord, could he believe. Can we imagine ourselves in either Abraham’s or Thomas’s situation? What is this faith? Faith is a gift and if we don’t grow it and use it, it is like our memory as we get older: “Use it or lose it.” If we forget all that we have received from God every day of our lives, we begin to take life for granted. Sometimes on a quiet day a good practice is just to look back over the ways God has been with us, blessed us, given us an answer to a problem in our life, protected us from harm and brought good people into our lives. Even in times of hardship, God is speaking to us, if we have ears to hear. Perhaps you will share some of these experiences with another. When we can see that all these things are truly gifts from God, we remember that God loves us with an everlasting love. From the time God breathed life into our being until our last breath, our Creator God has never forgotten us. HOW CAN WE FORGET OUR LIFE-GIVING FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT! Sr. Pat Snider, SSpS (HSMA Director)
Interested in joining the Holy Spirit Missionary Association (HSMA)? HSMA is an association of Christians who wish to grow into a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit and live the life and mission of the Church right where they are -- all by bonding with the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters in prayer. Want to know more? Visit: www.ssps-usa.org/hsma Write: HSMA/Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters/319 Waukegan Rd/Northfield, IL 60093 Call: 847.441.0126 and ask to speak to Sr. Pat 9
HOLY SPIRIT LIFE LEARNING CENTER SUMMER PEACE CAMP
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he Holy Spirit Life Learning Center, located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, is conducting a SUMMER PEACE CAMP for children in the area. Often, our children are growing up in an environment of violence in the family and among friends and associates, in neighborhoods and cities, on television and other electronic media, and in world events. How can we help children cope with the elements of violence in their lives? How can we help children come to an understanding of the elements of peace? How can we provide an oasis of peace in the area during the turbulent months of summer? These are some of the questions the staff of Holy Spirit Life learning Center asked as they made plans for the SUMMER PEACE CAMP. On June 29th, the doors of the Center opened to welcome 47 children ages 5 to 15, to the “Summer Peace Camp�. For six hours, five days a week, the children engage in a variety of activities providing them opportunity to learn skills for working and playing together in peace and harmony. The program addresses some neighborhood needs expressed by parents and observed by the staff. Our adult students in ESL (English as a Second Language) Classes are working parents who were looking for a safe alternative for their children; there were some violent, lawless activities happening in the neighborhood; there is a need for children and adults to find ways to deal with conflict. As a faith-based program, each day begins with a Bible study or reflection. The children prescribe or establish specific attitudes and behaviors they will work on throughout the day to provide them experiences of getting along with one another. 10
They try to see themselves as followers of Jesus in their relationships with one another. To be peace-makers is the ideal that instructors and children want to become. Besides the daily Bible reflections, the children’s activities include arts and crafts where, depending on the age group, the children are making birdhouses, poster murals, papier-mâché creatures or masks, and puppets for an end-of-the-summer show. There is also time for organized play and free time. With the generous assistance of many full-time and part-time volunteers who give of their time and talent, and the dedicated teachers and staff, the Summer Peace Camp is a place of learning, enjoyment, and peace for the children of the area. ~Sr. Judith Vallimont, SSpS
Mission Offering: Please accept my offering of $________ to support the Mission Ministries of the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters. Prayer Request: _____________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip _______________________________________________________________________ Email Address ____________________________________________________________________________ Please mail form to: SSpS Mission Magazine ● 319 Waukegan Road ● Northfield, IL 60093 (please make checks payable to: Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters The Sisters Thank You for Your Support! 11
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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 promote human dignity.
SSpS Mission Magazine is published quarterly by: Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters ~ 319 Waukegan Road, Northfield, IL 60093 www.ssps-usa.org ~ (847) 441-0126 Editorial Staff: Sr. Mary Miller, SSpS ~ Colette Healey, Communications Specialist 12