January/February 2016 PNN

News NotesPROVINCE

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET AND ASSOCIATES • ST. LOUIS PROVINCE • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

I desire mercy, and not sacrifice (Mt. 9:13)

January/February 2016 PNN

Province News Notes is a publication of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province. Its purpose is to promote dialogue and unity within the St. Louis province and to keep members informed on those subjects that promote community and ministry.

We welcome your submissions! Submit articles and photos to Sarah Baker at [email protected].

**Materials are subject to editing and will be published at the discretion of the editor.

• STAFF •Jenny Beatrice

Editor

Sarah BakerGraphic Design

Madeleine Reilly &Print Shop Volunteers

Production, printing and mailing

Jenny BeatriceJane Behlmann, CSJ

Madeleine ReillyProofreading

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

TOWN HALL MEETINGProvince Leadership provides a summary of the Town Hall meeting representing perspectives shared during each session.

IN REMEMBRANCE Let us remember those we loved but have lost. Read the necrologies of Sisters Marian Cowan, Mary Helen Kane, Joan Whittemore and Virginia Browne

CSJ EVENTSFrom concerts to galas and workshops to prayer services, be sure to mark your calendar and join us for all of our upcoming events.

4-5

CONTENTSProvince Leadership News ..................................................................................3Province News .................................................................................................. 4-5Focus on Earth ......................................................................................................6Corporation/Council ...........................................................................................7Congregation News ........................................................................................ 8-9Vocations Ministry ..............................................................................................10Health & Wellness Committee ..........................................................................11Association ..........................................................................................................12Senior Ministry .....................................................................................................13Justice ..................................................................................................................14Archives ...............................................................................................................15Necrology: Sister Marian Cowan .....................................................................16Necrology: Sister Mary Helen Kane ..................................................................17Necrology: Sister Joan Margaret Whittemore ................................................18Necrology: Sister Virginia Browne .....................................................................19Sharing of the Heart ...........................................................................................20CSJ Events & Happenings ........................................................................... 21-23Back Cover .........................................................................................................24

ON THE COVER: YEAR OF MERCYIn his message for Lent 2016, Pope Francis asked that “the season of Lent in this Jubilee Year be lived more intensely as a privileged moment to celebrate and experience in God’s mercy.” As we celebrate the Year of Mercy and the season of Lent, let us focus on mercy and not sacrifice.

As “God’s mercy transforms human hearts,” may our hearts do the same. Let us always remember to show our dear neighbor compassion and forgiveness.

22-2316-19


Province Leadership Team

Saved by Beautyby Sister Linda Straub

2014-2019 Province Leadership Team: Sisters Rita Marie Schmitz, Marilyn Lott, Mary Margaret Lazio, Linda Straub and Maureen Freeman.

The external deserts of the world are growing because the internal deserts have become so vast. For this reason, the ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion.

—Pope Francis, Laudato Si #217.

Lent is a time for conversion. How might we respond to Pope Francis’ call to profound interior conversion of heart this Lent? In harmony with our chapter call to action, “Communion within the Earth Community,” let us open our hearts to conversion and experience God’s love for us through the wonders of creation.

Nature is filled with words of love, but how can we listen amid constant noise, interminable and nerve-wracking distractions, or the cult of appearances. —Pope Francis, Laudato Si # 155.

Nature is full of words of love and once we hear them, our hearts are changed forever. This is the purpose of Pope Francis’ letter to us—slow down, be present, be still, let your hearts be moved. John Muir, an American naturalist, environmental philosopher and founder of Sierra Club, experienced this great love as he communed with the beauty of nature. Rocks and waters, etc., are words of God and so are men (sic). We all flow from one fountain Soul. All are expressions of one Love. (Letter to Catherine Merrill, Yosemite 1872.)

Nature is healing. When we are worried and feel overwhelmed, nature can restore us, can bring peace to our hearts. Nature reminds us of the bigger picture, the immensity of God’s great love for us. With so much violence in our world, so often we

feel discouraged. Beauty is an anecdote to violence, both within and outside ourselves. Beauty can help us heal the brokenness of our planet beginning with our own hearts. As Dostoevsky said, “The world will be saved by beauty.”

How can we bring more beauty and healing love into our lives this Lent?

First we need space and silence in our lives to “listen” to the words of love God speaks to us 24-7 through nature. Budget time each day taking in the beauty of nature. Sit near a window or, when possible, outside. Be fully present to the air on your skin, the sun on your face, the sound of birds in the air. Notice your breath and how the exchange of air outside becomes the source of life sustaining elements within you. Take in the beauty and give thanks.

This season take time to receive God’s words of love in nature. Begin today by putting in your prayer space a beautiful flower or treat yourself to a new spring plant. Enjoy its beauty—let it speak to you words of love. What if this Lent we make as our contemplative prayer 10 minutes of walking/sitting outside and spending those moments listening, observing and relishing the wonder of creation.

This Lent may our hearts be opened. May we hear God’s words of love through nature and may we respond with acts of love, compassion and mercy to all of creation: the air, the rocks, the water, the plants and animals and the human family. And may we and all the world be saved by beauty.


Province News

Town Hall Meeting Summaryfrom Province Leadership

Province Leadership is grateful to all who were able to participate in the recently held town hall meetings. Members of the province engaged in phase 1A of the Process Design Team at the fall sectional gatherings. The town hall meetings were held to enable us to continue the conversation and listen attentively to one another.

This summary represents perspectives shared during these sessions. Each of us can continue these conversations as opportunities arise. Phase 1B of the Process Design Team will be held in St. Louis on Sunday, April 3. Those unable to attend Ilia Delio, OSF’s presentation on April 2 can meet in sectional gatherings to participate in this next step.

A = Afternoon

E = Evening

N = Nazareth Living Center

QUESTION 1: Implications for governance as province, as congregationONENESS:A - We belong to one congregation and to the St. Louis province.

A - Consolidate key offices – Archives, Communication, Vocation/Formation, Justice.

E - How to network through Joseph family?

N - Associates, not being vowed members, are not responsible for sisters.

GOVERNANCE:A - Clarify if focus is on PLACE or STRUCTURE.

A, E - Look at numbers in leadership on province and congregational levels.

A - Be attentive to cultural aspects related to structure.

N - Clarify relationship, roles of associates and vowed members.

A - Get to deeper questions regarding our understanding of congregation, province.

E - Lean government structure.

FINANCE:A - Keep in mind fiduciary responsibility of leadership (as Directors of Province Corporation).

A - How do our finances relate to governance?

A - Sponsored institutions.

N - What to let go of – property, motherhouse, other? Need to acknowledge there will be conflicts.

COMMUNITY LIFE AND MISSION:A - Care of senior members.

A - Clarity of relationship between province and congregation.

A, E - Choose to continue as community or choose to stay in comfort zone.

E - Clarity regarding mission.

E - Move through grieving – “together we are more.”

A - Need to talk together about quality of living in community as well as cost.

E - What is essential to our life as vowed members going forward?

N - We are called to embrace aging, illness, weakness, dying. How do we prepare to totally surrender to God?

COMMUNICATION:N - Like to hear more about Seeding the Future group.

N - What we do is not as important as who we are.

N - We do a great deal by how we are seen – gracious and loving or crabby.

Question 2: Critical Issues To Be AddressedONE CONGREGATION:A - Glad to see collaboration in offices.

A - Need to get overview of each province, vice province…sponsorship commitments in each, are there congregational sponsorship commitments?

A - Part of broader Church and minister with our brothers and sisters.


A - Canonical issues need to be addressed.

A - Need to address number of leaders at province and congregational levels, administrative duties.

A - Peru.

ST. LOUIS PROVINCE:A - Be clear about what we want and what we will not accept.

E - Property, future of Carondelet.

N - Geographical dispersion of province – we don’t know each other. Most don’t know others in congregation.

N - Need to be related to and working with bishops and priests to carry out our mission.

GOVERNANCE:A - Is province consolidation into congregational government structure the best way to go?

A - Seems many want to remain distinct as St. Louis province.

A - Need to address leadership, number of leaders, are there enough willing to serve, structure, length of term.

E - Clarify role and relationship of sisters and associates.

E - Sustainable government structure.

FINANCE:N - Gifts to sponsored institutions.

A, E - Sponsorship.

E - Maintenance needs (retirement, administration of Carondelet, Province, etc.).

COMMUNITY LIFE AND MISSION:A - Move with fear, grief.

E - Mission is to promote love of God, who we are together.

E - Energy levels needed to get to know each other across provinces.

A - Thick conversation between, among us.

N - Are we open to the future…to seeing new needs?

N - Need to relate to local church.

E - Ecological commitments.

ELDERCARE:A - Kinds, possibilities.

A - Is there a group like Seeding the Future for elders?

A - How do we meet our aging sisters’ needs and expectations?

N - Geographical dispersion makes knowing one another difficult – more apparent when we arrive at NLC.

FORMATION FOR VOWED MEMBERS and ASSOCIATES:A - Seeding the Future group is committed to ministry.

E - Need to increase vowed members.

N - Look at formation for young sisters, associates.

COMMUNICATION:A - How to network and get things out.

A, E - Learn how to address differences without polarizing us.

A - Build global relationships.

As you reflect on the town hall meetings, if something comes to mind that is missing, please share your insight and thought with any member of Province Leadership.


Caring for Our Common HomeDec. 6 workshop participants engage with Laudato Si

by Sister Rita Louise Huebner

focus on earth

Combining input, ritual, and personal engagement, Sisters Mary Lou Dolan and Paul Bernadette Bounk, led participants in a day-long workshop at Carondelet on Sunday, Dec. 6, titled “Caring for Our Common Home.” Their goal was to raise awareness and ultimately to have participants make a practical, doable commitment to care for the earth. The main document for information, reflection and ritual was Laudato Si.

Singing “. . .the earth is our mother; we must take care of her,” opened the time together and set the day’s tone: enthusiastic, prayerful, and hopeful. S. Mary Lou began by giving a general overview of this rich encyclical, citing its themes of biblical grounding, its reflection of Catholic tradition, its wholistic approach, and its emphasis on interconnections. Several of the distinctive features of Laudato Si are that it is addressed to all people of good will, emphasizes climate change as a moral issue, and stresses special consideration of the poor, those most severely impacted by climate change.

At intervals, S. Mary Lou highlighted important concepts that Pope Francis wished to emphasize. He noted the human roots of climate change, due to the exploitation of resources beyond reasonable limits. He emphasized the complexity of the crisis because of its many ecological, social, political, and cultural dimensions. Francis also stressed the need for honest political and social dialogue and the need to respect and involve all cultures while moving forward.

S. Paul Bernadette, using the four elements of earth, air, fire and

water, led the group in ritual to experience each one. For

example, she directed attendees to “feel the air” by taking some time to walk outdoors and to notice how the air affects living things. In the afternoon, she had participants “feel the heat” by passing a candle from one to

another, reflecting as they did so about the great gift of

fire. Thus while participants reflected on the encyclical, they

had time to experience the gifts of earth as well.

One significant exercise took a different approach, the object of which was to “be a voice for the voiceless,” whether it be a tree, a butterfly, a bee, a person or some other entity. After deciding upon and developing a topic, a spokesperson from the table group chose a picture that best illustrated the group’s choice of topic. In earnest, they let the “voiceless” tree, the butterfly, the

refugee, the river, or the homeless person “speak” their truth aloud; in unison all responded, “I am a member of the earth family.”

Finally, each participant decided upon a specific commitment, wrote it out, and placed it within the center of an artistic creation of earth originally belonging to S. Mary Tobias Hagan. The entire experience was a wonderful integration of prayer, song, reflection and information. The ultimate goal of the presenters, to raise awareness that develops into action, was surely achieved.

“THE EARTH I S

OUR MOTHER;

WE MUST TAKE

CARE OF HER .”


OCTOBER MINUTESCorporation

Accepted • Audited Financial Statements, Fiscal Year Ending

June 30, 2015• Minutes of Board of Directors of the Corporation

Meeting held Sept. 29, 2015 • September 2015 Financial Statements

Approved• Kid Talk Event—$375• M. Guzzardo Scholarship Fund—$1,500• Friends of NCR Appeal—$500• STA Restricted Gift—$10,000• Marian Middle School Gala—$5,000

Council

Accepted• Minutes of the Province Council Meetings held

Sept. 28-29, 2015

Approved• Extended Travel Requests (4)• Employee Christmas Gifts• Ilia Delio, OSF Presentation Site

Updated• S. Marion Weinzapfel Debriefing

NOVEMBER MINUTESCorporation

Accepted • Minutes of Board of Directors of the Corporation

Meeting held Oct. 23, 2015 • Minutes of Board of Directors of the Corporation

Meeting held Nov. 4, 2015• October 2015 Financial Statements• CSJ-sponsored institutions celebrating significant

anniversaries—$50,000

Approved• Resolution Supporting NLC Financing Plan• Syrian Refugee Effort, Catholic Relief

Services—$5,000

CORPORATION & COUNCIL• NLC Furniture—$50,000• Additional Staff Person, NLC• SJID Bylaws

Council


Oct. 22-23, 2015

Approved• Extended Travel Requests (1)• Sister Bequest (1)

Updated• Federation Meeting Update, Albany• LCWR Region X Meeting Report• Agenda Committee Update

DECEMBER MINUTESCorporation

Accepted • Minutes of Board of Directors of the Corporation

Meeting held Nov. 16, 2015 • November 2015 Financial Statements

Approved• Food Outreach, Inc.—$5,000• Saint Charles Lwanga Center Christmas

Appeal—$2,000• National Black Sisters Conference 2016

Appeal—$1,000• U.S. Federation Event Sponsorship—$2,000

Council


Nov. 16-17, 2015

Approved• Sabbatical Request (1)• Education Request (2)

Updated• Process Design Team Report• Town Hall Meeting Format


Congregational News

An El Paso Posadaby Doreen Glynn, CSJ, Albany Province

It was Dec. 24 at Loretto-Nazareth shelter in El Paso, Texas. All afternoon Petrona, an indigenous woman from rural Guatemala, sat patiently in the corridor outside the busy office. She was waiting to learn something about the MoneyGram her relative in the United States said he would send. She was scheduled to travel to Ohio the next day by Greyhound bus and this would help buy food for herself and her young son during the many hours they would be en route.

When things in the office settled down a bit, we found the form the volunteer had filled out earlier after speaking to the relative. We now had the required confirmation number, the dollar amount, and the password needed to receive the money. It was late afternoon and soon to be dark when Petrona and I left to walk the mile or so to the MoneyGram office to get the money.

The beautiful full yellow moon was just rising as we hurried to Montana Street. Carefully we made our way across the busy four-lane highway filled with heavy Christmas Eve traffic. It was dark by the time we entered the building and took our place in the line. When it was her turn, Petrona handed over the needed information and the picture ID that Border Patrol had prepared for her. The clerk scrutinized both the papers and Petrona with much suspicion. She then called her supervisor who did the same thing and he called his supervisor. Finally they told us this office did not accept immigration identification papers. To get her money Petrona needed a passport or a driver's license. My pleading with them did no good and we left to try an office down the street that the last supervisor said might have another policy.

Casa Vides, one of several shelters for migrants in El Paso, Texas, has this impressive mural on the wall. The doors of the dormitories each have names of significant people who ministered to them and walked their journey with them. On one of the doors is the name of our own Sister Ida Robertine Berresheim (pictured on page 9).


Standing in Solidarity with Syrian Refugeesfrom the St. Paul Province

On Dec. 13, nearly 100 people congregated outside Governor Mark Dayton’s residence in St. Paul for a community vigil to stand in solidarity with Syrian refugees seeking asylum (below). Justice Office staff members, Ginger Hedstrom and Megan Bender (above, respectively), attended the vigil with the letter published in the Pioneer Press by the St. Paul Province Leadership Team expressing support for the Syrian refugees.

The event was hosted by Interfaith Coalition on Immigration (ICOM) and co-sponsored by Minnesotans for Syrian Refugees and the Committee in Solidarity with the People of Syria. The vigil featured several speakers, including St. Paul First Ward City Council member Dai Thao. Governor Mark Dayton is one of the 19 governors offering a welcome to Syrian refugees to their state.

We hurried there only to find that the office had closed at 5 p.m. as it was Christmas Eve. Arm in arm, Petrona clutching her immigration papers, and I hurried back to the shelter.

There the wonderful El Paso volunteers had prepared a delicious Christmas dinner for the guests complete with large cupcakes with mounds of red and green frosting on them for dessert. After dinner each child chose a gift from under the tree and each adult received a new warm fleece blanket. By 9 p.m. all of the guests were bedded down, no doubt looking forward to finally being reunited with a relative in the United States.

Petrona's bus was to leave at 12:20 p.m. on Christmas Day. When the driver arrived to take her to the bus station, the shelter gave her a care package with some simple treats for the bus ride. Hopefully, they would last her for the long bus ride to Ohio. Hopefully, too, her relative could retrieve the $50 Petrona was not able to collect here in this land of opportunity.

This Christmas Eve I took part in a real Posada experience with this young mother. Like Mary and Joseph, who, in the strange town of Bethlehem, knocked on doors looking for a welcome and were refused, Petrona, too, was turned away. May she be safe for a while in Ohio where hopefully she received a warm welcome from her relative. I pray that she might remember not the denial at the MoneyGram place but the generosity and kindness she received at the Loretto-Nazareth shelter in El Paso.


Vocations Ministry: Something New!by Sisters Clare Bass, Mary Flick, Sarah Heger,

Amy Hereford & Sandy Schmid

Vocations Ministry

Is there a future to religious life? Ask those who have been involved in a variety of conversations, meetings, and work groups since July. We will tell you they are energized and engaged as we are in the process of re-imagining vocation ministry. As you will see in our update, the Spirit is very much alive in the developing opportunities to reach out and invite in women with a taste for the great love of God.

Seeding Our FutureIn July, the congregational Seeding Our Future group gathered in Albany. Seeding Our Future consists of 50 sisters born after 1953, with about one-third being from Peru. For the 33 sisters present at the meeting, the movement of the Spirit was palpable and the excitement electric. We prayed, celebrated, shared, and discussed our common reality.

We affirmed some common commitments and requests and made concrete steps to address them. For example, in order to get know each other better, we divided ourselves into six small groups that meet regularly through online video conferencing. We also committed to be actively involved in vocation/formation work in the congregation and requested that the Congregation entrust this ministry to the Seeding group.

The St. Louis sisters who attended Seeding came back filled with the Spirit and ready to put our commitments into action.

Dreaming WeekendAround the same time, Province Leadership was in the process of succession planning for Vocation Ministry as Linda Markway was nearing the end of her tenure. In August, they offered Dreaming Weekend to bring interested people together to share new ideas. Two key points that emerged were having a vocation ministry team and working toward the integration of vocation and formation ministries.In October, Province Leadership then met with a smaller group, including two out-of-area sisters via online video conference, to identify next steps. Based on all the input, the leadership invited Sisters Amy Hereford and Sarah Heger to develop a plan.

After some additional brainstorming and conversation, we hosted a meeting in December in which an energized and

engaged group of about 20 sisters came to discuss ideas, consider possibilities and endorse a plan moving forward. The following plan is the result of this work.

A Team ApproachVocation Ministry will be carried out by a Core Team that will share responsibility for the ministry. Right now, that group consists of Sisters Clare Bass, Mary Flick, Sarah Heger, Amy Hereford, Linda Markway and Sandy Schmid, who have been meeting with Linda to ensure a smooth transition. The Core Team will be supported by two groups.

The Expanded Team consists of those who want to be actively involved but don’t have the time and/or desire to take on the responsibilities of the Core Team. They may walk with women who are discerning vowed life, participate in various vocation activities, assist with busy-person’s retreats, etc. It’s expected that they might participate in something every few months, and will be contacted by the Core Team when there is a need.

The Support Team is comprised of those who are able to participate in Vocation Ministry only occasionally. (In one sense, this is everyone in the province!) Some have specifically

continued on page 11

Sisters Amy, Mary, Sarah and Clare

Sisters Sandy and Linda


Planning Process Updatefrom the Health & Wellness Committee

Health & Wellness Committee

In August, Sisters Marilyn Lott and Mary Margaret Lazio, liaisons to Senior Ministry and Nazareth Living Center, convened this committee to begin looking at succession planning for both the Office of Senior Ministry and the Community Life Co-Coordinators at Nazareth Living Center.

This committee is working to develop a comprehensive program designed to facilitate a “person-directed” approach to every sister’s wellness. We been meeting monthly with the goal of designing a plan/process that allows each sister, regardless of age, to direct her own wellness and optimum quality of life. To date the committee has reviewed the services currently provided by the Office of Senior Ministry and the Community Life Staff at Nazareth.

We have identified elements essential for shaping a comprehensive health and wellness plan for the province:

• A sister’s safety• Living accommodation • A support system for each sister

• Resources available to individual and communal needs• Transition from one stage to another

Key roles/tasks of the Office of Senior Ministry and the Community Life Coordinators will be considered in the near future.

As the committee moves forward, we will keep you informed. We welcome your wisdom, feedback, and suggestions.

For you, what are the most important elements to be included as we look at every sister’s health and wellness? As you consider your present living situation what would you find helpful to maintain quality of life and wellness?

Members of the Health and Wellness Committee Sisters Pat Dunphy, Suzanne Giblin, Kathleen Karbowski, Lisa Lazio, Mary Margaret Lazio, Marilyn Lott, Bonnie Murray and Jeanne Urschel; Associates Sharon Auer and Cindy Grieve; and Sister Jean Harris, ASC, RN.

volunteered in specific events as they are able and these people will be the most frequently contacted. This group consists of people who are willing to participate in specific events as they are able.

Altogether, about 30 sisters have stated their desire to be involved at one of the three levels. The Core Team is continuing to meet to flesh out roles and responsibilities. Basically, we see four aspects to the ministry:

• We Reach Out in vocation promotion one-on-one, in groups and on social media.

• We Invite In those who would like to explore vowed life as CSJs.

• We Network across province, congregation and federation and inter-congregational groups such as Giving Voice and Sister 2.0, as well as with the national organizations for support, and to help prepare us for this ministry.

• We Communicate among ourselves and with the province to keep everyone connected, informed and engaged in this ministry.

We should also add that we celebrate this life to which we commit ourselves. That celebration will happen from time to time with members of the various teams, with leadership, with the province, and with those women who are considering joining us as Sisters of St. Joseph.

If you would like to join us, write to [email protected] or contact any of the sisters on the Core Team.

Something New cont’d ...


Association

Ongoing CommitmentsSix associates made their ongoing commitment at the 24th Annual Thanksgiving Prayer Celebration on Nov. 22 at the Carondelet Motherhouse. They are (l-r) Cynthia Bowling, Mary Lee Doyens, Gen Eiler, Kate Mennes, Mary Sullivan and Kathy Burch.

Sisters Eleanor O’Hearn and Rita Moriarty hosted an Advent Day of Prayer.

Denver sisters and associates gather with family to celebrate Christmas with gifts provided by a Denver group of CSJs.

Denver’s December Holiday Gatherings Kansas City Holy Family Associate Meeting

The Holy Family Associate Community gathered for a meeting in January with Associate Board Members Clare Ulrich (facilitator) and Peggy Baker adding valuable information.

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA! Send your community pictures to Jenny Beatrice, communications director, at [email protected].


Senior Ministry

Had Enough of the Winter Cold?by Trish Callahan, assistant director of senior ministry

Spring is coming! In the meantime we have at least another six weeks before winter is a thing of the past. I was struck by how sensitive I’ve become to the cold and dreary skies this winter. So I went looking for ways to keep my spirits up and keep busy as I waited for the calendar to move to March and the first day of spring.

Clear Out the StuffIn early January, one constructive task I stumbled on was to clear out the back of my closets and tackle the growing pile of “stuff ” in my basement. The first thing I did was to sit down (with a hot cup of cocoa) and write out a plan that broke down the various areas that I wanted to clear out. Then, I set up a time table to keep me focused and avoid procrastinating.

Give Yourself TimeThe second thing I did was to give myself time. I’m the kind of person that will try and tackle the whole job in one weekend, which is not realistic. This approach of “all or nothing” provides me with an excuse to give up before I even start. I set up a schedule that allows me to devote a couple of hours each weekend with the goal of being finished by the end of March.

Phone a FriendOne Saturday, my cousin in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and I agreed that she would call me each time she completed an errand to keep us both accountable, and to help resist the many distractions that come from unearthing long forgotten stuff. I had to laugh because I had several moments where I thought, “Eeks! I’ve got to get back to work before she calls!” This happened as I went through a box of miscellaneous photographs, papers and memorabilia. Find a BuddyAnother tactic is to invite someone over to help you. It is often easier to let go of our stuff when we are challenged by a friend who can be objective. Then, offer to switch roles and help that friend do the same thing in her home.

Sort and Dispose Once you have set your mind to clearing away the clutter, sort the contents into four boxes for disposal. Set up four large containers (boxes or large garbage bags)— plus one laundry basket. Label each bag or box that will hold items:

1. Garbage

2. Recycling

3. Giveaways or donations

4. Yard sale or resale/consignment shop (If you’re not planning to sell anything, you’ll only need three containers.)

5. The items you intend to keep go into the laundry basket and eventually into an organized space in the closet, basement, garage or other appropriate room or space designated.

If you are looking for more ways to learn about de-cluttering your home, the Internet is bursting with websites. They all offer the basic suggestions I’ve mentioned above, however each one offers unique ways of thinking about the process and the rewards. A couple that you may want to explore are:

• www.flylady.net

• bemorewithless.com

More websites and resources can be found on the Senior Ministry web page under “Health” in the Member’s Only section at csjsl.org.


Justice

Impact of COP21 ParisWhat did it accomplish?

What does it mean for investors and corporations?by Sister Barbara Jennings, MCRI coordinator

The Pope’s encyclical this year ... likely contributed positively to others being more willing to come to an agreement. Such public gestures of engagement work as a demonstration of intention to negotiate rather than stonewall ...

—“COP21 Recap: The Proof is in the Pudding,” Morgan Stanley Research, 12/14/15

The Conference of Participants 21 refers to the December 1-12 meeting of approximately 200 country delegates, scientists, protestors, non-governmental organizations, corporations, and indigenous peoples in Paris. 21 refers to 21st century, the century that humanity must solve the rising threat of 2-5 degrees centigrade greenhouse gases.

• The goal of holding temperature increase to 1.5 degrees centigrade was agreed to in principle by every country. Private investment and corporate responsibility comes even more to the fore. Renewables and energy efficiency are now even more important.

• Legal enforcement and clear measures are not in place; this allows the United States to accept the agreement without a vote of Congress. Further discussion will take place in Morocco in 2016. Every country will review in five years; each country must submit in full disclosure their specific progress over that five years.

• 187 countries responsible for 98.6 percent of greenhouse gas emissions submitted Intended National Determined Contributions. Oil, gas, and mining sectors will have to diversify, even while continuing to operate on a domestic level for the next decade or so.

• More funding will be required to help developing economies transition: UN Green Climate Fund, green bonds, private investments.

• Investors have been and will more carefully look at corporations and their environmental, social, and liability and physical risks, eg, “Leave It in the Ground” Movement, return on investment, etc. Some Catholic communities and investment managers have already divested of fossil fuels.

• There was hardly any mention or inclusion of soil and water in the deliberations. This is regrettable because soil and water are at the nexus of food security and energy. Renewables will consume less water than coal, oil, or natural gas.

• There was hardly any mention of the plight of indigenous peoples most affected by climate change.

How is the Midwest Coalition and Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility continuing to work with Corporations after COP21? We intend to challenge corporations at the spring annual meetings on their roles in the country agreements, goals, and reviews; many corporations actually welcomed the agreements as “go aheads” to adapting renewables, diversifying, etc. With the help of members of ICCR, we will also be watching for counter activities: secretly stonewalling the goals through their trade associations lobbies while publicly supporting them.

Please keep these efforts in your prayers. It is important to keep up the momentum from COP21 and Laudato Si.


Meeting Our AncestorsProfile of an early sister who died

in the month of Januaryby Sister Jane Behlmann

Archives

Sister Mary Raymond Ward died at St. Joseph Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, on January 23, 1964, in the 88th year of her age and the 66th of her religious profession.

Since 1941, Sister Mary Raymond had lived in retirement at the hospital in Kansas City, where in her active years she had been a nursing supervisor. Sister also spent some years at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hancock, Michigan.

Sister Mary Raymond’s career in nursing had a dramatic, courageous beginning. In October, 1898, at the outbreak of the Spanish American War, Reverend Mother Agatha Guthrie was called upon for army nurses, and among the 11 sister-nurses sent from St. Louis and St. Paul to serve in that capacity was Sister Mary Raymond, who had just made her first profession two months previously.

The small, brave band was oriented to the army way of life in a unique training experience at Camp Hamilton, Kentucky. Here, they took the oath of allegiance to the United States as members of the Second Division, Voluntary Army, and set about generously to devote their time and services to the care of our own troops, suffering greatly from the scourges of typhoid and malarial fevers. After a few months in Kentucky, these pioneer “sister-army nurses” were transferred to Camp Gilman, Georgia, and in the early part of the new year to their real destination, Matanzas, Cuba, where they assumed charge of the Government Hospital. In April, 1899, their services no longer needed, the sisters resigned their commissions and returned to Carondelet.

Sister Mary Raymond’s death marked the passing of the last of the survivors of the Volunteer group formed 66 years ago. In fitting memory of her faithful service, the Daughters of the Auxiliary of the Spanish-American War Veterans conducted a simple, but highly symbolic service over Sister’s remains, following the traditional Requiem Mass sung by the hospital community. Upon the flag-draped coffin, members of

the Auxiliary Honor Guard placed sprigs of evergreen and red, white, and yellow carnations, as their chaplain explained aloud their symbolic meaning: the evergreen, “undying devotion”; the red carnations, “blood shed by our comrades”; the white, “the purity of our departed Sister”; and the yellow, completion of the organizational colors. The service closed with the prayer that “we all be encouraged by the memory of Sister Mary Raymond’s life to go forward to better works, to a truer and nobler loyalty, and a greater usefulness to our country and to those we have promised to aid.” May she rest in peace. [Necrology Book]

Sister Mary Raymond (Ella) was born on June 22, 1876 in Prairie du Chein, Wisconsin. Her parents, Mary Hynes and Michael Ward were from Ireland. She entered from Chicago on March 19, 1896 and received the habit August 15, 1896, professed her vows on August 15, 1898, and made final profession of vows on August 15, 1903. She was among the first group of sisters to work as a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Hancock, Michigan in 1899. She was a nursing supervisor at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City from 1921 to 1927, after which she was sent back to Hancock as a nurse from 1927 to 1941. In 1941 she retired at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City.

Sister Mary Raymond Ward is among the sisters in this picture of the Spanish American War Government Hospital in Matanzas, Cuba.


Sister Marian Cowan, CSJ(S. Mary Clyde)

April 8, 1932 - November 7, 2015

A friendly welcoming person, supportive and encouraging

The Hand of God Shall Hold You

Marian, youngest of four (Clyde, Dick and Esther preceded her) was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 8, 1932, to Clyde and Esther (Koenig) Cowan. Although she was born with spina bifida occulta, it wasn’t diagnosed until she was 50 years old when an x-ray revealed the holes in her spine. Her parents had attributed her difficulties to “growing pains” so she simply endured them.

Difficult times required her family to move quite a few times during her childhood so Marian and her siblings attended various public schools. In December of her junior year, Clyde, her oldest brother, asked her if she’d like to go to a Catholic school. He accompanied her to St. Joseph Academy located on the Fontbonne College campus. Without a transcript and only her latest report card in hand, she had an interview with Mother Marcella. Marian was offered a full scholarship! Clyde agreed to purchase her books and uniforms.

Marian entered the Sisters of St. Joseph September 15, 1949, where she received the habit and the name Sister Mary Clyde, March 19, 1950. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Fontbonne (1965) and master’s degrees in elementary education administration from the University of Notre Dame (1968) and in spiritual theology from St. Louis University Institute of Religious Formation (1975).

S. Mary Clyde began teaching in Missouri: Sts. John and James, Ferguson (1952); Our Lady of Lourdes, University City (1959); and St. Matthew the Apostle, St. Louis (1960). 1961 brought her to Colorado schools, first to St. Patrick’s and then to St. James where she was teacher and assistant principal (1963-1964). Her next assignment was principal at St. Viator’s School in Chicago, Illinois (1964-1967).

S. Marian became a student at St. Louis University Institute for Religious Formation in 1967. From 1968-1973 she was (as needed) vocation director, formation director and director of applicants for associates/novices/temporary professed at Carondelet. At the same time, she was a staff member at St. Louis University Institute of Religious Formation from 1970 through 1976 when she went to Denver as co-founder and staff member at Ministry Training Services. Following a 1981 sabbatical in Montecito, California, Sister Marian served as general councilor (1982-1990). She spent the next 25 years as a spiritual life consultant and an artist. An Ignatian scholar and internationally-recognized leader in the field of spiritual direction, Marian co-founded St. Louis’ Bridges Program which leads individuals through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. She has mentored spiritual directors internationally. Her articles have been

published in Sisters Today, Human Development, The Round Table, Harvest, and Liguorian. She co-authored, with John Futrell, S.J., Companions in Grace. In 2014 she moved to Nazareth Living Center where she continued her life consultant and artistic ministries as well as the ministry of prayer and presence.

Thoughts from many: she brought gifts that were very much needed at the time she was in formation and leadership ... She was truly someone who could get to the heart of the matter ... organized, knowledgeable ... had a clear and centered mind ... able to synthesize ... helped us gain insights ... I never saw a frown on her face, always a beautiful smile ... She exuded serenity ... served as an inspiration for many of us ... a joy to live with ... supportive, encouraging ... I saw the pain she endured with much patience. She left a legacy of beautiful art and clear appreciation of all that is COMMUNITY ... She always said that when we were overwhelmed we should let out a big sigh and leave everything in God’s hands ... I will miss her friendship, smile and words of wisdom.

My biggest passion is to help people to know who they really are as expressions of God to the world.

Marian Cowan—oral history

S. Helen Oates


Sister Mary Helen Kane, CSJ(S. Anne Fanchea)

October 7, 1928 - November 20, 2015

“An infectious smile ... a wonderful sense of humor,” a passion for scripture


Mary Helen was born in Rantoul, Illinois, October 7, 1928, to James and Mabel (Fiedler) Kane. She was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph at Holy Cross School in Champaign. In third grade she developed Blount Disease, a disease of the tibia, which gradually prevented her from walking. For grades 4, 5, 6 and the first semester of 7th grade she was tutored at home. After graduating from a local public high school, she attended Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

On February 11, 1948, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph and was received as Sister Anne Fanchea on August 15, 1948. Her bachelor’s degree in English was from Fontbonne College (1957) followed by two master’s from Loyola University, Chicago, first in education counseling and guidance (1962), and secondly in religious education (1971).

Throughout her 67 years as a sister, S. Mary Helen was involved in a number of different ministries. She taught intermediate or junior high classes at Our Lady of Lourdes, University City (1950), St. Mary, Bridgeton (1951), St. Matthew, St. Louis (1952), Nativity of Our Lord, Chicago, Illinois (1956-59 and 1960-61), St. Bede the Venerable, Chicago (1959) and at St. Roch, Indianapolis, Indiana (1961).

From 1962-1970 she was the education consultant/supervisor for the Chancery Office in the Kansas

City/St. Joseph-Missouri Diocese. S. Mary Helen made 27 trips to Canada from 1966-1970, as she participated in writing religion textbooks with a team of catechists for the National Office in Canada—the only team member from the United States. Her task was writing the teachers’ manual which was published under the title, Come to the Father. Then she served as director of the Office of Religious Education in the Jefferson City-Missouri Diocese until 1974 when she received a grant from the Lily Foundation to attend Tantur, an Ecumenical Research Institute in Jerusalem with Muslims, other Christians, Jews, and a few Catholic nuns and priests. From 1975-1977 she was religious education coordinator for the Office of Catholic Education in Indianapolis.

S. Mary Helen next served as parish minister to the sick and elderly at St. Bede the Venerable Parish, Chicago (1977) becoming pastoral associate at St. Joseph Hospital in Kirkwood in 1979. Then, in 1980, she began 10 years of ministry at St. John Vianney Parish, Houston, Texas, as religious education director.

After sabbatical time in 1990, S. Mary Helen served as RCIA director at St. Joseph Parish Bonne Terre, Missouri, and subsequently as religious education director for St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Oakville, Missouri, (1992) until 1999 when she spent time in study

and prayer at St. Meinrad School of Theology, St. Meinrad, Indiana.

Moving to St. Joseph Provincial House, St. Louis (2000), S. Mary Helen did spiritual companioning through retreats, recollection and praying with scripture. At the same time she volunteered, taught and was a pastoral associate at Sts. Teresa and Bridget Parish.

“S. Mary Helen was loved by the members of our African-American community, attending Mass here almost every Sunday for at least seven years. When our parish merged ... to become Sts. Teresa & Bridget, Mary Helen was right in the mix of helping people connect with each other. She did not know a stranger, always speaking to visitors at Mass and finding out their stories!” —S. Pat Bober

She also volunteered and taught at Nazareth Living Center, retiring there in 2011, continuing her scripture studies for any who wished. Phil Braasch, CSJA met her there: “... she always had a story for me. Her storytelling ability was wonderful. You could just sit there and listen like you were actually watching the story unfold.”

S. Helen Oates


Sister Joan Margaret Whittemore, CSJ

May 12, 1944 - November 29, 2015

Lived simply, loved music, accepted life without complaint, a smile for everyone


In eighth grade, Rae Sylvia Whittemore took her first piano lessons under the direction of S. St. Elizabeth Colbert. Though she excelled in other things, such as studies or as city champion basketball player for her parish, little did she know the role music would come to play in her future. Rae was born May 12, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri. Raymond and Mary Ann (Mulligan) Whittemore were her parents. Two weeks before her birth, her father died in a work related accident. Her brother and sister, a good deal older than she, were children of her father’s first marriage.

She met the Sisters of St. Joseph, whom she described as “incredible role models,” at St. Margaret of Scotland School and Rosati-Kain. “The reason I became a Sister of St. Joseph was I saw how much they cared about each other and that was a very strong thing and I wanted to help people.” She entered the community on September 15, 1962. When it was time to receive the habit, August 6, 1963, she asked for the name Joan Margaret. Joan was in honor of an admired teacher, S. Joan Marie Gleason; Margaret was for her parish. Fontbonne College awarded her a bachelor of music degree in music education. A master of music and a doctorate in conducting were received from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she was later invited

to be a visiting scholar (1983-1985). In 1967, S. Joan taught music at schools in St. Louis, Missouri: St. Luke and Immacolata and, years later, at Ste. Genevieve du Bois (2000). Up and until 1983, she taught at several high schools: Valle High in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri; Little Flower, Chicago, Illinois; St. Joseph Academy, St. Louis; and Rosati-Kain. She also ministered as a parish liturgical musician in Indianapolis and Noblesville, Indiana. The majority of her ministry years were spent in higher education teaching music history and theory; basic and sacred music; instruments and voice at Wadhams Hall Seminary College, Ogdensburg, New York; Aquinas College, Grand Rapids; St. Joseph College, Rensselaer, Indiana; Carl Sandburg College, Galesburg, Illinois; Regis College, Denver; Adrian College, Adrian, Michigan; University of Missouri; East Central College, Union, Missouri; Webster University, Webster Groves, Missouri, and St. Louis Community College at Meramec, St. Louis.

Beginning in 1999, S. Joan began over a decade of multi-tasking: teaching voice and instrumental music at Carondelet Studios; founding and directing the Carondelet Children’s Chorus and the Carondelet Women’s Chorus; ministering at local colleges/universities; composing music;

researching various topics for books accepted for publication and becoming intensely involved with family genealogy, discovering to her delight that her ancestors were among the founding families of St. Louis.

S. Joan Margaret was pleased to invite those whom she knew would appreciate attending various musical events whenever an extra ticket or two became available—sharing her joy. She also dearly loved dogs. It was a familiar sight to see her arrive somewhere with dog in tow. At Nazareth Living Center, when she no longer had a dog of her own, it was one of her greatest delights to welcome Robey, a standard poodle, who along with his owner, was a welcome visitor.

Even after learning that she had been diagnosed with ALS, S. Joan Margaret said,

I feel incredibly blessed... The Sisters of St. Joseph have been my family ... I’ve gotten to do extraordinary things like the doctoral program, my choruses, writing, editing music, traveling, I’ve been to Venice five times and as I always said I have nothing to complain about because I have been so blessed.

And so have we.

S. Helen Oates


Sister Virginia Browne, CSJ(S. Mary Teresita)

April 19, 1922 - December 13, 2015

Generous, fun-loving, humble, kind


James and Margaret (Flavin) Browne welcomed Virginia, their sixth child and fifth daughter, on April 19, 1922, in Kansas City, Missouri. Eventually the family increased by five more children, two sons and three daughters. Virginia’s parents owned and operated a grocery store. Because both parents were out of the home during the day, a live-in housekeeper stayed with the children, supervising chores and behavior. One parent would come home for lunch each day—usually dad. If things weren’t going the way they should, dad would go back to the store and inform their mother who would then come home to take care of the situation. Not wanting that to happen, they were usually pretty well behaved!

Virginia attended Redemptorist Elementary and Redemptorist High. She was particularly fond of S. Clara Joseph Rogers whom she said was very kind, helping her with studies, and of S. Thecla Stinn (Maureen). Virginia spent a lot of Saturdays at the convent helping the sisters, a number of whom she loved to tease. Three of the Browne daughters entered the Sisters of St. Joseph. Virginia’s oldest sister, Mary Elizabeth was a lab technician at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City—a ministry she loved. She was the first of the three to apply to enter but was told at that time that our sisters didn’t do that kind of ministry. In the meantime, her younger sister Dorothy entered when she completed high school, and

just at the time Dorothy finished the novitiate, Virginia also entered. Shortly after that, during a visit to Kansas City, Mother Bernard Dunne met with Mary Elizabeth and told her that if she still wanted to enter, it would be acceptable to continue to be a lab technician. (She entered the following September and became S. James Patrice.)

It was September 15, 1940, when Virginia entered the Sisters of St. Joseph. She received the religious habit and the name Sister Mary Teresita on March 19, 1941. Her bachelor’s degree in elementary education was from Fontbonne College.

S. Virginia served in elementary education as a primary grade teacher from 1943-1980. She taught at St. Luke in Richmond Heights and St. Vincent de Paul in St. Louis (1943); Nativity of Our Lord, St. Louis (1948); Immaculate Conception, Hannibal (1953); St. Joseph Home for Boys, St. Louis (1956); Sacred Heart, Shawano, Wisconsin (1958); St. Joseph, Marquette, Michigan (1960); St. Matthew, St. Louis (1963); Most Holy Rosary, St. Louis (1964); St. Patrick, St. Joseph, Missouri (1965); St. Bede the Venerable, Chicago, Illinois (1968); Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kansas City (1972). She was an excellent primary teacher who enjoyed the children and, consequently, they loved to be around her. S. Virginia

said she was happy at all the places she taught but she particularly enjoyed working with the children who came from poor families. Younger sisters, new to teaching, found her to be a great support.

The year 1980 found S. Virginia embarking on a new ministry as the Assistant Manager at Cathedral Square Towers in Kansas City. In 1982, the space where the sisters were living was needed for offices so S. Virginia needed to move and made the decision to go back into the classroom. For the next ten years she was a part-time preschool teacher at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and at Our Lady of Angels, both in Kansas City. After some sabbatical and transitioning time, S. Virginia was on the geriatric care staff of Redemptorist Retirement Home in Kansas City, followed by three years of substitute teaching at Our Lady of Lourdes, Raytown, Missouri. From 1999-2002 she was a tutor and then, pre-school kindergarten aide at Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park, Kansas. After a year of volunteer work with CSJ Care, Kansas City, Missouri, S. Virginia decided in 2003 that it was time to retire to Nazareth Living Center. Visiting sisters, especially those in skilled-care, became one of her chosen activities.

S. Helen Oates


Lost in the Moment: A Reflection in Timeby Sister Jean Iadevito

Sharing of the Heart

Now I understand—I am creating an instrument.I see beside me and a little behind, a hugesmiling frog sitting in a pool of green eggs,

immensely proud of herself and waiting for me tofinish the piccolo-pipe so that the eggs can gothrough and be played into meaningful songs.

—Marion Woodman, The Pregnant Virgin

Every New Year’s Day, I try to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade. This year was no exception. I believe that there should be a festival honoring flowers which were the first of all creation to develop an “eye” in order to take in the light of the sun. We have such strong feelings for various flowers which release their tremendous beauty and openness to receive the light, as well as their sensuousness—their ability to attract butterflies and bees in the process of pollination.

As an artist I know that certain images can draw out all kinds of emotions from the viewer. There are also images which artists have given us throughout time which portray the Divine or Sacred. Some years ago when I was teaching at St. Teresa’s Academy, I got involved with the Catechumenate program at Visitation parish. I showed them slides of various images from throughout the world and time, and then asked them to reflect on how they had imaged God throughout their lives.

During the last session, I asked them to bring in an image of how they really saw the Divine operative in their lives. One woman brought in a blanket and wrapped herself in it. Another member of the group brought a picture of his dog—the faithful companion. Another brought in a prism and let the light shine through. Maybe in their early life, they had seen God as judge, or a loving father or mother. But now, they were comfortable with all of creation reflecting the sacred.

Personally, I’ve been interested in the divine/sacred feminine for quite some time. Mostly, I’m fascinated by how an image has been interpreted in a very strict context with little thought that it could be seen in a different way.

An example is the serpent image, which in earliest times was the symbol for the earth mother or goddess. When we see the serpent with its head being “crushed’ under the feet of Mary, perhaps, the artist was equating Mary with the Great Earth Mother—the New Eve. And what about all those serpents which St. Patrick drove out of Ireland? What was that about?

Perhaps, I became more aware of the feminine when I began seeing the oneness of the earth community, and the oneness of the total universe community. Even now when I think of the communion of saints, I think of all of creation, not just humans. All of it belongs to the great mystery—that continual “birthing” whether a star, or whale or human.

Several years ago, I had the privilege of participating in a sweat lodge. It was only through poetry that I could express my emotions and feelings generated in this expression of Native American spirituality.

The dark—the massive dark descendingInto the abyss where fear reigns.I AM in the land of out of control,In the land of no space,where blind beggars gather for comfort,hoping to find consolation among the ancestors, as they begin to inhabit the dead parts of my body.

I hear the sound of bird feathers overhead,vultures to pluck out my unseeing eyes,Or is it eagle’s wing?Too close—they burn my face.

Something asks that I give birth to newnessYES!For I AM the grounded one, the conduit,The earthwomanwhose eyes have been bathed by stone tears.


Sister Mary McGlone presents “Candles, Créches and Carols”

Fourth Session 2015: Dec. 5by Sister Helen Oates

At the Dec. 5 Linger Over Breakfast, S. Mary McGlone guided us through the morning sharing prayer, music, and personal reflections about the candles, crèches and carols of the Advent season and beyond. Our speaker’s background includes the experiences of almost 43 years as a Sister of St. Joseph, as well as her own life-experience, travels, reflections and research. S. Mary is no stranger to research. She is a published author of religious books; she is currently involved in research and continues her writing in publications such as Give us this Day, the National Catholic Reporter and other publications. S. Mary has also ministered as a missionary in Peru. She continues to raise funds for mission areas through the sale of handmade items from various mission countries. In the midst of her busy schedule she still finds time to give talks, sing and play her guitar.

Through scripture and song, S. Mary invited us to consider what it is that we are waiting for during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Beginning with the lighting of the Advent wreath, including the playing and singing of the traditional “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” we were directed to consider the meaning of lighting a candle—beyond the obvious dispelling of darkness. It is in times of darkness, such as war, terrorism, disease or illness, we often light candles with our prayer. Candle light is viewed as a sign of hope—not just the optimism of believing that things will turn out in the best possible way but of hope which, grounded in faith, demonstrates our openness toward the belief that these circumstances beyond our control are in the hands of a loving God.

Throughout the morning the stories of Advent and Christmas were interspersed with scripture and with song. S. Mary remarked that singing together can allow us to express something that we cannot speak ourselves. Beginning with the announcement of the angel, the consent of Mary to bear the Savior, and later, the urging of John the Baptist to prepare the way, we were on a journey of discovery, perhaps to see a

new way of looking at the old stories, perhaps to look more closely at the words of the seasonal songs or perhaps to just re-acquaint ourselves with the simple beauty of the stories and hymns that somehow may have become merely the somewhat lost background in the busy days and many activities of the season.

We were also reminded, through the words of St. Paul that God took on humanity so that humanity may be filled with God. This was not a happenstance but something planned for all eternity. The Old Testament prophets had written centuries before about the virgin who would conceive. The focus of our Christmas story is Mary. Her “behold the handmaiden of the Lord” ushered into our midst God incarnate. The angels, the shepherds, the foreign visitors are all part of the story remembered in the carols. S. Mary called the Crèche a sacramental, for certainly its purpose is to remind us of the holy mystery of our human God. We enjoyed sharing with one another about the crèches of our childhood.

After singing St. John the Baptist’s words urging us to prepare the way of the Lord, S. Mary recalled other words that echoed prophets of old: Every valley will be filled in; the mountains leveled, the winding ways made straight, to prepare a path for our God. And how will we recognize this? No reconciliation will be left undone; all barriers will be gone, and we can look one another in the eye without duplicity. Preparing the way of the Lord is not finished but goes beyond the Advent Season. The Christmas story is good news and a yearly reminder to commit ourselves to being in communion with one another. Candles, crèches and carols are a good beginning.

FEB. 27: Exploring Our Soul Energywith Carol Patron, CSJ

9-11 a.m. • Carondelet MotherhouseVisit csjsl.org for more information.

NEXTLOB SESSION


CSJ EVENTS & HAPPENINGSTOGETHER WE GATHER

by Associate Mary Kay Christian, province liturgistIt has been a busy winter in the CSJ Chapel. We began with a Christmas Concert by the Missouri Choral Society on Dec. 5 as part of our Together in Faith (TIF) event series. Then we celebrated the season of Advent in prayer with a beautiful Solemn Vespers on Dec. 13. In January we closed the Christmas season with Mass on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord with sisters and associates. The associates celebrated a Rite of Welcome for new candidates on Jan. 12.

February will also be a busy month as we begin on Feb. 7 celebrating a Mardi Gras Mass and Ongoing Commitment with the associate community. Also that afternoon, as a part of the TIF series, we will host “We’ve Come This Far By Faith,” celebrating the contributions of Black Catholics in St. Louis. On Feb. 20 we will host a morning of prayer and reflection with Sister Kathy Brazda, CSJ from LaGrange who will offer a spiritual reflection of her pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago (learn more below). Finally, on March 6, we will have another Together In Faith program, “A Lenten Contemplation,” a concert featuring Soprano Terree Rowbottom (see page 23).

We have welcomed hundreds of guests, sisters and associates this winter in our chapel. And there will be more to come as we look to the spring. And mark your calendars, Ilia Delio will be coming on April 2!

LITURGY CALENDAR

February3 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.7 Associate Mardi Gras & Ongoing Commitment 10 a.m.7 Together in Faith: “We’ve Come This Far by Faith” 3 p.m.10 Lenten Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.17 Lenten Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m. 20 Lenten Morning of Prayer 9 a.m.24 Lenten Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.

March 2 Lenten Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.6 Together in Faith: “A Lenten Contemplation” 2 p.m.9 Lenten Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.16 Lenten Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.18 Feast of St. Joseph Vespers 5 p.m.23 Lenten Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.

LENTEN MORNING OF REFLECTION

Saturday, Feb. 20 at 9 a.m.Carondelet Motherhouse

Join Sister Kathy Brazda, CSJ for a “Journey of the Heart” as she shares the story of her pilgrimage of walking

the Camino Frances last spring.

Suggested Donation: $15

RSVP by Feb. 16 to 314-481-8800 or [email protected].

FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH CELEBRATION

Friday, March 18 at 5 p.m. Holy Family Chapel

Join us as we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph. Vespers will be at 5 p.m.,

followed by dinner.

RSVP by March 14 to 314-481-8800 or [email protected].

OPENING OUR HERITAGE:DISCERNING OUR FUTURE

May 22-27Carondelet Motherhouse

Reservations are due March 1.

Join Sister Lisa Lazio in her five-day retreat with emphasis on living lives of discernment in community, with

opportunities for spiritual direction, conversation and personal prayer.

Visit csjsl.org to learn more.


SAVE THE DATES

LEARN MORE AND VIEW OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS AT CSJSL.ORG.

*For all motherhouse events, RSVP to 314-481-8800 or [email protected].

March 6St. Joseph Day Mass

11 a.m. Refreshments immediately following

Avila University, Orscheln Chapel

March 23CSJ Dining to Donate

11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Jasper’s Restaurant

April 16Linger Over Breakfast KC

CSJ Spirit & Spirituality...What Keeps Our Feet in the Street

with Marianne Keena, CSJ8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. St. Teresa’s Academy

Sept. 24CSJ 150th Mass

& CelebrationMass • 4:30 p.m.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Reception • 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.Muehlebach Hotel

Oct. 15Linger Over Breakfast KC

St. Teresa of Avila: Prayer Guru & Fearless Apostle

with Ruth Stuckel, CSJ8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Avila University, Whitfield Center

Celebrating 150 Years of Serving our Dear

Kansas City Neighbor

2016 KANSAS CITY EVENTS

Honorees: Kathleen E. Murphy & Ann RotermundLearn more about the honorees and the event details at csjsl.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

DINING TO DONATE STLWednesday, March 23

Favazza’sEnjoy a delicious meal and a portion of the dinner sales will be donated to

the good works of the CSJs.

Favazza’s is located at 5201 Southwest Ave.

See sidebar on right for KC Dining to Donate event.

A LENTEN CONTEMPLATIONSunday, March 6 at 2 p.m.

Holy Family ChapelCelebrate the Lenten season with the musical sounds of

Terree Rowbottom, mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Ramos, violin

Bonnie Wison, armonica and piano

RSVP to 314-481-8800 or [email protected].


LEADERSHIP CALENDARFebruary1 Committee on Health & Wellness (ML, MML)3-4 Council/Corporation Board Mtgs. (All)5 Mission Integration Committee, Fontbonne (MML)6 Fontbonne Board Mtg. (MML)6 Avila Steer Dinner (All) 9-23 CLG, Peru (ML, MML, RS) 16-26 CLG, Peru (MF, LS)27 St. Joseph’s Academy Gala (ML, RS)29 Committee on Health & Wellness (ML, MML)

March5 Sponsorship Task Force (MML, RS)6 St. Joseph Day Mass, Kansas City (ML) 7-8 Council/Corporation Board Mtgs. (All)9 St. Teresa’s Board Mtg. (ML)12 Benefactor Dinner (ML) 14-18 LCWR Region X Mtg., Dubuque (All)19 Jubilee Celebration (Invitation Only), NLC (All)

22 Investment Managers Mtg. (All)29-31 St. Joseph the Worker, St. Paul (ML)31 CSJ Chair Lecture, Fontbonne (MML)

April2 Ilia Delio, OSF (All)3 Process Design Team Phase 1B Mtg. (All)4 Committee on Health & Wellness (ML, MML)4-6 Heartland Federation Mtg., St. Louis (MF, RS, LS)7-10 LCWR New Leader Workshop (MML, LS) 11-12 Council/Corporation Board Mtgs. (All)13 Dept. Head Mtg. (ML, MML, RS, LS)14-15 Tabitha Selection Committee Mtg. (MF)15 Sponsorship Collaborative, STA (ML, MML, RS)22 Mission Advancement Gala (ML, MML)29 Mission Integration Committee, Fontbonne (MML)30 Fontbonne Board Mtg. (MML)30 MPA Gala (MML)

NEXT ISSUE: March/April PNN & Directory ChangesSubmission Deadline: March 10 • Publication Date: April 1

For a complete PNN schedule, visit Members Only at www.csjsl.org.

This Far byWe’ve Come

A CELEBRATION IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Celebrate the contribution of Black Catholics in St. Louis as we commence Black History Month through prayer, music and dance.

Sunday, Feb. 7

3:00 p.m.Carondelet Motherhouse

RSVP to 314-481-8800 or [email protected].

Featured Guests

Rev. Timothy CookSaints Teresa & Bridget Church

Soprano Michelle Williams

St. Elizabeth Mother of John the Baptist Parish

Saint Augustine Catholic Church Praise Dancers

East St. Louis, Illinois

Dorothy Dempsey, CSJAPoet

Corliss Cox, CSJA

January/February 2016 PNN

Documents

Transcript of January/February 2016 PNN