of Charity of Saint Augustine

Summer1997

Photos, left to right: Sisters

Carol Kandiko, Cabrini Ferrito,

Nancy Hendershot, Carol

DeCrane, Evelyn Flowers.

<7On Saturday, March 15th, the Sisters of

Chaiity of St. Augustine gathered in the chapelat Mount Augustine to, once again, elect fivewomen to leadership. Those elected would leadthe community into the 21st Century. The dayhad finally arrived after months of meetings anddiscussions. The elections resulted in two newmembers on the leadership team with threeremaining on the team for another four years.Sister Nancy Hendershot was elected to therole of Major Superior. (See Portrait on page 2).The sisters elected to be on Council were:Sisters Carole DeCrane, Cabrini Ferrito,Evelyn Flowers (all re-elected), and CarolKandiko.

For this edition of Images the newly electedsisters were asked to reflect on the theme of theupcoming Chapter of 1997: "Sing a New Song."

Sr. Carole DeCrane... The Sisters of Charityof St. Augustine have, throughout history "sungnew songs to the Lord!"...We are, once again,

<7called to sing a new song as we come with openhands and hearts to discover how and whereGod is calling us through all of our voicestogether in community. I believe that our newsongs must arise out of our deep commitment tothe life of Jesus, as evidenced not only personal-ly, but by our faithfulness to one another and ourlife together in community.

Sr. Cabrini... Leadership provides an opportu-nity for me to use the basic notes of my scale...my talents, strengths, and even my weaknesses,to play new variations on the theme of leader-ship for the next four years. The future adminis-trative team of CS A will bring new sisters, newexperiences, new rhythms and new notes...Thebasic song I will continue to sing to the Lord willbe one of joy and hopefulness...There may be atremolo when I sing my personal song, butoverall I look forward to sustained commitmentas I join in concert with all of CSAto makemusic for God.

(continued on page 6)

o r I r a 11

Sr. Nancy Hendershot

Loyal, helpful, caring, concerned, and orga-nized...These are just some of the words thatdescribe Sr. Nancy Hendershot. Sr. Nancy waselected to the position of Major Superior of theSisters of Charity of St. Augustine. She will takeoffice on July 27, 1997.

Sister is the oldest of four children, and she hasthree younger brothers, Bill, John, and Steve.Sister was born in Akron. She attended 2ndthrough 7th grade at St. Joseph's in CuyahogaFalls. Present at her election were three of theCSA sisters who had taught her at St. Joseph's;Sisters Annella Treber, Eugenia Hosfeld, andBeth Pierik. She attended high school at St.Mary'sin Akron. After her education at St.Mary's she received her B.S. in Education fromKent State in 1961. As a lay person she taughtwith the CS As at Immaculate Heart of Mary inCuyahoga Falls for 3 years.

When asked about her call to religious life, Sisterresponded by saying that it was "steadily" coming.She felt that significant times in her religiousgrowth included her mother taking her regularly tochurch services when she was young and feelingthere was more to life as a young adult. She decid-ed to approach Sr. Bernarda about her possiblevocation to CSA. Sister states that she had experi-

.

SisterNancy Hendershot

enced the CSA sisters as"human, holy, and wholesomeindividuals who loved Goddeeply and who also had a deeplove for people." Sister saidshe also experienced goodteaching and good times, experienced charity andsaw charity expressed toward students and others intheir ministry.

Sr. Nancy entered the CSA community inAugust of 1962. Her first assignment was teach-ing at St. Joseph's in Cuyahoga Falls (her homeparish), followed by teaching at Parmadale.She then received her M.A. in Counseling andGuidance from John Carroll University in 1969,and assumed the position of Director of Guidanceat St. Augustine Academy. She left that positionin 1976 to begin Pastoral Ministry at Holy Familyin Stow, Ohio. She was then elected to the CSACouncil where she served for 8 years as Councilorfor Apostolic Works. Toward the end of that timeshe began a part-time position in the DiocesanPastoral Ministry Office (which developed into afull-time position) until 1991 when she assumedthe role of Pastoral Minister and member of thePastoral Team at St. Mary Magdalene's inWillowick.

When asked about her hopes and vision for thenext four years, she related her outlook to theChapter Planning Theme, Sing A New Song. "Ifthe song of God's love is to be sung in the worldtoday - it must be sung through us, CSAs and allChristians. We are all ordinary people, and it istogether that we carry out the mission of Christ."

Does she have any hobbies? Sister loves theoutdoors and loves to read. Her favorite quotationis from Isaiah 43, "Because you are precious inmy eyes and glorious, and because I love you...Fear not, for I am with you."

Nancy Hendershot and Maggie Wood,

/^V/potlightv—_*

The Chapter Planning Committee

The Chapter, while in session, exercises the highest legislative authorityin the Congregation. Since the Chapter represents the best hopes and ideals of the

Congregation seeking to engage us all in dialogue, the times for electionof Chapter members, Chapter preparation, and Chapter session

are events of special significance in the life of the congregation."CSA Constitution, p. 39.

In October of 1996, the ChapterPlanning Committee met for thefirst time to begin the process ofpreparation for the July, 1997Chapter of Affairs.

Sisfws Marian and Mary Dorothy compare notes.

Sister Judith Ann Karam chairsthe committee and the othermembers are Sisters MarianDurkin, Miriam Erb, JoanGallagher, Carol Kandiko, andMary Dorothy Tecca.

The committee began its workby looking at the various possi-bilities for Chapter process.Reading and discussion includedtwo new formats, TheologicalReflection and Open SpaceMethodology. Sr. DorothyBondi, OSU, who served on theleadership team of the Cleveland

Ursulines, came to a meeting topresent these options to the com-mittee.

Dates were set to studyCommunal Identity, Corporate

Commitment to Ministry,Membership andDiminishment using the tech-niques of TheologicalReflection and Open Space.Sister Mary Aquin O'Neill,RSM was contacted and agreedto facilitate the weekend ofMay 17-18, 1997. These twodays were the springboardmoving CSA toward theChapter of Affairs."Sing a New Song" was cho-sen as the theme for the chapter

to reflect the spirit of the congrega-tion as it continues focusing on thefuture. A prayer for Chapter waswritten by the members todistribute to the CSA sisters andAssociates. Meantime, the ChapterPlanning Committee chose SisterMary Dorothy Tecca to be thechairperson of the July Chapter.

Committees, individual CSA'sand/or groupings of members havebeen requested to submit a formwith a Chapter proposal, a report,an update or an educational piecefor the Chapter agenda.

The community and chaptermembers will gather the weekendof July 25-27, for the Chaptersessions.

Chapter Planning Committee members: Sisters Marian Durkin, Mary Dorotly Tecca,Carol Kandiko, Judith Ann Karam, Miriam Erb, Joan Gallaghet-.

a t h e r i n g s

&yfer Colctta McNamee initiates a topic fir discussion

BishopAnthony Pillaf resided atEucharistic Liturgy on election clay.

e t y o u rs o n g s

s u n g f r o im o u n t a i t

h i g h . "Table sharing by Sisters Carole DeCrane, Sharon Anne Yanak,

Helen Mary Frank, andNancy Hendershot.

Gatherings at "Mount Augustine"Electing new leadership - March 15,1997

Formulating strategies for the 21st century - May 17-18,1997

The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and associatesbegan the process of "singing a new song" with their lives.

The song will be sung into the future as new ministries take shape,as new directions are mapped out,

as new leadership begins the journey together.These pictures capture the spirit of those days.

PatDougherty,Associate, with SisterPauline Pai* Copyright© 1972 hy Daniel L. Schuite. S.J. Published exciusivcly by North American Liturgy Resources,

i 0802 N. 23rd Avenue. Phoenix, Arizona. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

Sisters Loretta Spofi/a, Carol Kandiko, andSbaronAnncYaimkenjoyingabreak.

Sister Helen Agnes Ballah, CSA, shares a moment -withSr.MaryAquin O'Neill,RSM.

Sister MaryAqiiinO'Neillfadlitatedthe?>• meetings on May 17-18,1997. Sister's Karen Li-vinjiston and Mary MarkMcCuttough enjoyalunch break.

Sistm Eileen Keating, Coletta McNamee, and Marietta Ro/jrparticipatedin thePre-ChapterT/xahgicalReflection meetingMay 17,1997.

Sistei-JtidithAnnKaram,CSA,MajorSuperioriaithnewly electedSr. Nancy Hendershot,whoiuilltake office'July-27,1997.

(Sing a New Song, continued from page 1)

Sr. Evelyn... One is hardly inspired to sing inthe face of calamity. On the contrary, singing isan expression of joy, exaltation, and hope...Thecoming of the Messianic Age, the pivotal point ofcreation foretold by Isaiah is celebrated inRevelations as accomplished and accompanied bya new song...We stand in the midst of another piv-otal point, a transformational era characterized byvast changes in every facet of our existence. Thiscan be frightening. But God is still the Lord ofhistory who will lead us by paths as yet unknown.We go forward confidently, singing.

Sr. Carol Kandiko... Newness is how God cre-ates. "Behold!" God says in Scripture, "I make allthings new!" This Good News is something tosing about. I am keeping my mind and heart opento be receptive and flexible through the next four

years. The melody I hear is one of mystery. Wecan't know for sure either the tune or the lyrics,but we can be ready to be surprised, delighted,and challenged by the song. My hope is that wewill all be open to hearing and responding to theever expanding view of our place in space-timeand our role in salvation history.

Sisters CaroleDeCrane, Caml Kandiko, CabiiniFemto,Evelyn Flowers, andNancy Hendershot.

SA We 1 c o m e sN e w A s s o c i a t e s

Seven persons will be welcomed as Associates of TheSisters of Charity of Saint Augustine on Sunday, June 29th.

At a 2:00 PM ceremony, Sister Judith Ann Karam, Major Superior ofCSA, will welcome Rev. Albert Gassert, Mary E. James, James and BernieKaniecki, Frank and Betty Ricci and Judy Wagner. Each new memberwill be invited to live the values and goals of the CSA Congregation intheir own personal lifestyle.

4 1k

Do you know someone interested inbecoming a Sister of Chanty of St.Augustine? Please have her contactSister Ruth Ann Patrick, c/o MountAugustine, 5232 Broadview M,Richfield, OHor by phone at 979-0943 (home)or '861-6200 (work)

Vir

NeinAssodates — Bernie Kaniecki,James Kaniecki,Mary E.JamesJiidy Wagner,Betty Ricci, Frank Ricd, andFr. Albert Gassart.

m p s e s

Sister Kathketi Barnes

On May 12th, Sr.Kathleen Barnesgraduated fromMidlandsTechnical Collegewith an AssociateDegree in HealthManagementInformation. Sisteris presentlyemployed in the

Medical Records Dept. at ColumbiaProvidence Hospital in SouthCarolina.... Sr. Stephanie Kovachwas inducted into the Silver Clubfor Twenty-five years of service atColumbia-St. Vincent CharityHospital... Sr. Cheryl Keehner hasbeen elected as District Chairpersonfor the Cuyahoga County SuburbanSouthwest District of the Dioceseof Cleveland... at a conference atthe University of Wisconsin onJune 13-15, Sr. Mary DenisMaher will be part of a panel pre-senting Women in Health Care in

Images is a bi-annual newsletterpublished by:Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine5232 Broadview RoadRichfield, Ohio44286(216)659-4161

Staff for this issue:

Sister Lillian Fries CSASister Elaine Nimberger CSA

Editor: Sister Marian Durkin CSA

Design, and production: Atlantic Color, Inc.

Printing: Oakwood Graphics, Inc.

Cleveland 1776-1996... Winner ofthe First Humanitarian Award forVolunteers given at Columbia St.Vincent Charity Hospital was Sr.Pauline Panik... Sr. Mary LoisPhillipp graduated fromLeadership Stark County in March,1997. The program consisted oftwo years of learning about aspectsof Stark County and involvement incity projects... Recipient of theAmerican Culinary Fellowship,1997 Annual Achievement Awardwas Sr. Venard Kline. She alsoreceived the August LoprestiFellowship Award, 1997...Sr. Loretta Spotila has begun anew ministry in Kentucky whichpromotes wellness.

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Sisters of Charitywill participate ina Walk-A-Thon/Pray-A-Thon

7997 marks a special yearfor the Catholic Diocese ofCleveland, Ohio. BeginningApril 23,1997, the Diocesewill begin a SesquicentennialCelebration celebrating 150years of service to the peopleof God.

There are many eventsplanned for the year of cele-bration. On Saturday,September 20,1997 theReligious of the Diocese aresponsoring a Walk-a-Thon/Pray-a-Thon from9:00-12:00 noon. Tlris eventwill take place simultaneous-ly throughout the diocese infive different regions. Thefocus for the funds raised willbe local housing concerns inthe five regions and a per-centage will go toward the"Church in the City" grants.

Please watch your parishbulletin for an announcementand "Come Walk with Us."

Diocesan 150 Years Celebration Banner,Mt.Augustine Chapel, May 25,1997.

e c 11 o n s

I was asked by our editorial staffto do a "farewell" article. Excusemy altering of their request, but Iwould rather do a "welcome" article.

I welcome bothour new leadershipteam and also theactions of the Spiritwithin CSA as weprepare for the newmillennium.

I most recentlyheard Bishop KennethSister Judith Ann Karam

Untener speak about these times weare living in. We know that the erain which we live is undergoing sig-nificant changes. Persons will labelit as the "whatever" age long afterwe are gone. But we know it isspecial - that something transforma-tive is happening in our world, increation, in the church, in religiouslife. The Bishop stressed throughouthis talk on how we need to be cen-tered on God in order to be a partici-pant and make a difference in themidst of such changes. This is notthe time to bow out.

This is our time. It is a wonderfultime. During these past eight years,CSA has made significant decisionsregarding ministry and our call inresponding to the needs of our times.Regina Health Center has been born,

SistersofCharityofSaint

mgustmeMountAigiistinc, 5232 BmaMew Road, Richfield, Ohm 44286

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

the Congregation has declared all ofits properties "peace sites", a newministry to persons that are HTVpositive has been developed comingout of our corporate stance, apartnership has developed withColumbia/HCAto carry out heathcare ministry, foundations have beenestablished to make a difference forthose who are materially poor,children have been taught, issuesaddressed with legislators, familiescomforted, the quality of life im-proved and the list goes on and on.

I give tribute to our community forthese past eight years and to those

This is what Yahweh asks ofyou; only tltis, to act justly,to love tenderly, and to walk

humbly with your God.

In Memory Of ...Please remember in your prayersthe following Sisters ofCharityof St. Augustine who diedsince November 1,1996...

Sister Catherine LangSister Adele HartSister Catherine Coan

Associates:Julie IrwinSam IDingworth

May they rest in peace.

who minister with us. As one calledto leadership during these years, Ihave been very grateful for being somuch at home with my ministry andalso with my CSA community.

Yes, this is our time for CSA. Oursharing of life, ministry and faith incommunity has enabled ourresponse to these changing times tocome out of our call to be God-seekers. Yes, that is who we are aswomen religious. We belong to God.This past year we have sought to"focus our future" using the LCWRCritical Junctures document. Majordirections have been identified thatwill give focus to the Chapterdeliberations in July. As we look atministry, communal identity, dimin-ishment, governance and member-ship we cannot only look at "Whowe are?" but most importantly"Whose we are?".

And so I welcome Sr. Nancy andour new leadership team to this timefor CSA. What a wonderful time tobe in leadership in CSA as we antici-pate the fruits of our Chapter, thenew millennium and the 150thanniversary of our Congregation.What we will celebrate in thesesquicentennial year 2001 will notonly be what has been accomplishedbut who we have become.

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