VOLUME 7 • NO. 2 • 2006
Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis
THE HUMAN FA M I LY
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS Dedication to Jesus Christ involves us intimately in the liberating and reconciling Gathering Place is published to keep
mission—to make God more deeply known and loved, and in so doing, draw all persons to fuller and freer life.
the public informed of the mission and ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the
Together with all our sisters and brothers who strive for a more just world, we undertake those activities which will promote the material and spiritual development of the human family.
Third Order of St. Francis.
EDITOR
THE HUMAN FAMILY In 2006, there are over 6.5 billion people in the human family. The amazing mystery is that we are connected to all of them in one way or another. What each of us does as an individual has an effect on
Reneta E.Webb, Ph.D., CAE
EDITORIAL BOARD Sr. Carolyn Bronk Sr. Judith David Therese Kobak Dr. Arlene Lennox Irene McGrane Sr. Marygrace Puchacz Sr. Jane Zoltek
PROOFING STAFF Sr. Mary Adalbert Stal Sr. Dolores Mary Koza Sr. Louise Szerpicki
all 6.5 billion people, regardless of geography, religion, race or any other PRODUCTION & LAYOUT
designation. Jesus commissioned us to “go out” to all people. That may seem like a tall order, and sometimes we can be overwhelmed by the implications.
Take heart. The world is better for your being here because you transform your world into a pool of love and care, just as the people who are featured in this issue of Gathering
Newcomb Marketing Solutions/ The Printed Word
OFFICE Public Relations Office P.O. Box 388129 Chicago, IL 60638-8129 Telephone: 1-773-581-7505 Fax: 1-773-581-7545 Web site: www.ssj-tosf.org e-mail: reneta@ssj-tosf.org
Place. Your ministry makes me grateful to be part of the human family.
Copyright by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
Table of
Contents
VOLUME 7 • NO. 2 • 2006
DEPARTMENTS Letter from the President
1
In the News
17
The Center is Ten! Sister Jean Ehasz - (Agnes Therese) 2006 Peacemaker of the Year
Vocation/Formation
THE HUMAN FAMILY FEATURES
19
Sister Marge Kalina
The Human Family
2
Sister Lisa Alexander
We all belong to the human family. Whether we think of it or not, what we are, what
Sister Jo Ann Poplar
we say, think and do affects all of humanity. That connection carries both blessings and
Arlid Barrera
responsibilities. Believing deeply in this connection, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis state that the material and spiritual development of the
Perpetual Light
20
human family is their mission.
Sister Arlene Styczynski
Sister Beata Jasina
The Material and Spiritual Development of the Human Family
Sister Mary Cherubine Brzakowski
Our Life and Our Rule — Sr. Sharon Dillon
Sister Mary DeSales Muzyk
An Instrument of Your Peace — Rev. Conrad Targonski, OFM
Sister Noelle Langowski
For One of These — Sr. Marygrace Puchacz (Dismas)
In response to readers’ requests, we are including the names of the sisters as they were known before the return to baptismal names.
7 11 13
August 2006 My Sisters and Brothers, I chose to change my usual greeting of “Dear Friends” to reflect the theme of this Gathering Place— “the human family.” Nurtured by our common Mother, Earth, we are indeed brothers and sisters to each other, and to the many billions that we do not (and never will) know, though we all bear the same family name—one we have given ourselves—Homo sapiens: wise human, thinking human, or human who reflects. This family, which considers itself to be wise, thinking, and reflective, has grown by leaps and bounds— exponentially, to use a scientific term.When my great, great grandmother was born, there were a little over one billion people, and it had taken from the beginning of the human race until then (in the 1800’s) to get past one billion. By the time I was born, Mother Earth sheltered about 2.3 billion people.And now, in 2006, a little over a half a century later, our Earth Mother attempts to shelter and feed 6.5 billion of us—almost three times as many as when I was born. I use the word “attempts” because sadly, 10 million of our very young brothers and sisters are dying each year of starvation and malnutrition. What does it mean in a family to have members starving to death? How can I eat, and enjoy a well-prepared meal knowing that my small, frail, five-year-old sister is dying tonight, unable to find food for herself, too weak to even cry out for help? We cannot help but recall the question of our foundress,“What will become of the children?” At the time she asked this question, I believe no tragedy anywhere in the world could come close to the suffering witnessed today. We are clear in our faith that we, like Jesus, are children of the infinite God the Father. But with reflection, we know, too, that He does not walk with us in the Garden, and speak clearly, as He did in Eden. He is silent in the face of this unparalleled holocaust. And while the Scriptures still speak to us, we also know that they closed with the last book of the New Testament, when most of the earth was underpopulated. And so, our intellects are confronted with facts: we are children of Mother Earth, and there are limits beyond which we should not go. My hope is, that if we are true to the family name, if we are really Homo sapiens, we will find that the answers to the pressing questions of our times lie within us, cradled in the wings of the Holy Spirit. My hope is that we wise children of Earth, and elder brothers and sisters to teeming billions, will be undaunted by the alarming realities around us, and, true to our SSJ-TOSF mission, will continue to “undertake those activities that promote the material and spiritual development of the human family.” Mother Earth, the Holy Spirit, our own name Homo sapiens, and our younger brothers and sisters cry out to us to find the solutions to today’s pain caused by greed, consumerism, and a desire for power. We must search deep within our hearts, be converted ourselves, and re-shape our institutions. I leave you with Tom Dooley’s words of wisdom for your own reflection. I who am fed, who never yet went hungry for a day, I see the dead, the children starved for lack of bread. I see and try to pray. I who am strong, with health and love and laughter in my soul, I see a throng of stunted children reared in wrong and wish to make them whole. And know full well that not until I share their bitter cry, their pain and hell, can God within my spirit dwell. —Dr.Tom Dooley Your sister,
Jeanne Conzemius, SSJ-TOSF President
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T H E H U M A N FA M I LY We all belong to the human family. That makes us all related. In some very deep way, we are connected to one another, by genetics, by scientific factors, by psychology, by common spirit. The ties that bind us together are stronger than the things that divide us. The ties bring with them huge benefits of acceptance and love. The ties also imply responsibility for the other family members, sometimes at a cost to oneself.What each one of us is, does, thinks, and says as an individual has universal repercussions in all of humanity.
T H E H U M A N FA M I LY ~ Social Psychology ~ “Six degrees of separation” is the theory that anyone on earth can be connected to any other person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances with no more than five intermediaries. The theory was proposed by Stanley Milgram (1933-1984), a psychologist who taught at Yale University, Harvard University and the City University of New York. He noted the possibility that everyone in the world can be reached through a short chain of social acquaintances. In 1967, he devised an experiment where he randomly selected people from various places around the United States. They were to send postcards to one of two targets — one in Massachusetts and one in the Midwest. The only thing the senders knew about the “target” was the recipient’s name, occupation, and general location. They were instructed to send the card to a person they knew on a first name basis who they thought would be most likely, out of all their friends, to know the target person personally. The next person would do the same, and so on, until it was delivered to the “target.” Amazingly, 80% of the successfully delivered cards were delivered after four or fewer steps. The influence we have on other people can, at times, seem limited to our immediate environment, but through a chain of interactions, we influence others exponentially.
~ Conservation of Matter and Energy ~ Antoine Lavoisier (1743-1794), using mass as a measure of matter, stated: “In a chemical reaction, the sum of the mass of the reactant equals the sum of the mass of the products.” That began a series of experiments that led to a companion discovery: “The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can change its form.” What this means is that the total quantity of matter and energy available in the universe is a fixed amount and never any more or less. When a person breathes out carbon dioxide, a tree absorbs it for photosynthesis. Using large amounts of fossil fuels increases the greenhouse gases which raise the global temperature which causes glaciers to melt that cause a rise in the sea level which changes the amount and pattern of precipitation. These changes may increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, heat waves, hurricanes and tornados, which, in turn will have an effect on the food supply and continued sustenance of the human family.
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T H E H U M A N FA M I LY The same matter and energy that constituted the universe at the time of Jesus, is the same matter and energy that makes up the universe today. The molecules of Mount Sinai still exist in the universe. The energy of the burning bush has transferred into other forms on this earth. The water of the Sea of Galilee has evaporated into rain clouds somewhere in the world. The last breaths of our ancestors remain in our environment even after they are gone.We are all influenced by each other’s actions in this world. Each individual decision we make about how we live, affects the world and the legacy we leave behind.
~ Most Recent Common Ancestor ~ Our connection as human beings is again highlighted in the search for the most recent common ancestor (MRCA). The MRCA of any set of organisms, including human beings, is the most recent individual which is an ancestor of all of them, except itself. In 1999, J.T. Chang proposed the first hypothesis about the recent common ancestor of all present day individuals. Three years later, he collaborated with D.L.T. Rohde and S. Olson, and estimated that the MRCA of all living humans may have lived within historic times (3rd millennium BC to 1st millennium AD). Imagine, the one person from whom descended all the persons living on this earth right now, may have lived within recent millennia. We all have the same greatn grandmother or grandfather.
~ Our Common DNA “Switch” ~ The molecular “switch” in DNA that works its reproductive wonders is the same in every living organism. It doesn’t care what race or religion prevails, it doesn’t matter if the weather is hot or cold, desert or tundra, it works the same. As biochemist James Berger says, “The one thing a cell wants to do is become two cells.” The ability of a cell to replicate its DNA in a timely and faithful manner is fundamental for survival. Scientists have found that the molecular machinery that starts the process by which a biological cell divides into two daughter cells apparently worked so well early on that evolution has conserved it across the eons in all forms of life on earth. We all “work” the same way. Our beginnings are guided by the same miracle, without distinction in the human family.
T H E H U M A N FA M I LY ~ The Collective Unconscious ~ In the early 1900s, Carl Jung proposed the existence of a collective unconscious through which powerful complexes influence our personal psyches. “Just as all humans share a common physical heritage and predisposition toward specific physical forms (like having two legs, a heart, etc.) so do all humans have a common psychological predisposition.” Wikipedia These predispositions, Jung called archetypes. Archetypes are the DNA of the psyche and reveal themselves in dreams, art, religion, myth, and the various patterns of human behavior. The most powerful of these archetypes is the Self, which is distinct from the self, referring to an individual. The influence of the Self is toward health and wholeness. Jung very clearly speaks of the Self as God.
More recently, Gregg Braden, scientist and scholar released a book in 2004, The God Code, in which he poses that the name of Yahweh is encoded into the DNA of all life. He begins with the fact that nearly 95 percent of the world’s population believes in the existence of a higher power or Supreme Being, of some description. Of that number, more than half refer to this power as “God.” From whence does this belief spring? God blew the breath of life into the human and thus the human became a living being in the image of God. Every human bears the same distinction, and lives by the Giver of Life.
~ Jesus and Us ~ Jesus came to this earth to share our humanity. He also came to this earth to tell us the Good News that “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe this good news.” Mark 1:15 Jesus spoke often about the “kingdom” and what “at hand” means. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I live in that person.” John 6:56 “Whoever does the truth comes out into the light, so that what he is doing may plainly appear as done in God.” John 3:21 “...the spirit of truth ... you know him, because he is with you, he is in you.” John 14:17 “The ones who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we shall come to them and make a home in them.” John 14:21 “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty.” John 15:5 Jesus identified so closely with us, that when he chided Saul on the road to Damascus, he asked “Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Acts 9:5 This oneness we have in Christ, draws us all together as a human family. We have a responsibility for each other. St. Paul picked up on the idea of how closely we are bound to each other, 5
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T H E H U M A N FA M I LY and how we need to care for each other. In his letter to the Corinthians, he says,“Now Christ’s body is yourselves, each of you with a part to play in the whole.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
~ The Littlest Brother ~ What part do we play in the whole? Think about the floor plans you see in shopping malls or public buildings. There is usually a star on the map saying, “You are here.” Life has placed each of us in a historical, social, genetic, geographic, and psychological circumstance. Our challenge is to make that circumstance better for our having been there. The vision of faith gives us the ability to see the world as God sees it. The power of love drives us to action. It is only when love takes the shape of deeds that we can have some assurance that we are heeding Jesus’ “go,” “do,” “baptize,” “repent,” “hear,” “give,” “feed,” “preach,” and “pray.” The account of the final judgment as told in the gospel of Matthew makes this abundantly clear. “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me welcome, lacking clothes and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me ... insofar as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:35-36,40 Our love must radiate in real terms from wherever our “star” is located.
~ The Mission Statement ~ The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis state that the human family is the domain of their mission activity. Wherever an SSJ-TOSF is located, there is a center of love and faith and hope that radiates out to the human family in concrete deeds of self-sacrificing care. Every member of the congregation, as well as those who share the spirit of the congregation, declare:
Together with all our sisters and brothers who strive for a more just world, we undertake those activities which will promote the material and spiritual development of the human family.
THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
THE HUMAN FAMILY
Our Life Our Rule
&
“This is our life and our rule,” said St. Francis when he had opened the Gospel three times and heard, really heard,
the
message
of
Jesus.
Bonaventure’s life of Francis goes on to say that “Francis wrote a short, simple rule of life for himself and his companions. This was based on an unshakeable foundation, the following of the Gospel, and to this he added a limited number of other prescriptions, such as seemed necessary for their life in common.” Major Life, Chapter 2, #8
Bonaventure,
The current Rule
and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis is true to the original spirit of St. Francis. Its continuity is assured in the United States by the Franciscan Federation, a service organization that represents nearly 90 religious congregations and provinces of Third Order Regular Franciscan sisters and brothers in the United States, Canada and the West Indies. Sister Sharon Dillon is the Executive Director of the Franciscan Federation.
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Committee Project Coordinator; Saundra McKeta, SMIC, Associate Director; Sharon Dillon, SSJ-TOSF, Executive Director Bottom Row: Jaqueline Sosa, Intern; Angela (Rickie) Ricciardelli, SIM, Development Director; Sophie Pak, Office Assistant
The human family that is part of Sr. Sharon’s ministry consists of the more than 12,000 women and men religious in the United States who follow the Rule of the Third Order Regular (TOR) of St. Francis. Closer to her in Washington, DC, is the staff of the Franciscan Federation, and close to her heart is the Dillon
THE HUMAN FAMILY
Top Row: Margaret Magee, OSF,
THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
■
family. Each part of the human family benefits by Sr. Sharon’s loving presence. “I entered into relationship with the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis when I was twenty-five,” said Sr. Sharon. “I chose to visit Assisi prior to my entrance to be certain that I wanted to embark upon a life following in this little man’s footsteps. As a candidate, I made the Assisi pilgrimage and felt a kinship like none other. I fell in love with everything Franciscan.” The membership of the Franciscan Federation is now the beneficiary of that Franciscan love. Sr. Sharon began her ministry as Executive Director in 2001. She coordinates the services to the members of the Franciscan Federation. She assures the availability of resources — articles, books, tapes, Franciscan art work — on Franciscan evangelical life, the TOR Rule, and other Franciscan topics.
She organizes the Annual Federation
Conference at which are honored the Peacemakers of the Year from each member congregation. She encourages Franciscan study and prayer by working with Franciscan (continued on page 9)
The Lord then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. —Genesis 7:1
THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
THE HUMAN FAMILY (continued from page 8)
Our Life Our Rule
& ■
Jennifer, Carol,
centers of learning and renewal. She
Bill and
initiates communication, networking and
Sr. Sharon Dillon
collaboration within the Franciscan family. She collaborates with other Franciscan organizations such as Franciscan Colleges and Universities, Poor Clare Monasteries and the Franciscan Mission Service, an overseas lay mission program. In other words, the entire family of TOR Franciscans experiences the ministry of Sr. Sharon. Most immediately, the staff of the Franciscan Federation experiences the spirit of Gospel living that flows from Sr. Sharon’s leadership style. “My hope is that every person on staff feels empowered to a ministry of service to the members,” said Sr. Sharon. One of the staff members affirmed the reality of that hope by stating, “Being on the staff of the Franciscan Federation is an experience of Gospel living in action.” Even in the busy-ness of preparing for an annual conference, the staff draws together in prayer and planning, to be what their name professes, a Franciscan federation. Three members of the Dillon family are associates of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis — Sr. Sharon’s parents, Bill and Carol Dillon and her sister Jennifer. Bill and Carol were two of the first people to become associates in 1980. Jennifer spent a year with the SSJ-TOSFs in Peru and continues her ministry now in Washington, DC.
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Bavo Elementary School in South Bend, Indiana. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education, a certification in Special Education and Physical Education and a certification in Social Restoration. With that background, she became Recreation and Leisure Coordinator at Logan Center in South Bend, a facility for developmentally disabled children. In 1994, she co-founded a respite home, Chiara Home, providing temporary housing for developmentally disabled persons while the care givers are away. At the same time, she was Vocation Coordinator for the congregation. She completed the Franciscan Internship in Spiritual Direction, offering Franciscan retreats and spiritual direction. She was a 1996 Special Education Ambassador, representing the United States to the Czech Republic and Russia in the Citizens Ambassador Program. She received the 1997 Educational Award for service to individuals with developmental disabilities from the City of South Bend Human Rights Commission, and the 1997 European Charity Award for the Chiara Home mission of service to individuals with special needs from the Military Catholic Commission of Women. Before leaving South Bend, she served as a Youth Treatment Specialist for the Family & Children’s Center, and as a Continuity of Care Coordinator at Memorial Hospital.
THE HUMAN FAMILY
TOSF as a special education teacher at St.
THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
Sr. Sharon began her ministry as an SSJ-
Sr. Sharon brings the gift of herself to the human family.
In ever
widening circles, she truly makes the world a better place for her being here.
Jesus said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” —Mark 5:19
THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
THE HUMAN FAMILY
An Instrument of Peace War is an ache in the human family. It destroys homes, ruins resources, sets people against each other, and takes away life. In the midst of conflict, it takes a person grounded in the love of God to emanate the peace Jesus gave as a gift. “In the early days of the Order, when Blessed Francis was traveling about in the company of a brother who was one of the first twelve, the latter greeted men and women on the roads and in the fields by saying to them: ‘May the Lord give you peace!’ The people were completely astonished, for they had never heard any other religious greet them that way.” Legend of Perugia, #67 Rev. Conrad Targonski, OFM, recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. He spent fourteen months in that country, during which he participated in the Fallujah offensive with the 7th Marine Regiment as the only Catholic chaplain on the front lines. Every person knew Chaplain “Ski” as a man of peace, who, in the midst of the conflict, never carried a weapon and always ministered with compassion.“The whole experience was life changing, life enhancing,” Fr. Conrad said. “I saw uncommon valor in everyday situations. We became a band of brothers.” Fr. Conrad understands band of brothers in many ways. He was born in South Chicago, Illinois, one of five children in the Targonski family. He attended Immaculate Conception School, taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. Three of his aunts were SSJ-TOSFs: Sister Marie Virgene Wozniak who currently resides in Chicago, Illinois; Sister Celine Wozniak, deceased in 2003; and Postulant Agnes Wozniak, deceased in 1932. The whole family was steeped in a Franciscan vision of the world as God’s creation. 11
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The experiences of military life have given him new insight into the meaning of Scripture. “I understand the awe with which Jesus praised the centurian — ‘Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’ Matthew 8:10 — because I have seen deep faith in the men and women on the battlefield,” said Fr. Conrad. “The Psalms have taken on new meaning for me, as well. When we were coming back to the states after our time in Iraq, I remembered Psalm 126 ‘When Yahweh brought back Zion’s captives, we were like men dreaming.’ That’s what we were like on the plane.” When Fr. Conrad describes the experience of taking “only what you can carry” on deployment, it recalls how simple Jesus asked his disciples to be as they were sent forth. Fr. Conrad trains new chaplains at the Naval Chaplain School in Rhode Island. He hopes to share his approach of being with the troops in whatever situation they may be. He sees the role of chaplain as counseling,“clout (the unique role of the chaplain),” and confidentiality. As a band of brothers, the chaplain must be with the troops when they are in need, physically and spiritually. While he was in Iraq, Chaplain “Ski” practiced what he now preaches. He went out on convoys. He talked to the locals. He brought a sense of peace to those who were fearful or disturbed. “I want to be a bridgebuilder, a pontifex, just like St. Francis was with his visit to the sultan,” said Fr. Conrad. There is no doubt that Fr. Conrad has been a bridgebuilder. He was recently promoted to Captain in the U.S. Navy. His band of brothers, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, and the wider human family, all share his peace. “Together with all our Sisters and Brothers…”
THE HUMAN FAMILY
THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
With this deeply religious family and a solid Catholic education, it was a small step for Fr. Conrad to enter the Franciscan Order, becoming a brother priest. “The more I seek, the more I find, and the more I find, the more I seek,” he said, quoting St. Catherine of Siena. His Franciscan brothers supported him in his journey to be a peacemaker, they were brother to him through the years he was a pastor in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and when he decided to join the Navy Chaplain Corps in 1987. The decision was discerned carefully. With the support of his Franciscan brothers, and his belief in holistic spirituality with a strong mind and a strong body, he dedicated himself to bringing hope and comfort to the Marines and sailors under his care.
He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” —Acts 5:19
THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
THE HUMAN FAMILY
For
One
of These
Sister Marygrace Puchacz has been working with the developmentally disabled since 1962. It was an interesting road that led to her present position as head of East Bay Services for the Developmentally Disabled in Concord, California, with five different incorporated services. It was in 1962 that a call came from Bishop Floyd L. Begin to all the religious communities in the Diocese of Cleveland to provide teachers for the developmentally disabled. Only two sisters in the entire diocese volunteered, both Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis — Sister Marygrace (Sr. Dismas) and Irene Kobak (Sr. Fidelia). Thus began St. Emeric School in Cleveland, Ohio. After two years, Sr. Marygrace was sent to Greenwood, Mississippi, where she continued her ministry to the disabled, teaching 5th and 6th graders at St. Francis Mission. She also volunteered several evenings to teach adults to read so that they could vote. It was at this time that she received a scholarship to San Francisco State University where she studied for a year. Following her studies she worked at St. Joseph Center for Exceptional Children in Cleveland, Ohio, and then returned to California in 1970. She began with a Head Start Program, the first in the state of California, working with children of migrant workers in the Blue Goose camps of Contra Costa County in cooperation with Catholic Charities in Oakland, California. While that program continues even today, she moved on to a position with Catholic Charities as Director of Services to the Mentally Retarded. The programs were supported in part with state and federal funds, and the need called for a much broader approach to services. So, Sr. Marygrace, with the support of her Board of Directors, separately incorporated East Bay Services for the Developmentally Disabled. Under this “umbrella” Sr. Marygrace was able to pursue her dream for the developmentally disabled.“Our awesome mission is to assist those we serve 13
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Evergreen is a multifaceted program that empowers the individual to function as a contributing citizen with full rights and responsibilities. The Evergreen facility is an educational center with ■ Evergreen several different services. Director Georgia C.O.R.E., Creative Out Lee Silveirs, Assistant Director Reach Environments, is an Regina Bailey, adult day training and and Sister Marygrace functional skills program Puchacz. that teaches basic skills by providing classes and group field trips with specific learning goals. The Open Door Program prepares the individual for integration in a community environment providing training in everyday living skills such as grocery shopping, counting change, or using public transportation. The Stepping Out Employment Service Agency matches the individual with meaningful vocational experiences that benefit the community. Wisdom Path is a place for older adults with developmental disabilities. The home is designed to be a place of peace, quiet and beauty. The residents have an environment that is stimulating and safe. Meals are carefully selected. Exercise is regularly provided, and interesting educational experiences are part of the daily routine. Concord House and the three satellite homes provide residential services for adults 21 years and older. Each resident has a private room which they can personalize according to their taste. They are responsible for cleaning and upkeep, and participate in preparing meals for the “family.” Each home has a routine of laundry and housekeeping and other living skills. The residents have a schedule of Pilates, Reiki, Swedish massage, outings, parties, and activities. Each home is a place of beauty with inviting environments and a (continued on page 15)
THE HUMAN FAMILY
To serve the human family, Sr. Marygrace has established several services for her human family. Respite Inn is a care giver service providing temporary care for the deveopmentally disabled. The facility is a beautifully appointed home with a 24 hour care giver. Bouquets of flowers, cheerful colors and personal care surround the guest who is “on vacation” at Respite Inn. Every effort is made to provide a safe and loving environment.
THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
to get in touch with their own goodness, their unlimited potential and their sacredness as a person, and then to express it in their own unique and individual way.”
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” —Ephesians 3:14
THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
THE HUMAN FAMILY (continued from page 14)
For One of These homey atmosphere. It is a safe and caring place where each person can feel a part of the human family. ■ Sr. Marygrace joins Shirley Eastman (far right), Director of Wisdom Path, and the residents in an outdoor luncheon.
The Apartments are HUD-subsidized living for the developmentally disabled. Each apartment has a spacious living room, a kitchen, a dining area, a bedroom, and an ADA compliant bathroom.The apartments surround a lovely garden area with a fountain and flowerbeds. The stairways off the walkways have lounge areas where residents can sip coffee and read the newspaper. The residents are taught independent living skills — how to clean their apartment, how to do laundry, how to plan social events and the like. There is a general meeting space with southwestern decor, an exercise space on an outdoor veranda which can also be used for gatherings, and launderettes on each floor. The same massage and therapeutic services available at Concord House are offered at The Apartments. Sr. Marygrace is currently searching for a facility to house her Namasté program which is designed for care givers. She knows that it takes physical and psychological energy to care for the developmentally disabled. The Namasté program provides physical therapy, aroma therapy and a peaceful environment so that care givers can replenish their energy. It is a wellness and well being program. Alegria — unending joy — is her next project.The state has closed hospitals that housed persons with developmental problems. Sr. Marygrace is searching for a home in Contra Costa County, Alegria, to provide for those previously cared for in state hospitals.
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‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of these, the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ —Matthew 25:34-40
What does Sr. Marygrace do for the human family? She makes life beautiful for each “one of these.” She attends to details, making sure the kitchen countertops are of material that is not easily marred, or procuring land to build the next service facility, or thinking of some delightful insert in the employees’ paychecks. She is conscientious about accounting for all the funds, making sure they are used in the best way for the developmentally disabled. She works as a team with Sr. Mary Ann Leyba, CSJ, and fifty staff members. She loves each of the 1600 persons who use the services of East Bay. Love back from each “one of these.”
■ Sister Mary Ann Leyba, CSJ, Director, Residential Services, and Sister Marygrace Puchacz, SSJ-TOSF, Executive Director
THE HUMAN FAMILY
THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE
■ Sr. Marygrace with the residents of Concord House and The Apartments
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” —Galatians 6:10
singer/song writer and musician. Everyone is invited to Megon’s performance in honor of The Center’s 10th Anniversary.
The Center is Ten!
O
n October 4, 2006,The Center will celebrate its tenth anniversary with a special liturgy in the chapel of Immaculata Congregational Home, Bartlett, Illinois. There will be a reception following the liturgy. At 7:00 PM that evening, there will be a performance by Megon McDonough, a “talent extraordinaire.” If you were a folk fan in the 70s, you may well have seen Megon McDonough opening shows for such artists as John Denver, Harry Connick and Steve Martin. She performed in venues as varied as The Cellar Door to Carnegie Hall. She performed in numerous theater productions including her box office record-breaking Always ... Patsy Cline, for which she was nominated for the Joseph Jefferson Award. She has nine solo albums to her credit and several compilation albums. Megon McDonough is a dynamic motivational speaker, an accomplished comedic actress and a gifted
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The Center is located in Bartlett, Illinois, housed at Immaculata Congregational Home. The Center is a sacred time and a sacred place. As Sister Ruth Baggech, founder of The Center, explains, “When we chose the name for this sacred place, we imagined how meaningful it would be to hear someone say, ‘I’m going to The Center.’ A simple statement, yet so profound!” The Center sponsors interdenominational programs that enhance personal spiritual life, in the form of retreats, workshops, seminars and personal conversations. It also provides a quiet atmosphere for personal silence.
Sister Jean Ehasz 2006 Peacemaker of the Year
S
ister Jean Ehasz (Agnes Therese) is the congregation’s 2006 Peacemaker of the Year, selected for recognition at the annual conference of the Franciscan Federation in Rochester, New York. Sr. Jean was selected because she is a living example of the SSJ-TOSF commitment to be a “liberating and reconciling presence.” The Franciscan Federation established the criterion for the 2006 Peacemaker of the Year to honor someone who has
gifted the congregation with Franciscan peace through involvement in the ministry of spirituality, prayer ministry and/or retreat ministry. Sr. Jean has gifted the congregation in all these categories. Her nomination stated,“Sister Jean has served as co-director of our Franciscan Center at Marymount for the past ten years and, as such, has been a peaceful presence in the congregational home and a wonderful ambassador of peace to all who have come to the Center for programs. In addition, her ministerial and congregational involvements over the years have always been a witness to the spirit of peacefulness she brought with her. Sister Jean is truly a woman who loves Franciscan spirituality and, in particular, the charism of peace.” Sr. Jean dedicated thirty-eight years of her ministry to education. In 1995, she spent three months of her sabbatical year at the Tau Center in Winona, Minnesota, deepening her knowledge and experience of the Franciscan charism. When she returned to Garfield Heights, Ohio, she worked with Sister Francis Therese Woznicki in providing a place for people of faith to know God more deeply and to become instruments of peace in the world. “After much prayer and discernment, I felt in my heart that God was opening a door for me that was leading in a direction I had not expected,” Sr. Jean recalled. With a generous response, Sr. Jean ministers through the Franciscan Center, based at Marymount Congregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Sr. Jean has been a a source of inspiration and ministry to the members of the SSJ-TOSF community as well. She has designed and led prayer services and retreats for the sisters, and has been a fellow traveler on the spiritual journey. Sr. Jean was honored at the annual conference of the Franciscan Federation, July 28-31, 2006, in Rochester, New York. The criteria for selecting the Peacemaker of the Year were in keeping with the theme of the conference, “Franciscan Prayer: Drinking Deeply of the Spirit.” With gratitude, we say, “Congratulations, Sr. Jean!”
“Sister Jean is truly a woman who loves Franciscan spirituality and, in particular, the charism of peace.”
VOCATION/FORMATION
To Have Life More Abundantly Sister Marge Kalina On February 11, 2006, Sister Marge Kalina took the next step to full life in the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis by pronouncing her first vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. The ceremony took place in the chapel of St. Joseph Congregational Home in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Sister Jeanne Conzemius, Central Board member, received her vows in the name of the congregation. Sr. Marge was born in Gary, Indiana, and was raised in Griffith, Indiana, with her four sisters and two brothers. She was living in Madison,Wisconsin, while she worked in the banking industry, first in general banking, then as a Vice President in the Trust Department. Her relationship with the SSJ-TOSFs began with a friendship with Sister Jean Sonsalla, and developed into an Associate relationship with the congregation in 1982. Sr. Marge became a Candidate in 2003 and was accepted into the novitiate in 2004. 2006 is another milestone on her journey to final vows and full SSJ-TOSF life. Sister Lisa Alexander Sister Lisa Alexander pronounced her final vows as a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis on June 10, 2006. The ceremony took place at St. Matthew Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Sister Mary Alice Jarosz, Central Board member, received her vows in the name of the congregation. In 2000, after attending just one “Come and See” weekend with the sisters and other women considering a vocation to religious life, Sr. Lisa sold her house in Florida, found a home for her dog, and moved to Wisconsin to begin the process of entering the congregation. She took Jesus seriously when He said,“Go, sell what you have, and come,
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follow me.” Sr. Lisa entered the novitiate in 2001, and professed first vows in 2003. Sr. Lisa now ministers at St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in both the Registration Department and the Credit Union. She sings in the choir of St. Matthew’s Parish and volunteers in many of the parish programs. She also volunteers in the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program of Brown County to assist children in need of protective services. Sister Jo Ann Poplar The ceremony during which Sister Jo Ann Poplar pronounced her final vows took place on August 19, 2006, in the chapel of Marymount Congregational Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio, with a 10:30 AM Mass followed by dinner. It was fitting that the ceremony take place in the neighborhood where Sr. Jo Ann was born and raised. As a child, she attended St. Monica School in Garfield Heights, and during her high school years, volunteered at Marymount Hospital. Even though a few years intervened, “In 1998, I had the opportunity to observe hospital chaplaincy work at Marymount Hospital,” Sr. Jo Ann explained. “This experience reconnected me with some of my former teachers and introduced me to other Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. Since I was already discerning my call to religious life, it did not take long to feel at home with the SSJ-TOSF family.” Sr. Jo Ann is currently working as a nurse in the ER of the Bedford Memorial Hospital. She is taking classes in Clinical Pastoral Education to prepare for the ministry of hospital chaplain.
Arlid Barrera Arlid Barrera became a Pre-Candidate with the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis on February 12, 2006. She is originally from Columbia, South America, the oldest of seven children. Arlid came to the United States when she was 22 years old and became a US citizen. “I have known poverty and suffering and challenges of being an immigrant,” Arlid said. “I always worked hard, whether in factories, teaching Spanish and English as a second language, or as a pastoral worker in the Catholic churches and Hispanic centers in North Carolina and Ohio.” Her multicultural experience, as well as her varied work experience, developed a strong commitment to work with the poor and downtrodden, and to live out the Franciscan values of service, care and hospitality. Arlid is now residing at Villa St. Clare, the SSJ-TOSF House of Discernment in Green Bay,Wisconsin. She has requested to become a Candidate, the next step in her journey toward full membership as an SSJ-TOSF.
Sister Arlene Styczynski Born to this life: July 13, 1918 Born to eternal life: April 20, 2006 Teaching was her joy, in Illinois and in Wisconsin, as was her vocation to religious life. Sr. Arlene always made a fitting response as principal, teacher, coordinator, chauffeur, artist and person of prayer.
Sister Noelle Langowski Born to this life: April 11, 1906 Born to eternal life: May 17, 2006 Sr. Noelle served the People of God as an elementary teacher, high school teacher, practical nurse, coordinator, treasurer, receptionist and provider of other household services. She lived to be 100 years old, 83 years of which were in religious life.
Sister Beata Jasina Born to this life: April 5, 1915 Born to eternal life: May 26, 2006 A high school math teacer, Sr. Beata also taught industrial arts and drafting. She was generous in sharing her artistic ability and her teaching talent.
Sister Mary Cherubine Brzakowski Born to this life: August 11, 1914 Born to eternal life: July 4, 2006 Sr. Cherubine ministered for 31 years as a teacher, mostly first grade, before she was appointed Provincial Treasurer and Councillor. After 1990, she continued to offer her services in the SSJ-TOSF Finance Office.
Sister Mary DeSales Muzyk Born to this life: June 29, 1917 Born to eternal life: July 5, 2006 Always grateful for her gift of a vocation to religious life, Sr. DeSales was a teacher for 58 years, mostly in Michigan. She spent twenty-six years at St. Bartholomew Parish in Detroit, Michigan.
on October 4, 2006 with Liturgy, a reception and an evening performance by Megon McDonough Everyone is invited to join the celebration! contact Ruth Baggech, SSJ-TOSF for details at rbr801@sbcglobal.net NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHICAGO, IL PERMIT #5504
Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF Public Relations Office P.O. Box 388129 Chicago, Illinois 60638-8129 www.ssj-tosf.org