BEARING FRUIT
100years andherlife bearsfruit
St Raphaela Mary Porras was a woman of courage, conviction, vision and discernment Her legacy still bears fruit today, 100 years since her death on January 6, 1925 Her mission of reparation continues to empower and guide us in living lives of ministry and relationship
Today, over 770 Handmaids serve in 24 countries around the world in the realms of education, social work, nursing, pastoral care, spiritual direction, and retreat ministry Every year, the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, produces a yearbook of articles contributed by Provinces across the globe Our two articles were contributed by Sue Buck and Becky McIntyre, and pieces of their reflections are here in our impact report. To see the Congration’s yearbook and the global work of the Handmaids, scan the QR code below or go to www.congregacion-aci.org.
Only one thing never disappears: the good that has been done.”
- St. Raphaela
Photos (cover): The final vow Mass of Sr. Catherine Kirwan-Avila at St. Joseph’s University | Photo Credit: Paola Nogueras
Photo (right): Persimmons from trees on our grounds in Haverford
Journey of Hope
May 21, 2025
The Journey of Hope is an annual celebration of the mission of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus The event is a time of connection and celebration with our many friends and supporters The event is an opportunity to highlight ministries, generate financial support for currents needs, and welcome new friends to collaborate with us in our mission Details are forthcoming and registration will be available soon on our website: www aci-us org
G ATHERIN FRIENDSHIP
Centennial Year
July 2025 to July 2026
ach summer, the Handmaids in the U.S. Province gather for Days of enewal in Haverford. The communities of St. Louis, Athens and Wyncote “travel home” for this special time of community, reflection, rayer and visioning. This year will be a special one, as we will begin elebrating 100 years since the first Handmaids traveled to the United tates in 1926! Our Centennial Year will begin in July 2025 and onclude in July 2026.
We invite all to join us in the coming year share stories about your ncounters with our 100 year history! Details are forthcoming about our Opening Centennial Liturgy Registration for the liturgy and a space for haring stories will soon be available on our website: www aci-us org
Ignatius was Green
by Margaret Scott, aci
Sr. Margaret Scott, aci has recently published the book “Ignatius was Green” which explores the ecological dimensions of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola! The rich resource can be used in the classroom and with spirituality groups! The book is now available for purchase at the St. Raphaela Center and is currently being translated into Spanish!
I hope all who read this little book will throw open the door to wonder and fall in love with God Our Creator and Lord!”
- Margaret Scott, aci
F R O M T H E P R O V I N C I A L
Dear Friends and Collaborators,
Through my recent reflections, I keep returning to the truth that every encounter is a journey into the unknown, a meeting of mysteries the depths of each person bumping up against each other
In our meeting and beholding of one another, we name realities and experiences of God’s abiding presence in the holy and beautiful messiness of our human realities Welcoming our reality with courage is breaking the Bread of the Eucharist and the Bread of Life with humanity where God chooses to dwell In doing so, the mystery of the Incarnation is unfolding for me It is here, at the intersection of unknowing, faith and hope, along with God’s creative and faithful presence and labor, that the Kingdom emerges
During this past year, much transformation has unfolded:
We celebrated the final vows of Sr. Catherine Kirwan-Avila, aci on the feast of St. Ignatius. Sr. Catherine now lives in our St. Louis Community, our formation house, where she ministers to college students and engages in neighborhood ministries. We rejoice with her continued fiat!
We honored the legacies of Sr. Gloria Petrone and Sr. Kathy Gazie, women of generosity and hospitality who were beloved in their ministries, extending warmth and belonging to many. Along with many of you, our year held deep loss, and alongside our grief is also our joy in how these women loved us and our world so freely.
Our ACI Asssociates developed relationships across continents! Sue Buck and Lisa McCarthy engaged in a summer immersion experience in Vietnam focused on education and reparation. This immersion resulted from authentic friendships built over Zoom! I am grateful to our Associates who meet weekly with Sisters in Vietnam for language tutoring and relationship building.
Our wheelchair accessible van has brought life-giving energy to our community, particularly for our Sisters who reside at Saint Joseph Villa. We now have the ability to safely transport Sisters Betty Ann, Marietta and Alice to holiday celebrations and special gatherings in Wyncote and Haverford, and their presence brings us all a richer feeling of connectedness.
After a thorough discernment with our Advisory Board, the consultors and I have decided to change the name of our Development Office to the U.S. Province Mission Advancement Office and the name of the Mission Fund to the Breaking Bread Fund. These shifts are based on the fact that our efforts around fundraising are deeply connected to our mission and are, in themselves, a way in which we desire to connect and empower people to participate in mission and in community. Mission Advancement efforts
and priorities include friend-raising, building a culture of vocations through relationships and strengthening our practice of working in collaboration and partnership with others. Our collaborators and donors participate with us in carrying out the mission, and we also desire to minister to them. The renaming of the Breaking Bread Fund is to better reflect its purpose and essence. For background, the Mission Center was created in 1955 by Sister Socorro Gonzalo and Sister Antonia Escauriaza and the Mission Fund was housed there. As Project Fiat grew, the Mission Fund was directed almost exclusively to the work in El Salvador. With the conclusion of Project Fiat, we wanted to revisit this fund and examine how it could continue to support the living out of our charism. “Breaking Bread” calls to mind the image of a shared table where all are welcome As we cultivate relationships with friends from many different walks of life, our mission is to create spaces of encounter The financial support we receive from individuals is an expression of their desire to participate in the building up of the Kingdom - to share their daily bread in a meaningful way We desire to approach the work of development as a form of ministry: to collaborate, to share life, to fund the work of our projects and extend support to those with fewer material resources
Finally, this July, we begin the Centennial Year of the U S Province The first Handmaids in the United States traveled from Spain to Philadelphia in the summer of 1926 Our 100 year history is rich with movement and discernment, responding to God’s call and the world’s needs You are part of our 100-year story Please join us this summer as we begin our year-long sharing of stories with a Centennial Liturgy Details are forthcoming If you would like to contribute time toward our Centennial Celebration efforts or collaborate in our Breaking Bread Fund, please contact us at mission@aci-us org
As women religious we are on a human and spiritual journey that calls for discernment and hope as we navigate a changing world and collaborate in fostering synodality in all corners of the Church. We ask for your continued prayers, as we hold you in ours.
May God’s love continue to bear fruit in and through us!
Lyan Tri, aci Provincial, U S Province
Advisory Board
Becky McIntyre, Francesca Molinari, Michelle Cimaroli, aci, Lyan Tri, aci, Kathy Regele (first row)
Tim Denny, Steven Molinari, Mary Sullivan, Kathleen Helbig, aci, Kathy Garrett (Chair) (second row)
Olivia Sharkey, Danielle Critelli, Jackie Newns (third row) Jacques and Marie Gordon (right)
Jessica Kerber, aci, Uyen-Chi Dang, aci (not pictured)
Educating with Love in Wyncote
Members of the Community in Wyncote, Pennsylvania:
Mary Theresa Nguyen, aci | Pastoral Care, Companion for our Sisters living at Saint Joseph Villa
Kathleen Helbig, aci | Finance & Resource Learning, Ancillae-Assumpta Academy
Trinh Nguyen, aci | Spanish Teacher, Ancillae-Assumpta Academy
Margaret Scott, aci | Writer, Presenter, Spiritual Director
Maureen Gillespie, aci | Director of Mission Integration, Ancillae-Assumpta Academy
Oanh Vo, aci | Nurse Practitioner, Esperanza Health Center & Spiritual Director
Alice Rodríguez, aci* | Betty Ann McDonald, aci* | Marietta Jansen, aci*
*residing at Saint Joseph’s Villa
Ancillae-Assumpta Academy Report
“Inoureducationalendeavors,webelievethatwecancollaborateinthereparation ofmanyofthebreachesinourworld.Wewanttohelpourstudentstodeveloptheir potentialandachievefulfillmentthroughserviceandlove”
-AmyLitner,President
Highlights:
Ancillae-AssumptaAcademylaunchedanewwebsite(ancillaeorg)tobestportraytheexperienceofanAncillae educationandthecommunitythatsupportsit ThehomepagebeautifullydisplaysourHandmaidmission
AnAncillaeeducationbeginsinourMontessoriprogram,offeringseveraloptionstomeetourfamily’sneedsforearly education whichkindlescuriosityandsparksalifelongLoveoflearning.TheSteppingStonesintoMontessori, MontessoriPreschool,andMontessoriKindergartenprogramstogetherofferacurriculumthatfostersthedevelopmental milestonesofthechildfrom2½through6yearsofage TheseprogramsbringtolifetheMontessoriphilosophyin carefullypreparedenvironmentstonurturethegrowthofeachindividualchild Concretehands-onexperienceschallenge thechild’snaturalcuriositytolearnandexplorewhilefosteringthedevelopmentofthewholechild.
OurInnovationCurriculumforstudentsingrades1-8atAncillaegivesstudentsexperienceinthreestrands: computationalthinking/coding,robotics/engineering,anddesignthinking/problem-basedlearning Studentsingrades6-8participateinenrichmentofferingsincludingPublicSpeakingin6thgrade,FinancialFitnessin7th grade,andCareerExplorationsin8thgrade Inthosegrades,studentsalsohavechoiceandvoiceintheirlearningasthey choosefromover20electiveofferingsincluding:InteractiveGamesDesign,Choreography,GreenTeam,Chemistry, BrainBusters,WellnessWarriors,PhillySportsHistory,andmore
CurrentNumbers:
115facultyandstaffmembersservethediverseneedsofour578students
295studentsparticipatein340musiclessonsand15ensemblegroupseachweekofferedby15fineartsinstructors Throughouttheschoolyear,theAcademyhostsmorethan60serviceopportunitiesforourstudents,fromtheyoungest Montessoristudentsthrough8thgrade
Forming Hearts in St. Louis
Members of the Community in St. Louis, Missouri:
Jessica Kerber, aci | Formator; Professor, Center for Ignatian Service at St Louis University; Spiritual Director
Catherine Kirwan-Avila, aci | Campus Minister, Catholic Student Center at Washington University; Community Development Volunteer
Ngoc Nhu Nguyen, aci | Student, Theological and Philosophical Studies; Soup Kitchen Volunteer; School Tutor Phuong Uyen Vu, aci | Student, Theological and Philosophical Studies; Catechist in Vietnamese Parish
Nhan Nguyen, aci | Student, Masters in Pastoral Theology; Migrant Ministries
Dona DeMarco, aci | Teacher Aid at St Margaret of Scotland School; Migran
Formation House Report
Our Ministries:
Formation of the Handmaids; 3 Sisters (Juniors) who are pursuing theological and philosophical studies
Weekly adoration in our home chapel and monthly guided evening adoration with 12-20 young people
Teaching and accompanying young people at 2 universities, 3 parishes and 1 elementary school
Accompaniment of immigrants and those living in poverty
Our Partners & Collaborators:
St Louis University; Catholic Student Center at Washington University; Aquinas Institute; St. Margaret of Scotland School; Jesuits of the Midwest Province; The Missionaries of Charity; Local Parishes
THE FUTURE OF RELIGIOUS LIFE DEPENDS ON A STRONG FORMATION FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED - A FORMATION FOR INTERIORFREEDOM, SPIRITUAL ANDHUMANDEPTH, AND COLLABORATIVECREATIVITY. THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE HELP THAT YOU CAN OFFER TO PROVIDE FOR THIS FORMATION NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE.
JESSICA KERBER, ACI
Scan this code to read more from Sr Jessica in America Magazine:
My congregation of sisters is devoted to the Sacred Heart
Here’s what we think about Pope Francis’ latest encyclical. Published November 15, 2024
Sharing Life in Athens
Members of the Community in Athens, Georgia:
Uyen-Chi Dang, aci | Co-Director, Oasis Católico Santa Rafaela Margarita Martin, aci | Co-Director, Oasis Católico Santa Rafaela
Ministries:
Oasis Católico Santa Rafaela is an after-school tutoring program for children in Pre-K through 5th grade. Through spiritual accompaniment, basic needs assistance and community outreach, the sisters serve as an important presence in an immigrant community which is rich in culture, tradition and neighborliness
S. Uyen-Chi works closely with student leaders from Catholic Center at the University of Georgia to support student activities throughout the year. She also leads a weekly women’s bible study and coordinates various other pastoral activities throughout the year
Numbers:
Over 260 tutors from nearby universities volunteered over 1,990 hours to our Oasis After-School Program in 2024
In 2024, we distributed over 142,000 pounds of food to 1,230 families to feed 5,412 people. We gave away over 23,000 diapers to babies
In 2024, we distributed over 81,000 eggs.
Scan the code to watch a video on the ministry created by dedicated tutors and interns at Oasis!
WE THANK GOD FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PLACE OF ENCOUNTER BETWEEN THOSE WHO ARE UNDERSERVED AND THOSE WHO DESIRE TO SERVE OTHERS
UYEN-CHI DANG, ACI
The Painting and the Boat on the Porch
JACQUES GORDON, ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
The Handmaids operate a Mission at one of the many trailer parks outside of Athens, GA Known primarily for the Oasis tutoring program that serves elementary school students living in that community, the Mission is much more than that To understand, it’s important to know how The Handmaids came to be there
The Mission’s co-founder and now co-director, Sr Margarita Martin, was living in the former convent in Atlanta and commuting to her job as a pastoral associate at the only Catholic parish in Athens The parish presented a teen youth retreat, and Margarita invited several girls to spend the night at the convent where they watched a movie about the Handmaids in South America. Afterwards, when Sister asked for their thoughts, one girl asked if the Handmaids had a mission in Georgia. When Margarita said they were planning one in El Salvador, the girl replied, "Madresita, El Salvador, that's too far away Here, here, in Athens We Mexicans need a place where we can gather and feel welcome, loved and appreciated Why don't you provide that for us here while you teach us how to minister as we discern our vocations?”
This made a big impression on Sr Margarita Many people living in Georgia’s rural trailer parks come from deeply impoverished parts of Mexico, and they come here hoping to find work and provide a better life for their children Like immigrants throughout history, they made a home together in their new community but have lost access to their religious community: there are few Catholic parishes in rural Georgia. Sr Margarita describes their situation this way: “If you don't eat well, you manage; you will eat whatever you find. But if a human being doesn’t feel welcome, loved and appreciated, they wither.” This is what convinced her of the need for a mission in Athens
Sr Margarita says the Handmaids “are called to be a reparative Eucharistic presence, to be welcoming, to create community, helping to be bridges as we toss the net, not knowing what we catch We are a hub for those who want to help and those who need to receive For me personally, it is just bringing all the joys and all the sorrows of the people (together) for Jesus to heal them, to repair them ”
That is part of what it means to be a Handmaid of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Boat
The convent at the trailer park has a small porch that serves as a chapel. On a table by the window rests a sturdy metal tabernacle, formed and stained to look like a wooden boat. From the boat’s bow hangs a net that spills down to the floor. This tabernacle embodies the Handmaids’ approach to this mission Sr Margarita said they went there “just to see how we could serve the people of God That was the mission: ‘remar mar adentro,’ go out into the sea and not knowing what to expect or what to do Just, in faith, toss the net ”
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch. - Luke 5:4
“That's why we have the nets and the tabernacle like a boat we didn't come to make a retreat center or a school We just came (for) what that young girl asked us We are a welcoming Eucharistic-reparative presence, a presence that develops through sacramental preparations and celebrations. We also provide tutoring services and other basic human needs, as well as advocacy with the Public School District, local government, health care, court cases and more.”
Every morning the Monstrance is placed on top of the Tabernacle for one hour so it can be seen through the porch windows, and chairs are placed outside Sister says people come to pray not just then but at all times of the day, from morning till night, and as th lk th d t th h l th ft bl th l “because they know that Jesus is there.”
The Painting
Sr. Margarita commissioned a painting that hangs in the convent. It shows a man leading a donkey carrying a woman and child through the desert, while an angel hovering in the background points the way. It’s a depiction of Joseph and Mary fleeing to Egypt with young Jesus, but they are obviously Latino; in fact the artist used residents of that community as models because, as Sr Margarita says, “The U S is the Egypt for our Mexicans They are fugitives like Mary and Joseph and Jesus were fugitives. They wanted their child to be safe (and) our families come here because they want their children to be safe and to have a better life Mary and Joseph risked their lives in the desert, and our families are the same: they have risked their lives crossing the desert for their children And I'm sure that Mary and Joseph didn't know the Egyptian language and didn't have papers They were laying low to keep Jesus safe. It's the same with these families, who lay low and work hard to sustain their families, so that their children can have a safe and prosperous future
Growing Community in Haverford
Members of the Community in Haverford, Pennsylvania:
Lyan Thuy Tri, aci | Provincial, United States Province; Finance and Spiritual Director, St Raphaela Center
Asunta Thanh, aci | Finance and Facilities, St Raphaela Center
Angela Cordero, aci | Hospitality, St Raphaela Center
Cam Banh, aci | Prenatal/Parenting Educator, Catholic Social Services; Spiritual Director, St Raphaela Center
Cecilia Chen, aci | Dining Services, St Raphaela Center
Carmen Cabrejos, aci | Spiritual Director, St Raphaela Center
María Jesús Sagaseta, aci | Spiritual Companion of Prayer Groups; Hospitality, St. Raphaela Center
Michelle Cimaroli, aci | Director, St. Raphaela Center
The Haverford Community is also home to the U.S. Province Mission Advancement Office, the ACI Advisory Board, ministry of St. Raphaela Center!
A JOY FOR ME TO COMBINE MY LOVE FOR THE HANDMAIDS AND Y MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE IN SERVING AS A LIAISON BETWEEN THE RS AND THE (SOMETIMES DAUNTING) HEALTHCARE SYSTEM THE SISTERS ARE ALWAYS SO APPRECIATIVE OF MY HELP, WHETHER I E A DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENT FOR THEM, ACCOMPANY THEM TO OINTMENTS, OR HELP THEM INTERPRET MEDICAL TESTS; BUT I GET AS MUCH OUT OF THE INTERACTIONS AS THEY DO!”
MIA HOLMAN, ACI ASSOCIATE | HEALTHCARE COMMISSION MEMBER
Associates at Mass on May 18, the
day
feast
of St Raphaela Lisa McCarthy, Kathryn Mariani, Mary Breslin, Sue Buck (Leader), Mary Mealey, Margaret Scott, aci, Lyan Tri, aci, Adrienne Ruppert, Patricia Kishpaugh, Jessie Marinucci, Pat DeAngelis, & Mary Sullivan
St. Raphaela Center
Highlights of our Expanding Ministry
EUCHARIST MEANS THANKSGIVING, AND THERE IS MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR! WE CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF OUR “REFRESH OUR SPACE” CAMPAIGN AND THANK GOD FOR WHAT GOD MAKES POSSIBLE THROUGH THE COLLABORATION OF COMMUNITY.
MICHELLE CIMAROLI, ACI
The Center has added more staff and volunteers to support our continuous growth of people seeking a time and place for God! The Center has an Ignatian Volunteer this year, Peg Garvey, who is supporting our organization of volunteers, among many other things We are grateful to the Ignatian Volunteer Corps for their partnership! We also now have a Volunteer Coordination Team that is working to streamline volunteer efforts and grow our volunteer community, both in numbers and in depth of experience We are currently pursuing internships with our University partners to help prepare students with valuable experiences
We transformed the garage in our House of Hope into an art studio and began offering seasonal Art & Spirituality Workshops In addition to individuals and groups who come here for retreat, over 70 people have participated in these workshops that offer an avenue for connection with God and their interior lives through creativity, movement, and the arts. We also began an Artist-in-Residency program and are hoping to continue to build our connection to the arts in the future!
We increased our partnership with the Office of Ignatian Spirituality to begin offering programs in Spanish! We had our first weekend retreat in Spanish in October and are looking forward to more offerings in the future We have become an official sponsor of EcoPhilly, an organization that works to establish a network of creation care teams throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that achieve measurable improvements in their local environment We also host and participate in their monthly contemplation series for parish groups. We are also the new home for Hummingbird Recovery, which meets weekly.
COMING HERE WAS AN ANSWER TO MY PRAYER TO SERVE I WAS WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS WHAT KEEPS ME HERE? I FEEL I BELONG TO A GROUP DEDICATED TO BRING GOD TO THE WORLD WITH WARMTH AND HOSPITALITY
BARBARA SIEBERT
THIS PLACE IS A SANCTUARY TO ME IT’S A SPACE WHERE I REST IN SILENCE & I AM ACCEPTED AS I AM IT’S THE CLOSEST THING TO CHURCH THAT I’VE EXPERIENCED IN A VERY LONG TIME I’VE FOUND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
PAT EYRE
Our Numbers
We served nearly 20,000 meals to retreatants in 2024!
We connected 40 people to local Spiritual Directors for ongoing spiritual direction.
We offered 28 of our own programs throughout the year, including silent directed retreats, women's weekends, days of prayer, and workshops
We received groups from 95 institutions throughout the year, including 8 elementary schools, 9 high schools, 7 higher educational institutions, and 25 religious congregations, ministers, and outreach programs Of these, 58 are Catholic, 22 are from other Christian denominations, 3 are Zen Buddhist, 1 is Quaker, 1 is Jewish, and 10 are multi-faith or do not identify with any particular faith.
Our ministry is made possible by 8 full-time staff members, 11 part-time staff members, 19 regular volunteers, and 52 periodic volunteers
Ways to Partner/Support
Our dining room, outdoor gardens, and reception desk would benefit from more weekly and monthly volunteers
Adopt a garden bed or an area of the house to care for
Help us welcome our retreatants by becoming a Guest Hospitality Volunteer.
Help us adopt more sustainable practices by becoming a Sustainability Volunteer.
Some of our staff would love to learn more about using Google Apps and Microsoft Office, to make their work more productive If you have expertise in one or both of these areas, consider offering tutorials
We can always use more art supplies for our art studio
Join us on 2nd Wednesdays as a Taizé musician or support our retreat liturgies with your musical talent
If you're a spiritual director or minister, consider offering your time and gifts to our retreatants
Make retreats possible for everyone by supporting our Retreatant Scholarship fund
Collaborate in the Handmaids' mission by committing to a regular time of Adoration in our chapel.
Spread the word about the St. Raphaela Center community!
Scan the code to explore upcoming programs and events, including two programs facilitated by John on the spirituality of film and writing this spring!
eft a rich spiritual legacy, but to my mind it all o finding the sacred in the everyday. As soon as . Raphaela Center, you can tell it’s the perfect hat: it’s a bubble of serenity nestled in the eighborhood where people live, work, and St. Raph’s, you can find the peace you need to daily routine with a calm heart and a clear mind. hool campus minister, I bring groups of seniors ela as they look ahead and discern their next andmaids always welcome us with extraordinary reating a space where these young people can emselves from distractions, and begin to listen to whispering in the movements of their heart as St. hes us. In my own spiritual life, I’m grateful to St. eing the home for my Contemplative Leaders in t, hosting monthly meetings that allow us to e deeply with Ignatian prayer practices and develop as Ignatian leaders. The defining traits of Ignatian spirituality – attentiveness, creativity, compassion, and reflectiveness that leads to action – are exactly the words I would use to describe the Handmaids and the sacred work they do at St. Raphaela. I’m sure St. Ignatius would be proud (and that he’d love the food as much as I do!).
John Dougherty
CREATIVITY AS A CALLING
AN ARTIST MOVES IN WITH HANDMAIDS
BECKY MCINTYRE
In the spring of 2024, Becky McIntyre, friend of the Handmaids, moved into St Raphaela Center to pilot an Artist-in-Residence program Over the span of three months, Becky found belonging, nourishment, spontaneity and spaciousness living with Handmaids and collaborating with staff members She led two visual community projects to commemorate the 100th anniversary of St Raphaela’s death creating a mural connected to the fruit-bearing theme of the Centenary celebration and painting a peace pole for a new garden on the grounds.
Becky McIntyre (she/her) is a freelance printmaker, muralist, and community artist living in Philadelphia. She met the Handmaids through Spiritual Direction at St Joseph’s University Her work, inspired by community, the environment, justice, and the Spirit, seeks to bring awareness to sociopolitical issues and to activate and inspire new ways of being Bex believes in the transformative and healing nature of art, especially art done in the context of community and relationship Bex also works as the visual artist for the Synodality in Catholic Higher Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (SCHEAP) project, to continue imagining ways to bring the arts to the global synod process called for by Pope Francis She is an extended member of the Catholic Worker community and is an artist within the movement. Her work can be found at www sanaartista com and on Instagram at @sanaartista
This position of Artist-in–Residence was a new journey for all of us –myself, the Sisters, and friends of the retreat center who wondered who this person was with paint-covered pants who never seemed to leave! As I made the huge transition to living in a retreat center with the Handmaids, I found myself questioning how I fit in with everyday life – I’m not a sister, not quite a staff member, and not a retreatant either. Over time, though, I started to see that not fitting into a mold
Scan this code to read the full article and explore upcoming Art & Spirituality Programs!
was very much what makes me an artist: being willing to find connections between worlds that have been separated, weaving together stories of people who never met with a stroke of a brush, going beyond borders and categories to create bridges into new ways of thinking What I mean is this – it took a lot of creative energy to figure out, for everyone, how to imagine our time together And the sisters, this community, and this place afforded me the time and space to transition and to land into my truth – that this creative energy is a deep calling of the Spirit – it is spontaneous and it breaks molds
Time really flew by quickly Yet no matter how fast I was moving, it was hard to ignore the beauty of the place and people Being at SRC consistently reminded me to appreciate the beauty in the everyday small things and pulled me back to the ground in the moments when I was overwhelmed or rushing from commitment to commitment Beauty was in stopping to appreciate the blooming rainbow of ranunculus that Sr. Michelle grew by the pool, and in the personal, chef-made omelet that Steven brought me for lunch one day after watching me stare indecisively into the fridge Beauty was in the occasional evenings that I remembered to sit in the hammock and watch the sunset through the trees Beauty was in Sr Lyan’s hugs and laughter, María Edel sneaking a piece of pie for me from the retreatants, Mary Breslin’s ever-present invitation to use her tiny office as a gathering space, regardless of the number of emails she had to answer, and the diligent Associates who showed up ready to every mural paint day And beauty was in the many other moments when relationship made me pause and delight –reminding me that no matter where or how I do or don’t fit in, that I belong and that there is always a new invitation to consider if I stop to pay attention
EXPERIENCING MUTUALITY THROUGH VULNERABILITY
ONE ASSOCIATE’S IMMERSION IN VIETNAM SUE BUCK
Sue Buck, Leader of the ACI Family in the US Province, experienced deep interior transformation through her summer immersion experience in Vietnam. Sue and other Associates in the United States tutor Juniors in English via Zoom, and their beautiful cross-cultural friendships prompted the idea for an inperson encounter. This summer, Sue lived shoulder to shoulder with Handmaids in Saigon, Kien Giang, Bao Loc, Tay Ninh, and Suoi Tien She was invited into mutual relationships through meals, daily adoration, and ministry Through a sinking phone, attending a funeral on Zoom, and navigating a soccer injury, Sue came to know Christ’s love and experience reparation within the content of our human vulnerability In addition to leading ACI Associate groups in the US, Sue serves others as a physical therapist, works passionately registering people to vote, and enjoys quality time with her husband Ed and daughter Maggie
Scan this code to read Sue’s full article about universality, and learn more about the ACI Family!
My Prayer Hut
One place in Kien Giang became very sacred to me Behind the church where we were living for the summer camp, there was a beautiful hut on the water, made of bamboo and straw, where I learned to catch fish
In this hut, I enjoyed quiet moments of prayer alone, because water is very significant in my spiritual life Deep, shallow, running, and still - water in all of its forms carries meaning for me When I am floating in water, I am light and I feel supported And that’s how I feel about Jesus’s dwelling in me: He makes me light; He supports me.
THE BOAT TETHERED TO THE HUT WAS ALSO PART OF MY PRAYER WHEN IT WAS RAINING OR WINDY, THE BOAT WOULD FLOAT AWAY FROM THE HUT, YET ONLY SO FAR AND THEN IT WOULD BE PULLED BACK AGAIN BY THE ROPE AND SO IT IS WITH ME IN MY LIFE TOO: GOD JUST GENTLY PULLS ME BACK WHEN I GO TOO FAR AWAY - OR WHEN I NEED TO BE CLOSER TO GOD.
One afternoon, while I was praying in the hut, my phone slid off my lap and dropped right into the water! This was during my first week there, and the phone was truly my lifeline to everything - to Google translate, to the daily readings, photos I treasure, and being in contact with my husband, Ed Without that phone, I would lose the ability to communicate with the children I was teaching, the sisters who accompanied me and my family half a world away.
Panicked, I searched for someone to help me Everyone was in class at the time, and only by the grace of God was one family nearby, preparing lunch inside the kitchen. They knew no English, and I could not speak Vietnamese I rushed up to a man, who had just come back from fishing, and I tried to communicate with hands gestures - holding my hand up to my ear like a phone and pointing down. I was stunned that he could understand my charades!
He ran outside, right up to the water’s edge, took off his pants, and without hesitation dove headfirst underwater. Seconds later, when he emerged out of the water, holding my phone above his head, I immediately helped him out of the water and hugged him! I kissed him! I kissed his wife! I kissed everyone in his family because through his selflessness, I felt reconnected to my mission!
This was a deep moment of crossing cultural norms In Vietnam, emotions and feelings are not expressed as freely and openly People don’t show affection in the way I naturally do.
Yet they accepted me, even if I made them feel uncomfortable They understood I was sharing my joy and my relief And the man’s wife told everyone who came to lunch after teaching – “This woman kissed my husband! She kissed me!”
And every day after that, whenever they saw me, the family came up to me with wide smiles to give me a hug. I had shared with them an aspect of human affection that they were not familiar with, and not only did they accept my joyful affection, they literally embraced me in return
Teaching English
While I was teaching children English in Vietnam, I believed it was very important that the students felt their own language was valued. So I would say, “Teach me your alphabet Teach me some words!” At the end of every class I would read a sentence that they gave me – and they would give me a thumbs up and cheer so enthusiastically (as if I won the Superbowl)! They felt affirmed in who they were and not in who they were asked to become. That was really important to me - to affirm the dignity and worth of their culture and their language
In the classrooms, I also taught about the significance of making eye contact, offering respect, and having the courage to make mistakes (especially in pronunciation)!
The students wanted to give and share whatever they had with me, even from their poverty. I received bookmarks and snacks, and one student insisted on buying me ice cream The generosity of the children and their families was utterly overwhelming St Raphaela’s simple words, “Humble, Humble, Humble” so often came to my heart
When visiting the Love School in Suoi Tien, I learned that the Vietnamese government pays $40 toward each teacher’s salary and the school pays them $160 per month. That is the salary of one teacher I realized the school, who accepts all children, regardless of learning ability or socioeconomic status, runs on the kindness of benefactors to come up with the $120 per month for each of the seven teachers
Through my experience with teachers and students in and out of the classrooms, I truly witnessed the charism of St Raphaela alive and in action.
Yes, I do -
with all my heart.
SR. CATHERINE KIRWAN-AVILA MAKES FINAL VOWS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAOLA NOGUERAS
On July 31, 2024, the feast of St Ignatius of Loyola, Sr Catherine Kirwan-Avila, aci made her final profession as a Handmaid of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Chapel of St Joseph at St Joseph’s University surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and her Sisters
Over the last 11 years in this process of formation, living in many different places in Pennsylvania, Spain, Peru, Georgia and Rome, the major theme of this process has been trust I’ve learned to trust more and more deeply - trust God, trust myself in discernment, trust my Sisters and others more and more deeply. The trust is rooted in the fidelity of God - God never leaves us without what we need for the journey
Religious life offers me a path into a particular way of being the world with and for God and with and for other people. It’s a path that is walked with God’s grace and it is meant to be at the service of all others, particularly those who sufferpoverty, exclusion, rejection or brokenness. I feel this life, this call, gives me a path into a particular way of being the world with and for God and with and for other people
I share a challenge with many of my contemporaries - in and out of religious life. We are living in a world that often draws us into a pace and a rhythm that can border on or cross into dehumanizing --- and we are surrounded by offers and messages that can easily splinter our attention and leave our minds and hearts dispersed and frustrated. Staying attentive to and connected with the essentials is an ongoing challenge and invitation The essentials of: nurturing our relationship with God, caring for those right in front of us and not closing our eyes to the realities of the world. As we’re doing and being - staying attentive to the being, so that what we do makes sense in the light of the Gospel In the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius talks about “simplifying our intention” (SE 169) so as to be able to choose well I am always looking to simplify the way that I think and live
When we step into the realities of others, inevitably along the way we bump into wounds that are very difficult to carry and that we cannot solve quickly or ever. We can accompany, pray and lift one another up with our prayers and our companionship Encountering the pain of others - and my own - ias inescapable part of human life is challenging It’s also an invitation. Our charism is reparation - stepping into wounded places with the hope and the love that comes from our God and allowing ourselves to be a channel of God’s healing I don’t bring the healing I believe Christ does that, but I try to show up and lend myself to what God wants to do, which is always loving the wounded This lends courage, hope and opens up possibilities
What brings me joy? A lot of things bring me joy. The fundamental central source of my joy is knowing deep in my gut and in my heart that God is good, present and real - not just in my life but in the life of every person I will ever meet The fundamental reality that we live in - for all of the pain, injustice and cruelty that is present - is love The thing that keeps us anchored in life is love And so there is always hope That doesn't mean that we can sit back and kick up our feet. We have to enflesh that love, incarnate it. We have to be channels of it, so that love can be recognized and received Believing that Love is the rule of the universe and that we are called to participate in it gives me joy and courage It is deeply good news.
Scan this code to read more from Sr. Catherine in America Magazine
My final vows as a religious sister and the people who got me there
Published December 12, 2024
BEFORE SHE WAS EVEN BORN, SHE HAD A HUGE EFFECT ON MY HOPEFULNESS AND PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE, SHOWING ME AN ALTERNATIVE TOWARD A RICHER, MORE WHOLESOME PATH
ARTHUR AVILA, CATHERINE’S FATHER
SHE IS LOVE AND A LIGHT AND THE GLUE AND SHE’S OK IN HER OWN SKIN I TELL HER, “BE WHO YOU ARE, BECAUSE YOU’RE LOVELY! HONEY, YOU GOT THE ROOTS, AND NOW, WINGS ” AND THE HANDMAIDS... THEY ARE MY FRIENDS WHO BRING ME TO TEARS THEY ARE A LOVING SUPPORT SYSTEM WHO GIVE AND SHARE AND RECEIVE
MARY KIRWAN, CATHERINE’S MOTHER
CATHERINE LIVING HER AUTHENTIC LIFE IS INSPIRING. SHE IS THE PERSONIFICATION OF LOVE HER OPEN, GENEROUS SPIRIT HAS ONLY GROWN WITH THE HANDMAIDS IT’S ALWAYS BEEN LOVELY BEING HER FRIEND AND IT’S ONLY GOTTEN MORE LOVELY.
KELLI POWELL, CATHERINE’S CHILDHOOD FRIEND
I’VE KNOWN CATHERINE SINCE WE MET ON THE SOCCER TEAM IN 4TH GRADE HER GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT IS UNPARALLELED SHE TRULY SEES THE PERSON IN FRONT OF HER IN A WAY THAT MAKES THEM FEEL LOVED, LIKE JESUS DID CATHERINE’S CHOICE GIVES ME HOPE - HOPE FOR THE CHURCH, HOPE FOR THE WORLD - TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE LIKE THE SISTERS HERE WORK FOR GOOD, FOR JUSTICE AND FOR OTHERS HOPE IS SOMETHING MUCH NEEDED IN OUR WORLD TODAY
KERRY WEBER, CATHERINE’S CHILDHOOD FRIEND
In Loving Memory
KATHY GAZIE, ACI
TEACHER | ARTIST | CONNECTOR
Sr Kathleen Gazie, aci, died peacefully at 69 years on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 surrounded by her sisters at Bryn Mawr Hospital Kathy was born on January 20, 1955 to parents Ralph and Beverly in Michigan and entered the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus after meeting the congregation in Florida. Kathy served as a loving educator at Ancillae Assumpta Academy in Wyncote, a community she adored, teaching first grade and working in the art department Most recently, Kathy lived and worked with a spirit of true hospitality at St Raphaela Center in Haverford. She delighted in welcoming retreat groups and worked in the laundry room with a joyful spirit She also shared her gifts with the Prayer Shawl Ministry group, crocheting blankets for those in need of healing When Kathy was interviewed about her ministry, she shared, “For me, hospitality is emptying myself for the other so that I can become more attentive to those who come to our home (our retreat center or our classrooms) It’s welcoming the stranger, it’s being generous with an open heart, it’s anticipating the needs of others and providing – it is being Eucharist Hospitality is both giving and receiving ”
GLORIA PETRONE, ACI
MENTOR | LEADER | GIVER
Sr Gloria Petrone, aci, died peacefully at 82 years on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 surrounded by her sisters, family and nurses at Saint Joseph Villa Born on October 31, 1941 in Philadelphia of a Ukrainian mother and an Italian father, Gloria met the Handmaids as a student at Ancilla Domini Academy in Philadelphia, USA, where she embraced our charism wholeheartedly, joining the community shortly after her graduation in 1959 She loved her Handmaid vocation and truly lived the spirit of the Institute: love for Christ in the Eucharist and the concern for the salvation of all that consumed his heart After teaching, Gloria cherished a special love for those on the margins; a passion that she poured into Hispanic ministry through Project Fiat in El Salvador. Gloria’s final ministry was in Camillus House, Miami, caring for the hungry, the homeless and the forgotten Gloria was a powerful and dynamic woman with a large heart and a great sense of humor We treasure our memories of a woman who did not hesitate to challenge institutional norms when she felt it necessary Yet, she had a tender heart filled with love and compassion and, above all, a contagious spirit of joy that she passed on to those around her
DIVING INTO HUMANITY
LYAN TRI, ACI
Published in LCWR’s Occasional Papers
Winter 2025 Issue | “Betrothed to the Unknown” LCWR (Leadership of Catholic Women Religious)
Every encounter is a journey into the unknown, a meeting of mysteries the depths of each person bumping up against each other. I have become more aware of this as I have stepped into a leadership role and had the gift and responsibility of accompanying my sisters more closely as they navigate different moments and stages of life How often we are surprised by our own reactions in new situations How often we discover that we have more to learn about our own interior lives
Last January when I was on the Leading from Within retreat with LCWR, the image of a trapeze artist surfaced in my prayer, and it has remained with me as a call and a grace to assist me in navigating the unknown “What will catch me if I let go of the bar?” The initial image that came to mind was of falling into God’s hands, but as I sat with the questions, what emerged was something else: the sense of being invited to fall into humanity
What does that mean? For me, falling into humanity is diving headlong into my own very human experiences: my talents and best desires as well as the brokenness and frustrations. It is experiencing deeply the humanity of others their hopes and beauty, along with their shortcomings It means accepting and even enjoying that each conversation and decision opens up a whole host of possibilities, some of which are hard to predict.
Falling into humanity is embracing our “unknowing” of God’s plan for religious life. It is leaning into the transitions and new questions that create openings for dreaming as well as painful tensions, at times We live this reality along with and
FALLING INTO HUMANITY IS DIVING HEADLONG INTO MY OWN VERY HUMAN EXPERIENCES: MY TALENTS AND BEST DESIRES AS WELL AS THE BROKENNESS AND FRUSTRATIONS IT IS EXPERIENCING DEEPLY THE HUMANITY OF OTHERS...
in the world and Church As we explore what it means to be synodal, we encounter the need for profound discernment, fidelity and courage. As understandings about human sexuality, our relationships with the earth, race, culture, etc , are stretched, new needs and questions emerge
Amidst the unknowing, I encounter the security of belonging If I dive into humanity, I can never fall off or out of it Inhabiting my smallness, I have become comfortable in the messiness of the human journey. It is one day at a time for us, trusting that Life is unfolding, docile to God’s Spirit Having God’s project of the Kingdom as the container, I can navigate my own unknown paths with peace
I am learning to name the reality before me, welcoming what is with courage Naming reality is a call to experience God in the holy and beautiful messiness of the real. Welcoming reality with courage is breaking the Bread of the Eucharist and the Bread of Life with humanity where God chooses to dwell In doing so, the mystery of the Incarnation is unfolding for me It is here, at the intersection of unknowing, faith and hope, along with God’s creative and faithful presence and labor, that the Kingdom emerges
OUR MISSION OF REPARATION CONTINUES IN EL SALVADOR
CENTRO DE ENCUENTRO
RICK JONES, PRESIDENT OF YEK INEMI
To the Handmaids: Greetings from El Salvador!
Thank you for the trust you placed in us and the hope and belief that something new could be born out of the charism!
We are a Cooperative dedicated to Peace and reconciliation in El Salvador. We have 30 individuals contributing membership fees to generate income and to providing services that carry out our mission of integral reparation Since February 2024, the Center has hosted a large number of events through partnership with many organizations. We have been growing! Our reputation is spreading by word of mouth
Our Board meets at least twice a month and we have several committees that meet regularly to provide oversight, marketing and formation for our members and to manage the Center which is providing space for training and meetings on topics from nonviolence and human rights to stopping violence against women
In terms of caring for and improving the building, we are focused on ecological facility enhancements with new exterior and interior plants, a green wall to lower the temperature during the hottest parts of the year, and we have installed air conditioning units in meeting rooms and bedrooms to aid in comfort and concentration.
The major areas we are dedicated to are Healing and Empowerment and Peace and Human Rights We are bringing people together in collaboration and the feedback we have received is that our Center feels open and safe for dialogue We are excited to plan for next year with a great desire to serve and live the mission of reparation
Rick Jones is the President of the cooperative Yek Inemi which means peace and well-being in the local Nawat language Inspired by the study of faith, peace and justice at Boston College, he has lived and worked in El Salvador and across Latin America for 35 years in peace, conflict and development in conjunction with the Church in Latin America and the United States Rick also holds a masters degree in international relations
Signs of Growth (February-October 2024)
2,557 participants in events
37 Organizations Sponsored 129 Events
$7,000+ Membership fees from 30 Individuals in the Cooperative
Healing and Empowerment Initiatives
Women’s self-help and self-care groups
Leadership Conferences for Women from different dioceses and parishes across the country
Safe Spaces for Women to Connect
Peace and Human Rights Initiatives
Workshops on nonviolence, social change and solidarity
Freeing community leaders and environmental activities who have been wrongfully convicted
Forum on protecting people and defense for the environment in rural areas of the country
Special Events
Leadership trainings for peace-builders and social ministies across the country
Resilience and Neuroscience webinar
Creative Arts workshops for young people
Press Conferences for Community Health Care
Fred Abi-Hassoun
Luis Ernesto Abrego
WITH DEEP GRATITUDE FOR OUR DONORS & COLLABORATORS
Roseanne Adams Licciardello
Stacey Allen
George and Anita Alvare
Lydia Alvarez
Denise Anderson
Marian Anderson
Gena Anderson
Phaedra Anderson
Maryl Apadula
Bill and Anne Arnold
Legrehndem Asong
Michael and Katherine Autieri
Laura Bagley
Jeanne Barbera
Jeff Barker
Martin and Joan Bates
Pat and JoAnne Becher
Ernie and Betty Beck
James Bell
Kathy Benham
John and Karen Berckman
Barbara Bibby
CB Blackburn
Patricia Borm
John and Ann Marie Borneman
James Borneman
Nancy Bowen
Teenie and Jim Bracken
James and Patricia Brady
Greg Bremser
Tom and Mary Breslin
Liz Broadwell
Mark Brown
Julia Bruton-Sheppard
Sue and Ed Buck
Jillian Buhl
Paul Burgmayer
Megan and Sean Burman
Maria Buyag
Mary Calderone
Emma Callahan
Michael Calvin
Aurora Camacho de Schmidt
Norberto and Juana Cardenas
Susan Carey
Molly Carson
Susan Cedrone
Noreen Cherry
Carolynn Chesney
John Cipollone
Kathleen Cleaver
Stephen Coffey, OSB.Cam
Mona Comaskey
Theresa Condon
Michael and Christina Connor
Terence Connors
Che Cortes
Danielle Critelli
Patrick Curran
Pam Currie
Janet Cusack
Paul and Nancy Cushing
Arthur D'Adamo
Joseph and Melinda Daly
Virginia Day
Louis and Mary Ann DeAngelo
Alex Deak
Pat DeAngelis
Margaret DeAngelis
Rita Defelippes
Eli DeHope
Aniello L. and Maria Della Greca
Dona DeMarco
Joseph and April Denny
Timothy Denny
Patricia Destefano
Donald and Lisa Detwiler
Adam Deveney
Nancy Devlin
John and Joann DiBenedetto
Robert and Stephanie Diaconis
Nance Dicciani
Bernadette Dierkes
Meghan Dietzler
Mario and Lisa Diez
Dorothea DiGiovanni
Maria DiMarco
Joseph Dionne
Jeanne Doherty
Lawrence and Marian Dondero
Daniel Donovan
Christine Doring
Allen Dorsey
Neil and Bernadette Dougherty
Martha Driscoll
Helen Drozdowski
Carol Ann and James Duffy
Maureen Duffy, SHCJ
Kathy Dugan
John and Juanita Price Dwyer
Kathleen Dzura
Thomas and Elizabeth Egan
J.B. and Marianne Egner
Patrick and Patricia Ehret
Lori Eichel
Lauranne Eichel
Eduardo and Jacqueline Ervesun
Belen Escauriaza, aci
Carol Esch
Paula Estornell
David Fanelli
Tina Farally
Rev. Bernard Farley
Sr. Rosemary Farren
Faith and Bruce Fenderson
Susan Fernandez
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Ferrari
Theresa Ferrari
Joseph and Donna Ferrier
Andrew Feucht II
Maureen Finley
Thomas and Kimberly Finnerty
Jim and Lauren Finore
Cynthia Fitzpatrick
Cathy Fitzsimmons
Bill Flannery
Jennifer Fletcher
Edward and Kathy Flood
Patrick and Catherine Folan
Margaret Fox-Tully
Raymond and Elaine Francis
Dante and Celeste Fulginitti
Heather Gallagher
Michele Gallagher
Kathy Garrett
Margaret Garvey-Mitchell
Ralph Gaudiello
Linda Gazie
Joseph Genito, OSA
Paul and Michele Geraghty
Kathleen Giambanco
Elizabeth Gilbert
Jerry and Anita Gillespie
Bill and Denise Gitzen
Gwen Glattes
Ken Goldstein
Maureen Goode
Alan and Thea Gordon
Jacques and Marie Gordon
Thomas Gorski
Sid and Helena Gosser
Kathryn Gray
Mary Greeley
John Green
Michael Gregor and Kelly Vesey Gregor
Frank Gregor
Steven Grescovich
John Ango Gruber
Thomas and Monica Haeussler-Forst
Mark Hallinan
Mary Kate Harkins
Daniel and Patricia Harrer Jr.
Elizabeth Harris
Katherine Hatting
William Heinemann
John and Maureen Helbig
Mr. and Mrs. Shareen Helbig
Thomas and Kathleen Nealon Helbig
Lisa Hemlick
Christine Hennessy
Lisa Hibberd
Lorraine Hickey
Rev. Thomas Higgens
Barbara Higgins
Rita Higgins
Megan Holcombe
Kathleen and Gerard Holdsman
Eric Hollander
Joan and Bob Holliday
Jim and Mia Holman
Anne Hornstein
Martin and Maureen Howe
Jeff and Susan Hugo
Peg Lerley
Thomas and Rosemarie Ingelsby
Susan Jenco
Rosemary Markow and John Lutz
Kevin and Maryanne Johnston
Janice Johnston
Kristina Jones
Rev. Dan Joyce, S.J.
Stanley and Joan Juczak
Marino and LeeAnne Kaminski
Jeffrey Kamradt
Rosemary Kamtoo-Fu
Mary Kearney
Pierce and Katie Keating
Deirdre Kelly
William and Leslie Kelso
Ken and Pat Kempf
Katie Kennedy
Robin Kingston
Cathy Kirk
Mary Kirwan
Patricia Kishpaugh Snyder
Marylou Klein
Elizabeth Koessler
Thomas and Deborah Krall
Alison Kress
Kathryn Krmpotich
Angele Kuchukian
James Lajeunesse
Audrey Lam
Abby Lang
Monica Lange
Rev. Sean Lanigan and Luke Cooper
Thomas Lauth
Catherine Leach
Lauren Leer
Kimberly Lin
Amy and Dale Lintner
Thomas Longman
This Annual Report presents the names of donors who made gifts to the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, USA Province between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024 While every attempt has been made to guarantee the accuracy of this report, omissions and errors may occur Please advise us at mission@aci-us org of any inaccuracies
Nuria Lopez Pajares
Cathy Ludwick
Ronnie Luke
Maria and James Lynch
Evelyn Lynch
Kerry Lynch
Mary Jane Magee
Lito Magsombol
Diane Maguire
Jeanette Maisano
Hon-Wah and Emily Man
Carol Mancini
Kathryn Mariani
Michael Martin
Lorraine Martinez
Margie Marvel
Barbara Mas
Daniel and Lori Mastrobuono
Elizabeth May
Jeanne Mazzariello
Gustave and Julienne Mbuy
Dennis McAndrews
John and Mary McAvoy
Helen McBride
Bridie Maura McCafferty
James McConarty
Cynthia McConnell
Joseph and Mary McCreesh
Neal and Jeanne McDonnell
Jeffrey McDonnell
Pat McDonough
William and Patricia McDonough
Lisa McDugall
Lawrence and Maureen McElroy
Sean McElwee
Cecilia McGovern
Rev. James McKeaney
Charles McKee
Mary Anne and Richard McKeone
Ann McLaughlin
Margaret McNulty
Mary Mealey
Craig and Renee Meister
Barbara Michel
Jolene Miller
Joseph and Patricia Minehan
Chuck and Betsy Minnich
Maureen and John Mirabella
Bernard and Marguerite Mitchell
Steven and Francesca Molinari
Martha Monaghan
Michael and Susan Murphy
Robert Murphy
Chauncey and Mary Murr
Eve Nacinovich
Annette Nebel
Ginny Neumer
Diane Newns
Jaclyn Newns and Rachel Swenarton
Rev. Jack Newns
Diane Newns
Binh Ngo
Kiva Nice-Webb
Silvia Nilsen
Maureen O'Connell
Flannery O'Connor
Ned and Dorothy O'Hara
Mary Kate O'Malley
Thomas and Gina O'Malley, III
Arthur and Rosemary O'Rourke
Maureen O’Connell
Bradley and Suzanne Oliver
Arthur O’Rourke
Laurie Ortega Murphy
Judy Owens
Kim Paczewski
Patricia Panzera
Marie-Bernadette Pape, RSM
Susan and Frank Parrish
Maryanne Parsons
Winnie Doyle and Paul Ryan
Virginia Peckham
Adrienne Pepitone
Mary-Elaine Perry
Stephen Perzan
Christine Peterson
Kathleen Petrone
Joanne Petrone
Barbara Pezick
Joan Phillips
Nancie Pomponio
Kelli Powell
Steve and Wanda Powell
Rev. Richard Powers
Joan Pudimott
Gina Pultorak
Rebecca Purcell
Angela Betty Quach
Terry Quain
Allison Raabe
Bill and Pat Rabbitt
Mary Rached
Thomas and Judith Reitz
Thomas and Erin Reusche
Diossanta Reyes
Egidio and Palma Ricci
Ann Rice-Mullen
Susan Richardson
Wendy Ricker
Timothy and Joan Riddle
John and Maureen Rilling
Patricia Ripoll
Dorothy Robinson
Linda Robinson
Fidel and Carol Rodriguez
Stephen and Patricia Roe
Rev. Arthur Rogers
Sarah Rosenthal
Adam and Anastasia Roth
Betty Scanlon, RSM
Adrienne Ruppert
James Ryan
Terrie Sanzo Ellenberger
Dave Pinkerton and Sara Moyer
Lisa Sardanopoli
Jessica Savercool
Rebecca Scalese
Beth Scarpello
Deacon David Schaffer
Joanne Grier and Christiaan Schipper
Maura Schubert
Mary Scott
Cherelyn Scythes
Peggy and Jack Seydow
Olivia Sharkey
Beth Shay
Lawanda Sheridan
Michelle Sherman
Gary Shogren
Cristina Maria Silva
Lisa Silveri
Fred and Susan Singer
Claire Slemmer
Robert Sluzis
Debora Smith
Thomas Speakman
Janelle Spedding
Paul Stadter
Adam and Lori Stefanowicz Jr.
Kristine Peterson and Steven Schmidt
Tinamarie Stolz
Bill and Mary Sullivan
Tim Sullivan
Wade and Maureen Thompson
Stan Thompson
Cathy Toner
Vuong Tong
Julieta Valls
Ken and Lisa Valosky
Michael and Nancy Valucci
George and Catherine Van Kula
Richard and Lisa Vanni
Jeanne Velasco
Angela Verghese
Tri and Dung Vo
Susan Wagner
Elizabeth Wagner
Jack and Margaret Walsh
Margaret Walton
Dennis Weber, SdC
Barry and Sharon Weidner
Meghan Weiss
Frank and Mia Wesner
Mary Christie Williams
Grant Williams
Doris Witmer
Alfred and Mary Beth Wolanin
Clara Wood
Vinita Wright
Betty Wright-Riggins
Maureen Wynne
Phyllis Zagano
Kathy Zito
ACI Associates
Danny's Family Inc.
Langsen Family Giving Fund Fidelity
Charitable
Medical Mission Sisters
Raynier Institute and Foundation
Sisters of Holy Redeemer
Sisters of Mercy
Sisters of St. Joseph
St. John Evangelist Catholic Church
Twining Construction
Sisters of St. Joseph of Mombasa
US Charitable GIft Trust
William R. May Funeral Home
*A special note of gratitude to SOAR!
ST. RAPHAELA CENTER VOLUNTEERS
Abigail Gorman
Adrienne Ruppert
Alex Solito
Alison Kress
Andria Seneviratne
Anna Ryan-Bender
Arrupe Jesuit Community
Barbara Higgins
Barbara Mas
Becky McIntyre
Buff Barnes
Carol Buono
Carol Kelly, SSJ
Catherine Soley, RA
Cathy Fitzsimmons
Catilyn Bell
Claire Noel
Clara Louie
Danielle Critelli
Denise McDermott
Diane Newns
Eric Hollander
Francesca Molinari
Geniene Ronald
Isabelle Molinari
Jacques & Marie Gordon
Jean Marie Pisula, CSFN
Joan Darcy
Joanne Trout
Julia Tully
Kate Walsh
Kathleen Giambanco
Kathleen Regele
Kathryn Mariani
Kathy Garrett
Kathy Benham, IHM
Kathy Ralph
Kenneth Goldstein
Kevin White
Lisa Hemlick
Lisa Deak
Lisa McCarthy
Lisa Hibberd
Liz Broadwell
Lucia Vallejo
Margaret Fox-Tully
Maria O'Malley
Mark Brown
Mark & Jayne Cimaroli
Mary Sullivan
Mary Kirwan
Mary Rached
Mary Anne McKeone
Mary Beth Wolanin
Maureen Wynne
Meghan Dietzler
Mia Holman
Neil & Marie DellaGreca
Nicholas Collura
Paul Cushing
Paul Burgmayer
Peggy Walsh
Richard O'Leary, OSA
Rosemary Chen
Sean Burman
Shannon Williams
Sr. Rose Farren
Stephanie White
Sue & Ed Buck
Susan Kincade
Susan Cedrone
Susan Gaffney
Tim Denny
Tinamarie Stolz
Trinh Nguyen, aci
Veronica Luke
Villanova University
DONATIONS & GIFT CONTRIBUTIONS
WAYS TO SHARE RESOURCES
ANNUAL FUND
Our Annual Fund helps provide support for the general operating expenses of the Province, for formation and training, and for the continued care of our senior Sisters The campaign extends from September 1 through August 31 of each year
FOUNDATION SUPPORT
If you or a family member has established a foundation, contributions to the Handmaids may be made If you serve on the board of a foundation or if your employer has a foundation, please make us aware Opportunities for grants are often available to the Handmaids
BEQUESTS
Kindly consider including us in your living will Or, as a family, consider memorializing a loved one who has died by making a contribution in memory of your loved one be designated to the Handmaids as a Memorial Bequest.
PLANNED GIVING
Significant tax advantages are available for making contributions to charitable organizations through planned giving, including bequests, securities, life insurance, annuities and more Please consider the Handmaids when planning your estate
MATCHING GIFTS
You can double or triple your support by designating the Handmaids as the recipient of matching funds when your employer has a Matching Gift Program
