confianรงa Celebrating 50 years in brazil FALL 2013 / A Publication of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate - Joliet, IL
A Welcome from Sister Dolores Zemont
Confiança A publication of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate 1433 Essington Road Joliet IL 60435 (815) 725-8735 www.jolietfranciscans.org
Dear Friends,
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Celebr ating 50 Years in Brazil 4 Associates’ Corner
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Meet My Ministry
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At Jou rney’s End
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S r. A g n e s Go o d e S r. Ma r y An n Gl a sc o tt S r. A n n e Ma r i e Fu r i e l
“I fell in love with Brazil”
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Mission Statement Led by the Spirit, we embrace the Gospel life by commitment to Franciscan values and respond to the needs of our time through prayer, community and ministry.
© 2013 - Joliet Franciscans
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For almost a year, we have been sharing with you news of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Congregation’s mission in Brazil. The day is almost here! In December, 17 of our Sisters and one Associate will travel from the United States to celebrate this wonderful “ministry of presence.” They will represent our Congregation and the special place that Brazil holds in our hearts. In this issue of Confiança, you will meet Sister Ruth Berry, one of the four founding Sisters of our Brazilian mission. Sister Ruth has served in Brazil for the entire 50 years, so she is able to bring a one-ofa-kind perspective to this part of our Congregation’s history. She reflects on the growth of our work in Brazil over these 50 years. In preparing her own reflection, Sister Ruth asked many of the Sisters who served in Brazil to share their thoughts, as well. One of the Sisters who did was Sister Mary Ann Glascott. Sister Mary Ann (Mary Lawrence) Glascott was another of the four founding Sisters, serving in Brazil for 23 years before returning to the United States. Sister Mary Ann read her reflection to Sister Ruth on June 15th, the day before the Congregation’s Jubilee celebration in Joliet. Sister Ruth found it again in Sister Mary Ann’s room at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home shortly before Sister Mary Ann died in August. It’s a beautiful reflection on Sister Mary Ann’s time in Brazil. I think you will agree it was both a joyful and faith-filled time for her. The strength of our mission in Brazil today is a testament to the faith in God and determination to serve shown by the four Sisters who arrived in Santa Helena in December, 1963. Like Mother Alfred, our foundress, they created something where there was nothing. The Sisters in both the United States and Brazil remember you in prayer. We are grateful for all that you do for us through your spiritual and financial support. Please continue to hold our Congregation in your prayers as we reach the next milestone in our history, 50 years of serving God and God’s people in Brazil. Peace and everything good,
Sister Dolores Zemont, OSF President
Advancing the Mission Hello Everyone! As I write this, I have just returned from the 2013 National Catholic Development Conference annual meeting which took place in Dallas, Texas. Approximately 250 of my colleagues from across the country (and a few international participants) representing a wide variety of Catholic nonprofit organizations including religious institutes, schools, dioceses, and social service agencies, listened to presentations on a wide-range of topics and participated in roundtable discussions. It was clear that we all face challenges, some similar, some different, depending on the type of organization, where it is located and, of course, the economic conditions. At the end of the three days – and I have been to six of the last seven conferences – the underlying reminder remains the same: be accountable to the donor, thank the donor and be good stewards of the donor’s investment. In one of the sessions, the speaker shared that 70% of Americans do not have a will. After a collective “Wow” from everyone in the room, a show of hands indicated that it was true. And I was among the 70%! Needless to say, I will be rectifying that. So let me pose this question to you, if I may. Whether you are in the 70% who do not have a will or the 30% who do, will you consider remembering the Sisters in your estate plans? The needs of the Sisters will always be there, whether it’s caring for the retired and infirm Sisters, supporting the Congregation’s work in Brazil, or assisting Sisters who are in active ministry and whose living expenses are underfunded. Your consideration in remembering them now, as well as later, is respected and appreciated.
As a reminder, as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, individuals who are 70 ½ years of age or older may make a charitable contribution directly from Nan Nagl an IRA of up to Director of Mission Advancement $100,000 through 2013 without paying income tax on IRA funds. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.jolietfranciscans. org/support-the-sisters/support-thesisters. The 50th anniversary of the Congregation’s mission in Brazil is in December. Will you please join me in making a $50.00 gift to support the continuing work of our Sisters who minister in Brazil? You are remembered in the prayers of our Sisters. Please know you make a difference not only in their lives, but in the lives of those to whom they minister. We appreciate all that you do. Until next time, enjoy the miracle of each new day.
Our 2013 Limited Edition Christmas cards are $15.00 for a packet of 10 cards, which includes shipping. Proceeds from the sale of our Christmas cards will benefit our retired Sisters. Call our office (815) 725-8735 to place your order or visit our website to print the order form. http://bit.ly/sistercards
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Celebrating 50 Years in Brazil Sr. Ruth Berry, OSF, who was then known as Sr. Norma Clare, is the only remaining member of the original four Sisters who travelled to Brazil to begin ministry in August of 1963. Let us follow Sister Ruth as she remembers her first days in ministry in the land she has called home for the past 50 years.
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t was the time of the Second Vatican Council. Pope John XXIII asked all religious of North America to send missionaries to South America. We were not a missionary Congregation, but Mother Borromeo and her Council accepted the mandate and after visiting missions in Peru and Brazil, she accepted the invitation of Bishop Benedict Coscia, OFM, of the Diocese of Jataí and the Archbishop of Camden NJ, to accept the mission in Santa Helena de Goiás, in the very heart of Brazil. Mother felt that we had been chosen to work among the poorest of the poor.
about the history, geography and culture of Brazil. Our colleagues included priests, sisters, brothers and lay people from various countries. We studied the lessons, repeating words and phrases until we knew them by heart. On the weekends, we visited various religious sites in Rio. When the course ended in December, Mother Borromeo and Sr.
– a very Franciscan thing to do! Although it still exists today, leprosy can be controlled and people no longer live in isolation.
Janet Kahler met us and together we travelled to Santa Helena. In Goiânia the motor failed, and while we waited for it to be fixed in a Franciscan parish, the pastor piled us into another jeep and took us to visit a leper colony
The countryside was beautiful. Vast open spaces, tropical vegetation, fruits we had never seen before, and bananas, pineapple and oranges, of course. But what probably impressed us the most was the red dirt.
It was late afternoon before we finally left for Santa Helena on the federal highway, which at that time was a dirt road. There were nno lights or signs to guide us sso we held a flashlight in the ccar window until we found the turn-off for Santa Helth eena. When we arrived it was 111:55pm. That first night there was no water, as someone w fforgot to fill the water tank, bbut in the morning that was rresolved. After Mass, a reception was held on the porch of ti the school. Though Sr. Miriam th David had prepared a talk, we D ddecided to sing instead. “Ciddade maravilhosa, coração do meu Brasil” (Marvelous city, m The morning after our arrival in Santa Helena.Top row heart of my Brazil). The mayor from left: Fathers Joe McGarrity, Edward Kennedy, Rocco Continillo and Mike Mundo. Front: Sisters Grace and other authorities, parishioAnn Straub, Ruth Berry, Mother Borromeo Mack, Janet ners, priests and sisters came Kahler, Miriam David Balmes and Mary Ann Glascott. to welcome us. What a day!
There were many volunteers among the Sisters, and four of us were given the opportunity to begin our first foreign mission. We left for Brazil on August 15, 1963. None of us had ever travelled by plane. When we flew over the Amazon River, an announcement was made and we received certificates to commemorate this event. In Rio de Janeiro we were met by Father José McGarrity and Frei João Batista Vogel who took us to Petrópolis. There we began the four month language course studying Portuguese and learning
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On Christmas we sang the Mass in Latin as the change to vernacular hadn’t reached us yet. So we settled in, visited homes and prepared to teach in the parish school. You may be wondering what the homes were like. Some were quite nice but we also visited many made of bamboo, covered with palm leaves neatly braided to serve as roofing to keep out the rain. In many, the floor was just dirt. It seemed so strange to see people sweeping the dirt floor both inside and out! Brooms were palm leaves tied together and attached to sticks. It was very hot and the people wore simple clothes. In town there were electric lights for some hours each evening. But you couldn’t count on them all the time. The parish had its own generator, so we did have light most of the time. Still, we often prepared our lessons using kerosene lamps. The refrigerator also ran on kerosene. There was a telephone post where we could wait in line to make a phone call, and we had a post office, too. The parish school had a contract with the state government which paid the teachers and also provided
lunch for the children. That first year, Sr. Miriam David was the principal, Ana Aguiar (a lay volunteer who lived and ministered with the sisters) taught fourth grade, Sr. Lawrence (Sr. Mary Ann Glascott) taught third grade, I taught second grade and Sr. Gretchen (Sr. Grace Straub) taught first grade. Each of us American Sisters had a parallel Brazilian teacher. The people lived simply and were very religious. We were Catholic sisters and therefore There was always a flat tire on every trip! It well accepted and highly respect- was almost impossible to fix a flat tire on the ed, even though our communica- road when the rains came. tion skills were quite limited! We rural schools and helped prepare developed an exceptional vocabumaterials for the teachers. lary due to the varied materials we taught. It wasn’t easy for us, nor for The basic foods were, and still are, the children, but we learned together. rice and beans - meat, only if you School was only four hours a day, can afford it. We didn’t see many so we visited the public schools and vegetables those first years, but taught catechism in the afternoons. fruits were available during their At that time, even preparation for seasons. The meat was purchased the sacraments took place within the in a shop with no glass windows. public schools. I remember carrying home a piece of meat with nothing but a string A great blessing for us was Ana Agutied around it. Needless to say, iar, a lay teacher whom we invited to I was followed by a dog! Today live with us. She helped us with the there is refrigeration and even pronunciation of words, explaining packaged meat in supermarkets. words we didn’t understand, w clarifying which holy days c The red soil, which so impressed and a holidays should be us in the beginning, is very ferhonored. At first it seemed h tile. At various times the farmers like l there was a free day to experimented with different crops. celebrate every saint on the c At first we saw only fields of rice liturgical calendar! Some l and beans. Later came the cotdays were spent visiting d ton – how beautiful it was to see small rural communities s the bulbs of white. Then came soy where the priests celebrated w beans. Soon afterwards, with the Mass M and where we evendevelopment of alcohol-based gas, tually began catechism t the farmers planted sugar cane. classes. We also visited the c
It was not unusual to see children arriving for school aboard a truck from the stone quarry.
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T Archbishop of Camden The n negotiated land for us with Dom F Fernando Gomes dos Santos, the A Archbishop of Goiânia, where w eventually moved in 1966. we O first house was built of Our b boards, but was quite comforta able. It was Archbishop Dom F Fernando who received our first ppostulants into the novitiate in G Goiânia. Our Centerhouse was ddesigned by our own Fr. Rocco Our first postulant class in Brazil. Sister Continillo. He supervised the Teresinha, who is a member of our current Governing Board, is pictured at the far right. daily work and lived right on the land in another wooden structure. During this time roads were improved, and with that came electricity and phone service. However, there was no way to travel without being covered with the red dust! We accepted our first candidates after the Centenary of the Congregation. At that time, there was one year called “admission” after which there was a three year high school period. The students could either study to become teachers or accountants. The classes were at night; the electricity failed frequently so classes were canceled. We organized classes in the convent but soon realized that we would have to move to the capitol to offer these young women a better education. We imagined that their education would be complete after finishing Normal School. But the entire educational system changed in the late 60s. Today, there are 9 years of initial education, three of secondary education and four years of college, depending on the specific course. Today college teachers need a master’s degree or a doctorate.
Today, our building, which was As the building was being constructoriginally constructed to be a ed we soon realized that it was too convent, contains relatively small large for us at the time. During visits classrooms. Thirty-five children to nearby farms and stone quarries per room is the absolute limit. we asked the people what they really Since there are two sessions, the needed. They asked for a school. So, classrooms are used twice a day. we applied to the State MunicipalOur maximum is 1000 students for ity for a contract that would include both sessions. To fill vacancies, the payment for teachers and workers. children are chosen by lottery in We actually opened our doors before early January. It is very rare to have the approval came, as the need was a child drop out of school. Those great. The children came in trucks who start with us normally stay from the stone quarries, on horses until they complete the 9th grade. and carts from the farms, or some walked. After the contract arrived, teachers were assigned to classrooms and a Kombi (small van) was given to the Sisters in order to bring the teachers from the center of Goiânia to the classroom. As the area grew new housing projects were developed, including Parque São Jorge, Photo taken in 2009 of our Brazilian Congregation. Since Jardim Olímpico, then, Sister Johanna Didier (in the yellow skirt) died on March 6, 2012.
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Parque das Laranjeiras, Fabiana, Marilisa, Santa Cruz and finally Parque Atheneu, a project which began with 5000 homes directly across the street from our building. Today it is the largest barrio in all of Latin America. Unfortunately, we soon had to turn away the children who came from a distance as the demand for schools in the area grew. Yet, we still gave preference to the poorest, registering the children from the stone quarries and farms before the children from the larger housing projects.
But our building hasn’t only been used as a school. Our chapel has always been available for Mass, catechetics, weddings, baptisms, first communions, confirmations, preparation of eucharistic ministers, catechists and novena groups. Eventually, Cristo Rei Parish was built in October of 1999, and all of our parish records were then transferred. Today much has changed. There is a divided highway being built from Brasília to Goiânia and onto Santa Helena and beyond. Plans are underway for a railroad in order to transport grains grown in the area. Children are graduating and going on to College. Today we can’t go anywhere without bumping into someone who has studied with us. Even farms now have electricity and telephones. Computers and cell phones can be found everywhere. Large supermarkets bring foods from all parts of the country and from foreign lands. There is
Mark Your Calendars Prayer Evenings Prayer Evenings are held at the Joliet Franciscan Center, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet at 7PM on the fourth Tuesday of each month. (Note: the Prayer Evening scheduled in December will be held on Tuesday, December 17th and not on the 24th.)
governmental assistance for housing and food programs for low income families. The agrarian reform exists and there are now agricultural projects. But you can also still see black plastic huts along the roadside where people who have been forced from their homes or land, now live. And although there is a general health plan, you can still see long lines of sick people who need care, often waiting since the early morning hours. Very often people are sent home without proper care and appointments are scheduled beyond three months! There are always people needing food, clothes and blankets during the winter season. People also need help to pay for medicine. There are always families who can’t pay the minimum price for tuition and school books. Of the 1000 children who come to our school, over 200 can’t pay anything. Some parents work as volunteers. But, as Jesus’ words will always be true: “The poor will always be with you.”
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Advent Prayer Breakfast Join us for our first Advent Prayer Breakfast held on Wednesday, December 11th at 7AM, at the Joliet Franciscan Center, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet. The suggested donation is $10.00. For more information, please call 815-725-8735, x116.
24th Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast Sunday, October 27th at 3:00 PM Celebrate with us at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. For additional information, please contact the Office of Mission Advancement at 815-725-8735.
HELP US UPDATE Do we have your current address? Are you receiving duplicate copies? Do you know someone who would like to receive our Magazine? Please let us know by using the enclosed envelope, sending an email to nnagl@jolietfranciscans.org or by calling the Mission Advancement Office at 815-725-8735, x116.
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Associates’ Corner
Travels in the “Land God Painted Green.” Mrs. Roberta Reynolds Spencer has been an Associate since 1988. She recently received the Mother Alfred Moes Award from the Congregation for her dedicated work in Uganda. Following is her story. From left: Rose, Mark (“Road to Hope” student), Grandmother Josephine and Roberta.
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have had the privilege and joy to visit Uganda for extended periods of time over the past three years as a result of a partnership with the Center for Hospice Care in South Bend, Indiana, and the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU). I continue to marvel at the beauty of the country and I am always reminded of my friend Harriet’s quote, “Uganda is the land God painted green.” As I travel I am especially aware of my Franciscan Associate Relationship with the Congregation. The Peace Prayer of Saint Francis becomes alive daily as I witness the work of others and interact with dedicated people who bring that love, and hope, and joy, and understanding, and consolation to others. I am often reminded of the words of Francis: “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” I am humbled to be selected this year to be one of two individuals to receive the Mother Alfred Award from the Congregation. At the same time I recognize that I am only a small part of what we are all doing in our communities as Sisters and Associates. It is part of the challenge we all have to live the gospel while remembering: “The deed you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today.” (Saint Francis of Assisi)
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By: Roberta Spencer
My trip this year took me to some familiar places and to areas I had not visited. I welcomed the opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. Each visit allows me to witness the extensive work of PCAU throughout Uganda. It is inspiring to experience the zeal of the nurses and health care workers who work long hours, travel extensive distances, have few resources, and yet bring comfort and hope to those in need of care. It is a privilege to work beside them and assist with training programs and educational workshops to bring palliative care to the entire country.
Roberta speaking at a conference in Uganda.
On each of my visits I have gone to the remote from family and friends. The Center for Hospice area of Kibaale. It seems like a visit could never agreed to make this program part of our partnerbe complete without touching base with a program ship to help with continuing efforts in raising funds. that was launched during my first extended visit. Road to Hope assists with the education of child There was a sadness attached this year because I was caregivers throughout Uganda to assure that they keenly aware that the Ebola outbreak had taken place have a better future after they have cared for their in August, 2012, and among the many lives that parent(s) or other significant person in their life. were lost were a These are chilnurse, Claire, and dren, as young her 4 month old as six, who did daughter. I knew things we would Claire because our hope that no hospice sponsored child would have her education in to do. They are becoming a prethe future of scriber. I met her their country. husband and two Hopefully this surviving sons program will and, although they make a positive are still trying to difference in the cope with their years to come. loss, they understand the depth of There is just Clair’s commitso much to say ment. She did not about these visits turn her back when to Uganda. Rose Roberta visiting the villagers in Kapchorwa, Uganda. needed and died Kiwanuka, the while caring for Country Direcothers. tor for PCAU, always says that I have seen more of Uganda than most Ugandans. However, I simply The highlight of this trip was to visit the children in cannot end without saying that during this last visit the Road to Hope Program that was established last the Palliative Care Association of Uganda achieved summer. This program was initiated with startup a monumental goal of acquiring a permanent office. money I received from our Congregation’s Justice It was a dream come true and a testament that good and Peace Committee along with added donations things come to those who are patient. It was such a joy to be present for the blessing of the office and to know that PCAU now has some stability and permanency under the direction of a remarkable leader. Have you liked us on Facebook? Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet, IL
I left Uganda being grateful and thankful for the work of the Palliative Care Association of Uganda and its staff, the friendships gained, “my home” in Kajjansi, and my extended family in Uganda. I always leave with the desire to return to the land God painted green! FALL 2013
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Meet My Ministry Before I started consulting in 1995, thanks to Associate Nancy Davis who encouraged me to look into it, I studied for my master’s degree in Organization Development (OD)at Loyola University. OD was a great field for me; it involved so many ideas that I wanted to know about: organizations and groups and how they “ticked.” My prior life had been blessed with amazing people and ministry experiences – in secondary school, Congregation and parish ministries. These all gave me a template, a foundation, for my consulting ministry.
Sister Lois Prebil really enjoys her ministry!
Sister Lois Prebil is a member of the Office for Racial Justice of the Archdiocese of Chicago and does organization development consulting. Her ministry is “all about the Gospel!”
Taking the leap into consulting work was a risk, both for me and the Congregation. The Congregation Governing Board offered their support after I presented a solid business plan. I then needed to find clients who would trust that I could help them add value to their organization or group. Everyone likes to hire people who have had some experience, so those beginning days were tough! Some Sisters were helpful at getting leads for me in those early days and I am grateful.
By: Sister Lois Prebil, OSF
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hen people ask what my ministry is, I usually say that it has two parts. One part, the major part, is working with anti-racism through the Archdiocese of Chicago. The other part is organization development consulting which is primarily done with church groups, schools and religious congregations! That’s the short answer. The long answer is what I have an opportunity to share here.
Not long after I began the consulting ministry, I invited a couple of friends, Sr. Jane Nienaber and Fr. Jerry Kroeger, OP, to go through an evaluation process with me. In brainstorming new ideas, Fr. Jerry told me about the racial justice workshops that were beginning in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He suggested, “They need some help.” I contacted Fr. Tom Swade who was leading them and I began reviewing the workshops and making recommendations for enhancing and expanding them. I found that I could apply my organization development skills to this
One night I dreamed I was passionately addressing a group and talking with them about the Gospel. Some of the women rose up from the group and seemed quite excited. When I went to them, thinking something was wrong, I learned they were very enthused about what I was saying and they wanted to be more involved. Immediately I asked them to form a panel for the group. As I reflected on this dream, I realize it was a dream about my consulting experiences. The heart of it is Gospel – how we love one another. I am always listening to the participants of the groups I work with; I have to be attuned to what is happening to them. Some people in the group “get it” and want to carry the message forward. Part of my work is designing ways that they can do this and sometimes that happens on the spot. A major highlight for Sr. Lois was facilitating the International Franciscan Conference of the Third Order Regular in Assisi.
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ministry too. That began my work with the Archdiocese and racism. I worked on these workshops for several years, including developing two more phases. During that time, I also worked with many parishioners and pastors of the Archdiocese who were very dedicated in eliminating racism. Two of these committed groups from various parishes continue to meet regularly and work toward racial justice. The Office for Racial Justice of the Archdiocese of Chicago with Sr. Anita Baird, DHM, as the director, was begun in 2000. I’ve had the opportunity to minister with her and that office since its inception. The term we use for this work is “anti-racism,” meaning “a conscious intentional effort to eradicate racism in all its forms – individual, cultural and institutional.” In the process, we have learned that our task could take up to 30 years in an institution as big as the Archdiocese. It feels as if we’ve now only made a dent! It is hard work because we are dealing with a long history of racism in our country. It is hard because some of us white people don’t realize that the opposite of what happens to people of color is the advantage accrued to white people. It is hard because some people think that racism no longer exists so they don’t want to deal with it. Sometimes we get invited to develop a program; for example, we recently presented a one-day anti-racism retreat for the faculties of three schools at the beginning of their school year. I love to develop such a program and include the parts that could make a difference in their lives and the lives of their students! For eight years I was a member of the dynamic Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission of the Congregation. During that time, we did some anti-racism work, and it was my desire that we be able to someday form an Anti-Racism Committee. Happily, in 2011, I withdrew from the JPIC Commission when ARC, the Anti-Racism Committee of our Congregation was formed. We currently have twelve members, made up of both Sisters and lay persons. We are concentrating our efforts to work with our Congregation: Sisters and Associates, as well as with our Congregation-sponsored institutions. At a recent annual gathering of Sisters and Associates, we made a short anti-racism presentation, which was well
Above: Sister Lois is pictured with members of the AntiRacism Team of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
received. We plan to make short presentations to the sponsored institutions in the near future. As I share this, I wonder if my ministry makes sense to you. I have a mix of unlikely events on my calendar! Some days are blessed planning days, days spent in my office where I develop plans and processes for my clients. Other days, there are meetings. In addition to anti-racism meetings and workshops, I also do presentations in different states, facilitate parish council meetings where they work on strategic planning, or I may be going to meet with a religious leadership team. A special event held this year, and a major highlight of my career as consultant/facilitator, was the opportunity to be a facilitator in Assisi for the International Franciscan Conference - Third Order Regular. Participants came from 25 different countries. What a rich experience that was! I thank God for these years of “Consulting for Organizations.” I thank God for the support of my Franciscan Congregation, for my Local Chapter, and, particularly, for the encouragement of Sister Jane Nienaber, OSF, who generously supports all of this! I have spent quality time with the most wonderful people you would ever want to know. I’m humbled when they tell me their stories. I pray that I may always listen well and assist them as they come to a new place for their group. And I get so much in return. Yes, it is all about Gospel!
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At Journey’s End Sister Agnes (Alcantara) Goode, OSF October 25, 1928 - June 22, 2013
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he was born to William and Ruth (Maechtel) Goode on October 25, 1928. The generosity of spirit of her parents fostered the same in her and her 10 brothers and sisters. They taught them about God and the Church. Hospitality and generosity permeated the life of Sister Agnes who, in her words, “took delight in the service of hospitality to all guests.” Born into a family of 11 children, Agnes wrote, “teaches a person to share, apologize and work together.” She enjoyed happy memories of each of her ten brothers and sisters and credited each with “giving me a gift of themselves.” The Sisters of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate came into Sister Agnes’ life when the Sisters taught catechism in her home parish of Saint Joseph, Circleville. Early on she felt the call to be a Sister. Earlier this year, two women came to the third floor of Mohun Health Care Center inquiring about a Sister Alcantara. Sister Mary Olivieri overheard the conversation and was the only one in that building who would recognize Sister Agnes’ religious name, the name she was given on August 12, 1948, the day of her reception of the habit. Mystery solved, the women visited with Sister Agnes and recalled the confidence she gave them at St. Mary High School in Columbus. As a home economics teacher, she expected them to sew first an apron, then a blouse, and finally, a dress. Sister Agnes was touched that after 50 years these women would remember and look her up to thank her for the confidence she gave them.
Mohun. She helped to lead the Divine Office, went to meetings of the Sister residents, and spread her joyful and patient spirit even in the midst of her suffering. She was always good-natured and welcoming even when she could no longer walk. She was adept at using her motorized chair and said, “I cannot tell you how kind and loving the Dominican Sisters have been to me. They adopted me as their own.” Sister Agnes’ emphasis on joy speaks of the importance of joy in her life. The lilt in her voice in greeting you, the infectious laugh, and the smile that was so welcoming are a testimony to her dedication to Christ and to the Kingdom. She had planned every detail of her funeral including the readings and the hymns, and periodically she would make necessary changes as circumstances changed. She died peacefully on June 22, 2013.
After her teaching career, Sister Agnes worked in parish ministry. She empowered others by confidently expecting them to be their best. Those who worked with her knew that she was a delegator who organized committees to gather senior citizens in the parish together in a time when even the term “senior citizen” was new. Her duties of pastoral ministry grew from what she recognized as a need. Father Lavelle, her first mentor in parish work, often said that Sister Agnes heard people’s confessions and then she called him in to give them absolution. Sister Agnes was a master at human relations and respect for people. When she arrived at the Mohun Health Care Center, she found even another ministry. Agnes joined and was welcomed into the Dominican spirituality of the Sisters at
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Sister Agnes Goode, (pictured in the top row in the flowered dress) loved working in parish ministry.
At Journey’s End Sister Mary Ann (Mary Lawrence) Glascott, OSF March 21, 1937 - August 2, 2013
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orn on March 21, 1937, Sister Mary Ann was the third of eight children – and the only girl - born to Lawrence Glascott and Mary O’Malley. She was the apple of her father’s eye and her mother’s saving grace. Overwhelmingly outnumbered by “the brothers,” she soon developed an extraordinary set of skills for standing one’s ground and getting one’s way in a world full of boys and men. Educated at St. Clement’s on the North side of Chicago, Mary Ann met the Joliet Franciscans as a young girl and was inspired to follow the example of the Sisters who were her teachers and mentors.
After graduating from grade school, she attended Immaculata High School for a year and then transferred to St. Francis Academy in Joliet where she became an aspirant, made friendships that would last a lifetime and set the course for her future as a Franciscan. At last, the Lord gave her sisters! In 1953, Mary Ann became a postulant, thanks to a letter of recommendation written by Sr. Johanna Didier who stated: “She has an extraordinary sense of humor and is capable of keeping up good cheer. Her exuberance, however, inclines her to be a little too boisterous.” A year later, still humorous, but a bit less boisterous, she entered the Novitiate and was given the name Sister M. Lawrence. Two years later, in her request to profess first vows in August of 1956, she wrote to Mother Immaculate saying: “With the strength of the Holy Trinity, I’m striving to climb the ladder of grace that God so generously offers. To make vows is to promise to hit the top rung.” And it was precisely that commitment “to striving” that shaped and influenced her next fifty-seven years. Sr. Lawrence began her teaching ministry at St. Ann’s in Lansing, IL. During the summers, she served as house mother to the senior boys at Guardian Angel Home in Joliet, a ministry for which she was uniquely well-suited! In 1962, when the Congregation asked for volunteers to go to Latin America, Sr. Lawrence wrote a letter to Mother Borromeo saying: “I would like to volunteer .... Certainly, I am far from perfect in many points but as in all things, I am trying to do God’s will.” Entering a pool of generous volunteers, she was among the four sisters selected to go to Brazil. She gave herself whole-heartedly to her missionary vocation. And so began what she described as “23 grace-filled years” as a Sister, teacher, principal, religious educator, regional coordinator, religious formator, pastoral minister and animadora, years of cherished relationships and unforgettable experiences that always would hold a special place in her heart.
In 1985, Sister Mary Ann returned to the United States for health reasons. She was uncertain about her unfolding future and homesick for Brazil. Always devoted to prayer and to lifelong learning, she made the most of her previous studies at the College of St. Francis and the University of Notre Dame while seeking out ongoing educational opportunities through various programs, institutes and workshops. Soon she discovered how her years in Brazil had prepared her to become a “missionary-in-reverse.” From 1986 - 2011, she served as Director of Religious Education at three different parishes, as well as a pastoral minister and volunteer in a variety of other settings. She also described these years as grace-filled. “Aunt Mary Ann” also devoted herself to caring for the special needs of her family members and friends, a dimension of life and service that kept her connected to those whom she loved. Throughout her life, Sister Mary Ann endeavored to hold fast to the kind of hope characteristic of Christians - and of Cub fans. The measure of her exuberant joy was matched at times by a soulful sadness. She was at home in the company of those who were successful in life as well as those who found themselves on its margins. As daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, relative, friend, colleague, and especially as a Franciscan, Sister Mary Ann treasured those times when she was able to go the extra mile with and for others. She also grieved the times when situations and circumstances beyond her control limited her ability to love and to serve as completely as she desired. During the final years of her life, Sister Mary Ann repeatedly defied the odds. Harnessing her energies so as to live her last days to the fullest, she gave new meaning to the word “rally.” With contagious laughter she recounted tales from the past. And with unwavering faith in God’s unconditional love and mercy she entered fully, freely and fearlessly into the mystery of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
(See page 15 for Sr. Mary Ann’s ministry in Brazil.)
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At Journey’s End Sister Anne Marie (Grace Cecile) Furiel, OSF January 31, 1925 - August 25, 2013
B
orn January 31, 1925, to Olga (Hermann) Furiel and Thomas Furiel, Anne Marie was baptized Anna Mae but later was called Anne Marie. She was raised in Joliet and attended St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy) and the College of St. Francis (now the University of St. Francis) where she earned both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees.
Anne Marie entered the postulancy of the Joliet Franciscans on February 1, 1942 – just one day after her seventeenth birthday. When she became a novice she was given the name “Sister Grace Cecile.” Years later she returned to the name by which we all knew her – Sister Anne Marie. Her great love of music and her desire to use her talent to bring joy to others were strong motivating forces in her life. Even as a young girl she and her sisters Pauline Ann and Verna (whom also became members of our Congregation) formed a singing group called “The Melody Ripplettes” and sang at church bazaars. These talented sisters were all inspired by the beauty of music. Sister Anne Marie’s desire to bring the joy of music to others inspired her to become available to a variety of groups. In 1975, for example, she directed a senior citizen choral group called “The Joysters” at the Senior Services Center in Joliet. This group performed, under the direction of Sister Anne Marie, at nursing homes, parishes and churches of other denominations.
the joy of the moment and for getting them involved with the music. Besides choral directing, Sister Anne Marie loved performing. From the age of 4 she used to entertain family, friends and neighbors. While living at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, she would often play the piano in the C-1 Auditorium, (without any written music) and residents would hurry to listen to her play. W While living at the Motherh house, Sister Anne Marie was often called upon by various o g groups to direct, play the organ or o piano, or play at a parish in need of a musician. When she n didn’t have a ride, she would d travel on her large tricycle to t those places where she was t needed. It goes without saying n that t Anne Marie was unique and a creative!
Over the years Sister Anne O Marie has received much M praise for her outstanding serp vices as a volunteer. She was v Sister Anne Marie could play piano tunes “by heart.” One of her favorite things to do was to improvise on honored by Catholic Charities some of the musical favorites. for serving with “endless love and dedication.” Sister Anne Marie will always be remembered for her desire to bring joy into the lives of the elderly. She once said that working Sister Anne Marie had a knack for spreading joy and bringwith older adults is rewarding because “these people have ing out the best in people – especially the talents of senior their lives together and they are at peace with themselves. citizens. She had a true gift for getting them to enter into They know about life and have so much to share.”
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confiança
““I fell in love with Brazil” - Sr. Mary Ann Glascott Remembers When Sisters Miriam David, Ruth Ann, Gretchen and I arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America, I realized it was the beginning of a wonderful journey. There were many challenges: a new culture, language, climate, food, plus homesickness, to name a few! I fell in love with Brazil! The Brazilians are warm, generous, gentle and loving. They accepted us with open arms and hearts. Their qualities touched my heart and enriched my life. I believe it was a “grace,” a “gift” that God called me to walk with Him and His people. The four of us were the first Sisters of our Congregation to leave the USA to serve as missionaries in Brazil, South America. I believe we were called to go forth to teach, to spread the Gospel with God’s grace. Santa Helena opened my eyes to poverty. There was no electricity, so candles were used during the evening classes in the Villas, the parish school for night classes and meetings. We had kerosene lamps. It took a while to learn how to use them. We traveled on red dirt or muddy and slippery roads. We had a Jeep to navigate them. After the Jeep broke down we got a Volkswagen. We also had many funny incidents happen. Recognizing the humor of these moments enabled me to relax, laugh and keep my sanity. Since we were teachers, we began our ministry in the parish school. The people had built the school as they prayed for Sisters who would staff the school. We were happy to start teaching since that is what we knew best. In 1964 we invited a Brazilian woman, Ana Aguiar, to live with us. She was an excellent teacher but would not have been able to stay in Santa Helena because she had no place to live except with her family in the rural area. Our Portuguese improved as it was the only way we could communicate. Her presence was invaluable! Ana and I taught the same grade so we planned our lessons together. She taught me a great deal. Ana died of the disease called “Chagas.” Her death was a loss for her family, many friends and for us who loved her. Since Brazil is a Catholic country, it was a law that Catholicism be taught in all schools. So we began religion classes in our school, state schools and schools on the “fazendas” (farms). I even made a map to locate the fazendas’ schools and gave a copy to the mayor who was happy to receive it. Catechetics became my “cup of tea!” I knew we needed more help to cover every classroom. So I invited teachers, women
who were creative and willing to assist in this endeavor. And God sent me generous people! In order to prepare our catechists, we met, prayed, and studied together. First they observed our classes then we asked them to assist us in our presentations. Their own faith was enriched as they prepared themselves. The students learned by the catechists’ words, witness and faith. One of my first catechists took over the program when I left for Goiânia. I observed the catechists’ classes to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. These visits were also an opportunity to get to know the catechists and their students. In order to assist them, I organized the visual and audio equipment. With the catechists’ help we collected paper, crayons and pencils to create murals, symbols, etc. I invested in a phonograph and a tape recorder. Having these supplies was vital in order to create the best atmosphere for lessons and enabled the catechists to be creative and to keep the students’ attention and therefore, enjoy their religion classes. One enjoyable project was to make puppets with objects found in the area and then use them to act out a parable, gospel, story, or religious feast. I was invited to other cities to help demonstrate our techniques. Three catechists and I traveled to other parishes where we shared our teaching methods and projects. I was very proud of all my catechists. These trips gave them confidence! Their ability to communicate what they knew and present their ideas was a sign of hope for the future. The catechists planted the seeds for growth in faith and made all their work rich in “blessings” and “graces.” Looking back to the beginning is a joy and brings back so many happy memories. I felt God’s presence during all the moments of “wonder” as our catechists and all the people we encountered grew in God’s love! They were dependable, energetic and dedicated to their call to serve others. They even strengthened my own faith; they embraced Jesus’ call to serve others. They taught with patience, wisdom and good humor.” Together we planted seeds for the future growth of catechists in Santa Helena. I promised to continue supporting all those past and present catechists with my prayers. May you be earthen vessels to hold the treasure that is Jesus! As always, the future is in God’s hands! Peace and all good! Sister Mary Ann Glascott (Irmã Lorença, Irmã Mariana) P.S. I still miss Brazil, especially Santa Helena and all the catechists who followed Jesus as they continue to give their all to their students and others who have answered Jesus’ call.
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 148 Joliet, IL
1433 Essington Road Joliet, IL 60435-2873
You’re Invited! 24th Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast October 27, 2013 Bolingbrook Golf Club
Raffles - Silent Auction 3:00 pm (More information at: 815-725-8735)
Visit us at: www.jolietfranciscans.org Photos are from the 2013 Sisters’ Summer Gathering
Photo by: Sr. Marianne Saieg, OSF
Photo by: Sr. Marianne Saieg, OSF