Actions - Summer 2010 by Kim Cavallero

Society of the Holy Child Jesus / American Province

Our Common Thread

S U M M E R 2 010

Cornelia Connelly, SHCJ, Foundress Society of the Holy Child Jesus

Actions is published by the American Province of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. Comments or questions should be directed to:

In This Issue Features 02 New Society Leadership Team Elected 03 St. Mary’s Centennial Celebration: A Reunion 100 Years in the Making! 04 Jubilee 2010 07 Honored for Embodying Their Faith 10 Our Common Thread A l ums

1341 Montgomery Avenue Rosemont, PA 19010 610.626.1400, x320 phone 610.525.2910 fax actions@shcj.org e-mail

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Editor

Mission & Minis t ry

Office of Communications

Kim Cavallero Assistant Editor

Dennis M. Dumpson Associate Editors

Tese Currie, SHCJ Sandy Lovascio Dolores McCormack Michael Paolucci

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Holy Child Academy, Portland Holy Spirit School of the Holy Child, Suffern Saint Leonard’s Academy Holy Child Academy, Sharon Hill SHCJ and Alumnae/i Reunite Over Tea

Holy Child Ministries Learning All About the Life of A Sister A Generous Love: A Story for All Ages

SHC J Ne w s 20 21

Bravo! We Remember

Design

Karp Graphic Design Printing

Conner Printing, Inc. On Our Cover 1. Cornelia Connelly, SHCJ 2. Mary Eppler 3. (l to r) Catherine Quinn, SHCJ (M. Ignatius Mary) and Kim Cavallero 4. Kesner Blaise 5. (l to r) Jimella Monroe-Lawrence and Elizabeth Gehrman, SHCJ (Sister Mary Gemma) 6. (l to r) Anita Quigley, SHCJ and Pat Hope 7. Mark Flint 8. Dennis Dumpson 9. Anita Martineau 10. Evangelina Savala

Turn to page 10 for the full story!

610.626.1400 Phone 610.525.2910 Fax www.shcj.org/american shcj american province Website www.vocations.shcj.org Vocation Website www.holychildschools.org Holy Child Network of Schools Website www.holychild200.org Bicentennial Website

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Dear Friends, Many things link people together and keep them connected. As I read through the articles in this issue of Actions, it occurred to me just how our Holy Child family is linked together. Cornelia’s charism is our link. She is our common thread. A single thread may seem thin and weak, but it is also flexible. Its flexibility is its strength. We all know that when individual threads are woven together, they create beautiful masterpieces. This is how I think of our Holy Child family—as individual threads woven together throughout the world to create a beautiful tapestry. Whether it’s a business professional going through his or her daily appointments, a teacher working with students, a mother raising her children under challenging circumstances, or a young professional finding his or her own voice, Cornelia continues to influence us all as we adapt to our changing world. These are just some of the people you’ll hear from in this issue of Actions. Photo by Michael Branscom

Cornelia’s spirituality is timeless, her story is fascinating, and her spirit is awe-inspiring. She has much to teach all of us at every phase in our lives. May we all continue to find peace and joy in our own lives simply by how Cornelia lived her life. May she continue to inspire us all with her grace and enduring wisdom! With gratitude,

Helen T. McDonald, SHCJ Province Leader

New Society Leadership Team Elected

The New Leadership Team of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus: (l to r) Carmel Murtagh, SHCJ of the European Province, Veronica Openibo, SHCJ of the African Province, Carmen Torres, SHCJ of the American Province, and Monica Adigwe, SHCJ of the African Province.

eronica Openibo, SHCJ was elected as the 13th Leader (Superior General) of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus in April. Sr. Veronica is the first African ever elected to this position. In addition, Monica Adigwe, SHCJ of the Society’s African Province, Carmel Murtagh, SHCJ of the Society’s European Province, and Carmen Torres, SHCJ of the Society’s American Province were elected to serve as members of the Society Leadership Team. The new team took office in July, will serve for a term of six years, and is based in Rome. Sr. Veronica and her team were elected during the Society’s 26th General Chapter which was held in Mayfield, England. All religious orders hold general chapters—meetings during which the congregation reflects on its life and spirit and determines its vision and focus for the next six years. In a speech to the Sisters, Sr. Veronica said, “Thank you for placing this trust in me. The good feeling I have is of how we shall accomplish all the tasks ahead of us. I am encouraged by the promise of your being there for the unity and mission of the Society. The tasks may be enormous, but we will do it together for I believe in that community spirit of doing things together.” Sr. Veronica is no stranger to leadership. After the Society’s African Province was established in 1985, she was the first African to serve as Leader of the African Province (1986-1992). She was also the first

African to serve on the Leadership Team of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus from 19921998. Additionally, she was the President of the Nigerian Conference of Women Religious, which is the leadership conference of women religious in Nigeria, from 1990-1992. Sr. Carmen Torres has served as the Vocation Director for the American Province of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus since 2004. She established a Regional Vocation Team, as well as developing bilingual resources for discerners whose native language is Spanish. In her new role, she is looking forward to focusing on the whole Society—all three provinces—and how the Sisters can best meet the wants of the age. Sr. Monica Adigwe has served as a teacher, administrator, facilitator, and counselor, in addition to being involved in spiritual direction and serving as a retreat director. Most recently, she served as a member of the Society Leadership Team and will now continue with the new team. Since 2005, Sr. Carmel Murtagh has been a member of the Leadership Team for the Society’s European Province. A significant part of her work has been in the area of securing future trusteeship of Holy Child Schools in Ireland.

Connect with the Sisters of the Holy Child Have you ever wondered what happened to that Holy Child Sister who taught you in the first grade? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to thank an SHCJ who made a positive impact in your life. Well, now you can! Log on to: http://shcj.org/ american/Connect_with_ SHCJ.html to connect!

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St. Mary’s Centennial Celebration: A Reunion 100 Years in the Making!

Past and present faculty members of St. Mary’s on the steps of the school during the celebration.

t was a gorgeous day in Melrose, Mass. when Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus and Associates joined more than 300 alums, family, friends, and guests to celebrate the Bicentennial Celebration for Cornelia Connelly and the beginning of the Centennial Celebration of St. Mary of the Annunciation School. Since 1862, when the first Holy Child Sisters arrived in the U.S., they have opened and administered more than 50 schools—one of those being St. Mary’s, where the Sisters served for more than 70 years. The celebration began with a joyful liturgy, which was followed by an open house at the school with many artifacts, mementos, and plenty of nostalgia. It was not unusual for a Sister to receive a tap on the shoulder and hear, “Sister, remember me? You taught me.” Mary Samson, SHCJ (M. Charles Mary), who played a major role in the planning of this celebration and serves on the school’s Advisory Board said, “The celebration was one of sheer joy. Joy at seeing the Church crowded with attendees, at the presence of so many SHCJ, who were so warmly greeted by classmates, families, former students, and friends, and of visiting a school still imbued with both the Cornelian and Holy Child spirit. Nothing will compare to the Bicentennial/Centennial celebration in October!”

(l to r) Biological sisters and alums of St. Mary’s School: Mary Samson, SHCJ (M. Charles Mary) and Shirley Samson, also an SHCJ Associate, at the reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall, which followed the liturgy and open house.

remember me? “ Sister, You taught me. ”

60 Years

his year, 14 Sisters of the Holy Child are celebrating their Jubilees. Take a look at the impressive work these Jubilarians have undertaken. If you recognize a Sister or want to congratulate this year’s Jubilarians, visit our special Jubilee Facebook fanpage at http://bit.ly/ SHCJJubilee and write on our wall!

Tese Currie, SHCJ (M. M. Aloysius)

75 Years Roberta Dougherty, SHCJ (M. M. Roberta) Sr. Roberta lives today as she has for her 75 years in the Society: devoted to the Blessed Sacrament and generous in distributing mail and smiles to the Sisters in Holy Child Center. Now needing a scooter to get around, she knows each member of the community: some she has taught, and others she worked with in schools in Chicago, Ill.; Portland, Ore.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Melrose, Mass.; and New York, N.Y. Her varied ministries carried her to Michigan for parish ministry and religious education, to Birmingham, England for a year as an exchange school librarian, and to Regina Mundi in Rome for a year’s sabbatical. With a keen sense of humor, Sr. Roberta comments that little she knew how far her daily prayer for perseverance would bring her.

70 Years Marie Kathryn Naab, SHCJ (M. M. Thais) At this stage of her life, Sr. Marie Kathryn asserts that she prefers not to look backward, but to live in the present accepting the surprises that each day brings. An artist to her fingertips, she spent most of her religious life teaching art and nourishing promising talent. Several outstanding artists attribute their success to her early training. Her grandfather was an artist, and at West Catholic High School, she had M. M. Ambrose and M. M. Berenice as teachers. It was there that she spent her first 10 years of teaching, followed by lengthy stints in Pasadena, Calif.; Waukegan, Ill.; Melrose, Mass.; and Rye, N.Y. A delightful conversationalist with a good sense of humor, Sr. Marie Kathryn is content to be at Holy Child Center in the room next to her own sister, Sr. Margaret, awaiting each day’s surprises.

Jubilee

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., the only girl with three younger brothers, Sr. Tese attended both St. Leonard’s Academy and Rosemont College. She resisted her vocation to the Society for many years because she wanted to be an international reporter. However, once she accepted her vocation, it was a very smooth transition to religious life. And today, she gets to live out some of that ambition to be a reporter since she ministers in the SHCJ American Province Communications Office reporting on the happenings of the SHCJ near and far. Before partnering with the American Province’s Communications Team, Sr. Tese served in a variety of ministries: as the Dean of Students at Rosemont College during the time of Vatican II when there was a great deal of student unrest; as the Novice Director for the Sisters; and as Superior of the Society’s former Western Province. In 1976, she journeyed to Chile, where, along with several Holy Child Sisters, she began a new parish. Chile is near and dear to Sr. Tese’s heart. She says that there was a lot of “heart learning” from very warm, hospitable, and humble people. Upon returning to the U.S., Sr. Tese became the American editor of the SHCJ History Series, a nine-volume series that details the Society’s history.

Veronica Grover, SHCJ (M. M. Agnese) Sr. Veronica has become known nationally as a staunch advocate of education for justice. This keen interest developed when she was teaching history at her alma mater, West Catholic High School in Philadelphia in the 1960s. The diocese offered a summer program to secondary school teachers on race relations. Sr. Veronica called it “life-changing.” She was asked to launch the American Province Justice and Peace Committee before being named as the first Director of the newly-established Office for Justice and Peace Education at the National Catholic Education Association in Washington, D.C. This ministry included travel for speaking engagements and the writing of a syllabus for secondary schools. After six years, she was invited to open a Justice and Peace Center in Charlotte, N.C., and this led to her collaborating with Fr. Joe Mulligan in establishing a new parish. St. Luke’s Parish outgrew its store front and was able to put up a large church and community center. Sr. Veronica has trained many of the lay leaders who now capably carry on most of the parish programs. After 22 years, Sr. Veronica is still delighted to be a part of this flourishing parish.

This article was written by Tese Currie, SHCJ and Kim Cavallero.

.04 .05 Jacqueline Jelley, SHCJ (M. M. Cecile) Creativity has been the hallmark of Sr. Jacqueline’s 60 years in the Society. A graduate of Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, Calif., she was the only Californian in the set of women who entered the Society in 1947. She early showed her dramatic flair by directing the novices in an original production of Cornelia Connelly’s life for the feast of M. M. Laurentia. She carried this enthusiastic spirit into the classroom at both primary and secondary levels. Trained as a librarian, she loved books, but never limited her ministry to the library. Here are a few of her unique ministries: education consultant for the Arthur D. Little Co. in New York, N.Y., Director of the intern program of NETWORK in Washington, D.C., team member to plan the first SHCJ Convocation, Campaign Worker for James Roosevelt (a former pupil), and reference specialist at the National Aids Office in Washington, D.C. Now actively retired in Washington, D.C., Sr. Jacqueline volunteers at the Seed Charter School and is a docent at the National Cathedral. Having lived for more than 23 years in Washington, D.C., she has become the capital’s best and most knowledgeable tour guide.

Barbara Mullen, SHCJ (M. Anthony Mary) Sr. Barbara is known today for her expertise in women’s studies, a contrast to the weeping Postulant who was homesick for much of her first year in formation. She asserts that it was only the love of God that stabilized her. Sr. Barbara blossomed as a classroom teacher and used her talents at the piano and organ. Eventually she was given administrative responsibilities: Principal at St. James in Philadelphia, Pa.; at Assumption in Pasadena, Calif.; at St. Elizabeth’s School in New York, N.Y.; as well as Director of the Office of Education for the Society’s former New York Province. After a sabbatical, Sr. Barbara taught at Alverno High School and Bellarmine High School, followed by three years as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Washington in Women’s Research. In 1991, Sr. Barbara was invited to become Mayfield Senior School’s Dean of Students and Assistant Head, positions she held for 14 years. Since 2005, Sr. Barbara has been and is today the Director of Women’s Research. She holds seminars for seniors and leads a prayer group for women, gaining her strength from Cornelia’s vision and example.

Theresa O’Donnell, SHCJ (M. Catherine Laboure) If prizes were to be given at Holy Child Center for the most indefatigable walker and the biggest Phillies’ fan, Sr. Theresa would win both. Rosary in hand, she tours the buildings several times a day— outdoors in good weather. Energy and enthusiasm have characterized all of Sr. Theresa’s life and ministry. She was renowned as a primary grade teacher, making a lasting impact on many first graders. Sr. Theresa taught in schools in Philadelphia, Pa.; New York, N.Y.; Chicago, Ill.; Pasadena, Calif.; Portland, Ore.; Washington, D.C.; and had an exchange year in Kent, England. From Annunciation in Washington, D.C., Sr. Theresa brought her buoyant spirit to Haverford Estates in Haverford, Pa. and eventually to Holy Child Center where she is known and loved by all.

Mary Owen O’Gorman, SHCJ (M. M. Owen) Sr. Mary Owen came from a family of religious vocations. Two of her aunts were Holy Child Sisters: Sr. M. Immaculata and M. M. Madeleine. Both her brothers became priests. She herself was drawn to the Society by her love of Cornelia Connelly whose life she had read while a student at St. Walburga’s in New York, N.Y. Thorough in all she did, Sr. Mary Owen applied herself to teaching and became an expert in remedial reading.

After 32 years of teaching, she enjoyed a sabbatical in Rome and a visit to England where she fell in love with all things British. She still has a scrapbook with souvenirs of that happy visit. Back in New York, she returned to teaching (St. Elizabeth’s) and administration (Our Lady of Lourdes). In 1989, she became a mentor in the Fordham Fellowship Program and continued to coach intern-teachers until 1996. She then moved to the Convent of the Holy Child in Rye, N.Y. where she volunteered in the library at the School of the Holy Child until heart surgery curtailed her activities. However, she remains a loyal St. Walburga’s alumna and a devoted follower of Cornelia Connelly.

Muriel Ratigan, SHCJ (M. St. Agnes) All her life, Sr. Muriel has been a WHIZZ! In the noviceship, she was an indispensable seamstress and source of practical wisdom for her younger Sisters. Her quick mind made her an excellent high school math teacher (at St. Walburga’s in New York City, St. Leonard’s in Philadelphia, Pa., Holy Child High School in Waukegan, Ill., and Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, Calif.) and often community treasurer. Her fund of common sense was exercised as local superior and infirmarian and for 15 years as an enterprising econome at the Generalate in Rome. Former students still remember Sr. Muriel’s patience and willingness to give them extra help with math. Her parents, who spent their final years in Pasadena, Calif., had her loving attention to the end. Now in residence at Holy Child Center in Rosemont, Pa., her keen interest in the Society and her love of reading continue.

Megan Rice, SHCJ (Sr. Frederick Mary) Sr. Megan was educated at St. Walburga’s in New York. She brought with her a keen social consciousness instilled by her physician father and her mother, a history professor at Hunter College. Her older sister, Alessandra, became a Holy Child Sister and Sr. Megan always held Sr. Cornelia Augusta (the religious name her sister took when she professed her vows) in great esteem and was deeply saddened by her early death. After 12 years of teaching (Fleetwood, St. Edward’s, Holy Spirit, and St. Mary’s, Melrose), Sr. Megan’s great missionary desire was fulfilled. Assigned to Nigeria, she ministered there for 23 years as a teacher, catechist, pastoral agent, and administrator. On her return home, she continued to show her concern for the marginalized in such places as the Catholic Worker in New York City, St. Mary’s Parish in Syracuse, N.Y., Jonah House in Baltimore, Md., and now at the Franciscan Center for Peace in Reno, Nevada.

50 Years Carlotta Bartone, SHCJ (M. M. Carlotta) After 20 years of teaching high school, including three years as Superior, Sr. Carlotta became an Immigration Counselor in the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. and did some translation work. She then received a degree in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America—the only Holy Child Sister to have this training in the U.S. Not only did she teach at Holy Child Academy in Sharon Hill, Pa., St. Leonard’s Academy (her alma mater) and Hallahan, both in Philadelphia, Pa., and the Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, Md., but for five years she was the editor of the American Province newspaper, the SHCJ News, and was the first to include the names and addresses of all the Sisters and all our communities all over the world in the SHCJ Address Book so that we could easily connect. After receiving her Canon Law degree, Sr. Carlotta ministered in the tribunals of the Dioceses of Trenton, N.J., and Erie, Pa., pioneering as a woman in Trenton and later, for the last 10 years of active ministry, at the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. “In each place,” she says, “it was felt that a woman’s presence would help to soften what was always a difficult situation, people hurting from the effects of divorce.” Now retired, Sr. Carlotta continues to offer that gentle assistance through her consulting and part-time teaching.

Margaret Doyle, SHCJ (M. M. St. Dennis) Sr. Peg seems to have been a born educator. A loyal New Yorker by birth, she has rarely ministered there. She first taught at St. Mary’s in Melrose, Mass. and then continued at Our Lady of Humility in Zion, Ill. In 1967, she was named principal of St. Anastasia’s in Waukegan, Ill. and from then on held a number of administrative positions: principal of St. Elizabeth’s School in New York City; Our Lady of Humility School in Zion, Ill., and Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, Md. Most recently, she mentored new teachers at the Cornelia Connelly Center in New York City. Sr. Peg served on three provincial councils and was coordinator of schools from 1973-1983. Currently residing in San Diego, Sr. Peg is the Society’s Coordinator of New Province Sponsored Ministries. These ministries, begun since 1992, serve people who live in underserved areas of major cities. Most of these new ministries are collaborative efforts with other religious congregations and organizations. Regarding her present ministry, she says, “I love what I am doing. I have the privilege of sharing the Society’s spirit and resources with young men and women who lead these new ministries.”

Virginia Gaine, SHCJ (M. Patrick Mary) Sr. Ginny is a math major whose talents were quickly channeled into the management of province finances. After teaching math for about 10 years, she was named to the Provincial Council where she served for 12 years. She was then consultant to the General Council and Society Treasurer for 13 years. Even today her expertise is called upon in consultations regarding SHCJ investments. Sr. Ginny is missed at meetings where her genial wit often eased tensions and introduced a lighter atmosphere. Looking back on her years in the Society, she says, “Every day I pray in thanksgiving to the Lord for the great gift of a vocation to the SHCJ. Each day of the 50 plus years has been a special blessing for which I am so very grateful.”

Lucy Malarkey, SHCJ (M. Daniel Mary) Sr. Lucy brought to the Society a love of the outdoors, reflecting her Oregon upbringing. Science became her special field. As she taught in the middle grades at Mayfield Junior School in Pasadena, Calif. and later at the Cornelia Connelly School in Anaheim, Calif., she continued her biochemical research during the summers. Sr. Lucy later earned a degree in pastoral counseling which she used as campus minister at the Catholic University of America and later at Washington Theological College. Returning to California in 1993 for health reasons, she has offered family counseling and spiritual direction. For years she has been a team member giving a 30-day retreat at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Gatos, Calif. A nature-lover still, Sr. Lucy has Spirit as her faithful canine companion.

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For Embodying Their Faith

By Kim Cavallero

pirituality is rarely equated with success in one’s career. But for one lawyer, John Alcorn of Irvine, Calif., and one psychologist, Marie Kanne Poulsen, Ph.D. of Pasadena, Calif., their spirituality is at the heart of their success. At the Second Annual Holy Child Awards Dinner held in March at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif., John and Marie were honored with the Faith in Action and Holy Child Spirit Awards by the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus. More than 150 people attended and Catherine Heenan, an alumna of Holy Child High School in Waukegan, Ill. served as emcee. Today, Catherine is a news anchor and reporter with San Francisco’s KRON 4.

(l to r) Claudia Satori, an alumna of Mayfield Junior and Mayfield Senior School; Sue Snyder, SHCJ (M. Gregory Mary); Luz Maria Yoshiura, a graduate of St. Edward’s School; American Province Leader Helen T. McDonald, SHCJ (Sr. Vincent dePaul); and Ramon Yoshiura, Luz’s son.

(l to r) Terri Miller with Stephen and Karen Sweeney. Terri and Karen gave generously of their time and talent in helping the Society plan the 2010 Awards Dinner.

Photos by Jen O’Sullivan

Hearing A Call In 2007, after founding and successfully running his own law practice for close to 30 years, John Alcorn decided to take a one-year sabbatical to travel to Ghana, West Africa and give a year of unpaid service at the Tamale Institute of Cross Cultural Studies (TICCS), a teaching and research center of the Catholic Church. Alcorn decided to do this after he learned that Father John Kirby, SVD, who had founded and run the Institute since its beginnings, had skin cancer and might not be able to continue administering it. Because there was not a priest available to take over, the Bishop was considering closing it. But with Alcorn’s help, that never happened. Once he arrived in Ghana, Alcorn took on the day-to-day functions at TICCS, managing the finances and scheduling. He also developed an administration manual to ensure that those who came after him had a clear, administrative guide for how the center operated. That spirit of care and compassion isn’t just limited to Alcorn’s year of service in Ghana. The mission of Alcorn’s law practice, the Law Offices

of John R. Alcorn, is to help people solve U.S. immigration problems. Alcorn provides pro bono immigrant legalization services for priests of the Society of the Divine Word order and personally pays the legal fees for many indigent immigrants who are served by his firm. In addition, he’s an active member of his local Rotary Club, having helped to raise $20,000 that was used to purchase and donate 240 wheelchairs to another Rotary Club in Sonora, Mexico, where many of the residents had crawled on the ground their whole lives or had been unable or unwilling to leave their homes due to the stigmas that were attached to their conditions.

Aligning Mission, Spirit, & Career Spanning more than four decades, Marie Kanne Poulsen, Ph.D. has dedicated her career to helping infants, young children, and their families thrive in spite of medical, developmental, and environmental challenges. An advocate for women and children, Dr. Poulsen does all she can to ensure that they are given the opportunity, support, and resources they need to thrive—and she does it with tremendous empathy and gentleness. For example, during the 1980s, millions of children were born to women who were addicted to crack

cocaine and other drugs. These babies had sensitive, disorganized nervous systems—often crying when sung to, refusing to suckle, and even being unable to cuddle. Babies born to crackaddicted mothers were taken into foster care. Dr. Poulsen developed a ‘Baby and Me’ program to support mothers and infants who were separated at birth. The goal of the program was to ensure that mothers were able to bond with their babies so that they would not be reunified later as strangers. “The heroines in my life are the mothers who conquer the insatiable need for crack in order to care for their babies and give them a better life than they had. To overcome their drug

Martha Isábal Serrano, Assistant Head of School at the Cornelia Connelly School, with Carroll Juliano, SHCJ (Sr. Dismas Mary), a member of the Society’s American Province Leadership Team. Catherine Heenan, an alumna of Holy Child High School in Waukegan, IL served as the evening’s emcee.

Sue Snyder, SHCJ (M. Gregory Mary) with Leslie Taverner, an alumna of both Mayfield Junior School and Mayfield Senior School.

Photos by Jen O’Sullivan

.08 .09 addictions meant that these women had to give up all their friends who were using crack and go it alone,” says Dr. Poulsen. “It has been 20 years since the crack epidemic hit its peak. Crack has diminished, but methamphetamine abuse is rampant. And hundreds of grandmothers are raising little ones. So the work goes on.” In addition to her hands-on work, Dr. Poulsen develops programs, designs and conducts research, and trains interdisciplinary professionals. She has co-authored several books, written numerous articles and book chapters, and given countless presentations. Holding

two Governor’s Appointments—one to the California Early Intervention Coordinating Council and one to the Child Development Policy Advisory Committee—she tirelessly champions policies related to the mental health of infants, young children, and families. Today, Dr. Poulsen is both the Chief Psychologist of the University of Southern California’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, Calif.

Dr. Poulsen has served on the boards of both Mayfield Junior School and Mayfield Senior School. Her three children and three grandchildren attended Mayfield Junior School, with the girls going on to attend Mayfield Senior School. The Holy Child Awards Dinner will return to Philadelphia, Pa. on Thursday, March 24, 2011! Stay tuned for all the details!

Marie Kanne Poulsen, Ph.D. with Jeanne Marie Hatch, SHCJ (M. M. Jeanne), who nominated Marie for the Holy Child Spirit Award. While Sr. Jeanne Marie was Head of Mayfield Junior School, she worked closely with Marie and came to greatly admire her passion and commitment to living the Holy Child ideals. John Alcorn with Pat Phillips, SHCJ (M. Clement Mary). Sr. Pat, who nominated John for the Faith in Action Award, was his seventhgrade teacher at St. Anastasia’s School in Waukegan, IL.

Anne-Marie Bulawka, Director of Development at Mayfield Junior School, with Inez Berger, SHCJ (M. John Vianney). Sr. Inez did all of the name cards for the event in beautiful calligraphy.

Our Common Thread “S

ome people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.” —Unknown

en Coo Portrait by Ell

It’s funny to think that those we don’t meet could do the same thing. But that’s true for many people who have heard the story of Cornelia Connelly. Her life reads like an epic and captures most of our hearts instantly. Her ability to find joy in sorrow, her unyielding faith in heartbreak, and her persistence in overcoming insurmountable obstacles are admirable. Cornelia’s charism is passed from one generation to the next—it is the thread that connects all the members of our Holy Child family around the world. And though we have never met Cornelia, we all look to her for direction, inspiration, and courage in leading fully human lives of our own.

A Privileged Spirit

By Dennis Dumpson

“Be yourself, but make that self all that Our Lord wants it to be.” – Cornelia Connelly

hen I first read this quote by Cornelia Connelly, I was captured by the idea of authenticity in God’s eyes. I am always being me, but was the God in me shining through? As I work with people, can the God in me be seen? As an instructor with the Community College of Philadelphia’s Upward Bound Program, am I sharing my best spirit and educating my students as a Christian should—is that spirit contagious? The idea of being authentic in God’s eyes moved me to become more pensive about what being me truly meant. What I have

“When I interviewed with the Sisters of the Holy Child, I was struck by the gracious and sincere welcome I received from Catherine Quinn, SHCJ (M. Ignatius Mary). I knew immediately that this was a place where I would feel welcomed. Little did I know that the Sisters would come to feel like family. I believe Cornelia had a wonderful sense of family. This sense of family and community is so prevalent within the Society—anyone who comes into contact with the Sisters is immediately taken with their loving and generous nature.” –Pat Hope, Assistant to the Province Leader, Society of the Holy Child Jesus | American Province, Rosemont, PA

found is that it is not enough to be me, if God’s presence in me is not visible. I try to keep this awareness of God and how He is seen in me at the forefront of my life. Cornelia’s life and her belief that God lives and acts in all of us has affected me in a very personal way. Her actions and her words remind me that it is a privilege to know God and that as a Christian, I have a responsibility to be a vessel that can spread God’s remarkable love to others—at home, in my community, at work, and in all parts of life. Cornelia is a prime example of someone who felt privileged to know the Lord and allowed God to use her to spread His love to others. Dennis Dumpson is the Communications Coordinator for the American Province of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, managing the Province’s use of social media (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube).

.10 .11

Parallel Lives

By Anita Martineau

“I focused on faith and felt peace for the first time in years.”

he was born in Philadelphia, raised in a loving, Christian home. She had dark features and soulful eyes. She married a charismatic man with whom she was in love. They moved far from their own families to start a new life together. She supported his chosen profession and was devoted to the children they shared. But he became introspective, dissatisfied, and brooding. She tried to maintain a happy home, but his restlessness grew and he became more distant. He chose independent pursuits that his family was expected to understand, despite the separation,

“The story of Cornelia Connelly gives me faith and makes me believe that God is always there when you call His name. Cornelia’s story makes me proud to be a Catholic. When I started working with the SHCJ, I had no experience. I got the job one month after I came to this country from Haiti. The Sisters trained me and taught me how to do the job. I have gained a lot of experience and hope from working with the Sisters of the Holy Child.” –Kesner Blaise, Maintenance, New Sharon, Rosemont, PA

confusion, and heartbreak they caused. Yet he did not want to give up his family. She went to Rome where she further discerned her faith and vocation. When she followed the path to which she was called, her husband objected. He felt rejected, publicly humiliated her, and tried to sabotage her relationship with their children. She turned to God for guidance, comfort, and direction. The gift of faith steadied her, gave her hope, and enabled her to reach out to others. This is Cornelia’s story. This is my story, too—not in terms of metaphor, but in terms of fact. Cornelia’s charism and heritage have affected me greatly in dealing with my tumultuous family life and especially as a parent. While dusting off a bookshelf during the height of the confusion many years ago, I came across an old biography of Cornelia Connelly given to me by a Holy Child Sister who taught me at Holy Child Academy in Sharon Hill, Pa. The story of Cornelia’s life I learned as a freshman now struck me in a whole new meaningful way. I devoured it and knew God had placed Cornelia’s charism in my path as a guide to renewal and hope. I spoke to Cornelia with simplicity, thanking her and asking humbly for her help. I told her we were walking the same path and I thought we could help each other. I knew she was unable to help her children find peace in life, but she could help my children

find it by guiding me to support them through difficult days ahead. I promised her I would be alert for her signs to me and I would follow her lead. I focused on faith and felt peace for the first time in years. In the challenging years ahead, Cornelia’s charism helped me maintain an inner serenity despite what was happening around me. The trauma is now behind us. My children are 27 and 30 years old. They are happy, productive, creative, and engaging. They have strong faith, are loving, compassionate, forgiving, and work in service professions. There is no achievement that can compare to knowing that one’s children are safe, content, and strong. Cornelia’s example gave me the courage to hope, believe, and take action when I was unable to do so on my own. I experienced God’s transformative compassion and mercy at work on behalf of my children. Anita Martineau, LCSW chaired the SHCJ Associates Core Team from July 2007 to July 2010 and continues as a member of the team. She is the Coordinator of Family Group Conferencing for the City of Alexandria in Virginia where she manages a program that facilitates a healing process for families dealing with issues of child abuse and neglect.

“Through my work with the Sisters, I have realized that God made me, accepts me, and loves me as the individual He created me to be. So many things happen in our lives and without a strong personal relationship with God, there would be no love in our eyes, no joy to share, and no smiles to illuminate the lives of strangers. I have been through so many emotional ups and downs since the recent birth of my cousin and niece who face many health challenges. I quietly asked one of the Sisters to pray for them. She said she would and asked about them often. Without the love and prayers of the Sisters, I know I would be an emotional wreck in times of trouble.” –Jimella Monroe-Lawrence, Benefits/HRIS Administrator, Society of the Holy Child Jesus | American Province, Rosemont, PA

“From day one working at New Sharon, I have felt blessed to be here with the Sisters. It is an honor and privilege to sit in what I call “the best seat in the house.” In the way that the Sisters have modeled their lives after their Foundress and by learning of their many ministries, I have gained a good sense of Cornelia’s spirit. I am inspired by the grace, determination, and unwavering devotion to God that she exhibited through the many heartaches she experienced. Cornelia was a trail blazer in the pay it forward movement by living her life through actions not words.” –Mary Eppler, Receptionist, New Sharon, Rosemont, PA

Yes, Lord…always Yes!

first experienced the “charism of Cornelia” as a member of the teaching staff of St. Leonard’s in Philadelphia. The Sisters that I met during that short period in my life when I myself was searching for direction, were so special. Not only was there an incredible sense of respect for each student and their gifts, but also a respect for each teacher and what they brought to this “holy equation” of a Holy Child experience. Many years and places have passed since that time at St. Leonard’s, but through these decades and geographical distances, I have remained close to the “heart of the Society” through deep friendships with Mary Theodosia Linus, SHCJ (M. M. Theodosia) and Catherine Quinn, SHCJ (M. Ignatius Mary). Today, these friendships continue as fresh and new as if they were started yesterday. I feel that through these years their steadfast example of Cornelia’s love for her Lord and respect for all creation has deeply impacted my own view of my relationship with God and my life.

Cornelia’s Charism I never really thought much of the term “charism” until two years ago when I felt called to become an SHCJ Associate. Going through the six months of learning so much about Cornelia’s life, her teaching, her favorite scriptures and prayers, I realized that what I was experiencing all along was her spirit…her charism. Today I have a training and development company in Houston, TX, where adult learning and organizational development is my company’s focus. I engage with employees at various levels of their organizations who are out there trying to find a place where they can fit, contribute, and make a difference in the midst of some of the worst economic conditions since the great

By Ed Silva

depression. Fear of job loss and the dissolving of their proverbial “nest egg” are more reality than fiction for most. Many of my executive coaching sessions quickly move from the discussion of leadership styles to questions about spirituality and God. So, how do I carry the charism and heritage of Cornelia into the everyday working of my business? Quite simply, by remembering how she, in the midst of adversity, never gave up her stalwart faith in God. By treating each person I encounter with respect and dignity, as she did. By looking at each person I encounter as my “appointment” that God has set for me by reaching out to guide, as Cornelia did for so many in her life, and how her Sisters do now, and will continue to do through the ages. “Yes Lord…always Yes!” Ed Silva is an SHCJ Associate. He owns a training and development company in Houston, TX.

“The Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus lead by example. In working with the SHCJ, I’ve become more empathetic, I’ve learned how to collaborate by building consensus, not by just forcing my ideas on others, and I’ve learned to accept myself for just who God made me to be (flaws and all!), rather than expecting perfection of myself. My faith has grown stronger and my relationship with God has deepened because of the SHCJ. I’ve been given tremendous gifts that I would not have received had I chosen to work elsewhere.” –Kim Cavallero, Director of Communications, Society of the Holy Child Jesus | American Province, Rosemont, PA

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Blazing A Trail

By Evangelina Savala

“If Cornelia could not only survive, but succeed in spite of her heartbreaking circumstances, so can I.”

eing an alumna of both the Cornelia Connelly School (Anaheim, Calif.) and Response-Ability (a ministry founded by the SHCJ), a former staff member at the Cornelia Connelly School, and on my way to being an SHCJ Associate, I am blessed to say I am truly a Holy Child girl! Each time I think of Cornelia’s story, I am inspired. She motivates me to persevere even when I feel like giving up. If Cornelia could not only survive, but succeed in spite of her heartbreaking circumstances, so can I. I like to think of myself as a trailblazer, much like Cornelia. Whether I am in the classroom or planning a co-curricular

Cornelia Lives!

activity with my students, I am constantly thinking of their individual needs and strengths. I celebrate the talents and gifts of each student. I enjoy being innovative. I, like Cornelia, also believe in fostering well-rounded individuals—academics, arts, spirituality, and life skills are all important. It is also vital that students realize that they have a moral responsibility to others and recognize how their character and choices play a role on the global level. Had I not been educated in a Holy Child School and been part of such a wonderful Holy Child Volunteer Program, I do not know that I would have these convictions. I am so thankful and blessed to know so many people that carry on the Holy Child Spirit. This Cornelian Spirit makes the world a better place! Evangelina Savala is an alumna of the Cornelia Connelly School and served as the Director of Student Activities at the school until June 2010.

By Mark Flint

“My goal was always to return to St. Mary’s and try to give back to others some of the many gifts the Sisters gave to me.”

ext to my parents, the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus were the most influential people in my life during my formative years. The love, nurturing, and respect they provided to me and to my classmates at St. Mary’s School in Melrose, Mass. have remained with me always. It is this dedication and enthusiasm that I witnessed in the Sisters’ instruction every day that inspired me to teach from a very early age. My goal was always to return to St. Mary’s and try to give back to others some of the many gifts the Sisters gave to me. As a result, I am now in my 26th year of teaching the seventh and eighth grade students at St. Mary’s School, always trying to keep the spirit of Cornelia alive. (This has become particularly important to me in more recent years as our school gradually employed an all lay staff.) Many of the traditions that the Sisters brought to St. Mary’s School continue to this day: liturgies prepared by children, the annual Christmas Pageant, Living Stations of the Cross, and a family-focused graduation ceremony just to name a few.

Following Cornelia’s advice to educate the child for the times in which they live, my colleagues and I strive daily to live out this ideal through differentiated instruction and other best practices in education, the use of technology across the curriculum, a strong morality program in religion classes, and the encouragement of the arts in all of its many forms. As Mary Samson, SHCJ (M. Charles Mary), our Pastoral Associate, often says about St. Mary’s School, “Cornelia lives!” Mark Flint is an SHCJ Associate who teaches at St. Mary’s School in Melrose, Mass.

Society of the Holy Child Jesus / American Province

Alums

Holy Child Academy, Portland Portland, OR Class of 1969 | 40th Reunion

Holy Child Education

ince 1862, the Holy Child Sisters have founded and/or taught at more than 50 parochial, diocesan, and independent schools in the U.S. While many of these schools continue to educate thousands of children every year, some have closed. All those who were taught by the Holy Child Sisters—regardless of the type of school or whether the school is opened or closed—are an integral and important part of our Holy Child family. Here, we joyfully share alumnae/i reunions and news from those who were educated by the Holy Child Sisters.

In September 2009, more than 40 members of the Class of 1969 celebrated their 40th reunion at the Holy Names Heritage Center in Lake Oswego, Ore. From memory books, photos, videos, decorations in the school colors, and old school and gym uniforms, the planning committee brought everyone back to her days at Holy Child Academy. During the entire evening, there was a great spirit of joy and gratitude for one another and for their interaction with the Holy Child Sisters. —Maureen Welsh, SHCJ (M. M. Theophane)

Graduates of Holy Child Academy who had previously attended St. Charles School, one of four parochial schools in Portland staffed by Holy Child Sisters: (l to r) Carol Rennie, Sue Sinnott Loney, Mary Lou White Hendricks, Kathy Kern Schilling, and Debbie Meyer Pienovi.

Holy Spirit Sharon Hill, PA Class of 1957 Celebrates Sr. Ruth McCarthy’s 85th Birthday! In November 2009, alumnae/i from the Class of 1957 reunited and celebrated the 85th birthday of their sixth, seventh, and eighthgrade teacher, Ruth McCarthy, SHCJ (M. Louis Mary). Held at Anthony’s Restaurant in Drexel Hill, Pa., friends and family came out to pay tribute to Sr. Ruth for making a lasting impression in their lives. It was also a day of friends sharing news about families and lots of laughter recalling their school days. At the end of the day, cake was served with a picture of the “old school house” on it. The day ended with the hope of seeing each other in the near future.

(l to r) Rita Deeney Newark and Ruth McCarthy, SHCJ (M. Louis Mary).

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School of the Holy Child, Suffern Suffern, NY Class of 1964 | 45th Reunion Members of the Class of 1964 gathered in October 2009 for a reunion held at Moran’s in New York City. Special guest John McAuliffe, husband of the late Betsy Ryan King McAuliffe ’64, attended the reunion in her memory. Betsy passed away in 2008 and at dinner, John announced a gift in Betsy’s name to the Cornelia Connelly Center in Manhattan. A brunch was held the next day with additional guests showing up to join the festivities. Everyone had a wonderful time catching up and promised to get together more often. —Veronica Ahern

Saint Leonard’s Academy Philadelphia, PA SLA Spring Luncheon | All Class Reunion

Members from the Class of 1964 at the School of the Holy Child in Suffern, N.Y.: (front row l to r) Joanne Cisneros Dyer, Roberta Williams Lindsay, Maureen McCue, Cristina Caro de Jaramillo, Anne Warwick, (back row l to r) Elizabeth Loomis, SHCJ (M. Christopher Mary), Aileen LaTourette, Barbe Gleassey Crowley, Ronnie Ahern, and Marlene Brownett, SHCJ (M. M. Magdalen).

Alums of St. Leonard’s Academy gathered for their spring luncheon: (l to r) Jan Patterson Domingos ’65, Mary Ann Mallory ’65, Mary Lou D’Amico Burke ’65, Sally Matthews Coll ’65, Pat Moretto Hall ’67, Annellen Moore ’67, and Joan Radano Federico ’66.

In March, the St. Leonard’s Alumnae Association held its annual spring luncheon at the Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Pa. More than 70 alumnae were in attendance this year, and they were joined by many of the Sisters of the Holy Child who taught them during their days at St. Leonard’s. The memories and enthusiasm of the alums outshone the dreary weather that day. Everyone enjoyed the wonderful buffet and had a great time catching up with classmates. Helen T. McDonald, SHCJ (Sr. Vincent dePaul), the Leader of the Society’s American Province, accepted a generous donation from the alumnae of St. Leonard’s for the Society’s efforts in the Dominican Republic. Sr. Helen shared her experiences in the Dominican Republic and what the alumnae donation means to those the Society serves. The luncheon ended with friends reconnecting and the anticipation of seeing everyone again at next year’s luncheon!

Holy Child Academy, Sharon Hill Sharon Hill, PA Sharon Fall Luncheon | All Class Reunion October 2009 found 50 of Sharon’s finest at Maggiano’s in King of Prussia, Pa., enjoying each other’s company and great memories of their days at Holy Child Academy in Sharon Hill, Pa. Marilyn Buckley ’58, President of the Alumnae Association, gave a welcoming address and introduced the Alumnae Board. Marilyn also introduced Liz Eager, Executive Director of Response-Ability, a ministry of the Society that the Sharon alumnae will assist by doing volunteer work and providing support. Such fun was had that we are already planning our fall event for 2010. —Marilyn Buckley

Sharon’s Class of 1969 celebrating at the All Class Luncheon: (l to r) Denise McStravog Miller, Janet Dunn Ferraro, Betsy Carroll Boova, Patricia Bonner Bream, Marie D’Amico Eitelman, Mary Higgins Ruegg, Janet Cienki Glowa, Anna (Nancy) Hamilton, and BJ Foster-Daley.

Sharon Class of 1959: (first row l to r) Carlotta Masciantonio McCoy, Kathy Marre Hilliard, Mary Lou Pyne Sweeney, Barbara Dailey Andrews, Joyce Finley DeMichele, Peggy McCormick McGarvey, Sue McCrossan McGinley, Marie Kline Dunleavy, Janet Hullick Corr, Ann Marie Pikes O’Brien Marshall, Ella Watkin Passarelli, Bunny McCann Waldmann, (second row l to r) Mary Algeo Freburger, Janice Hudecheck Davis, Carol Connor Carroll, Rosemarie Bozzuto Mantegna, Barbara Reedy McMahon, Ann Marie Cranston, IHM, Maria Heron Arnholt, Jeanne Mendte McDonnell, Ginny Van Horn Eby, Val Carter Shaffer, Bonnie Keenan, Lenore Hefferan Giorgianni, Judy Volk, Nancy Brown Schanne, (third row l to r) Anne Marie Stewart, Tina Pugliano Liotta, Peggy Rupp, Terri Raffaele Przegon, Joyce Compton Haughey, Linda Hibbert Stanton, Kathy McNulty Brescia, Bonnie Scanlon Szweda, Jane Lennox Shaw, Daryle McCormick, Cathy Parrott Kryzanauskas, Connie Boyle Connolly, Nancy McLaughlin Dougherty, Helen Gysling Campbell, Mariellen Halberstadt Marchione, and Jeanne Sullivan Boyle.

Class of 1959 | 50th Reunion We held our 50th reunion last October at the Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Pa. There were 43 alums in attendance, well over half of our graduating class. Classmates came from Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Arizona to be here. Everyone looked wonderful and the talking and laughing never stopped. We played a DVD of pictures from our happy days at Sharon. This brought many ooohs, ahhhs, and “remember that?” As usual, there was not enough time. We also made endless promises to keep in touch. —Anne Marie Stewart

Did You Have A Class Reunion? If so, let us know so that we can feature you in Actions! Send the details (who, what, where, when) and a few photos with captions to Michael Paoloucci, Development Coordinator, at mpaolucci@shcj.org or 1341 Montgomery Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010.

.16 .17 (standing l to r) Madeline Sherry, Rosemont Senior School ’70; Mary Ann Sherry Campanella, Rosemont Senior School ’65; Ruth McCarthy, SHCJ (M. Louis Mary); and (seated) Margaret Mary Keating Sherry, St. Leonard’s Academy ’37. (seated l to r) Sharon Spaeder with her mother, Teresa Greco Watton, Sharon ’56. Teresa named her daughter Sharon after her alma mater.

The Tea Planning Committee: (l to r) Maureen McTamney, Rosemont Senior School ’69; Deborah Dunphy Craft, Sharon ’56; Sally Matthews Coll, St. Leonard’s Academy ’65; Roslyn Glielmi Dowling, Sharon ’56; and Anne Galbally Kelly, Rosemont Senior School ’71. Not pictured here is Sally Mercier Sullivan, Sharon ’57, who was also a member of the tea planning committee.

Alumnae from Sharon’s Class of 1957 with their prefect: (l to r) Suzanne Schanne Slankard, Sally Mercier Sullivan, Mary Henry, SHCJ (M. M. Henry), and Carol Snyder Crane.

Seventh and eighth-grade students from the Rosemont School of the Holy Child performed a medley of choral selections during the tea.

SHCJ and Alumnae/i Reunite Over Tea

n May, more than 70 alumnae/i of Holy Child Schools gathered with the Sisters of the Holy Child for tea at New Sharon in Rosemont, Pa. Dreary weather prevented the tea from being held in the gardens, but all enjoyed the Main Building on the campus of New Sharon, as they reconnected with one another and many of the Sisters of the Holy Child who taught them. Also during the tea, seventh and eighth grade students from the Rosemont School of the Holy Child in Rosemont, Pa. performed a medley of songs.

Society of the Holy Child Jesus / American Province

Mission & Ministry Holy Child Ministries The Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus serve in education, health care, law, parish administration, pastoral care, social work, and spiritual direction. In addition, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus has founded and sponsors the ministries below.

Learning All About the Life of a Sister

Holy Child Network of Schools Connelly School of the Holy Child (Potomac, MD) Cornelia Connelly Center (New York, NY) Cornelia Connelly School (Anaheim, CA) Holy Child Academy (Drexel Hill, PA) Holy Child Academy (Old Westbury, NY) Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child (Pasadena, CA) Mayfield Senior School of the Holy Child (Pasadena, CA) Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child (Summit, NJ) Rosemont School of the Holy Child (Rosemont, PA) School of the Holy Child (Rye, NY) Higher Education Rosemont College (Rosemont, PA) Collaborative Educational Ministries Cristo Rey New York High School (New York, NY) Hope Partnership for Education (Philadelphia, PA) St. Martin de Porres High School (Waukegan, IL) The Washington Middle School for Girls (Washington, DC) Sponsored Ministries African Sisters Education Collaborative (Philadelphia, PA) Casa Cornelia Law Center (San Diego, CA) Centro Cornelia Connelly (Santiago, Chile) Fe y Alegría (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) Los Angeles Ministry Project (Los Angeles, CA) Providence Center (Philadelphia, PA) Response-Ability (Rosemont, PA)

Connie Craig, SHCJ (M. Constance Anne) with students from the Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, MD.

he history of our country is rife with heroes, but an AP U.S. History class gets much more interesting when one of those heroes is right in your community. The students in Ms. Sharon Kenny’s AP seminar at the Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, Md. enjoyed a rare treat when Connie Craig, SHCJ (M. Constance Anne) offered a personal glimpse into their studies of the religious life of the past century. With her ever-engaging conversational style, Sr. Connie related a host of personal stories of just how it felt to be a nun in those early years. Our resident Sister, who recently celebrated her golden jubilee year in the Society of Holy Child Jesus, spoke of what it was like to be a professed woman religious before and after the changes brought by Vatican II in the 1960s. Junior Luci Giorgio was surprised at how much she hadn’t known of the lives of these special women, sharing, “Sr. Connie was not allowed to speak unless she was teaching or her Superior allowed her to.” All the girls conducted individual oral history projects, speaking to a range of American women religious about their roles in the tumultuous social changes of the 1960s and 70s. To end their year, the girls hosted a coffeehouse to honor these special individuals who changed the course of U.S. History for all.

Written by Kathy H. Ely

Blog With Us! The SHCJ have a new blog. Visit it at www.shcj.wordpress.com! When you visit, be sure to sign-up in the box on the right hand side of the page to get all the latest news delivered directly to your in box.

A Generous Love: A Story for All Ages

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ecently, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus published a children’s book, A Generous Love: The Life of Cornelia Connelly, in both English and Spanish. This was a collaborative effort: Catie McElwee, an alumna of ResponseAbility’s volunteer teaching program (one of the Society’s ministries), wrote the book and France White, SHCJ (Sr. Leo Mary), created the illustrations.

Building a bridge and sharing a story It all started with a simple idea: Mary Alice Minogue, SHCJ (M. Grace Mary) suggested to Catie that she write a book for children about the life of Cornelia Connelly in honor of her 200th birthday. “My first thought was how much faith Sr. Mary Alice and all of the Sisters had in me. Until that point, the only writing of mine that they had seen was a play for the students at our school. This kind of trust in my ability and support in the book was something I received from our community in the Dominican Republic as well as from the Sisters in the U.S.” Visit http://bit.ly/ CCBook to hear more about how Catie brought Cornelia’s story to life. Catie approached the complexity of Cornelia’s life genuinely, while Elizabeth Mary Strub, SHCJ (M. Elizabeth Mary) added questions about the events in Cornelia’s life that could help children relate to Cornelia’s story. “Cornelia’s story can help so many of us, as she does not fit the mold of most Sisters. In this book and through Cornelia’s life, we all have an example of someone who had to live through all the challenges of human relationships. She really showed faith, obedience, and unconditional trust in the power of God’s love,” says Ann-Joyce Peters, SHCJ (M. M. Domina), who lives and works in the Dominican Republic. The book was written, but what’s a children’s book without colorful illustrations? Thankfully, no one had to look too far. Sr. France, an artist, was asked to create the illustrations. To ensure that the illustrations were as realistic as possible, Sr. France called on the students of the Class of 2012 at Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child Jesus in Pasadena, Calif. to pose while she drew the illustrations. A Generous Love: The Life of Cornelia Connelly is available. A donation of $6.00 is appreciated. Please send your check or money order made payable to the Society of the Holy Child Jesus to: Tese Currie, SHCJ c/o: SHCJ Communications Office 1341 Montgomery Avenue Rosemont, PA 19010 The book will be mailed promptly to you. For additional information, send an e-mail to holychildsisters@shcj.org.

Order Your Special Occasion Prayer Cards The Society’s prayer cards provide the perfect way to let someone know that the Sisters of the Holy Child are offering their prayers. One card offers prayers of comfort and peace on the loss of a loved one. Another expresses love and joy to someone celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, or religious holiday. In their ministry of prayer, the Sisters of the Holy Child residing at Holy Child Center, as well as in the Society’s assisted living communities in New York and Pennsylvania, receive all prayer card requests and find great joy in knowing that their prayers are a source of love, peace, and comfort. Alums and friends of the Society using the prayer cards have also included donations to the Society when they request their intentions. The Sisters of the Holy Child are most grateful for your generosity.

Illustrations for the children’s book were created by France White, SHCJ (Sr. Leo Mary) after students at Mayfield Junior School in California modeled various moments in the story.

Remembrance and general intention prayer cards can be requested on our website at www.shcj.org/american/prayercards.html or by calling 610.626.1400.

Mary Joel Scully, SHCJ (M. M. Joel)

In June, Sr. Mary Joel was honored by Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif. with the 2009-2010 Special Recognition Award: Campus. Sr. Mary Joel was nominated for this award by John Woods, who is the Supervisor of the Learning Assistance Center where Sr. Mary Joel has tutored foreign students for more than 20 years. The Special Recognition Award is bestowed upon individuals and organizations in recognition of extraordinary and exemplary service rendered to the college.

OT OB YM

Jean Marie O’Meara, SHCJ (M. Jean Marie) Sr. Jean Marie was honored by the Cornelia Connelly Center in New York City with their inaugural Accomplished Holy Child Alumna Award. The award was presented to Sr. Jean Marie at the Cornelia Connelly Center’s Annual Gala Benefit in April for having dedicated her life to the Holy Child mission of “Actions Not Words.”

Congratulations to Kim Cavallero who was

PHOTO BY JEN O’SULLIVAN

Society of the Holy Child Jesus / American Province

Bravo!

SHCJ News

elected to serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Communicators Network for Women Religious (NCNWR)! Kim took office on January 1. Kim has served as the Director of Communications for the Society’s American Province for more than eight years and will continue to do so. NCNWR is a professional organization of personnel responsible for communications within religious congregations of women. The organization’s mission is to be a network of professional support and education for members who promote understanding of women religious, enhance their image, and advance their mission. To learn more, visit www.ncnwr.org.

Go Green! Go Electronic! We are contacting alums, friends, and supporters more and more by e-mail. If you’d like to join our e-mail list, please send your name and e-mail address to actions@shcj.org.

We Remember Virginia Marie Gorvin, SHCJ (M. M. Arthur) March 11, 1919 – October 2, 2009 Born in Boston, Mass., Sr. Marie graduated from Cheverus High School and was a leader in every sense of the word. In 1947, she was named Principal of Holy Child Academy in Portland, Ore.; and then, in 1959, she was named Superior of the community of Holy Child Sisters living in Portland—a position she held until 1964. Then, in the challenging years following the renewal in the church and religious life initiated by the Second Vatican Council, she served on the Society’s General Council in Rome from 1964-1970. Sr. Marie also taught at the former St. Edward’s School in Philadelphia, Pa.; Our Lady of Lourdes in New York, N.Y.; Holy Child Academy in Suffern, N.Y.; St. Ignatius School in Chicago, Ill.; and Holy Child High School in Waukegan, Ill. In addition, she did admissions and public relations work at Holy Child Academy in Drexel Hill, Pa. and oversaw the Resource Center at the Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit, N.J.

Elizabeth Drew, SHCJ (M. M. Regina) July 12, 1934 – April 13, 2010 Born in Waukegan, Ill., Sr. Elizabeth entered the Society in 1953. For the past 12 years, she had worked at Casa Cornelia Law Center (CCLC) helping immigrants become legal residents. Her service alleviated the suffering of hundreds of victims. Sr. Elizabeth taught in numerous schools throughout the Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York dioceses and became a proficient reading specialist. During her years in New York, Sr. Elizabeth was drawn to the plight of the Hispanic community. She spent a summer in the Dominican Republic studying the language and was then able to teach a bilingual second grade class for five years upon her return to New York.

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The year 1979 marked a significant change in Sr. Elizabeth’s ministry when she was missioned to Tijuana, Mexico, to undertake parish ministry. From then on her ministry was centered in California and focused on Hispanics in need.

She began her ministry teaching at Holy Child Academy in Cheyenne, Wyo. for two years. She also taught at Holy Child Academy in Portland, Ore., St. Walburga’s Academy in New York, N.Y., and at the former St. James School in Philadelphia, Pa.

Catherine Edgar, SHCJ (M. Robert Mary) August 21, 1935 – May 11, 2010

In 1935, Sr.Ellen began more than three decades of service to Africa, specifically in Nigeria: she taught in Holy Child schools in Calabar, Lagos, and Ifuho and served as the Local Superior in Uyo, Ifuho, and Calabar.

Sr. Catherine’s 74 years took a number of unexpected turns. Born into a closeknit Philadelphia family, she was able to assume, as her religious name, the names of both of her parents, Robert Mary. Sr. Catherine entered the Society of the Holy Child Jesus in 1954. After profession, she proved herself a capable and well-loved teacher in schools in Philadelphia, Pa., Sharon Hill, Pa., Washington, D.C., and Portland, Ore. During the renewal period following Vatican II, Sr. Catherine’s gifts of mind and heart enabled her to relate well to adults in programs at parish and diocesan levels in Oregon and Ohio. She was also called upon to fill administrative posts as local superior and as a member of two provincial councils. Reluctantly, Sr. Catherine retired when there were early signs of Alzheimer’s. More care was needed with each stage of her diminishments. Through it all, she radiated the love “which surpasses all understanding.” Undoubtedly, Cornelia Connelly watched with understanding as Sr. Catherine was trimmed but never uprooted.

Ellen Hare, SHCJ (M. M. Damien) November 14, 1907 – June 7, 2010 At 102, Sr. Ellen Hare was the oldest living Sister of the Holy Child in the American Province. Born in Suffern, N.Y., she graduated from Holy Child High School in 1925 and entered the Society of the Holy Child.

Sr. Ellen returned to the United States in 1967, serving at the Convent of the Holy Child in Rye, N.Y. Later, she lived in Summit, N.J. where she continued her ministry in the Convent of the Holy Child and volunteered at St. Teresa’s Parish School.

Mary Flavia Widmeier, SHCJ (M. M. Flavia) November 17, 1915 – June 9, 2010 Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Sr. Mary Flavia graduated from J.W. Hallahan High School in 1934. After entering the Society of the Holy Child, she taught in schools in Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania. She also served on the staff of Holy Child Center in Rosemont, Pa. In 1952, Sr. Mary Flavia traveled to Calabar, Nigeria where she served for more than 10 years training young African women who were becoming teachers. She also served as Sacristan. In her later years, Sr. Mary Flavia was responsible for taking Sisters who were unable to drive themselves to their doctors’ appointments and doing other errands such as picking up prescriptions and grocery shopping. She also did community service at St. Joseph’s Parish in Sea Isle City, N.J. From 1988-2001, she served as Sacristan in the New Sharon Chapel in Rosemont, Pa. Compiled by Kim Cavallero, Tese Currie, SHCJ, and Dennis Dumpson.

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g A Trinity of Appreciation | October 17, 2010 The Society will host a Mass & Reception in appreciation of those who give generously of their time, talent, and treasure. This year, the event is being held in three locations—California, New York, and Pennsylvania—on the same day to ensure we thank and recognize as many individuals as possible.

g Holy Child Academy, Sharon Class of 1960 | October 17, 2010 The Class of 1960 will celebrate its 50th reunion at the Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Pa. from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Wendy Ricker at rickerwm@aol.com.

g Sharon Alumnae All Class Luncheon / October 24, 2010 The Sharon Alumnae Association will host its annual All-Class Luncheon at the Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Pa. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please contact Marilyn Buckley at mcbuckley@earthlink.net.

g Winterthur Tour | December 5, 2010 The next event sponsored by the Rosemont Senior School Alumnae Association will be brunch and a Christmas Tour of the Winterthur Gardens and Museum in Winterthur, Del. All Holy Child alums are invited. For information, please call Maureen McTamney at 610.937.1952.

g St. Leonard’s Alumnae Spring Luncheon / March 19, 2011 The St. Leonard’s Alumnae Association will host its annual luncheon at the Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Pa. from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please contact Connie Hamilton at connie_hamilton@verizon.net.

g Third Annual Holy Child Awards Dinner | March 24, 2011 The Third Annual Holy Child Awards Dinner will be held in Philadelphia, Pa. Stay tuned for all the details!

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