Final SND Network Winter 2018

Faith in Action

Carrying on the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame

Network Winter 2018

Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province

One Heart, One Hope, One Mission

Table of

Contents

1

A Letter from the Provincial Superior

2 Faith in Action Carrying on the Mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame

8

First Vietnamese SNDs Make Perpetual Vows

12 SND Associate Relationship Continues to Flourish 16 Notre Dame Village Update 18 Become a Regular, Join the Club Make a Difference with Tax-Smart Gifts 19 A Lasting Tribute 19 Regina Alumnae Association

Send correspondence to: Network Sisters of Notre Dame 13000 Auburn Road Chardon, OH 44024 www.sndchardon.org 440.286.7101

On the cover: Thomas McKrill, Dean of Students at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, addresses a class at SVSM.

A Letter from the Provincial Superior

Dear Friends, What an exciting year 2018 promises to be for the Sisters of Notre Dame, our local Geauga community, and the world! As winter slowly moves toward spring, we see our Chardon campus transformed with the completion of Phase I of Notre Dame Village – the simultaneous construction of a three-story, 81-unit apartment complex for independent living as well as a 36-unit assisted-living memory care residence for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Phase II is already underway, the construction of cottage homes, offering independent living to adults 65 years of age and older. We are still on schedule for inaugural residents to move into the village this summer.

This issue also includes several inspiring stories about individuals who are outstanding examples of “Faith in Action” – whether in an elementary school classroom, on college campuses, or even among human trafficking victims serving time in prison. In addition, we share with you the national enthusiasm of our SND Associates and how dynamic men and women are sharing our charism within their own professional and social circles.

We celebrate the global expansion of the SND congregation with the first two Vietnamese sisters making their perpetual vows as Sisters of Notre Dame in their native country. Despite the challenges of practicing their faith under a communist regime, they are doing so with abundant joy!

As I look forward to witnessing the first signs of spring, I am reminded of how our charism continues to spread in new and miraculous ways. You and your family are certainly a part of this movement.

Thank you for your dedication to the faith and your gifts of time, talent and treasure to the Sisters of Notre Dame. We look forward to another year of shared commitment to service.

Sincerely,

Sister Margaret M. Gorman, SND Provincial Superior

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Faith in Carrying on the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame

Thomas McKrill Thomas McKrill, 28, was first introduced to the Sisters of Notre Dame as a kindergartener at St. Gabriel School in Concord, Ohio. He fondly remembers Sister Josephmarie Bunosky, SND, who served as principal during his nine years at the Catholic elementary school. McKrill recalls with a smile, “She was tough but very fair.”

McKrill went on to graduate from Lake Catholic, earn a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business from Notre Dame College, in South Euclid, and an MA in Educational Administration from Ursuline College. McKrill’s plan to pursue a career in international business took a dramatic turn after completing a six-week internship at Sophia, an all-girl Catholic High School in Bangalore, India.

“Sister Marie Manning, SND, was instrumental in my receiving this internship, along with a fellow accounting student. While we could not do as much as we hoped due to government restrictions, we became an extra set of hands on the compound. When I returned home, I reflected on where I was, what I wanted to do, and who I wanted to be. During that time of reflection, I received a call from the principal at Lake Catholic who asked if I would be a long-term substitute. Accepting that position was the best decision I ever made.”

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n Action After his long-term assignment at Lake Catholic, McKrill taught theology and was the campus minister at St. Peter Chanel High School. From there, he accepted a position as Admissions Counselor, then Senior Admissions Counselor, at Notre Dame College from 2015 to 2017.

Today, McKrill serves as Dean of Students at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio.

McKrill claims Notre Dame College’s mission statement continues to challenge him: Notre Dame College, a Catholic institution in the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame, educates a diverse population in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility.

He describes, “Personally, I truly believe I must live my faith and learn why I am here. Professionally, in my career today, I am leading and guiding young men and women in their faith. Globally, I understand my responsibility to give back, like I did in India. I arrived in India with two huge, jam-packed suitcases. I returned with one empty suitcase. While international travel is great, I also understand my global responsibility includes caring for my sisters and brothers in my own backyard.

McKrill concludes, “I am in the beginning of my infancy to live what the sisters have taught me. I would rather be rich in health and spirit than in my wallet. I am happy helping young men and women be the best persons they can be. I encourage young adults who are generally not religious to reflect and talk to God on their own. It’s not about the hour on Sunday but, more importantly, incorporating faith into your life – at work, at home, at the gym, everywhere.”

“I am in the beginning of my infancy to live what the sisters have taught me.

I would rather be rich in health and spirit than in my wallet. I am happy helping young men and women be the best persons they can be."

Thomas McKrill

Continued on page 4

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Faith in “I believe my Catholic faith is my inheritance – a treasure that has been passed on to me by my family – particularly my mom – and reinforced by those I have met along the way, including the Sisters of Notre Dame."

J.P. Graulty

J.P. Graulty Unlike McKrill, J.P. Graulty, 30, attended a public grade school and high school. His introduction to the SND community came as a freshman at Case Western Reserve University in 2006. “I met Sister Kate Hine, SND, at Case, where I was involved in campus ministry. She assisted us in planning retreats, invited us to educational programs on faith, and helped us launch a small-group, faith-sharing program.”

Graulty also served as a college representative for the Diocesan Pastoral Council where Sister Mary Ann Baran, SND, was a member. Today, Graulty is employed as Assistant Director for Community Partnerships in the Center for Service and Social Action, at John Carroll University where Sister Katherine Feely, SND, is the department director. And two years ago, Sister Mary Ann Burke, SND, directed his yearlong experience of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. “My sense is the Sisters of Notre Dame are women of great faith who put that faith into action. This religious community has an inclination toward doing,” Graulty describes.

Graulty also currently serves as Board Chair for the Coalition with Young Adults (CYA).

CYA, pronounced “see ya,” is a growing Catholic network of people and resources working to see young adults thrive in the greater Cleveland/Akron/Youngstown area.

“It is a grassroots organization that connects young adults, age 18-39, with each other as well as with religious communities, parishes, diocesan offices, innovators and the wider community.”

“I believe my Catholic faith is my inheritance – a treasure that has been passed on to me by my family – particularly my mom – and reinforced by those I have met along the way, including the Sisters of Notre Dame. The SNDs I’ve known have really modeled their charism for me.”

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n Action Alexis Nichole

At 34, Alexis, of Cleveland, has already experienced more heartache and pain than most people experience in a lifetime. However, today she sees herself, not as a victim, but as a survivor, and she shares her story and faith with other women caught in the grips of human trafficking.

“At 18, I was taking college courses and working in a mall when I met a 21-year-old man. He was very charming and funny. I had low self-esteem and truly believed I was in love with him. We became involved and eventually married. He controlled me through fear and manipulation. He started prostituting me at 23. One day, he put a gun to my head and threatened to kill me. After years of this abuse, I was tired.

“I got down on my hands and knees that day and prayed, asking God to remove him from my life – crying, expressing to Jesus that I no longer wanted to live that lifestyle or be a prostitute,” she recalls softly.

Shortly after saying that prayer, Alexis was arrested. After telling pieces of her story to John Morgan, her arresting officer and one of the lead detectives for human trafficking in Cuyahoga County, he recommended Alexis contact the Renee Jones Empowerment Center (RJEC) for victims of human trafficking. “That is where I was first introduced to Sister Cecilia Liberatore, SND,” Alexis says with a smile.

“When I stood before the judge at my sentencing hearing, Sister Cecilia was the only person there with me. She spoke to the judge on my behalf. Sister Cecilia is down to earth and genuine. She demonstrates unconditional love – no judgment.

She wants what is best for you,” Alexis recalls. “I was given a $500,000 bond and charged with eight felonies, including human trafficking. Prior to serving my 17-month prison sentence, RJEC provided me with a safe haven, another home.

It was a place where I could go and open up without judgment.

“Prison was the best thing that could have happened for me. While I felt like I was losing everything, I gained myself, self-worth, love, a safe home and a more intimate relationship with my Creator. With my freedom gone, I was no longer in slavery. In that most horrible place, I became my best self,” she admits. While in jail, she read the Bible, journaled what she read, attended Mass each Sunday, and was involved in the praise dance ministry.

Since her release from prison, Alexis works for a transportation company as a cab driver. “My job has given me the opportunity to earn enough money to buy a two-family fixer upper. My mother lives in the unit next door, providing me with a sense of security. In fact, last month, I purchased my second home,” she states proudly.

“The legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame will live on through others touched by their love. Sister Cecilia has been a joy, a good friend, and a wonderful example of how to walk with God.” Alexis Nichole

She insists, “The legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame will live on through others touched by their love. Sister Cecilia has been a joy, a good friend, and a wonderful example of how to walk with God. I go to the detention center regularly to talk to other ladies victimized by human trafficking and serving time there. I share with them my story and about Jesus.”

Continued on page 6

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Faith in John Szarwark John Szarwark wears two hats. He works full-time as finance coordinator for the Office of Catechetical Formation and Education for the Diocese of Cleveland and part-time as University of Akron’s campus minister.

for the Cleveland Diocese for the past 27 years.” Szarwark admits, serving as “RooCatholic” campus minister has become his passion. (RooCatholic is the name students chose for the on-campus ministry group.)

Szarwark says his introduction to the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame began with Sister Margaret Hess (formerly Sister Mary Nathan), who served as SND community treasurer at the time. Also, Sister Diane Pekarek, SND, worked for Szarwark as a bookkeeper for the Inner-City School Fund.

“I have worked within the Catholic Education Department

“I love it. When I first walked through the door, there were 10 students here. Today, we average 55-60 students on any given Wednesday night along with an increase in student

“Our students have worked at the Cleveland Food Bank, House of Champions, Metro Catholic, and Cuvilly House. Sister Kate Hine has assisted in coordinating these projects. The Sisters of Notre Dame have been examples of how to minister and have fun doing it.”

John Szarwark

attendance at other program offerings. Men’s Group, Ladies’ Group, Bible Study and Sports Group to mention a few. The Newman Center is busy at least five days a week.

This growth is basically due to the student leadership team and their commitment to their faith.”

“Our students really want to be of service in their community,” Szarwark says. “Our students have worked at the Cleveland Food Bank, House of Champions, Metro Catholic, and Cuvilly House. Sister Kate Hine has assisted in coordinating these projects. The Sisters of Notre Dame have been examples of how to minister and have fun doing it.”

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n Action Katie Lewis Katie Lewis is no stranger to Catholic education, particularly Metro Catholic School, located at 1910 W 54th St, Cleveland.

She attended Metro Catholic from Pre-K through 8th grade.

After graduating from Brooklyn High School, she went on to earn a BA in Early Childhood Education at Notre Dame College, in South Euclid.

Founded to serve the changing population of Cleveland’s near West Side, Metro Catholic successfully educates urban youth. As an alumna, Katie Lewis is an inspiring role model for her students. “I am in my 10th year of teaching at Metro Catholic School,” says Lewis enthusiastically.

The dedicated teacher feels working with the Sisters of Notre Dame through the years has influenced her faith, work and worldview. “I firmly believe that having these women in my life helped shape me into the kind and helpful woman that I am today,” she says. “It was instilled in me at a very early age to treat others the way you want to be treated – a rule that I still live by! I am always looking for ways to help those around me.”

“I am teaching the future of our country,” exclaims the passionate educator. “The more that my students understand that God loves them, no matter what they have done wrong, as long as they are truly sorry, the more hopeful I am that they will turn to Him when things aren’t easy at home.

I work very hard to teach my students the importance of stopping and talking to Him each day. We ‘check in’ with Him a few times a week and have had students tell me that they ‘checked in with Him’ at home on their own.”

Lewis concludes, “I think it is a privilege to live each day sharing my faith with those around me. I have been blessed to be surrounded, supported, and encouraged by the Sisters of Notre Dame throughout my life.”

“The more that my students understand that God loves them, no matter what they have done wrong, as long as they are truly sorry, the more hopeful I am that they will turn to Him when things aren’t easy at home."

Katie Lewis

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First Vietnamese SNDs Make Perpetual Vows

Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the

easternmost country on the

Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia with an estimated

94.6 million inhabitants. The country borders China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia

to the southwest, and Thailand across the Gulf of

Thailand. Hanoi serves as the capital city since the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1976, with Ho Chi Minh City as the most populous city.

In Vietnam, hot water is a luxury for the rich, as is

spacious housing. A typical Vietnamese diet consists primarily of fish, rice, fruit, vegetables, and some

pork or beef. And the human rights many Americans take for granted are but distant dreams.

(fourth from left) Sister Maresa Lilley, SND, takes in some of the sites with fellow Vietnamese and Korean Sisters of Notre Dame in Vietnam.

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Approximately five percent of the population is Catholic,

“I was inspired and motivated from my travels to

restrictions under communism, Catholicism is practiced in

“First, I traveled to Korea, where I spent a couple days,

residing primarily in South Vietnam. However, due to

secret. No exterior Christian signage is allowed on churches.

Members of religious orders must be registered. Those practicing the faith are under frequent surveillance.

Vietnam,” Sister Maresa exclaims with an engaging smile. then a few Korean Sisters and I went on to Vietnam where

we visited with all the SND candidates and junior professed sisters, and helped prepare for the big ceremony that

This is where Sister Maresa Lilley, SND traveled from

would take place on August 5th. I was very happy to

of the first two Vietnamese Sisters of Notre Dame.

Linh) who were to be professed.”

August 3 to August 8, 2017 to celebrate the final profession

spend time with Lan (Nguyen Thi Lan) and Linh (Vu Hai

Continued on page 10

“ For the Sisters of Notre Dame, this was a wonderful celebration since our first two Vietnamese SNDs were becoming permanent members.”

Sister Maresa Lilley

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From 2008 to 2011, Sister Maresa was

responsible for setting up the novitiate

program in the Philippines where she served as novice director at the SND international novitiate. There, Sister Maresa taught and

lived with Filipina and Vietnamese postulants and novices. “Lan and Linh were in my first

group of postulants,” she states. “Eventually, these two young women returned to their home country to complete a time under

temporary vows. I had not seen them since our time together in the Philippines.”

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Sisters of Notre Dame

“ Most of these women are learning English and continuing in higher studies.”

Sister Maresa Lilley

STAGES OF BECOMING A SISTER OF NOTRE DAME

“I was blessed to witness Sister

Marie Martina (Lan) and Sister Maria

Emmanuel (Linh) make their final vows

1. Candidate – One to two years spent getting to know the community and the community getting to know the candidate

on August 5, 2017. Several hundred

family members, parishioners, friends, and religious attended the celebration,” Sister Maresa states. “For the Sisters of Notre Dame, this was a wonderful celebration since our first two

Vietnamese SNDs were becoming permanent members.”

Since the ceremony, there are now

two sisters under permanent vows, 10 Sisters under temporary vows

(Junior Professed), three novices,

and seven candidates all on the path to becoming Vietnamese Sisters of Notre Dame.

Ho Chi Minh, formerly named

Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam

by population. The metropolitan area is populated by approximately 10

million people and welcomed almost six million tourists in 2017. The three most prevalent religions in Ho Chi

Minh City are Mahayana Buddhism with Taoism and Confucianism (via

ancestor worship), which are often celebrated together in the same

Sister Maresa says, “Most of these

temple. Most Vietnamese and Han

continuing in higher studies.

these traditional religious practices.

temporary professed are studying

Roman Catholics, representing about

employment working for the diocese

minority groups include Hòa Hảo,

Ho Chi Minh City.”

and members of the Bahá'í Faith.

women are learning English and

Chinese are strongly influenced by

Additionally, almost all of the

There is a sizeable community of

in various universities and have

10% of the city's population. Other

and for Caritas International in

Cao Đài, Protestants, Muslims, Hindus,

2. Postulancy – The young woman begins to learn the way of life in the community and continues discernment of a vocation 3. Novitiate – Two years of novitiate involves studying the Rule of Life and history of the congregation and deepening a life of prayer 4. Juniorate – Involves spending five years living under temporary vows and learning to balance facets of life and ministry in an active apostolate

“Our sisters are right in the midst of

a very bustling city and culture within Ho Chi Minh City,” she adds.

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Since the program’s inception in 2001, the Sisters of Notre Dame’s Associate relationship continues to expand.

There are now approximately 210 Associates in the Chardon Province, including 98 in Florida, and a total of 491 nationwide.

Associates are lay persons who promise to live their lives – both personally and professionally – with the charism, spirit and mission of a particular religious congregation as a significant part of who they are and what they do. In this case, the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

Charism is a living, growing thing. The Sisters of Notre Dame’s charism is a deep experience of trusting in God’s goodness and provident care. It is experienced and lived out in many different ways.

SND Associate Relationship Continues to Flourish

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An Associate may be a man or woman, of any age, who is interested in being connected with the SND community. “You do not even have to be Catholic,” states Sister Regina Davala, SND, co-director, SND Associates. “We have young people, but typically, our Associates are middle-aged women who are more open to the things of the Spirit, growing their relationship with God, and reaching out to others.”

“SND Associates exist to give new life, new space, new stretch to the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame,” continues Sister Regina. “As Sisters, we will not go to the same places as these lay people. Instead, they are extending the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame wherever they go – in their neighborhoods, at work, in their parishes, in various social groups, wherever they are. It is exciting if you think about it.”

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Sisters and Associates enjoy a few laughs performing a skit from the movie “Sister Act.”

“We don’t recruit. It has all been word of mouth. I am excited to be a part.”

Sister Regina originally served as an administrative aide for Associates and has served as co-director for the past eight years. The other three co-directors are Sister Mary John Paul Bobak and Associates Pam Waitinas and Claudette Matero.

“Associates bring to the congregation the gift of immersion in another whole dimension of life, with all its insights and complexities. They bring new expressions of the charism. They bring a new passion and appreciation for the charism and the spirit of the congregation,” Sister Regina continues. “Religious offer Associates the lived experience of a long-standing spiritual tradition that has withstood the test of time and has given direction to many seekers.”

Becoming an Associate involves a year-long formation process. Those desiring to become Associates must apply with letters of recommendation, followed by a personal interview.

They will be assigned an Associate companion and be asked to attend small, monthly group meetings as well as two annual retreats. During the year, such topics as prayer, social justice, devotion to and serving God

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as well as the history of the Sisters of Notre Dame are discussed. In addition to the Chardon Associate spring and fall gatherings, there is an annual celebration each summer when new Associates make their covenant.

SND Associates recently held a national meeting October 20-22, 2017 on the SND campus, with almost 200 Sisters and Associates in attendance from the Los Angeles, California; Covington, Kentucky; and Toledo and Chardon, Ohio provinces. Sister Kristin Battles, SND, Superior General stationed in Rome, Italy, served as the keynote speaker.

When interviewed by Chardon Associate Claudette Matero, for the ND Associate Newsletter, Chardon Province, Sister Kristin said, “I see the role of Associates to be extending the charism into the home, the workplace and many other venues where the sisters cannot bring it. Associates are partners with the sisters…We can support one another on our faith journey, we can witness to Gospel community, and we can radiate the charism in our world in ever more expansive ways. Associates have been a great blessing to the congregation.”

Continued on page 14

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Continued from page 13

“Our Associates feel a part of us,” describes Sister Regina enthusiastically.

“Though many help out at various activities throughout the year, this is not their main function. They are not volunteers. Their main function is to share our charism.”

Ingrid Kanics become an SND Associate 15 years ago, when it first began.

“I had actually been in the SND community for a couple years; I left after temporary vows,” Ingrid says.

“I really resonated with the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame but couldn’t live the lifestyle. When the Associate relationships formed, I was excited to join.”

Ingrid’s introduction to the SND community actually began in high school at Notre Dame Academy in 1981. “I vividly remember driving onto the property for the first time and thinking I had finally arrived home,” she describes. “This was a rather strange feeling since we had moved a lot when I was little and really didn’t feel at home in too many places.”

“I truly believe in the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame – that God is so good! I feel that I try to bring that to everything I do, especially in my work helping communities create great

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places where everyone can engage in play,” Ingrid says. “This could be creating a room in a house for a child with a disability, helping a children’s museum, or designing a neighborhood park so all can play together.”

For Ingrid, the most rewarding part of being an SND Associate is being with others who share the charism in their own unique ways. “I love being part of our faith sharing group and praying with my fellow Associates for the needs of their friends and their community. I always feel refreshed when I’m with them, regardless of the Associate event. They help feed my soul!” she exclaims.

Tina Bernheimer has been an SND Associate in Covington, Kentucky for eight years. She recalls, “I became an Associate because I felt a very strong connection to the Sisters of Notre Dame.

I first became introduced to the sisters when they taught me in grade school.

They showed me much kindness and encouragement when I was a child. I became reacquainted with the sisters by accident (actually God’s providence) after many years and have been visiting and volunteering ever since. My heart and soul feel at home with the SNDs. It is an honor to be associated with such wise, wonderful, and inspirational women who make a difference in the world.”

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Tina says she finds that her Associate relationship impacts every aspect of her life. She explains, “It has changed my perspective in life, reminding me to focus on what really matters. I have become more appreciative of what I have and more aware of seeing God in my daily life. I strive to find what I have in common with others rather than looking at differences‌I recently had the honor of planning the National Gathering for Associates and Sisters this October. I made many new friends. The gathering was inspirational, relationship-building, and a fun weekend. I very much encourage others to become Associates.â€?

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COMING

SOON! Notre Dame Village progresses to final phase of construction

Construction of Notre Dame Village – a community of living and learning on the SND campus – is proceeding as scheduled. Notre Dame Village will include 81 independent-living apartment units for married couples or individuals age 65 and older, as well as Sisters of Notre Dame in need of independent and supportive housing.

In addition, Notre Dame Village will have three memory care homes with a total of 12 bedrooms each and licensed assisted living for seniors who need support with their memory challenges.

Construction has also begun on the first cottage homes that will offer up to 2,100 square feet of living space, including a two-car garage.

“The construction crews are making excellent progress at the Notre Dame Village, with up to 16

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120 workers per day on site,” describes Sister Margaret Gorman, SND, Provincial Superior.

“The crews worked handily through the fall months to complete the exteriors and roofs of the memory care/assisted living apartments.

Workers are finishing the windows and exterior doors now, and they will complete the interior construction in a warm, dry environment through the final weeks of this winter season.”

“Jennings is leasing and operating the new facilities; Jennings management team is continuing to work on details for resident housing application and services,” adds Sister Margaret. “We expect to open in summer 2018.”

Information on how to apply for housing will be available this spring.

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Sisters of Notre Dame

Monthly Donor Club Thanks to the generosity of many, we remain committed and able to fulfill our mission of service to God’s people. Regular and generous gifts from friends, family, alumni, community members, and many others provide the consistent support needed to keep our ministry initiatives vibrant. Participation in our monthly donor club is a fast and easy way to partner with us. Joining is easy!

• Donations can be made in affordable monthly payments • Save postage and time with automatic transactions directly from your bank account or credit card • Easily increase, decrease, pause or stop your gift at any time • Receive a tax receipt annually stating your gift total for the year If you would like to join our monthly donor club, please call the Mission Advancement Office, 440-279-1178 and complete a simple processing form.

Or visit our website at www.sndchardon.org under Ways to Give, and sign up today.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH THESE TAX-SMART GIFTS Start planning now for how you want to make an impact throughout the year. There are many ways to make a gift to the Sisters of Notre Dame, several of which offer attractive benefits for you while supporting our many ministries. Here are four popular options to consider: Write a check. An outright gift by check is the simplest way to give to support our ministry programs.

Give appreciated stock. When you give appreciated stock, we'll sell it, eliminating all the capital gains tax you would have paid had you sold it yourself. Your gift will be deductible at the day of delivery's full fair market value (assuming you held the stock for more than one year).

Donate an insurance policy. A gift of a life insurance policy you no longer need makes a terrific gift.

To qualify as a deductible gift, the Sisters of Notre Dame must become the policy owner. For most types of insurance policies, your tax deduction is usually the cost basis or the fair market value of the policy, whichever is less.

Make a gift from your IRA. If you are 70 1/2 years of age or older, you can transfer any amount up to

$100,000 annually directly from your IRA. The transfer doesn't generate taxable income or a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your tax deduction.

If you have additional questions about getting the most from your giving this year, please contact Carrie Higginbotham, Director of Mission Advancement, at (440)279-1177 or by email at chigginbotham@ndec.org.

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Sisters of Notre Dame

A Lasting Tribute (natural sister of deceased Sister Regina Marie, 2007) Born Rita May ZELEZNIK on May 8, 1928 Entered into Religious life, August 16, 1948 Entered into Eternal life, October 9, 2017 Of the six children born to George and Helen (Richnasky) Zeleznik, the oldest, Rita May, and the youngest, Marian (Sister Regina Marie), entered the Sisters of Notre Dame from St. Benedict Parish in Cleveland. A brother, Abbot Clement Zeleznik, OSB, is currently resident chaplain at Loyola Retreat House in Clinton, Ohio. Family bonds were strong as their parents nurtured and witnessed their own faith life, love and concern for all.

During her first year at Notre Dame Academy, Rita became acquainted with the aspirants. It was then her vocation was realized and strengthened. The following year, Rita entered the community on February 2, 1946. Always drawn to the Gospel of John, she received the name Sister Mary Jonathan at investment.

Sister received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Education from St. John College, Cleveland.

As an elementary school teacher and principal, Sister’s administrative abilities and strong sense of respect for students, teachers and parents endeared her to those with whom she ministered. She assumed community leadership roles as a provincial councilor and as a local and regional superior.

A Lasting Tribute

SISTER MARY JONATHAN

Sister Mary Jonathan served our international congregation as Assistant General in 1974. As a member of the General Council for 12 years, Sister entered wholeheartedly into all undertakings and played a significant role in the revision of our Constitutions. While in Rome, Sister became more aware of the spirituality of the icon and the meaning of “personal vocation.” She shared these insights with all the sisters as she accompanied Sister Maria Raphaelita on visitation.

Her experiences gave her a great sensitivity to a wide range of ages and cultures.

When she returned to Chardon in 1986, Sister Mary Jonathan received certification as a pastoral minister and served in this role at two parishes as well as in our Health Care Center. We are grateful to Sister Mary Jonathan for her life and love which were truly gifts from God to us. May she live now in God’s love for all eternity.

Reunions Class of 1968 50th Reunion - Mark Your Calendars!

On July 14, 2018, the class of ’68 will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their graduation from Regina High School. The celebration will be held at the Chagrin Valley Country Club in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Detailed Information regarding specific activities, time and location will be available in early 2018. A committee of the following individuals has been formed to verify contact information for all graduates. If you haven’t been called as yet, please contact one of the following reunion committee members as soon as possible. Also, for more information, be sure to check our reunion Facebook page: Regina class of 1968 - Ohio!

Cathy O’Toole Bachtel (kathy.bachtel@gmail.com) Candy Tulley Kermode (candacekermode@hotmail.com) Connie Orosz Waggoner (cwaggoner99@yahoo.com) Gayle Hatton DuChez (gduchez@gmail.com) Margee Ferreri Murphy (mfmurphy07@gmail.com) Mickie McMonagle Murphy (mickie_murphy@yahoo.com) Patricia McMahon Tyna (patina1020@yahoo.com) Maureen Mason (maureenohio@roadrunner.com) Patty Kenny Howell (how183@aol.com) Sisters of Notre Dame

Patti Ockuly Valencic (mpvalencic@gmail.com) Marlene Taucher Price (bukitweet@gmail.com) Marilyn Slade (marilynslade5@gmail.com) Diane Ciofani Pisanelli (dianapisanelli@yahoo.com) Nikki Bondi McPolin (nikkibondi@advantagepartnersinc.com) Joanne Golitko Gromen (dgromen@roadrunner.com) Sally Sturm Deitrick (deitricka@aol.com) Rosemarie Kramer Fairman (rkfairman@gmail.com)

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Network | Winter 2018

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Reunions

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Class of 1973 - 45th Reunion Plans are in the works for a reunion in October. Most contacting will be done through emails. If you are not receiving emails from RHS Alum, please send your addresses to rhsalum@reginahigh.com Class of 78 - 40th Reunion Members of the Class of 1978 are starting to plan for the 40th reunion which will be held in June, 2018. Contact the Alumnae Office if you are interested in attending. rhsalum@reginahigh.com.

Class of ‘72 St Ann Grade School 1968 Class Reunion July 13-15, 2018 Contact: Richard Welsh: richardcwelsh@gmail.com or 216-319-3108

Alumnae Association 2018 – 2019 Calendar February 16-18 Annual Alumnae Retreat October 19, 2018 Girls Night Out February 15-17, 2019 Annual Alumnae Retreat Girl’s Night Out – October 20

2017 Reunions Class of 1967 50th Reunion The class of ’67 had their reunion in August at the Acacia Country Club with 99 attendees! It was a great turnout.

The singing of the Alma Mater as well as “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” song for graduation, brought many tears!

Many took advantage of going to Regina for a tour of the building.

It brought back lots of memories and was a very emotional experience for many.

The Alumnae Board would like to thank the Class of ’67 for their donation of $450, plus the donations given at the “Girl’s Night Out” activity. These donations will allow us to give two scholarships in 2018! One scholarship will be named the Class of ’67 Scholarship.

Class of 1957 - 60th Reunion Thirty members of the Class of ’57 met at Acacia Country Club in August for their 60th Reunion. The food was delicious, and they had a wonderful time renewing friendships and telling old stories!

RHS Legacy Scholarship Applications and instructions for this scholarship can be found on the Regina Alumnae Website at reginahigh.com. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2018. We will be awarding two scholarships this year due to the generosity of the Class of ’67, and others who donated money.

Want to be on your class email list?

Please send your addresses to rhsalum@reginahigh.com.

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Network | Winter 2018

Mark your calendars – next Girl’s Night Out is October 19, 2018 starting at 5:30 at Pizzazz

by John Carroll.

Email and addresses If you have moved or married since the last Regina Directory in 2008, please contact the Alumnae Office with your new information.

It enables those classmates working on reunions to contact you and ensure you’re included. Please encourage your friends to do the same! Send your information to rhsalum@reginahigh.com.

Transcripts If you need your transcript please follow the new directions: Go to ndcl.org When you get to the site, scroll over to alumni and down to Regina.

Fill in the information and submit.

There is no longer a fee for transcripts.

Not on the internet: Contact NDCL Registrar at 440-279-1055.

www.sndchardon.org

Sisters of Notre Dame

CELEBRATE CATHOLIC SISTERS: TURNING TO EACH OTHER

Date/Time:

Sat, March 10, 2018 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Location:

Magnificat High School 20770 Hilliard Blvd Rocky River, OH 44116

Keynote: Dr. Alan Kolp Chair of Faith and Life at Baldwin Wallace University

Come celebrate the vital contributions of women religious in our community!

RSVP:

Call Sr. Kate Hine, SND at 440-476-6094 or RSVP online at Eventbrite.com

Explore new ways to be a companion to one another.

Join us for a meaningful intergenerational gathering!

National Catholic Sisters Week is March 8-14. Join the celebration by participating in this event or engaging online: www.nationalcatholicsistersweek.org

COALITION WITH YOUNG ADULTS

13000 Auburn Road Chardon, OH 44024 www.sndchardon.org

Help Discourage Waste: If you receive duplicate mailings, want to be removed from our mailing list or want to change an address, call (440) 279-1178.

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SND PRAYER LINE

As Sisters of Notre Dame, we have witnessed the tremendous power of prayer! If you or a loved one are in need of prayers, please call the Sisters of Notre Dame Prayer Line at 440.279.1163 or email us at sndchardon.org/ prayer-requests.

Your intention will be placed in our Book of Intentions and included in our daily prayers. Reliance on God in difficult times is a source of hope, and we consider it a privilege to join you in prayer.

One Heart, One Hope, One Mission

Website: www.sndchardon.org