SND-USA Young Adult
& Vocation Ministry
Network Winter 2020
Chardon Province
One Heart, One Hope, One Mission
TA BLE of CONTENTS
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1 A Letter from the Provincial Superior
2-7 SND-USA Young Adult & Vocation Ministry
6-11 Local Young Adult Ministries Answer the Cry
12-15 Expectant Moms Find Compassion and
Life-Altering Support at Maggie’s Place
16-19 SND Missionary Dedicated to Educating
Children and Empowering Women
20-21 Many Thanks to All Who Attended the
2019 SND Chicken BBQ 22 For Ladies Only
23 Regina Alumnae Association
24-25 A Lasting Tribute
12 Send correspondence to: Network Sisters of Notre Dame 13000 Auburn Road Chardon, OH 44024 www.sndchardon.org 440.286.7101 www.sndchardon.org
A L E TTER fr om t he P RO VI NCI A L SUPERIO R Dear Friends, It is always exciting to begin a new year. In northeast Ohio we experience the deep cold of winter, the hush of snow, and the slumber of nature all around us. For us, the winter season offers a fresh perspective, inviting us to look beneath the surface to the hidden life that offers both purpose and promise of future growth. As John Steinbeck wrote, “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” Many new beginnings await the Sisters of Notre Dame in 2020 with the inauguration of SND-USA. NETWORK has served as an important informational tool in 2019, introducing our readers to the three mission priorities of SNDUSA: Sponsored Education & Health Care; Ministry on the Margins; and this Winter 2020 issue on Young Adult & Vocation Ministry. The installation of a new leadership team of sisters from all four geographic areas will occur on July 5. With this restructuring, the Sisters of Notre Dame are inviting and encouraging you to join with us in our expanded national platform for mission. Your time, passion, talents and gifts will extend our service to people in need. In this issue of NETWORK, you will learn how the Sisters of Notre Dame are reaching out to young adults who want to ask questions about their faith and find ways to share their insights and talents with the Church. Making connections and offering both space and opportunity to explore their direction in life is what Pope Francis calls “accompaniment.” We want to accompany young adults on their journey. I want to personally extend my hope that you will enjoy a rich, fulfilling new year. We remain forever grateful for your continued support of the Sisters of Notre Dame. May God bless you with health, peace and joy. Gratefully,
Sister Margaret M. Gorman, SND Provincial Superior Sisters of Notre Dame, Chardon
Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
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SND-USA Young Adult & Vocation Ministry This is the last in a three-part series examining the three ministry priorities of SND-USA. The other priorities are Sponsored Education/Health Care Ministries and Ministry on the Margins. This July 2020 marks the official inauguration of SND-USA with the four SND provinces of Covington, KY; Chardon, OH; Toledo, OH; and Thousand Oaks, CA; reuniting to enable greater collaboration and strengthen broad initiatives nationwide. Provinces’ offices will remain in place and continue their local ministries.
Why are there so few young adults in church? A two-year national study published by Saint Mary’s Press in 2018, “Going, Going, Gone: The Dynamics of Disaffiliation in Young Catholics,” reveals that disaffiliation is a process that happens over time, typically prompted by a series of events or unresolved questions. According to John Vitek, one of the principal authors of the study, the Catholic Church needs to create a place where young people can freely wrestle with their questions of faith, including their doubt. Several young adults were questioned regarding their faith journey as well as their suggestions for establishing stronger relationships between the Church and this age group. Two of their comments reveal much insight. Sara Pekar, 26, a Pastoral Associate at St. Clarence Parish in North Olmsted, OH, states, “I was not too engaged in my faith. I think the reasons young adults are leaving the Church are complex. The model the church has used to do ministry does not work with cultural dynamics. A millennial does not respond to a fear-based faith so they are finding their identity elsewhere.” “As a young adult, it is hard to find people who share the same beliefs and values. Our age seems to be overlooked in the church,” adds Kara Miller, 25, a kindergarten teacher in Twinsburg, OH, who was involved in campus ministry while attending Notre Dame College, South Euclid. She describes,
Sara Pekar, 26 2
www.sndchardon.org
Sister Jennifer Zimmerman enjoys rowing with a few young adults.
“We need people to support us so we can grow in our faith. A lot of young adults are not connected to the Church, yet this is the age when we need it the most – singles in their 20s and 30s.” The Sisters of Notre Dame are reaching out to help young adults fill this void in their lives. The Young Adult & Vocation Ministry began utilizing the SND-USA model several years ago. Sister Jennifer Zimmerman currently serves as the National Director of Young Adult & Vocation Ministry, and the others on the team are Sisters Ruth Lubbers, Val Roxburgh and Kelley Rush. While each woman hails from one of the four SND provinces of Chardon, OH; Toledo, OH; Covington, KY; and Thousand Oaks, CA, their focus is not regional. Instead, the team plans and carries out many initiatives together.
“ By listening to the young people, the Church will once again hear the Lord speaking in today’s world.” – Pope Francis
The intergenerational team ranges in age from 40 to 70, and works together whenever possible in order to model the new community of SND-USA. “We are already one,” Sister Jenny emphatically states. “Our ministry already reaches across the country, including areas where no other Sisters of Notre Dame are present.” continued on page 4
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SND-USA Young Adult & Vocation Ministry continued from page 3
The four sisters use multiple ways to reach out to young adults. “We all do a variety of talks and panel discussions at schools, parishes, Confirmation classes, and diocesan events,” comments Sister Val, “basically wherever we are invited. For example, we give talks on prayer, on vocations, on life discernment. We also do multiple one-day and weekend retreats. The Busy Persons’ Retreat is a popular format on college campuses, because students can meet with a director once a day for a week, right within their daily life. We’ve been to the University of Southern California, Kent State University, Case Western Reserve, and the University of Northern Kentucky among many others.”
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Sister Kelley echoes the importance of helping young adults deepen their relationship with God. “We serve as spiritual directors for short retreats or long periods of time, including the 32-week Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, or ongoing spiritual accompaniment. A silent retreat can allow young adults to get in touch with their deeper spiritual desires for the first time, helping them become more aware of God’s voice so as to get a sense of where they are called in life. It is a sacred journey.”
www.sndchardon.org
“ The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
– Frederick Buechner
Sister Jenny insists, “I’ve heard people say we have a ‘vocation’ crisis in the church. I don’t think that is completely accurate. We have a prayer crisis. If young adults have never been taught how to pray, how can they hear the voice of God calling out to them? As Sisters of Notre Dame, I believe we have a responsibility and an opportunity to teach prayer techniques to younger generations.” Service experiences are meaningful to many young adults, and service is an important part of vocation ministry. “National studies show that women entering religious life have often been involved in service with sisters of the community that they entered,” explains Sister Ruth. “I offer several opportunities each year: Fall Service Trip to Eastern Kentucky, ADVENTure to Give in December, Pay It Forward Service Day in spring, Stretch Your Heart Mission trip in the summer. We give participants an opportunity to reflect on their service, and discover God in a new way in their experience.”
“While vocation ministry is a part of ministering to young adults, we are not reaching out only to women or discussing only a call to be a sister,” Sister Jenny explains. “For example, I have worked with approximately 150 young adults over the past four to five years. Of these, I met with about 50 of them in a one-on-one mentoring type of relationship. All these young adults were deciding what to do with their lives, including about 15 women and men who were considering religious life or priesthood.”
CONCLUSION Each of the four sister’s faith and excitement are contagious as they share a vision for a Church that is humble enough to listen and learn from the next generation, while staying connected to the wisdom and faith traditions that have sustained women religious through decades of community-based ministry. To register for one of the scheduled Young Adult events or to invite one of the team members to your event, feel free to contact them at: jzimmerman@toledosnd.org; rlubbers@sndky. org; vroxburgh@sndca.org; krush@ndec.org. continued on page 6
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SND-USA Young Adult & Vocation Ministry continued from page 5
“Young adults give me great hope for our Church! They are global thinkers, who want to help make the world a better place.”
“Our goal is to accompany young adults on their journey, and help them probe the mystery of God in their lives.”
“Young people can open us up to the future and call us forward. We want to meet them where they are – not where we are.”
“I am touched by young adults’ openness, and desire to bring Christ’s love into their areas of influence.”
Sister Val Roxburgh, California
Sister Kelley Rush, Chardon
Sister Jenny Zimmerman, Toledo
Sister Ruth Lubbers, Covington
Sister Jenny Zimmerman
Sister Kelley Rush
Sister Val Roxburgh Sister Ruth Lubbers
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SND Young Adult & Vocation Leaders
www.sndchardon.org
Upcoming Events
January 17-20 Caritas Retreat
Oceanside, CA
January 22-February 19 Busy Person’s Retreat
(Five Tuesdays)
St. Mary Parish, Berea, OH
February 29 Women’s Contemplative Retreat Notre Dame Center, Thousand Oaks, CA
March 6-8 Young Adult Silent Retreat
March 12-15 Young Adult Silent Retreat
Bethany Retreat Center, Chardon, OH Lial Renewal Center, Whitehouse, OH
March 15-19 Busy Student Retreat Kent State University, Kent, OH
March 20-22 Charis Retreat
March 22-26 Busy Student Retreat
Covington, KY Ashland University, Ashland, OH
April 4 SND Vocation Discernment Retreat
Notre Dame Center, Thousand Oaks, CA
April 5-11 Young Adult Silent Retreat
April 25 Pay It Forward Service Day
Lial Renewal Center, Whitehouse, OH Covington, KY
May 16 Women’s Contemplative Retreat
Notre Dame Center, Thousand Oaks, CA
May 21-24 Young Adult Silent Retreat
Lial Renewal Center, Whitehouse, OH
June 27 Women’s Contemplative Retreat Notre Dame Center, Thousand Oaks, CA
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Local Young Adult Mini In addition to SND-USA programming, local ministries are responding to the desire of young people who are trying to make meaning of their faith and their relationship with the Church.
Aaron Claton
(L-R) Nicole Reichard and Kara Miller share a laugh as they plan an upcoming Charis Retreat.
After 23 years in elementary education, Sister Kathleen “Kate” Hine finds hope and purpose discerning with others how the Catholic Church can respond to young people who struggle with the Church but still hunger for community, spirituality and service. She works with the Coalition of Young Adults and the Generative Spirit Initiative of the Sisters of Charity Foundation. She also facilitates young adult faith retreats, or Charis retreats, on behalf of the Sisters of Notre Dame. All of these programs are directly shaped by listening to young adults they intend to serve. “The common foundation for each of these transformative programs is the intergenerational relationships that develop between Catholic sisters, other spiritual mentors, and young spiritual seekers,” Sister Kate explains. “We extend an open invitation to all young adults seeking a deeper meaning and purpose in their lives.”
Anita Yoder
In addition, she provides support to Catholic sisters in their mentoring relationships. “I am deeply encouraged by the way some of these relationships extend beyond the structural program setting and timeline,” she describes. “If spiritual formation and relationships are key to the sustainability of community-based ministry, then the goal must be to equip the next generation of lay leaders with spiritual direction and a capacity for relationship building.”
(L) Sister Kate Hine enjoys a day out with two young adults. 8
Generative Spirit Ministry Program Sister Kate has no shortage of hope for the future. In February 2019 the Generative Spirit’s Ministry Leadership Program began a year-long process of professional development, leadership building, and spiritual formation within sister-led, sisterfounded schools and colleges throughout Northeast Ohio. This program was partially funded by the Conrad Hilton Foundation through the Sisters of Charity Foundation. “This Generative Ministry Leadership Program brought together religious women from five congregations and young adults for professional, spiritual and social justice formation with the hope that the young adult participants continue to be leaders in sister-founded ministries,” says Sister www.sndchardon.org
istries Answer the Cry Kate. Participating congregations included Sisters of Notre Dame, Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland (OSU), Sisters of the Incarnate Word (SIW), Sisters of the Humility of Mary (HM), and The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis (SSJ-TOSF).
“ We extend an open invitation to all young adults seeking a deeper meaning and purpose in their lives.” – Sister Kathleen “Kate” Hine
Main components of the Ministry Leadership Program included:
• Monthly workshops • Pairing each young adult with a “sister companion” that founded the school where they work.
• Monthly meetings of sister companions from a school’s founding congregation and young adult participants
• Completion of an integration project
According to Sister Kate, the integration project benefited each participant’s school community. Each young adult participating in the Ministry Leadership Program was required to design a project they could use in some capacity within their school building – whether geared toward students, staff, parents, or other school community members that brought together what they learned in the program and focused on their school’s mission.
Rachel Drotar
Laura Antel
“They had to design it, apply for a $1,000 grant through the Foundation, submit and receive plan approval, and take the school year to implement it,” Sister Kate explains. “All the people involved in the Ministry Leadership Program are young teachers, apart from one school finance director. They are also deeply committed to seeing their school’s mission move forward.” continued on page 10
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Local Young Adult Ministries Answer the Cry continued from page 9
Projects included:
• Branden, from Saint Martin de Porres High School, on Cleveland’s east side, will be facilitating two “Courageous Conversations” with faculty and staff about racial equality.
• Charles, Molly and Michelena,
from Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School, in Geauga County, are starting an intergenerational book club with students at NDCL, SNDs and residents who live at Notre Dame Village.
Alex Flinn
located on West 54th Street in Cleveland, Ohio, is planning four mini retreat days for her 5th and 6th grade students, focusing on four different religious communities: Sisters of Notre Dame, Ursuline Sisters, and others to be decided.
• Aaron, from Trinity High School, in
Garfield Heights, will be educating students on what the “Franciscan identity” of the school means.
• Alexis, from Incarnate Word Academy, will be starting a book club for faculty and sisters related to the concept of Incarnations.
• Brianna, from Villa Angela-Saint Joseph
High School, located on Lakeshore Boulevard in Cleveland, Ohio, hopes to foster a better culture of service among students through increased opportunities made available on school grounds.
Kyle Ferrara
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Sister Kate and Sister Ruth Lubbers, of SND Covington Province, work together to orchestrate Charis Retreats for young adults. The goal of these retreats is to provide an opportunity for young adults to connect with peers who also desire to grow in their spiritual life.
“We introduce Charis Retreat participants to Ignatian spirituality,” says Sister Kate. Ignatian spirituality is a spirituality for everyday life. It insists that God is present in our world and active in our lives. It is a pathway to deeper “ The greatest problem in the world prayer, good decisions guided by today is we don’t have enough saints.” keen discernment, and an active – Pope John Paul II life of service to others.
• Laura, from Metro Catholic School,
Brendan Corrigan
Charis Retreats
“It’s about finding God in all things,” exclaims Sister Kate. “The goal is to develop a deeper personal relationship with God and Jesus. We work with young adults, so the retreat becomes more of a peer-to-peer ministry. Sister Ruth and I train young adults to offer witness talks, lead small group discussions and facilitate prayer experiences. This is a fantastic way for young adults to connect with other young adults – many who miss the support of a culture of faith.” Kyle Ferrara, 26, participated in planning a Charis retreat. “My faith is really important to me. I attended Catholic schools for 14 years, but when I was in college, even though it was a Catholic college, I did not do much with my faith. It wasn’t until I was dating a girl – who is now my wife – that I felt like something was lacking. I came back in a roundabout way. I would encourage young people to come back to the Church.”
“We started the Ministry Leadership Program in February 2019, and the formal meetings ended in December,” Sister Kate says. “The participants have second semester to carry out their projects.” www.sndchardon.org
Fellow Charis Retreat organizer Joe Bianchi, 30, echoes Kyle’s sentiments. “I went to church, but my faith was put on hold during college. Later, I was in search of retreats to bring back that connection between me and God. This is where social media played a role. I went online and found the Young Catholic Professionals group.” Bianchi offers a few reasons why young adults feel disconnected from the Church. “Our culture plays a big part. There are also a lot of distractions, and it is a matter of who you make time for.” In addition to connecting young adults to peers and providing a safe environment where they can wrestle with questions of faith, Sister Kate says Charis Retreats enable young adults to discover ways they can be of service. “One Charis Retreat participant organized a baby shower for Maggie’s Place, a home for expectant, homeless women. Another decided to be a mentor for one of the moms residing at Maggie’s Place. Both are friends and will support each other in their ministries.”
Conclusion “Working with young adults has been inspiring,” Sister Kate exclaims. “When they share their faith journey with me, it is a very sacred, personal story. It has been wonderful to work with some young adults over time and witness significant events such as their marriage or the birth of a child. These are important moments in young adult life that signal transformation and growth.” “The end of religious practice is not an end of spiritual desire,” Sister Kate insists. “Young adults are still intensely interested in finding meaning, community, dignity and justice. The Church must walk with these young adults. We must listen to them, love them, and give intelligent reasons for faith.” She concludes, “You learn the faith by watching it witnessed to you. Pope John Paul II said, ‘The greatest problem in the world today is we don’t have enough saints.’ That’s on all of us Catholics to be witnesses of the faith. Ultimately, it is God’s call to young adults that invites them to look again at their faith. We can only be there to support their journeys through the witness of our lives.”
Joe Biachini
Michele Gilbert
SND mentors and young adults attend a Generative Spirit Ministry Leadership Program on “Global Solidarity” led by Sister Kathleen Ryan, SND. Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
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Expectant Moms Find Compassion and Life-Altering Support at
Maggie’s Place
Sister Carol Brandt, SND, enjoys cuddling with a baby at Maggie’s Place. 12
www.sndchardon.org
Erin Hathaway, Ohio Regional Director of Maggie’s Place, satisfies the thirst of a young guest.
W
hen young, pregnant women who are homeless enter the doors of Maggie’s Place, they are greeted by a comforting smile, encircled in welcoming arms and offered a safe place to live, learn and receive services through their pregnancy and up to a year after the birth. These women experience no judgment here on behalf of the staff --who have all received conflict resolution and diversity training. They are invited to enjoy a holistic, healing environment and participate in valuable programs to help set them on a path to pursue their dreams. Located near St. Monica Parish in Garfield Heights, Ohio, Maggie’s Place was founded in 2000 in Phoenix, Arizona by five young women (Christine Nowak brought MP to Ohio). Currently, Maggie’s Place operates six additional homes in Arizona. Maggie’s Place is the only program in Cuyahoga County that provides shelter to pregnant women for more than 90 days. Women and their babies may stay at Maggie’s Place up to one year after the birth of their child – enabling them time to find housing, a job, and a support network. “Our number one priority is caring for the women who enter our doors and offering life-changing programs and services to help them become self-sufficient,” states Erin Hathaway, Ohio regional director of Maggie’s Place. “We build trust and meet moms where they are at. We collaborate with community agencies to deliver a trauma-informed comprehensive program.” Maggie’s Place enhances the mothers’ ability to protect and nurture children through six pillars of support:
• Safe and secure shelter • Child development and enrichment • Social connections • Family Success Center • Improving family relations • Job readiness “Many homes and services available to pregnant women today are primarily concerned with saving a baby from an abortion,” explains Sister Kate Hine, SND, one of the original volunteers at Maggie’s Place. “This certainly is important to
“ HERE IN CLEVELAND, WE ARE TRYING TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF GENERATIONAL POVERTY BY SUPPORTING MOMS IN ACHIEVING THEIR GOALS.” - Sister Carol Brandt, SND, volunteer, Maggie’s Place
us. However, our first priority is the comfort, health and goals of the mother who will nurture the child for many years. We provide services and programs so new moms feel confident in caring for their newborn and capable of finding housing, meaningful employment and achieving self-sufficiency.” Sister Kate currently serves as a mentor/sister companion to Hathaway through a program offered by the Sisters of Charity Foundation. She also offers retreats for Maggie’s Place staff and volunteers, focusing on the importance of investing in the mission of the organization and on the joys and challenges of living and working in community. “Here in Cleveland, we are trying to break the cycle of generational poverty by supporting moms in achieving their goals,” remarks Sister Carol Brandt, SND, volunteer. “And the infant mortality rate here is one in four infants not making it to their first birthday -- disproportionately higher among blacks to whites.” According to Sister Mary Louise Teckman, SND, a Maggie’s Place volunteer, Maggie’s Place strives to offer hospitality and a family-centered environment filled with love, hope and support. “Through a program called VOICE, life issues are explored, dissected, and resources to address issues are presented,” Sister Mary Louise says. “When moms leave our home, they are alumnae and contacts continue through educational programs and materials. Many continue to rely on relationships formed while staying at Maggie’s Place.” continued on page 14
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Maggie’s Place continued from page 13
MOMS & STAFF Locally, Maggie’s Place can accommodate 12 moms and their babies at one time. Women must be 18 years old or older to stay and receive services. According to Hathaway, there are currently nine women and eight babies in residence. Maggie’s Place performs random drug testing, and women who do not pass must leave. “There is a zero tolerance, however, we never sever the connection,” Hathaway explains. She adds that 61% of moms have had an opioid addiction; another 71% experienced domestic violence with 40% of these women requiring hospitalization; many grew up in foster care. “Maggie’s Place is staffed by members of Notre Dame Mission Volunteers, a branch of AmeriCorps, a national volunteer organization,” she says. “These volunteers do a year of service and, in exchange, receive a monthly stipend, room and board, optional health insurance, vacation days, ongoing training, wellness reimbursement, group and individual counseling and are eligible for a $6,195 Segal Award at the end of their term of service. Our older volunteers can pass this stipend on to younger family members.”
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The home is staffed 24/7. Each day is different for AmeriCorps members and volunteers – from accompanying moms to doctor’s appointments or hospitals, building relationships with moms, mentoring, planning special events, responding to emergencies, etc. Brittney, 19, a current resident, says, “When I came here, I was quiet and shy. I had trust issues. Now, I trust the staff here and share everything. They have helped me see things in life that my parents didn’t teach me – like parenting skills and how to face my responsibilities. Maggie’s Place staff have taught me not to give up on my goals, and they have pushed me toward them. I would recommend Maggie’s Place to any pregnant mom who finds herself homeless and in need.” An alumna mom says, “Everyone is like family here… We laugh, the kids play, and yes, sometimes there are disagreements. Throughout it all, everyone tries to support each other.” Maggie’s Place provides the structure, guidance and encouragement that young mothers need to be successful as parents and secure adults. This smallscale, scattered-site housing model resembles real life. Laura Anne Magruder, M.Ed., national CEO of Maggie’s Place says, “Everything we do is relational. Moms choose what they want to work on, moving from surviving to thriving. We celebrate successes and discuss failures. Every Monday night, we find something to celebrate. We have had new moms go on to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I am proud to report we have experienced a 100% birth rate of healthy babies in Ohio since reopening.”
THE ULTIMATE REWARD “We’ve served approximately 1,000 women collectively as an organization since our founding,” states Magruder. “Everything at our homes revolves around dignity and respect. This is a mom-driven service organization. We offer hospitality. I tell staff each year, ‘This year is going to change you. Enjoy the ride. You will learn as much about yourself as you give.’”
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“ MAGGIE’S PLACE STAFF HAVE TAUGHT ME NOT TO GIVE UP ON MY GOALS, AND THEY HAVE PUSHED ME TOWARD THEM.” - Brittany, 19, current resident, Maggie’s Place
Magruder says there is a “Tree of Life” on the wall within each Maggie’s Place with leaves inscribed with the name of each mother and baby who has stayed there. “Seeing these leaves resonates with me,” she admits. “It makes me question what would have happened to all these moms and babies if these homes were not here.” Hathaway admits that there are moments when the work is hard and heart wrenching. “I grew up with a single mom, but we had great support. If we didn’t have the support network, I don’t know where I would be today. There are beautiful moments here at Maggie’s Place, and the past eight years working here have been an impactful time for me.” “Coming to know the staff and moms and the sacrifices they make daily to support their family is a blessing and enables me to grow in the gifts I take for granted,” Sister Mary Louise states. Caring for women and children has always been a part of the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame. “It’s been rewarding for me to see the evolution here,” Sister Kate describes. “Our young mothers grow and transform into strong, confident women ready to take on the role of mother, provider and dream catcher.” For more information on Maggie’s Place or to become involved, please call Maggie’s Place at 440-886-2620.
Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
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SND Missionary Dedicated to Educating Children and Empowering Women in Africa
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www.sndchardon.org
Sisters Mary Rashmi Mattappally and Marie Manning visit a classroom at Notre Dame Elementary School in Chardon, Ohio during Sister Rashmi’s visit to Chardon this fall.
S
ister Mary Rashmi Mattappally refuses to slow down at age 66. Her name means “a ray of light” and that is what she has become to the tens of thousands of women and children she has touched since answering God’s call to serve as a missionary in Africa. Sister Rashmi made first vows as a Sister of Notre Dame in 1974. For the next 28 years she lived and worked in India. Eventually, she felt God had a new plan for her life. “I felt so strongly that God wanted me in Africa. I prayed day and night for six weeks and decided that Africa was my next mission.” In 2002, Sister Rashmi set off from India to Africa. “I went without any preparation or prejudice, not even knowing how to say ‘Jambo’ (Hi) in Swahili.” Armed with her faith, degrees in psychology, English and a master’s degree in social work, she desired to educate children and empower women in Africa.
Educating Children After she arrived, Sister Rashmi’s primary goal was to get to know the people. She worked with a native woman who knew both English and Swahili and who introduced Sister Rashmi to the local village chief, explaining that she wanted to serve women and children. “I visited every house in the village and became familiar with the people. I was shocked to learn many of the local children did not attend school. After two months, I met with parents and invited their children to come to school. Parents asked if I would provide their children with socks, shoes, school bags and uniforms. I told them no, but I would give them my time and knowledge,” says Sister Rashmi. The parents were asked to contribute 25 cents a month for their child’s education, and they agreed.
Initially, 67 children were enrolled in St. Julie preschool, held during the afternoons in a garage. Soon other SND missions were established in Africa. “We sought help from local governments. Children sat on stones and on maize burlap bags placed across dirt floors in dilapidated structures serving as classrooms,” describes Sister Rashmi. “People came forward, donating small pieces of land. With help from local people, a bank and German volunteers, classrooms or multi-purpose halls were built.”
“ I prayed day and night for six weeks and decided that Africa was my next mission.”
- Sister Mary Rashmi Mattappally
“The preschool we started for Maasai children is now a primary school educating children through grade seven,” exclaims Sister Rashmi enthusiastically. “Government authorities have seen the change in children who attend our schools,” Sister Rashmi proudly reports. “A recent national exam showed our students are very bright.” continued on page 18
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SND Missionary Dedicated to Educating Children and Empowering Women In Africa continued from page 17
To date, the Sisters of Notre Dame (including some from the United States) have established seven schools in Tanzania, one school in Kenya and two schools in Uganda, including primary and secondary schools as well as the Aloysia Home for orphans. Several of these schools offer boarding so children do not have to fear wild animals and long journeys to and from school. Most children wear uniforms. All primary schools offer preschool. Today, graduates of SND schools in Africa are working as doctors, engineers, business professionals, farmers, and more!
Empowering Women In addition to addressing the educational needs in Africa, Sister Rashmi started gathering neighboring women together to form self-help groups. She encouraged these women to teach each other what they knew and to start saving. After a year, the Sisters of Notre Dame opened the Zinduka Women’s Center to serve as a women’s empowerment center in Tanzania. “At Zinduka, women trade in small groups according to their skills – weaving, cooking, sewing, farming, etc. They use their savings to begin small businesses, or to buy cows, goats and chickens, selling the milk and eggs to earn more money to gain independence and self-sufficiency,” says Sister Rashmi. “We do not give handouts. All must contribute – whether to help cover the costs of their children at school or within
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www.sndchardon.org
their support groups. It provides them a level of respect in society because they are doing something for their children and earning their own living,” she continues. “Women once helpless, are now contributing members of their families and society. It’s all about dignity.” “There are many young women in Africa who work as domestic servants, or who drop out of school after becoming pregnant,” Sister Rashmi explains. “The Zinduka Center teaches a sewing vocational course and an English course so they can learn an employable trade. Each woman is given a machine at the end of the training. Today, many are selfemployed, have a job, or use their sewing skills to make uniforms for our schools.” “There was a time, not so long ago, some local leaders said, ‘Never give a loan to a woman. You will not get it back.’ Today, we have helped women build confidence, learn trades, and become empowered,” Sister Rashmi reports. “African women have learned to collaborate in order to reduce their expenses and keep profits for themselves. Some women now own their own homes. A few have built rooms for rent to have extra income.” Despite the amazing impact her presence has made in Africa, Sister Rashmi does not believe her work is yet complete. “Where I work, there are many child marriages,” she states sadly. “Just recently, an 87-year-old man took one of our fourth graders as his wife. The young girl’s parents received eight cows in exchange. This simple example demonstrates the long way women have yet to go for true empowerment.”
Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
“ Women once helpless, are now contributing members of their families and society. It’s all about dignity.” – Sister Mary Rashmi Mattappally
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Thousands of guests enjoyed delicious BBQ chicken and ribs at the 2019 SND annual BBQ & Boutique this past September. Memories were made and stories shared with generations of individuals and families touched by the lives of countless Sisters of Notre Dame. We hope to see you all back again next year!
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Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
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La dies O n l y :
A Women’s Guide to Estate Planning A 4-Point Plan for Your Future Success According to a study by the National Center for Women and Retirement, 80 to 90 percent of women will make financial decisions on their
Here are four key elements of a successful estate plan that anyone can follow.
1.
divorced or widowed, having
Ensures that your assets will be distributed the way you intend.
Allows your dependents to receive the care and financial security they need.
Gives charitable organizations your support into the future.
own at some point in their lives. Whether you are single,
A Will
Life Insurance
2.
Generally, should be equal to five times your annual salary.
Covers your family’s financial obligations, goals and everyday expenses.
Should be enough to pay off mortgages, other liabilities and final taxes.
planning not only ensures
3.
financial stability during your
A Living Trust
an effective estate plan is part of being independent. Estate
lifetime, but also allows you to choose how your assets will be
Avoids probate for your estate.
Appoints a trustee of your choosing to handle your affairs.
Provides care for another individual, a disabled spouse or child, and appoints a guardian to care for the individual and take care of his/her financial needs.
distributed after your lifetime.
4.
Charitable Gifts
Provide ways to reduce taxes and can be given now or later.
Support a future for the Sisters of Notre Dame and those we serve.
Connect your legacy with the organizations and causes you care about the most. For more information on including the Sisters of Notre Dame in your estate plans, please contact Carrie Higginbotham, Director of Mission Advancement, at chigginbotham@ndec.org or by phone at 440-279-1177.
The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.
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www.sndchardon.org
RHS Alumnae Calendar 2020 Annual Regina Alumnae Retreat
Class of 1961
Most faithful Girls’ Night Out group every year!
February 21-23, 2020
Bethany Retreat Center in Chardon Cost: $55 plus a “Good Will Offering” (Includes materials and meals)
Retreat Director will be Sr. Kelley Rush, SND
Sr. Kelley’s ministries include Assistant Vocation Director, Spiritual Direction and Retreat Director. For more information, contact Sr. Kay O’Malley at 216.905.4851 or rhsalum@reginahigh.com. Reservations are due February 12, 2020.
Class of 1969
In September, the Class of ’69 celebrated their 50th reunion touring the Regina building and reliving old memories. The fun continued into the evening at Acacia Country Club.
Checks should be made out to Regina Alumnae Association. Mailed to 9918 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. Mentor, OH 44060.
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. If you are not on the internet, please contact the NDCL Registrar at 440.279.1055.
Class of 1974
celebrated their 45th anniversary.
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 makes it so much easier for 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
Scholarship applications and information
can be found at rhsalum@reginahigh.com after January 1, 2020 and are due May 1, 2020. Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
Class of 1979
The Class of ’79 celebrated their 40th reunion with many attending Girls’ Night Out on Friday. On Saturday, they attended Mass in the Regina Chapel celebrated by Bishop Anthony Pilla, who celebrated their graduation Mass 40 years ago. The festivities continued at Acacia Country Club. Thank you to those who contributed to the Scholarship Fund. It’s greatly appreciated. WINTER 2020
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A Lasting Tribute SISTER MARY ANNFRANCIS
Born Joan Agnes DEMMING on November 14, 1926 Entered into religious life, August 16, 1948 Entered into eternal life, October 25, 2019 The youngest of three children born to Bernard and Frances (Bowman) Demming, Joan grew up with two older brothers, which she said taught her to stand up for herself. She was interested in, and good at a variety of sports, but baseball was her favorite. After graduating from St. Stephen High School in Cleveland, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on September 16, 1945, and at investment, received the name Sister Mary Annfrancis.
maintained high standards in typing, shorthand, office practice, accounting, and bookkeeping. She modeled precision and pride as she prepared students for the workplace and for life. Graduates credited her for their career success.
She received a bachelor’s degree from St. John College, Cleveland, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. After 11 years of teaching primary and intermediate grades, she taught business classes to high school students. Sister
Like her patron St. Francis, she spent a lifetime looking for ways to serve, and taking time to love each person, until the transformation was complete. “For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
In 1989, Sister Mary Annfrancis moved from Middleburg, Virginia to Chardon, working as an assistant in the Finance Office at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School. She cherished her family and community, and was interested in the daily lives of all the many people with whom she interacted. The cards, mementos of visits, and photos she saved stood for those relationships. “She was simply and always your friend,” someone noted. She prayed several rosaries each day for all who were part of her life.
SISTER MARIE FIHN
(formerly Sister Mary Mercy) Born Anna Marie FIHN on October 21, 1928 Entered into religious life, August 16, 1960 Entered into eternal life, October 29, 2019 Anna Marie was the oldest of four children born to John and Anna (Frey) Fihn. Anna completed elementary grades at St. Ignatius School in Cleveland, and received a scholarship to Notre Dame Academy on Ansel Road. She enjoyed her classes, friends, and teachers, which made up for the lengthy travel time. After graduation in 1946, Anna entered the work world, securing employment at the Cleveland Public Library and several stores and businesses for the next 11 years. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on October 27, 1957. At investment, she received the name Sister Mary Mercy; later she returned to her baptismal name, Marie.
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After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame College, South Euclid, she taught intermediate grades in schools in Ohio, Virginia, and North Carolina for 23 years. Upon retiring from the classroom, Sister Marie volunteered at Project Learn, an adult literacy program. For the next 12 years, she tutored adults from varied backgrounds, providing encouragement and teaching skills for daily competency. In 2000, Sister Marie came to Chardon, assisting with the prayer line ministry and driving sisters to their appointments. Her native talent for art was developed by classes in drawing, portraiture, and painting in oils and watercolor. Her paintings of nature reflect serenity and gentleness. Portraits show her ability to tell a story in design, expression, and color. Despite her diminishing health in recent years, the Master Artist was always at work in her. Most of all, Sister Marie saw in every place, and in everyone she met, the image of God. “All those whose lives have touched my own, and for whom I pray, are held in God’s heart,” she once said. We can imagine no greater gift to those she loved and served so well. www.sndchardon.org
SISTER MARY JANE
(formerly Sister Mary Joanette) Born Mary Jane OLATTA on January 31, 1925 Entered into religious life, August 17, 1944 Entered into eternal life, November 3, 2019 Mary Jane was the middle child of seven children born to John and Anna (Noga) Olatta. Despite the difficulties of growing up during the Depression, Mary Jane remembered many happy days. Following the death of her father, Mary Jane was inspired by the hard work and unwavering faith of her mother, noting especially her trust in God and gratitude for life’s many blessings. Mary Jane graduated from St. Jerome School in Cleveland, and attended high school at Notre Dame Academy, Cleveland, working after school to help pay the tuition. “The Sisters impacted my life by their cheerfulness, prayerfulness, guidance, and direction,” she commented. In February of her senior year, she became a postulant. At investment she received the name Sister Mary Joanette, and later returned to her baptismal name.
first grade. She often served as both teacher and principal/superior.She spent ten years teaching history at the high school and college levels, taking advantage of opportunities to study and travel to prepare for course work, and leading numerous student trips. Her initiative won her 15 grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and a Fulbright Scholarship to study for 13 weeks in India. She served six years as Cleveland Diocesan Curriculum Director. Her love of books, reading, and research led her to 30 years working as a librarian and in the archives. A wide-ranging correspondence of course included many discussions about books! She also visited the sick and homebound, grateful to encounter so many people and help them love God.
Both sisters and lay teachers appreciated her broadminded and encouraging mentoring, and from her many students and professional relationships she made lifelong friends. She vacationed annually with the same group of friends for 37 years, often exclaiming, “What Sister Mary Jane earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from did I do to deserve such good friends?” St. John College, Cleveland, and then a master’s degree in history from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Her entire She celebrated her 75th anniversary this past summer, the Jubilee of Joy. She marveled at God’s goodness to life was devoted to some form of education. She ministered in her throughout her life, expressing only gratitude. Now elementary schools for 28 years, teaching every grade except her joy is complete.
May our deceased sisters rejoice in God’s everlasting love.
Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
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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