SPECIAL EDITION Prison Ministry
Vocation Human Trafficking Social Justice International Missions
Health Care Education Prayer Line
Bethany Retreat Center
House of Champions
Blessing House
Parish Ministries
Pastoral Care Senior Living
Sisters inAction
Network Fall 2018
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
One Heart, One Hope, One Mission
Table of
Contents
1
A Letter from the Provincial Superior
2 Come Visit Notre Dame Village NDV Dedication and Open Houses 4 Sisters in Action Ministry Updates and Milestones 10 Educating Others About SND Charism, Mission & Ministries 13 Youth Ambassadors Hope to Curb Human Trafficking 16 SND hosts National Education Summit at Notre Dame College
17 A Family-First Approach to Charitable Giving Remember Us in Your Will or Living Trust 18
A Lasting Tribute
19 Regina Alumnae Association
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Send correspondence to: Network Sisters of Notre Dame 13000 Auburn Road Chardon, OH 44024 www.sndchardon.org 440.286.7101
Thank You, SND BBQ Sponsors!
A Letter from the Provincial Superior
Here in Chardon, the fall season is upon us. A new school year has begun, summer days are getting shorter, and autumn leaves show their first tinges of red and gold. There are changes all across our campus, too, which speak to us of home and harvest. As I look out of my office window, Notre Dame Village is no longer simply a dream on blueprint but an active, expanding community. Six cottage homes are either ready for occupancy or under construction. Many of our sisters and neighbors have already moved into the beautiful independentliving apartments in the Village. And those with health care needs are receiving an array of services in our assisted living “small houses.” You are welcome to call for a tour anytime (440-279-9400) or come to one of the Open Houses this fall. We invite you to explore our newest ministry, “a community for living and learning.” In this issue of NETWORK, you will learn about several “Sisters in Action” and the growth occurring in some of our existing ministries. For instance, land has been purchased for and construction will soon be underway on new homes for Blessing House and House of Champions. More and more parishes and community groups are discovering the outstanding programs and conference space available at Bethany Retreat Center. Several of our sisters engage in ministry within local parishes in catechesis, faith formation, pastoral ministry and spiritual development. Still others share their gifts by visiting the sick, counseling parishioners, and spearheading social justice programs. You will also read about a new program at the Renee Jones Empowerment Center, where young adults are being trained as Youth Ambassadors to help curb human trafficking. I am excited to see what else the fall season will bring! As I look out my window, I am filled with gratitude for all that has been accomplished so far, and hopeful enthusiasm for all that remains to be done. Your partnership continues to make all these good works possible. Gratefully,
Sister Margaret M. Gorman, SND Provincial Superior
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Come Visit Notre Dame Village NDV Dedication and Open Houses
Notre Dame Village, a community of living and learning on the Sisters of Notre Dame campus in Chardon, Ohio, officially opened its doors to the public this August. The festivities began with a dedication on August 16th, followed by a series of open house events. The Village offers independent and supportive residences for adults 65 and older, with choices that include cottage homes, independent living apartments, and unique “small houses” providing memory care assisted living. “In addition to the beautiful landscape, the real attraction of Notre Dame Village is the ability to live in one place as a person ages,” explains Jennings President and CEO Allison Q. Salopeck. Jennings, an established name in residences and services for older adults across northeast Ohio, manages Notre Dame Village. Salopeck adds, “In this neighborhood, residents can truly continue living the way they choose, and they can also access conveniences and support to enhance their lifestyles, from lifelong learning and trips to dining, home care, support with memory challenges and hospice.” 2
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Jennings Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Brazytis says the two-bedroom cottage homes are ideal for individuals who desire to “right-size” their home while enjoying an independent lifestyle free from home and yard maintenance. The cottage homes feature an open floor plan as well as access to a host of campus amenities and activities such as theatre productions and a breathtaking landscape. The apartments are another independent living option for those who desire to downsize while enjoying living in a community that offers amenities, activities, and available supportive services, if needed. “There is something for everyone, whether you are a very private person or someone who is social and active,” Brazytis explains. The campus includes the Sisters of Notre Dame Education Center and Chapel, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School and Notre Dame Elementary School. The intergenerational campus will enable residents to enjoy activities with younger people, and students to glean wisdom and the value of service through interactions with residents. Notre Dame Village is truly a win-win for everyone. Gaining popularity over the last decade is the nationally recognized “small house” model, and there are three such houses on the campus. A national expert on Green House and small house models, Dr. Jude Rabig was engaged in optimizing the small houses. “The caregiving team provides support in the philosophy of family, rather than a traditional task-based medical model,” Salopeck explains. “Our staff uses reflective practices to come to know each resident very personally – from their likes and dislikes, Sisters of Notre Dame
daily patterns, history and careers–-all of which help us develop and work as a team to enable them to live life as they choose.” Each house is home to 12 residents, ideal for individuals who will benefit from additional support due to memory or cognitive challenges. The family home architecture supports the philosophy of care for all aspects of the person, well beyond his or her physical or medical needs, to honor each resident’s choices. Salopeck adds that residents are encouraged to participate in the daily life of the home. “We make connections, from one-on-one interactions to resident selection of menus and preparing meals from scratch in the house kitchen.” Sister Margaret Gorman, SND, provincial superior of the Chardon province, says Notre Dame Village enables the Sisters of Notre Dame to continue their mission to care for the elderly in a faith-friendly environment. “We are excited to utilize the Notre Dame campus for this active adult living community. Notre Dame Village is our legacy to Geauga County. This senior living village will remain long after the sisters are no longer in active ministry – a continual reminder of God’s goodness and loving care to all. People of every faith are welcome. Many of our own Sisters of Notre Dame will be living in the independent living apartments and small houses as well. We truly will be good neighbors!” Sister Margaret adds with a smile. Applications are still being accepted and reviewed for all Notre Dame Village residences. For more information about the residences or for tours, please feel free to call Notre Dame Village at 440.279.9400 or visit the website at www.notredamevillage.org. www.sndchardon.org
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SISTERS IN ACTION
SND ministries flourish across northeast Ohio and beyond The Sisters of Notre Dame make a regional, national and global impact through a plethora of diverse ministries. Today, they can be observed in classrooms providing excellent elementary and high school Catholic education; caring for children whose families are in crisis; tutoring adults and immigrants within the inner city; providing
a college education for men and women in pursuit of rewarding careers; caring for the sick and aged; engaging in after-school educational programs for Cleveland’s innercity youth; assisting in programs that offer meals, clothing and shelter to the homeless; serving in parish ministries throughout the regions; and much, much more.
The Sisters of Notre Dame truly are SISTERS IN ACTION! Here are brief updates on a few of the local SND ministries: Blessing House Given the tremendous growth of Blessing House since its opening in 2001, the Blessing House Board has completed a two-year strategic planning process, resulting in the purchase of land for a new home. A capital campaign for the new facility is underway that will expand capacity to serve up to 28 children at a time. Construction is slated to begin soon. In 2017, 163 children from 81 families stayed in Blessing House (some more than one time); 2,472 days of care were provided; 10 days was the average length of stay; 83% of families were headed by a single parent; 10% of families were headed by a grandparent or relative; and 51% of referrals came through community outreach, prior knowledge of Blessing House, or referrals from families and friends. The brainchild of Sister Mary Berigan, SND, Blessing House is a crisis care center for children from birth through 12 years whose parents or caregivers are facing an emergency that might put their children at risk. Open every day of the year, Blessing House is currently licensed to care for up to 10 children at a time. For more information on how to become a volunteer or offer support, please call Blessing House at (440) 240-1851. 4
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House of Champions What started in 2013 with up to eight children in a small home on West 47th Street in Cleveland, House of Champions is now expanding with the building of a larger house. A groundbreaking ceremony held in May 2018 celebrated the start of construction. This new house will enable up to 24 children from Urban Community School and Metro Catholic School to attend the after-school program, Monday through Friday for children in second through fourth grades. This wonderful ministry is accomplished through the collaborative effort of the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Ursuline Sisters, and the Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity as well as the many community volunteers who share in their mission. If you are interested in volunteering at House of Champions, please contact Sister Nan Zeimet, SND at nzeimet@ndec.org.
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Bethany Retreat Center Sister Jennifer Kramer, SND, director of the Bethany Retreat Center, says more and more parish and community groups are discovering Bethany Retreat Center. Recent programs at Bethany included: The Spiritual Canticle of St. John of the Cross; Lecture series: The Jesus of Scripture; Creating Sabbath Space in Our Lives; Quiet Days of Prayer; Regina Alumnae gathering, semiannual interparish women’s retreats, and a Book Sharing. Bethany Retreat Center serves as a vehicle for the Sisters of Notre Dame to share their charism and mission by offering a place of peace, beauty and prayer for those seeking God’s presence in their lives. It features 25 single bedrooms, a chapel, a large dining room with a full kitchen, small-group meeting rooms and an air-conditioned conference room with large windows overlooking a wooded landscape. Bethany Retreat Center is available for use by local parishes and other groups from September through May. For information on upcoming programs or to reserve the Bethany Retreat Center for an event, please contact Sister Jennifer Kramer at (440) 279-1143 or email her at jkramer@ndec.org.
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Education For years, the Sisters of Notre Dame have been engaged in writing ministries related to education and catechesis, such as Faith and Freedom and Our Quest for Happiness. SNDs also wrote the Christ Our Life religion series to meet the need for books that taught elementary school children the faith in a comprehensive, progressive way. The series, first published in 1973, grew to include a preschool and sacramental preparation program. Adopted by many schools throughout the United States and Englishspeaking countries, the series was revised several times – the most recent being in 2016 – and remains the only published religious education series in continual use since the 1970’s. Today, it continues to benefit catechists, parents, and children. For information go to http://www.loyolapress.com/christ-our-life-2009religion-program-store.htm
Health Care Born and raised in Kerala, India, Sister Sherly Kodiyan, SND earned a master’s degree in nursing at Walden University in India, graduating with an MSN-NP. The Sister of Notre Dame arrived in the U.S. in 2014 and became a member of the Chardon province. Sister Sherly is the first nurse practitioner in the Chardon province. “I became a U.S. citizen on June 15, 2018, and the Chardon province became my religious home,” Sister Sherly exclaims with a smile. “I am so proud of being a Sister of Notre Dame, and I love to work at bedsides rather than do office work. Currently, I am working at the Ashtabula County Medical Center (ACMC). In this hospital, I see patients in a skilled unit in the mornings, and in the afternoon, I visit three nursing homes.”
“Health care is a healing ministry, as Jesus did,” she adds. “I see more than health issues, but the whole human being. Sometimes, patients simply want someone to listen, or say a small prayer, or spend time with family members. By seeing me, most patients say they feel something spiritual; they feel comfortable and respected. As a nurse practitioner and Sister of Notre Dame, I also spend time with dying patients and their family members as well.” She adds, “Health care is a place of pain, sorrows, anxiety, depression and in the end, a place of gratitude and peace. And I am expressing SND spirituality through my joyfulness.” Sister Sherly plans to practice nursing within the Notre Dame Village memory care home when needed. Continued on page 8
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Parish Ministries “I love seeing the English-speaking community reach out and help both our immigrant population and our significant population experiencing homelessness and poverty,” Sister Dolores states. “St. Mary’s lives the Gospel in its many outreach programs.” Sister Dolores Mikula, SND, is one of many Sisters of Notre Dame active in parish ministry. She has been serving at St. Mary Parish in Painesville, Ohio for the past two and a half years, where there is a large Hispanic community. Prior to this service, Sister Dolores served as a missionary in Nicaragua for many years. Her responsibilities include: Parish Catechetical Leader (PCL), which includes directing the religious education programs; adult faith formation and RCIA; collaborating with the youth minister, particularly in the Confirmation program; and administering the Facebook page for St. Mary Catholic Church in Painesville. Sister Dolores also works with parishioners and other community members facing difficult immigration situations. Sisters of Notre Dame remain active in parish ministries throughout northeast Ohio and in other states. Their work includes catechesis, faith formation, pastoral ministry and evangelization. They direct religious education programs, plan programs for adult faith formation and spiritual development, visit the sick, counsel parishioners and coordinate evangelization and social justice programs. Sister Dianne Piunno, SND, is also involved in parish ministry at St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Cleveland. In fact, she has served in parish ministry at St. Ignatius for the past 27 years. “People of this parish come from far and near – some as close as West Boulevard and others as far away as Avon Lake and the surrounding suburbs. Each and every one of them offer gifts that keep enriching this community dedicated to worship, education and outreach. For me, each new day is filled with opportunities to connect and serve others.”
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Prison Ministry Sister Dion Horrigan, SND, works with women serving time in the Cuyahoga County Jail, the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, and the Dayton Correctional Institution. She also facilitates a group called, “The First Step,” which helps women understand the power of the 12-step Jail, the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, and the Dayton Correctional Institution. program. In addition, Sister Dion works with women at CATS (Community Assessment Treatment Services), a residential drug treatment center for women and men, located on Harvard and Broadway. “I also visit women at the Franklin Medical Center,” adds Sister Dion. “These are women whom I have met in jail and were then sentenced to prison. I want to help these women realize they are more than the offenses they have committed. They have made mistakes, but they are not a mistake. They are precious and beautiful in God’s sight and in mine. These women have changed my life in profound ways. I truly feel privileged to walk with these women.” Also involved in prison ministry are the following Sisters of Notre Dame: Sisters Rita Mary Harwood, Michelle Kelly and Cecilia Liberatore. In addition to external visits with the incarcerated, numerous sisters regularly write to prisoners to provide friendship, faith and comfort.
Vocation SND Vocation Director Sister Kelley Rush, SND, in conjunction with Father Bill Murphy, SJ, vocation promoter for the Midwest Jesuits, launched a new program for young men and women searching for direction in life and longing for a deeper relationship with God. The program, called Give God A Year, also provides an excellent opportunity for young adults to explore if they might be called to religious life. Give God A Year includes prayer and conversation, fellowship, guest speakers and an opportunity for a silent retreat. Sisters of Notre Dame
“Our desire is to bring young men and women into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. The journey includes ongoing spiritual direction and presentations on the spiritual life so they may learn to discern the voice of God in their lives,” Sister Kelley explains. Participants are asked to commit two days each month for this program. This will be the second year the program is being offered. Additionally, this year, a second pilot program is being offered, called “Give God a Semester,” in conjunction with Kent State University Campus Ministry. “After I directed a busy student retreat at Kent this year, the campus minister invited me to come back anytime. That being said, I offered to come back and offer this semesterlong program,” explains Sister Kelley. “He was very open to it.” If you are 21or older of age and are interested in participating in Give God A Year, please contact Sister Kelley at 440.241.3124 or email her at krush@ ndec.org. Sister Kelley and Father Bill look forward to journeying with you!
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Educating Others about SND Charism, Mission & Ministries Sister Lisa Novak, SND, sees her role as Mission Effectiveness Coordinator as a simple one. “My job is to make explicit what we as Sisters of Notre Dame have made implicit in the 168 years since this congregation was founded,” she states enthusiastically. “Whether through presentations, relationship building – whatever it takes – my job is to educate people about the charism, mission and ministries of the Sisters of Notre Dame.” Sister Lisa is the first SND to hold the title “Mission Effectiveness Coordinator.” She admits she somewhat invented the role after Googling the term only to be directed to the Navy, Marines and Army. “Next, I spoke with some sisters who shared similar roles, like Sister Carole Anne Griswold with the Humility of Mary congregation, and Sister Margaret Droege, SND Covington, Kentucky Province. They helped me define the job,” admits Sister Lisa with a laugh.
Dame accomplished this mission through the ministry of education,” Sister Lisa explains. “Through the years, our ministries have expanded to include social justice, health care, working with victims of human trafficking, caring for the aged, etc.”
“I was really excited about this position. There was no mission integration at the time. No courses on the topic existed. My job was to explain what makes our congregation different. When I was in Rome during the summer of 1999 at an international meeting to renew our charism, mission and ministry, it hit me immediately. I understood the difference between charism, mission and ministry.“ Charism is a gift God gives a religious congregation. The ‘charism’ of the Sisters of Notre Dame is an experience of the profound goodness of God and God’s provident care. “As Sisters of Notre Dame, we want to let God’s goodness and provident care flow through us and touch others so they can also experience the fullness of life. That is our ‘mission’ as Sisters of Notre Dame: to share our charism with others. In the past, Sisters of Notre
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Sister Lisa attended Notre Dame Academy. She entered the congregation in 1958, making her first vows in 1960. She earned a BS and MS in Education from St. John’s College. Sister Lisa taught elementary school for nine years, then served as principal of St. Gabriel School, Mentor, and St. Gregory the Great School, South Euclid. Sister Lisa then served as regional superintendent for the Catholic Diocese, which included 46 elementary schools and several high schools. Later, she served as a chairperson of the education department at Notre Dame College. Today, in addition to her job as Mission Effectiveness Coordinator, Sister Lisa serves on the Board of Trustees at Notre Dame College, is a board member for SND community-sponsored schools and is a member of the SND Advancement Department.
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“I want to bring the goodness Catholic (FL) along with three of God to others,” Sister Lisa Notre Dame College students “ As Sisters of Notre Dame, we emphatically states with a smile. participated in the program with want to let God’s goodness One way she accomplishes her five Sisters of Notre Dame. They and provident care flow role as Mission Effectiveness went to three of four locations: through us and touch others Coordinator is to do the West Side Catholic Center – this orientations at SND communityso they can also experience drop-in-center on Cleveland’s sponsored schools as well as for near-West Side that offers meals, the fullness of life. That is lay employees at the Provincial clothing distribution, street our ‘mission’ as Sisters of Center – maintenance workers, survival services and outreach/ housekeepers, health care Notre Dame – to share our advocacy programs. Summer personnel, administrative staff, charism with others.” Service Experience participants kitchen staff, etc. “I explain to helped with meal prep and Sister Lisa Novak, SND them the charism and mission of serving, sorting clothes, cleaning the Sisters of Notre Dame and and visiting with the homeless. help them identify ways they can further the SND mission in what they do,” Sister Lisa says. “I also Bishop Cosgrove do a special orientation for school staff as well as annual Center – located near charism experiences for our teachers – much like a retreat. St. John’s Cathedral, Typically, 10 schools participate in each program.” is the largest drop-in Sister Lisa explains that the sisters realized that as more center in downtown lay people became involved, it was imperative that they Cleveland, serving understood what makes the SND congregation different individuals who are and the role they can play in furthering the mission. homeless and those “It is not an academic experience,” insists Sister Lisa. “The considered working poor. Programs include meals, shower first question I ask participants in orientation or at a retreat facilities, food pantry, clothing distribution and job training. is when they experienced God’s goodness and caring love Summer Service students helped in the food pantry, personally. The next day I ask where they see it in others. assisted with serving and cleaning up the noon meal, and Hands down, they often say in a Sister of Notre Dame.” interacting with clients. Blessing House –This children's crisis center in Lorain provides a safe place for children to go during a family crisis. Summer Service participants assisted with the children in various activities and helped with chores around the house.
For several years, Sister Lisa has orchestrated the SND Summer Service Experience for high school students and a few college students. This summer, 20 high school students from Notre DameCathedral Latin, Cleveland Central Catholic, and Clearwater Central
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“ We need to do programs like this to keep the charism, mission and ministries of the Sisters of Notre Dame alive, long after our congregation ceases to exist.” Sister Lisa Novak, SND
Office of Migration and Refugee Services – This program helps new immigrants find housing and employment. They also provide immediate services for food, clothing and shelter. “Our students assisted individuals and families with English tutoring, organized activities for the children and helped move families into new housing,” Sister Lisa describes. According to Sister Lisa, the Summer Service Experience enables students to engage in meaningful, hands-on activities to help those people who are less fortunate while learning more about the Sisters of Notre Dame and their
Sister Lisa explains, “We need to do programs like this to keep the charism, mission and ministries of the Sisters of Notre Dame alive – long after our congregation ceases to exist. We understand our charism, mission and ministries will be done by laypersons in the future. Our responsibility now is to form them. Our Sisters of Notre Dame are the guardians of the culture.” “My job today is simply to help people articulate SND charism, mission and ministries in a way other people can understand – whoever the audience,” she concludes. “Through the years, the one thing I enjoyed most as a Sister of Notre Dame is the people with whom and for whom I have been doing ministry. This goes through every position I have held – elementary school teacher, principal, regional supervisor, college chairperson, etc. Being a Sister of Notre Dame opened doors that otherwise might not have opened. The most meaningful experiences in my life have been ones I’ve been called to rather than chosen. I have truly experienced firsthand God’s goodness and provident care.”
charism, mission and ministries. “It is a kid-friendly charism experience that enables students to experience God’s goodness and caring love firsthand,” Sister Lisa states. “It is work. It is service. This is not about touring a facility. It takes courage to participate because the students will be pushed outside their comfort zones. Hopefully, there will be some seeds sown, some leaven added to the dough. In the past, our students have said they loved dealing with the people and seeing other adults generously helping and interacting with the clients.”
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Youth Ambassadors Hope to Curb Human Trafficking Renee Jones Empowerment Center (RJEC) recently launched a Youth Ambassador Training Academy to equip and inspire young leaders to work to effect social change, and ultimately, global change in preventing and fighting human trafficking. According to Renee Jones, founder of Renee Jones Empowerment Center, “Once trained, Youth Ambassadors will be assigned engagements at schools, college campuses, conferences, community engagements, and various other events to speak on human trafficking. The Academy’s mission is to engage young leaders to work to effect social change on preventing and fighting human trafficking through prevention and awareness education and advocacy.”
“ The Academy’s mission is to engage young leaders to work to effect social change on preventing and fighting human trafficking through prevention and awareness education and advocacy.” Renee Jones Founder of Renee Jones Empowerment Center
The initial Young Ambassadors class is comprised of six motivated and diverse youth, ages 16 to 24, from public and private schools and colleges. (They hope to bring that number to 10 soon.) These young leaders are currently being trained by RJEC staff, human trafficking survivors (who are now certified peer counselors), the co-director of the Case Western Reserve University Human Trafficking Law Clinic, law enforcement personnel, and Sister Cecilia Liberatore, SND, a volunteer/court advocate at RJEC. The United Nations International Labor Organization estimates that nearly 21 million people are trafficked globally, including an estimated 11.4 million women and girls and 9.5 million men and boys. Human trafficking is Continued on page 14 Sisters of Notre Dame
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a $250 billion global industry, with two-thirds of the profits from forced sexual exploitation. This crime occurs in every city and state across the United States. Victims can be found working in the commercial sex industry (including escort services, brothels, massage parlors, strip clubs, and street prostitution) as well as in restaurants, hotels, factories, farms, landscaping companies, nail salons, private homes as domestic workers, at constructions sites, and more. “Human trafficking is code for slavery – involuntary servitude, debt bondage or peonage. Thousands of Northeast Ohio children, women and men are enslaved in commercial sex or forced labor annually,” Sister Cecilia passionately explains. “Trafficking violates human rights and is a stand-alone felony in Ohio. For me, this is not a job, but a life call. I was a high school teacher, principal, school president, and provincial superior for the Sisters of Notre Dame, Chardon Province. Once I became more acquainted with the global world of human trafficking, I felt this is where I was now being called by rights God. This is my heart’s passion as part of my religious vocation.”
“ Trafficking violates human and is a stand-alone felony in Ohio. For me, this is not a job, but a life call.”
In addition to assisting in training Youth Ambassadors at RJEC, Sister Cecilia attends the special docket courts representing Renee Jones Empowerment Center. “I stand up with the women and girls Sister Cecilia Liberatore, SND in court, so they know they are not alone. I will also ask if I can follow up with them if they are incarcerated, sent to a drug rehab center, or released. It is a way to start introducing them to RJEC and freedom.” Allie Joyce, 18, a recent graduate from Hawken School, began shadowing Maureen Guirguis, CWRU law professor currently working at RJEC, to create a Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Law Clinic at the Center. “I am excited to be a Youth Ambassador. I’ve always been interested in service and took a homelessness class and volunteered in a homeless shelter while a student at Hawken,” says Allie. “At the time, I did not know about human trafficking. I
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“ They are empowering young women and boys who are victims of human trafficking – giving them courage and offering resources to help and educating the community about human trafficking.” Autumn Franz Youth Ambassador
thought it occurred in other countries and concerned only labor. That is not true. It is in the United States and more prevalent than people believe. I learned early in life, ‘Don’t be a bystander. Be an upstander.’” Allie adds, “I think it is great that a nun is helping with those being sex trafficked. Sister Cecilia does an amazing job, sitting in court and supporting the women. For many, Sister Cecilia is the only consistent person in their life. She is very brave. I can attest to that!” Fellow Youth Ambassador Autumn Franz, 19, says, “We do not just learn the facts and statistics, but the truth of human trafficking. Our primary objective is to speak to others and make them aware. The biggest shock for me was learning it does happen in the U.S. and how the victims become involved – often through family members who groom them.” Autumn is majoring in Sociology and Gender Sexuality/Women Studies at John Carroll University. She says, “I’ve always been very passionate about sexual assault and human trafficking. I love the Renee Jones Empowerment Center. They are empowering young women and boys who are victims of human trafficking – giving them courage and offering resources to help and educating the community about human trafficking. I would recommend that more young adults get involved in this program." Kirah Jefferson, 22, a student at Cuyahoga Community College, says she decided to become involved as a Youth Ambassador because her sister was a victim of human trafficking. “Human trafficking played a big part in my life,” she honestly admits. Kirah says her personal goal as a Youth Ambassador is "to let people know about human trafficking and how it can affect you personally. During our training, we watched a video, and I learned that Toledo is one of the greatest points in Ohio known for human trafficking. That was scary. I was also surprised to learn how young some of the girls are who are being trafficked.” Sister Cecilia is impressed with this initial class. She concludes, “This group of young leaders will speak at the annual Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Conference at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio.” In addition, Youth Ambassadors will conduct focus groups on the Center’s youth programming; make recommendations for enhancements or improvements to programs; organize service projects; assist at fundraisers; and create opportunities to engage more youth to be leaders in their community in the fight to eradicate human trafficking. For more information about the Renee Jones Empowerment Center Youth Ambassador Training Academy or to request an application, please contact the Center at (216) 651-9601 or email rjmotivation@yahoo.com.
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SNDs host National Education Summit at Notre Dame College The event concluded with a recognition dinner during which these awards were presented to the following award winners: • Fr. Bernard Overberg “Teacher of Teachers” Award (for inspirational impact on the professional development of educators) – Sister Regina Alfonso, SND, tutor and librarian, St. Helen School, Newbury, OH
The Sisters of Notre Dame have been educating and training children, young adults, teachers and leaders in their charism throughout the globe for nearly 100 years. At the SND National Education Summit at Notre Dame College June 20-22, about 150 sisters and their lay colleagues from schools across the country met to share ideas on how to carry out the SND educational vision in the 21st century. According to Lisa Canterbury, program director of the SND National Education Office, the 2018 symposium was based on the concept of “Mirrors and Windows,” looking back at the shared SND heritage, values and experiences that support prophetic, faithful and transformative education and looking ahead where the view and possibilities are endless. The three-day professional conference featured multiple speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions and spiritual reflection. A highlight of the event was an evening presentation by the popular author and inspirational speaker Kelly Croy, a Google-certified teacher, AppleDistinguished educator, and PBS Digital innovator. His presentation merged speed painting, computer animation and a musical score. During his presentation, he encouraged those in attendance to allow their classrooms to be safe areas where children can fail. “That’s when learning takes place,” he encouraged. 16
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• Sisters of Notre Dame Educator as a Gospel Witness Award (for those who nurture Notre Dame charism, spirit and mission, especially among populations experiencing poverty) – Jane Andrews, pre-K-8 art teacher, Metro Catholic School; Pat Genovese, kindergarten teacher at Notre Dame Academy Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA; Michele Johnson, theology and psychology teacher at Notre Dame Academy, Park Hills, KY; and Marcia Pecek, math teacher at Notre DameCathedral Latin, Munson, OH • Transformative Leadership Award (for an educator who is a catalyst of growth in relation to themselves, God, others and creation) – Nancy Coonis, former President of Notre Dame Academy, Los Angeles, CA, and Sister Dianne Rumschlag, SND, Head of School for Guardian Catholic School, Jacksonville, FL • Charism in Action Award (for the organization or individual bringing the vision and mission of the SNDs into sustainable partnerships that will continue to faithfully serve as beacons of hope for those who live at the margins of society or struggle with difficult hardships in life) – Double ARC, an established SND sponsored ministry now led by a new community partner, A Renewed Mind (ARM). Congratulations to all award recipients!
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A Family-First Approach to Charitable Giving
Remember Us in Your Will or Living Trust
In addition to passing assets to loved ones, your will or living trust can also be used to define your legacy through support of the Sisters of Notre Dame. When you remember us through a gift in your estate plans, you join a special group of people who have made some of our most important ministry programs possible.
Advantages: • Simplicity – As little as one sentence in your will or living trust is all that is needed to complete your gift. • Flexibility – Until your will or trust goes into effect, you are free to alter your plans. • Versatility – You can give a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events, or a percentage of your estate.
How a Gift in Your Will Works: Your estate planning attorney can help you structure a gift, so your loved ones will be taken care of first. He or she will include our sample language in a will or living trust you create or add it to existing documents through an amendment called a codicil. A popular option is to leave a percentage of what is left of your estate after other beneficiaries have received their share, so your gift will remain proportionate to the size of your estate, no matter how it fluctuates.
For more information on incorporating a legacy gift to the Sisters of Notre Dame in your estate plans, please contact Carrie Higginbotham, Director of Mission Advancement, at (440) 279-1177 or by email at chigginbotham@ndec.org.
Sisters of Notre Dame
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A Lasting Tribute
A Lasting Tribute SISTER EVELYN MARY
(formerly Sister Mary Clareanne) Born Evelyn Therese SATANEK on December 17, 1933 Entered into religious life, August 16, 1954 Entered into eternal life, May 26, 2018 Born to John and Anna (Kachurik) Satanek, Evelyn had a special attraction and devotion to St. Therese and wanted to emulate her spirituality and life of prayer. She met and admired the Sisters of Notre Dame at SS. Cyril & Methodius Elementary School and then at Notre Dame Academy. After graduation, she entered the congregation on September 8, 1951. Sister Evelyn Mary received a bachelor’s degree in education from Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio; a master’s degree in geography from Boston College in Massachusetts; and a doctoral degree in educational psychology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Her ministry in the field of education spanned 40 years. She served as a teacher in junior high; professor of education at St. John College and Notre Dame College; and intermediate resource teacher at Julie Billiart School in Lyndhurst, Ohio. In 1972, Sister was selected as an Outstanding Educator of America, a national award based on exceptional contributions to the advancement of higher education, achievement and leadership. When Sister moved to the Provincial Center, she assisted in the Vocation Office and with pastoral care at Heather Hill.
SISTER MARY TERESITA Born Marianne Bernardine GRESKO on January 1, 1926 Entered into religious life, August 16, 1945 Entered into eternal life, June 29, 2018 A precious New Year’s Day gift from God to Michael and Mary Elizabeth (Fuchs) Gresko, Marianne was deeply influenced by her parents’ deep faith, pride in their Slovak heritage and culture, and her admiration of the Sisters of Notre Dame whom she loved and respected as her teachers in elementary school and at Notre Dame Academy. Marianne entered the community as a postulant on September 8, 1942. Sent out to teach as a second-year novice, Sister Mary Teresita taught intermediate and junior high students for the next 10 years. Sister then earned a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame College and a master’s degree in English from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. Her ministry in education spanned more than 50 years. In 1969, Sister Mary Teresita was instrumental in the formation of Cleveland Central Catholic High School, a merger of four Catholic parish high schools, and became assistant to the director. After serving as principal at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, she received certification as a licensed professional counselor from John Carroll University and ministered in this capacity for 11 years at Regina High School. She returned to the Provincial Center in 1998, assisting where needed – at the switchboard, in the Archives, as transportation coordinator, and at the Prayer Phone Line.
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Network | Fall 2018
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Sisters of Notre Dame
A Lasting Tribute Born Marita Elizabeth Ann DECHANT on January 11, 1927 Entered into religious life, August 16, 1946 Entered into eternal life, July 7, 2018 Known as Betty Ann by her family, she was the third of six children born to Hubert and Rose (Conrad) DeChant. She attended Brookside High School for two years and in her junior year became an aspirant at Notre Dame Academy in Cleveland. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on February 2, 1944. Sister earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Notre Dame College, South Euclid, and a doctoral degree in physical chemistry from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Although she began her teaching in elementary and high schools, Sister Jeanmarie is most noted, remembered and loved for her ministry at Notre Dame College, where she taught chemistry for more than 50 years. She developed innovative science programs for high school, traditional age and adult students, and was chosen to participate as an extramural associate at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. After retirement from Notre Dame College, Sister Jeanmarie continued to tutor students in chemistry, other sciences, and mathematics at Lorain County Community College. She lovingly shared her final years with her younger biological sister, Sister Rosemarie.
Reunions Class of 88 - 30th Class Reunion Saturday, September 1, 2018 Alfredo’s in Mayfield Village 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Cost: $35 per person
Cash Bar
If you are coming from out of town – Alfredo’s is inside the Holiday Inn
More information will follow with the price and hours through email. Please send your information to Theresa.zele@gmail.com, or call her at (440) 951-6955 if you have any questions. A Facebook page has been set up for the class at Regina High School Class of 1988 Reunion. Class of ‘73 - 45th Reunion Will take place at the “Girls Night Out” event Friday, October 19, 2018 Pizzazz in University Heights Reservation due October 12.
Cost: $22 per person, includes food, soft drinks, tax and gratuity Cash Bar
Please make checks out to Regina Alumnae Association and mail to 9918 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor, OH 44060
2019 Reunions
Class of 1969 - 50th Reunion A group of classmates are starting to work on the 50th reunion. If you would like to help or have any ideas, please contact Josephine Melaragno Jones at floonthego@gmail.com or Mem Welsh Madden at memwelsh@gmail.com. Start getting your friends together and encourage them to send their information to us so no one is left out. If you are not receiving emails from the Alumnae Association or you have moved in the past 10 years, please send your information to rhsalum@reginahigh.com. If classes are planning reunions for 2019 (’59, ’64, ’74, ’79, ’84, ’89, ’94, ’99, ’04 or ’09), please contact the Alumnae Office at rhsalum@reginahigh.com or call 216-905-4851. Sisters of Notre Dame
www.sndchardon.org
A Lasting Tribute
SISTER JEANMARIE
Alumnae Association 2018 – 2019 Calendar
Girls Night Out We listened to your suggestions, and the evening will start earlier so you can come straight from work! Looking forward to seeing you when you get there with your friends! October 19, 2018 Pizzazz across from John Carroll 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Cost $22, includes food, soft drinks, tax, gratuity Cash Bar Please make checks out to: Regina Alumnae Association and mail to 9918 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor, OH 44060 Reservations due October 12, 2018 Regina Alumnae Retreat February 15-17, 2019 More information will follow later. Reservations are due February 1, 2019 Continued on page 20 Network | Fall 2018
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2018 Scholarship Winners Due to the generosity of the Class of 1967, we were able to award two scholarships. This year’s winners are Abigail Collins and Dorothy Nosse. Abigail is a graduate of St. Mary School in Avon and a sophomore at St. Joseph Academy. Abigail’s grandmother Kathleen Fulton Collins is a 1970 graduate of Regina. Dorothy graduated from Our Lady of the Lake School and will be a freshman at Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School. Dorothy’s great aunt Maureen McShane Breen’58, and three aunts JoAnne Nocero Scaminace’72, Margaret Nocero’73 and Cathy Nocero Carballada’86 graduated from Regina, and her cousin Grace Nocero attended Regina 2009-2010.
Dorothy Nosse
Abigail Collins
Congratulations to both girls, and thank you to the Class of ’67 and everyone who donated to the Scholarship Fund.
Class of 1978 40th reunion
Class of 1978 Reunion Approximately 100 people gathered to celebrate the 40th reunion, and they truly celebrated at Acacia Country Club, Cleveland Metroparks. The food and music were great, and the girls still can dance! Many friendships were renewed and many, many pictures taken. Thanks to the committee for a wonderful event.
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Class of 1998 20th reunion
Class of 1998 Reunion The 20th reunion of the Class of 1998 met at Burntwood Tavern in Lyndhurst on July 14. They had a great time together and look forward to everyone meeting for the 25th in five years!
Email and addresses
Transcripts
If you have moved or married since the last Regina Directory in 2008, please contact the Alumnae Office with your new information. It facilitates classmates working on reunions to ensure you’re included. Please encourage your friends to do the same! Send your information to rhsalum@reginahigh.com.
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.
Network | Fall 2018
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Sisters of Notre Dame
2018
Sisters of Notre Dame
BBQ
and Boutique
Thank You to Our Sponsors! We would like to thank the generosity of the following sponsors of the SND BBQ & Boutique.
Signature Sponsor
Sapphire Sponsor
Roberts Roofing Company
Diamond Sponsor
Chardon Square Automotive/CARSTAR Auto Body
The K Company
Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC Donley's, Inc.
Jennings Margaret W. Wong & Associates, Co., LPA Notre Dame Schools Preston Motors Write 2 the Point
Platinum Sponsor
Chardon Family Eyecare
RDL Architects
St. Joseph Senior Living University Hospitals – Geauga Medical Center
Silver Sponsor
Anthony Allega Cement Contractor, Inc.
Hahn Loeser Parks, LLP
Junction Auto Family
Gold Sponsor
Maloney & Novotny
Chapman & Chapman
DeJohn Funeral Homes & Crematory Key Private Bank
Laurello Vineyards
Payne & Payne Builders, Inc. PNC Financial Services Group Precious Cargo
Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling, Inc. The Lazuka Family
Bronze Sponsor
Gorman – Lavelle Corp. Jeffrey Mitchell Kinetico, Inc.
LA Rose Paving Co.
Remedi Senior Care Sitetech, Inc.
St. Agnes Catholic Church St. Paschal Baylon Parish The Miller Plumbing & Heating Company
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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Website: www.sndchardon.org
Consider making a tribute gift today! A “tribute gift” is a wonderful way to express your appreciation for someone or a thoughtful way to remember a deceased loved one or friend. It’s also a wonderful way to acknowledge a birthday, anniversary or other special event while helping to support the Sisters of Notre Dame. Making a tribute gift is easy. Simply visit the Sisters of Notre Dame website at sndchardon.org, click on the “Ways to Give” tab in blue at the top of the homepage, and scroll down to the “Tribute Gifts: In Honor of and In Memory of” tab, where you will be guided to make an online donation.
No internet? No problem. Make your tribute gift by mail. Simply mail your check and include your contact information (name, address, phone and email address, if you have one); the name of the person you are honoring or remembering; and contact information for the individual or family you would like to receive notification of your gift. Mail this information to:
Sisters of Notre Dame Mission Advancement Office 13000 Auburn Road Chardon, OH 44024
Notification of your gift will be sent to the person or family you designate. The amount of your gift will not be disclosed. When a family member or loved one passes away, please consider asking the funeral director to call the Sisters of Notre Dame for memorial envelopes that can be made available during the wake. Their name will be added to the prayer list, and the sisters will remember them in their daily prayers.