SND USA Magazine Summer '21 Full

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

SND USA SUMMER 2021

Global Missions: The Great Commission ALSO INSIDE: Ministering to the Sick and Vulnerable Across the U.S. Meet Air Force Veteran & SND Associate Sue Willard

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

SND USA TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

A Letter from the SND USA Provincial Team

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East Africa Delegation Established SND Missionaries Prepare Local African Sisters for Leadership

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Papua New Guinea

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Ministering to the Sick and Vulnerable Across the U.S. Meet Air Force Veteran and SND Associate Sue Willard Make Your Life a Sacrifice of Praise

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Sister Mary Frances Taymans Retires as National Sponsorship and Network Office Executive Director

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SND National Sponsorship and Network Office Executive Director Appointed

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An Affordable Way to Make a Big Impact

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SND USA 2021 Jubilarians

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SND USA Launches National Website

l-r: Sister Rebekah Kennedy, Thousand Oaks, CA; Sister Shauna Bankemper, Covington, KY; Sister Regina Fisher, Toledo, OH; Sister Margaret Gorman, Chardon, OH; Sister Patricia Garrahan, Chardon, OH

LETTER FROM SND USA PROVINCIAL TEAM This spring, Sisters of Notre Dame around the globe celebrated the installation of the first national African leadership team to head the East Africa Delegation. This inspiring step forward was made possible through decades of work by SND missionaries from the United States, India, and Germany who came to Africa with a vision to prepare local African sisters for leadership. We stand in awe of God’s continuing work through our congregation.

In this issue of SND USA magazine, readers will also learn about the transformative work of Sister Rose Bernard Groth, SND, who served as a missionary in Papua New Guinea for more than 40 years. Despite being held at gunpoint and facing unknown risks, Sister Rose Bernard reached out to a local population of AIDS victims, offering them shelter, health care, and compassion while many in the country called for their deaths.

A continued priority of SND USA is healthcare ministry. Sisters of Notre Dame in Covington, Kentucky work in leadership roles at St. Claire HealthCare, the largest rural hospital in Northeastern Kentucky, and at St. Charles Community, an eldercare facility including adult day care, cottages, senior apartments and more. Notre Dame Village, in Chardon, Ohio is thriving with its independent and supportive residences for seniors. In Toledo, Ohio, SNDs are engaged in pastoral care and other ministries for their aging population. And in downtown Los Angeles, California, Sister Judeen Julier enjoys serving as a chaplain at California Hospital. Hear from these sisters who joyfully serve this vulnerable population.

We continue to pray for the safety of you and your loved ones as the worldwide pandemic slowly diminishes. Thank you for your prayers and continued support of our ministries.

Gratefully, The SND USA Provincial Team Summer 2021

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East Africa Delegation Established

SND Missionaries Prepare Local African Sisters For Leadership

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n May 24, 2015 in Arusha, Tanzania, the Sisters of Notre Dame’s mission in Uganda joined the SND missions in Tanzania and Kenya to form the new Holy Spirit General Delegation, or East Africa Delegation. Just six years later, in May 2021, the first fully national African leadership team was installed to lead the East Africa Delegation. These pioneer sisters are:

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Sister Rozaria Katusabe, Councilor

Sister Christine Syombua Ndolo, Delegation Superior

Sister Mary Gladness Shayo, Councilor

Sister Margaret Kathambi Mbuba, Assistant Delegation Superior and Councilor

Sister Therese Marie Nabakka, Delegation Treasurer

Sister Elizabeth Wanza Mulako, Councilor

Sister Teopista Nabugwawo, Delegation Secretary

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

This new African leadership team represents the foresight and the fulfillment of years of mission by American, Indian, German, and Brazilian SNDs to provide African sisters with the educational and experiential framework needed to successfully identify, lead, and expand outreach services in their native country.

Sister Christine Syombua Ndolo, the new Delegation Superior, says, “I am excited to begin this new chapter in our evolution and am looking forward to many new members joining us. My biggest desire is to see our delegation become self-sustainable. When and how we attain it is what I shall work, together with my team, to figure out.”

The missionary focus, to educate impoverished children and teach women skills which empower their lives, drives the East Africa Delegation. Paramount to the mission is continuing to invite young African women to follow in the current East Africa Delegation model and assume additional leadership roles within their native lands. Perhaps Sister Margaret Droege describes the East Africa Delegation best in her book: “We were Ugandans, Kenyans, Germans and Americans. There were inhabitants from Tanzania and India as well as travelers from Rome, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

A historic look back: The Great Commission Jesus Christ instructed his disciples to spread the gospel to all the nations of the world.

This “Great Commission” has been integral to the Sisters of Notre Dame mission since the congregation’s founding in Coesfeld, Germany in

Since arriving in America in 1874, the congregation continued to expand its reach from Cleveland to Covington, Kentucky in 1874; Toledo, Ohio in 1877; and Los Angeles, California in 1924. And like their founding sisters of Germany, a new wave of SNDs felt led by the Holy Spirit to expand their mission field beyond the United States. “This was radical thinking at the time,” Sister Marie Manning, SND, former Global Missions Coordinator, Chardon explains. “This was before other religious congregations from the Cleveland Diocese started any foreign missions.” The SND congregation anxiously waited and prayed for opportunities to found international missions.

Mission work begins in INDIA The opportunity to establish a SND mission in India came in 1949 when the Bishop of Patna, India, invited Sisters of Notre Dame from the United States to educate children and provide much needed health care to the impoverished town of Jamalpur, Bihar.

Sisters St. Thomas Fitzgerald, Magdela Schaeffer, Lauretta Thompson, Joella Luebbers, Maris Geiger and Kieran Seubert answered the call – chosen from more than one hundred sisters who volunteered to go. After a one-month ocean crossing, they landed in Bombay, India on October 20, 1949. Here was a land and culture completely unknown to them. Back then, as today, only two percent of India’s population was Christian.

“Our sisters immediately began teaching in an already-established grade school and assumed the school’s administration,” Sister Marie describes.

“A year later, they began a small clinic on the back porch of what served as their convent, treating such diseases as malaria and tuberculosis as well as local health concerns like snake bites.” Early

“Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.”

- Mark 16:15

1850. The Coesfeld sisters developed a flourishing educational ministry that spread to 30 locations within 20 years. Their work was thwarted when the “Kulturkampf” laws of the 1870s expelled sisters from Prussia, the leading state of the German Empire. Faced with the choice of either abandoning their vocation or leaving their homeland, the Sisters of Notre Dame sought a new mission field in the United States.

letters from these sisters describe such challenges as adjusting to different foods, travel and language difficulties, and even keeping doors and windows closed from bands of roaming monkeys. continued on page 4

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East Africa Delegation Established continued from page 3

Over time, elementary and high schools were added across India. Soon, a SND clinic was caring for thousands annually. Hundreds of young Indian women heard God’s call to join the SND congregation where they eventually took leadership roles in existing SND schools, clinics, and other outreach ministries.

Sister Laurette Kramer, of Chardon, Ohio arrived in Jamalpur, India in 1960. She worked as a classroom teacher and administrator at Notre Dame Academy in Patna. Additionally, Sister Laurette served as a counselor, director of teacher education, mentor and friend to countless sisters and colleagues. As co-founder of the prestigious Campus School of the Agricultural University, Pantnagar, she laid a solid foundation for its future growth and success.

Sister Rashmi with the Maasai people in Kenya.

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Sister Tessy Thomas, SND, Provincial Superior of the Patna, India Province, eulogized Sister Laurette years later: “For 30 years Sister Laurette spent time in India as a missionary, educator and sister to us. She was significant for the development of Indian sisters.

She radiated a vibrant enthusiasm and zest for living, for getting involved in ministry and for sharing her gifts. Sister Laurette brought her educational expertise and beauty of the Notre Dame heritage.

After adjusting to life in India, Sister Laurette came to appreciate the Indian people, their deep spirituality, and rich traditions, which led her to immerse herself in this culture and make it her own.”

Today, more than 300 Indian Sisters of Notre Dame are serving in their native country, educating women and children, teaching skills that empower women,

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

delivering health care, and working in various social ministries. They are impacting their own culture and elevating their own society.

SND missions expand to Africa Just as Sisters of Notre Dame across the United States served as missionaries in India, Indian sisters responded to the Great Commission, sending their sisters as missionaries to Africa. In 1992, the Sisters of Notre Dame of Patna answered an invitation to open a mission in Tanzania, Africa, where the population is 50 percent Muslim and 50 percent Christian. One year later, Brazilian Sisters of Notre Dame founded a second mission in Mozambique.

Sister Joell Overman, SND Kentucky, Superior General for the global SND congregation at the time of the first Africa mission, polled all provincials at a General Conference in India in 1990 to garner worldwide support before deciding to begin missions in Africa. She says, “Each province was asked to indicate their contribution to opening a mission in Africa, either through personnel, financial support, or prayer. For instance, India was able to provide personnel initially, Europe provided funding and later personnel.”

Sister Joell adds, “It exemplifies our concept of ‘plant a tree you will never sit under’ – the premise of getting missions started and training African sisters who can take over and determine what needs to be addressed in their own native land.”

In 1995 Sisters of Notre Dame from Kentucky and California joined together to establish a mission in Uganda.

Sister Margaret Droege, of Covington, KY, writes in

After teaching for 38 years at Notre Dame Academy in Covington, Kentucky where I taught biology and chemistry, I was ready for a change.

- Sisters Judith Averbeck, Covington, KY

her book, Approaching Holy Ground, “We came to share, to learn, to live with the people of Buseesa, a virtually unknown village in the bush area of the Kibaale District of Uganda. So many things surprised the sisters: the deep faith and friendliness of the people, their welcoming spirit, their giving from the little they had, and their great desire for education for their children.” The pioneers were Sister Janet Stamm and Sister Delrita Glaser from Kentucky and Sister Jane McHugh and Sister Margaret Mary Scott from California.

Sisters Judith Averbeck and Marge Mouch, of Covington, Kentucky were among the sisters who served in Africa. Sister Judith taught at the all-girls secondary school where the SND formation house was located. “I always dreamed of being a missionary in Africa,” she says. “After teaching for 38 years at Notre Dame Academy “I always dreamed of being in Covington, Kentucky where I taught biology and a missionary in Africa.” chemistry, I was ready for - Sister Judith Averbeck, Covington, KY a change. This was when our sisters in Uganda were ready to begin a secondary school for girls leaving our St. Julie Primary School to further young women’s education. At the time, girls graduating from St. Julie Primary School had little to no opportunity for further education.”

Sister Judith says women in Africa have traditionally been totally subservient to men, particularly in less developed areas where a man can have as many

wives as he can support (in reality, as many as he wants). “Women do all the work in the village – subsistence farming, obtaining water, cooking, hut maintenance, childcare, etc.,” she explains. “When I arrived in Africa, a woman was expected to kneel when meeting a man.”

She continues, “Violence against women is widespread in Africa, especially sexual violence.

A husband is even expected to beat his wife on occasion. A woman appeared on our doorstep one night, horribly wounded by acid thrown in her face by her husband. Another came to us to save her young daughter whom the father wanted to sacrifice in a witchcraft ritual. I was amazed to learn that curses and witchcraft still play a significant part in their lives, and child sacrifice was a reality. As our parish priest says: ‘You come to church in the morning and go to the witchdoctor in the evening.’”

Almost half of Uganda’s population is under age 15. The typical life of a girl in Uganda means heavy chores and care of younger siblings; some primary schooling if possible; sexual experience at an early age, followed by early marriage; and assumption of responsibilities at home.

Sister Judith says the first step in breaking the abuse cycle is removing the young person from village life. Hence, boarding schools are the rule.

Good educational courses, books, and now TV and the internet are beginning to broaden minds. Winning the students’ confidence is the next slow and continued on page 6 Summer 2021

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East Africa Delegation Established continued from page 5

painstaking step, as many are hesitant to trust the “white sisters.”

Secretary to the Holy Spirit Delegation and moved to the center in Kenya.

“Education, to me, is the way to improve the lot for women in Africa,” Sister Judith passionately exclaims. “A friend of mine is fond of saying, ‘Only two things can change the world: love and education.’ I couldn’t agree more.”

African sisters assume leadership roles

SND missions typically work with the underprivileged, caught in the cycle of ignorance and poverty. Young women come to school from mud huts with no concept of a wider world, individual worth, or freedom. “The African culture is so different from that of the West.” Sister Judith continues. “SNDs from the United States and India have done and continue to do our best to share the core Notre Dame spirit on African soil.”

A heavy emphasis was placed on educating young African Sisters of Notre Dame. In 1998, Sister Annete Adams, SND USA of Chardon, arrived as a missionary to Uganda where she taught school and served in vocation ministry. She became the formation “God called us to begin director in Tanzania, the mission, and now it is encouraging and training in capable hands to grow.” local SNDs for leadership within Africa. When - Sister Marge Mouch, Covington, KY the East Africa Delegation was formed, Sister Annete was appointed (l-r) Sister Christine Syombua Ndolo, Sister Marge Mouch and Sister Colette Theobald in Africa.

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Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

Today, there are 32 professed African sisters and a total of 70 African SNDs serving in the East Africa Delegation. Sister Christine is the first Kenyan to join the SND congregation and she is now serving as the East Africa Delegation Superior.

Sister Christine shares, “Working with sisters from different countries and tribes can present challenges here and there because of our different cultural backgrounds. But I do not see this as a big issue because all the countries are represented within our East Africa delegation team, and we are also from different tribes. In fact, most of the sisters belong to these tribes represented on the council.”

Sister Marge and Sister Judith agree that it is important that African sisters take leadership in the mission work in Africa. “They are the ones who truly know the hearts and desires of the people, for they share the culture and languages. Every day there are immediate needs which the SNDs try to meet: seeking justice for one of their farm workers; visiting the people in their homes; providing jobs for people of the village; and giving advice and assisting with medical needs. One larger project has been to provide a more permanent water supply for the

schools and village. This is becoming a reality. The sisters’ dream is to establish a college to educate teachers.”

“God called us to begin the mission, and now it is in capable hands to grow,” Sister Marge exclaims.

Sister Colette Theobald, of Thousand Oaks, California, describes the East Africa Delegation: “The delegation is not quite a province, but that is a future goal. They are under the direction of the Generalate.

Our goal the last six years was to unite the three diverse countries of Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya; to educate the many young sisters in leadership and professional studies, and to make a long-term plan for the delegation. At least yearly there are gatherings most sisters attend. This is not easy since bus trips can be 24 hours, and we may have to cross two borders. The postulancy and novitiate have women from all three countries as well as Mozambique, a mission run by our Brazilian SND sisters. Of the eight schools in which our sisters serve, seven now have African sisters as the head.”

The African sisters are involved in social and pastoral work as well,” she continues. “Some are training to be nurses and midwives; two are studying philosophy as a prerequisite to theology studies. All the formators are now African. There is great hope for the future of the East African Delegation.”

“I am amazed at the providence of God when I look at the history of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

From Germany to the United States, from the U.S. to India, and from India to Africa. It has been a blessing to work side-by-side with our Indian sisters.

Their spirituality, love of Notre Dame, their passion for mission to the poor and marginalized women and children, and their living of the educational heritage of the Sisters of Notre Dame inspire me,” Sister Colette concludes. “I am proud of the U.S. missionaries as well. It has been a joy to work with SNDs in Africa from all four of the former U.S. provinces plus sisters from Germany. All those sisters brought excellence in education, love for the people, material and spiritual help, and a true love for each person as a child of God.”

CONCLUSION “The shared charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame across the globe unites and rejuvenates our international congregation despite distance, culture, and language barriers,” Sister Margaret Gorman enthusiastically proclaims. “When opportunities arise, U.S. sisters visit these countries, offering their wisdom, knowledge, and experience.”

Over the years, thousands of donors have embraced the SND mission, providing essential funding for each missionary venture. In addition to individuals, many schools, parishes, and organizations have chosen to be part of these efforts to share the Gospel of Jesus around the world through their financial support.

The Sisters of Notre Dame are deeply grateful to our partners in mission and pray that God will always bless them for their magnanimity and generosity.

Today, Sisters of Notre Dame from India and Africa are determining for themselves the best way to elevate women and educate their children. SNDs are teaching women valuable skills that will help their families. SNDs are also collaborating with their government officials to initiate health education and health services as well as legal-aid services to ensure justice through law.

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Papua New Guinea

Sister Rose Bernard Groth, of Toledo, Ohio, served for more than 40 years as a missionary in Papua New Guinea. At age 90, her amazing memories of the land and its people remain as clear as the day she first desired to become a missionary.

“I wanted to be a missionary since the first grade when I saw films about these faraway places,” Sister Rose Bernard recalls with a lilt in her voice. “Later, I desired to enter religious life as a Sister of Notre Dame. At the time, there were no opportunities for mission work within the congregation. However, in 1961, a bishop from Papua New Guinea came to Rome and asked the SNDs for help educating girls in Papua New Guinea. Four of our Toledo sisters answered the original call: Sisters Magdelida Dorsey, Claver Pollauf, Alexia Kochanski, and Marisa Connors.” Sister Rose Bernard got her first chance 8

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

to volunteer in 1964. She was there for 4 years, and then returned again in 1970-2011.

“Papua New Guinea is known as the land of the unexpected,” she says with a chuckle. “My life in Papua New Guinea was a progressive journey in this land. I had no idea what my life would be like. I was guided by the needs of the people.”

Sister Rose Bernard initially taught girls in grades one through six. Later, the government told her and other missionary teachers to leave education to the people of New Guinea. So, they decided to build a nonformal school for girls beyond grade six, teaching many to become teachers who could educate others in their own country.

Her work eventually grew to involve prison ministry. “I would attend court with the prisoners,” Sister Rose Bernard describes. “I even went to some of their hideouts to collect their guns and ammunition so they could receive a lighter sentence.” On one such trek, she experienced a loaded gun held to her head.

“I knew I had to do something. In 1990, the first two known cases of AIDS appeared in my parish.”

One day she read in a U.S. magazine how the AIDS epidemic was growing in Africa. “I thought, with polygamy being legal in Papua New Guinea, AIDS will - Sister Rose Bernard Groth, Toledo, Ohio spread like wildfire,” Sister Rose Bernard states. “I knew I had to do something.

In 1990, the first two known cases of AIDS appeared in my parish. People diagnosed with AIDS in Papua New Guinea were killed or made to leave the country to prevent the spread of the virus. I knew one woman who was taken around a mountain, arms and legs bound, thrown in a shallow hole, covered with leaves, and left to die.”

Sister Rose Bernard began teaching prevention and, with a few health workers, counseling AIDS victims. “I showed them love and taught them what they could do to slow the advance of the disease,” she says. “They were dying so fast.

I begged the government for three years for a house where I could eat with them, teach them, and pray for them.”

Eventually, she won the battle and opened the Shalom Clinic, the first such facility in Papua New Guinea.

“Because AIDS victims needed a source of income, we also taught them useful skills such as sewing and cooking where they could make a meager living. I even bought a few people their own sewing machine,” she recollects. “The children of these AIDS victims also had no place to go. The Australian government helped us find them homes.”

Eventually, Sister Rose Bernard became a member of the Papua New Guinea National Health Council, despite having no medical background.

Additionally, for her outstanding work in AIDS education and her compassionate, selfless work with AIDS victims in Papua New Guinea, Sister Rose Bernard won the Order of Logohu Award from the Australian government. Quite a distinguished honor!

And what happened to the hundreds of young girls she taught in Papua New Guinea? Today, Sister Rose Bernard proudly reports some are doctors, lawyers, government leaders, ambassadors, pilots, bank executives, and more.

Imagine the award Sister Rose Bernard will receive when she enters heaven!

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MINISTERING TO THE SICK AND VULNERABLE ACROSS THE U.S. 10

Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

I

t feels good to hear someone say, “Take care,” but it’s so much more comforting to hear someone say, “I’ll take care of you!” With the ever-increasing elderly population in the United States, delivery of compassionate health care by the Sisters of Notre Dame has blossomed over the decades to include St. Claire HealthCare, St. Charles Community, and Notre Dame Village, as well as SNDs serving on health care system and hospital boards, as nurse practitioners, as hospital chaplains and pastoral ministers, and as hospice volunteers. Discover how Sisters of Notre Dame are active in healthcare ministry today:

Sister Judine Lambert, Director of Mission Integration, at St. Claire HeathCare

COVINGTON, KENTUCKY Covington, Kentucky is the SND USA region most engaged in healthcare ministry. The sisters began in 1950 when the Covington Diocese’s bishop asked the Sisters of Notre Dame to assume operation of a hospital in Lynch, Kentucky, serving primarily Appalachian coal miners and their families. The sisters immediately responded, building and operating Notre Dame Hospital until 1961 when a new facility, the Appalachian Regional Hospital, opened its doors across the mountain. Again in 1961, the SNDs answered the Covington Diocese’s request to build and staff a convalescent hospital a short distance from the SND Covington Provincial Center. Today, this facility, known as St. Charles Community, includes an adult day care program, 62 cottages and 71 apartments for seniors, a therapy department, personal care suites, home care and private duty nursing, and an outreach program to elderly people in need.

In 1963, a Morehead, Kentucky town physician, Dr. Claire Louise Caudill, turned to Monsignor Charles Towell, Director of Catholic Hospitals in the Diocese, and requested SNDs take on another new project – opening what was to become St. Claire Medical Center. On July 1, 1963, the general acute-care hospital opened its doors, with 41 beds, nine nurses and six physicians representing three medical specialties - General Practice, Surgery, and Internal Medicine. Today, St. Claire is much more than a hospital. It is an integrated, not-forprofit Catholic healthcare system sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States.

The largest employer in the region with nearly 1,000 staff members, St. Claire HealthCare includes more than 100 medical providers representing 32 medical specialties. It is the largest rural hospital in Northeastern Kentucky with 159 beds, seven primary “The need is great, and when the need is great, the response care locations, a multispecialty medical pavilion, must rise to fully meet it.” an outpatient center, and homecare services. St. Claire - Sister Judine Lambert, Director of Mission serves five counties and Integration and Administrative Council member at St. Claire HeathCare operates three retail services including family medical supply, pharmacy, and aesthetics.

Donald H. Lloyd II, President/CEO of St. Claire HealthCare, credits the role of the Sisters of Notre Dame in St. Claire’s founding and continued success. “St. Claire HealthCare would not be here today if it were not for the hard work, commitment and devotion of the Sisters of Notre Dame. They were the last organization Dr. Caudill reached out to for help. The Diocese had given up all hope, and this community has never forgotten the sisters’ willingness to help.”

He continues, “There are several Sisters of Notre Dame serving in leadership roles at St. Claire HealthCare today including Sister Marla Monahan, St. Claire HealthCare Board of Directors Chair, and Sister Judine Lambert, Director of Mission Integration and Administrative Council member. Sister Margaret Droege completed her term on the St. Claire HealthCare Board in 2020. We still use photographs of Sister Jeanne Frances Cleves in our advertising. She worked at St. Claire from 1963 to 2016 and was loved by all our physicians and staff. In fact, her photograph can be seen in almost every building within our healthcare system. (Sister Jeanne passed away in 2018.) To the extent the Sisters of Notre Dame are willing and able, we will always welcome their participation in the governance of St. Claire HealthCare.”

St. Claire HealthCare remains committed to providing quality health care in a caring environment through the living of its mission: “To proclaim God’s goodness through a healing ministry to the people of Eastern Kentucky.”

Sister Marla shares, “St. Claire HealthCare embodies our commitment to serve our brothers and sisters, especially those most in need.” continued on page 12 Summer 2021

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MINISTERING TO THE SICK AND VULNERABLE ACROSS THE U.S. continued from page 11

Sister Judine concurs, “Our mission is to serve a population that is among the poorest and sickest.

The need is great, and when the need is great, the response must rise to fully meet it.”

She considers, “This outreach is not so far removed from the SND’s founding focus of education. It may not occur in a classroom, but efficient, effective healthcare delivery is all about education of the healthcare team and our patients. Our region will continue to prioritize health care in all its forms, from direct patient care in hospitals to pastoral care, elder care, and hospice services.”

In addition to St. Charles Community and St. Claire HealthCare, sisters extend compassionate care at other locations including Carmel Manor in Fort Thomas, Kentucky and St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Hospice in Edgewood, Kentucky.

“Jesus healed as he walked the earth,” says Sister Marla. “What greater example do we have for the importance of healthcare ministry?”

CHARDON, OHIO Notre Dame Village in Chardon, Ohio is a community of living and learning, thoughtfully designed and constructed by the Sisters of Notre Dame. The Village represents a unique collaboration between two non-profit organizations: SND USA and Jennings.

Notre Dame Village offers independent and supportive residences for adults 65 years of age and older with cottage homes, independent living apartments, and unique “small houses” for memory care assisted living (for adults 55+).

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Sisters of Notre Dame USA | www.sndusa.org

“It is amazing how God is currently blessing our healthcare ministry,” says Sister Margaret Gorman, Provincial, SND USA. “We wanted to offer our beautiful campus to fill a need in this community – attractive senior housing as well as healthcare services for people of all faiths.”

In addition to living in a breathtaking, bucolic setting, Notre Dame Village residents can remain in one place as they age. “Residents can continue living the

“We wanted to offer our beautiful campus to fill a need in this community – attractive senior housing as well as healthcare services for people of all faiths.”

- Sister Margaret Gorman, Provincial, SND USA

way they choose, thriving in the right sized residence in community with neighbors and the support of amenities and services that enhance their lifestyles as needed. Individuals live successfully with a combination of exceptional choices – such as lifelong learning, trips and dining – and the available support of home care, memory care and hospice,” says Vivian Springer, Executive Director of Jennings at Notre Dame Village.

While the Sisters of Notre Dame own the facilities, services are provided by Jennings. Locally sourced food and services, a chapel, auditorium, intergenerational and spiritual programs and “SNDs who are your neighbors” set Notre Dame Village apart from other residential senior housing options nearby.

This campus also serves as headquarters for SND USA and the SND Health Care Center, where many of the congregation’s elderly, ill sisters receive compassionate, loving health care as well as end-of-life services. Sister Alex Justavich, SND, is coordinator of the Chardon long-term care community, and Sister Gail Sako, SND, is the Director of the Pastoral Ministry Team at the SND Health Care Center. Sister Gail taught and was an administrator in elementary grades before taking classes to become certified in pastoral ministry. As a certified Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Diocese of Cleveland, she worked in three parishes for 15 years, primarily in bereavement ministry, before working at the SND Healthcare Center, where she has served for the past 13 years.

Sister Gail says the most rewarding part of pastoral ministry is BEING with her sisters. “We do this as part of a team, sharing our individual gifts, trying to meet sisters differing needs and deepening relationships,” she adds. “We feel end-of-life care is an honor because this is one of the most vulnerable times in the sisters’ lives; we are privileged to be present with them. We care for our sisters on their final journey ‘when our earthly life reaches its final fulfillment in God, and we are transformed into the very image of Jesus Christ’. (SND Constitutions, Article 91) This is the goal of our lives.”

SND USA’s healthcare Sr. Gail Sako, SND ministry in Northeast Ohio does not end with Notre Dame Village and the SND Health Care Center. Sister Shirley Kodiyan, SND, serves as a nurse practitioner in Ashtabula County; Sister Kendra Bottoms, SND, is a chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care at University Hospitals St. John Medical Center in Westlake, Ohio; Sister Valerie Sweeney, SND, is in pastoral care at Jennings in Garfield Heights, Ohio, and many more sisters are lovingly at bedsides, speaking words of comfort and Christ’s love as individuals pass on to eternal life.

TOLEDO, OHIO For 17 years, Sister Loretta Borgerding, SND, has served in pastoral care at St. Anne Home and Retirement Community in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The facility offers independentliving apartments, assisted living, a rehabilitation center, and a nursing home. When Sister Loretta Borgerding, SND she began ministering there, she was 65 years old, and many of her patients were older. Now at age 81, she laughs and considers, “I have been working for more than a decade with people who were older than myself. It’s caught up with me.”

“Working in healthcare ministry has made me a better person,” she contemplates. “I feel I am gentler, more understanding, and more appreciative of the love of my other sisters. I sit by the bedside and watch someone die over many days. It is often extremely quiet, and I wonder if this is when God does the most communicating.”

Sister Loretta describes St. Anne’s as a real “faith” community. “We have four priests living at St. Anne’s who are available 24/7. At one time we had seven priests living here, which speaks to the heart of this diocesan-owned facility. We offer daily Mass and sacraments as well as devotional services, weekly rosary, and more. We also provide Protestant services for non-Catholics.”

Recently, Sister Loretta, along with St. Anne administrator Elaine Wilson, began a new program for people transitioning from independent living to the nursing home. “Transition from independent living into a nursing home is often a difficult, emotional time. One day they are taking their own medicine and the next day they need help. Our program is designed to ease the transition,” says Sister Loretta.

She sees SND USA’s increased role in healthcare ministry as a natural occurrence with the aging U.S. population. “Our congregation came to the United States to educate the children of immigrants and the poor. Today, we are responding to an increased need for health care, particularly among the marginalized and poor,” she says.

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Sr. Judeen Julier, SND

Sister Judeen Julier, SND, Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) at California Hospital in Los Angeles, California, explains how one becomes a chaplain: “First, you must accumulate more than 1600 hours of clinical pastoral education (CPE) -- this includes both in the classroom with a certified supervisor and through a clinical hospital chaplain internship,” she describes. “Usually, a chaplain also has a master’s degree in Theology or Pastoral Studies. Upon completion of the required CPE hours, you then apply to become a BCC, which entails submission of a written paper and an interview by a certifying team.”

Prior to working as a chaplain, Sister Judeen ministered as an elementary school teacher and principal, did parish administration, and directed outreach programs for her parish and the inner-city poor in her community. “I was also a bereavement minister for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at Catholic cemeteries. It was a chaplain’s presence and assistance when my mother died suddenly after a short stay in the hospital that helped me discern a ministry in health care. I wanted to support others as I had been helped at my mother’s death,” she says.

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“One long-time chaplain friend of mine describes chaplains as ‘story catchers.’ When we visit patients, we meet them where they are on life’s journey and listen as they share what gives their life meaning and purpose. We also discuss how they are coping with life’s changes,” says Sister Judeen. “Patients tell chaplains their hopes and dreams.”

“In my downtown LA hospital, I am blessed to be amid a ‘miniature world community’ of many

“Although I am often asked to bless the sick and dying, I am the one receiving the blessings, as I listen to their stories which inspire and edify me.”

- Sister Judeen Julier, SND, Board Certified Chaplain (BCC) at California Hospital in Los Angeles, California

ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. I minister with patients, families, and employees.

Although I am often asked to bless the sick and dying, I am the one receiving blessings, as I listen to their stories which inspire and edify me,” concludes Sister Judeen with a gracious smile.

MEET AIR FORCE VETERAN AND SND ASSOCIATE SUE WILLARD Sue Willard grew up in Elwood, a small town north of Indianapolis. Upon graduating from Wendell L. Willkie High School in 1965, Sue enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, serving four years. It was during her military service that Sue met her future husband, also serving in the Air Force. They were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood in 1969. Sue went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University prior to the couple relocating from Indiana to Apollo Beach, Florida in 1985. They now live in Clearwater, Florida. Their son is a former Captain in the Marine Corps.

Sue worked with Federated Insurance Company in Tampa for 24 years as a workers’ compensation supervisor before retiring in 2009. She began volunteering at the Humane Society of Pinellas in 2010 - then two friends, Sister Marcia Willkomm and Paulette Purvis, told her about the Associates of the Sisters of Notre Dame. It was a game changer.

“They thought I would enjoy becoming a SND Associate,” Sue recalls. “When I started attending meetings in 2018, I realized my friends were right. It was exactly right for me, and vice versa. I enjoyed learning about the origin of the Sisters of Notre Dame, St. Julie Billiart, and Sister Maria Aloysia – how they cared for orphaned children. Participating in meetings, reading scripture, and living life have brought me closer to God. Our instructor Sister Pat Sipan’s explanation of scripture, that ‘God is in us, and we are in God’ and ‘finding God in all things’ has further opened my heart to God, helping me see everything differently.”

Sue Willard, SND Associate

and irons the small linens. Sue also participates in the Environmental Ministry – growing and tending plants placed in the sanctuary. “Father Len says this is a form of prayer.”

“I became interested in fighting human trafficking when Sister Renetta Graff discussed this important issue during one of our Formation of Associate Candidates meetings.” Sue says, “I then attended a truly eyeopening, 20-hour Zoom presentation that explained, not only how widespread this hideous practice has become, but also that 50 percent of human trafficking victims are children. I’ve made donations to the “Florida Dream Center,” and other charitable organizations dedicated to both fighting and raising public awareness of human trafficking. Ironically, the Zoom presentation also explained that one of the biggest areas where human trafficking takes place is during the Super Bowl.”

“I am grateful for all I have – my life, my health, my husband and our son, and for becoming a SND Associate, which has further opened my heart and mind, drawing me closer to God,” Sue exclaims. “I believe others who become Associates will feel the same.”

Sue made her covenant in August 2019. She says since becoming a SND Associate, she prays more often and with greater understanding.

If you are interested in becoming a SND Associate, please contact:

“One of our assignments was reading Shorter Christian Prayer. I enjoy this book and continue my readings morning and night. And I enjoy reading Abide and having our Faith-Sharing meetings. Unfortunately, Covid restrictions require us to do this by Zoom, not together. I miss being with our group,” Sue admits.

CHARDON | Sr. Regina Davala, SND sndassociates@sndusa.org | 440-279-1198

She has attended Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Safety Harbor, Florida for 26 years. Currently, Sue is a Sacristan at the 8 a.m. Mass on Fridays and 4 p.m.

Mass on Saturdays. She is also a Eucharistic Minister and serves in the Linen Ministry where she washes

CALIFORNIA | Sr. Lisa Megaffin, SND lmegaffin@sndusa.org | 805-917-3714

COVINGTON | Sr. Mary Luann Bender, SND lbender@sndusa.org | 859-630-6336 FLORIDA | Sr. Pat Sipan, SND Psipan@sndusa.org | 386-479-7766 TOLEDO | Sr. Charleen Hug, SND chug@sndusa.org | 419-913-6598 Summer 2021

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MAKE YOUR LIFE A The students’ favorite bus driver, her husband, and their grandchildren sat in the middle of the gym floor at St. John High School, Delphos, Ohio. All the students in this K-12 school surrounded them. Together, they prayed that God would “give Annie Ruen, the Bus Driver, a complete cure of cancer.” The students asked the intercession of Sister Maria Aloysia, the foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame, who had spent part of her life in Delphos. After some weeks of medical tests, doctors attested to the cure. Bone cancer was gone, and Annie lived another 15 years.

Sister Valerie Schneider has ministered in education, parish ministry, and service at Lial Renewal Center. Currently, she is a substitute Church musician and conducts grief support sessions at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns in Toledo. Sister Valerie has also authored 10 books and blogs on various topics of interest.

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Annie Ruen, an Associate of the Sisters of Notre Dame, had an exceptionally beautiful voice, which she used at the service of the Church as cantor and choir member.

“I just know that God is good! I guess I feel closest to Him when I’m singing,” she claimed. Annie loved charismatic songs for the praise and thanks they give to God. Annie’s song and her life were expressions of praise and thanks to God. She made both her song and her life a “sacrifice of praise” (Heb. 13:15). You can, too.

Sacrifice literally means “to make holy,” an attitude of mind and heart that acknowledges everything as God’s gift.

A sacrifice of praise acknowledges that our lives are in God’s plan. So, praise God for unbelievable, unconditional love! Say “thanks and praise” for both the clouds and the sunshine in your life. As Paul writes, “Whatever you do—you should do all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

Prayer is a sacrifice of praise. We pray in Psalm 141 in Evening Prayer: “Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice.” In the Liturgy of the Eucharist we pray, “We offer you this sacrifice of praise.” We do this by uniting ourselves with the perpetual self-offering of Jesus to his Father from his death on the cross until now and for all eternity. I have asked students to imagine that the perpetual self-offering of Jesus is like a twirling jump rope. The rope is always twirling; that is, Jesus is always offering himself to the Father, and the Father is always accepting the Son’s offering. When we jump into the twirling rope, especially at Mass but at any other time, we offer ourselves with Jesus and know that we can always be offering, always be receiving, and always knowing that God hugs us with acceptance.

Our everyday lives are a sacrifice of praise when they are lived in Christ in response to the will of God. When Micah wonders what he should offer to God—rams or oil?

—the Lord requires only this: “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” Lend a hand. Collect food. Teach someone English. Plan a surprise. Find endless creative ways to offer praise.

SACRIFICE OF PRAISE All this sounds nice, but how do I live my life with praise and thanks to God when I’m isolated or unemployed or grieving?

How do I get through the hard times when thoughts of praise and thanks seem lightyears away, or when grateful thoughts of God are buried in an avalanche of disturbing news, deadlines, and illness?

On my golden jubilee our sisters living in Norwalk, Ohio, made each jubilarian a decorative quilt with her favorite Scripture quotation. My favorite quotation was Galatians 2:20: “I live now, not I. It is Christ who lives in me.” The Trinity is living in us, praying in us, loving in us. Just think about it! Are you amazed? Well, don’t keep reading. Stop to say, “Praise and thanks!”

“Whatever you do—you should do all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

Try this: pick up your morning coffee cup and lift it up to God. “Cheers!” Imagine God’s chuckle as God replies, “Cheers for you!” and delights in you before your first sip. Throughout the day develop a habit of saying, “Praise and thanks!” for everything no matter what. Laugh at yourself: “God, I love the crazy me you made!” Fill the gas tank. “Praise and thanks for wheels!”

Empty the dishwasher. “Praise and thanks for grub!” Sit at a stoplight or in a dentist’s chair. “Praise and thanks!” Pick strawberries.

“Praise and thanks!” Spread a picnic. “Praise and thanks!” Three quick words powerfully connect us with God and make of us a fragrant incense. We become celebrants of the sacrifice of life, transforming the ordinary into the life of God. It’s so exciting to realize we live in a sacramental world where everything points to God. Go outside, lift your hands.

Imagine yourself in the center of the world, both receiving it as gift and offering it to God. “We are celebrants of the sacrifice of life, of its transformation into life in God” (Alexander Schmemann). We do this in union with Christ because he has already offered all that is to be offered to God. Constantly offering and receiving, we are always in communion. We are always in the divine circuit because we live in God.

Being a sacrifice of praise lets us live in awe. God uses every circumstance of our lives to draw us closer to him. Just keep walking on your pilgrimage to heaven.

On the days you can’t quite skip in joy, remember all spirituality is summed up in the term, “Paschal Mystery.” Sometimes we live, and sometimes we die. Sometimes we jump in joy, and sometimes we trudge through the pain. Sometimes we smile, and sometimes we grit our teeth. Whatever happens, we can still say, “Praise and thanks!”

The prayer for Annie’s cure ended with these words: “To God be all praise and glory forever and ever. Amen.” And that’s what Annie is doing right now—giving praise and thanks. We can, too, right now in awesome delight! Don’t wait! Right now offer with Jesus, Annie, and all God’s loved ones the eternal Eucharistic Sacrifice.

Alleluia! Praise and thanks!

Praise and Thanks Summer 2021

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SISTER MARY FRANCES TAYMANS RETIRES AS NATIONAL SPONSORSHIP AND NETWORK OFFICE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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fter 10 years of service as Executive Director of the SND National Education Office, Sister Mary Frances Taymans will retire this summer.

To this role she brought a wealth of experience: teaching in three SND schools, heading two diocesan high schools, serving as executive director of the National Catholic Educational Association Secondary Schools Department, and her involvement in the International Confederation of Principals.

During her tenure she built on the SND commitment to transformative education that characterizes Notre Dame schools. “She found many ways to involve educators from our sponsored and affiliated schools,” observes Sister Margaret Gorman, SND USA provincial. “Through committees, national gatherings, and an advisory council, she encouraged creative new programs and prepared to pass the torch to the next generation of lay collaborators.

We are grateful for her visionary leadership.”

Most recently Sister Mary Frances shepherded the evolution of the SND National Education Office into the National Sponsorship and Network Office (NSNO) and worked with SND leadership to establish the SND USA National Ministry Corporation and its board. The NSNO now includes SND sponsored healthcare and elder care ministries.

“It truly has been a privilege to work closely with the women and men who lead our sponsored ministries and affiliated schools as administrators and trustees,” reflects Sister Mary Frances. “During 2020, 16,700 children and students were educated, over 400 received supportive elder care, and approximately 500,000 were given medical assistance through St. Claire Medical Center and outreach clinics. I have great appreciation and gratitude for being part of the ever-unfolding gift these ministries are to those they serve, to our country, and to our Church.”

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SND NATIONAL SPONSORSHIP AND NETWORK OFFICE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTED

“I am humbled and honored by this leadership opportunity to work with SND USA to advance the SND mission.”

-Dr. Laura Koehl

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r. Laura Koehl has been appointed Executive Director of the SND National Sponsorship and Network Office. Dr. Koehl will continue to serve as President of Notre Dame Academy (NDA) in Park Hills, Kentucky, until assuming her new position with SND USA on September 1, 2021.

A 1975 Notre Dame Academy graduate, Laura returned to the academy as a science teacher in 2006 and took on the role serving as NDA’s first lay Principal from 2010-2015 and then first lay President in 2014. During her tenure as NDA Principal and President, the academy was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2012 and 2019.

From 2016-17, she successfully led the Excellence Without Boundaries campaign that generated 100 percent of its $7 million fundraising goal to build the Mary, Mother of the World Chapel and Collaborative Learning Center, completed in 2018.

Laura is currently working with the NDA Board of Directors to complete the school’s 20182022 Strategic Plan: Building Leaders Through Transformative Education which includes a $3 million Building Fund. Says NDA Board Chair Amy Quinn Dye, “Throughout her 15-year tenure at Notre Dame Academy, Dr. Koehl has provided exemplary leadership to our high school and community.

She conveys the mission of NDA and the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame in all she does. We are grateful for her service and she will be greatly missed by our institution.”

While at NDA, Laura worked closely with Executive Director Sr. Mary Frances Taymans and several SND ministry leaders as a member of the SND National Education Office Advisory Board, serving as its chair from 2014-2020. She is a founding member of the Notre Dame Urban Education Center (NDUEC) Board and currently serves as chair. Laura is a Trustee for Thomas More University (founded as Villa Madonna College by women religious, including the SNDs, in 1921) and serves as chair of the Enrollment Management and Student Services Committee.

As a student, employee, board member and associate, Laura has embraced the SND mission.

“The Sisters of Notre Dame have been a central part of my personal and professional life and left an indelible and endearing mark on my heart,” states Dr. Koehl. “Through our many SND ministries, we see the incredible impact the sisters’ mission has on so many individuals and communities. I am humbled and honored by this leadership opportunity to work with SND USA to advance the SND mission.”

Sister Margaret Gorman, SND USA provincial, concurs, “We are grateful to Laura and to all of our lay collaborators for assuming leadership in one of SND USA’s top priorities: ensuring the legacy and sustainability of our sponsored ministries long into the future.”

Summer 2021

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An Affordable Way to Make a Big Impact If there is one thing we can count on in life, it’s change.

Life’s constant changes can make it difficult to balance caring for family and supporting the organizations you care about. Fortunately, there is a solution. Instead of giving a fixed amount to the Sisters of Notre Dame, consider gifting a percentage of your estate, retirement account, life insurance policy or donor-advised fund.

Percentage Giving and Your Will If you want to remember the Sisters of Notre Dame in your will, there are two ways you can support our mission with a percentage gift:

a copy of the change of beneficiary form from • Request your provider (or download a copy from their website). out the form, naming the Sisters of Notre Dame, • Fill along with the percentage you’d like us to receive, on

us a percentage of your estate in your will or • Gift the form. living trust. and return the form to your plan administrator, • Sign the Sisters of Notre Dame a percentage of your • Leave insurance company or sponsoring organization. Be residual estate (the portion of your estate that remains sure to keep a copy for your records as well. after all claims on the estate are settled.) us of your future gift so we can document your • Notify intended ministry purpose and thank you for your

Give a Percentage of Other Assets

You can also remember the Sisters of Notre Dame in your future plans by naming us as a beneficiary of your retirement plan assets, life insurance or donor advised fund. Naming the Sisters of Notre Dame as a beneficiary is as easy as filling out and returning a piece of paper.

COVINGTON, KY: JODEE MCELFRESH | jmcelfresh@sndusa.org THOUSAND OAKS, CA:

SISTER LISA MEGAFFIN | lmegaffin@sndusa.org

support.

Every Gift Matters Gifts of all sizes, from 1 to 100 percent, make a difference to our ministry efforts. For more information on naming the Sisters of Notre Dame as a beneficiary in your plans, please contact your regional Mission Advancement Office.

TOLEDO, OH: SISTER CAROL GREGORY | cgregory@sndusa.org CHARDON, OH:

CARRIE HIGGINBOTHAM | chigginbotham@sndusa.org

The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.

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SND USA 2021

Jubilarians Congratulations to the following Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States who will be celebrating their 2021 Jubilees. You may recognize the name of a sister who taught you in grade school, high school, or college, or who touched your life in a meaningful way. Watch for information on in-person and social media celebrations later this fall.

Jubilee of Peace

Iron Jubilee

Diamond Jubilee

Golden Jubilee

80 Years

65 years

60 Years

50 Years

Mary Deborah Carlin

Carol Mary Bogner

Margaret Mary Faist

Jubilee of Joy

Mary Claire Engbersen

Margaret Mary Collins

Mary Paula Greggila

75 Years

Mary Theresa Gebura

Grace Mary Corbett

Mary Sean Groh

Mary Jean Hoelke

Mary Therese Grady

Mary Amy Hauck

Mary Raymund Johnson

Mary Carol Gregory

Jean Marie Hoffman

Mary Ann Christine Kathman

Mary Patricia Griesmar

Mary Domnic Jones

Mary Charlotte Manzo

Mary Hunter

Mary Rebekah Kennedy

Mary Karlanne Noehring

Julia Marie Hutchison

Mary Francel Orosz

Mary Kathleen Lyons

Ruby Jubilee

Elizabeth Marie Scanlon

Mary Sandra Nativio

40 Years

Mary Jamesetta Krafty

Mary Francis Dirr

Mary Ronauld Frohnapple

Jubilee of Grace

70 Years

Mary Ross Burgard Mary Georgene Fink Mary Rose Bernard Groth Mary Heleen Hehman Mary Antonine Manning Mary Loretta Pastva Mary Ann Catherine Wehry

Joan Marie Buda

Mary Elaine Baechle

Mary Virginia Reesing Mary Lynette Shelton Mary Janet Stamm Mary Jean Strathern Mary Lucy Suter Mary Joanne Wittenburg Joanne Marie Zeitz

Mary Julie Boehnlein

Mary Deborah Giles Anne Mary Molyet Mary Frances Wahl

Silver Jubilee

25 Years

Barbra Marie Buka Pauline Marie Kagl

Summer 2021

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PAID

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

One Heart. One Hope. One Mission.

SND USA National Office 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024

SND USA Regional Offices 1601 Dixie Highway, Covington, KY 41011 1776 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 3912 Sunforest Court, Suite B, Toledo, OH 43623

www.sndusa.org Chardon Office Prayer Line 440-279-1163 or prayersCH@sndusa.org Toledo Office Prayer Line prayersTO@sndusa.org Covington Office Prayer Line 859-291-2040 or prayersKY@sndusa.org Thousand Oaks Office Prayer Line prayersCA@sndusa.org HELP DISCOURAGE WASTE:

If you received duplicate mailings, want to be removed from our mailing list, or want to change an address, call (440) 279-1178. printed on recycled paper

SND USA Launches National Website!

The new SND USA website encompasses information from all four of our regional centers with valuable information on mission priorities, SND news and events, both local and national ministry outreach activities, regional event information, blogs from sisters, prayer lines, and numerous ways to get involved and partner with us.

Visit us at www.sndusa.org today!

Cleveland, OH Permit No. 498

Experiencing Joy In Serving the Sick and Dying

Network Summer 2021

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

One Heart.

One Hope.

One Mission.

Experiencing Joy in Serving the Sick and Dying (L) Sister Mary Hunter, SND

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ister Mary Hunter, SND, finds joy in serving as a pastoral minister at St. Joseph Senior Living in Louisville, Ohio, where she has been missioned for the past 15 years. “Each day, I would pray, ‘Jesus, just help me to get to someone who needs a spot of joy today.”

According to Susan Strutner, CEO of St. Joseph Senior Living, “Sister Mary is an empathetic listener, and her approach to pastoral care is one of compassion. She has regular visits with residents and provides support. Sister Mary likes a good joke and to see the residents smile.”

Prior to her role in pastoral ministry, Sister Mary served as a teacher for 39 years. She enrolled in the Clinical Pastoral Education CPE program at Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital which trains spiritual caregivers to work in hospitals and other healthcare institutions. “Of course, everything is different now with the coronavirus,” Sister Mary explains of her role at St. Joseph Senior Living. “Typically, I would visit each Send correspondence to: Network Sisters of Notre Dame 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024 www.sndusa.org 440.286.7101 On the cover: Sister Kendra Bottoms, SND, serves as the Director of Pastoral Care at St. John Medical Center in Westlake.

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resident at least once a month. I would talk and encourage them, pray with them, and give Communion to those who are Catholic. I also visit people who are dying. It is a privilege just to be with those at the end of their lives and show them how much you care. “Sister Mary states, “Currently, with the pandemic, it has been hard. We just had 10 people die, and I was not allowed into the nursing home.”

Sister Helen Burdenski, SND, works as a spiritual care volunteer at Hospice of the Western Reserve (HWR) in Cleveland. “My objective as a spiritual care volunteer is to provide a compassionate presence to the dying person as well as to the family and friends of that person.

This involves taking cues from the patient and meeting them where they are.”

As a Spiritual Care Team member at Hospice of the Western Reserve, Sister Helen often reads to or prays with patients and provides companionship and support to patients and their families. “I enjoy listening to patients talk about their family, hopes and dreams,” she describes. “Other job responsibilities as a spiritual care team member include documenting each patient visit within 24 hours of the visit, demonstrating the ability not to impose my own beliefs and values on the patient or their family members, participating in at least two continuing education units offered by HWR each calendar year, observing appropriate boundaries when interacting with patients and families, knowing and following all HIPAA regulations, and more.”

“I enjoy the one-on-one time that I am privileged to share with patients and their families, as well as the interaction with other members of the Hospice of the Western Reserve staff,” states Sister Helen. “The HWR staff are wonderful people – very caring, dedicated, highly competent – and they treat every person with dignity and respect.” continued on page 4

SUMMER 2021

Sister Helen Burdenski, SND

“The HWR staff are wonderful people – very caring, dedicated, highly competent – and they treat every person with dignity and respect.”

— Sister Helen Burdenski, SND

(L-R) Sisters Kay O’Malley and Lenette Marcello at Notre Dame Village.

www.sndusa.org

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Notre Dame Village, Chardon, OH

(l-r) Sister Kay O’Malley and Sister Lenette Marcello

Experiencing Joy in Serving the Sick and Dying continued from page 3

Prior to this ministry, Sister Helen taught high school for 11 years, and then at Notre Dame College for 38 years. “These years in the educational field strengthened my communication skills; enabled me to feel comfortable with people of all backgrounds, beliefs and values; gave me the ability to stay calm in emergency situations; taught me confidence in handling challenges; and, most importantly, showed me the precious value of each person and the absolute need to treat them with respect, love, and sensitivity to their unique needs. It is amazing to discover how many people I meet in ministering with patients remember me from my teaching days. The stories they share of those years bring joy and often laughter to the patients and their families.”

“Ministering as a spiritual care volunteer at Hospice of the Western Reserve is a perfect way to share God’s goodness and provident care with others. The job description itself encourages and actually demands that I do just that,” exclaims Sister Helen. “When I walk into a patient’s room, I am mindful that my sole responsibility is to show God’s goodness and loving 4

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care to that patient and the family members who are present. Caring for someone at the end of life is not only an honor and a precious privilege, but it is also an opportunity to witness lives well lived and the wisdom that usually comes with the ending days of life’s journey. No book ever written comes anywhere near the value of lessons I’ve learned at the bedside of dying persons.”

Sister Helen offers this advice to someone nearing the end of life’s journey: “Slow down, listen to the voice within, express gratitude for all the gifts one has received, ask forgiveness for times you stumbled, and relax in the love of God, family and friends.”

“When caring for a loved one who is dying, the most important thing is to spend time with them – just be there with them rather than simply doing things for them. And talk to them. Usually, a person can hear right up to their last breath even if they are not responding.

If possible, find their favorite kind of music and play it softly at their bedside,” Sister Helen suggests.

SUMMER 2021

Sister Kendra Bottoms, SND, has served as a hospital chaplain at St. John Medical Center in Westlake since 2005. “During 2004-2005 I was a resident chaplain at St. Vincent Charity Hospital,” she says. “Prior to serving as a hospital chaplain, I taught high school Biology, French and religion for 30 years.”

Sister Kendra says,“When I first started working at St. John Medical Center, I was responsible for visiting each patient at least once, offering to call their pastor, seeing if they wanted communion, helping them finalize Advance Directives if they asked for help, and morning prayer over the hospital PA. I received permission to sing these prayers. After some time, I was moved to the position of Director of Pastoral Care and became responsible for scheduling staff, Masses, religious events, making sure there were crosses in every room in the hospital, visiting patients in the emergency room if someone needed a pastoral care visit, prayers before meetings which I attended, and making sure we stick to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care.”

“God allows me to reach back into my own life history and find something which reflects what the person is experiencing.”

Sister Kendra states, “I did not decide on this line of work as part of my religious vocation. As everything in my life, God did it.” She also shares that a beloved brother died of liver cancer when he was only 40. “This totally broke my heart. I was involved in the Diocesan Black Catholic Advisory Board, and I met an African brother who suggested I try Chaplaincy. I remember stating I did not do hospitals, death or dying, but I did do people, so I would try. I did and here I am many, many years later. One of the most rewarding parts of this ministry is being called to someone’s room or accidentally going into a patient’s room and seeing that God speaks. God allows me to reach back into my own life history and find something which reflects what the person is experiencing.”

Sister Kendra adds, “I feel this work enables me to demonstrate the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame.

I love people, and I know how important it is to be cherished.”

— Sister Kendra Bottoms, SND

www.sndusa.org

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A Lasting Tribute May our deceased sisters rejoice in God’s everlasting love.

SISTER MARY ROMAN

September 16, 1924 - January 13, 2021 Born to Roman and Christine (Boylan) Ress, Agnes and her three brothers grew up in a closely-knit family, centered in home, faith, and their beloved St. Mary Church in Massillon. In 1944, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame as a postulant.

At investment, she received the name Sister Mary Roman.

Sister ministered as an elementary and secondary school teacher before beginning nursing studies. She graduated from St. Alexis School of Nursing in Cleveland (1954) and earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in nursing (1964, 1966) from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1986 Sister Mary

Roman completed requirements for a doctoral degree in nursing education from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. She was an instructor at St. Alexis School of Nursing, St. Michael School of Nursing in Toronto, Canada and at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. She established the nursing program at George Brown College (Toronto). For more than 30 years, she served as coordinator and consultant for the health needs of the sisters. She also served on disaster response teams for the Red Cross.

With great awareness of the poor, Sister joined with two colleagues at Geauga Hospital, Dr. Arturo Dimaculangan and Susan Juhasz, to establish the Good Tidings Choir in 1989. Annual concerts benefit the Geauga County Hunger Task Force.

SISTER MARY ALICE

June 20, 1944 - March 24, 2021 Alice was the third of four children born to Vincent and Stella (Jursinovic) Dugar in East Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Notre Dame Academy, Cleveland, as an aspirant, and entered the novitiate on February 2, 1962.

She earned a B.S. degree from Notre Dame College, South Euclid, Ohio in 1967 and taught high school math and science for 23 years in Ohio at Regina High School; Notre Dame Academy/Notre Dame Cathedral Latin School, Chardon; and at Notre Dame Academy, Middleburg, VA. In 1985 she earned a M. Ed. degree from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

Sister Alice ministered as a chemistry tutor and mentor to college students with diverse ethnic, cultural, racial and religious backgrounds. She served those seeking careers in health-related fields at Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, and supervised student teachers and managed the Chemistry Department laboratory at Notre Dame College, South Euclid.

Sister Alice was a dedicated member of the SND Peace & Justice Committee since its founding in 1980, and worked with quiet determination to teach and practice good stewardship of the earth and all its resources.

SISTER HEDY MARIE

July 23, 1932 - December 27, 2020 Sister Hedy Marie Olesky owed her life to the flu pandemic of 1918. Her parents, Charles Olesky and Nellie Dominikowski Kowalski, lost their spouses during that epidemic. After the pandemic ended, they met and married, blending their five children into a family. Over the years, eight more children were born; Hedy was the second youngest. She entered Notre Dame as a postulant on February 2, 1951. At investment, she received the name Sister Mary Claudia.

Sister began her career as a primary grade teacher. In 1966 she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from St. John College in Cleveland. An excellent, creative teacher, she was frequently called upon to mentor beginning teachers, guiding and encouraging them to be the best.

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Sisters of Notre Dame | Network

In June of 1982, due to health issues and the need to help care for her mother and siblings, she requested a dispensation from her vows.

Hedy continued to teach the primary grades. In 1991 she was asked to assume the role of Director of Religious Education. She resumed her studies, earning a Master of Pastoral Studies degree from Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana. During these years, Hedy began to visit and volunteer in the Health Care Center in Chardon. She renewed acquaintances and became interested in the Associate relationship, making her Associate Covenant in 2001. Her love for the sisters and the congregation prompted her to seek readmission to the Sisters of Notre Dame in 2006. As a pastoral care volunteer, she ministered to the sisters in the Health Care Center.

SUMMER 2021

B O A T S K I C C S A !

B

Sisters of Notre Dame

BBQ 2021

& BOUTIQUE Sunday, September 26 12 noon - 5 pm Chicken Dinner $15

Take out available.

Expanded indoor seating.

All meals will be boxed.

Look for more info in July on our website:

www.sndusa.org/bbq Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin gymnasium On the Notre Dame Center campus 13000 Auburn Rd., Chardon (South of Mayfield Rd.) Handicapped accessible

2021-2022 Calendar Girls’ Night Out 2021 If you have moved, gotten married, or changed your email or phone numbers in the last 10 years, PLEASE let us know.

When: October 22 - 6:30 to 10:00 pm Where: The Jake at Pizzazz in University Heights Cost: $25 includes food, gratuity, tax & soft drinks Cash Bar Reservations Due October 8, 2021 Send checks made payable to Regina Alumnae Association, 9918 Johnnycake Ridge Rd., Mentor, Ohio 44060 Pizzazz follows all CDC rules. With social distancing, capacity is 45, but if the rules change, may go to 65.

2021 Reunions Class of 1960

Our 60th class reunion, one year late, may occur in the fall. Look for more information in the next issue of Network or on emails. - Sandy Novak Gecsi

Class of 1961

The Class of 61 reunion will be changed to a date later in the summer.

Questions: Beth Ulery Parnin at funwithfit@sbcglobal.com.

Class of 1966

Regina High School Class of 1966 Virtual Reunion Memoir Project Please tell us where you are today and how you got there. Our goal is to collect updates on the lives of everyone in the Class of ’66 by May 15. Please participate and encourage your old friends to do the same.

You can send us as much—or as little—as you wish to share in whatever form works for you: --Your story: a paragraph; a list of lessons learned; an autobiographical essay (Word doc)—long or short, it’s up to you; or just email a greeting to the class—Your story in pictures: a photo or photos of yourself, your family, your handiwork, a painting, a garden, a favorite place, a beloved pet (Please provide a list of brief captions). More than 30 of our classmates are deceased. If you have a favorite memory or anecdote of a departed friend, please send it along. The collection of stories, memories, photos, etc., will be assembled as a composite PDF and sent to everyone who wants a copy.

Deadline: MAY 15 Contact: Mary Maher, Project Co-Editor | mmaher2049@aol.com 1838 Fendall Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903 | 434.825.4473 FB group: facebook.com/groups/reginahighschoolclassof66/

Class of 1970

50th + 1 Reunion Save-The-Date Weekend of October 9 & 10th, 2021 - 2 events for double the fun!

Saturday, October 9th at Pinstripes, 111 Park Ave., Beachwood, Ohio Cocktails 5 pm, Dinner 7 pm (Includes drink tickets for wine and a cash bar) Sunday, October 10th. Potluck Picnic Brunch at Holbrook Hollows Park, 7250 Country Lane, Chagrin Falls (time t/b/d) Cost: Approximately $100 - $125* per person for both. Includes food & beverage, gratuity, tax, decorations, supplies, misc.

(More details including cost per event will follow soon. Final cost will be dependent on how many of you RSVP before May 1) FB page: Regina@50.

Please forward $25 deposit to Annie Robare via Venmo (@Annie-Robare) or mail a check to Annie, 1401 Summit Drive, Mayfield OH 44124 *We want the reunion to be as affordable as possible for all who want to attend. A private Angel Fund was established to help reduce the cost for those for whom Covid (or any other life circumstances) has been financially draining. If you’re interested in receiving financial help or pitching in extra, please let Annie know. All will be done anonymously.

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Sisters of Notre Dame | Network

Regina Alumnae Retreat 2022

When: February 25 – 27, 2022 Where: Bethany Retreat Center at Notre Dame Center Cost: $55 plus a “good will” offering.

Sr. Melannie Svoboda ’62 with be retreat director.

To learn more about her, visit www.sndusa.org and visit her blog titled Sunflower Seeds.

Reservations are due February 11, 2022.

More information will be following.

Class of 1971

October 22 at Mayfield Country Club. Cocktails & dinner - Ladies only. Invitation to follow. Questions contact Jody Hummer Salata at jodysalata@sbcglobal.net. Use Regina in the subject line when emailing.

Class of 1975

Save-the-Date and spread the word… Reunion, Saturday, October 23, 2021 at The Firehouse Grill & Pub, Willoughby Hills. Details to follow this summer. Check out the Regina High School Class of ‘75 Facebook page. (to get onto the page, send a request to join.) Questions can email Claudialund9@gmail.com. The reunion committee Pam Koeth, Mary Kay Conway, Lynn Reardon Fistek, JoAnn Balmat Bacnik, Mary Nitsche Ilc, and Claudia Wahl Lund.

Class of 1976

Come celebrate and reminisce the Class of ‘76 reunion at Girls Night Out at Pizzazz on October 22. Check the details above.

Class of 1980

Because of the pandemic, we are waiting to make plans for our reunion.

Please contact Pam Bell Huth with suggestions and your information at bellhuth@yahoo.com.

Class of 1981

Holbrook Hollow Lodge on Sunday, September 26 | 1 - 5 pm $45 for food and drink. The invitation can be found on the Facebook Page Regina High School Class of 81 rhs81alum@gmail.com

Class of 1996 25 year reunion.

Saturday, August 7th at Firehouse Grille & Pub from 6-11 pm located at 2768 Stark Drive Willoughby Hills, Ohio.

Cash bar and menu options available.

For any questions or to RSVP, email Joy Carey Parker reginahighschoolco1996@gmail.com

Class of 2001

If you are interested in a reunion, please contact ReginaHS2001@gmail.com with suggestions and your information.

Class of 2010

Send suggestions for a reunion date and information to RHSroyals2010@gmail.com

SUMMER 2021

SUMMER 2021

Updates from Covington, Kentucky

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

Health Care in Covington Spotlight: Sr. Pamela Geiger A Gift to Remember

Dear Partners,

We Remember

SND USA ministries are farreaching, but depend on the involvement of individuals at a local level. Contact us to partner with the Sisters of Notre Dame in Covington, KY: Prayer Requests & General Info: infoKY@sndusa.org 859-291-2040 1601 Dixie Highway, Covington, KY 41011 Associates: Sr. Luann Bender lbender@sndusa.org Donations and Mission Advancement: Jodee McElfresh jmcelfresh@sndusa.org 859-392-8228 Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC): Sr. Rita Geoppinger rgeoppinger@sndusa.org Volunteer, Young Adult and Vocation Outreach: Sr. Ruth Lubbers rlubbers@sndusa.org

May Sister Jean Clare delight in the embrace of our good and loving God.

Sister Mary Jean Clare Lamping

To read her full obituary, please visit sndusa.org/tributes

08/16/1933 - 01/02/2021

On the Cover: PANCAKE BREAKFAST DRIVE-THRU We greatly missed hosting the in-person Uganda Mission Pancake Breakfast in the spring. Although we pray we can welcome everyone for breakfast and conversation over coffee next year, the modified breakfast bag+baked good drive-thru was a successful alternative for 2021. Through 75 bags sold, plus donations, our partners raised more than $3,000 for our sisters and students in Uganda and East Africa. God is so good!

Thank you to everyone who participated, including our very talented bakers.

Clockwise from top left on cover: Sr. Delrita Glaser, Sr. Helen Joseph Riehle, Sr. Joell Overman, Sr. Ann Marie Pflum, Sr. Nance Hehman, Sr. Evelynn Reinke.

Careers with SND: hr@sndusa.org www.sndusa.org

Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States 1

The Pulse | Summer 2021

SND staff Sheila Hemmer and Mike Goebel transport baked goods to the Pancake Breakfast drive-thru at Notre Dame Academy in March.

Sister Spotlight: Sr. Pamela Mae Geiger What is your current ministry role and duties?

I have been at DCCH Center for Children and Families in Fort Mitchell, KY for 28 years. I started as principal of the on-site school, went into residential support when we opened a shortterm unit, then I moved to foster care, and most recently into development. I am the assistant development director and one of my main duties is to connect with our constituents, including reaching out when someone has lost a loved one. I also help with the typical development office work-entering donations, running thank you letters, assisting with events. I try to help out wherever I can be of assistance to our staff and volunteers.

What is your favorite aspect of your ministry at DCCH? This work supports our 40 residents and their needs, which includes therapy, clothing, and food, as well as the many other functions DCCH serves in the community.

Sr. Pam Geiger, left, with DCCH receptionist Patty Kissel

I also enjoy contacting people in a friendly way and being able to offer my prayers and condolences to those whose loved ones have died. It is especially touching when I receive thank you notes back. So many people give what they can even if it’s broken up into smaller amounts each month. Our flea market has been closed for three months due to COVID. One of our longtime shoppers stopped by and gave a donation since she hasn’t been able to buy from the flea market. This is all for the good of our residents and the families connected to DCCH. How would you say your ministry has impacted you?

Just seeing the dedicated people who support us and work with the kids on a continual basis has made me look at my own life. Seeing what I had compared to what our children have or don’t have today is very humbling. The physical or mental abuse they’ve suffered is something they deal with each day. Being there when they need somebody to reach out to them has helped me be a more compassionate person. This year has been hard because we don’t get as much direct interaction and not being able to do that is something I have missed.

What does it mean to be a Sister of Notre Dame in your opinion?

In today’s world, it’s being there for people, for anyone who calls the office even, assuring them of prayers, being that listening and compassionate person I feel I’m called to be. I am a quiet person and I don’t like being the person out front. I feel that I am someone there to help people, just behind the scenes.

I would like to make a note of appreciation for all the support and help many people have given to the Sisters of Notre Dame and to DCCH. It is greatly appreciated.

DCCH Center for Children & Families helps rebuild the lives of individuals with traumatic, emotional and behavioral difficulties. Services include residential treatment, foster care, adoption, therapy, and counseling services to meet all mental health needs for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Northern Kentucky.

The Pulse | Summer 2021 | Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

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“...Everyone has this dedication that makes my heart full and lets me know the presence of God is all around...”

-Kelly Hyland (pictured) Director of Healthcare in Covington, KY

Caring in Covington On the second floor of the Covington Sisters of Notre Dame building, you will find retired teachers, nurses, death row counselors, cooks, seamstresses, and advocates for those experiencing poverty. This is Lourdes Hall Care Center, the health care epicenter for the SNDs in Covington, Kentucky, and the home to more than twenty Sisters of Notre Dame retired from official ministry.

Kelly Hyland, BSN, is the Covington SND Director of Healthcare. She leads a staff of nurses, nurse aides, dietary aides, and an activity coordinator to provide quality care in Lourdes Hall and to the wider Covington SND community, helping to keep sisters healthy and engaged in ministry.

“When I interviewed for this position, my husband asked what I was thinking!” Kelly laughs. “I loved my old job and the set daytime hours, but when one of the hiring sisters asked outright if and why I wanted to be the Director of Healthcare, I said with complete trust, ‘I’m supposed to be here.’ I’m not sure why God blessed me with this position, but I am honored to be a part of this mission and to walk with the sisters in all their different life stages.”

While many see working at a convent as fairly unique, this setting is not foreign to Kelly, whose first job in the field was as a nurse aide with the Sisters of Charity in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“It’s funny—22 years later I have come full circle and am back working with sisters. It’s my passion!” she says.

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The Pulse | Summer 2021 | Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

That passion is shared by the other Lourdes Hall health care staff and is evident in passive observation. During the interview with Kelly, a nurse relayed and discussed a message from an outside ministry partner with a sister.

That shows concern and involvement beyond waiting for someone to ring for assistance. Another nurse assisted a sister with medicine at the nurse’s station, while laughing about a topic they both enjoy. That shows a desire to bring joy to the mundane. At one point, a bell went off and several nurses bolted down the hallway. A large jug of detergent had burst and spilled while a sister was doing laundry, creating a major fall hazard. That response shows a clear respect for “other duties as assigned.”

Kelly notices these actions, too, and sings her praises for the nursing staff, especially during an unusually challenging year.

Through exhausted but happy eyes, Kelly says, “I am so proud of our team at the Heights. The nursing staff has sacrificed so much during COVID. They missed out on seeing family and friends just to try to keep everyone here safe. Those choices outside of the workplace tell me they see themselves as part of a bigger picture and we are all so grateful for what they gave up to get us through some of the most challenging months we have experienced here.”

At the start of the COVID pandemic in March 2020, Lourdes Hall Care Center closed its doors to visitors, including to sisters living on other floors in the building. While a lockdown brings safety, the Lourdes Hall staff recognized

the potential side effects of isolation and worked with the sisters to find ways to promote engagement and, at the sisters’ request, outreach to the community.

That outreach included making masks and protective gowns, and preparing items to distribute to homeless individuals. Staff also utilized technology to keep sisters connected with family and sisters, and assisted with distributing and responding to letters fellow sisters from outside of Lourdes Hall sent throughout the pandemic.

“We are able to provide physical, mental, and spiritual care that’s individualized,” Kelly explains. “Beyond typical health care we have tapped maple trees for syrup, hatched butterflies, brought in continuing education speakers, and applied for grants for things like the interactive projector that has activities that are fun, but also stimulate cognitive skills. We are blessed to have resources to meet the sisters’ needs and create an uplifting work environment that I wish every nurse could experience.”

Despite being able to remarkably empower and retain staff during a difficult time in the history of health care, Kelly admits there is one downside to the job.

“We want to serve so badly, but it is hard for the sisters to accept that help sometimes. Even though we feel like it is our mission to care, the sisters seem to want to care for us instead. They check in on us, and we’ve almost all gained weight from their baking!”

That support comes from other SND staff, too.

“The staff here in Covington is phenomenal. We are one-hundred percent supportive of each other. COVID turned things upside down for us, and our entire team in dietary, housekeeping, maintenance, and admin stepped up and did whatever needed to be done and did it happily, even delivering meals to sisters during one of our building-wide lockdowns,” Kelly says with an appreciative smile. “There is something about this place. The doctors we work with, the sisters’ families, our donors and volunteers-everyone has this dedication that makes my heart full and lets me know the presence of God is all around as we try to provide a living space with integrity and comfort.”

Staying Healthy

by Sr. Mary Ellen Strunk I live in Edgewood, Kentucky, AKA “Healthyville” to me.

When I left the house this morning to go to St. Anthony School to teach, I passed at least 10 joggers, two dogwalkers, two bicyclists, a small child on a scooter, the fire department and life squad building, the heart and vascular institute, a women’s health center, a family practice center, a rehabilitation hospital, the cancer center, St. Elizabeth Hospital’s main entrance, the emergency entrance to the hospital, and another doctors’ building, all within a mile of my house. On the way home from school, I passed the out-patient surgery building, an eye institute, an orthopedic center, a hospice building, and a variety of other dog-walkers and runners/joggers/walkers. Passing all of these places and healthy people tends to make me think there are answers to my sore knee, my cloudy eyes, and my sometimes crummy disposition. Another place that I pass on my way to and from school is St. Pius X Catholic church—a place where each day, I hear the priest repeat the words of Jesus, “This is my body which will be given up for you.” I realize that this is at the consecration where transubstantiation is taking place, but I cannot help but relate it to the gift of my life— life gifted to me to be given for others. Later in the Mass, before Communion, I say, “Say the word and my soul shall be healed.” For me, health is much more or less than a finetuned body; it’s an on-going deepening of a relationship with the One who sent me.

A cheerful heart is good medicine If you can’t run, then walk This is my body A crushed spirit dries up the bones If you can’t run, then walk Reasonable care that considers others A crushed spirit dries up the bones Keep involved Reasonable care that considers others A good laugh and a long sleep Keep involved Say the word and my soul shall be healed A cheerful heart is good medicine A good laugh and a long sleep Say the word and my soul shall be healed This is my body given up for you

The Pulse | Summer 2021 | Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

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Here and There Video Call with Sisters in East Africa

Letter from a St. Julie Primary “Old Boy”

In a collaboration that spanned eleven time zones, the mission advancement teams in Kentucky and California hosted a video call with sisters in East Africa on March 28, 2021. If you have an interest in St. Julie Mission in Uganda or want to learn more about other SND missions throughout East Africa, we highly recommend watching the recording at sndusa.org/AfricaZoom

An alum, or “Old Boy,” of St. Julie Primary in Uganda wrote with a career update. We are immensely proud of the work he is doing and grateful for our partners who helped make his education possible (especially his past sponsor, who is also named Robert).

Sr. Christine Syombua, the new superior of the East Africa Delegation, did an exceptional job informing and inspiring. Thank you to everyone who tuned in live and helped foster an ever-growing feeling of community with our sisters in Africa.

SNDUSA.ORG/AFRICAZ

OOM

Thank You Retreat Team Thank you to the team of women who helped plan our first virtual Women’s Weekend Retreat: Kathy Kramer, Theresa Brugger, Mary Ann Stulz, Genny Pfefferman, Linda Verst, Sr. Reinette Kroger, Sr. Evelynn Reinke, and Margie Schnelle. The team is already thinking about next year’s retreat(s). Have ideas? Let us know at infoKY@sndusa.org.

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The Pulse | Summer 2021 | Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

Dear Sisters and Friends, I am fine and counting down the days to what has been a roller coaster of a year.

Something about me: I am currently working as a research associate for an international agricultural research organisation majoring in the breeding and promotion of new bean varieties for small-holder farmers. I am responsible for assessing the impact of the organisation’s project on the lives of the beneficiaries and have almost made six months in the role. I was performing almost the same work in the UN World Food Program, but was more into food security assessment there. It’s been a challenging time working on a post where most of my work involves traveling to rural villages, and the pandemic has made it very difficult sometimes. But I am managing pretty well.

I still have plans to pursue a Ph.D. in EconomicsEconometrics major. Sr. Jane’s math classes laid a perfect foundation for me! I intend to start in 2022 after getting enough field experience from my current role.

I am looking up to a more successful 2021!

Regards, Robert Asiimwe (pictured above, far left)

A Gift to Remember We cherish the unique connections our congregation has to every individual donor. It is a joy to learn about these connections through phone calls, letters, emails, and at events. One phone call from a donor to the mission advancement office stood out and touched our hearts. A man notified the staff that his wife died recently and that she had requested a gift to be sent to the Sisters of Notre Dame as a thank you for the care she received during World War II. He explained that at the age of ten, his wife fled Austria for England, seeking refuge from the Nazis.

[From her funeral program] On November 9, 1938, “Kristallnacht” or “Night of the Broken Glass,” her world changed. Nazis and mobs burned synagogues and Jewish businesses, and rounded up Jewish citizens, sending them to Dachau concentration camp. Her father was one of them. Being a mischlin, or half Jewish, she was rushed to England with a family acquaintance and left with two women from the Quaker Organization that ran the Kinder Train. Her younger brother was a toddler and stayed behind with her mother, who was not given asylum because she was a Catholic.

She survived the Blitz and later was reunited in London with her father, brother, and aunt. Her mother died in Vienna when she was 12. She’d written to her every week through the Red Cross. In one early dispatch, she wrote to her mom that the English ate grass for breakfast (the ladies were giving her shredded wheat). She never saw the mother she adored again.

When she first arrived in England, she spoke only German and had to learn English quickly on her own. Her language ability served her in the convent school where she studied Latin, French, and later, Spanish. After graduating she went to secretarial college in London and parlayed the skills she learned there with her affinity for languages into a career at the United Nations in New York, where she worked as secretary to the Director of UNICEF. Soon, she met the love of her life. They married and raised three sons. She passed just a few weeks shy of their 62nd wedding anniversary.

We are honored to receive this gift in memory of a woman who overcame turmoil most of us will never experience nor understand. It is our privilege to continue to serve and promote ministries that respond to the crises of today, supporting those who are persecuted, overlooked, and marginalized. We remember her in grateful prayer.

Cross-Community Connections An anonymous sister nominated Sr. Shauna Bankemper to be recognized for the assistance she provided to the Benedictine Sisters in Northern Kentucky. Sr. Shauna received her COVID vaccinations due to her work at the assisted living facility Carmel Manor in Fort Thomas, KY. In January 2021, there was a COVID outbreak at the Benedictine Sisters’ convent in Villa Hills, KY. With both vaccine doses completed, Sr. Shauna offered to assist in the infirmary when other volunteers were unable to enter at that time.

The Pulse | Summer 2021 | Sisters of Notre Dame of the United States

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Sisters of Notre Dame

2021 VIRTUAL FESTIVAL GUID E The Sisters of Notre Dame Fourth of July Festival has been held annually since 1922 in Covington, KY. Due to the continued worldwide COVID-19 outbreak, we have made the decision not to host an inperson Festival on July 4, 2021.

We will, however, carry on with the following and hope to raise $100,000 for SND ministries. Thank you for your support!

Grand Raffle

/ fe s s n d u s a . o rg

t i va l

BBQ-To-Go

Online Auction

Order your 4th of July BBQ meal by June 25, and pick it up at our “drive-thru” on July 3 or 4.

On your couch. Out for a walk.

You can bid from anywhere with this year’s online auction!

License 0000155

For just $5/ticket, you could WIN

$5,000 grand prize $2,000 second prize $1,000 third prize Order your tickets today at sndusa.org/raffle

Side Items

Corn Muffin Coleslaw

Mac & Cheese Baked Beans

JU LY

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Watch the Grand Raffle drawing at 6 p.m. on July 4 at facebook.com/sndky

Sister Zooms 6/10 Young Adult & Vocation Outreach - Learn how SNDs help young adults, both men and women, discern goals, career plans, their faith life...just about anything!

BBQ Option Price Pulled Pork Sandwich $6 Sliced Brisket Sandwich $8 Babyback Ribs $10 Price $1 $2 $2 $2

Order online today at sndusa.org/bbqtogo

Register at sndusa.org/sisterzooms 6/16 Ministry on the Margins - Those on the margins often have a powerless place in society.

Learn about SND outreach for homelessness, human trafficking, the environment, and more.

6/23 The Daily Examen The Daily Examen is a method of reviewing your day in the presence of God. It’s actually an attitude more than a method. Tune in for a guided example.

Auction Open: June 28 - July 4 Still accepting items!

Do you have an auction item (or service) you can donate?

Please let us know.

Contact Margie at mschnelle@sndusa.org or 859-392-8229.

Questions?

Don’t use the Internet?

Contact us. We can help!

MARGIE SCHNELLE 859-392-8229 mschnelle@sndusa.org FRONT DESK 859-291-2040 infoKY@sndusa.org

VOL. XXVI NO. 4 SUMMER 2021

A PUBLICATION OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME

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A Message from Mission Advancement Dear Friends,

VOL. XXVI NO. 4 SUMMER 2021 Vision & Challenge is published three times annually by the Sisters of Notre Dame, California SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME Have ministered in California since 1924, bringing hope to humankind through education, faith formation, spiritual development, pastoral ministry, health care, social outreach ministries and missionary service. For more information, visit www.sndusa.org , and follow the link to Los Angeles, California.

VISION & CHALLENGE TEAM Director of Mission Advancement Services: Sr. M. Lisa Megaffin, S.N.D. Associate Director of Mission Advancement: Jen Coito Contributors and advisers for this edition: Victor Aleman Kristin Callaghan Sr. Mary Ann Culpert, SND Dennis Martin Sr. M. Joan Schlotfeldt, SND Lisa Stupar Sr. M. Colette Theobald, SND

As this is being written, we are starting to see many signs of new life, especially the normality of a post-pandemic world. Those months of “safer at home”, closed businesses, televised worship from a parish near or far, online or hybrid school— somehow, we are emerging from our own 21st century twilight zone.

In this edition of Vision & Challenge, we are pleased to share several formal ministries of Sisters of Notre Dame within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. We often see those who are out front, but as we well know, there are those whose daily work is behind the scenes. Regardless, in making our vows, we state, “I commit myself to serve the Church in the apostolic mission entrusted to this congregation.”

This apostolic mission also includes our outreach to global missions, sponsored by our congregation or partner ministries. In particular, we are excited to report that the pump water system is now operative in Buseesa, Uganda. Words are inadequate to express our heartfelt gratitude to the hundreds of donors who have made it possible! We recognize the many financial challenges and uncertainties of this time, so we are even more grateful that you have included us in your philanthropy, in support of our general needs, retired folks and global missions.

As daughters of the Church, we share the sentiments expressed in the Mission Statement of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles: “We dedicate our parish communities and our schools, institutions, ministries, and organizations to fulfill this mission under the loving patronage of Mary, Queen of the Angels.” The photo on our front cover is the statue of Mary, Queen of the Angels that graces the entrance to our cathedral. May she always hold you in her fond embrace.

Gratefully,

Graphic Design: Jamie Designs, Inc. Updates: Please contact the Mission Advancement Office for name and/or addresss corrections at infoca@sndusa.org or 1776 Hendrix Ave., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Monthly egram: To subscribe to the monthly Mission Advancement Egram, send name and email address to infoca@sndusa.org.

Photography notes: Pandemic restrictions were followed for all photography during that timeframe.

Please remember to recycle your copy after reading.

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VISION & CHALLENGE | SUMMER 2021

Sr. M. Lisa Megaffin, S.N.D.

Demonstrating the beginnings of post-pandemic joy are these SNDs: seated are Sr. Jan Marie Villalobos, Sr. Antoinette Marie Moon, Sr. Mary Amy Hauck. Standing are Sr. Marie Paul Grech, Sr. Anna Maria Vasquez, Sr. Gina Marie Blunck, Sr. M. Rebekah Kennedy, Sr. M. Joan Schlotfeldt, Sr. Shawn Marie Doyle and Sr. M. Leanne Hubbard.

Water Flows in Uganda The priceless gift of water is now possible through the generosity of many individuals and the following organizations:

After more than two years of fundraising and planning, fresh water has arrived in Buseesa, Uganda. Buseesa residents depend on the cyclical rainy and dry seasons to survive. The seasons have become unpredictable, with the dry season lasting longer and longer. St. Julie Mission ran perilously low on collected water the last several years. All local residents, the Sisters, teachers, and students have devoted more time to retrieving and storing water. This is time taken away from classes, studies, and employment. In the midst of a global health pandemic, the need for reliable access to safe water has been of utmost importance.

Conrad Hilton Fund for Sisters FSC Foundation, Inc. Holy Trinity School, San Pedro St. Bartholomew Parish, Long Beach St. Dominic School, Eagle Rock

WHOEVER DRINKS THE WATER I SHALL GIVE WILL NEVER THIRST; THE WATER I SHALL GIVE WILL BECOME IN HIM A SPRING OF WATER WELLING UP TO ETERNAL LIFE. – JOHN 4:14

Following months of delays due to a strict COVID 19 lockdown in Uganda, Ugosolar arrived at St. Julie Mission in October of 2020. Water engineers uncovered a significant water source 90 meters down, beneath a layer of granite rock. During the remainder of 2020, a holding tank, solar panels, some piping, and an inverter to bring the water to the holding tank were installed. The water flows by gravity to various locations including three schools, teachers’ housing, the parish, and a site for villagers to collect water. The pump, solar panels and inverter are in place and are working but some of the piping and connections are still in the works.

Prior to the grand opening, the Formation House (where 10 candidates for entrance to the Sisters of Notre Dame live with their teachers) ran out of water. Even though the water system had not officially opened, the engineers immediately connected the Formation House to the tank. This accommodation saved the young women from walking a long distance from a local borehole with 20-liter jerry cans. This was just the first of what will assuredly be many examples of people’s lives being improved by the new water system.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME

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As an apostolic community, we participate in the life of the local Church...

“Go to California and build a house of love.” With these words, 11 Sisters of Notre Dame were missioned to Los Angeles from Cleveland in 1924. Today, the SNDs and Associates minister in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, home to 4.3 million Catholics in 288 parishes, with Sunday Eucharist celebrated in 42 languages. Southern California is synonymous with diversity—beaches, aerospace, immigrants, entertainment media, mountains, technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, deserts, and each of these realities also represents an opportunity to radiate God’s goodness and provident care—a true house of love.

These excerpts from the Mission Statement of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles resonate with the SND mission:

We, the People of God of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, accept our mission to continue the redemptive work of Jesus Christ….We are one with the Catholic Church throughout the world, in communion with the pope. …We commit ourselves to build a community of faith and love. With Christ, we bring good news to the poor.

We commit ourselves to eliminate the many faces of poverty in our midst— spiritual, economic, and moral.

With Christ, we uphold the dignity of human life. We commit ourselves to cherish each person and to be faithful stewards of God’s creation. With Christ, we affirm the bonds that unite us. We commit ourselves to remove the barriers that divide. We dedicate our parish communities and our schools, institutions, ministries, and organizations to fulfill this mission under the loving patronage of Mary, Queen of the Angels.

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VISION & CHALLENGE | SUMMER 2021

Artwork by Sr. M. Leanne Hubbard

The Sisters of Notre Dame are privileged to engage in various ministries. Although the SNDs have a rich heritage of Catholic education, especially in schools, recent times have found a broader meaning to education.

This article features SNDs who are missioned within the broad category of “Archdiocese of Los Angeles.”

SR. M. ANNCARLA COSTELLO, CHANCELLOR OF THE ARCHDIOCESE Assuming the position of Chancellor of the largest Archdiocese in the United States in July, 2021, Sr. Anncarla Costello has had the opportunity to embrace her new ministry even in the midst of the pandemic.

Having served as the Vicar for Women Religious Sr. M. Anncarla Costello between 2004 and 2011 she was happy to return to minister in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in her new capacity as Chancellor. Unlike her previous ministry in the Archdiocese where her focus was specific to women religious, in her new role as Chancellor she is gaining a bird’s eye view of the breadth of services the ministries of the Archdiocese provide to God’s people.

In that role, she provides leadership in the administration of the Archdiocese as well as oversight of the various departments in the Archdiocesan Center that serve the 288 parishes comprising the Archdiocese... Additionally, Sister sees herself as the “cheerleader-in-chief,” supporting personnel in various departments so that they may minister as effectively as possible as missionary disciples of Jesus to the people of our Archdiocese and beyond...

SR. M. DOMNIC JONES & SR. M. GRACE LEUNG, MARRIAGE TRIBUNAL STAFF MEMBERS With many years’ experience, Sr. Domnic and Sr. Grace are part of the Church’s effort to offer healing and hope to the victims of failed marriages.

The Marriage Tribunal examines these situations to determine whether the individuals in certain instances may be free to remarry. As explained on the Sr. M. Domnic Jones Archdiocesan website, “Faithful to Catholic tradition, we maintain the innate dignity of marriage and the Gospel’s prohibition against arbitrary and unwarranted divorce. At the same time, we live in an imperfect society in which divorce is a common reality. In accord with Canon Law, all previously married individuals (Catholic or not) have the right to seek clarification of the canonical status of their previous marriage(s).”

On a day-to-day basis, the sisters are engaged in various forms of communication with those involved in the process, as well as priests, deacons and lay staff assisting with the cases. Sr. Domnic believes that “compassion is a prerequisite for anyone working in the Tribunal. We are dealing with people who have experienced difficult marriages and painful divorces and now we are asking them to relive those memories. We try to help them bring closure to this painful chapter in their lives and to see that through God’s goodness and provident care, new and hopefilled relationships may be possible.”

PRIORITIES OF THE ARCHDIOCESE

Sr. Grace also noted how amazed she is by the faith of the people of God, and “how open people are when they talk to me about their life stories and the stories of their marriages. It is a blessing to be a listener… and a privilege to help people find their way back to God and the Church. I am always Sr. M. Grace Leung surprised if I receive a thank you note or even an invitation to a wedding!”

SR. M. JOYANNE SULLIVAN, MASTER CATECHIST Continuing the SND tradition of religious education, Sr. Joyanne has ministered in adult faith formation at Sacred Heart Parish in Ventura and St. Dominic’s in Eagle Rock.

Her experience has prepared her well to be a teacher of teachers. As a master catechist, she trains Catholics to be catechists, who share the faith, form disciples of Jesus, and prepare individuals for the sacraments. In addition to the catechists’ initial training, Sr. Joyanne is responsible for guiding the renewal of their certification to teach religion in Catholic schools or parishes.

What Sr. Joyanne finds unique are parishioners’ multicultural backgrounds and their diverse spiritualities.

The Ventura families include farm workers and ranch owners, representing both strongly liberal and strongly conservative spiritualities. Eagle Rock and the surrounding pastoral region is home to Koreans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Vietnamese and Armenians, among others. The employment schedules of the parishioners who work in health care, emergency services and the

OF LOS ANGELES

• Fostering cultural diversity and Catholic identity • Education in the faith • Promoting vocations • Strengthening marriages and families • Building a culture of life Sr. Joyanne Sullivan (second from left) is shown with parishioners of the St. Dominic’s community.

A PUBLICATION OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME

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entertainment industry create challenges in planning adult faith formation activities. Sr. Joyanne is most grateful for the support of her pastors, especially for opportunities to learn innovative programs that have enhanced her own spirituality and have provided background to share with the catechists and the many individuals who are entrusted to their care...

SR. M. FRANCES WAHL, ONE MISSION ONE FAITH TEAM MEMBER As a seasoned high school religion teacher, Sr. Mary Frances has expanded her ministry outreach over the years to include service as a Master Catechist. She also has become a team member for One Mission One Faith, a new program offered by the Office of Religious Education of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. It is a basic ministry formation process for anyone who serves in the life of the Church. For example, recent participants have been lectors, cantors, choir directors and those engaged in young adult ministry.

The program goal is to assist participants in their growth as missionary disciples of Jesus and their formation as parish ministers. Participants learn to share their faith in Jesus Christ with greater clarity and confidence. As Sr. Frances explained, “Team members are not so much sources of information, but we are companions as the participants grow in the knowledge of their faith.

Application of their learnings is a priority, and it is interesting with learners ranging from young adults to senior citizens.” Topics are varied, such as Scripture,

Mary and the saints, ecumenism, interreligious dialogue, the sacraments, Catholic Social Teaching, servant leadership, communication and conflict resolution.

SR. M. LEANNE HUBBARD, THEOLOGICAL COMMISSION FOR ARCHBISHOP JOSÉ GOMEZ, CO-CHAIRPERSON Theology is faith seeking understanding. Every new age of history calls Christians to look at the eternal mysteries of Christianity through new lenses. For Sr. Leanne, this dynamic represents creative fidelity to our call as Sisters of Notre Dame, and to her ministry as Director of Pastoral Formation and Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at St. John’s Seminary. Questions emerge: How do we remain faithful to the original Gospel in the light of so many new realities? She commented, “Being a member of the Theological Commission stretches my imagination and my own faith, and keeps me faithful to being a life-long seeker of God and his will for us.”

This group meets several times a year, but with so much turmoil in the world recently, meetings have been more frequent. There are 12 members, representing theologians from St. John’s Seminary, Loyola Marymount University, the University of Southern California and parish priesttheologians. After study of common writings, the group engages in dialogue that sheds greater light on current events and avenues of both secular and theological thought. These conversations inform the members’ areas of study and practice, as well as the ministry of Archbishop Gomez.

Missioned by the church, we take part in her work of evangelization. In our common mission, we devote ourselves to our apostolic ministries as a way of leading people to the fullness of human and spiritual development. As an apostolic community, we participate in the life of the local church and use the diversity of graces and gifts given us for the building up of the reign of God. CONSTITUTIONS OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME

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VISION & CHALLENGE | SUMMER 2021

Hamza, “the joy of my life” In the last few years, the Sisters of Notre Dame have discovered creative approaches to meeting the needs of English as a second language students. With many years of educational experience, the SNDs soon conquered the high-tech world of videoconferencing for linguistic outreach.

immersion environment in English to facilitate daily use of the language. Over 50 sisters have participated. As a follow up, the participants are partnered with a native English speaking sister from the United States with whom they meet regularly via videoconference to continue practicing their language skills.

Sr. Shirley Marie McGovern describes Hamza as “the joy of my life.” Hamza’s family emigrated from Afghanistan to Southern California, and he is currently in third grade.

Sr. Shirley tutors Hamza twice a week via Zoom, helping with his language skills. She has found that he learns best by reading Scholastic story books—humor, non-fiction or historical fiction. Her method is simple--she shows the text on the computer screen and he reads it to her aloud. At the end of the story, they discuss what he read and she is able to check for comprehension. Hamza’s conversational English is better than his oral reading. For example, in reading a book about skates, he sometimes goes off on a tangent, telling stories of his own skating escapades.

Sr. Mary Amy Hauck is partnered with Sr. SoWha Theresa Hong, of South Korea. Sr. Theresa has been a middle school Chinese teacher at Bak-Mun Middle School, and is now in parish ministry. One of the assignments Sr. Mary Amy gave her was to create and narrate a video describing her role in religious education and in training altar servers. She has also narrated “Jeju Island 101,” the story of her family home.

Sr. SoWah Theresa Hong

Through the invitation of Sr. Anncarla Costello, board member for the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (Cast), Sr. Anna Maria Vasquez has become a personal tutor. Cast is a Los Angeles based nonprofit organization whose mission is to end modern slavery and human trafficking through comprehensive, life-transforming services for survivors, and to advocate for groundbreaking policies and legislation. Cast supports survivors through every phase of their journey to freedom—counseling, legal resources, housing, mentorship, education and leadership training. To protect their clients, Cast keeps their identity and circumstances confidential—so the following details summarize a survivor’s situation: “Rosa” was born in the 1990’s in Mexico, came from an abusive situation, and found herself to be homeless and unemployed in Los Angeles. With Spanish as her first language, she wanted to improve her language skills, so Sr. Anna Maria’s personal lessons in conversational English have been most helpful. Four times a week, Sr. Anna Maria meets with Rosa via Zoom for a 90-minute lesson. Using books written by teenagers, such as Finding Hope, they read aloud and discuss vocabulary and comprehension.

For a fun activity, Sr. Anna Maria sends Rosa newspaper cartoons without words, and Rosa writes a story about the picture. Since Rosa is also interested in faith, Sr. Anna Maria provides her with animated bible stories as an introduction, followed by an adult version for a more mature understanding.

English is the official language of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Since 2014, the SNDs have hosted a 10-month English Language Program at the Motherhouse for sisters throughout the Congregation who wish to learn English.

The program includes instruction as well as a total

Sr. Anna Maria meets with Sr. Maria Claret Han of South Korea each week. In addition to practicing English, they discuss family, culture, and SND life. Sr. Maria has a special interest in reading Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, and she reads it aloud for Sr. Anna Maria.

As St. Julie Billiart, the SND spiritual mother, counseled the first sisters, “we must have hearts as wide as the universe.” We can only imagine that she would be pleased with this dedication to multi-national education.

Sr. Anna Maria Vasquez

A PUBLICATION OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME

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The Grapevine RECOGNIZING THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN EACH PERSON Notre Dame Academy in Los Angeles has always taken great pride in their extraordinarily diverse community. Head of School Lilliam Paetzold remarked, “The events of this year demonstrate the need to take a more relevant and intentional support for the diverse groups within our community.” Since last June, the NDALA community has worked tirelessly to build a foundation for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative including new programs: a Black student union; a diversity council composed of faculty and staff that reflect the diverse backgrounds of the student body; and an online networking platform for alumnae to connect. NDA hosted training and devoted 10 weeks of theology curriculum to understanding bias. The school community participated in studies promoting DEI topics and, to ground their efforts in the Catholic faith, studied “Open Wide Our Hearts,” the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ pastoral letter against racism. Lilliam recently presented these efforts to other SND sponsored institutions around the country via Zoom.

Her presentation reinforced the school’s philosophy that “through respectful listening and a recognition of the presence of God in each person, the walls that separate us dissolve and a welcoming environment that builds unity and community emerges. By remaining true to our Catholic heritage and faith, and to the charism and principles of the Sisters of Notre Dame, our community stands firmly rooted in our commitment to social justice and in the work that needs to be done.”

NOTRE DAME ACADEMY SENIOR WINS CALIFORNIA MOCK TRIAL ART AWARD Congratulations to Grace Kim who earned first place in the California Mock Trial Art Contest. As part of NDA’s Mock Trial team, Grace observed and depicted the courtroom scenes during the competition. Her work was chosen from among hundreds of submissions from student artists statewide.

She is planning to study art and/or art history on the collegiate level.

2021 JUBILARIANS With gratitude for the gift that these sisters have been to the Church and to all humankind, we joyfully announce their jubilee celebration. Depending on pandemic restrictions, it is tentatively planned for Saturday, October 16, 2021.

We honor Jubilee of Grace – 70 years Sr. Mary Antonine Manning Diamond Jubilee – 60 years Sr. Mary Joanne Wittenburg

Golden Jubilee – 50 years Sr. Mary Amy Hauck Sr. Mary Rebekah Kennedy Sr. Mary Domnic Jones Sr. Mary Joan Schlotfeldt (2020 Jubilarian)

Ruby Jubilee – 40 years Sr. Mary Deborah Giles Sr. Mary Frances Wahl

Further information will be available in the coming months. Contact Lisa Stupar at lstupar@sndusa.org to request updates.

PLANNED GIVING With deep gratitude, the Sisters of Notre Dame wish to acknowledge these individuals for recent bequests we have received: Roland Chabot, long-time SND friend from Thousand Oaks, and Norbert Sutter, brother of the late Sr. Mary Joan Sutter. A bequest is a way to leave a legacy for years to come. Please consider including the Sisters of Notre Dame in your will or estate plan. You might also name the SNDs as a beneficiary on a bank account or retirement account. Our legal title is “The Sisters of Notre Dame.” For further information, please contact Sr. Lisa Megaffin at the Regional Office.

Thank you and be assured of our prayerful remembrances. Your thoughtful generosity will touch the hearts of those in need for years to come.

HOW TO ADULT La Reina English, ESL, and financial literacy teacher Jake Cousineau recently authored a book called How to Adult: Personal Finance for the Real World. The book aims to teach young adults the foundational topics of personal finance: paying for college, budgeting, taxes, credit and credit cards, investing, and many more.

“Working with my students inspired me to write the book. They learn so much in my financial literacy course, but I wanted to create a text they can take with them to consult as they navigate through the financial realities of adulthood. I hope the book is a valuable resource that helps them avoid the missteps so many of us make.”

La Reina students are featured in both the epigraphs and “How It Works” section of each chapter. This great introduction to practical finances is available on Amazon.

CROSSROADS SUMMER 2021

Emerging THE ROLE OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME IN NEW ORLEANS

A LETTER FROM THE TOLEDO TEAM

THE TOLEDO TEAM

Brighter Sunny Days Dear Family and Friends, As we approach summer, we look forward to brighter sunny days and the warm weather that it brings. Our hearts are also warmed by your generous donations from the beginning of this year. We are grateful. Because of your support, you are with us in continuing our mission of serving those most in need.

In this publication, we share with you our sisters who work in New Orleans. Our mission in New Orleans began after the devastating Hurricane Katrina. You will learn about their ministries in NOLA and the impact these sisters have made in the communities they serve. These sisters follow the example of our foundress, Sister Maria Aloysia Wohlbring, who began our congregation by lovingly caring for children who were poor or disadvantaged.

SR. MARY CAROL GREGORY, SND Advancement Team Advisor

SR. SALLY MARIE BOHNETT, SND Coordinator of Advancement/ Grant Writing

You will also meet someone who has valued the influence of the Sisters of Notre Dame not only on herself but her family. We have additional stories to share in these pages to keep you updated on the Toledo region.

We promise you our prayers asking our good and provident God to send you many blessings.

We also remember the prayer intentions that you have shared with us and assure you of our continued prayers.

Sincerely, The Mission Advancement Team Sisters of Notre Dame, Toledo

ERICA TYBURSKI Advancement & Communications Coordinator

CROSSROADS EDUCATION | TRAINING | SUPPORT | SERVICE | HOUSING

Emerging Live Oaks canopied the streets capturing humidity like mist.

Palm trees cast shifting shadows. Distant jazz music wound around magnolia trees in this city of flamboyance, home of Mardi Gras.

Streetcars and horse-drawn carriages carried townspeople and tourists. Such was the scene before Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in August 2005. For weeks 80% of the city was underwater.

90% of the people evacuated, leaving only the elderly and poor who were unable to leave. Fewer than 20% of the residents returned to reclaim their homes. FEMA trailers were parked everywhere. Walls marked the 15-foot height of water on destroyed homes. Blight touched everything.

Eighteen months later, Sister Anne Mary Molyet, provincial superior in Toledo, Ohio, at the time, read in the newspaper the dire need for qualified teachers in New Orleans, as families who had left Louisiana were beginning to return. Having flown to Louisiana to meet the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Sister Anne Mary called for volunteers. Three passionate pioneers took up the call: Sister Margaret Mary Faist, Sister Linda Marie White, and Sister Mary Bonita Sniegowski. It was their daunting task to reopen St. Leo the Great Elementary School in August 2007 with 168 of the original 300 pupils. After weeks of sorting and cleaning, the sisters greeted the students on the first day of school with the books and supplies they left behind in 2005.

THE ROLES OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME IN NEW ORLEANS SINCE 2007

Sr. M. Nancy Vance with students from Holy Ghost School expressing gratitude to donors.

The most important task facing the teachers was sensitivity to the children after the trauma they had experienced.

Encouraging the children to express their feelings in words and pictures, one student wrote, “In Katrina my brother and cousin got left behind. They were asleep and my cousin put out his arm and felt water. My brother and cousin broke out the window.

They jumped from roof to roof. My cousin was very scared. My brother was brave.

He helped people get out of the trees. The water went down. They were still alive.”

In time the enrollment of St. Leo the Great School increased when the state offered scholarships to families in financial need.

In 2007 the school had one classroom of each grade pre-kindergarten through grade six. One classroom of seventh graders was added, and in August 2021 there will be two seventh-grade classrooms. Every one of the 265 students is offered free breakfast and lunch.

In these early years after Katrina, other Sisters of Notre Dame from Toledo went to New Orleans to help; for example, Sister Magdalen Westrick worked at the Harry Tompson Center which provided showers, laundry, and communication for many homeless persons.

Sisters Margaret Mary Faist, Linda Marie White and M. Bonita Sniegowski in front of St. Leo the Great School.

Emerging

As the sisters became more familiar with New Orleans, they were aware that the city was suffering from more than the physical and psychological damage caused by Katrina. Adult literacy levels were alarmingly low. In 2009 Sister Bonita responded to that need and began her ministry at the St. Vincent de Paul Adult Learning Center, where persons receive support to prepare for the GED tests.

Sister Bonita, now Director of the Center, reports that about 80 persons register yearly, most of them in their forties.

Sister Mary Sartor joined Sister Bonita as a full-time staff member. They along with Sister Marsha Tierney, DC and ten volunteers, provide an enriching learning environment. One student reflected, “This is like a family; we can talk about anything.

While learning we can share our hurts and challenges.”

In 2010 five Sisters of Notre Dame, now including Sister Mary Ellen Schroeder, came to staff the newly re-built Mirabeau Family Learning Center (MFLC). This was an organization that provided education, training, support service and workforce housing to low- and moderate-income families. The sisters brought an innovative advancement in modern education to New Orleans—the BrainPower Program (BPP), a program that had been researched and prepared for implementation while Sister Mary Ellen was still in Ohio.

The BPP utilizes BrainSkills, a web-based cognitive development program based on the latest research in building the brain’s capacity to learn, along with a personal Brain Trainer to provide one-on-one support. More than tutoring, it focuses on non-academic training procedures that quickly strengthen the brain’s core mental abilities: attention, memory, logic and reasoning, auditory processing, visual processing, and processing speed.

Children learning the BrainSkills Program with Sr. M. Ellen Schroeder.

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out of 60 students in the BrainSkillsTM Program passed in 2011.

CROSSROADS

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in the fourth grade and 12/12 students in the sixth grade passed the LEAP test after just three months of training.

In 2011 MFLC rebuilt its community center at the Filmore Parc Apartments. (Before pouring the concrete the sisters dropped religious medals in the foundation, at the request of the builders.) The only red building among the 41 apartments, this center became known as the “Little Red School House.” But there is nothing little about it, as its computers and Promethean Smart Board attest. MFLC’s after-school program provides social and educational experiences for school age children, with attendance between 15-25 daily. MFLC celebrated its tenth anniversary on May 4, 2021.

During their first year the sisters realized they needed to re-direct their efforts to work with other Catholic schools. It was at this time in the development of the program that the name “BrainPower” was born. They initiated the BPP at Holy Ghost School in the Central City of New Orleans and worked with St. Augustine Middle School and St. Mary’s Academy Elementary. At last count, sisters have helped 300 students at MFLC and over 1300 in Catholic schools.

Most recently the sisters faced another crisis in the COVID-19 pandemic, which beamed a “spotlight on the economic, social and employment disparity that has existed in New Orleans for generations,” said Sister Margaret Faist. At Saint Leo the Great School, half the students came Monday and Tuesday, and the other half on Thursday and Friday, while on-line learning was provided daily. Once again, responding to need, the staff spent the summer preparing for on-line learning.

MFLC is also providing virtual learning in basic reading skills.

The ministry of the sisters in New Orleans continues, much to the surprise and gratitude of the citizens of New Orleans who realized that the sisters were not just volunteering for a few weeks. They were there to stay.

Our founding sister, Sister Maria Aloysia Wolbring, had a missionary spirit.

Following her charism, the sisters carry the Good News and immerse themselves in the culture wherever they are sent.

They seek out the poor and marginalized to lead them to their spiritual and human potential. Wherever one sister is sent, we are all there with our prayer and support— even a thousand miles away.

GETTING TO KNOW US

OneMinute WITH KAREN JANKOWSKI

Tell our readers a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, spending my formative years on Toledo’s East Side, the oldest of five children. Graduating from McAuley High School and Mary Manse College, Toledo, I always planned to become a teacher. I taught Social Studies at McAuley before starting my family with my husband, Jerry Jankowski.

We raised our sons in Oak Openings Preserve Metropark where he was a ranger/manager.

It was a unique and rewarding experience. I returned to teaching junior high at my parish and then began teaching Social Studies and Theology at Notre Dame Academy (NDA) in 1993. After retiring I continued to substitute teach at Notre Dame Academy and Lial Catholic School.

My leisure time is spent visiting with friends and family, hiking, reading and gardening. Favorite places to travel to are the American southwest and Canada’s parks and natural areas.

How did you meet the Sisters of Notre Dame?

I met the Sisters of Notre Dame when our oldest son, Paul, enrolled at Lial Catholic School in Whitehouse, Ohio, for Readiness in 1977. When we first visited Lial, Sister Darlene Mary Siebeneck ran down the hall to open the door to let us in.

I remember thinking how welcoming she was.

Sister Vernon Bick’s Bible stories came home to us in Nick’s retelling and Sister Mary Ann Culpert guided Adam through math in primary for three years.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice as a teacher came from Sister Mary Carol Gregory who was the NDA principal at the time, “Model the Behavior.” This was a guiding principle of what Sister expected of her teachers. We can’t expect of our students what we weren’t willing to model ourselves. It really stuck with me.

What’s something you’ve learned from a favorite saint/memorable person?

I think Sister Mary Delores Gatliff’s optimism is memorable. I remember when times at NDA might not have been perfect, whether in a class or at a liturgy, but she always found the positive or the good in what happened.

How have the Sisters of Notre Dame impacted your life?

What’s your favorite line from a movie?

“Where do those stairs go?”

“They go up.”

Ghostbusters

The sisters at Lial brought so many lessons to our children during their time there. We knew our children were safe and cared for and receiving an excellent education. The Readiness Christmas programs were simple but so charming – the parents loved them. Also, we made lifelong friends with other parents. Ministry was shared when I taught at NDA in Toledo from 1993-2011. Friendship, team teaching and support were experienced throughout those years.

The sisters set a good example in faith and educating young women. I am also inspired by the sacrifice and dedication of women like Sister Margaret Mary Faist and Sister Bonita Sniegowski who serve at St. Leo’s in New Orleans.

Three words that describe your ministry with the Sisters.

Inspiring, supportive, faith filled

What has been a particularly meaningful experience in your professional life?

I think it was the time spent with the NDA African American Club members. Sister LaReine-Marie Mosely, a co-teacher, introduced me to working with the African American Club. When she left NDA for another teaching position, I became the moderator.

I have fond memories of working with the students in Gospel Choir, Step Club, the original Hip Hop Club, the City-Wide Afro Ball, Multicultural Assemblies and Cotillion.

CROSSROADS ETERNAL REST

In Loving Memory SISTER MARY HELAINE EHRMAN

SISTER MARY DORETTA PETER

May 17, 1944 - August 6, 2020 Religious Profession: August 18, 1964

April 2, 1949 - January 10, 2021 Religious Profession: January 15, 1971

“We have come to know and have believed the love that God has in our behalf.”

This refrain from one of Sister Mary Helaine’s musical compositions characterizes Sister’s life. Her confidence in God’s love expressed itself in art and music and enabled her to serve in outreach despite many physical difficulties. On the feast of the Transfiguration, God called Sister to her heavenly home.

Music was her love. She learned many instruments and received degrees in music from Mary Manse College (Toledo) and Bowling Green State University. She was second violin in the Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra.

Sister conducted the orchestra at Notre Dame Academy Toledo, taught music lessons, and was organist for the local community and also for parishes in the diocese. When she could no longer do this, she made rosaries, crocheted hats for central city Catholic school children and collected stuffed animals for an afterschool program. May Sister Mary Helaine now experience the freedom of the spirit lifting her to her loving God.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9) Humble and reserved, attentive to others’ needs, hard-working and ever attuned to God’s will, Sister Mary Doretta allowed God to direct her life. Led

by God, Sister was able to lead others to God. Sister earned a master’s degree in special education and for over 25 years taught at Mary Immaculate School, Toledo, a school for children with learning differences.

Sister cared deeply for her students and willingly shared her knowledge by serving on the Autism Academy School Board for nine years. She is especially remembered as being prayerful and a great lover of the Eucharist as she prepared many young children for their first Communion.

On January 10, 2021, Sister Mary Doretta received the welcoming embrace of her Bridegroom into her eternal home. May she rest in peace.

SISTER DARLENE MARY SIEBENECK (SISTER MARY ROSALYN) August 17, 1945 - January 31, 2021 Religious Profession: August 21, 1965 “Let the little children come to me for such is the Kingdom of heaven.”

(Mk 10:14-15) Energetic, enthusiastic, joy filled, ever smiling, Sister Darlene Mary strove to make God known and loved, especially to the many children she taught and the teachers she mentored. She aimed to lead each child to the fullness of his or her human and spiritual potential.

Sister’s teaching career began in 1966 to primarily Kindergarten, first and second graders and those in preschool and readiness. When she moved to Florida in 2002, she became Early Learning Director at Guardian Catholic School. Sister’s many local, state, and national awards attest to her commitment and effectiveness.

On January 31, 2021, Sister Darlene Mary surrendered herself into the loving arms of Jesus who so loved little children.

There, with the little ones who preceded her in death, may she rest in peace.

By living in the presence of God in the spirit of faith we trust that one day we will be led to the fullness of joy when we shall see God face to face.”

CONSTITUTIONS OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME, ARTICLE 52

CROSSROADS REACHING OUT

“In fidelity to our charism we participate in the mission of Jesus Christ, witnessing God’s goodness and provident care to others.”

CONSTITUTIONS OF THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME, ARTICLE 3

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D A

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A|B|C During Catholic Sisters Week, March 8-14, 2021 the Sisters of Notre Dame joined the nationwide effort to END HUNGER. An overwhelming response from the community resulting in 25,557 pounds of food donated. We Stuffed the Truck!

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D Sr. Mary Nancy Vance volunteers to serve lunch to those in need at the Claver House in Toledo.

E|F Sisters at Notre Dame Academy and Lisa Strugarek, SND Associate, bake cookies for the Claver House.

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G Sr. Mary Teresita Richards leads an outdoor rosary at St. Mary Catholic Church in Leipsic, Ohio.