Annual Report 2016

Intercom

Annual Report 2016

S I S T E R S

Solidarity – Our Bond of Belonging

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C H A R I T Y

O F

C I N C I N N AT I

A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT Dear Sisters, Associates, and Friends,

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Contents Communications........................3 Year of Mercy .............................4 Leadership ............................. 6-7 Spirituality ................................8 Peace, Justice and Care for Creation .....................................9 Associates .................................10 Vocation/Formation ........... 12-13 Archives ...................................14 Stewardship ..............................15 Social Justice Fund ...................16 Ministry ............................. 18-19 Corporation Board for Sponsored Ministries ........................... 20-21 S. Blandina Segale, Servant of God .....................................22 Seton Enablement Fund ..... 24-25 SC Ministry Foundation .... 26-27 On the Cover: Sisters Marge Kloos and Mary Gallagher in Dominica, West Indies, with the Diocesan Youth Camp, planned by the Youth Ministry Office, a week-long, interactive program on learning about the beauty of Earth, the dangers of climate change and positive ways to commit ourselves to healing our world.

Disclaimer: The information contained in Intercom is intended for general information and educational purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are the views of individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

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his past May I attended the General Assembly of the International Union of Superiors General in Rome, Italy. General superiors of women’s religious congregations from all over the world participated in this assembly, which takes place every three years. This year’s theme was “Weaving Global Solidarity for Life: that they may have life and have it to the full.” For me it was mindexpanding, heart-warming, and soul-enriching to participate in a global gathering around the theme of global solidarity.

We reflected together on Pope John Paul II’s definition of solidarity, “a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all” (“On Social Concerns,” 1987); and on Pope Francis’ reminder that, according to the book of Genesis, “human life is grounded in three fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbor and with the earth itself ” (Laudato Si’, par.

66). We came to understand that solidarity involves an ongoing decision to embrace the joys and challenges inherent in our life with God, one another and our earth.

The theme of global solidarity resonates with our 2015 SC General Chapter Direction: “Called from the beginning of our foundation as Sisters of Charity to address the needs of our world, we move intentionally and creatively toward the vulnerabilities of our Earth and our sisters and brothers. Infused by a spirituality of union with the Divine Mystery within and around us, ‘we journey together toward wholeness.’”

In the pages of this Annual Report we Sisters of Charity and Associates tell the stories of our efforts toward global solidarity, as we respond to the many critical needs that surround us. We count on your prayers with and for us in this effort, and we offer grateful prayers for your friendship and support.

Your Sister,

S. Joan Elizabeth Cook, SC President

I N T E RC O M

A CULTURE OF ENCOUNTER

By S. Georgia Kitt and Erin Reder

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s a Chapter in the spring of 2015 we called ourselves to wholemaking, linking us through a variety of prepositions – on the margins, in relationships, through spirituality, with creation. It is in the collective moments of our experiences that we progress in wholemaking. From this new place the Communications Office is promoting the mission of the SC congregation in new ways.

As SCs continued to live and work more effectively on the margins over this past year we have featured website During National Catholic Sisters Week in March 2016, sponsored and print articles on our Sisters’ courage ministries (like Bayley, pictured) helped celebrate the Sisters’ contributions to the community with Sister Shout Outs. and ministries among the marginalized.

Significant strides made by students at our and charism with a newer, younger audience. vulnerable sponsored ministry DePaul Cristo SC Federation collaboration enhanced our Rey High School were communicated on all communications efforts in video, social social media platforms. Sharing the writings media and print. A vocation video of young of our Sisters articles for Global Sisters Report members of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and several blogs have educated many to the acquainted viewers with the Face of Religious current situation among immigrants and Life Today, and established the desire to refugees along our borders. With the start collaborate amongst religious communities. of the Year of Mercy, our office initiated The variety of activities during National a landing page, highlighting Sisters and Catholic Sisters Week – including a Sister/ their acts of mercy, with Mercy in Motion employee guessing game and feature and Mercy Monday entries on our website, articles on our Sisters and their ministries – Instagram account and Facebook page. We reinforced new relationships and awareness. have stayed true to ‘daring to risk a caring Increased use of livestreaming via the website response,’ communicating the works of our strengthened intentional community living.

Sisters and Associates.

We collaborated with the Office of Peace, Deepening of relationships naturally occurs through the living of our charism of charity in the service of others; we offered varied approaches in our communicating.

Our use of social media – Facebook and Instagram – and our electronic vocations newsletter allowed us to share the mission A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

Justice and Care for Creation to create a human trafficking video that emphasized the Community’s congregational stand to end the violence. These efforts demonstrate our valuing of relationships – internally, communally and in solidarity with our sisters and brothers.

With the Sisters of Charity being valued for our spirituality, our awareness of God’s ongoing presence ideally leads us, and those with whom we walk, to compassionate action.

Short reflections for special Feast Days, holy days, holidays, crisis and global concerns, on our various platforms, called on God to lead us forward.

During the second half of the Year of Consecrated Life, our office organized a Day of Prayer at the SC Motherhouse inviting the public to share in the joy and richness of a number of prayer experiences. A wide variety of programs by our Spirituality Center, reinforced by our office’s web and print sharing, encouraged the search for greater meaning, personally and globally.

Taking seriously our responsibility as stewards of Earth, our regular features of seasonal beauty (via photography, art, poetry, video) supported this. Earth-conscious programs available for awareness and education are spotlighted on all platforms with participation encouraged. The continued work and programs of OPJCC and EarthConnection (now under the direction of S. Caroljean Willie) keeps us attuned to ways we can grow and collaborate.

Our Chapter call leads us to take seriously concrete ways we can model ecological sustainability in the immediate future.

We, as communicators, want to keep sharing human experiences that show our solidarity with our sisters and brothers.

Pope Francis refers to this as the ‘culture of encounter.’ Through your input and viewership we will give continued energy to journeying together toward wholeness.

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YEAR OF MERCY

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n this Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis emphasizes the need for the Church and all Her members to live out the loving mercy that God has for us. Keeping God’s mercy ever close, Sisters of Charity are loving examples of God’s compassion and forgiveness. Through their daily ministries and lives, serving the poor, feeding the hungry and visiting the sick and imprisoned, to name a few, their actions allow others to encounter God. During this Fiscal Year and Jubilee Year, we celebrate examples of our Sisters of Charity and their merciful love.

Feed the Hungry: At EarthConnection in

Cincinnati, Ohio, S. Winnie Brubach leads a group of volunteers in harvesting a variety of vegetables that were donated to the Good Samaritan Free Health Center in Price Hill (Cincinnati).

Shelter the Homeless: Sisters of Charity

Federation vocation and formation personnel collaborated with the St. Bernard Project in New Orleans, Louisiana, to bring a family home in honor of the 10th anniversary of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

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Visit the Prisoners: S. Rose Martin Morand ministers to female jail inmates in Montgomery County, Ohio. She leads peacemaking circles to support and encourage the women.

Visit the Sick: S. Marie Patrice Joyce (right) visits with Sisters, like S. Miriam Thomas Busch, in Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility weekly.

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In January 2016, consecrated women and men from 16 area societies joined their voices at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati, Ohio, to celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life in song.

We are steeped in conscious awareness of our oneness in God. Spirituality is a hallmark of our community and expresses itself in multiple ways leading to compassionate action.

- Chapter Direction A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

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J O U R N EY I N G TO G E T H E R

TOWARD WHOLENESS

By S. Mary Bookser

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alled from the beginning of our foundation as Sisters of Charity to address the needs of our world, we move intentionally and creatively toward the vulnerabilities of our Earth and our sisters and brothers. Infused by a spirituality of union with the Divine Mystery within and around us, ‘we journey together toward wholeness.’”

This statement from the Sisters of Charity 2015 Chapter assembly summarizes the focus and work of the Sisters of Charity Leadership Council for the past year. Called to be steeped in conscious awareness of the oneness of all life in God, we have moved toward expanding our relationships with our Charity family, with those with whom we are in regular relationship, with those persons on the margins, and with God’s Earth and all Earth’s creatures.

Our Chapter reinforced our belief that “Our mutual relationships support and strengthen us in living our charism of charity in service of the Kindom of God.” And this service includes walking with, advocating for, learning from and offering hospitality to our sisters and brothers in need, and to challenging ourselves to “seek communal and personal environmental sustainability.”

Living these challenges requires that we spend intensive time in personal and communal prayer. The Leadership Council of Women Religious (LCWR) and our Federation family recognize this need and call us to ever deepening the awareness that prayer allows us to hear the Spirit’s call in ever expanding ways, through our vows, and in 6

the recognition that all people and all Earth’s life are deeply interconnected in God. Our leadership work includes local, national and even international relationships, for the sake of Mission, of service to our God. The U.S. Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) meets once a year, with regional meetings semi-annually, to localize the national assembly resolutions. We have found that the resolutions of the national and the regional groups, echo aspects of our Chapter Direction. The Region 6 LCWR group (Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee) has been meeting at the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse. Emphasizing relationships as our means of moving into the future, the April 2016 meeting called us to bring the message of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, to hear the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor, to all of our ministries and spheres of influence.

Another connection which we honor is with our 13 Federation congregations.

(For a list of these visit our website: www.srcharitycinti. org.) We meet once a year and this year’s theme was “Deepening Charity for the Life of the World.” Three of the highlights from this year’s meeting in June were updates from our United Nations NGO representative, from a number of our newer Sisters and Associates, and a tour of a special exhibit developed

by several of our archivists. Presentations, sharing and continuation of relationship development for the sake of Charity mission in our world, are key elements of these gatherings.

Our Chapter Direction statements on our responsibility to care for God’s Earth direct us to “transform the Motherhouse properties and designated intentional communities into models of ecological sustainability.” During the year we formed a Motherhouse “Green Team” consisting of two members of the Council along with Tim Moller, our CFO, and Jim Franz, Plant Operations director. We worked with Melink Corporation, a local consultant about green energy solutions. They assessed the entire Motherhouse and also the Compound Houses on our grounds. For the immediate near future they suggested that we needed to convert our c.10,000 light bulbs in the Motherhouse to LED lighting. This was being

Members of LCWR’s Region 6 gathered at the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse for their fall meeting.

I N T E RC O M

The Sisters of Charity Federation leaders gathered in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in June for the annual meeting.

done gradually already, but we made it a speedier commitment. LED total replacement in all of our lights would equal a savings of about $62,000/year. In terms of our “carbon footprint” on God’s Earth this would result in a yearly reduction of 512 metric tons of carbon dioxide which is equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions from 108 passenger vehicles driven for one year or the emissions from the electricity use of 70.5 homes per year. We would also save about 420 acres of U.S. forest or help about 105,000 trees per year by these changes. We have not yet achieved this but have made it a priority.

Meanwhile, we looked at our Compound Houses and decided to experiment with transforming the heating and cooling aspects of two of the major local community houses into a geothermal system. We are still studying the results of this and are making progress towards converting the electricity for all six living areas into a solar energy system. This will convert these designated A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

communities into “models of ecological sustainability” and close to net zero energy usage. We continue to explore the use of technology to enhance our connections across the U.S. and beyond. We will use technology to help deepen relationships for the sake of Mission, and to reduce some of our carbon footprint by reducing our need for car and airplane travel.

The Leadership Council determined that our Small Groups would spend the year focusing on our vows. Using S. Elaine Prevallet’s booklet In the Service of Life: Widening and Deepening Religious Commitment, our groups continue to explore the meaning of the vows in light of our “interdependence and reciprocity” with all of God’s creation. In keeping with our vows we learn in a whole deeper way to strive to live more simply as we lift our hearts in gratitude for each other, for God’s good Earth, for our sun and the whole of God’s universe.

Finally, we have begun what we call “outrageous conversations” as we think “out of the box” to look into our present and future with each other and with various Sister of Charity groups. “Stay tuned” on this.

Our Sisters of Charity Constitutions remind us: “Throughout the history of the Sisters of Charity, the spirit of the community has been summarized in its motto, ‘The love of Christ urges us’ (2Cor5:14). For St. Elizabeth that love of Christ was confirmed by the Eucharist, channeled through the Church, and fulfilled in eternity.

This same spirit and heritage continues to animate the Sisters of Charity. Service and spirituality are the foundation of the life of a daughter of Elizabeth Seton.”

Whatever our reflection, our mission, our prayer, our service, we are always grounded in the love of Christ which leads us onward into our future together.

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B E I N G O PE N TO

THE DIVINE MYSTERY

By S. Marty Dermody, Spirituality Center director

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alled from the beginning of our foundation as Sisters of Charity to address the needs of our world, we move intentionally and creatively toward the vulnerabilities of our Earth and our sisters and brothers. Infused by a spirituality of union with the Divine Mystery within and around us, “we journey together toward wholeness” (Chapter Statement, 2015).

Celebrating our relationships with one another and deepening our spirituality with those on the margins and with all of creation is the reality that we attempt to live into with each new day we are given as a gift. The Spirituality Center is challenged to offer programs to enrich the statements of our Chapter as we offer programs that meet the needs of our Sisters, Associates, as well as serve our brothers and sisters within the Community of Faith.

Directed retreats were offered in August 2015 and June 2016, as we simultaneously welcomed Fr. Eugene Hensel, OSB, to share the wisdom of The Parables of Jesus: Paradigm for Religious Life, and S. Mary Ann Flannery on The Mercy Parables and Religious Life.

Patricia Livingston, a nationally known speaker and award-winning author, presented What Makes a Difference? in October 2015.

In early October Making a Difference was the topic; Patricia Livingston shared scripture, stories and prayer for each of our lives. Following within the month we were visited by S. Lynn Levo, CSJ, who explored the developmental tasks of adulthood, and the challenge of balancing Being and Doing, and our call to live in hope and joy in “vertical time.”

Early November brought us Vanessa Hurst, author of Engaging Compassion through Intent and Action, who led us in Walking the Path of Jesus and Buddha. These programs deepened our reflections and strengthened our bonds and commitments to one another in religious life.

S. Maureen Heverin shared a new way for our book sharing program that explored two sessions of The Incarnation: Keeping God in the Flesh using the technology of the visual world of DVD with Fr. Rolheiser, who brought the incarnation into focus and clarity to its meaning.

Fr. Eugene Hensel, OSB, directed The Parables of Jesus: Paradigm for Religious Life in August 2015.

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As the year continued we enjoyed the experiences of four of our Community

members through the reflection Sundays with Sisters Paula Gonzalez, Creation/Earth; Annie Klapheke, Relationships; Caroljean Willie, The Marginalized; and Mary Bookser, Living the Divine Mystery, as they shared their reflections on the Chapter Direction, giving us a wealth of information to ponder within our own lives as we journey toward wholeness together.

We were also enriched in the Advent season as we walked with the O Antiphons through prayer and reflections with each day prior to the Christmas celebration.

The Spirituality Center continues to offer a variety of opportunities to help us strengthen our bonds and relationships with one another as we creatively express who we are as Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. We hope that somehow each of us will be challenged to live out the “Divine Mystery” that we share within our daily lives. May we continue to be open to the reality that we are “all connected” as we journey into wholeness each new day.

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LEARN, SERVE AND SHARE

By Debbie Weber, OPJCC director

“Walk with, learn from, serve and share ourselves with those in need. Advocate for systemic change … for those on the margins.”

OPJCC enjoyed working with several volunteers last year. The office partnered with Mount St. Joseph University, mentoring and working with four Service Learning students.

We also appreciated the time spent with two volunteers who brought their passion and expertise to the office.

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sing a variety of mediums including live exhibits, artwork, guest speakers, video, direct service organizations, law enforcement, fair-trade vendors, and action/advocacy opportunities, the Office of Peace, Justice and Care for Creation’s Human Trafficking Symposium in October 2015 engaged all who attended. The symposium planning committee made sure that the educational yet captivating evening left a lasting impression on our guests, community partners, speakers, volunteers and sponsored ministries who all helped make it a success.

S. Paula Gonzalez asked if OPJCC would take up a collection for the Heifer Project during the Advent and Christmas season. We did, and S. Paula was delighted that the generosity of the SC family bought one heifer cow, a trio of rabbits and a flock of chicks to help families around the world become self-reliant. We also made a donation to the Heifer Project’s Haiti Reach program.

For the first six months of the Year of Mercy, OPJCC partnered with Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio to provide area refugee families with Welcome Baskets and Bins full of bedding, cleaning supplies and household items. Two-and-a-half truckloads of donated items were collected.

The overwhelming kindness of the SC family and friends has touched the lives of many of our sisters and brothers who now call Cincinnati their home. “… we reach out in loving collaboration with the SC Federation, our sponsored A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

“We take seriously our responsibility as stewards of Earth, and we challenge ourselves to seek communal and personal environmental sustainability.”

OPJCC Director Debbie Weber with donated items for welcome baskets for area refugee families.

ministries, and other organizations and groups who are aligned with our mission and priorities.”

Debbie Weber, OPJCC director, continued her collaborative work with social justice representatives from the SC Federation, Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and the Vincentian Family. In February 2016, the Vincentian Family social justice representatives issued a Public Statement in Support of our Muslim Brothers and Sisters.

OPJCC staff and Advisory Committee members continued their involvement with several local collaborations such as the Climate Change Task Force of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center’s Human Trafficking Committee, the Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati, and the Sisters of Charity Corporate Responsibility Committee. Our Congo Week activities brought together area Congolese friends, Sisters and Associates.

OPJCC ended the 2016 Fiscal Year collaborating with EarthConnection and the SC Spirituality Center. We presented the Green Spot Initiative in honor of our Sisters and staff who demonstrate their love and concern for our Earth. The 155 Green Spot certificates displayed throughout the Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall are reminders to all who pass through our halls that Sisters and employees actively live out the mission of caring for all creation. Acts of green are practiced here!

Students from SC sponsored ministries portrayed people who have been trafficked during the Oct. 27, 2015, Violence Against Women: Human Trafficking Symposium.

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FULLY ALIVE

By Mary Jo Mersmann, director of Associates

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n the recent updated report about Associates and religious commissioned by NACAR (North American Conference of Associates and Religious) and completed by CARA (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate), more than 55,000 Associates live, minister and witness to the charism of their community in the United States and Canada.

experience with my 17-year-old daughter, Malina, her friends and other teens in our Life Teen Group. I found that traveling internationally with the teens and visiting places where saints had lived and walked and other spiritual people had gone through great suffering was a way to deeply enrich my faith with my daughter and the teens. … The Holy Spirit was deeply felt and present in ways words could not express.”

In our own Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Community, our 206 Associates do the same and share the charism of charity with those Associates participate in they meet on a daily basis. It might liturgies, jubilee celebrations not be that we know one another and offerings of the Spirituality Alaska Associate Destiny Sargeant traveled with her daughter in 2016 to Poland for by sight, but we know when someone World Youth Day. Center. In fact, several Associates is sick or facing a challenge because we serve on the Spirituality Center communicate through Facebook, Charitynet, Advisory Committee helping offer ways for When Associate Carol Herbert made Update and in other ways on a regular basis. all Sisters and Associates to deepen their love her Lifetime Commitment in June 2016, of God and God’s people.

Associate Jacquie Jones has suffered a she shared how important her many years of long-term illness but she lives on the West Perhaps it is said best in one of the ministry with the St. Vincent de Paul Society Coast and seldom sees another Associate. The were. Working with the marginalized at St. statements by a vowed religious in the CARA Charity Family has been praying for her and William Parish, by helping them find furniture Report, “The love of the Associates for in a recent email she wrote, “I can’t thank you and other needed items, connected her to the the charism and mission is contagious. enough for the love I have felt pouring in to Charity charism in a very positive way.

Their living of the charism questions me from you. It is palpable. You are keeping This year we welcomed eight new me afloat!” us and calls us to be more fully alive Associates to our ever-growing number.

And then there are those who are able to Christina DeSantos made her commitment in the spirit of our own Institute.” see one another often and their relationships in Texas; Destiny Sargeant in Alaska; and have grown over the years. “We share a Pamela Korte, Pat Stetter, Sue DiTullio, Thanksgiving meal in November with all Linda Trenn, Nancy Clark and Janet Dwyer of the Sisters and Associates who are able to celebrated in Cincinnati. join us. We love being with one another and One of those new Associates, Destiny, thanking God for our relationships,” says went with her daughter to Poland for Associate Pat Grubelnik in Colorado Springs, World Youth Day. She told me, “It was Colorado. an opportunity to share a deeply spiritual 10

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In 2016, the late S. Kateri Maureen Koverman (front, center) brought together adoptees of the Vietnam Operation Babylift. Sister coordinated the evacuation of the Vietnamese children through Catholic Relief Services in 1975.

We pray for the wisdom to know the needs of our sisters and brothers and we dare to risk a caring response.

- Chapter Direction A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

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FUTURE OF HOPE

By Sisters Janet Gildea, Monica Gundler and Donna Steffen

“Hope always awake whispers mercy for the future!”

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ur future is full of hope as we have been blessed to walk with women discerning the call to vowed membership in the Sisters of Charity. We listen along with them through the first stirrings of vocational discernment and along the deepening levels of clarity of God’s call.

Extending the invitation to young women to consider a vocation to religious life is an exercise in hope for the future.

It requires that all Sisters and Associates be aware of the opportunities they have to encourage the women in their circles of influence. A heart full of gratitude and

enthusiasm for the vocation one has embraced is the very best advertisement for religious life!

Our members responded to many requests to speak at vocation fairs, in parishes and schools. The three open house events for the Year of Consecrated Life offered extra opportunities to share the good news of our SC life and mission.

We joined forces with the SC Federation for many of our vocation promotion activities. The House of Charity in New Orleans, Louisiana, hosted the annual “Come and Serve” discernment and service experience over the Labor Day weekend.

In September the Federation Online Discernment Retreat for women focused on the theme of the Year of Consecrated Life: “Wake Up the World!” The service trip for young adults in January 2016 opened the Charity charism and mission to eight participants.

inoso, Denise In September 2015 Romina Sap ed the join z Morris and Whitney Schielt New Mexico. y, hon formation community in Ant

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On Sept. 20, 2015, we welcomed Denise Morris, Romina Sapinoso and Whitney Schieltz to our Affiliate program. They lived with the formation community in Anthony, New Mexico, known as Casa de Caridad. The experience of building community while serving in ministries as diverse as a parochial school, a homeless shelter and a diocesan migrant and refugee agency brought opportunities to explore the reality of

religious life at the margins of society. Many were the moments of reflection upon God’s face as merciful presence to those most vulnerable, especially in a shared ministry at the Santo Niño Project for children with special needs in Anapra, Mexico.

Opportunities for studying The Joy of the Gospel together with SC Associates Siba Escobedo and Christina De Santos, attending the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress and participating in the Federation Future of Charity gatherings of women in discernment and formation, brought educational, social and spiritual enrichment. Privately directed retreats at the Motherhouse gave each Affiliate time for deep listening in prayer.

Always in the background was the question, “Is vowed membership in the Sisters of Charity the path of my heart’s desire?”

In God’s time and with the supportive accompaniment of the formation community each woman reached enough clarity to choose a next step on the path. Romina applied and was accepted to the Canonical Novitiate year in Cincinnati. Denise chose to explore a dedicated single life, returning to her home in Kansas and applying to continue her relationship with the Congregation as an Associate in Mission. Whitney continued her vocational journey with a second year of Affiliation. Three faith-filled women, awake for the whispering of the Spirit!

S. Annie Klapheke reached the midpoint of her Canonical Novitiate in July 2015.

Her weekly programs continued with the Intercommunity Novitiate, volunteer ministry, study of Sister of Charity life and history, and a weekly Sabbath Day of prayer I N T E RC O M

and reflection. For the second half of her Canonical year, Annie volunteered at the Good Samaritan Free Health Center with S. Barbara Hagedorn as mentor. Later in the summer S. Judith Metz led the “Way of Elizabeth”, visiting the historic sites from the life of St. Elizabeth Seton in New York City, New Rochelle, and Staten Island. After hospitality with the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth in New Jersey, the “way” led on to Emmitsburg, Maryland, with a side trip to Baltimore. Upon return the normal Novitiate schedule continued, including courses on Laudato Si’, Vatican II, Spirituality of NonViolence, Liturgy, Catholic Social Teaching, Sacraments, EcoSpirituality, and Women in Christianity.

on Sept. 23. Annie made a directed retreat in December and concluded her Canonical Novitiate with a prayer service and celebratory dinner at the Novitiate House on Jan. 11, 2016.

The Apostolic Novitiate began for Annie with a threemonth Spanish language program in Antigua, Guatemala. When she returned she was immediately able to put her new language The Apostolic Novitiate began for Annie Klapheke skills to use in her partwith a three-month Spanish lang uage program in time ministry as a nutrition Antigua, Guatemala. counselor/registered dietician At the invitation of Pope Francis to at the Good Samaritan Free Major Superiors and Canonical Novices, Health Center. Additionally Sisters Joan Cook and Annie attended the Annie served as a team member with the Louise Lears and Ann Hunt. As one papal Mass at the National Shrine of the Ignatian Spirituality Project’s retreat program expression of their desire to open the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. for homeless women. She also engaged in a experience of community life to other formal study of the vows of young women, they offered monthly “Soul poverty, consecrated celibacy Food with the Sisters,” an informal dinner, and obedience. discussion and prayer using the life stories of faith-filled women of the Church.

Sisters Andrea Koverman and Tracy Kemme made Our vocation and formation program their initial profession of has continued to respond to the needs of vows on June 27, 2015. In women who will be the next generation of the first year of a three-year Charity. The time of invitation, welcome commitment they returned and deepening discernment is challenging, to full-time ministry: Andrea exciting and sacred. We know that religious as the project director for life is evolving and the women who accept the Intercommunity Justice the call will have the grace to walk into a and Peace Center and Tracy future full of hope and possibility, just as sharing her time between the generations of Charity before them have Archdiocesan Social Action done.

Office and Holy Family Parish. In August they moved and to St. William Rectory an erm Kov Vocation Minister: S. Monica Gundler In August 2015, Sisters Andrea the d ate cre in Price Hill to create the t) righ and Affiliate Director: S. Janet Gildea left nt, (fro me Tracy Kem Price Hill in nity Visitation House local mu com al Novice Director: S. Donna Steffen loc use Ho Visitation Hunt.

Ann and rs community with Sisters Lea ise Lou Leadership Liaison: S. Marge Kloos ters with Sis

A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

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AT YOUR SERVICE

By S. Judith Metz

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and magazine editors who were producing materials about S. Blandina. We participated in planning for events related to the celebration of the bicentennial of Delhi Township, and worked with the Battle of Richmond Association and individuals from Trinidad, Colorado, who are planning a tribute to the Sisters of Charity.

uring the 2015-2016 year, the Archives assisted in maintaining the life of the Sisters of Charity by carrying out its mission to collect, preserve, and make available the historical resources of the Community. With the participation of a dedicated staff, we have cared for and maintained the archival collection according to standard practices; cared for and maintained historical displays and their environs at the Motherhouse; and worked on updating and digitizing our records and finding aids.

Within the Community we collaborated with Congregational offices. We provided resources to the Communications Office and wrote articles for Intercom. We are also working on indexing and digitizing the entire run of Intercom since its inception in 1979.

We offered programs and participated in the Way of Elizabeth for the Novitiate Office.

We work with the Motherhouse Gift Shop in providing historical books for sale, initiated a docent training program to prepare a cadre of tour guides, and completed a new rendition of the panels outside the chapel listing the names of Sisters of Charity and Associates.

We also worked on a third edition of the educational DVD “Mission as a Sacred Trust� that discusses the history of our Sisters of Charity charism and mission.

The Archives staff often responded to requests from individual Sisters and our sponsored ministries. We provided mission orientation programs for staff, and docents for tours for staff, students, and residents of these ministries. We also provided resources for Seton Heritage Ministries (the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Seton) to assist them 14

S. Judith Metz (left) led the Way of Elizabeth for the Novitiate office, which included a visit to Emmitsburg, Maryland, in August 2015.

in preparing programs and exhibits; supplied the Shrine gift shop with publications; and participated in Elizabeth Seton Federation programs such as the meeting of the Federation Archivists.

In order to further their archival education and be aware of timely issues, staff members participated in meetings of the Tri-State Catholic Archivists group at the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Archives, and at the library and archives of the Cincinnati Art Museum, and were members of the Archivists of Congregations of Women Religious.

Beginning in May we were joined by a new staff member, Veronica Buchanan, who became the Archivist on July 1, 2016.

In all of these ways we have participated in maintaining and sharing the mission and charism of the Sisters of Charity. The Archives is a busy place and we are always at your service.

In addition, the Archives had numerous involvements with individuals, researchers, groups, and agencies seeking resources. We continued to work with those in Albuquerque who are promoting the cause for the canonization of S. Blandina Segale.

In this regard we were interviewed and provided photographs for TV S. Sheila Galalgher (right) is one of the docents provided by the SC Archives to stations, newspapers, offer tours of the Motherhouse for visiting groups.

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ADAPTING TO THE TIMES

By Tim Moller, CFO

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iscal 2016 Congregational financial results were disappointing due to a slightly negative overall investment return of about <1.4 percent>. On a positive note, most other major categories of operating (non-investment) income increased during Fiscal 2016, with the exception of Sisters’ salaries. Also, operating expenses were generally lower than budget and last year. However, the negative investment return contributed to this year’s shortfall of revenue versus expense.

Operating inflows were higher than last year primarily due to a demographically driven increase in support payments transferred from the Sisters’ Charitable Trust, and higher pension assessments, partially offset by a reduction in Sisters’ salaries due to retirements, lower grant revenue and a smaller surplus from Sisters’ houses and savings.

Operating outlays were lower in Fiscal 2016 mostly due to last year’s large retroactive property tax assessment related to the Congregational property in Bedford, Ohio, significantly lower legal fees, lower payroll cost due to several retirements last year, and expenses associated with Congregational committees and related events occurring in Fiscal 2015.

Spirituality is a hallmark of the Sisters of Charity community. This spirituality is expressed by the Sisters’ compassionate action to help their vulnerable sisters and brothers. Today, Sisters of Charity advocate for those who are trafficked and marginalized, and for immigrants and refugees. Another way the Sisters of Charity have expressed compassion is by significantly reducing the interest rate on this year’s Seton Enablement Fund loans to commemorate the Year of Mercy. This Fund provides loans to community-based organizations serving the poor and underserved, who do not qualify for conventional financing. The Sisters of Charity A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

call us to join them as they continue to pray for the wisdom to know the needs of the vulnerable and to risk a caring response.

The charts below depict the categories of Congregational income and outflow for Fiscal 2016.

On the Source side, Investment Income, which includes interest, dividends and realized gains, amounted to 32.6 percent of Total Income. Retirement Income provided 49.1 percent of Total Income, and includes support payments from the Sisters of Charity Charitable Trust, Social Security and Sisters’ pensions.

General Congregational Income amounted to 14.6 percent of Total Income and is primarily comprised of Sisters’ earnings, bequests and support from benefactors. Other sources, including the positive impact of actuarial projections related to the lay employee pension plan, totaled 3.7 percent. This plan was terminated last year and was cashed out during Fiscal 2016.

On the Use side, Retirement Related Expenses was the largest expense category at

32.7 percent, and includes costs associated with the care of our retired Sisters. Local House Expenses, which include living expenses for Sisters living away from the Mount St. Joseph campus, amounted to 11.1 percent of Total Expenses. The cost of maintaining Sisters of Charity facilities is reflected in Property Expense, which totaled 9.1 percent of Total Expense. General Congregational Expenses, primarily comprised of administrative costs, legal and audit fees, insurance premiums and contributions, amounted to 6.8 percent of Total Expense. Unrealized Losses on investments amounted to 33.7 percent of Total Expense.

Service Department Expenses, net, amounted to 5.8 percent of total costs and includes the unallocated costs of Shared Services such as Maintenance, Grounds, Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. Bedford Campus Expenses totaled .9 percent of Total Expenses; the Congregational residence in Bedford has been closed and an option agreement has been executed with a prospective buyer.

Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, Ohio, Inc. Source and Use of Funds June 30, 2016

1 2 3 4 5

Source of Funds Retired Income Investment Income General Congregational Income Pension Actuarial Adjustment Other Income

49.14% 32.59% 14.63% 2.87% 0.77% 100.0%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Use of Funds Retirement Related Expenses Local House Expenses Property Expenses General Congregational Expenses Unrealized Losses on Investments Service Department Expenses, net Bedford Campus Expenses

32.68% 11.10% 9.11% 6.80% 33.71% 5.75% 0.85% 100.0%

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S H A R I N G O U R S E LV E S

WITH THOSE IN NEED

By S. Louise Lears

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t our 2015 Chapter gathering, Sisters and Associates promised to “walk with, learn from, serve and share ourselves with those in need.” Solidarity with persons who are pushed to the margins by poverty, oppression and indifference is central to living the Gospel and our mission “to dare to risk a caring response.”

The Congregational Social Justice Fund is one way by which we intentionally translate our words into action. This fund helps us to address emergency needs as well as unjust structures that keep people in poverty.

Regarding emergency needs, individual Sisters and Associates can request funds for families in danger of being evicted or having utilities cut off, persons strapped with medical bills and funeral expenses or single parents desperate for help with car repairs. In order to soothe the anxiety of the persons needing emergency assistance, the approved funds are sent quickly and directly to the rental and utility companies, doctor’s offices and funeral homes.

Those who have suffered from natural disasters require immediate financial aid for rescue, recovery and rebuilding. In this past year we sent significant funds to Catholic Relief Services and other disaster relief organizations in the aftermath of an earthquake in Ecuador, a hurricane in Belize, a tropical storm in Dominica, and a flood in Houston. We continue to pray for those most directly affected by such devastation and for all who are helping with restoration and renewal.

• legal services for unaccompanied minors crossing into the United States, • books for students in Congo who otherwise could not attend school, and • retreats at our Motherhouse for women in recovery.

f

“Walk with, learn from, serve and share ourselves with those in need.”

During the season of Advent, we sponsored a special program of matching funds for not-for-profit organization(s) of each Sister’s choice.

address the root causes of poverty and oppression. Among other strategies, we supported efforts for • clean water in South Sudan, • housing and supportive services for those living with HIV/AIDS, • gardens for inner-city youth, • professional attire for women with low incomes, • a solar-powered mill for farmers in Haiti, • computer classes for immigrants, • bullying prevention for children in poor neighborhoods,

Pope Francis reminds us, “Each Christian and every community must discern the path that the Lord points out, but all of us are asked to obey his call to go forth from our own comfort zone in order to reach all the ‘peripheries’ in need of the light of the Gospel” (The Joy of the Gospel, no. 20, vatican.va). We continue to pray for the wisdom to know the needs of our sisters and brothers who live on the margins and the courage to share freely and joyfully all that we have.

Social Justice Fund Expenditures Fiscal 2016 Contributions to organizations/ groups that advocate for justice Contributions to advocacy efforts of sponsored ministries Emergency assistance/disaster relief Advent Matching Fund

We are privileged to collaborate with organizations of similar values in order to 16

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Eight new Associates were welcomed into the SC Community this year, including Linda Trenn (center). The Sister/Associate relationship was established so that individuals could partner with the Sisters in responding to the Gospel in the spirit of Elizabeth Seton.

Our mutual relationships support and strengthen us in living our charism of charity in service to the kin-dom of God. - Chapter Direction A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

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T H E S PI R I T UA L I T Y O F

COMPASSIONATE ACTION

By S. Marge Kloos

“We are steeped in the conscious awareness of our oneness in God. Spirituality is a hallmark of our community and expresses itself in multiple ways leading to compassionate action.”

cup of coffee given to the man huddled beneath a seaside dock where travelers disembark from cruise liners, Christ experiences his dignity as a human.

In his recent homily for the canonization of St. Teresa of Calcutta, Pope Francis recalled our Gospel mandate to compassionate action. “The Christian life, however, is not merely extending a hand in times of need. If it is just this, it can certainly be a lovely expression of human solidarity which offers immediate benefits, but it is sterile because it lacks roots. The task which the Lord gives us, on the contrary, is the vocation to charity in which each of Christ’s disciples puts his or her entire life at another’s service, so to grow each day in love.”

(Chapter Direction, 2015)

C

ompassionate action is motivated by seeing another’s reality as an extension of self. When Jesus’ followers asked him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty (From left) Sisters Mary Dugan and Mary Frances Boyle work together and give you something to drink? When to create and translate resources into a bilingual program for Spanish did we see you as a stranger and invite speaking deaf children. you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?

Our human situation today in any one When did we see you sick or in prison and of the 27 dioceses in 13 United States and As the councilor overseeing our go to visit you?” Jesus’ response was simple. two foreign countries in which we serve is Congregational ministry, it has been a “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of robust with opportunity for tending to the privilege to visit and discern with Sisters the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, most basic of Christ’s needs. For the child about our vocation to charity. Sisters are you did for me.” living with multiple disabilities actively compelled to embrace Christ’s whose therapeutic treatment brings humanity in our midst. This report provides relief to his otherwise unrelenting snapshots of Sisters using professional daily discomfort, Christ is attended. expertise, inherent talents, and networks of For a mother and her family able relationships to make visible the enduring to return to a home and a much empathy and advocacy of Christ. beloved community once ravaged n Colorado, The Gathering Place is

by Hurricane Katrina, Christ is Denver’s only daytime drop-in center again a homeowner. In the tragedy for women, children, and transgender of a young woman trafficked on the individuals who are experiencing poverty streets of Cincinnati, who by chance or homelessness. Since 2010 S. Virginia encounters a Sister of Charity who (Ginny) Bohnert has companioned the was once her grade school teacher, women and children who come to the day Christ’s loneliness and desperation program which offers them safety and hope.

S. Ginny Bohnert companions women and children at The Gathering is momentarily comforted. In the

I

Place in Denver, Colorado.

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From 2010 to 2016 S. Mary Gallagher (center) directed the religious education program on the island of Dominica, in the West Indies.

On the day of my visit, S. Ginny introduced me to the women in the card project. These women come to The Gathering Place to create original artwork for greeting cards. Partnering with local businesses, the cards are then sold and the women earn a small income. Seventy-five percent of each card sale goes back to the artist. Building on this dignified therapeutic and cooperative empowerment, the women can learn and sharpen skills for future employment. While S. Ginny sees her role as small, her vocation of charity has become part of a network of companions empowering others.

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hen she arrived in Hillsboro, Ohio, to serve in a parish S. Mary Dugan quickly discovered that her skills as a deaf educator would be wellutilized. In other rural areas of the country where S. Mary had previously lived, she had come to recognize and quietly respond to the needs of the deaf community. After leaving her position in parish ministry, Sister found time and opportunity to attend to significant needs in the deaf community.

A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

Immigrant deaf children, for instance, are enrolled in the rural school district. But often resources are limited and teachers stretched about how to best serve them.

Having already published educational materials, S. Mary partnered with another Sister of Charity, S. Mary Fran Boyle, to create and translate resources into a manageable bilingual program for Spanish speaking deaf children. As the vocation of charity has grounded her ministry with the deaf community, S. Mary inspires inclusion and justice.

O

n the island of Dominica in the Caribbean, Bishop Gabriel Malzaire had a vision for keeping a healthy presence of Catholicism amidst the swelling influence of fundamentalism. He wanted religious education teachers to feel confident about their own faith so they could maintain a strong Catholic presence in the daily life of islanders. So in 2010 he invited S. Mary Gallagher to come to the island to direct the religious education program, and she was strategic in the way she led this initiative in the Diocese.

Whether instructing school teachers in the Faith, preparing young couples for the baptism of their children, buying a juice and biscuits for a homeless vagrant on the streets, or cheerfully planning a party for the pastoral staff of the diocese, S. Mary empowered the laity, inspiring them to want to carry forward the vocation of charity for another generation by nurturing their leadership and compassionate presence. It is no wonder that S. Mary was recently honored by the

Caribbean Association of Catholic Teachers for her ministerial leadership.

B

efore her retirement from teaching, S. Maureen Donovan had already begun to grasp the enormity of need in Michigan. Her role as principal put her squarely in the path of hurting families. She has become a constant and pervasive advocate for those in poverty. She also knows the needs go well beyond the physical realm.

During my recent visit, a man Sister had helped to avoid eviction called to let her know that he was hospitalized and dying. She companioned him in his dying process as she had been present to his physical needs. And as the hands and feet of Christ, she embraces her vocation of charity to make visible the love of Christ in all aspects of tending to those struggling with the burden of poverty.

Wherever Sisters serve, compassionate action engages us with those Christ has chosen to be our companions. For each sister and brother, we embrace the Living Christ as we journey together toward healing and wholeness.

S. Maureen Donovan offers compassion to those struggling with the burden of poverty in the Bay City, Michigan, area.

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BU I L D I N G

LOVING RELATIONSHIPS

By S. Joan Elizabeth Cook

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romoting solidarity among our sponsored ministries is an important focus of our SC Corporation Board for Sponsored Ministries. We accomplish this in several ways, such as encouraging members of ministries’ boards to live their missions as well as those of the Sisters of Charity, hosting CEOs for conversation and networking, supporting communitybuilding and fundraising efforts. In one specific expression of solidarity, the five ministries focus on one particular aspect of the SC mission statement, initiating projects and reflecting on their work from that particular angle. We have been focusing on building loving relationships in ways specific to each mission. Here are a few highlights.

Dr. H. James Williams began his service as the seventh president of Mount St. Joseph University in 2016.

At DePaul

Cristo Rey High

The Ides of March were an auspicious

day for Mount St. Joseph University: Dr. H. James Williams began his service as provided a religious anchor for the entire its seventh president on March 15. During school community. In addition, newly his First One Hundred Days he concentrated established partnerships with Beech Acres, Cincinnati Children’s Home, and Cincinnati on promoting the University’s mission, Children’s Hospital address the students’ and making friends within the University and the Cincinnati community, taking initial steps families’ psycho-social and emotional issues to strengthen the University’s finances, and that can interfere with students’ ability to increasing student enrollment. His efforts had succeed; for example, homelessness, lack of the added support of reaccreditation from the transportation, abuse, and general health issues. With the growth in student population Higher Learning Commission for the next President Jeanne Bessette, OSF is leading the ten years. Mount students, faculty, and staff members participated in various missioneffort to find more space in order to offer related efforts: tours of the Motherhouse and a high school education to an increasing grounds; awards to students, faculty, and staff number of low-income students. members who promote the Mount’s mission; and a display that tells the story of Mount St. Joseph University.

School, Friday morning prayer services

Students washed one another’s hands at a Friday morning prayer service at DePaul Cristo Rey High School.

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Saint Joseph Home continued to serve those with profound developmental disabilities. The Home welcomed people with increasingly complex medical needs, such as infants who need ventilator support. In addition, the Adult Day Care and respite programs continued to grow. In June the Home welcomed Ohio Governor John Kasich for a ceremony to sign new legislation benefitting people with developmental disabilities. A Future Master Plan Executive Committee worked to plan for emerging needs, and President Dan Connors served on a state committee to help shape policy-making for the developmentally disabled population in Ohio.

Senior Care Corporation (Bayley) hosted its First Village Reunion, building loving relationships among residents and staff. As President Adrienne Walsh explained, Bayley Home Services continued to expand opportunities for seniors to age in place, promoting healthy independent living. Bayley looked forward to the completion of a new self-contained HVAC system that promises to be much more energy-efficient than the former shared arrangement with the Motherhouse. New, nearly completed Memory Care apartments will offer opportunities for care of residents with memory issues as well as their families.

Seton High School welcomed President Kathleen Allen Ciarla and Principal Karen White on July 1, 2015. They are implementing the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wise decision to appoint an administrative team to address the many complex needs in education today. The school focused on encouraging students to live Gospel values; strengthening the curriculum around learning and developing critical thinking skills; providing opportunities for mission trips, community service, and leadership development. At the same time, their fundraising efforts continued to address the need to keep tuition affordable.

Ohio Governor John Kasich signed new legislation benefitting people with developmental disabilities during a visit to St. Joseph Home in the summer of 2016.

Bayley hosted its First Village Reunion in June 2016.

Our hearts are full of gratitude for all those who serve in so many ways in our sponsored ministries.

We pray that God will always bless them as they strive to make global solidarity a reality.

In June 2016, Seton High School Spanish teacher Maribeth Corey accompanied a group of students on a mission trip to Chimaltenango, Guatemala, where they worked and stayed at the Agua Viva Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home, a home to over 80 orphaned or abandoned children.

A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

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An Inspiration Yesterday, Today and Into the Future S ERVANT

OF

G OD S ISTER B LANDINA S EGALE

By S. Georgia Kitt, Communications director

“Blandina’s life is a lesson in mercy, always recognizing the dignity of the human being. She was always ready to welcome the outlaw, the outcast and the despairing …”

in the U.S. for Italian immigrants. The Santa Maria Institute continues to this day, ministering to immigrants and helping young families help themselves.

Like the call of our Chapter Directions, S. Blandina’s work continues on as she, too, risked the most caring of responses: serving and sharing herself with those in need; advocating for systemic change; and offering hospitality to the most vulnerable populations. As Mr. Sanchez has said, “She is a great hope and example for our time.

[An immigrant from a poor family], she advocated for the poor. She built hospitals and orphanages with very little money.

That’s the real hope for us.”

- Allen Sanchez

S.

Blandina Segale continued to offer broad appeal throughout this past fiscal year. Mr. Sanchez originally petitioned for her sainthood in June 2014 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since, interest in her life, her writings and her ministry, both in the Southwest and in Cincinnati, has widened. Inquiries from a variety of cultures and countries desire to learn more; teachers, social workers, friends of friends who are experiencing serious health diagnoses are common examples of persons attracted to her virtues. Sister of Charity social media vehicles and resources have been shared and updated as new information becomes available. Art representations of S. Blandina are becoming more numerous; most featuring a southwestern motif. Many can be viewed in the Sister Blandina Room at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse.

In October 2015 the annual conference for Communicators for Women Religious (CWR) convened in Albuquerque, Blandina country, featuring Mr. Sanchez as a presenter.

He spoke of New Mexico’s diocesan efforts to prove S. Blandina’s heroic virtues; it has been the common people who have participated.

In December their findings were delivered to Rome, Italy, featuring strong witness testimony. The Vatican authorities have 22

This retablos of S. Blandina Segale was created in 2013 by Clare Cresap Villa.

completed their initial investigatory phase of her life and are now assessing whether she is responsible for any miracles to inform the Church’s decision as to whether she should become a saint. Two miracles are required to be canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church.

In April 2016, Cincinnati Magazine featured an article by Linda Vaccariello on S. Blandina’s influential mission in the Queen City of Cincinnati, highlighting her establishment of the first settlement house

Allen Sanchez commissioned Arlene Cisneros Sena to create this retablos of S. Blandina Segale in 2014.

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Futurist, educator, environmentalist, the late S. Paula Gonzalez dedicated more than 40 years to environmental education and ministry. Pictured in her solar-powered golf cart, S. Paula was known for her vision for sustainability, and her energy-efficient renovated living and work spaces.

We take seriously our responsibility as stewards of Earth, and we challenge ourselves to seek communal and personal environmental sustainability.

- Chapter Direction A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

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RECOGNIZING NEEDS

By S. Martha Walsh

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Loans Even Farther: African Sun Consulting (ASC) in Lusaka, Zambia, seeks to improve the lives of Zambians through innovative technologies. The specific purpose of this loan is to allow African Sun to purchase equipment that will enable them to produce low-cost energy-efficient stoves for use in the homes. In addition to this one purpose ASC has also developed a seed planter that increases farmers’ yields.

he Seton Enablement Fund Committee, in addition to making loans and investments this year, took time to revise our Mission Statement and also our website.

Both needed an update in order to keep up with operations today.

The Mission of the Seton Enablement Fund Committee is to assist the Congregation in living its Mission by providing loans and investments to community-based organizations that may not qualify for conventional financing as they serve the social justice needs of people living in poverty.

Our applications for loans continue to allow us to fulfill our mission. Fourteen loans were made during this fiscal year, six of which were to organizations to which we had not previously loaned.

Loans Close To Home: Community Matters was created in Lower Price Hill, Cincinnati, “by the will of the people.” Its purpose is to promote economic opportunities and to relieve the effects of poverty in the neighborhood. Specifically this loan was to assist with the development of a safe, affordable neighborhood laundry facility.

The Washing Well is now up and running.

Previously people in this neighborhood had to take a bus to get to the nearest laundromat.

Loans Not So Close: Community Area Resource Enterprises, Inc. (CARE) was formed in 2004 in Gallup, New Mexico. Its purpose is to acquire, maintain, manage, and operate daytime drop-in resource centers, shelters, apartments, 24

Digital Divide Data (DDD) was established in Cambodia in 2001 to create jobs and educational opportunities in developing countries by providing digitalization and content conversion services to business and public sector customers.

Otherwise unemployable youth are taught these skills and also have opportunities to expand their education to go on to higher skills jobs. This has expanded to Laos and Kenya. In the United States a branch of this organization is using the same plan for veterans and military families who have to move frequently. This is a job that can move with them as they work from home.

Hooghan Ho’zhois is a 44-unit affordable housing project in downtown Gallup, New Mexico.

and social service programs for homeless individuals and families in Gallup. Specifically the Seton Enablement loan is allowing them to complete the construction of Hooghan Ho’zhois, a 44-unit affordable housing project in downtown Gallup.

Gulf Coast Renaissance Corporation is a not-for-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) founded in Gulfport, Mississippi, after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Its purpose is to assist people with opportunities for home ownership and small business development.

Sonshine Daycare works with the Department of Human Services to provide children in foster care and those from low-income families with affordable tuition rates. A loan from Renaissance allowed them to settle an existing debt and refinance its mortgage under more favorable terms. This insured them stability so that they can continue to provide this needed foundation for these children to assure success in the future.

Each of these loans and the others that were approved by the Leadership Council are responsive to our 2015 Chapter call to recognize the needs of our neighbors, no matter how near or far, and address environmental concerns as well. The committee reviews loan requests and responds as a labor of love. They are both proud and humbled by what the congregation can accomplish through the loan fund.

I N T E RC O M

SETON ENABLEMENT FUND

Statistics and Dollars Allocated as of June 30, 2016 Total Loans/Investments

Locations of Loans/Investments

Millions

Committed Funds Distributions Low Income Housing Community Development, Co-Ops, Land Trusts Business Ventures Other

23 18 26 4

Total Current Loans and Deposits as of 6/30/16

71

Since Inception of the Program (1979) Cumulative Number of Loans/Investments = 381 Cumulative Dollars Loaned/Invested = $27,687,500

Loans/Investments for FY 2016 • African Sun Consulting • Colonias Development Council • Community Area Resource Enterprises, Inc. (CARE 66) • Community Matters • Digital Divide Data • Disability Opportunity Fund • Gulf Coast Renaissance Corporation • Homewise A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

• • • •

Leviticus 25:23 Alternative Fund, Inc. Local Enterprise Assistance Fund Midlands Housing Trust Fund PPEP Microbusiness and Housing Development Corp.

• San Luis Obispo County Housing Trust Fund • The Friendship Bridge

Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Florida Illinois Indiana Kentucky Maine Massachusetts Michigan Mississippi Nebraska New Hampshire New Mexico New York North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Ontario, Canada Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Texas Vermont Washington Washington, D.C. Wisconsin

2 1 2 3 2 1 1 2 2 2 3 4 2 1 1 7 7 1 9 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 4 2

There are loans that are domiciled in the U.S. but serve foreign countries including: Ecuador, Haiti, Peru, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, South Africa, Armenia, Georgia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, India, Botswana, and Nigeria, among others.

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P RO M OT I N G

RADICAL HOSPITALITY

By S. Sally Duffy, SCMF president/executive director and Amelia Riedel, SCMF communications director

“T

SC Ministry Foundation has supported the efforts of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) to provide legal assistance at the detention centers and advocate for policy change. S. Sally Duffy serves as a board member for CLINIC, and joined them in a rally last spring at the White House to speak out against family detention.

CLINIC has partnered with the The notion of radical American Immigration Council, hospitality operates at the core the Refugee and Immigrant of the struggle toward global Center for Education and Legal solidarity in our time. Through Services, and the American their charism of “daring to Last spring S. Sally Duffy joined with CLINIC and other CARA Pro Bono Project partners Immigration Lawyers Association, risk a caring response,” the at a rally in front of the White House to peacefully protest against the inhumane and unjust collectively known as CARA, to Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati detention of immigrant children and their mothers. Photo courtesy of CLINIC form the CARA Family Detention share a rich history of offering Pro Bono Representation and radical hospitality to refugees, reported that 65.3 million individuals were Advocacy Project to assist women in their immigrants and other vulnerable populations. forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of asylum claims and legalization process.

Today this charism is lived out in partnership persecution, conflict, generalized violence, During one year, CLINIC staff and with many lay people who serve these or human rights violations. “We are facing trained volunteers provided legal advice to vulnerable populations through nonprofits the biggest refugee and displacement crisis of approximately 8,000 women, as well as the supported by SC Ministry Foundation. our time,” stated United Nations Secretary comfort and reassurance that the women General, Ban Ki Moon. “Above all, this is not Over the past 20 years, SC Ministry needed to remain hopeful. just a crisis of numbers; it is also a crisis of Foundation has provided significant funding The unrest in Central America has solidarity.” to support immigration and refugee-related also led to an unprecedented number of programs, such as legalization services, Unfortunately the usual response to unaccompanied children migrating into the education, ministry, and advocacy for policy refugees and asylum seekers is far from United States.

Hundreds of these children reform. In 2016, the foundation awarded welcoming. Since 2013, thousands of women were placed by the federal government with grants to 24 nonprofits that directly or and children have fled the violence in Central relatives or family friends in Ohio. Without indirectly serve immigrants and refugees on a America hoping to achieve a better life in an immigration lawyer, the children faced local, national and international level. the United States. Instead of being met with deportation and a grim return to the crushing compassion at the U.S. border, they are taken The need for continued funding in this poverty and gang violence they sought to to prison-like detention centers and forced to area is evident. In 2015, the United Nations escape. Through SC Ministry Foundation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) live with inhumane conditions. support, the Ohio Legal Assistance o welcome others as Christ is to recognize that despite vast differences, the diverse human family is part of the same God-given belonging, and we need one another to survive and thrive,” stated author Kyle Kramer in his America magazine article titled, “Radical Hospitality.”

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Foundation provided trained The growing population immigration lawyers to of Hispanic families in represent the undocumented Sidney, Ohio, spurred the children so they could remain creation of a Hispanic safely in this country. One Ministry Program at Holy of the youth represented, Angels Parish, where a developmentally delayed S. Rita Maureen Schmidt 16-year-old boy from serves as a volunteer.

Guatemala, risked the solo The parish hosts Spanish journey to the U.S. after his Masses twice a month father died and his mother which attract Hispanic was unable to care for him. families from all over Immigration authorities western Ohio and Indiana. eventually released him to live The Brunner Literacy Center supports immigrants SC Ministry Foundation and refugees like Assane (center, back) and his famwith his aunt in Cincinnati. ily through one-to-one classes in English delivered by supports the parish’s Through the efforts of Hispanic Community caring tutors like Terri (pictured left). Photo courtesy of The Brunner Literacy Center the Ohio Legal Assistance Empowerment Program Foundation, he received which encourages greater a work permit so he could obtain a full-time community involvement while preserving cultural job and was able to enroll in classes to learn traditions. Mission priests from South America English and work toward the General Educational conduct retreats and home visits several times Development (GED) credential. Most importantly, a year to strengthen existing relationships with he received legal status as a special immigrant Hispanic families and reach out to others not yet juvenile so he can remain permanently in the U.S. involved. Bilingual materials foster inclusiveness for parents with children in religious education The Dayton, Ohio, area has become and sacramental preparation. Hispanic adults home to a growing number of African refugees are encouraged to share their talents as liturgical from Burundi, Eritrea and Rwanda, as well as ministers, and to serve as a resource to others in immigrants from Central America. As these new the community. Through these efforts, the parish arrivals sought to learn English so they could strives to be vibrant and intentional in welcoming gain employment and integrate into community and collaborating with their Hispanic neighbors. life, many were intimidated by the group classes of 20-30 students offered by most programs.

With support from SC Ministry Foundation, the Brunner Literacy Center provides free one-to-one tutoring in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Participants not only benefit from the individualized instruction in conversational English, they are also provided opportunities to further their education through GED or college skills training. S. Carol Bauer serves as board member for the Brunner Literacy Center – an organization dedicated to fulfilling its mission as a welcoming place for adults to reach their educational dreams.

A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 1 6

As our world continues to grapple with the root causes of migration and displacement, the need for a caring response grows more critical.

Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, stated, “The willingness of nations to work together not just for refugees but for the collective human interest is what’s being tested today, and it’s this spirit of unity that badly needs to prevail.”

May God continue to bless the Sisters of Charity and those who partner in their mission, so they may continue to promote radical hospitality among all of our vulnerable sisters and brothers.

Intercom is the quarterly magazine of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

This apostolic Catholic women’s religious community exists to carry out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through service and prayer in the world. Approximately 300 Sisters are joined in their mission by 205 Associates (lay women and men). Sisters, using their professional talents as ministers of education, health care, social services and environmental justice, live and minister in 26 U.S. dioceses and in two foreign countries. They also sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor.

Intercom Staff Editor Erin Reder Graphic Design/Layout Michelle Bley Director of Communications S. Georgia Kitt Executive Council Liaison S. Mary Bookser Advisory Board Members: S. Mary Ann Flannery Mary Jo Mersmann S. Joyce Richter Vicki Welsh Letters to the editor, articles and photos are welcome. The staff reserves the right to edit for space and readability. Make submissions to: Communications Office 5900 Delhi Road Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051 Phone: 513-347-5447 Fax: 513-347-5467 Email: erin.reder@srcharitycinti.org Subscriptions: $15 per year

5900 Delhi Road Mount Saint Joseph, OH 45051 www.srcharitycinti.org www.facebook.com/ sistersofcharityofcincinnati 27

5900 Delhi Road Mount Saint Joseph, OH 45051 http://www.srcharitycinti.org www.facebook.com/sistersofcharityofcincinnati

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18 S. Virginia Bohnert (left) companions women and children experiencing poverty or homelessness at The Gathering Place in Denver, Colorado.

The SC Community came together in September 2015 to celebrate the acceptance of Denise Morris, Romina Sapinoso and Whitney Shieltz as Affiliates.

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Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan, archbishop emeritus of Santa Fe, New Mexico, visited the Motherhouse in October 2015 to help prepare materials to be delivered to Rome on behalf of Sister Blandina Segaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cause for beatification and sainthood.