Intercom S I S T E R S
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C H A R I T Y
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C I N C I N N AT I
Fall 2012
A LETTER
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OUR SISTER
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LEADERSHIP
Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends,
Contents FEATURES 2012 Jubilee ............................................8 An interview with our Golden Jubilarians. The Love of Christ Urges Us .................10 Sisters of Charity ministering in spiritual direction. Fifty Years Teaching – Wearing Many Hats ......................................................18 S. Laetitia Slusser’s 60 years as a Sister of Charity. 2012 Jubilee ..........................................22 Our active and vibrant Diamond Jubilarians. One In Song..........................................24 Cincinnati hosts the World Choir Games.
DEPARTMENTS Vocation/Formation ................................6 Not Your Mother’s Discernment OPJIC.....................................................7 Debbie Weber: A Well-Worn Path of Social Justice Meet Our Associates..............................16 Associate Dorothy Cordova Motherhouse/Mother Margaret Hall .....26 Joy, Hope and Love On the Cover: Since 1999 Diamond Jubilarian S. Joan Deiters (right) has been ministering as a spiritual director and psychoanalyst in New York. To learn more about Sister’s ministry, and that of others, visit Page 10. 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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The sun has crossed the equator, moving southward, and the season of fall has arrived! The signs are everywhere: leaves falling from trees, animals gathering food, and birds migrating toward warmer temperatures. While we rejoice in this harvest season, our sisters and brothers in the southern hemisphere welcome the season of spring. As we embrace the beauty of fall, we remember with joy our Jubilee celebrations at the Motherhouse this summer. We sang “Jubilate Deo omnis terra” (Shout with joy to God all over the Earth) and rejoiced as the Golden and Diamond Jubilarians renewed their vows. These faithfilled women of the Church, celebrating 50 and 60 years as daughters of Elizabeth Seton, minister in a variety of ways, each an expression of the Congregational mission. Their witness challenges all of us to live our commitments with “humility, simplicity and charity, remembering that God is ever present.” Enjoy their stories in this issue of Intercom. The cover of this fall issue pictures S. Joan Deiters, a Diamond Jubilarian and spiritual director. People have long sought the guidance of spiritual companions. The Queen of Sheba journeyed to Israel to glean the wisdom of Solomon. The Pharisee Nicodemus visited Jesus in the dark of night to listen to his teachings. Over the centuries, we find striking examples of spiritual directors in desert hermits, Irish monks, Benedictine nuns, Teresa of Avila, Francis de Sales, and many others. Today’s spiritual directors, including the Sisters featured in this Intercom, continue to offer their wisdom to seekers. They accompany us on our spiritual journeys, help us to tell our sacred stories, and awaken us to the mystery of God in our lives. These and other articles in this issue of Intercom reveal the depth and breadth of issues that energize the Charity Family. During this season of colorful leaves, we give thanks for all God is doing in us. May God’s love enflame our every word of gratitude. S. Louise Lears Councilor INTERCOM
Mem-bits This column by S. Benedicta Mahoney offers brief glimpses of the past, tiny bits of memories. Do you remember? Were you there? Did you know? July 19, 1899 – Archbishop Thomas S. Byrne, former chaplain of the Motherhouse (1869-’86), presented a gift of art to the Sisters of Charity. Included were seven engravings; three photogravures; 22 copies of the Masters; and his own portrait which had been done in Rome, Italy.
Archbishop Thomas Byrne was the former Motherhouse chaplain from 1869-’86.
July 1909 – During the centennial year of the founding of the Sisters of Charity in the United States, the Sisters in Cincinnati honored the seven original members. The remains of three of those seven were transferred from St. Joseph Cemetery to the cemetery at Mount St. Joseph, completing the center circle of the “Mystic Seven.”
In Memoriam Please visit “In Memoriam” at www.srcharitycinti.org for biographical information and reflections on the Sisters of Charity and Associates who have died. May our Sisters and Associates enjoy the fruits of their labor as well as peace with their God. S. Mary Paul Medland October 26, 2012 Associate Karl Sunderhaus October 20, 2012 Associate Marian Ainsworth October 14, 2012
The original seven members of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati form the center circle in the Mount St. Joseph Cemetery.
July 25, 1959 – In a Community letter, Mother Mary Omer Downing announced that designated Sisters from each house would now have permission to drive cars. Special directives were given, including information about the drivers’ cap. Though this was the first Community-wide permission, in a few cases, some Sisters and postulants had been permitted to drive.
S. Rose Marie Hewitt October 4, 2012 Associate Vivian Compton September 5, 2012
Feb. 19, 1963 – At 4 p.m. (EST), the Associated Press announced that Pope John XXIII had signed the final papers for the beatification of Elizabeth Ann Seton. Bells at the Motherhouse and at the College of Mount St. Joseph pealed for 15 minutes as Mother Mary Omer Downing read the formal announcement. Oct. 25, 1964 – On this the Feast of Christ the King, the 7 a.m. Mass at the Motherhouse included for the first time an Offertory Procession. The Sisters also initiated the practice of receiving Holy Communion standing. FA L L 2 0 1 2
Photo of Sisters of Charity cemetery by S. Pat Malarkey
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(From left) Sisters Lois Jean Goettke, Joan Elizabeth Cook and Christine Marie Rody attended the LCWR Annual Assembly with Sisters Mary Bookser and Louise Lears.
Mystery Unfolding: L E A D I N G I N T H E EVO LU T I O N A RY N OW By S. Joan Elizabeth Cook
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ur five Leadership Team members joined more than 900 other elected leaders of women’s religious congregations for this year’s Annual Assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR). We gathered in St. Louis, Mo., for a very full meeting around the theme of the assembly, “Mystery Unfolding: Leading in the Evolutionary Now.” The theme captured the challenges and the hopefulness that we experience as leaders in religious life today. The keynote speaker, Barbara Marx Hubbard, addressed the topic “The Transformation of Consciousness and Religious Life Leadership.” She highlighted the rapid pace of change in today’s world, and the need to embrace and influence positive change by exercising a higher level of ethical, shared commitment and social synergy. She held out to us the image of God inviting us into the future with all its joys and challenges. Women religious, she explained, are ideally positioned to influence the future because of our participative leadership styles and our willingness to look creatively at challenges we face. A panel of speakers, Tom Fox, Jennifer Gordon, SCL, and Jamie Manson, spoke to us about the topic “Religious Life in the Future: What Might It Look Like?” They spoke of the hunger for spiritual grounding that exists today among many people in the world, and challenged us to share our spirituality, particularly with women. They affirmed the witness that women religious give by our lives and values, our contemplative lifestyle, our work on behalf of people on the margins, and our stance against consumerism. Another panel discussed “Human Trafficking: Stolen People, Stolen Hope.” This group of three speakers described the horrors of those who are caught in the sex trade, and the almost insurmountable difficulty of breaking free of that form of enslavement. They described the efforts of several organizations to support women who are trying to reclaim their lives in the wake of the abuse they have endured. This panel highlighted the urgency of abolishing human trafficking, and one of the resolutions we passed addressed that very need: “The members of LCWR commit to collaborate in order to abolish human trafficking, a form of modern day slavery.” (Each 4
year the Assembly passes resolutions around topics of particular significance.) Our second resolution “calls on Congress to pass the Dream Act and comprehensive immigration reform that includes reunification of families and a path to citizenship for law-abiding immigrants living in the United States,” another serious need in the United States today. Another agenda item was to develop a collective response to the report from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on their doctrinal assessment of the LCWR. After contemplative reflection, group prayer, and respectful conversation we charged the LCWR leaders to open a conversation with Archbishop Peter Sartain, the apostolic delegate appointed to implement his mandate to oversee the LCWR. We expect open and honest dialogue that will lead to deeper understanding between Church leaders and women religious, and to increased possibilities for the lay people, particularly women, to have a voice in the Church. S. Pat Farrell, OSF, president, challenged us in her address, “Navigating the Shifts,” to live in a stance of contemplation, with a prophetic voice, through solidarity with the marginalized, through community, and non-violently. S. Sandra Schneiders, IHM, received this year’s Outstanding Leadership Award. In her acceptance speech she identified three characteristics of Gospel leadership: leaders emerge from the community; foster “anticipatory leadership,” fostering discernment about the future and how to influence it through our rich Gospel heritage; and live efficaciously and with integrity. We thanked S. Pat for her leadership during the past year; welcomed incoming president S. Florence Deacon, OSF; and chose S. Carol Zinn, SSJ, as president-elect.
The LCWR, a canonically approved organization of nearly 1,500 members who are elected leaders of their religious orders, develops leadership, promotes collaboration within church and society, and serves as a voice for systemic change.
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Charity Family The Singing Circle By S. Mary Bodde Building Strong Church Communities S. Patricia Wittberg’s book “Building Strong Church Communities” is now available through Paulist Press. While there are numerous books, articles and workshops describing how individuals can grow in their personal prayer or spiritual life, there are far fewer resources to help Christian communities grow in the ways they image God together. S. Pat’s book summarizes survey results from more than 700 Catholic parishes around the U.S., together with studies of religious orders and the new ecclesial movements and previous historical research. To order call (800) 218-1903. S. Pat is the author of numerous books and articles on the sociology of religion and on religious communities.
Mary of Magdala Prayer Service Sisters of many area congregations, along with Associates and friends, gathered in the Motherhouse chapel on July 22, 2012, for a prayer service honoring Mary of Magdala, known as “Apostle to the Apostles,” for her witness and fidelity. S. Mary Ann Flannery, director of the Jesuit Retreat House in Cleveland, Ohio, was the reflector. (From left) Sisters Louise Akers and Mary Ann Flannery participated in the July 22 Mary of Magdala Prayer
This, the 16th year of the Service at the Motherhouse. event, celebrated the prophetic witness of women religious. Each Sister present was given a long-stem rose during the service as an expression of affection and encouragement.
End-of-Summer Picnic
Mother Margaret Hall RN Julie Connley attended the picnic with her husband, Don, and granddaughter, Riley. FA L L 2 0 1 2
Sisters of Charity employees and their families enjoyed the Labor Day weekend with an employee picnic at Stricker’s Grove near Ross, Ohio. Each year the Congregation hosts the picnic to celebrate and thank employees for their dedicated service.
Welcome Associates Throughout the past few months the Community has welcomed seven Associates in Mission. Today the current number of Associates has reached 200. We are grateful for the mutual support, prayers and encouragement from this loving relationship. (Pictured, from left) Deborah Rose-Milavec, Maureen Nieman and Sue Miele made their commitments as Associates in Mission on Aug. 26 in the Motherhouse chapel. “My journey of faith has led me to many places. In many ways this year of discernment has been a ‘coming home’ for me,” Sue said. “I believe becoming a part of this Community to be a calling forth, a gift from the Holy Spirit, who so often speaks to me and teaches me about herself through the company of women.” On Sunday, Sept. 30 at St. Anthony Church in Pineville, Ky., Terry Tanner, Rosemary Combs and Ann Combs Gaines made their commitments. S. Mary Barbara Philippart, S. Ruth Ann Rody and Associate Cathy Colque traveled to Pineville monthly to meet with them and Associate Mary Steele as they journeyed through the formation process. Along with her companion, S. Monica Gundler, Ann Laiche became an Associate in Mission in New Orleans, La., on Oct. 11 at the House of Charity. Ann has ministered and formed a real friendship among many of the Sisters in the Charity Federation. 5
Not Your Mother’s Discernment By S. Patricia Wittberg Photo by Don Denney, courtesy of Seton High School
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recently heard of a psychology experiment which, I believe, could be applied to young people discerning religious life – or any life vocation – today. The researchers divided the participants in their experiment into two groups. The first group went, one by one, into a room where there were two brands of catsup on a table. They were asked to choose one, and eat some on a plate of French fries. Then they filled out a questionnaire on how they had liked the catsup. The other group also entered a room one at a time. But in this room there were hundreds of different kinds of catsup. Again, they were asked to choose one, eat it on some French fries, and fill out the same questionnaire. Every time, the researchers found, the people who had more types of catsup to choose from were less satisfied with the catsup they chose. The point of this experiment for religious life is this: young women today have far more careers and lifestyles to choose from than their mothers and grandmothers did. Many do not experience this situation as freeing; instead, it intimidates and paralyzes them. As one young woman put it, “That freedom is really a big burden. When all the options are available, it’s really easy to choose nothing.” And, of course, not to decide is itself a decision. Young people often display a “Peter Pan” syndrome: they postpone adult careers and responsibilities until well into their 30s. The overabundance of life choices for American youth presents, I believe, two related opportunities for religious congregations. First of all, young people could benefit greatly from training in discernment, to learn how to bring God into the many decisions they need to make. Should they go 6
to college or not? Major in electrical engineering or English literature? Accept a job in business or become a teacher? Marry Jim or Pete – or neither? I have given talks or short courses on discernment prayer three times, twice to high school and once to college students. Each time, the students remarked on how much they and their peers need to learn this kind of discernment prayer. Many Sisters of Charity and Associates have training in spiritual direction, and could offer – or arrange to be offered – discernment classes, retreats, or prayer opportunities in schools and parishes, to help young people discern among the oftenoverwhelming number of choices that confront them. Offering opportunities to learn discernment prayer would certainly help young people intimidated by the choices they have to make, but it would also help those of us in religious life who present these opportunities. It would provide an opportunity for Sisters to get to know young women, and for the women to get to know them. While, for most participants, the outcome of their prayerful discernment will not lead them to a religious vocation, it may very well do so for some. I believe that every parish youth program, every high school, every college, and every young adult group should offer its members many opportunities to learn discernment prayer – and many women religious and Associates are uniquely qualified to provide them. A good resource for anyone wishing to begin a discernment prayer class or prayer group is Melanie-Prejean Sullivan’s “Whispers, Nudges, and a Couple of Kicks” (Bellarmine University Press, C2009). INTERCOM
Debbie Weber:
A Well-Worn Path of Social Justice By Associate Vicki Welsh The setting is a peaceful east side Cincinnati, Ohio, suburban neighborhood. It is early morning and she holds the hand of the 3-yearold as they walk out to the coop. “Now Isaac,” she patiently instructs, “when you pick the egg up out of the nesting box, hold it up to your cheek like this.” She demonstrates. “The warmer the egg feels on your cheek the more recent the hen has laid the egg.” Her little grandson is anxious to get about the business of egg collecting so they can have breakfast and he can get on with the play for the day. This is a small seeming insignificant ritual for the Weber family, yet each time Debbie performs it, it is never lost on her faith journey to this moment and the wonderment of God’s plan for her life.
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e understand epiphanies to be true life-changing moments, and as most of us, Debbie well remembers hers. It was 1996, while Debbie was in the throes of child rearing, that her epiphany entered in the form of a dentist! This dentist shared his story of his connection with All God’s Children, an international adoption agency. He told her of the overcrowded orphanages in Romania and the trips he made to provide these children with much needed dental services. He was preparing for his next trip and needed an extra pair of hands to expedite the process so he and other dentists could care for more children … Debbie would be his ideal assistant, would she like to come? The money was raised and preparations for being away for two weeks were made. This first trip to Romania was the transformative immersion experience that was to set Debbie on her very conscious path of social justice. She found herself functioning as more than just a dental assistant. She hugged, played and loved each child with an intensity she had never expected. She came away from those two weeks with a clear understanding that much more needed to be done. Something systemic must surely be amiss for there to be so many children in need of love and care. Upon her return she devoured the castoff books of her friends that were part of a program called Just Faith. The unifying thread of all these books was, by design, Catholic Social Teaching. She began to search for a church home for her
and her family. She found what was to be a comfortable fit at Bellarmine Chapel, located at Xavier University in Cincinnati. When she entered Bellarmine one Sunday to inquire about their RCIA program, who should greet and help her but S. Pat Dempsey – a Sister of Charity! Debbie enrolled at the College of Mount St Joseph and earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work and went on to the University of Cincinnati for her master’s. She’s continued her international travel, even visiting S. Sarah Mulligan in Guatemala. Debbie began volunteering and advocating around the issues of anti-war, immigration, refugees, fair trade, racism, health care, poverty, homelessness, and of course, the environment. It was at one of S. Paula Gonzalez’s many workshops that Debbie approached and asked S. Paula whom she might recommend to be her companion in the Associate formation process. S. Paula said, “How about me?” Debbie has been an Associate with the Sisters of Charity since 2010. In fact, she was serving on the Steering Committee for the Caritas Convocation when she read of S. Louise Akers’ retirement and the search for a new coordinator for OPJIC. God is so good and the Holy Spirit works in amazing ways! Today you can find Debbie in the new OPJIC offices on the second floor of the Motherhouse (220). Stop in and say hello and ask how her chickens are laying!
OPJIC coordinator Debbie Weber (center) at a Sept. 20 prayer service, “Welcoming the Immigrants We Once Were,” in Delhi (Cincinnati).
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2012 JUBILEE
Golden Jubilarians C E L E B R AT I N G O U R
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n Sunday, Sept. 2 Golden Jubilarians Sisters Mary Bookser, Nancy Bramlage and Mary Ann Humbert were honored by their Community, Associates, family and friends during a Mass in the Motherhouse chapel. Prior to the celebration the three women sat down to reflect on and celebrate the past 50 years.
In years past we have celebrated Bands with as many as 15-20 Sisters. You are a Band of three. Please explain why that is so, and how has it bonded the three of you?
SNB: After seven years so many of my friends left, and I was shaken. The final vow regulations changed and I knew I needed more time. I was given one more year of preparation. It really helped with the whole discernment. SMB: There were a lot of What I kept asking myself was changes during that time. am I happy here? My answer We entered in 1962 and was always ‘yes.’ Community one month later the second life was meant for me; it Vatican Council convened. We fit me. I had support from were asked to reconnect with that. I was very blessed with our roots and think about who communities that were fun (From left) Sisters Mary Bookser, Nancy Bramlage and Mary Ann Humbert entered we are in light of our roots. and supportive in ministry the Sisters of Charity Community in 1962. There were many changes. and supportive in my own religious growth. I asked myself where am I going to be any SNB: The Community by the time we were making vows was happier? And, I couldn’t imagine that I would be happy outside already different from the Community we entered in 1962, and the Community. I did keep in contact with lots of people in my by final vows, things were really different. We were no longer in group who left. They were happy and I could see that, but it a regular habit. didn’t speak to me. It wasn’t what I wanted to do. SMH: Following Chapter 1969 we changed ministry options, Part of the whole Vatican II call was that women religious we changed living options, we changed prayer styles. So many become more engaged in the world around us. We took that people who entered with one thought in mind began to have other very seriously, with greater involvement in social issues. thoughts. It’s like this isn’t what I foresaw myself being a part of. What social issues appeal to you, what grabbed you in terms of where you wanted to put your energy as you became more You talk about all the changes you went through in your familiar with the various social issues out there? formation years, it was the time of Vatican II. You were more directly a part of that than other groups – before and after. SMB: One for me was women; another was eco-spirituality. What served as your grounding as so many people around Through the years I became more aware of how interconnected you were leaving this life in the mid and late 1960s? all of life is, not just people. Therefore what we do to any part of it impacts the whole. The whole poverty issue was always dear SMH: I would do some soul searching. I came here at God’s to my heart. The last years I was ministering at the College of invitation and stayed at God’s invitation. This is where I felt Mount St. Joseph, before coming to Leadership, I loved the fact called, with the Community’s mission and spirit. I looked at all the women that were still here and had been here for a long time, that I was getting students to engage in meaningful ways with and I thought these are the women I want to be with. They share issues such as poverty and ecological concerns. my values. SMH: An important part of my ministry was at the Jesuit Renewal Center. Training there was very feminine. The men SMB: I heard myself saying, “My passion is God.” As I thought about it – and even since – that’s the truth. I’ve been in ministry, honored the women’s gifts. It was such a gift to the women who came on to that property because the whole feminine was deeply worked with service, I have a deep connection to Earth and valued and celebrated in ways that weren’t happening in many oneness with all creation but my passion is God. 8
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other places. I was really rooted and formed in that. It brought life and energy to women who weren’t getting it in the Church and still aren’t. That’s certainly a passion of mine still. The focus from Vatican II that talks about the laity consecrate the world to God, it’s like yes. It’s not just us. That continues now as I work with St. Vincent de Paul as the spiritual advisor. I am strengthening them and helping them to recognize their place and their leadership and their gifts. I help to give them more confidence because that’s the future. SNB: My passion in ministry is social justice. I was connected with S. Ruth Jonas at the College of Mount St. Joseph and had the opportunity to live with her in Africa. When I came back I loved the whole missionary life and was asked to be the Community connector with all other missionaries. That’s where I got my ears opened to what [missionaries] are telling us about global injustices. To some in the Church now, it’s almost as if we are being punished because we took Vatican II seriously. We got more engaged in the world with our lay friends and colleagues. In rubbing shoulders that way, we came to a new meaning/ understanding of our vowed life. SMB: What I don’t hear people saying is a Vatican Council is like the Supreme Court in terms of the Church. The Council is the law and the mandates are what everyone is supposed to follow, until another council changes it. During this 50th year we should be having big celebrations. SNB: It was a new challenge that Vatican II had given us, and each, in our own ways, immersed ourselves in ministries that were needed. Close at home or afar we followed the continuing call of our God to respond to the needs of the poor – whether they were physical hungers or spiritual hungers, whether they were in classrooms, or soup kitchens, or counseling rooms or congregational offices, or caring for God’s creation, working with Sisters or Associates or women in formation. Whatever needs presented themselves we tried to meet those needs.
During this present time of uncertainty what does it mean to celebrate 50 years as women religious? SNB: We had a course in the Juniorate on Vatican II; it was an eyeopener and exciting. And I think it’s exciting now, in a sense. I feel like we’re on the edge all the time; what’s going to happen next? SMH: During Chapter 2011 many of us went to see “Of Gods and Men.” It said to me we have to be grounded together, with each other, with a deeper faith than we’ve ever had because others may not support us in what we believe the call is and what we stand for. I will never forget that. We stand together in faith for what we believe. That’s what we’ve said with LCWR. We’ve got to stand in faith; we’ve got to pray. I think of Mother Seton’s quote, “We must walk, and walk confidently in the obscurity of Faith.” That’s where we are – walking with each other, with conviction, with integrity, walking in faith. I think we’re committing ourselves to that ever more deeply because it isn’t clear. We’re standing firm. Vatican II also asked us to get in touch with the spirit of our founders. What do you admire, appreciate in Elizabeth or Margaret? SMB: Margaret and Elizabeth loved nature and their family; their spirit was prayer. They had a deep love and passion for God. They valued their relationships on all levels. Our connection with the SC Federation has become much deeper since we share common founders. We’ve made this commitment to be bonded and committed to the Federation. I think the current hard times, starting back with the apostolic visitation and now with the LCWR mandate, have actually drawn women religious closer together. And that’s going to happen as we get smaller. People worry about congregations getting smaller. We started with seven. So when we look at our roots, it’s not about the size, it’s about commitment. I see that in us, I see that in the Federation, I see that in LCWR. SMH: I think everything that has led us to where we are tells us we can’t go back. It’s been a faith journey and we’re not going to say it didn’t count. It’s led us to where we are. “Hazard yet forward.” (From left) Sisters Mary Bookser, Mary Ann Humbert and Nancy Bramlage sat down for an interview with Communications Office members Erin Reder and S. Georgia Kitt to reflect on their 50 years as Sisters of Charity.
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The Love of Christ Urges Us “Women religious are all over the place; in hard places; have long histories (in hard places); don’t leave when the going gets tough; do a lot with a little; and come to the table about issues that are not about us (women religious).” – S. Carol Zinn, SSJ
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his fall issue of Intercom concludes our series on the ministries of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. We have learned more about where our Sisters are ministering; their challenges and triumphs; their dedication to the people they serve; and their determination to meet the needs of our Church and world. This final issue spotlights the field of spiritual direction and retreat work. To read full articles and additional ministry stories, visit www.srcharitycinti.org and click on “Ministry” then “Ministry Locations.” S. Teresa Marie Laengle Beavercreek, Ohio “I enjoy the variety of the ministries that I do,” S. Teresa Marie Laengle said. “The fact that I can freely use my creativity in all of these ministries energizes me. As I work in spiritual direction, retreat work or the Ignatian Spirituality Project, I am humbled by the depth of spirituality I find in those that I minister with and those that I minister to.”
fought with God for about six months before I finally decided I would take the risk of starting the ministry,” she said. As coordinator for the Dayton office Sister’s responsibilities include creating a yearly budget; contacting transitional housing agencies to determine who they would recommend to make the retreats; arranging transportation; searching for and training volunteers; planning retreats and searching for funding.
Since 2008 S. Teresa Marie has served at Bergamo Center in Beavercreek, Ohio, offering monthly spiritual direction as well as retreats for the Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP). In addition, Sister started her own ministry, “Signs and Wonders,” in which she offers retreats to a variety of groups such as parish teams, women’s organizations and faculties of schools. In this role, Sister usually meets with the person in charge of setting up the retreat and discusses the theme and needs of the group to creatively design a retreat to fit their needs. Retreat titles include Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pathways to God, Making Good Decisions and Women and the Bread of Life.
“I open my compassionate heart to the homeless, accepting them for who they are as persons and without any judgment on how they have lived their lives,” S. Teresa Marie said. “I have the opportunity to encourage them to get an education, to support them in this and to celebrate with them when they achieve their goals … I marvel at [their] resiliency.”
“I try to be a conduit for God’s love to flow through me to touch the lives of those that I minister to,” S. Teresa Marie said. “My goal in planning retreats is to draw those who are attending to a closer, deeper relationship with God.”
Sister’s compassion and support are life-giving – for both the retreatants and herself.
S. Teresa Marie explains her work with homeless men and women began in October 2010. After learning about the Ignatian Spirituality Project, which offers retreats to those who have been homeless and are in recovery, she was intrigued. “I
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While she enjoys the variety in her ministries Sister says it is a challenge to balance all three. In addition finding retreatants and keeping connections with the women and men who make the ISP retreats can be difficult due to their transiency.
“I enjoy meeting new people and the fact that they so freely share their lives with me,” she said. “My spiritual life is enriched by those with whom I journey.” Through the Dayton office of the Ignatian Spirituality Project, S. Teresa Marie Laengle (right) offers retreats for women and men who have been homeless and are in recovery.
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S. Mary Ann Flannery Parma, Ohio By S. Regina Kusnir As seekers walk through the doors of the Jesuit Retreat House (JRH) in Parma, Ohio, they are met with the welcoming smile and twinkling eyes of S. Mary Ann Flannery. “I never thought in a million years I’d be doing this at this point in my life,” Sister said. But when word was out that S. Mary Ann would be retiring from John Carroll University, the JRH Board asked her to consider submitting her name as a potential director. In 2008 she became the first woman director of the JRH, the oldest retreat house in the country, which has been a haven of spirituality for those seeking a deeper connection to God since 1898 when it began as a Jesuit novitiate. S. Mary Ann finds the various aspects of her responsibilities to be “a little bit of everything.” The JRH provides programs on location and off campus. S. Mary Ann contacts retreat As the first woman director of the Jesuit Retreat Center in Parma, Ohio, S. Mary Ann Flannery (right) directors and speakers, hires employees, offers retreats and personal spiritual direction. oversees the environmental needs of the trains lay leaders who do eight-week lay leadership retreats in campus, offers retreats and personal spiritual direction. Blessed parishes. Begun in 2008, the JRH brought on a director of lay with a marvelous staff of 12, they are continuously engaged leadership in 2010 and reached 40 parishes thus far. in bringing the Gospel to life for groups as diverse as can be imagined. The Collaborator: S. Mary Ann has a working relationship The heart of her ministry is helping to meet the needs of those who come for retreats and guidance. There is a deep satisfaction knowing that someone has found peace with God. The simple structure, the prayerful chapel, the garden paths and outdoor prayer areas offer those who come for a few hours, a few days, a week or the 30-day spiritual exercises an atmosphere in which God dwells. The Retreat House is the perfect ministry for a woman whose years in higher education, Congregational administration, high school English teaching and elementary teaching rounded her for this ministry. Her years as head of the Communications Department at John Carroll University immersed her in the Jesuit tradition that was likely a factor in her choice as director. In retrospect, each ministry was marked with the spirit of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton who said, “Hazard yet forward.” While dabbling in the JRH archives, S. Mary Ann even discovered that in the late 1960s and early 1970s S. Barbara Huber was part of the summer retreat staff. Today, the spirit of Elizabeth Seton easily flows into S. Mary Ann’s efforts: The Teacher: All Jesuit retreat houses are making efforts to develop lay leadership. In conjunction with the John Carroll Ignatian Spirituality Institute, and the St. Ignatius High School Spirituality for Adults Program, JRH expands the learning and F all 2 0 1 2
with the Diocese of Cleveland. The JRH is host to priest retreats, multiple sacramental training programs, the annual Bishops and Presbyteral Council Day, workshops on gambling addiction so clergy can assist their parishioners, Diocesan Office gatherings and teacher reflection days. The Dreamer: Like Elizabeth, S. Mary Ann looks forward. There are the dreams for financial stability, for finding ways to help people see spirituality as an essential part of life, for a meaningful way to bring in the next generations, for a successful building campaign to add an assembly room, side rooms for simultaneous activity and updating existing retreatant rooms. The Inspirer: Women retreatants find prayer cards in their rooms with quotes from Elizabeth and hear about her during their stay. At Board meetings talk about the charism of Ignatius is expanded to include St. Elizabeth Seton. Books on Elizabeth and those on our Sisters in the Civil War are readily available. The Supporter: Retreats for homeless men, some of whom return to help give the retreat, are funded by SC Ministry Foundation. This is an “exciting ministry” that touches hearts that are dear to the Lord. In this ministry S. Mary Ann, too, is touched by those hearts. 11
S. Joan Deiters Poughkeepsie, N.Y. A chemist, S. Joan Deiters taught chemistry at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., for 20 rich and full years. During that time she was given tenure, promoted to full professor, elected chair of the chemistry department, and named to the Matthew Vassar Jr. chair of chemistry. But there was something else working within. During those years at Vassar, S. Joan spent six summers training in the field of spiritual direction. She received her master’s degree in Christian Spirituality in the 1980s and started doing retreat work in the summertime. Sister said she loved working one-on-one with her directees. An opportunity for early retirement from Vassar gave S. Joan the chance to further pursue this new passion. “The ministry of spiritual direction attracted me as much or even more than teaching chemistry,” Sister said. “When people ask how I could go from chemist to spiritual director I teasingly respond by saying I was always concerned about the inner life of a molecule; where the electrons were; what was going on inside the molecule. Now I’m concerned with what is going on inside of people.” Worried that she knew so little psychology, Sister studied at the Westchester Institute for Training in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy from 1994 until 2000, graduated in 2000 and was licensed in New York as a psychoanalyst. “As a spiritual director I wanted to be able to help people to get to a greater freedom within so that they weren’t so bound up,” she said.
“So much happens in the week,” Sister said. “When people are quiet and paying attention, and there’s not a lot of other events taking place, there’s so much that goes on inside. But it is hard at the end of a retreat to say goodbye. These are people I probably will not see again.” In her ministry S. Joan finds parallels to Elizabeth Seton. “I think she was so attentive to what was going on in people and what was going on in her. Part of our SC Vision Statement, how we strive to journey together toward wholeness, I feel like that is what I am doing with each of the people that I am seeing, that we are journeying together for wholeness – for themselves and for me.” A Diamond Jubilarian this year, S. Joan concludes with much appreciation to the SC Community that she was able to move so easily from one ministry to another, and to ministries she has equally enjoyed. “I loved when I was teaching. I loved the students, and I enjoyed the subject matter,” she said. “And I really like finding how God works in God’s people – seeing people change and find greater freedoms. “I am grateful to the Sisters of Charity for the opportunity to minister, but most of all, I am grateful to be a member of this Community,” she concluded. Diamond Jubilarian S. Joan Deiters (left) visits with her sister, S. Julia Mary Deiters, who celebrates 65 years with the Community in 2012.
S. Joan started teaching at a program called Guild for Spiritual Guidance, a two-year ecumenical, interfaith certificate program designed to prepare its members for a ministry of spiritual guidance. She taught the connection between Carl Jung and spirituality. S. Joan’s interest in both the spiritual and the psychological attracted many. She began her full-time ministry as a spiritual director and psychoanalyst in 1999. Today, Sister has two offices, one in Poughkeepsie and one in Bedford Hills, N.Y. She meets on average 25 clients each week. Her practice includes both men and women who range in age from 30-85. “Listen. Listen. Listen,” Sister says when she describes her responsibilities. “I really try to listen as hard as I can, especially with spiritual direction, to see where God is for them and how God is working in their life. It’s so different for each one.” In addition to her spiritual direction/psychotherapy work, S. Joan continues to offer retreats. She directs at Gloucester, Mass., offering one or two eight-day retreats throughout the year. 12
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S. Mary Ellen Murphy Cincinnati, Ohio “I have enjoyed every ministry I’ve ever been in,” said S. Mary Ellen Murphy as she reflected on her years of ministry prior to spiritual direction. “As I’ve aged, this [ministry] just felt right with the kind of energy I have. I know I’m a good listener. I know God works through me.” Throughout the years Sister has ministered in education, in an emergency relief center with the low-income elderly, she has been a missionary, and was even president of her Community. “I have done a little of everything but very often I would end up having the opportunity to just listen to people,” she said. “A lot of times that is healing in itself. They are not coming to have you solve their problems; they just need someone to listen to what’s going on in their life.” Those experiences led to her current ministry of spiritual direction. Since 2003 Sister has been meeting with directees, lay persons and Sisters, monthly at the Motherhouse. “It’s their agenda,” she said. “I always say there are three people here – you, me and God. God is the real director. They call it spiritual direction and there’s a question around that. Are you really directing them, or are you guiding them or walking with them? That’s what it is for me. It’s walking with the individual, guiding them when needed. And, frankly, I think I benefit from it as much as they do… “It never ceases to amaze me how God works in people,” she continued. “How honest people are, how sincere they are, and how much they long for God – which is what brings them in the first place even if they can’t name it.”
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S. Mary Ellen Murphy (left) visits with S. DePaul Sandoval in Mother Margaret Hall.
There are challenges. “This isn’t counseling, we’re not trying to solve problems,” she said. “We’re trying to say where is God in this experience, how do you connect with God? Not how do we solve it.” Another challenge is trusting whatever unfolds in the spiritual direction relationship, knowing that what develops is what it is supposed to be. “That is where we meet our grace,” she said. Finally, Sister says sitting in silence can be uncomfortable but it can also bring about positive results. “I am always amazed at what ferments in silence,” she said. “It’s OK to not fill every moment with words. I don’t have the answers. They have the answers themselves; they just have to find them.” In addition to her scheduled directees, S. Mary Ellen also visits Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall twice a week. In some cases there are certain Sisters she sees on a regular basis. The rest of the time she drops in on individuals – if someone is new, she may say hello; if a Sister is having a hard day, she may stop by to have a conversation. In many ways Sister’s 16 years in leadership have provided a built-in trust with her Sisters. “In leadership you get into very serious soul conversations with people,” she said. “Though you aren’t there for spiritual direction in lots of ways that is what happens. It’s spiritual companioning.” “I think Elizabeth Seton was about being a soul companion to people,” she said. “I feel like that’s what I am about. It isn’t what I say but it’s my own journey and desire to deepen my relationship with God that draws me into it in the first place.”
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S. Margaret Mach Cleveland, Ohio “Contemplate how you are being asked to give your heart to God amidst your everyday activities. Be prepared to meet your grace in every circumstance of life.” ~ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton The words of Elizabeth Seton speak to S. Margaret Mach’s heart. “That is my call,” Sister said. “Elizabeth was a great woman who trusted in the providence of God. I, too, trust the Spirit is working through me as I walk with others on their journey.” After ministering for 20 years in education as teacher and principal; 16 years in Leadership for her community; and 11 years with the Diocese of Cleveland, S. Margaret explains that it was God’s providence that led her to her current ministry as spiritual director at River’s Edge in Cleveland, Ohio. While meeting with her various spiritual directors over the years S. Margaret said she felt something resonating within. It was their skill and ability that developed her interest in spiritual direction. In 2000, S. Margaret received training with the Vincentian Studies Institute of the United States in New Jersey. Ten years later, in December 2010, she ran into a Sister of St. Joseph, who asked about Sister’s current ministry. “At the time I was feeling like it was time to move to something else,” S. Margaret explained, “so I said, ‘I am waiting for God to speak to me. God will let me know when the time comes.’” The Sister told Since 2011 S. Margaret Mach (left) has ministered as a spiritual director at River’s Edge in her one of the spiritual directors at River’s Edge was Cleveland, Ohio. retiring and they were looking for a replacement. It was while she was meeting with her own spiritual director forward on. Most of her directees are lay women. “They have stationed at River’s Edge that her interest piqued. They families; they are mothers, housewives, juggling all these talked about the position and S. Margaret said she felt herself things. But, they take the time out because it is important getting excited. to them on their journey,” S. Margaret said. Sister works Three months later, she began ministering at River’s to empower and encourage her directees to find God in all Edge, a ministry of the Congregation of St. Joseph. things. According to its Web site, the center “fosters the integration In addition to spiritual direction, Sister also participates of personal wellness, spirituality, global and ecological in week-long directed retreats at River’s Edge, meeting responsibilities, and expanding consciousness in order to with retreatants one-on-one daily. “It’s a beautiful amount bring about personal and societal transformation.” of time,” she said. “Our time together is very fruitful and There S. Margaret meets with directees one-on-one, spirit-filled.” She also provides spiritual direction for retreats usually once a month. “It is a privilege and a blessing to walk outside of River’s Edge, as well as offers workshops and days with them on their journey,” Sister said. “I am witnessing the of reflection. movement of the Spirit in their lives. I am amazed and filled Be prepared to meet your grace in every circumstance of life. with awe, every time.” Those words and Elizabeth’s example have served as a guide Sister explains she encounters people in various parts of for S. Margaret throughout the years, and particularly in her their journey; many are new to spiritual direction. She has current ministry as she helps others to meet their grace and the opportunity to help them build a foundation to move to find their God in the ordinary and every day. 14
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S. Betty Finn Cincinnati, Ohio
S. Marie Vincentia Roney Albuquerque, N.M.
“My passion in life is helping people grow and find their own road to God and their own spirituality,” S. Betty Finn said as she discusses her current ministry.
In her own words: “Currently I minister as a spiritual director directing retreats in the Albuquerque, N.M., area, having been involved in the Sangre de Cristo Sabbatical Program near Santa Fe, and presently in the Canossian Sabbatical Program. After ministering in elementary schools either as teacher or administrator for 33 years, I have been involved in the spiritual growth ministry for the past 20 years after receiving a master’s in Christian Spirituality at Creighton University (Omaha, Neb.), which included a year of supervised practicum.
A former grade school teacher and principal, S. Betty felt the call to change in 1976 transitioning to the College of Mount St. Joseph to serve as a counselor. Four years later she became the Community’s novice director, while also conducting career life planning workshops for religious communities across the country, primarily women religious. S. Betty said during that time in religious life, community members were starting to look for their own ministries instead of being instructed where to go. “Many Sisters were struggling to name their own gifts and what they could do,” she said. “What dawned on me was nobody was ministering to the ministers.” For the last 35 years S. Betty has felt a strong call to minister to the ministers. Between consulting, workshops and leadership training, Sister became increasingly interested in spiritual direction and retreat work. She went back to school and received a master’s degree in pastoral counseling and became a licensed counselor. But for every elective that she was afforded, S. Betty chose a class on spiritual direction or spiritual development so that she could do either/or. Currently S. Betty sees about 40 people in the course of a month. While she chose not to renew her counseling license about seven years ago, she focuses on spiritual direction. As a spiritual director, S. Betty feels it is her responsibility to help her directees grow in their relationship with God. “I ask the appropriate questions to help them find the answers that are within them, not me,” she said. She explains the difference between spiritual direction and counseling in the fact that spiritual direction is much more of an ongoing relationship than it is with counseling. With counseling there are specific goals, once a client has reached those goals the relationship can be terminated. With spiritual direction the goal is to improve the directee’s relationship with God. “And until we’re buried, that relationship isn’t finished,” she said. Like Elizabeth, S. Betty emphasizes community and growth, valuing relationships and committing herself to others. “Watching the individual blossom and bloom, it’s fun,” she said. “I like my job because it’s fun. When I was doing career life planning I used to always teach people that a job or employment should mean getting paid to do something you like. That’s idealistic in today’s economy, but it’s what I believe.” S. Betty Finn (center) has been ministering in spiritual direction for 35 years.
“Besides receiving regular spiritual direction myself and being faithful to my annual three-week retreat, I belong to a monthly peer-supervision group which uses the Shalem model; this has been a ‘must’ for keeping me aware, sharp and humble. Another responsibility is, of course, reading and keeping myself updated. Since I am a member of Spiritual Directors International, its journal ‘Presence’ and other publications provide good reading as well as my own books on spiritual direction and retreat work. One responsibility I do take seriously is stewardship. Keeping records sometimes is a chore but a necessary one. Financially I send in my quarterly reports to the Finance Office at the Mount. “It is interesting that I did not choose this ministry. It chose me! While on sabbatical from teaching/administration I was encouraged by the participants and the director to get into some ministry that would help people foster spiritual growth and wholeness. I had also been encouraged while in the educational field but shrugged it off. “Now I can truly delight in how the Lord works with individuals. What a challenge to keep out of the way and truly be with a person, deeply listening. Over and over again I have had to ask myself if the spirit of Elizabeth is being carried out in this ministry, and each time the question is asked, a loud affirmation follows.”
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M E E T O U R A S S O C I AT E S I N M I S S I O N —
Dorothy Cordova By S. Mary Paul Medland
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native to Los Chavez, N.M., Associate Dorothy Cordova was born to happy, healthy and hardworking parents. With six brothers, Dorothy learned to sew watching her grandmother, a seamstress. She is currently a volunteer coordinator for Hospice and manages the Sew Sew Shop. S. Mary Paul Medland had the opportunity to speak with Gloria and learn a little bit more about this Associate from the West.
cook and study Scripture with others.
My work experience began with helping in the family farm business. After my daughter was born, I tried to think of a profession that would allow me to be home for my daughter after school and on weekends. In January 1978 I came up with the idea to start a sewing business. (It never occurred to me that I might want to know how to sew in order to have a sewing business.) In February, I received a call asking, “Are you the professional Tell me a bit about Associate Dorothy Cordova opened the Sew Sew Shop in 1978. seamstress? I have some your life’s journey as it very expensive woolens continues to unfold. from overseas and I would like to have some custom blazers Mom was a friend to all and she served a meal to everyone made.” I must have measured that poor lady for two hours. who came to our home. Dad, a farmer, was always singing or I knew my math so I figured I could get the patterns to fit whistling as he worked. He always knelt and prayed before just right. I happily started my first pattern and when I had starting each new crop. They grew on acres of perfectly it all cut out, I realized I had to find an expert tailor to do straight rows with beautiful, thriving vegetation. When I was the actual sewing. I called a sewing school and hired my first a child, I would ride on the horses as he was plowing the fields professional tailor. That first blazer was made beautifully! It with them. Daddy taught me how to kneel before God and fit the woman like a glove, literally; she could only squeeze pray every night. I was the only girl of the seven children, so I into it. She let me keep that first blazer and allowed me to was very protected and spoiled. Grandma was a very prayerful make the other three blazers, which all fit her very well and healer. She was also a great seamstress and used to purchase turned out beautifully. I attended sewing classes while hiring full, layered dresses with long trains of fabric from salesmen proper professionals to do the actual sewing. My specialty is who wandered into town in old horse-pulled wagons. With reweaving and wardrobe consulting. the fabric she would create special occasion clothing for the While running the Sew Sew Shop, I continued taking family. I began to sew from watching her on that old Singer part-time jobs to advance in experience, led patient group treadle machine. At 21, I married an ironworker foreman. sessions, tax preparation, and business management. I still Divorced after 11 years, I have stepchildren and a daughter manage the shop. Presently I am working at my dream job – who is a successful businesswoman and very artistic. volunteer coordinator for hospice. This rewarding job came My education is mostly on my own or from taking college to me two years ago, two weeks after praying to God for the courses. I learned Spanish at 17 and am presently studying opportunity to serve Him in this capacity. I plan to never American Sign Language. I volunteer wherever possible and retire, God willing. help direct music at some Masses. I drum, swim, sing, walk, 16
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When was your first connection with the Sisters of Charity? I met S. Adele Baca through Associate Margaret Olona. S. Adele insisted that I was to begin Scripture study with S. Linda Chavez. When I questioned her assertive style, she said the Sisters were not normally so but God is busy at work right now. I gave in. The day I walked into S. Linda Chavez’s home for Scripture study, I just knew I had come home. What is it that drew you to become a Sister of Charity Associate in Mission? S. Linda showed me a picture of the Motherhouse. To my amazement, it looked almost identical to an amateur architectural drawing I had made years ago of a place I had dreamed of developing, called “Golden Years Haven.” S. Linda invited me to go to the Motherhouse. In preparation, I attended Ash Wednesday Mass and Fr. Mendez offered confession. It had been 30 years. I started life anew. S. Juanita Marie Gonzales drove me to the Motherhouse and she taught me to pray the rosary on that drive. All this plus the many phone calls, encouragement, and the true Christian example from S. Adele Baca drew me to be a Sister of Charity Associate.
S C M inistry F oundation
Funds Documentary
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hen Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, La., in 2005, six Catholic communities of Sisters lost more than convents, chapels, cars and motherhouses. They also lost ministries that served the families of New Orleans – high schools, day care sites, community centers and senior nursing home facilities. The Sisters faced a soul-size dilemma: to remain and rebuild or to walk away. Mindful of their long New Orleans legacies and the massive needs surrounding them, they chose to stay – and to continue their service in the city they love. Their story has been captured in the documentary, “We Shall Not Be Moved: The Catholic Sisters of New Orleans.” SC Ministry Foundation is a funder of the documentary and S. Sally Duffy, president, and Loretta Dees, communications director, are the co-executive producers. ABC affiliates nationwide aired the hour-long documentary. Sisters and Associates were invited to the Cincinnati premiere Sept. 27 at Seton High School. A special screening also was held at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse in October.
For more information, visit www.weshallnotbemovedmovie.com.
What, now, is your heart’s deepest wish for our future together as SCs and Associates? I hope to be wherever I am most needed. I would like ideas of what Associates can do for or with the Sisters now. To me, being an Associate means helping or inspiring others to live life purposefully and beautifully while making ourselves and others ready for our true birth, thus continuing the example of the Sisters of Charity. Editor’s Note: S. Mary Paul Medland died Oct. 26, 2012, shortly after completing this interview with Dorothy Cordova. We in the Communications Office are grateful for Sister's gifts. She will be greatly missed. F all 2 0 1 2
(From left) S. Mary Greta Schmidlin, RSM, S. Sally Duffy, SC Ministry Foundation president and executive director, S. Sally Sherman, RSM, and Loretta Dees, SC Ministry Foundation director of communications, attended the Cincinnati premiere of “We Shall Not Be Moved: The Catholic Sisters of New Orleans” on Sept. 27 at Seton High School.
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Wearing Many Hats FIFTY YEARS TEACHING —
By S. Fran Trampiets “My life has been teaching, teaching, teaching,” said Diamond Jubilarian S. Laetitia Slusser, “and I’ve loved it.”
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he has worn many hats in her 50-plus years of teaching. Beginning as an elementary teacher in 1955, S. Laetitia taught in Ohio, New Mexico and Colorado. Speaking with enthusiasm about those first years in parish schools, she says, “One of the students I taught in Albuquerque, N.M., in the 1950s dedicated his book ‘Math Without Fear’ to me and S. Frances Marian (S. Dorothy Werdman). He was teaching in the University of New Mexico’s Teacher Education Department. The dedication read, ‘To Sister Laetitia and Sister Frances, my first and best math teachers.’” “One of the most humbling and touching experiences occurred when I was teaching the fifth grade at St. Francis Xavier in Albuquerque,” she continued. “I had lost my side beads and had resigned myself to going without them. One day, to my surprise, the father of one of my students appeared at the door with a brown paper bag and said, ‘Your students collected this money for you to buy a new rosary.’ When I counted it, all in change, the amount was something like $19.23! These fifth graders, although very poor themselves, just didn’t think it was right that Sister wasn’t wearing a rosary like the other Sisters and they did something about it!” In 1962, the year Vatican II convened, S. Laetitia joined nine other Sisters of Charity who were studying theology at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. “The experience … was absolutely exhilarating,” she said. “We studied the documents (of Vatican II) as they were being published. For me it opened up a whole new world. I went there thinking that
S. Laetitia Slusser entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati on Sept. 7, 1952 – celebrating 60 years of religious life in 2012.
S. Laetitia was the religious education coordinator at Holy Trinity parish in Westminster, Colo.
Catholics interpreted Scriptures literally. I did not know the importance of conscience and I had no idea of the historical development of anything.” In 1970 she began her new ministry of religious education. She served as religious education coordinator at St. Pius X parish in Aurora, Colo., and then at Holy Trinity parish, Westminster, Colo. “My years of teaching adults, particularly catechists, were immensely rewarding and enriching,” she said. “When people attended classes, sacramental preparation programs or intergeneration catechesis, I witnessed them blossoming and many were empowered to minister in other areas in the parish or community. I love seeing plants grow and am even more thrilled when people grow spiritually and become excited about faith. “One program that I initiated in the Pueblo Diocese is the conversion-oriented JustFaith experience. It is rigorous but is so worth it. One woman in Alamosa, Colo., is presently running for county commissioner as a result of JustFaith. A JustFaith group is trying to purchase the local mushroom factory to keep it from closing, and on and on. JustFaith makes a difference in peoples’ lives.
In the early 1980s S. Laetitia taught in the summer ministry school in St. Lucia, West Indies.
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“I found it comparable to the RCIA processes that I led in parishes. Somehow I would get converted all over again through INTERCOM
being with the people going through the process. I remember one man, a truck driver by trade, who suddenly saw himself in the story of the man born blind. Although he was usually timid, he spoke out saying, ‘I am the man born blind. I’ve been blind to the needs of my wife and children and the poor.’ For the first time the Word of God became real for him. In breakthroughs like this, God has given me abundant blessings.”
summer of 1999. These poor people had been behind the iron curtain for 40 years. We went to three dioceses at the invitation of a Latvian bishop. Approximately 70 catechists showed up at each place. They wanted to begin at 7 a.m. and go until 5 p.m. and then come back at night. We stayed a week in each diocese teaching five days a week and they found something for us (From left) Sisters Laetitia and Rose Patrice Beck celebrate to do on weekends like giving a retreat. their Diamond Jubilee on Aug. 19. We gave every participant a Bible in the Latvian language, paid for by the Sisters of Charity, and they When asked what impact her faith journey has had on cried when we handed it to each individual and said a prayer her ministry, she said, “The directed retreats I made gave me a over them. running jump into prayer that became part of my identity as “In every teaching experience I have learned more from the a minister. My spirituality – my prayer life, relationship with students than they learned from me,” she said. “Students have Christ and stance before God – overflows into my ministry and enriched my life.” my ministry into my prayer life.” S. Laetitia did a significant amount of writing for religious education journals and magazines during that time. Forty-plus articles appeared in journals like “The Catechist” and “Religion Teacher’s Journal.”
S. Laetitia has received many awards for her years of teaching, including the Papal Medal from the Diocese of Pueblo, the Director of Religious Education of the Year Award from the Archdiocese of Denver and the Faculty Member of the Year Award from St. Thomas Theological Seminary.
She has also had ministry experiences in developing countries. In the early 1980s she accepted an invitation to teach in the summer ministry school in St. Lucia in the West Indies. “About 100 young people attended the ministry school in Castries and were supposed to return and take on leadership in their villages. I found the poverty there to be extreme. Even though the people lived in shacks, they had great dignity.
She now lives in Pueblo, where she gives retreats and workshops, leads Bible Study in her parish and helps with religious education. Her main focus is the facilitation of online courses from the University of Dayton’s Institute for Pastoral Initiatives; she leads the “Catholic Beliefs” course.
“I was also privileged to go on one of S. Jean Miller’s immersion trips to El Salvador and to learn firsthand of the atrocities in that country – the civil war and the massacres.”
As she reflects on her 60 years, she says, “My life as a Sister of Charity has been meaningful and fulfilling. I don’t think I would have had such rich experiences of relationships, education, travel opportunities and spiritual growth had I not entered the Community.”
In 1982 S. Laetitia received her master’s degree in sacred theology from the University of Toronto, Regis College.
To say nothing of the thousands of lives she has touched since becoming a Sister of Charity.
“The emphasis had changed to social justice,” she said. “Some of the professors were outstanding and helped me understand the whole theological enterprise in more depth. Perhaps the best thing of all was the enrichment of meeting so many international students.” In 1986 Sister became assistant professor of catechetics in the pastoral ministry department of St. Thomas Theological Seminary in Denver. She held this position for 10 years. “The Vincentian Order administered the seminary,” she said. “This was another very fulfilling ministry. I thought I would be ministering there the rest of my life. But in 1995 the archbishop of Denver saw fit to close the seminary. I retreated to the rural area of Colorado for two years and it was healing for me.” Then came another opportunity for international service. “S. Mary Gallagher and I taught catechists in Latvia the FA L L 2 0 1 2
Holiday Gift Idea Remember a loved one this holiday season with a subscription to Intercom, the quarterly magazine of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. Discounted prices on gift ($10) and two-year subscriptions ($25) are currently available. Individual renewals are $15. Subscriptions begin with the Winter 2013 installment and cover five issues. To purchase simply mail your payment to Sisters of Charity Communications Office, 5900 Delhi Road, Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051 or call S. Marty Dermody at (513) 347-5764. Please be sure to include the mailing information of the recipient; checks should be made payable to Sisters of Charity. Thank you for your support. 19
(From left) S. Joan Groff visits with Associates Ruth Boling and Maureen Nieman during the June Caritas Convocation.
Where Do We Go From Here? By Mary Jo Mersmann, director of Associates
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he banners are down, the displays are put away, the photos are stored neatly in an album and Caritas Convocation 2012 is a beautiful memory. But it certainly isn’t over! The June Convocation was a “game-changing event” according to many Associates and Sisters who attended. The relationship between Sisters and Associates was explored, strengthened and celebrated during those five days. The conversations in small groups, at meal times and in the evenings (which seem to be continuing) moved us forward in the Chapter 2011 statement: “Create and implement a process for mutual exploration of the relationship between Sisters and Associates.” On Thursday morning, participants gathered in small groups to discuss the “call” of the Mother Drum (or the charism) that Anita Davidson so beautifully demonstrated. “How was I called to this relationship?” “What am I called to now at this point in my life?” These questions helped stimulate an intimate sharing focused on the charism, Spirit and prayer. “What does this mean for me as an Associate or Sister” engendered the responses in part: more collaboration, appreciate diversity, open hearts, act without fear, trust in the providence of God, unite in the Gospel call, take an interest in each other. S. Janet Gildea and Associate Lynnessa Gallagher challenged us on Friday morning to recognize the complementary call of our vocations. In new groups we gathered to share the unique gifts we bring to the relationship. Participants were invited to articulate how these gifts, skills and knowledge could translate into our daily lives. Some of the ideas shared were: care for each other, share our stories, leadership roles, work in social justice, offer food from garden, work with immigrants, and non-violent communication. And taking it to a personal level, “How do I add to the whole?” Responses included being our best selves; participating in Community meetings; volunteering for committees; supporting one another through phone calls, notes, prayer; learning people’s names; being present; actively inviting others; by not trying to be or do everything myself. 20
The final sharing day, Saturday, Marci Madary, our talented facilitator, enabled us to gather all insights, learnings and experiences and share how we want to proceed on this journey. Goals and outcomes were surfaced and separated into categories: available now, close at hand, why not? and not now maybe later. Some of the ideas are practical and easily accomplished; others take more thought, risk and prayer. Below are a few examples. For the complete reports go to www.srcharitycinti.org, click on either the Sisters or Associates password-protected sections, and select “Caritas Corner.” Available Now: Recognize charism spark in others; invite others into projects or ministries; wear pin; send birthday cards; become acquainted with someone in your area; personal response to prayer requests; engage with another small group to expand relationships; bring Sisters and Associates together to create prayer shawls; and include Association in vocation talks. Close at Hand: lifetime commitments; gather Associates in geographical areas across the Charity Federation; Sister-Associate pen pals; profiles of Associates on website; and posting opportunities for help needed. Why Not?: Service days together; utilize Facebook, Twitter, blogs to share about SC charism; Charity Family Picnic or fiesta in local areas held on same day; and hunger banquet and donate food. Not Now Maybe Later: Provide an assistant to the director; build straw bale hermitages; teenage Associate members; and recreate Wisdom Circles. It is now the task of each individual Associate and Sister, small groups and area groups to perhaps consider how to take these suggestions and opinions one step further. It is the task of the Associate Advisory Committee, who will meet in November 2012, to look at the entire list and brainstorm next steps for the Congregation that will be recommended to the Leadership Team. We ask for the continued blessings of God as we move forward to Caritas Convocation: The Sequel… INTERCOM
Slavery? – It’s 2012 By S. Jean Miller
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ave you read about our U.S. history and been grateful that slavery is a thing of the past? Well maybe we need to examine our world more closely and see if signs of slavery are still present under a different name. Are people profiting from the control and exploitation of others? Are children involved in the sex trade? Are adults coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts? Are individuals forced into different forms of “labor or services” against their will?
c Give us wisdom and courage to stand in solidarity with those who need our help to get back their dignity and freedom.
The answer to each of the above questions is yes. In each situation there are common elements of force, fraud and coercion used to control people so they provide labor, services or sexual acts. This is modern-day slavery and it is happening in our world, in the U.S., in our state, in our city and in our neighborhoods. Human trafficking is considered to be one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world and generates billions of dollars or profits every year. Many people are waking up to this terrible evil in our world and taking action to free people of modern-day slavery, human trafficking. A good source of education and support for victims is the National Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at the hotline (888) 3737-888. End Slavery Cincinnati focuses on community education and training. Gov. John Kasich signed into law a bill increasing penalties for human trafficking, and announcing new steps in the crackdown on interstate prostitution involving minors. A recent report from the Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force on Ohio’s Sex Trafficking to Governor Kasich points out that Ohio is a crossroads for sex trade. Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) recently called their assembly to action after listening to a panel, “Human Trafficking: Stolen People, Stolen Hope.”
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It featured human trafficking and those working to abolish the scourge and heal the wounds. Religious communities of women have been housing some of the women who have been trafficked. They have made public anti-trafficking statements to act, to educate others, to support those caught in the trafficking industry, and to lobby for antitrafficking legislation. Their Corporate Responsibility groups have been writing to hotels asking them to sign a code abolishing child sex trade.
The Gospel and our Sisters of Charity Mission Statement calls us “to act justly and build loving trust relationships.” Therefore we cannot stand by silently when people are losing their rights and their dignity. A group of Sisters from various religious communities in Cincinnati have been educating themselves, planning and acting to abolish the wounds of trafficking in this city. They have formed teams to visit hotel managers and ask them to educate their staff regarding this modern-day slavery, human trafficking. President Obama recently announced initiatives to end trafficking nationwide. He states, “Trafficking is barbaric, it’s evil and it has no place in a civilized world.” He called for an assessment of the problem in the U.S. and granted $6 million to build solutions. What can you do if you suspect that someone is being trafficked? • Educate yourself about the possible signs • Report a potential case by calling the hotline (888) 3737-888 (The National Human Trafficking Resource Center is confidential and open 24 hours seven days a week.)
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2012 JUBILEE
Diamond Jubilarians C E L E B R AT I N G O U R
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n 1952 Sisters Teresa Atencio, Rose Patrice Beck, Joan Deiters, Janice Ernst, Monica Ann Lucas, Jean Miller, Francis Clare Pavioni, Therese Ann Reis, Mary Joyce Richter and Laetitia Slusser entered the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Community. They have blessed many through their ministries in education, health care, finance, mission work, environmental justice and spiritual direction, to name a few. Sixty years later members of the Band remain active and vibrant; they serve in part-time, full-time and volunteer ministries; they are involved on boards and committees; and continue to spread the SC charism to all they serve. We congratulate our Sisters and thank them for their many years of service – past and present. S. Teresa Atencio
Retired, S. Teresa lives in Albuquerque, N.M., where she volunteers in various capacities, including babysitting for her great-nieces and great-nephews and providing transportation for our Sisters.
S. Janice Ernst
Living at the Motherhouse, S. Janice volunteers for various ministries, including The Women’s Connection, DePaul Cristo Rey High School and the Motherhouse Front Desk. She serves on several boards including that of Seton High School.
S. Rose Patrice Beck
Currently retired, S. Rose Patrice enjoys volunteering her time to various organizations, including Marymount Hospital in Garfield Heights, Ohio. S. Joan Deiters
In 2000 S. Joan started a private practice in psychoanalysis and spiritual direction, a full-time ministry she continues in today.
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S. Monica Ann Lucas
(left)
“One might say I’m retired, but I am busier than ever. I’m engaging every minute of life and continue to say yes to whatever God, others ask of me.” INTERCOM
One In Song
S. Ann Hunt participated in the World Choir Games with the St. Monica-St. George parish choir.
S. Joyce Richter volunteered during the World Choir Games international parade held in downtown Cincinnati.
S. Marianne Van Vurst’s Kolping Sängerchor performed to a full house at the Hofbrauhaus House in Covington, Ky.
By S. Barbara Hagedorn
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“Cincinnati, one in song; Make this world a better place; I can, I can…”
hese lines from the theme song of the World Choir Games indicate the spirit that prevailed throughout the event in Cincinnati July 4-14. Choir members of all ages came from 60 nations to participate in the largest choral music festival in the world. It was the seventh time the games have occurred and the first time they were held in the United States. Approximately 360 choirs with a total of 15,000 participants from the young to those senior in age filled the multiple venues competing in various musical categories. Cincinnati outdid itself in providing a memorable experience for the performing choirs as well as for those attending the competitions and the Friendship Concerts, free concerts which took place throughout the city. Sisters of Charity participated in the Games in several ways. Sisters Ann Hunt and Marianne Van Vurst were members of two competing choirs. Sisters Marcel DeJonckheere, Barbara Hagedorn, Georgia Kitt, Joyce Richter and Donna Steffen were part of the band of 4,500 smiling, hospitable, yellow-shirted volunteers who responded to a number of duties to help the Games run smoothly. This exceptional event offered wonderful opportunities to meet people from all over the world and experience many cultures and language. Each participating Sister of Charity enjoyed the energy, enthusiasm, and spirit of the Games touched by people coming together to sing and make the world a better place. S. Ann Hunt participated in the competition at the World Choir Games with the choir from her parish, St. Monica24
St. George. She commented, “It required weekly group practices and lots of personal practice time listening to a CD with my part emphasized. And what a shock it was on the evening of the awards ceremony to learn that we had earned a silver diploma! I recall the words of our director before our performance; they meant so much to me. ‘Whatever happens, I am so proud of you all. It will be fine.’ And it was!” “The World Choir Games were a once-in-a-lifetime experience from the opening ceremony at US Bank Arena in nearly 100-degree weather to the last event for our choir at the Hofbrauhaus House in Covington, Ky.,” said S. Marianne Van Vurst. “Our Kolping Sängerchor sang to a full house and Munich, Germany’s official delegation joined in singing with us. All our selections were sung in German. Downtown was a maze of young and old from many countries and when you would meet someone you were greeted not as an acquaintance but as a friend. How wonderful!” The volunteers had a variety of great experiences as they met the world in Cincinnati. “My favorite task was assisting with the international parade that traveled from Duke Energy Center and down Fifth Street to Fountain Square,” recalled S. Joyce Richter. “While distributing small flags from various countries to the crowd, I assisted with keeping people on the sidewalk so that the parade could travel on the street. I had a ‘front-row seat’ for the parade and a wonderful opportunity to converse with people from all over who had come to watch the parade.” Xavier University was S. Georgia Kitt’s volunteer site. “The University certainly rolled out the welcome mat with flags, multi-language banners, student guides, practice space and a Intercom
multitude of transportation vehicles,” she said. “I helped choirs from Croatia, Thailand, Australia and Lithuania settle into dorm rooms and learn the routine of a pass card for entry into the building. Finding the choirs break into spontaneous song while waiting in the breakfast line or as they gathered to board the busses to go downtown were a daily happening as was communicating with hand gestures, smiles and laughter.” S. Marcel DeJonckheere was stationed at the information desk at The Duke Energy Center which was the hub of many activities. “It was the perfect place to meet and greet people from all over the world,” she said. “At any given moment a choir or two would break into song much to the enjoyment of everyone. It was evident that all of us are more alike than different.” “A memorable part of my experience was the tangible spirit of the volunteers,” recalls S. Donna Steffen, who ushered at several events at the Masonic Temple. “I remember most the uplifting joy, welcome, support and applause which continued while each person of a choir came to the stage, not to mention the extended applause after each number was performed. It was truly a heartfelt experience of peoples from various places in the world being one and giving support to one another.” The hospitality desk at the Netherland Hilton Hotel in
downtown Cincinnati was S. Barbara Hagedorn’s volunteer site. “On my first day volunteering, we welcomed two children’s choirs from China and men’s choirs from Newfoundland and South Africa,” S. Barbara said. “They became ‘my choirs’ as I followed their competitions throughout the Games. The mothers from one of the children’s choirs stopped often to talk and we exchanged information about our cities and cultures. One of them gave me a gift of a small ornamental fish symbolizing the richness of each year.” A highlight of the World Choir Games for the Sisters of Charity was a special concert at the Motherhouse chapel arranged by S. Terry Thorman. The choir from Immaculate Heart of Mary School in inner city Los Angeles, Calif., performed to a full house. The choir had been featured in the April 2012 St. Anthony Messenger as “L.A.’s Little School That Could.” The pure voices and stage presence of the children moved the audience to cheers and tears. Their performance occurred after the Games were over so they were proud to come to the Motherhouse as silver medal winners in two categories – Young Children’s Choir and Music of the Religions. Their concert was the perfect ending to two weeks in Cincinnati when the world was one in song.
WOMEN RELIGIOUS
Initiate Billboard Project
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ongregations of women religious of Ohio and Kentucky, with the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, collaborated this fall to show their support of immigrants. Billboards across the two states were rented to proclaim the message: “I was a stranger an immigrant and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35,” signed “Jesus.”
It is their hope that the billboards will encourage others to become familiar with this issue, reflect on the values that call us to respect every person, and influence our government to make changes in the immigration system. A prayer service entitled: “Welcoming the Immigrants We Once Were” took place at the site of one of the billboards in Delhi (Cincinnati) on Sept. 20. Many Sisters of Charity and women religious were joined by lay colleagues, students and Associates to declare ourselves an “Immigrant Welcoming Community.” In 2007 the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati passed a Congregational Stand on Immigration. To view, visit our Web site at www.srcharitycinti.org/opjic/ congregation_stands.htm. FA L L 2 0 1 2
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SPONSORED MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT —
Joy, Hope and Love By S. Georgia Kitt
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ith advances in modern medicine it seems apparent we should be experiencing similar advances in comprehensive patient care to address the full range of problems associated with serious illness from physical symptoms to spiritual concerns and emotional anxiety. The common medical term for this specialized wholistic medical care is palliative care. Such a program was begun five years ago for the Sister residents in Mother Margaret Hall. The administration, nursing staff and social service providers knew they were providing quality care, but was it a continuum of care? How could we do it better? This grew out of a discussion of the initial Mother Margaret Hall Advisory Committee (Sisters Elizabeth Cashman, Marty Gallagher, Mary Alice Haithcoat, Margaret Mach and Peggy Rein) in 2007. Administrator S. Pat Saul formed the group to assist her in assessing the care needs of the Sister residents, seeking a more formalized, wholistic approach to care. S. Elizabeth sought the assistance of Sisters Mary Ellen Murphy and Agnes Coveney, OSU, who worked with integrated medicine at Cincinnati’s Good Samaritan Hospital. They started working with a core team of Mother Margaret Hall RNs Barb Corbett and Angela Anderson and Social Workers Ellen Dillon and Mary Pat Burke. They took the challenge given them, doing research, pulling documentation and developing policies/procedures to validate that indeed a quality, palliative care model was in place for our Sister residents. The core team of caregivers offered training for the staff, aiming at less crisis decision-making and more symptoms management. They identified chronic, progressive situations and took the best from the hospice care guidelines. This involved integrative medicine personnel at Good Samaritan, including S. Agnes and Sandy Webb, coordinator of palliative care there.
medications work well, alternating several different medicines to best alleviate pain and provide comfort,” she said. “In the interactive sessions our input was respected and encouraged. We were all reminded that the disease is what causes death, not the caregiver.” Through the workshop sessions, nutrition, pastoral care and maintenance personnel came to see the importance of their service in the wholistic care model and how vital their service is in this continuum of care. They see themselves as helpers who let the Sister resident process the suffering; the Sister experiences her suffering with care surrounding her, allowing her to come out of it stronger and more in touch with her reality. Such conditions as uncontrolled pain, appetite, anxiety, fatigue, nausea, depression, shortness of breath, and sleep problems were conditions considered in each Sister resident’s assessment. As the plan was implemented the staff goal in each case was to relieve suffering, treat pain, provide spiritual and psychological resources, and to offer a support system that helps the individual live as actively as possible. The key to effective palliative care is to provide a safe way for the individual to address her psychological and physical distress, in an atmosphere of trust. The Sister experiencing suffering is the focus; all components of her illness are treated by qualified staff members, who as part of the planning, are confident of the treatments administered. “We put the Sister resident at the center of the care process and re-designed care to meet the needs,” S. Pat stated. “We rethought the design of the information system, centering it on the individual Sister’s needs. We use the Sister’s individual assessment data we have available to deliver the right care. Coordination,
“Considering the culture of our faith-based institution, we saw palliative care as an excellent program in keeping with what we are called to do – to provide quality care even when it cannot cure,” said Ellen Dillon, LSW. “The key to this whole effort is to include the individual Sister in her own care plan.” Education was critical to successful implementation. Workshops were broadened to include all department personnel, on all shifts. S. Elizabeth Cashman recalls, “The entire staff was lovely in listening, learning and actualizing a continuum of care. They were essential contributors in putting the plan in place.” Barb Corbett, RN, now retired, saw the nurses on the floors more willing to give the Sister residents medicines. “Through Hospice of Cincinnati staff, our nursing staff learned what (Front, from left) S. Elizabeth Cashman, Angela Anderson, RN, director of nursing, (back, from left) Ellen Dillon, LSW, S. Mary Ellen Murphy and Mary Pat Burke, LISM, director of resident services, were essential to the implementation of the palliative care program at Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility.
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INTERCOM
integration and teamwork are essential. I am proud of the way the core caregiver team took the challenge and went with it. They led the way forward.” One staff nurse remarked that the palliative care model has allowed her to see the Sisters differently. “I observe the body language and really listen to her. I find myself more focused on what’s important in my job. I learned to appreciate my own spirituality.” One of the resource persons who provided input for the caregivers was Father Joseph Cardone, a health care minister in Toledo, Ohio. He reminded the participants that death is a natural part of life. “We have been baptized into the life and death of Jesus. When we carry this over to life forever it only gets better,” Father Cardone said. “All ethical and religious directives for Catholic health care direct us to transition from ‘cure to care’ in the palliative care model.” It is widely accepted in health care circles that physical pain must be controlled before spiritual and emotional care can be appropriately received. The Mother Margaret Hall staff realizes this approach requires self reflection and self care because it is emotionally challenging. Presence to the Sister requires energy and a multidisciplinary approach, thus the value of a team. Wholistic palliative care relies on the input from physicians, pharmacists, chaplains, nurses, social workers and psychologists in formulating a plan of care to relieve suffering in all areas of a Sister resident’s life. It is appropriate in all disease stages, including those living with chronic diseases and curable illnesses. This is how it differs from hospice care. The medications administered and treatments given relieve symptoms without having a curative effect on the underlying cause of the disease. The focus is always on the Sister resident’s quality of life. The formalizing of the wholistic palliative care program brought the core caregiver team to look at how ministry continues as a Sister resident nears death. Is it seamless? Attentive? Rather than referring to it as ‘sitting with a Sister’ they chose to name it what it is – a vigil ministry, a ministry of watch, awareness and monitoring; being a vigil keeper. The core caregiver team saw this ministry program as integral to the palliative care continuum. The next important steps to formalize the vigil ministry program included an invitation to all Sisters and Associates in the Congregation to consider becoming a vigil minister and the preparation of an orientation program. With the help of palliative care resource persons S. Esther Marie Humbert joined Sisters Elizabeth and Mary Ellen as the planning committee. Nurses Barb Corbett, Rebecca Barron, Angela Anderson and Lee Patton along with S. Marty Gallagher participated in the orientation sessions. The response was amazing and affirming; more than 100 Sisters and Associates participated in the two orientation sessions in the fall 2008. At the conclusion a commissioning ritual and commitment card identified the new vigil ministers as those who desired to be a prayerful, reflective and calming presence at the side of a Sister who is in the active dying process. “This opportunity is such a calm, peaceful leave-taking,” S. Elizabeth Cashman said. “Not a sound; the environment is peaceful and so spiritual. It is a marvel to me – just a holy, beautiful experience. I consider it a privilege and a gift.” Individual Sisters have remarked: “This program has been emotionally challenging yet so rewarding. Being present to these women, my Sisters, who can be debilitated by pain or anxiety and are faced with the complex feelings that come with end-of-life choices has strengthened me. I see that taking time for personal reflection is essential even though the load is shared by so many.” In John 10:10 Jesus says: “I came that they might have life and have it to the full.” This reflects the quality health care which is part of the DNA of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati; the legacy lives today at Mother Margaret Hall. In reality the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati continue to companion with other women religious who have provided contemporary hospice and palliative care models for the ages. For decades the Congregation has been providing the spiritual goods of life - giving Joy, Hope and Love to so many.
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 360 Sisters are joined in their mission by 198 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 32 U.S. dioceses and in Guatemala, Mexico and the West Indies. 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 Photographer S. Marty Dermody Director of Communications S. Georgia Kitt Executive Council Liaison S. Mary Bookser Advisory Board Members: S. Mary Ann Flannery Mary Jo Mersmann S. Emily Anne Phelan S. Therese Ann Reis S. Joyce Richter S. Frances Maureen Trampiets 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 E-mail: erin.reder@srcharitycinti.org Subscriptions: $15 per year
5900 Delhi Road Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051 www.srcharitycinti.org
Special thanks to MMH social worker Ellen Dillon and Sisters Elizabeth Cashman and Mary Ellen Murphy for their assistance in writing this article. FA L L 2 0 1 2
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5900 Delhi Road Mount Saint Joseph, OH 45051 http://www.srcharitycinti.org
24 10 One In Song: S. DePaul Sandoval met some of the members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary choir from Los Angeles, Calif., after their performance at the Motherhouse in July.
The Love of Christ Urges Us: S. Margaret Mach (left) is one of many Sisters of Charity ministering as a spiritual director.
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Jubilee 2012: Diamond Jubilarians (front, from left) Sisters Laetitia Slusser, Rose Patrice Beck, Joyce Richter, Therese Ann Reis, (back, from left) Monica Ann Lucas, Joan Deiters, Jean Miller, Janice Ernst, Francis Clare Pavioni and (not pictured) Teresa Atencio celebrated 60 years with the Community in August.