Published by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden, Pennsylvania
Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
winter 2019
page 1
R ✛ leadership team letter
radiating hope, envisioning the future
About the cover
Sister Ann Francis Hanley
visits with second graders from Madonna Catholic Regional School. The class traveled to the Motherhouse from Monongahela, PA, for a First Holy Communion
New Leadership Team members, from left, Sister Mary Parks, Sister Sharon Costello, Sister Lyn Szymkiewicz and Sister Jean Uzupis are installed during ceremony on September 9, 2018.
retreat that included a prayer service, gardening, crafts and socializing with the Sisters. St. Joseph Spirituality Center offers programs, retreats, spiritual direction and contemplative meeting space to schools, parishes, groups and individuals. For information, call page724-869-6585. 2
Dear Neighbor, Since our first six Sisters came together in France in 1650, our history reveals that the Sisters of St. Joseph always have committed themselves, their energies and their resources to loving and serving God and the “dear neighbor” without distinction in ways most needed and suitable to the times. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden have followed in this grace-filled story since our founding in Ebensburg, PA, in 1869. Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
Inside this Issue
This summer we moved the story of our mission forward. As a community of Sisters, we came together in what we call Chapter to pray, to reflect on the past and to envision the future. We discussed our challenges and we explored our possibilities for the next five years. (See Page 4) As our long and loving legacy shows, our work is guided by the critical needs of our neighbors and how we might better their circumstances. In this issue, we draw inspiration for our continued work from 12 Jubilarians. With a combined 775 years of service, their lives are given wholeheartedly to love and serve our dear neighbors without distinction. (See Page 10) Wherever our Sisters live or minister, we seek to transform structures that promote violence, and bring about a more spiritually rich, compassionate and environmentally sustainable society that reflects the Christian belief that all creation lives and moves and has its being in God. We cannot do this alone. We rely on staff, Associates, Auxiliary members, volunteers, partners in the community, friends, and donors. We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you for contributing your time, talent and treasure in support of our mission and ministries. In this publication, we recognize and extend heartfelt thanks to our many partners in mission who help us continue our story in visible and viable ways. Through your overflowing kindnesses, you help us affirm the message of God’s Great Love for all of us. Radiating hope with you,
Chapter
4
Jubilarians
10
New Associates
12
Development Letter
14
In Loving Memory
15
Annual Report
16
Scott Sisters
22
Faith.Field.Feast
24
Celebrating 150 Years
26
MGA Facebook Group
27
Barbara Hecht – Editor Phone: 724-869-6566 Email: bhecht@stjoseph-baden.org Dear Neighbor Contributors Barbara Hecht Director of Communications Alison Lucci Marketing Communications Specialist Jeanne Minnicks Director of Development Sister Gerrie Grandpre Staff Photographer Sister Norma Bandi Sister Mary Susan Connell Sister Michelle Prah Karyn Zaffuto Proofreaders Barb Sterchele, Omega Design Group Design/Layout Permission must be granted for reprinting articles that appear in the magazine.
Connect with us! stjoseph-baden.org
Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
page 3
R ✛ chapter
radiating hope Sisters set goals, elect Leadership for the next five years
page 4
Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
Families and friends celebrate new beginnings with Sisters at installation of Leadership Team.
Inspired by the theme of “Radiate Hope,” the Sisters of St. Joseph gathered in Baden this past summer to establish their goals and elect leadership for the next five years. The General Chapter is a sacred time set aside every five years for the Sisters to assess and plan how, with God’s grace, they will move their mission forward “that all may be one” in their lives and in the lives of the ‘dear neighbors’ whom they serve. Chapter provides a formal structure that unites the Sisters in keeping the life and ministry of the Congregation contemporary as well as faithful to the spirit of the Gospel and the founding Sisters who served God and neighbor beginning in 1650 in Le Puy, France. Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
During the 37th General Chapter from June 27-July 6, 2018, Sisters met in two major sessions. During the Chapter of Affairs, Sisters approved commitments, or goals, that will help guide key decisions and set direction through 2023. During the Chapter of Elections, the 150-member Congregation elected a fourmember Leadership Team to help move these commitments forward over the next five years.
and with others from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. The commitments we make are not for ourselves alone, but also for the sake of the world,” says Sister Sharon Costello, who was reelected to the Leadership Team. Sisters Sarah Crotty and Bridget James O’Brien enjoy light-hearted moment, singing at Chapter.
“We have committed to a focus for these next five years that challenges us to write our new narrative of communion both among ourselves page 5
From the voices of Erin, Tiana, Nora, Fernanda, Jason and Shon, we heard the pain of exclusion, otherness, oppression and racism – and reasons for hope.
Inspired by Jesus’ prayer “that all may be one,” and in response to our deeply rooted call for nonviolence, we made commitments to:
• Acknowledge our complicity in the sin of racism and other forms of violence • Educate ourselves about the structures and ongoing impacts of racism • Engage in relationships with persons and communities of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds • Work to dismantle structures of privilege in ourselves, our Congregation, and the wider community page 6
These commitments were shaped, in part, from the “outside voices” of guests who were invited to Chapter to speak about the pressing issues of the world from their diverse backgrounds and professional perspectives. We are grateful to these panelists who described their work to end injustices and promote right relationships through education, mentoring, community development, social work, and grant-making: … … … … … …
… … … … …
• Jason Jones, a community development officer at a bank, helps ensure fair lending practices in low to moderate income neighborhoods.
… … … … … … …
• Fernando Ruiz Mendoza, a Pennsylvania State University student in Spanish and international relations, works and advocates for Latino Youth in Pittsburgh, particularly through Casa San Jose.
… … • Shon Owens, a minister and … coordinator for the Fatherhood … Initiative of Beaver County … at Franklin Center, helps men … establish a deeper connection … with their children.
• Nora Crossen, an elementary school teacher with volunteer experience in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, loves children, values education, and hopes to open up opportunities for her future students. Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
•… Erin Ninehouser, a health care During Chapter, we … advocate with PA Health Access … Network, works to make health also made commitments to … care better for all people, … including those who are poor, explore possibilities for the … disabled or elderly.
•… Tiana Smith, a criminal justice … systems specialist and graduate … of Girls Hope, works across … Pennsylvania to improve … systems relating to criminal … justice, mental health and drug … and alcohol.
“We were deeply inspired and terrifically energized by their honesty, integrity and hope,” said Sister Sarah Crotty of the guests during opening remarks at the installation ceremony for the new Leadership Team. Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
future of our religious life in the context of changing realties, and to foster a culture of vocations by bringing all people closer
to God, through vowed or lay life.
“Indeed we had chosen hope as our Chapter theme. As Christians we know hope, based again on the scriptural call, to always be ready to account for the hope we know in Christ Jesus,” Sister Sarah said. “In these trying times when otherness, disrespect, division, dare I say, hatred is once again being raised up as a way to gain power, as an answer to the issues we face, we, Sisters of St. Joseph, choose to radiate hope; a hope we know in Jesus and in his Spirit that is alive and working in our world. We work to lead a union of life with God, with one another, and every person.”
page 7
m
meet our new Leadership Team
Sister Sharon Costello returned for a second consecutive five-year term in Leadership and was elected as Congregational Moderator. She previously served on the Leadership Team from 19982008. She most recently ministered as Executive Director of Girls Hope and Administrator of Pets with Heart, a pet therapy outreach of the Congregation. Sister Sharon has more than 20 years of experience as an educator and principal. Did you know that Sister Sharon, right, and her dog, Buster, bring comfort and joy through pet therapy visits?
Sister Mary Parks transitioned from an 11-year tenure as Executive Director of Sisters Place, a supportive housing community that assists single parents, to assume Congregational Leadership. She previously served as Executive Director of Girls Hope, which provides housing and education for academically capable girls and young women, and as Secretary for Communications in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.
Did you know that Sister Mary, center, has marched in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Pittsburgh for the past eight years, representing local Catholic sisters? page 8
Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
Sister Lyn Szymkiewicz served as Director of Motherhouse Grounds and Eco Projects for the past 12 years. She initiated Earth Tones, an on-site ecological ministry that preserves our grounds, produces honey for allnatural products, raises egg-laying hens, and harvests produce to address food insecurity in Beaver County. She previously served as Director of Formation Ministries for the Congregation. Did you know that Sister Lyn, left, is a certified beekeeper whose honey garnered top awards this fall from the Big Knob Grange Fair?
Sister Jean Uzupis has more than 30 years of service in education as a teacher and principal. She most recently served as principal of St. Joseph School in Verona for the past seven years. She also ministered in principal positions at Holy Rosary in Perrine, Fla., Holy Name in Ebensburg, and St. Benedict the Moor in Pittsburgh, and as a resident counselor for Girls Hope.
Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
Did you know that Sister Jean, left, participates in a pilot program, the first in the nation, that heals an entire neighborhood, block by block? page 9
M ✛ jubilee
moving toward profound love of God and neighbor 12 Sisters celebrate a total of 775 years of loving service
75h Jubilarian
Sister Ruth Sattler ✝
✝ Sister Ruth passed away October 8, 2018
page 10
When Sister Ruth (Venard) Sattler took her first piano lesson at age 9, she set the stage for a music ministry that continues to resonate with hundreds of former students who affectionately recall the 1963 album, In a Manger Lowly, in which she directed all the songs. For more than three decades, Sister Ruth taught music and band classes and instrumental and piano lessons at Mount Gallitzin Academy in Baden. After retiring from MGA in 2005, Sister Ruth continued piano lessons and often played the organ or piano at Mass and special events. Sister Ruth also served at high schools that included St. Joseph in Natrona, St. John in Uniontown, St. Veronica in Ambridge, and Mount Gallitzin in Baden. Sister Ruth composed more than 50 liturgical hymns, some of which have been incorporated into an original ballet written by a former MGA student. She formerly played trombone in the Diocesan Sisters Orchestra and the Sewickley Symphony Orchestra. Known for her joyful and welcoming spirit, Sister Ruth recalled that her teachers at St. Titus in Aliquippa influenced her vocation decision. “I was so impressed by how much the Sisters loved one another that I wanted always to be part of that,” she said. Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
70th
Jubilarians Sisters of St. Joseph who are celebrating their 70th Jubilees are, from left, Sisters Agnes Mary Russo �, Clare Reese and Mary Morgan.
� Sister Agnes Mary passed away October 18, 2018
65th
Jubilarians Sisters of St. Joseph who are celebrating their 65th Jubilee are, from left, Sisters Mary Frances Grasinger and Nora Egan.
60th
Jubilarians Sisters of St. Joseph who are celebrating their 60th Jubilee are (front row, from left) Sisters Patricia Ann Foley, Mary Margaret Doorley, and Rosella Lacovitch, and (back row, from left) Sisters Coletta Adelsberg, Marguerite Coyne and Christine Kresho. Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
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S ✛ associates
sharing in our mission Sisters welcome new members to the CSJ Association The first interactions that new Associates Cathy Ciccone and Bernadette Revicky had with Sisters of St. Joseph was through a personal invitation. In a spirit of welcoming, a Sister invited Cathy to volunteer at the food booth during the Harvest Festival decades ago, and another Sister invited Bernie to join the community. Both formed an enduring bond with the Sisters of St. Joseph, and they formally deepened that relationship when they became members of the CSJ Association. During an April 8 installation ceremony and Liturgy in the Motherhouse chapel, Cathy and Bernadette made formal promises as Associates after completing an orientation process. Approximately 100 women and men are members of the CSJ Association. For Bernadette, stepping into the chapel has rekindled the overwhelming sense of peace that she first experienced as a high school girl on retreat. Sister Rosanne and Bernadette
page page12 12
Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
“I became an Associate to companion more closely with the members of the Community whom I have always held close in heart,” says Bernadette, a former Sister of St. Joseph and a retired administrator of a health care facility in New Jersey. Her professional background includes education and health care, primarily long-term care, hospice and senior services. At retirement, Bernadette relocated to Florida where she played bridge competitively and taught master classes. Currently a resident of Sewickley, Bernadette is a graduate of Andover Newton Theological School where she earned an M.A. in Hebrew Scripture. She recently began presenting spirituality programs in the region. “Bernie got back in touch with our Sisters and those first stirrings of peace that she felt many years ago returned. It was like a homecoming for her,” said Sister Rosanne Oberleitner, her sponsor. Sister Carolyn Bodenschatz, who is Cathy’s sponsor, has served as her spiritual director for more than 10 years. She describes Cathy as “a woman of great zeal, strength and understanding” who daily lives the charism, or spirit of union, of the Sisters of St. Joseph. For more than 30 years, Cathy worked as a communication therapist for students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. She presently is employed part-time at Outpatient Pediatrics Rehab, which is part of the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. At Sts. Simon and Jude Parish in Scott Township, Cathy serves as a lector and member of the RCIA Team. Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
Sister Carolyn and Cathy
More than 35 years ago, Sister Carol Arch asked Cathy to volunteer at the Harvest Festival, and that invitation led to numerous friendships with our Sisters. “Cathy’s relationship with us has deepened over the years as she made retreats here, celebrated joys with us as well as held grief and sadness with us,” Sister Carolyn said. For more information on becoming an Associate, please contact Associate Judy Lewis at 412-831-5654 or lewisjudith68@gmail.com. page 13
D ✛ development letter
dear partners in mission, Welcome to our January 2019 edition of Dear Neighbor! The pages within reveal a vibrant group of women living in community and working as best they can to bring all people to a great love of God and of each other. As we reflect on the past year, we are reminded that you, our families, friends, donors, and volunteers, are always beside us, helping us care for our mission in diverse ways . . .
Jeanne Minnicks, MBA, CFRE
• As members of the Sisters of St. Joseph Auxiliary, you’ve funded our Sisters’ ministries and community outreach with the proceeds of your Annual Spring Luncheon. However, getting to the finish line of this 500-person event involved months of planning, selling raffle tickets, gathering gift basket donations, baking, making centerpieces, and many other activities. The Sisters are grateful for all you do. • As supporters of our Earth Tones ministry, you have ensured that our community gardens, apiaries and hen houses continue to supply fresh produce, honey and eggs for our Sisters and our local food banks and summer food programs that work tirelessly to reduce food insecurity within our communities. • As customers of our Sisters’ all-natural beauty products, artisan honeys, and hand-crafted items, you’ve created income for our Congregation, and provided employment opportunities for Beaver County Rehabilitation Center clients who package and label many of our wares. • As contributors to our St. Joseph the Worker appeal, you’ve helped offset or reduce some of our routine maintenance costs. For example, all lights in the Motherhouse and Academy buildings were converted to more energy-efficient LEDs. This project took 14 days to complete, and will reduce annual electricity costs by an estimated $22,000.
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Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
In addition to caring for our mission, you’ve helped us care for our Sisters. Our beautiful Baden campus is where many of our Sisters live and work, where our Congregation conducts business, where neighbors come for prayer and spiritual reflection, and where visitors walk the grounds and connect with Earth. Maintaining these sacred spaces is physically daunting for our Sisters and is challenging for our facilities and grounds staff as well. If you’ve volunteered to paint, clean, weed, plant, or perform other similar chores, you’ve helped keep our Sisters’ house in order. Your volunteer service contributes to the care of our Sisters’ in other ways. You’ve lifted our retired Sisters’ spirits by visiting with them, playing bingo and table games, and joining them in other activities they enjoy. You’ve assisted the Development office by working alongside our Sisters at fundraising events. You’ve offered your professional expertise and guided the Sisters in matters that impact the financial health and well-being of the congregation.
In loving memory Sister Mary Magdalene Wagner, 91 October 28, 2018 Sister Agnes Mary Russo, 88 October 18, 2018 Sister Ruth Sattler (Sister Venard), 92 October 8, 2018 Sister Marion Corrigan (Sister James), 93 August 30, 2018 Sister Grace Marie Herrle, 80 July 20, 2018
Your many gifts of money and time, as well as your cards, letters, and phone calls, reveal your love for the Sisters and your trust in them and their mission.
Sister Dorothy Antonazzo (Sister Nicholas), 90 May 12, 2018
To honor your trust, we’ve provided an accounting of our sources and uses of contributions beginning on Page 16 of our magazine. Of course, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sister Rosemary Snyder (Sister Edna), 88 March 13, 2018
Best wishes for a blessed 2019,
Jeanne Minnicks, MBA, CFRE Director of Development Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
Sister Helen Marie Shrift, 83 April 11, 2018
Sister Jeanne Solari (Sister John Vianney), 87 February 18, 2018 Sister Dolorosa Kleinman, 98 February 2, 2018 Sister Aimee Gillen, 82 December 29, 2017 To read more about our Sisters or to make a memorial contribution, please visit our website at www.stjoseph-baden.org page 15
✛ annual report to donors
July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018
sources of contributions 3%
5%
2017-2018 ■ Individuals....................................... $1,349,143 ■ Grants................................................$466,820
24%
■ Special Events...................................... $92,955 ■ Sales......................................................$57,979
68%
(Gift Shop, Online, and Lottery Calendar)
Total: $1,966,897
sources of contributions from individuals 2017-2018
9%
12%
■ Sisters Patrimony*.............................. $495,271
15%
■ Mixed Sources................................... $364,440 (Unrestricted monthly recurring donations, United Way, corporate matching gifts, free will chapel donations, motherhouse hospitality, website, Christmas gifts)
■ Memorial, Tribute & Planned Gifts...$208,264
37% 27%
■ Appeals & Newsletters........................$160,936 ■ Ministry Patrons................................ $120,232
((Gifts in support of Earth Tones, Foster Care, Prison Ministry, Anti-Human Trafficking, Pet Therapy, Haiti Project, Spirituality Center)
Total: $1,349,143
*Patrimony - Sisters’ assets which have been donated to the Congregation in accordance with Canon Law
page 16
Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
✛ annual report to donors
July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018
uses of contributed funds 1% 1% 2%
4%
2017-2018
11%
■ General Operating..............................$797,057 ■ Retirement & Care of the Sisters......... $525,417
13%
41%
■ Ministry Support................................$254,182
(Earth Tones, Foster Care, Prison Ministry, Anti-Human Trafficking, Pet Therapy, Haiti Project)
■ Development Department Expenses...$219,972
27%
■ Community Support............................ $76,025
(Neighbors in Need and Ministry Outreach)
■ Capital Needs...................................... $43,859
(Motherhouse Expenses)
■ Special Events...................................... $28,325 ■ Spirituality Center...............................$22,060
Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
(Programming Support)
Total: $1,966,897
page 17
✛ annual report to donors Circle of
COMPASSION ($10,000 and more)
Circle of
JOY (up to $9,999)
Circle of
ZEAL (up to $4,999)
page 18
July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018
Anonymous (2) Barbara Bensaia Joann Bracci The DLM Foundation Patrick Fagan* Mary Louise Franklin Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation Robert Jackall and Janice Hirota Albert and Diane Kaneb
James Miller Joe and Amy Novogratz Thomas and Christel Parrish James and Lori Rausch Sisters of St. Joseph Auxiliary Rose Marie Steffen Foundation* United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Paul Waickman*
Anonymous Arnett Carbis Toothman LLP Frederick H. Bedford, Jr. & Margaret S. Bedford Charitable Foundation Robert and Mary Dudas Margaret Fleming* Dennis and Barbara Habowski Maura Harrington
Kevin and Shari Johnson Craig and Ellen Liberatore James and Dr. Alison Mirasola Peter and Sue Osenar Michael R. Quinn Family Charitable Fund Peter and Marylin Rander William and Marie Schrum
Dr. Frank A. Anania Anonymous (5) Lawrence and Marianne Badaczewski Robert and Arleen Barth LaVerne Beckett BKG Industries Inc. Dr. Julia Blum Russell and Monica Bonasso Thomas Burgunder Ursula Chough James Colaianne, Jr. Illene Colby William and Patricia Collins Marie T. Coschigano Charitable Fund Paul Crandell and Patricia Crandell Thomas and Patricia Crotty Mary DeFalice Thomas and Ruth Demko Steve DiGiovanni Dennis and Kim DiPerna Vincent Donatelli Family Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation Mary Jo Dressel
Anita Dwyer Richard and Beth Farmer FedEx Ground Payroll Department Thomas and Heather Finke Lucine Folgueras Kathleen Galleher Wallace Gauntner Mark and Melissa Good Rev. Keith and Rev. Janet Grill Jeff and Elaine Groezinger Dr. David and Marilyn Harcum Janice Hayes Kevin Hayes and Hon. Maureen Kelly Dr. Stephen and Beth Hribar Joan Lavery Paul and Patricia Lebanik Gwendolyn Lenk Timothy and Judith Mahoney Constance Marker* Robert Mazur, Sr. Donald and Donna McBee Mechanical Contractors Association Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
✛ annual report to donors David and Susan Merison John Miller Gordon and Patricia Miller Philip and Patricia Muck David Nauman and Rebecca Degrosky Edward and Nancy Norberg Joachim and Patricia Peilert PGT Trucking Inc. The Pittsburgh Foundation Suzanne Polen Kathleen Polinsky Province of St. Augustine of the Capuchin Prudential Foundation Matching Gifts Progam Paul and Cynthia Rank Kenneth Reese
Circle of
PEACE (up to $999)
Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018
S. Edward and Katherine Renner Bonita Reyes Rohrich Toyota Timothy and Carol Rubritz Gordon and JoAnne Scherer Mary Ellen Schuessler Clare Sechoka Gerald Serrino Charles and Ellen Sheedy Capt. James and Suzi Sheehan Sisters of St. Joseph - Clarence, NY Sisters of St. Joseph - Watertown, NY Society of Saint Vincent de Paul The St. Elizabeth Conference St. James Catholic School St. John Fisher Parish
St. Peter Parish Jeremy and Catherine Stahl Mary Staudenmaier Dennis and Regina Stover Dr. Christopher and Barbara Troianos Valerie Tucci Mary Ulloa Steven and Betty Uzupis Dr. R. Curtis and Theresa Waligura David and Marianne Walsh Daniel Weaver Linda Whitford Rick and Patricia Williams John and Eleanor Yasaitis John Young Nicholas Zunic
Robert and Dr. Susan Alman Ron and Linda Altany Teresa Amabile AmazonSmile Foundation John and Ernestine Anania Anonymous (6) Nicholas and Donna Antonazzo Archdiocese of New York John Arzenti Wayne and Clara Austin Ronald and Barbara Balcerek Capt. William and Shirley Balint Ronald Barbati Aurella Barch William and Susan Barrett George and Bonnie Baxter Martha Bearer Jeanne Beers Sherwin and Sylvia Benedum Bikulege Family Foundation Linda Birochik Christine Bissert Regis and Mildred Bodenschatz Richard Bosco Walter Bowman, III and Dr. Martha Robbins Carol Brach
John and Elizabeth Branson Gregory Brown and Dr. Kim Pierce William and Justine Brown Amy Bubash Julie Buchta Jeffrey and Patricia Buckholt Eileen Budri Frances Bungo Charles and Lisa Burrows David Carlson and Roberta Scuilli Carol Casselman Todd and Beth Casteel William and Kathleen Cavanaugh Daniel Cellini Angela Cellini Catherine Charnock Vincent and Anna Cimino City Theatre Company Inc. Robert Colleran Heather Collns Mary Connaughton John and Kris Connolly Barbara Connors Frank and Catherine Cooper Frank and Adelfa Coyle Nicholas Crivelli Croatian Fraternal Union #540 page 19
✛ annual report to donors Helen Culhane Robert Currier William and Anna Jean Cushwa David and Noreen D’Argenio Daniel and Ruth Darragh Leonore Daschbach William and Louise Davanzo Thomas Deasy Linda DeBor Mark and Christina Degonish Victoria Dehesa Ethel DeIuliis Jean DeSchriver Christine Didio Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Mission Office John and Gina Dioguardi Carmela DiStefano William Dixon and Kathleen Gavigan Barry and Aida Dugan Thomas and Mary Durra Dr. John and Gertrude Echement Denise Edeburn William and Kathleen Englert Steve Eshbaugh Michele Fagan Jack and Carol Failla Gloria Fanelli Norma Fedak Richard Ferro Karen Fisher Francis Fisher Ellen Fitzgerald Virginia Flaherty Katherine France Mary Frankenberry Molly Fulling Elizabeth Galbraith Alfred Gallo Brother Allen Ganz, FSC GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program Kathleen Gett Dr. John Gillespie Bernard and Clare Gillis Edward and Nancy Gorski page 20
Dr. Daniel Gray Arthur and Anne Green Robert and Christine Grochowski Judith Guttilla Dr. Louis and Lynn Guzzi Haller Family Fund Margaret Hannan Joseph Haver Stephen and Barbara Hecht Stephen Hegner Charitable Fund Michael and Sheila Henry Janet Hicks Highmark Matching Funds Marilyn Hite Holy Family Folk Group Antonino and Mary Clare Incardona Family Fund Carol Ingemi James and Joann Jabour Raymond and Marie Jacko Kate Jackson Jeffrey and Susan Jackson Charles and Cordelia Jacobs Dorothy Kala Michael and Karen Kalna Gregory Kaminski Sabine Kane Eileen Kennedy Patricia Kerns James and Margaret Kervin Thomas and Antoinette Kessler John and Mary Kilkeary Charles King Dr. Wayne and Rebecca Kinning Joseph and Patricia Kirk KLM Vending Company, Inc. Knights of Columbus Queen of Peace Council #5367 Brian and Suzanne Koble William and Dorothy Koffel David and Chris Kormis Thaddeus and Helene Kotarski Peter Kram William and Pamela Kredel Ronald and Maryjo Kriz
July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018
Douglas and Evelyn Kurtock James Kustron Monica Lane Lois Lang Katherine Larsen Phillip LaRusse, Jr. Dianne Lasky Gregory and Julie Lechtenberg Ross and Alisa Lenhardt Joseph and Myra Leone Judith Lewis Joseph and Anne Liberati Jerry and Annette Lindley The Anthony F. and Nancy B. Lisanti Charitable Fund Mark and Ruth Llewellyn Jeffrey and Mary Llewellyn William and Carroll Logsdon Lulu Press, Inc. Renee MacKenzie JoAnn Maher Patrick and Kristie Maher Robert and Patricia Maloney Manor Family Charitable Fund Janet Marmura Loretta Martella Ronald and Lisa Martinazzi Laura Matherly Maria Matisse Ted Maznicki Patrick and Diane McCann Lisa McCanna Richard and Rachel McCarthy Katherine McCarthy Richard and Lauren McCarthy Ellen McCracken John and Patricia McGrail Joseph and Diane McNally McNamara Family Fund Daniel McNulty Martin and Joy McSorley Bill and Mary Ann Millar Harold and Helen Miller Michael Miniotas Dr. John and Betty Moraca Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
✛ annual report to donors Barbara Moretti Michael Morgan Edward and Gail Moschetti Eugene and Mary Ann Moulton Kenneth and Abby Moulton Brother Charles Mrozinski, FSC Lawrence and Marianne Murray Virginia Muth David Nackoul Dr. Albert and Barbara Nalli James and Mary Nania Martin and Maureen Napolitano Mark and Elizabeth Nebiolo James and Maureen Nelson Harry Nieman Jenny Novak Shirley Novak Robert and Barbara Novogratz Lee and Debbie Nute Michael O’Brien Valerie Oltmanns Rev. Leonard O’Malley Kathleen O’Malley Celine O’Neill Edward and Shaunette Onuska Anthony and Cynthia Ortenzo Margaret Pakulski Linda Panchura Thomas and Joyce Pappert David Parrendo Donald and Ruth Pashuta Peter and Tricia Pesut Roger and Mary Pieto John and Mary Pigza Leo and Evelyn Pohl Stephen Pohl Oliver and Mary Kay Poppenberg Dr. John Prellwitz, Jr. The Printing Post Redmond Charitable Fund Lawrence and Frances Rich Richard Riordan Rita Riordan Dennis Roddy and Joyce Gannon Linda Rohol Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
Laura Romeo James and Stephanie Rooney Patricia Rooney George and Barbara Rovnyak Daniel and Judith Rowley Noreen Russell Diane Sabeh Jeffry and Kim Sattler Edmund Schuster Jerome and Maryanne Schwartz Andrew and Donna Schwartz Charles and Janet Sekon Lynn Sevick Robert Shalamon James Sheets Thomas and Rosemary Sippel Lawrence amd Lois Skogerson Jacquelyn Smith Joseph and Allison Smith Grant and Leona Smith Donald Spinella St. James School Thaddeus and Jacqueline Stasiak Steel City Inspection Agency Inc. Angela Stevens Lois Stimple Susan Stuart Anthony Sullivan Vladimir and Arlene Sustar Joseph and Nancy Sutej Patricia Swartzlander, CSJA David and Rose Szymkiewicz Stephen and Joyce Tambolas Jason and Maureen Tapolci Anthony Sinatra and Elizabeth Tarasi Mary Ann Tarnovich Arthur and Christine Taylor The Hite Company Greg and Susan Thomas Thomas and Donna Timcho Dr. Gregory and Dr. Leslie Trecha Mary Tschirch Stephen and Debra Turcsanyi Rosemarie Varsanik Jeanne Vasselian
July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018
Richard and Lura Vereb Theresa Vidas Violeta Viray Dorothy Vojna Michael and Linda Vojtasko Lorraine Walley Leslie and Suzanne Ward Samuel Webb Joan Weber Mark Welch Thomas and Carla Welte Robert Werner Mary Anna Whalen Harry and Alice Whitehead Maureen Whitley James and Joann Wick William Wilson and Randal Stowell Paul and Mary Anne Windisch Paul and Constance Winkler Most Rev. William Winter Mary Kay Wood Jerry and Nancy Wood John and Kathryn Wray William and Kathleen Wycoff Mary Yates
*The St. Joseph Legacy Society recognizes individuals who have taken measures to remember the Sisters of St. Joseph in their will, trust, life insurance gift, or other estate planning arrangement.
Circle of
GRACE We express our deep and heartfelt gratitude to 2,597 Circle of Grace donors whose yearly contributions up to $249 have blessed us with cumulative donations of $161,283.08. page 21
R ✛ legacy of love
radiating joy and zeal Scott sisters to be honored for their service
Sisters Eileen, Rosaleen and Jeanne
The Scott sisters – Sister Jeanne, Sister Rosaleen and Sister Eileen (posthumously) – have been named “Spirit of Saint Joseph” award recipients by St. Joseph High School in Natrona. The award was established by the high school to recognize alumni and friends whose page 22
everyday lives exemplify the school’s patron. Formerly known as Sisters Mary Joachim, Mary Joel and Mary James, respectively, the siblings are graduates of the high school. “The heart of our family life in Natrona was centered at Saint Joseph Parish and School. As young girls, Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
“These are women of deep
our faith life was nurtured by our devoted parents and by our inspiring teachers. Our parents brought us together for prayer, showed us how to be calm, and shared their sense of humor. Our excellent academic foundation was laid at St. Joseph schools where the Sisters of St. Joseph were our teachers, our models and our mentors,” Sister Jeanne said. The Scott sisters served for decades as teachers in the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg and Columbus, OH. Following a long-time ministry in education, Sister Eileen fulfilled a lifelong dream to become a nurse and served nearly three decades in health care. In a letter of support to the nominating committee, the Rev. Kris Stubna, pastor and rector of St. Paul Cathedral, wrote that it was a privilege working with the Scott sisters in the ministry of Catholic education and serving at Blessed Sacrament Parish and Saints Simon and Jude Parish where they lived and worked for many years. Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
2019
faith and great love for the Church. They are holy, kind, generous and dedicated women who radiate joy and love in all they do,” he wrote. “They are true servants of the Gospel. As Sisters of Saint Joseph, they have embraced their ministry with compassion, courage and true apostolic zeal.”
Even as they age, Sisters Jeanne and Rosaleen continue to reach out and help others through simple gestures of kindness: an encouraging card, an offer for coffee, a promise of prayers.
whose lives they have touched,” says Father Frank Mitolo, chaplain at the Motherhouse. The Scott sisters will be honored at the 2019 Spirit of Saint Joseph Awards event, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 23 at Oakmont Country Club. If you would like to congratulate the Scott Sisters, please visit our website at www.stjoseph-baden.org and click on “send a note” or mail correspondence to the “Scott Sisters” in care of the Communications Department, 1020 State Street, Baden, PA 15005.
Sisters Jeanne, Rosaleen and Eileen in 1957
“The Spirit of Saint Joseph Award is a worthy tribute in honor of Sister Jeanne and Sister Rosaleen and in memory of Sister Eileen for their combined selfless and tireless service of more than 200 years to God and to the thousands of individuals page 23
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✛ faith.field.feast
farm to table
Sister Sharon and Mr. Wethli page 24
The week before Faith.Field.Feast was a nail biter as hurricane Florence descended upon the Carolinas. However, thanks to the power of prayer (and a little help from Mother Nature), event day was sunny and warm! Tables were dressed in copper and burnt orange linens, and tops were strewn with fallen leaves of silk. Glass vases brimming with fruits of the harvest served as centerpieces. As the reception began, Sister Sharon Costello, Congregational Moderator, invited guests to mingle with our Sisters, tour our community gardens, sample craft brews, ciders, and varietal wines, and browse our Earth Tones’ display of specialty honeys and natural beauty products. The reception gave way to dinner as Ed Wethli, President of Crazy Mocha and our Presenting Sponsor, warmly welcomed more than 100 friends of the Sisters and blessed the meal about to be served. The spectacular menu, expertly prepared by Cura Hospitality, consisted of pork belly, lamb chops, beef ribs, and grilled vegetables, all locally-sourced and donated. And finally, bluegrass music from local band, Well Strung, was Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
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the perfect backdrop for this down home event that raised $33,000 for our Earth Tones ministry. Proceeds will fund equipment and supplies used in our community gardens, chickens and apiary operations, which then supply produce, eggs and honey to food banks and feeding programs that help reduce food insecurity among our neighbors. A portion of event proceeds is also allocated to our Sister St. Mark Fund which provides small grants to other community gardens in Beaver and Allegheny Counties.
Special thanks to: Presenting Sponsor – Sustainer Crazy Mocha Coffee Company
Entertainment Sponsor – Grower Dennis and Regina Stover
Food Sponsor Cura Hospitality
Garden Tour Sponsor – Harvester Heritage Valley Health System
Sisters’ Reception Sponsor – Cultivator Concordia Lutheran Ministries PGT Trucking, Inc. Dr. Alison M. Scavuzzo Staley Capital Advisers, Inc. Tapolci Foundation
Event Favor Sponsor – Seed Sower A.R. Oliastro, Inc. Merrill Lynch – Bank of America Corporation TREK Development Group
Thank you to all of our supporters and save the date! Faith. Field.Feast will return on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
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C
celebrating 150 years of blessings Nearly 150 years ago, by the grace of God, three Sisters of St. Joseph journeyed from Flushing, N.Y., to the Allegheny Mountain town of Ebensburg, PA. With ready hearts and ‘sleeves rolled up’ for ministry, Sisters Austin Keane, Hortense Tello and Xavier Phelan established the Congregation on September 2, 1869. Shortly after arriving in Ebensburg, the pioneering Sisters opened a boarding school for boys near their convent. These visionary women firmly and faithfully forged a foundation for what would become the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden. Their humble lives and zealous works have been fruitful. Since 1869, we have undertaken every work of mercy of which we are capable – in the quiet and steady manner of St. Joseph, our patron. We have reached out to our ‘dear neighbor’ through our core ministries of education, health care, social services, and spiritual development, and continue to serve God and our neighbors through creative and collaborative ways. For our past, present and future, we are filled with gratitude, joy and hope. As Sisters Rosanne Oberleitner and Christy Hill, co-chairs of the planning committee, prepare for our 150th anniversary, we will keep you informed in our next issue and social media about the many ways that you can celebrate with us from September 2, 2019 to September 2, 2020. For starters, you can:
Save the date: : On November 10, 2019, Dan Schutte, beloved composer of “Here I am Lord,” will perform a Chapel concert. Look for details in upcoming communications. page 26
Share a memory: You are part of our history, and we would love to hear your story, too! Please tell us about a Sister who has made a difference in your life. Visit our website at www.stjoseph-baden.org and click “send us a note” or mail correspondence to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Communications Office, 1020 State Street, Baden, PA 15005. Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
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Renew your spirituality this spring at St. Joseph Spirituality Center Upcoming Programs Introduction to Christian Meditation Six-week introductory course March 4 – April 8
We also offer custom programs,
Eight-Week Ignatian Retreat in Everyday Life March 6 – April 24
retreats, spiritual direction and
Spring Ignatian Retreat Weekend March 8 – 10
and individuals. To learn more, visit
Spring Women’s Retreat March 29 – 31
call 724-869-6587.
gathering space for parishes, groups
www.stjoseph-baden.org/spirituality or
Reconnect with Sisters!
Reminisce with classmates!
Join the Mount Gallitzin Academy Alumni Facebook Group Please spread the word to MGA graduates! A personal Facebook account is needed to access the group. To join, visit: www.facebook.com/CSJBaden/groups.
Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Pittsburgh, PA. Permit No. 4675
1020 State Street • Baden, PA 15005
notes from our neighbors
Greetings from Maine! I hope this letter finds you (Sister Maxine Little) well and know that my time at Kinder Klasse has been a cornerstone in my heart. As a psychology major, I spent most of my career working with children who had autism. A job that would teach me a lot about life, sometimes very challenging, but the gifts that it brought me outweighed any challenging day. While living and working in Mount Washington Valley of Maine, I was reintroduced to Montessori and found myself working with a little boy with autism within a Montessori preschool classroom. It was life changing for me and I decided to go on to obtain my Lower Elementary Montessori Credential. Soon after I taught three years in a Montessori charter school before deciding to complete my master’s degree in elementary education. I thought I would share this with you as Sister Maxine Montessori has shaped my life since my first days at Kinder Klasse along with my parents who also valued it and incorporated it into our everyday life. There is always a memory for us to reminisce about that brings such joy to my heart when I think of you and Sister Helen Burlett. As teachers we want to inspire our children and allow them to become who they are meant to become in the best light possible. I want you to know how very special you and Sister Helen are to me and I will always remember my time at Kinder Klasse. Kelly Jean with her parents
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God bless and with all my love, Kelly Jean Evans
Sisters of St. Joseph / winter
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