Tornadoes Wreak Havoc Longing for Chapel Fulfilled National

KINSHIP
THE MAGAZINE OF CATHOLIC GLENMARY SISTERS
SPRING 2012 - Free Publication
Sr. Kathleen gathers supplies for
tornado victims. [pg 4]
Inside this issue:
Tornadoes Wreak Havoc
Longing for Chapel Fulfilled
National Catholic Youth
Conference 2011
Editor’s Corner
Am I my brother’s keeper?
I pray this issue of KINSHIP finds you healthy and blessed. I hope you
enjoyed a prayerful Advent and Christmas Season. Now that the hustle
and bustle of the holidays is behind us, I find myself reflecting on how
fortunate most of us are to live in America while taking so much for
granted. Sadly, for many, the American dream of decent affordable
housing, food and access to medical care remains far out of reach. How
can the very rich co-exist with the poorest of the
poor and still deem themselves holy while doing
nothing for the sake of their brother? With that in
mind, I’m mindful of a basic question asked of
every Christian: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” This
profoundly calls us to action.
I would like you to take a moment and reflect on
our cover photo. What is more powerful than hands
gathered to glorify the Lord in service of others?
Richard B. Remp-Morris
Ask yourself: are you responsible for how you
respond to your brother? Are you held accountable for how you treat
your fellow man? These are significant questions facing each of us.
This year, I promise that I too will challenge myself by meditating on the
importance of service and helping those in need. I’m fortunate to be a co
-missioner of the Glenmary Sisters. These brave, courageous women
challenge and inspire through their daily example of Christ’s love and
mercy. Scripture also reminds us, “Whatever you did for one of these
least Brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt. 25:40) Christ taught us to
have a special place in our hearts for the poor and vulnerable, the oppressed, those without a voice.
What will your actions be this year? Will you stand up
for justice? Will you make a difference in the lives of
those in need? I would like to leave you with a few
words from Glenmary’s Founder, “Love the Poor, the
sick, the helpless and attend to them. They are God’s
influentials. They are his aristocrats. He loves them.
If you are known in your community as the contact
man for all the poor and unfortunate of the place, you
could not have a more honorable title on earth or one
that would make you more welcome in the courts of
heaven. Besides this, you will be a marvelous drawing power for converts.”
Mid-Winter Letter, Rev. William Howard Bishop 1948.
KINSHIP
Spring 2012
Vol. 52, No. 1
The Glenmary Sisters, founded by Fr. William
Howard Bishop in 1941, are a religious community of women working to establish a Catholic
presence in the home mission areas of rural and
small town America. Glenmary is actually a nickname from our roots in Glendale, Ohio (near
Cincinnati) and special devotion to the Blessed
Mother. Our formal name is Home Mission Sisters
of America. Working in cooperation with the Glenmary Priests and Brothers, the two communities
remain financially independent of each other.
KINSHIP is published by the Glenmary Sisters to
inform their readers of the social and spiritual
needs of people living in their missions.
Publisher:
Sister Sharon Miller
Editor:
Richard B. Remp-Morris
Graphic Designer: Kim Klueg
Glenmary Sisters/The Glenmary Center
P.O. Box 22264
Owensboro, Kentucky 42304
(270) 686-8401
www.glenmarysisters.org
Unless otherwise indicated, photographs and
articles published in KINSHIP magazine are the
property of Glenmary Sisters.
For reprint permission, contact
[email protected] or 270-686-8401.
Special note of concern: By the time you are reading this issue of KINSHIP, a few weeks will have passed since the devastating tornadoes
ripped through eastern Kentucky. Please continue to pray that the Lord
will comfort and provide hope and healing to our brothers and sisters
who have lost loved ones and provide strength as they work to rebuild
their homes, businesses and community. In this issue we share a feature
story on the storm and Christ’s love through the tremendous efforts of
Sister Kathleen Mulchrone.
Thank you for your continued support and readership. God bless you for
making a difference.
Yours in human service,
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Cover: Glenmary Sisters’ community cross in the
hands of Sr. Catherine Schoenborn, Sr. Bernadette
Hengstebeck, and Sr. Sharon Miller.
Kinship
Spring 2012 www.glenmarysisters.org
President’s Message
Sister Sharon Miller
When Sr. Catherine, Sr. Bernadette and I went to have our pictures taken for the St. Stephen Cathedral
Parish Directory in September, I never even considered the cliché “A picture is worth more than a thousand
words!” However, when the Development Department saw the photo with the three of us, our hands holding
our community cross and asked if they could use it as the cover of this issue of KINSHIP, that quote is exactly what came to my mind. I have shared with you before how our community cross truly captures our
charism….the beautiful Appalachian quilt pattern “Star of Bethlehem” symbolizing not only rural
America, but in the intricate pattern reminding us to form Christian community even in diversity
while being especially mindful of the poor and forgotten of rural and small town America…how wearing this cross we are reminded each day that we are to participate in the suffering of others, helping
those we serve to understand that it is through Jesus’ death on the cross that we have salvation and
that even in their darkest hour Jesus is with them. The “Star” once again pointing to the glory of the Risen Christ reassuring us all that pain and suffering does lead to resurrection if we trust in God.
(In light of the storms that came through on March 2, 2012, this reality will be a very important part of Sr. Kathleen’s
ministry over the next few months as she reaches out to those who are trying to rebuild their homes and their lives.)
As our hands gently cradle the cross in the cover photo, we see not only
the love with which we treasure our call as Glenmary Sisters, but the
depth of community as well. Each Glenmary Sister, when she makes her
First Profession of Vows, receives this cross. Accepting this cross, she
accepts and embraces our God-given charism. More than that though,
she accepts and is accepted; embraces and is embraced into our community. Just as the photo bears witness to Sr. Bernadette holding the cross
and Sr. Catherine and me supporting her hands, as community members,
we are called to support and hold each other up in the event that any
given day the cross that is placed on our shoulders (the cross of the daily
suffering and poverty we witness, the cross of our own limitations and
helplessness on occasion, the cross of our humanness, or even the personal cross of our aging, etc.) may become too burdensome for us on our
own. We may need help in remembering that God is in control. This is the
Sr. Catherine Schoenborn, Sr. Bernadette Hengstebeck, gift of community and it is reflected beautifully on the cover of this issue of
KINSHIP.
and Sr. Sharon Miller
Prayer to Blessed Mother for the Nation
O most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, at this most critical time, we entrust the United States of America to your loving
care. Most Holy Mother, we beg you to reclaim this land for the glory of your Son. Overwhelmed with the burden of the sins of
our nation, we cry to you from the depths of our hearts and seek refuge in your motherly protection. Look down with mercy
upon us and touch the hearts of our people. Open our minds to the great worth of human life and to the responsibilities that
accompany human freedom. Free us from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion and threaten the sanctity of family
life. Grant our country the wisdom to proclaim that God's law is the foundation on which this nation was founded and that He
alone is the True Source of our cherished rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. O Merciful Mother, give us the
courage to reject the culture of death and the strength to build a new Culture of Life.
Trusting in your most powerful intercession, we pray,
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or
sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To thee
do we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy
mercy hear and answer us. Amen
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
President’s Message
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Tornadoes Wreak Havoc
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Longing for Chapel Fulfilled
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Spring 2012 www.glenmarysisters.org
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Tornadoes Wreak Havoc:
Recap of devastating March 2nd storms in eastern Kentucky
By: Richard B. Remp-Morris
March 2, 2012 will not soon be forgotten by the
residents of eastern Kentucky. The deadly tornadoes will go down in the record books as one of the
worst, if not the worst, March tornado events on record.
Our Sister Kathleen Mulchrone is missioned in
Menifee County where officials reported two people
died and nearby Morgan County has confirmed
seven deaths. I had an opportunity to visit the devastated areas and speak with Sister Kathleen
shortly after the storm. Here’s a brief review of what
she shared.
“The storms were predicted for Friday; we knew
they would be severe. News reports came over the
radio announcing that local schools would close
early since they were afraid of damage and wanted
to be prepared. My niece called to check on me since she was hearing the reports not far from me in Lawrenceburg.
We discussed storm preparedness and having our supplies ready. Moments later, she told me to get in a closet the storms were over my area. The hail was awful: the size of golf balls hitting my house. The ground was covered.
So then it was dark outside for awhile. The sky then cleared up and it was beautiful and sunny. Then, I heard on the
radio that a tornado had struck the community of West Liberty only a few miles from my home. At this time the
power went out and I began lighting candles. I stepped outside to check on my neighbors. It was a very scary feeling, seeing the damage to the trees and debris blown around. Thankfully there was no damage to my house or the
homes of my neighbors. I went back inside, lit a small candle, and prayed four decades of the rosary…shook a few
drops of holy water and the storm was over.
The next morning I went out to
assess the damage. So many
people were
worried about
me, and I was
worried about
them. It took
hours to get any
communications. I couldn’t call anyone. I
went to a local school where emergency
shelters were being set up and asked
what I could do to help. Within an hour,
the town was full of people wanting to
help. I was told the greatest need was
food, so I went to the store and purchased food and loaded my car. The
needy were all helping – the poor were
helping each other. It was an amazing
sight to see such love and concern. I was
actually approached by a couple at the
grocery store who saw that I was gathering supplies; they gave me $20 to help purchase food. I knew this family;
they live on a very modest income. This was a lot of money for them to offer. I was so grateful for their generosity.”
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Spring 2012 www.glenmarysisters.org
During my visit, she was extremely concerned about a very special friend, Sue Brown. Sue works with Sister in her
mission and lives in West Liberty. Sister attempted to drive as far as she could to her home. She then parked her
car and we walked a half mile to reach Sue’s house. Sue and her husband were very fortunate; their home only
suffered minor damage to the roof. Sadly, her neighbors’ homes were gone and many had died.
It was a blessing to see Sue’s face when she opened her door and saw us. Sue gave Sister a hug and stated, “I
knew you’d come.” We brought food supplies for them. We had a nice visit with Sue and her husband. Just being
there gave them great comfort in such a time of need.
The small town of West Liberty will never be the same. The main road is gone. Officials estimate it will take 8-10
years to rebuild the town. I pray that the Lord continues to provide comfort and mercy to all those who have been
touched by recent tornadoes. As a Christian it was encouraging to see so many individuals reaching out to help
those in need. Sister Kathleen is a gentle reminder of Christ’s love through her compassionate ministry of presence
to those living in the rural south and Appalachia.
Kinship
Spring 2012 www.glenmarysisters.org
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Longing for Chapel Fulfilled
Sister Darlene Presley
Since we opened this Mission in Pemiscot County we have longed to have a
chapel with the Blessed Sacrament in our home. Our first location did not have
adequate space. After the tornado, we had to move to a new house which was
larger. It had an enclosed porch in the back of the house. This area we learned
was the community gathering space for family and friends. It was an area that
was always filled with much life and laughter. We chose this space for our prayer
room. With the help of Glenmary Father David Glockner, we were able to convert
an old gun cabinet into a place to store our prayer and songbooks and the statues
of Mary and Joseph someone had given us. He helped us clean and paint. We
were able to get chairs from the house in Owensboro. It took some work but we
now had a sacred space for prayer.
In 2010, the Caruthersville house was designated as a Formation House. Our
longing for a Chapel intensified. We began looking at converting the prayer room.
We are blessed each year with volunteer groups that come and help us with the
work in the mission. I talked with the groups and asked if this year they could
help us convert our prayer space into a Chapel for the Blessed Sacrament and to
convert the large bedroom upstairs into two areas to provide privacy for the postulants that would be staying in that room. The groups embraced this invitation to
enter into the mission work in such a powerful way.
The Youth from Holy Name Parish in Henderson, Kentucky arrived in Caruthersville July 4. They and their adult chaperones arrived at the house with plans in
hand. The room was a large open space with a door to the outside. We needed
a partition to separate the entrance from the area that would be the Chapel. They
constructed a wall with book shelves on the Chapel side and had some storage
space on the other side. They also gifted us with a beautiful Tabernacle that was
made by one of their parishioners.
The Youth from St. Pius X Parish in Owensboro, Kentucky came ready to paint.
They worked hard painting the Chapel and the upstairs bedrooms. They also
constructed a dividing wall in the large bedroom. They used the long bookcase
that was in the room. This created a private space for whoever would use the
room and for guests. Clint Campbell who accompanied the group offered to paint
a chalice on the Tabernacle door. This was an unexpected blessing-God sent an
artist! We had our space and a beautiful Tabernacle, we now needed an altar.
My father loves to build things. My most cherished items are those gifts he made
by hand. I still have the clock and a decorative wooden box he made for me. My
sister is using the dresser and computer table he made. I asked my father if he
would build a small altar for our chapel. I was blessed to go home for Thanksgiving and be with him as he worked. My nephew Ryan, my sister Justine and I
helped with the sanding. I returned to Caruthersville with a beautiful hand crafted
altar.
On December 18th, while in Caruthersville for Confirmation and his yearly visit,
Bishop Johnston, accompanied by our pastor Father Jarek, came to consecrate
our Chapel and place the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle. Sr. Sharon, our
community president, and Sr. Catherine, who helped open the Caruthersville mission, were able to join Ernestine and me for this wonderful occasion. We look forward to having our first Mass here, using the New Roman Missal gifted to us by
our parish family.
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Spring 2012 www.glenmarysisters.org
The Chapel has been the work of many hands. Each time we gather for prayer in the presence of our
Lord, we are enveloped by the love that continues to flow from the labors of our Mission volunteers
and family.
Kinship
Spring 2012 www.glenmarysisters.org
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5th Annual Men Who Cook Fundraiser
2012 Silver Spoon Award Winners
1st Place - Best Dish
Jeb Medley
Italian Sausage & Butternut Squash Soup
CASA of the Ohio Valley
2nd Place - Best Dish
Kyle Aud
Stuffed Mushrooms
Independence Bank
3rd Place - Best Dish
Mike Benallo
Chicken Enchilada
Best Dessert
Mike Hoersting
Cake Pops
Greyhound Pets of America, Tri-State
Best Soup/Chowder
Jeb Medley
Italian Sausage & Butternut Squash Soup
CASA of the Ohio Valley
February 25, 2012
THANK YOU!
For another great year to all of our chefs,
donors, sponsors, volunteers and guests!
Best Salad
Chris Poynter
Seafood Salad on Prawn Chips
Time Warner
Best Side Dish
Kyle Aud
Stuffed Mushrooms
Independence Bank
Best Main Dish
Mike Benallo
Chicken Enchilada
Best Decorated Apron
Father John Vaughan
St. Stephen Cathedral Parish
People's Choice - Best Dish
Jeb Medley
Italian Sausage & Butternut Squash Soup
CASA of the Ohio Valley
Best Decorated Table
Chris Poynter
Time Warner
Honorable Mention
Mike Hoersting (Best Decorated Table)
Charles Goins (Best Decorated Apron)
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Spring 2012 www.glenmarysisters.org
National Catholic Youth Conference 2011
Coworker John Calhoun II
As director of Youth Programs for the Glenmary Sisters, I wear many hats. I get to go on mission trips in the summer with youth groups from all over the country; I am able to help students in our mission areas through our
JONA Scholarship; and I can spread the word about our Catholic faith to young people through a couple of publications. With that said, however, there is one adventure that takes place every two years that I am both eager
and honored to be a part of… The National Catholic Youth Conference, also known as NCYC.
The 2011 event took place in November (as it always does) in Indianapolis, Indiana. The venue was wonderful;
large convention center with plenty of room for all the exhibitors, concerts, sessions, and workshops. And, of
course, Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Colts) fit the space requirements to have Mass and gathering sessions
each day.
Allow me a moment to set the stage
for those of you who are not familiar
with NCYC. The event hosts over
20,000 young people from all over
the country. The entire event is
based on Catholic principles. All the
vendors, concerts, sessions, and
exhibits are in some way tied to the
Catholic Church.
The purpose of my being at this
event is to promote the Glenmary
Sisters to the youth. Along with
Glenmary, there are many other religious orders in attendance. It is always a treat to meet Priests, Brothers, Sisters, Monks, and Deacons
from all over the country. Postulant
Ernestine Bard and I had the opportunity to talk to thousands of young
people over a three-day period.
Our time began on a Wednesday,
the day before the convention
started, by setting up our booth space and making all needed preparations for the flood of people who would be
filing through the corridors within the next 18 or so hours. Thursday morning found us at the convention hall early
in the day. At noon, immediately after a short prayer over the exhibit hall PA, the doors were opened for the
young people and they poured in by the thousands. It’s always so exciting to see that many youth excited about
their Catholic faith. Our day seemed to fly by. Before we knew it, seven hours had passed and the first day of the
fun was already over.
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Spring 2012 www.glenmarysisters.org
Friday and Saturday began in much the
same way Thursday had with the exception
that college students were permitted to enter
for a few hours prior to opening. This meant
ten hour days in the convention hall, but
again, the time seemed to fly by while talking
to people from every corner of the country.
Over the course of the three days, I had a
chance to take in a couple of workshops,
meet several bishops, and see a few exciting
musical artists, including Tony Melendez,
Steve Angrisano, Jesse Manibusan, and
Tom Booth.
Finally, the highlight of every NCYC for me,
the closing Mass was to take place Saturday
night in the stadium.
By the time this publication is made public, the Super Bowl will have been played in the very facility I went to
Mass, but there is no way in my mind it could come close to the excitement of the closing mass…250 Priests, 70
Deacons and a handful of Bishops all participated in the Mass. Tom Booth led the music. Even more exciting, over
ninety countries tuned in to watch the live feed online, including the Vatican. This was like an international celebration of Mass.
NCYC recharges my Catholic battery each time I attend. While it is an incredibly draining event, physically and
mentally, it is made up for in its spiritual gain. If you are ever able to attend as an adult chaperone, a student, religious, or otherwise, please make a point to go. You will not be disappointed.
Editorial Note: Please continue
to pray for Ernestine. She has left
our formation program to listen to
where God is calling her to best
serve the Church.
Ernestine Bard’s
Perspective on NCYC
This year was my first NCYC, and all I can say is I truly enjoyed every moment. To be in a huge NFL stadium with
thousands of people for Mass and not hear a single sound is so powerful and peace filled. It really got to me.
I felt Jesus; it was like he was truly there guiding us. It was a moment where one could not resist praying. I
glimpsed the future leaders of our Church in action and I felt renewed. Thanks to the Glenmary Sisters for giving
me one of the most amazing experiences in my entire life. I can’t wait to go back!!!!
Kinship
Spring 2012 www.glenmarysisters.org
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The Glenmary Center
P.O. Box 22264
Owensboro, KY 42304
"You shall love your
neighbor as yourself."
yourself
It’s hard to imagine that there
are still places in America
where the Catholic population is fewer than 2% and
families are struggling without basics such as food,
clothing and shelter…since
1941, the impoverished rural
south and Appalachia are the
home mission areas of the
Glenmary Sisters.
You can help fight the war on
poverty through a planned
gift that leaves a legacy of
hope for future generations.
LEGACY
Please remember the Glenmary Sisters in your will.
www.glenmarysisters.org