IHM Spring 2004 - Immaculate Heart of Mary

Summer 2016 • Volume 15, No. 2
IHM SISTERS – On
Mission
Our mission: to evangelize, to catechize, and to teach
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Immaculata, Pennsylvania
IHM Sisters – On Mission
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
TAKE THE WORD OF GOD WITH YOU
Mission Statement
Animated by our charism
of love, creative hope,
and fidelity,
and in imitation of Mary,
we, the
Sisters, Servants of the
Immaculate Heart of Mary
of Immaculata, Pennsylvania,
proclaim the Gospel message
in the spirit of
Jesus the Redeemer.
Strengthened by a life of
vowed consecration,
nurtured by prayer and
the Eucharist,
and sustained by
community living,
we radiate joyful service and
promote Gospel values,
offering compassion
to all God’s people through
our mission
to evangelize,
to catechize,
and to teach.
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W
hat is the world coming to? So different from when I was growing up.
Today we live in a society dominated by technology and social media.
Our technology is constantly being upgraded with i-phones, and smart phones,
and i-pads, and tablets, and larger digital TVs which allow five programs to be
seen at once, not to mention the computerized voice messages that put us
farther away from a real human being.
Is our world better because of all these advancements? In some ways,
“definitely yes” and in some ways “definitely no”. I worry about children
growing up seeing all the violence that prevails on television and the subtle
and not so subtle disrespect that has crept into what is portrayed as “comedy.”
What messages are given in an ad that has a family sitting together each on
their own smart phone, missing precious time together? At times it seems as if
the moral values that shaped our nation are slipping away and “anything goes”
is the norm. What can I do to make a difference? St. Paul in his letter to the
Philippians says
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving make your requests known to God. Then the
peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your
hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, whatever is true,
whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any
excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think
about these things, keep on doing what you have learned
and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of
peace will be with you.”
At Mass, the words of consecration end with “Do this in memory of me.”
What power lies in these words, especially when we receive Eucharist and
leave with Christ’s life and grace in us.
Jesus too lived in a world that at times was discriminatory, impersonal
and cruel. In the midst of His culture, He went around being open to all, being
extremely personal with individuals and doing all that He could to help others.
His goodness had a transforming effect. We too can notice others, be open to
all, and extend kindness to those in need. We can be,
with God’s grace, the change we want to see in our
world. 
S. Elizabeth Woodward is a member of the retreat team at
the IHM Conference/Retreat Center in Bryn Mawr, PA.
Summer 2016 • Volume 15, No. 2
Welcoming the Stranger
IHM Family Literacy Center
This program is beautiful for me!
Sister Bernadette
Hiester, Director
of the Family
Literacy
Program, enjoys
teaching English
language classes
to moms while
their children
attend pre-school
classes with Miss
Priscilla in
another room.
W
hen the doors of the IHM
Family Literacy Center open,
the hallways become charged with
life! Twenty or more women, many
of them holding the hands of young
children, ascend the stairs chatting
excitedly in both English and Spanish.
The children are dropped off in their
pre-school class, the class that will
prepare them, if they attend regularly
for two years, to enter kindergarten
speaking English and not requiring an
ESL program. The mothers proceed
to the “break room” where they leave
their coats and other possessions in
order to get ready for their morning
classes. This is a special day,
however, and the regular routine is
suspended for an hour. There is a
visitor and Sister Bernadette and
Sister Jean invite the women to sit in a
circle and share their stories.
Before they begin, Sister Jean
introduces Isa, who will serve as
translator for this session. Isa came to
the USA from Mexico ten years ago
and has been in the Family Literacy
Program for two years. Her progress
has been so great that she is able to
speak English fluently and translate
for the other women. Isa describes
how the program has “changed her
life.” She portrays her pre-program
self as a mother who attempted to
control her children by yelling. She
had established no family routines.
Her children went to bed whenever
they wished; they spent all of their
free time playing on tablets. Often
they were not ready for the school bus
and had to leave for school without
eating. There was no supervision of
homework. Since she has been in the
program, all of these issues have been
resolved. Her children go to bed on
time each night and get up on time
each morning. The girls’ tablet use
has been limited to one hour on
weekends. Isa is now able to help
them with homework and read to
them before they go to bed. In fact,
when the children misbehave, their
consequence now is “No Storytime.”
She cannot say enough about the
benefits of the program for her, both
in her mastery of English and in her
enhanced parenting skills.
Isa’s praise for the program is echoed
by all of the women. As they go
around the circle telling their stories,
(which they are free to do in either
English or Spanish) each woman
speaks of how much she has learned
about the importance of developing a
family schedule and sticking to it, of
3
IHM Sisters – On Mission
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
speaker. She used to
have to wait for her
An important
husband to go with
part of the day
at the Family
her to the store, and
Literacy Center
even then, she was
is computer
fearful to leave his
time. Here the
side. Now with
moms use
Sister Bernadette’s
Rosetta Stone
instruction, she will
to strengthen
their English
take her daughter to
language skills.
the store to buy ice
Each day a
cream. Arely says,
“new” mom is
“Now I can do things
translator for
for myself.
the day.
Sometimes it is
difficult, but I know I
can do it.”
Being able to speak
the importance of correcting children
to doctors, teachers, neighbors, and
in a calm manner. Laura, for
people they meet each day in daily
example, says, “Before the program I
life is a major and amazing
liked to clean my house and watch
accomplishment. Repeatedly the
TV. I had no time for my children.
women pause while telling their
Now my family has rules and
stories to thank Sister Bernadette and
routines.” Several of the women
Sister Jean. The rapport among
commented, “This program is
these teachers and students is
beautiful for me.”
palpable! They are learning because
someone believes in them.
Many of the women had tried to
learn English in other programs but
Nine of the women have children in
were unsuccessful. In this program,
the pre-school at the Family Literacy
they are not only taught, but
Center. They are universally pleased
encouraged. Arely spoke of the
and impressed with Miss Priscilla,
isolation she felt as a non-English
the teacher. Since these women take
Sister Jean
Hennelly
helps the
moms to
understand
the need for
family
routine and
consistency.
Here she
guides them
through their
Parenting
Skills
booklet.
4
“Now I can
do things for
myself.
Sometimes it
is difficult,
but I know I
can do it.”
turns assisting in the pre-school
(where each must speak English to
the best of her ability), they all have
an exceptional opportunity to
observe Miss Priscilla work with the
children. Sindy remarks, “I learned
from Miss Priscilla about patience.”
The mothers are amazed also at their
children’s rapid growth in the
mastery of English. Many of their
children entered the program as nonspeakers, but are now speaking both
English and Spanish with ease.
Yoli captures the sentiment of all of
her classmates when she says, “This
is the best program I have known for
English classes.”
Summer 2016 • Volume 15, No. 2
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
The IHM Family Literacy Center
was the dream of deceased Sister
Regina Helene Pitts. Sister Helene
did much of the research and the
groundwork for the program in the
1990s. As a result of her efforts, the
2000 IHM Chapter of Affairs
mandated the establishment of a
Family Literacy Center staffed by
IHM sisters. Three sisters, Sister
Barbara Barnes, Sister Jean
Hennelly and Sister Bernadette Mary
Hiester originally opened the IHM
Family Literacy Center in the
Frankford Area of Philadelphia.
After five years in the St. Joachim
Parish building, Sister Jean and
Sister Bernadette moved the
program in 2007 to the St. Joseph
parish building in Coatesville. At
this time the focus of the program
was changed to specifically engage
Hispanic women and children. Also
faithful adult volunteers became an
integral part of the adult instruction
and the pre-school program. The
program at the Family Literacy
Center is unique in that it is an
outreach to women and their preschool children. The concept is that
if the Center could provide
instruction for the three and four
year olds, the mothers may be
attracted to the program that would
provide both ESL and parenting
classes for them while their children
are in school. Each child must have
a parent who is also in the program.
However, the program does include
women who do not have preschoolers.
Currently there are 22 women and
nine pre-schoolers enrolled. The
women are divided into two classes
based upon their mastery of English.
While Sister Jean teaches a class on
PACT (Parent and Child Together) – Mothers and children are in the same class..
Each has comething to teach and something to learn during this special time together.
“The family
is the central
focus of our
instruction.”
parenting skills, telling the women,
“Your children will thank you for
time and love, not for a clean house,”
Sister Bernadette is teaching them to
speak, read and write in English.
She and several adult volunteers also
do a day a week of survival English
in which they learn to navigate the
language associated with basic
introductions, daily routines, health,
education, housing, shopping, money
and time. During the last period of
the day, both groups go to the
Computer Lab and work on Rosetta
Stone, a computer program designed
to teach English.
The IHM Family Literacy Program
runs weekly from September to June.
In addition to the classes described
above, one day a week, the women
with pre-schoolers go into class with
their children for PACT (Parent and
Child Together). Once a week all of
the students participate in the
National Mother Read Program
which teaches the women how to
read to their children and how to
help them with comprehension and
inference skills.
Sister Bernadette stresses, “The
family is the central focus of our
instruction so Sister Jean and I try to
make home visits twice a year.
During evening visits, we get to
know the fathers and evaluate the
language levels of the entire family.
We also learn about their special
needs.”
The sisters know that they are doing
essential work with the families who
come to the Center. Primarily, they
see their outreach as a unique
opportunity to evangelize. Prayer is
an integral part of the day and the
women learn about Christ through
the lives and example of their
teachers. 
5
IHM Sisters – On Mission
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
In the Spotlight
Our sisters on mission ~
a little background, the promptings of grace, and the spirit that keeps them moving.
Sister Adrienne Saybolt (S. David Maureen)
IHM Teacher Mentor
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
E
very little girl (and big girl, too)
loves to play “dress-up” and
Adrienne Saybolt was no exception
to that rule. When she recounts how
her vocation to the IHM
Congregation unfolded, she
remembers, “There was always that
tickle in the back of my mind that I
wanted to be an IHM. My
girlfriends and I played “school” in
my basement as kids, and even asked
the sisters at St. Cyril School in
Lansdowne how to fold the veil so
we could do the same with scraps of
black material. One day in high
school I remember just coming home
from one of my many “pop in” visits
to S. Maureen Christopher
Dusterhoff, my eighth-grade teacher,
and saying to my mother that I had
just asked sister to be my sponsor in
the Congregation.”
With that began her life-long love of
education. But before becoming a
mentor to teachers, Addy (as she is
known to many) had to be a good
one herself. Her 32 years of
classroom experience and her
reputation for being a “top notch”
teacher was a smooth transition into
being a mentor for new teachers in
6
Summer 2016 • Volume 15, No. 2
Sister Andrienne gives some teaching tips to a beginning teacher, Sister Kathryn Teresa,
after observing in her classroom. Teaching is a combination of art and science and
Sister “Addy” knows how to bring out the best of both in an aspiring teacher.
IHM schools as well as other
Catholic schools in the Archdiocese
of Philadelphia. This year, besides
mentoring in IHM schools, Addy is
working with beginning teachers in
five lay-administered schools and
one administered by another
religious community. She is proud to
say that by word of mouth, the
program, begun in 2002 is growing.
“There’s a sense of satisfaction that I
feel,” she says, “when a teacher tells
me that something I’ve suggested has
proved beneficial to the students.
Also, most principals would covet
what I do, but they don’t have the
time to do it. They tell me that
mentoring is a great help to them
especially the one-on-one
conferencing. My travels from
northern New Jersey to Virginia
Beach and all points in-between put
me in touch with the real world of
what’s happening in education.
Boots on the ground, so to speak. It’s
not the theory I see, it’s the reality of
the classroom and that changes year
after year. I continue to learn from
those I serve.”
WHAT WILL SISTER DO
FOR YOU?
So… what exactly does a Teacher
Mentor do? Sister Addy organizes
and administers teacher induction
workshops (required for first year
teachers in the state of
Pennsylvania): three for the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia and two
for the Diocese of Allentown. She
provides three on-site visits a year
for each new teacher where she
observes a lesson, conferences with
the teacher, has a conversation with
the principal before and after the
observation and leaves a written
report for both teacher and principal.
Sister will also tailor a professional
development day or faculty meeting
to the specific needs of the school;
Sister writes timely articles for the
IHM academic newsletter, ABC
Notes; she is a consultant to Loyola
Press in Chicago for the decades-old
IHM publication Voyages in English..
“It’s not the
theory I see,
it’s the reality
of the classroom.
I continue
to learn from
those I serve.”
LEFT & RIGHT BRAINED
Addy is well known for her beautiful
singing voice. Often engaged as a
cantor for Mass, Addy draws
everyone in by her very presence and
total engagement in the moment.
According to Addy, “Most people
associate me with music, but I was
never a music teacher. I studied
piano and voice in elementary and
secondary school, but spent most of
my classroom years teaching math.
Sister Mary Anne Bolger, principal at
St. Laurence School in Upper Darby,
has this to say about Addy, “A while
ago, there was an ad for Tastykake
that said: ‘All the good things
wrapped up in one.’ That’s Addy!
Her professionalism in reaching out
to principals, her expertise with new
teachers, her insights . . . she does it
all and in a very positive manner.
Teachers who have worked with her
and have ‘graduated’ all ask if she
can return and continue to work
with them. Quite a compliment!
Quite an IHM!” 
7
IHM Sisters – On Mission
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Sister Anne Francine Windle
Second-Grade Teacher
Sacred Heart School, Lancaster, PA
“You have the power to make
it right, make it right, make it
right. You have the power to
make it right. It is the power
within called GRACE.”
T
his is just one of the many
jingles that Sister Anne
Francine invents to reinforce her
discipline in creative, gentle ways.
She says, “I change the tune and
verses to fit the need at hand.”
Yes, grace packs her days with
wonderful ideas to lead God’s little
ones to love Him more and to get
ready for the two beautiful
sacraments that they will receive in
this special year: Penance and
Holy Eucharist. “It is such a joy to
8
teach young children,” she says.
“Children by their very nature
teach us to hunger and thirst for the
Lord. It has been my personal
experience to have been taught
some profound truths through the
actions of His little ones. Time and
time again, I have learned about
God’s great care through children’s
wise words.”
IT’S IN HER BONES
Sister Anne is IHM through and
through. “I had wonderful IHM
teachers throughout my
educational experience. I was
aware of the joyful spirit of our
sisters as they always showed a
loving interest in the development
of our gifts and talents. I
remember jumping rope
with them, seeing them at
parish events, CYO
games and social
activities. They laughed
and cried with us. They
knew how to sing, play
instruments, tell jokes,
dance and play. They
were excellent teachers
who not only gave me
and the others in our
school community a
great spiritual education
but an excellent
academic one as well. Their
witness to a life of consecration
nurtured the seeds of my own
vocation.”
Teaching was a given. Upon
graduating from Cardinal O’Hara
High School, Anne enrolled in St.
Joseph University and Immaculata
University for the beginning of a
teaching program sponsored by the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia. After
fulfilling the first two phases of the
academic program, she was hired
as a third-grade teacher at St.
Charles Borromeo School in
Drexel Hill. “Once again,” she
says, “the IHMs mentored me and
guided me in the ‘know how’ of
organizing and planning my
Summer 2016 • Volume 15, No. 2
classes. They were patient, kind
and encouraging.”
THE INEVITABLE
Anne must have had IHM written
all over her face because even the
priests at Sacred Heart Parish,
where she had a part-time job,
“Over the years,
children have
helped me in
knowing how to
rely on God.
Their example
increases my
desire to trust
and ‘to walk
humbly with the
Lord’.”
McAdoo to New Jersey, from
Virginia to South Philly and now to
Lancaster. As teacher and principal
she knows students from every
angle-- “up close and personal” and
from the broader view “at the top.”
THE CASE FOR HUMOR
After being such a long time with
primary students, Sister Anne
knows the value of having a sense
of humor. She advises, “Develop
an ability to laugh at yourself and
be patient with your own
imperfections so you can accept
others with patience.”
“I often tell my students that they
may not be good at everything.
Then I use the example of my own
inability to sketch and paint. I
always find it humorous that when
I attempt to draw something and
the students recognize the object,
they often call out ‘that’s really
good for you’.”
STAMINA & SERVICE
Sister Anne tells of her father who
was drafted into the Army in World
War II. He was captured by the
Japanese and endured a work camp
for 3 1/2 years. He walked the
“Battan Death March” and yet
survived. Sister remembers, “ My
dad had a wonderful work ethic
which enabled all five of his
children to understand how to
appreciate God-given gifts and use
them for the good of others. Dad
never pushed his children into a
career or a vocation that was
related to making alot of money.
His philosophy was to respond to a
life that we knew would bring
happiness to ourselves and others.
My mom’s simple daily witness to
her Catholic Faith eventually led
dad to become a Catholic before he
died.” 
would drop hints about her entering
the convent. She credits her pastor
Msgr. Falls with keeping her
connected to the IHMs. “I could
not deny, “ she admits, “that the
Lord was calling me to live the life
of a sister. The rest is history – a
blessed jourmey and a gift from the
Lord.”
The IHM Congregation has given
Sister Anne plenty of educational
experiences. She has traveled from
Shamokin to Peru, from Chester to
two IHM Academies, from
9
IHM Sisters – On Mission
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Powerhouse Presence
Camilla Hall
Sister John Joseph Schuyler ... in the Nurses’ Nook
A
lthough Sister John Joseph’s
IHM life began as a teacher,
most can simply remember her as a
nurse who has graced Camilla Hall
for over 50 years.
set on nursing. Her sister Regina
had entered the convent and Hildie
was bound and determined not to
follow her, but her heart said
otherwise. Not wanting to give in,
she declared emphatically, “Only
for six months, that’s it. I don’t
want a vocation. I don’t really want
to be a nun!” Her father quickly
reminded her, “Nobody, Hildie,
does anything in life for six
months.” He was right on target.
Six months turned into fifty-two
years. “Grace,” she admits. It’s all
grace.” When assigned to Camilla
Hall to study nursing, she said she
would try it for three years. What
would her father say about that?
BEYOND CAMILLA
Sister John has made sure that her
world would expand beyond
Camilla Hall. Her great interest in
the Holocaust took her to Simon
Gratz High School in Philadelphia
on her days off to catalogue
artifacts. She celebrated the 40th
Anniversary of the Holocaust
hearing Elie Wiesel speak about his
book “Night.” Her interest
continues to remain steadfast.
Every two years, the sister nurses
could have a two-week
experience – somewhere. Sister
John chose to go to Lazarus House
in Lawrence, MA, for a few weeks
IN THE BEGINNING
A native of Penns Grove, NJ, Sister
found her way to Pennsylvania as a
boarder, following in the footsteps
of her sister, at Villa Maria
Academy High School in Malvern
where her “claim to fame” was
failing religion in the third quarter
of her junior year. She smiles, “Dad
was not too pleased.” In her senior
year, Hildegard, “Hildie,” named
after her mother, had applied to St.
Francis School of Nursing in
Wilmington, Delaware, with sights
10
Sister John Joseph vists just about everyone on her third-floor rounds. Sister Maria
Prudens is the lucky one to steal a few of Sister John’s precious moments.
Summer 2016 • Volume 15, No. 2
“Sister John Joseph is the
heart of Camilla Hall.”
S. Anne Kelly, S. Mary Gibbons
each year working with the
homeless and for a recent number
of summers has traveled to
Gainsville, FL, to teach religious
education classes. After 9/11, she
took herself to New York for four
days to work with the Salvation
Army serving food to the police
and firefighters. So determined to
get there, she called a friend in
New York and said she would sleep
on the floor if she could just stay
with her. That, obviously, didn’t
happen. She has also worked with
HIV/AIDS patients with the Sisters
of Charity in Chester.
THE MEN IN HER LIFE
The men in her life who touched
her heart range from her dad, her
great uncle, Msgr. Henry C.
(Harry) Schulyer, her uncle, Fr.
Henry C. (Hank) Schulyer, and
finally to Walt Disney. His words:
If you dream it, you can build it”
have been a source of inspiration,
along with Walt’s phrase a tear and
a smile. Best of all was Walt
Disney and Mickey Mouse
welcoming her to Disney World.
LESSONS LEARNED
Sister John’s years in Camilla have
taught her one essential thing:
Everyone has the same hopes,
dreams, and fears – just expressed
differently. With that “pay
attention to me” look, she says,
“The sisters don’t need things.
They need kindness, love, and
prayerfulness. They need your
heart. I am happy to do anything I
can. My great joy is helping them
on the way to heaven.”
Her words of wisdom: “Enjoy the
present moment of NOW – don’t
wait for tomorrow!” The shortest
cautionary tale, to be sure. 
The souls of the
just are in
the hand of God.
Sister Felice Marie Long
(S. Coronata Maria)
4.17.16
Sister Marie Joanne McCarty
4.17.16
Sister Margaret B. Holzenthaler
(S. Marie Andrew)
3.16.16
Sister M. Lorraine Gondkofski
(S. Maria Francinus)
3.16.16
Sister Charles Miriam Keltz
3.14.16
Camilla Hall
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 2:00pm
Saturday and Sunday 11:30am to 3:00pm
Phone: 610-386-5627
Sister Marie la Reine Spain
2.18.16
Sister Miriam Robert Heinze
1.24.16
11
IHM Sisters – On Miss ion
The
IHM Story
today...
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
St. Alphonsus
St. Teresa of Avila
Fr. Louis Gillet
M. Theresa Maxis
M. Mary Lange
We Walk on Their Shoulders
On November 30, 1922, the first
three IHM pioneers sailed for Peru.
Twelve days later on the feast of Our
Lady of Guadalupe, they arrived in
the port town of Callao. From that
tiny seed, nutured by God’s blessing
and the dedicated service of
hundreds of IHMs who followed,
has grown the widespread apostolate
of Catholic education in South
America. It is a service that has
enriched Latin American culture,
especially in Peru and Chile, spread
the Faith and raised the social and
educational level of countless adults
and children.
Mother Mary
James Sweeney,
IHM
1913 - 1923
“Pray that you may be enabled to impress your students with a sense of reverence:
its graciousness, nobility and necessity.”
M
other Mary James
Sweeney was elected the
sixth Mother Superior of the
Congregation. Mother’s ten years’
adminstration was marked by great
expansion of ministry, the purchase
of a seaside retreat house in Cape
May, New Jersey, and the first IHM
mission in Peru. She accepted the
Catholic Home Bureau where
children awaited placement in foster
homes; the Madonna House and
L’Assunta House for Italian children
in St. Paul Parish and St. Monica
Day Nursery, Philadelphia. Sisters
also taught classes in St. Joseph
Home for Homeless Industrious
Boys in Philadelphia.
12
Villa Maria College (Immaculata)
became a reality in 1914, received
its charter and was dedicated in
1920.
Almost 300 sisters ministered to
victims of a three months’ scourge of
influenza at the end of World War I.
Nine IHM sisters died caring for the
sick. But the spiritual needs of the
sisters were Mother’s primary
concern. Forty Hours Devotion was
observed at the college, a new
Manual of Prayers was published,
an obituary book compiled, and the
anniversaries of deceased sisters
were announced at dinner or evening
prayer (a custom that continues to
this day).
As illnesses compounded, Mother
was confined to a wheelchair. One
day, after a novice had taken her to
chapel, she said, “Sister, take my
chair out to the two little St.
Aloysius Academy boys on the
conservatory and make sure they get
a good ride.” She had a deep love for
children – and it showed.
Mother Mary James Sweeney died
on January 31, 1923 – a “woman of
God, a true religious.” 
Grave: St. Agnes Cemetery, West Chester
Content taken from
We Walk on Their Shoulders
by Sister Maria Corona
Crumback, IHM
Summer 2016 • Volume 15, No. 2
That was then… when
William Edward Atkinson appeared on
the world’s stage in 1946. Attending
St. Alice Elementary School and Msgr.
Bonner High School in Upper Darby
PA, Bill was your normal fun-loving,
everyday friend and student. Bill’s tug
to the priesthood prompted him to
enter the Augustinian order in 1963,
taking him to New Hamburg NY,
where an almost fatal tobogganing
accident left him paralyzed from the
neck down. That one brief moment
changed his life forever!
Despite unbelievable odds, Bill
journeyed on toward priesthood with
the amazing and remarkable support of
his family and the Augustinian
Community. With a special
dispensation from Pope Paul VI, Bill
was ordained in February of 1974
almost nine years after that dramatic
incident.
That was
then -this is now!
this incredibly amazing priest who was
the heart and soul of Msgr. Bonner
High School from 1975 to 2004.
However, within a few weeks of her
arrival, the buzz filtered through that a
movement was afoot to seek sainthood
for Father Bill. Without hesitation,
Sister Anne immediately took up his
lives. What better way to celebrate
this extraordinary priest than with a
birthday celebration which included a
presentation and birthday cake. Close
to 900 students and teachers shared in
the festivities. Each student left with a
card containing a brief account of his
life on one side and the prayer that the
Augustinian Community was using to
promulgate his cause.”
For almost thirty years, Father Bill
ministered at Msgr. Bonner High
School as teacher, assistant school
chaplain, senior-class retreat
coordinator, moderator of the football
team, and director of the after-school
and Saturday detention program,
fondly know as JUG (Justice Under
Frequently asked about accepting his
disability, Fr. Bill would reply, “Life is
like a card game. You either play with
the cards you’re dealt or you fold, and
I am not ready to fold.” But Father
Bill’s life did fold into the arms of
God in September 2006. Father Bill
Atkinson embodied the truth of St.
Paul’s words: My grace is sufficient
for you, for power is made perfect in
weakness” (2 Cor: 12:9).
This is now… when Sister
Anne Brigid Gallagher, IHM, entered
the doors of the now Msgr. Bonner/
Archbishop Prendergast High School
in September 2015 and found herself
in charge of the Fr. Atkinson Student
Center – a place of refuge for students
who need study time, down time,
tutoring, computer and printer access.
Sister immediately went about getting
things in order and making sure that if
the room bore the name of Atkinson,
his picture, memorabila, and words of
wisdom would be prominately
displayed so that today’s BonnerPrendie student would come to know
Current Bonner/Prendie students and Sister Anne Brigid are enjoying the “taste”of
Green Bananas -- the wit and wisdom of Fr. Bill Atkinson.
cause with passion. “I knew I was now
entrusted with an additional
responsibility,” said Sister Anne, “to
share the story of this priest and
teacher with the students I meet.”
First on the agenda was celebrating
Father’s 70th birthday in January.
According to Sister Anne, “After
returning from the Christmas holidays,
several of the faculty shared stories of
how Fr. Atkinson influenced their
God). Colleagues and students alike
tell of his courage, compassion, humor,
and his eternal Bonner presence.
In my wildest dreams,” remarks Sister
Anne, “ I never thought I would be
asked to minister in such a special
place at such an extraordinary time in
the history of the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia.” 
13
IHM Sisters – On Mission
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Congratulations,
Jubilarians!
SEVENTY–FIVE YEARS
Sister Mary Laureen Discher
Sister M. St. Kathleen Blaston
Sister Genevieve Mary Simons
SEVENTY YEARS
Sister Mary Stanislaus Blankemeyer
Sister Mary Agnes Loftus
Sister Regina Celeste Senior
Sister Mary Christopher McBride
DIAMOND JUBILARIANS
Sister Mary Michele O’Haren
Sister Roseanne Marie Stecklair
Sister Marie Eymard Skrocki
Sister Mary J. McGarrity
Sister Ruth Marie Agger
Sister Marian Regina Sweeney
Sister Jeanette Maria Keszkowski
Sister Regina Cordis McLaughlin
Sister Marian Vincent Morris
Sister Marita Immaculate Buckley
Sister Mary Incarnata McCloskey
Sister M. Jean Annette Eno
Sister Miriam Glowacz
Sister Marian D. Frantz
Sister M. Claire Holzenthaler
Sister Daniel Marie Liddy
Sister Leonard Marie Armstrong
Sister M. Anne Carolyn Gallagher
Sister Angele Regina Healy
Sister Mary Shaun Conroy
Sister Marita Anthony Caruso
GOLDEN JUBILARIANS
Sister Rosa Maria Arenas
Sister M. Monica Joseph Cadden
Sister Diane M. Richner
Sister M. Bernadette Anne Keane
Sister M. Edwardine Coleman
Sister Carolyn M. Dimick
Sister M. Rose Caritas Batcho
Sister M. Jeanne Patrick Brophy
Sister M. Lisa Pasquale Piccinino
Sister Anne Marie Markoe
Sister M. Elizabeth Ann Motz
Sister Susan Immaculate Platt
Sister Susan Marie Kuk
Sister Rosemarie Hagan
Sister M. Kathleen White
Sister M. Theresa Bernadette Meade
Sister M. Margaret Paul Longshore
Sister M. Janice Therese Urbanec
Sister M. Kathleen Cecilia Doutt
Sister Maryanne Graham
Sister M. Patricia McKee
Sister M. Clare Anthony Mays
Sister M. Anita Patrick Gallagher
Sister Lorraine Marie DeArros
Sister M. Elizabeth Ann Lemnah
Sister M. Joan Rychalsky
SILVER JUBILARIAN
Sister M. Lisa Ann Lettiere
Recognize a name? Would you like to send a congratulatory note? Send your message to
Mission Advancement, 1140 King Road, Immaculata, PA 19345 or [email protected]
14
Summer 2016 • Volume 15, No. 2
ister Miriam Irene Keenan is delighted to
S take
Maryann Kelly (l) and Ann Baiada (r)
on a tour of the newly-renovated Camilla Hall.
Donors frequently make their way to the
Powerhouse of Prayer to see what their gifts
have provided and to experience first hand
how much the sisters appreciate all that has
been accomplished -- just for them. Sister
Irene was able to take her guests “out to
lunch” in the new dining room facilities and
to reminisce with Ann about days gone by
at Immaculate Conception School in
Germantown, PA. 
IHM
sisters took second place
in a Dancing with the
Stars extravaganza. This unique
fundraiser was in support of the
Independence Mission Schools of
Philadelphia where IHMs are proud
to serve in five of the area Mission
Schools. The winning dancers
include (l to r) S. Eileen Buchanan,
S. Rita James Murphy, S. Danielle
Therese Teti, S. Ellen Giardino, S. Melissa
Mastrangelo, and S. Emily Ann Faubion
(not shown: S. Mary James McCaffrey).
Congratulations to our talented educators/dancers! 
Anne McGuire, principal (or used to
S ister
be) of Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic
Elementary School in West Brandywine PA,
hands over her duties and responsibilities to
one of three “principals for the day.” The first
of these “prinicipals” is checking on the
schedule to make sure Sister Anne doesn’t
have to worry about anything on her day off.
Part of the schedule includes lunch off
campus. The “principal” can choose his/her
lunch venue and invite a few friends. This
hot auction item is an every year favorite.
Being “principal for the day” is “fun for the
day” as well! 
15
Congregation of the Sisters,
Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
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Office of Mission Advancement
1140 King Road
Immaculata, PA 19345-0200
(610) 647-2160
[email protected]
ihmimmaculata.org
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at Camilla Hall
Save the date for the best day of the year –
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
10:00AM to 4:00PM
Contributors to this issue
Sister Carolyn M. Dimick
Marie Gallagher
Sister Joan Rychalsky
Front Cover
The IHM Family
Literacy Center
S. Jean Hennelly, Miss Priscilla,
S. Bernadette Hiester
and Children of the Center
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