Blending Dreams - Sisters of St. Joseph

Fall
2015
Blending
Dreams
Focusing
VOL. 5, NO. 1
A publication of the
Sisters of St. Joseph
Brentwood, New 1York
We Believe...
that we create the future
As we move with the Spirit
in giving full expression
to our giftedness as women in the Church
Sharing equally in its mission—
In living a life that is simple
prayerful
courageous and
compassionate—
in proclaiming with prophetic voice
the Gospel to all people—
in strengthening our corporateness
as women in community—
in demonstrating our belief
in the dignity of the human person
and the call to secure this dignity
for all women and men—
in expressing our solidarity
with the poor and oppressed.
F
Fo
oc
cu
us
si
in
ng
g
F rom the
FALL 2015
— Vision Statement
The primary reason for
engaging in transformative
visioning is to gather the
wisdom and weave a dream
powerful enough to awaken
a community’s soul.
—Ted Dunn, Ph.D.
PILGRIMS
president
BLEND
DREAMS
4
F O U N D E R ’ S D AY M A R K E T P L A C E S
associates S haring D reams
5
6
9
CENTRAL OFFICE
St. Joseph’s Convent
1725 Brentwood Road
Brentwood, NY 11717
LEADERSHIP LIAISON
Kathleen McKinney, CSJ
Patricia Mahoney, CSJ
E D I TO R S
Mary Ryan, CSJ
Patricia Manning, CSJ
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Patricia Manning, CSJ
C O N T R I B U TO R S
THESE BELIEFS IMPLY.
VOL. 5, NO. 1
Focusing is published twice yearly in Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer
by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood NY.
IN FAITH AND HOPE
WE ACCEPT
THE CHALLENGES
Sisters of St. Joseph • Brentwood, NY
Blending Dreams
Featured in this issue
Rosalie Carven, CSJ
Karen Cavanagh, CSJ
Angie Chaparro, Co-Minister
Megan Correira, Co-Minister
Maura Costello, CSJ
Virginia Dowd, Archivist
Christine Downes, Co-Minister
Catherine Fitzgibbon, CSJ
Mary Anne Geskie, Associate
Helen Kearney, CSJ
Kathleen Loughlin, CSJ
Maryann McHugh, CSJ
Elizabeth Myles, CSJ
Rita Piro, Co-Minister
James R. Rennert, Dir. CSJ Advancement
Catherine Roberts, Associate
Theresa Scanlon, CSJ
B L E N D I N G D R E A M S I N P arish E S 1 0
A R C H I V E S : TA K E A N D R E A D
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M O D E R N DAY S L AV E RY, H O N O R S 14
PA RT N E R I N G I N C S J S C H O O L S 15
T M L A S T U D E N T S V I S I T C E M E T E RY
17
Sisters Ginny Murtha, JoAnn Squitieri, Formation Direc18
tor Mary Walsh, Preenika Dabrera, Heather Ganz
JUBILEES
mission advancement 22
M I S S I O N A D VA N C E M E N T E V E N T S
23
PAPAL HONORS
24
“We must be free enough to be sent into
an unknown future.
We will remember that our present was once
the future and is the past from which we
came and in that past from which we came it
was totally unimaginable and unpredictable.”
—S. Clara Santoro
Formation members blend their dreams for their
futures as Sisters of St. Joseph.
P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Kerry Handal, CSJ
Bob Keeler
Mary Owen Mullaney, CSJ
Tara Rogers, CSJ Advancement
Ed Wilkenson
w w w. b re n t wo o d c s j . o r g
2
3
FROM THE
L A U DATO S I : P I L G R I M S B L E N D D R E A M S
PRESIDENT
Rosalie Carven, CSJ
Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends,
On the inside front cover of every issue of Focusing you will
find our congregation’s vision statement. It begins with the
words: “We believe that we create the future as we move
with the Spirit…” As the congregation of the great love of
God, we are attentive to the needs of our world and committed to bring God’s all-inclusive and reconciling love where
there is division and exclusion. This impels us to imagine and
dream of a different world where love, unity and reconciliation replace hatred, violence and retribution. The Sisters of
Saint Joseph are not alone in imagining a world where mercy
and compassion determine our actions and responses. Pope
Francis has called for a year of Mercy which will begin on
December 8 of this year. He calls us to attend to how Jesus
revealed "the mystery of divine love in its fullness....The relationships he forms with the people who approach him manifest something entirely unique and unrepeatable. The signs he
works, especially in favor of sinners, the poor, the marginalized,
the sick, and the suffering are all meant to teach mercy...Nothing in him is devoid of compassion."
In this issue of Focusing you will read about others who imagine and dream of a different world, a world
of mercy and compassion. In our congregation’s history, when there was need for appropriate and relevant
reading materials for children, our sisters developed them. In this day our sisters minister in parishes where
there is a rich diversity of cultures present. You will read about many whose dreams blend with the gospel
call of love of neighbor without distinction. Our ministries join with the work of others who witness to the
cry of the earth, the cry of the poor, to the realities of the immigrant and to the plight of modern day slavery. Our CSJ students reach out in their neighborhoods to work for a different world. And yes, we honor
our sisters who have lived their lives doing what is right and just for all persons and our home, the earth.
As you read this issue, we ask for your prayers and support. We also ask you to dream with us so that
together we might create a world that Jesus imagined from the foundation of the Church.
Fondly,
S. Helen Kearney, CSJ
”
W
ho’s in charge?” Silence! Stealthy glances around
the table. Few want to be the first to speak
up. There is a project to be launched but the
way forward is tentative at the start. The project is inspired
by Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, Laudato Si. “Who will hear
the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor if we don’t.” The
journey of a thousand miles must begin with the first step. It
will take a pilgrimage through Brentwood – the vulnerable
community whose public park has been ravaged by toxic
dumping – to call people to the cause.
—Sisters Helen Kearney and Rosalie Carven (far right)
A few points of light begin to emerge as one, then another
member of Pax Christi Long Island, throws out suggestions for
the pilgrimage. A team is subtly forming. Persons are recognizing each other as leaders in their own right. The wealth
of diversity in the group is seized upon. All are “networkers.”
The question becomes: “Who has connections to resources
the group can draw on for the project?” Prospects for outreach emerge. Someone is able to tap networks in Catholic
parish communities, Religious Formation programs, Catholic
High Schools, and congregations of religious. Another one or
two are familiar with interfaith groups and civic groups. Public
information is available for local first responders who must
be in the loop. And someone local will secure the necessary
permit for an event on public streets. There’s a volunteer who
gets pro-bono services to translate flyers into Spanish, and
one to get the materials printed. Some persons with a flair
for street theatre can provide the songs and chants that keep
the pilgrims and observers engaged as the pilgrimage goes
forward. A friend of a friend who hears that the group needs
a megaphone, provides one. A local Panera that has common
space for meetings is also in the network. Of course, the major
partners will be each and every pilgrim who is willing to show
up with signs and banners, rain or shine. And even to bring a
pet to receive a blessing to commemorate St. Francis of Assisi. —Sisters on porch greet pilgrims
Those who cannot “pilgrimage” will not be left out. The organist, recreation director and cantor at St. Joseph Convent will
greet the pilgrims with signs and songs as they proceed to the
final prayer service and blessing of the animals at the Organic
Garden. Cooperation from everyone!
“And on the last day there was a pilgrimage.” It took a village.
—Blessing of the animals at the Organic Garden
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55
FOUNDER’S DAY/ASSEMBLY OCTOBER 17, 2015
After a welcome by S. Helen Kearney, Virginia Dowd, Archivist,
presented Women of Vision focusing on the achievements of
Mothers St. John Fontbonne, Mary Louis Crummey, Charles
Edward Cherry, Immaculata Maria Clark, Sister Joan deLourdes
Leonard . Participants were invited to experience two “marketplace” presentations which have been live streamed to the CSJ
website.
Fixated on Father Francis
Sharing the message of Mercy as we move forward with our CSJ charism and
our next right thing.
Mary Anne Geskie, CSJA
T
he message of “Mercy” was the most important
message Pope Francis shared with America during
his recent visit. His energy and evident love for us
seemed palpable with each presentation and liturgical service
that he celebrated. On Founders Day we hoped that our
Marketplace presentation, Fixated on Father Francis, would
be a time and opportunity for all of us to identify and deepen
our experiences of mercy in our daily lives as well as its place
in our CSJ charism as we move forward towards the Jubilee
Year of Mercy.
Working together, S. Karen Cavanagh and I prepared a program that reflected the many meanings of the word Mercy
and had the participants offer their own personal experiences
of mercy as well. In addition, Francis’ message was shared visually by using a tri-fold poster that we created with pictures of
MARKETPLACE 1: In the Archives S. Karen Cavanagh and Pope Francis and quotes from his many beautiful and deeply
Associate Mary Anne Geskie shared the message of Mercy. meaningful one-line messages expressed throughout his many
presentations. Our experience and that of the participants
was one of joyful sharing and reflecting on the meaning of
Mercy for each of us and on our memories of Pope Francis’
most recent visit to our land. May that mercy be a holy lens
through which we view our charism of unity and reconciliation.
CSJs – Ever a Safe Haven
MARKETPLACE 5: The Sisters of St. Joseph stand for just laws for all immigrants. Presenters: Eileen Mc Cann, Kathleen Carberry, Rosalie Carven
W
Rosalie Carven, CSJ
ho hasn’t seen the large banner
displayed at the main entrance
of the Motherhouse of the
Sisters of Saint Joseph! In the last four years
it has caught the eye of many who travel
Brentwood Road.
If this outreach to our immigrant brothers and
sisters is viewed as fairly new, Sisters Eileen
McCann and Kathleen Carberry dispelled
that idea at a recent Assembly “marketplace”.
Before addressing the reality of immigrants we
share life with today, they gave voice to the
fundamental truth: “We are all immigrants.”
However, not everyone has experienced the
diversity of immigrant families in the depth that Eileen and
Kathleen have.
Eileen met Cuban immigrants arriving in Puerto Rico while
she was missioned there in the 1960’s. Eileen later returned
to the U.S. with the consciousness that there was an escalating oppression of the poor throughout Central America. Her
ministry in Transfiguration Parish immersed her in the center
of a growing immigrant community supported by priests,
sisters, parishioners and their circle of friends. The call went
out for temporary housing (including five convents), clothing,
tutoring and legal assistance. No less important was the effort
to open doors of an immigration system stacked against these
newcomers. It is those experiences which keep Eileen consistently active in efforts to close the School of the Americas in
Fort Benning, Georgia. Central American governments that
have sent military trainees there frequently turn their skills into
MARKETPLACE 2: Weaving a dream. Vision for the future.
Coordinator: S. Joan Gallagher.
MARKETPLACE 3: Moving forward Brentwood Property Land Ethic. Presenters: Earth Matters Committee.
MARKETPLACE 4:
Changing our lens.
Join in a conversation
to create the “next
story.” Presenters:
Sisters Rosemary Bellantoni, Janet Kinney,
Alice McVey.
66
Sisters Rosalie Carven, Kathleen Carberry and Eileen McCann
share their Immigrant stories.
atrocities against their own people. Surely, CSJs in the 20th
century have acted like their Sisters in the 17th Century:
“doing everything of which women were capable.” We
would call this TLC – Tender Loving Care.
CSJ supporters know TLC to mean something more today.
It represents The Learning Connection in Brentwood, an
educational center directed by S. Kathleen for the past
twenty-two years. There more than twenty-five hundred
immigrant women have walked the pathway to literacy
– learning reading, writing and speaking skills beginning at
the most elementary level and reaching toward the High
School Equivalency Diploma and citizenship. Learning a
new language really needs to develop in a “safe haven”
where the learner feels the trust, encouragement and
empowerment she sorely needs to get beyond her sense
of exile. The program also helps ensure the well-being
of the women and their families through a wide range
of connections with other life supports. Nothing pleases
Kathleen more than to recount the stories of women who
“succeed in business” or go on to post-secondary education after their long journey to stability.
Today the immigrant story that dominates our daily
newspapers and news broadcasts and challenges our consciences, is told in heart-breaking photos of Syrian families
escaping oppression and pouring into Europe. What will
2016 ask of us with the projected arrival of fifty Syrian
refugee families who will be resettled by Catholic Charities
Immigrant Services in the Diocese of Rockville Centre?
Eileen and Kathleen tell us “Go and do likewise.”
77
sharing dreams for the future
Catherine Roberts, CSJA
Brentwood Chapter of SJW to Launch in August 2016
MARKETPLACE 6: A new Brentwood CSJ endeavor. Presenter: S. Suzanne Franck
Spirituality and Community. The women receive extensive leadership
training, spiritual and personal development, and congregational support as they live in an intentional community and minister each day
in a site approved by the program.
This past year, other committee members attended workshops,
visited the SJWP sites in St. Paul, MN and engaged the director, S.
Suzanne Herder, CSJ, to conduct a two-day workshop in Brentwood
during the month of June. A meeting with the Leadership team and
a walk-through of Mary Louis Convent were included. Her insights
and direction have been invaluable.
While each chapter of the SJWP is unique to its geographic area and
the chosen ministry sites, there is a shared vision and mission. SJW
leaders from the various CSSJ congregations have collaborated to
establish a common website, logo and application.
Mary Louis Convent, site for SJW
T heresa S c anlon , CSJ
A
fter some years of conversation
about a volunteer program for our
congregation, a committee was
formed and has been meeting to discuss the
formation of a Brentwood chapter of the St.
Joseph Worker Program.
Since 2002, when the St. Paul Province of Carondelet named the volunteer program “St. Joseph Workers,” more than 130 young women
have been supported, changed and energized for lives of service.
Our hope is to attract young women to our mission of serving God
and the dear neighbor through ministry that is oriented toward
justice.
D
uring the Fall Associate Business Meeting, we sat
captivated by the energy and focus of the speaker
as she spoke about the future of the Associates and
their role in carrying on the mission of the CSJs. Her eyes lit
up and her voice displayed the excitement she felt at being
part of the three day event that took place at the Renewal
Center Sept. 22-24, Fostering Leadership Among Our Associates. The speaker was Mary Ann Gaisser –Sadler, CSJA, who
along with two other Brentwood Associates and Associates
from the Atlantic Region of the Federation, were led by Sister
Rita Woehlcke from Philadelphia to discover a working definition of leadership and then to work out through conversation, input and prayer, ways that Associates can become more
involved at a leadership level in their congregations. Mary
Ann's enthusiasm for being part of this Association, where our
hearts find a home, was reflected in the room that day. It was
also reflected in the comments of Mary Della Vecchia, another
Associate who took part in the leadership event.
"Our initial discussion involved looking at a working definition
of leadership and, from there, the ways we might envision
applying that leadership particularly sharing what our thoughts
Some very practical ways of fostering leadership came
out of the three days, such as: Personally inviting a person
to a leadership role, the need to continue to foster Sister/
Associate conversations- particularly about the future,
and encouraging as much participation as possible in all
Associate activities from attending LAC meetings and
events at the Brentwood location to reading and participating in the social justice emails by signing petitions.
These were mentioned by both Mary and Mary Ann.
Mary summed it up well for us by saying she came
away with understanding, "The development of my own
spirituality and my passion for the charism and mission,
evidenced through ministry and service, is fundamental to
taking part in the future of the congregation." Amen to
that! Thank you to all who took part in this special three
day event.
Our Common Home
ASSOCIATES LARGE GROUP DAY
OCT. 24, 2015
Maura Costello CSJ
R
Following the lead of the following congregations, St. Paul, St. Louis, Albany, Los Angeles
(Carondelet), Philadelphia, and Orange, CA,
and with the support from our Leadership
Team, a decision was made to launch our
SJW Brentwood program in August 2016.
eflecting on “Our Common Home – Pondering It
Together” raised once again new insights for us as
S. Mary Lou Buser and S. Heather Ganz carried us
into the magnificence of God’s gift of life and our universe.
The depth of love and awe exuding from them wrapped all
present in the oneness we share with each other and all of
creation. It seems that each time we hear words of God’s
creative power and our place in relationship to its effects, we
are changed and elated. Our CSJ Land Ethic becomes more
and more real and in-depth as a way of being, and calls us to
“the more” of God’s truth as it unfolds for us. Pope Francis’
Encyclical “Laudato Si”, as a base for our sharing, gave us time
to integrate what we have been reading so as to transform
our attitudes and way of life.
The St. Joseph Worker Program is a year-long,
full time volunteer program for young women, based on the four pillars of the Catholic
Volunteer Network: Social Justice, Leadership,
All present were inspired by Mary Lou’s and Heather’s
dedication to our connection with all of life and expressed
deep gratitude for the transformative blessing we continue
to receive.
Preliminary study began in 2013 when S.
Suzanne Franck and Paula Migliore attended
workshops sponsored by the Catholic Volunteer Network and the Sisters Volunteer
Programs.
8
or hopes might be for the ways in which the Associates
might carry on the mission and charism of the CSJs."
Mary shared with the group through a written summary.
Tara Rogers, S. Janet Kinney, S.Theresa Scanlon, Paula Migliore, S. Miriam
Blake and S. Elizabeth Myles with S. Suzanne Herder at SJW meeting.
SNOW!
S. Mary Lou Buser' s niece, Mary E. Buser, recently wrote a book Lockdown on Rikers
(St. Martin’s Press). In the acknowledgements she
mentions the editorial skills and encouragement
of S. Mary Lou Buser and S. Kathy Loughlin. She
also mentions that S. Marion Defeis, Rikers Island
Chaplain and activist of 23 years, has been an
indomitable force in seeing this story told.
9
BLENDING DREAMS WITHIN PARISHES
FROM BROOKLYN TO ROCKVILLE CENTRE
Kathleen Loughlin,CSJ
“May the Church be a place of God’s mercy
and hope, where all feel welcomed, loved,
forgiven and encouraged to live according
to the good life of the Gospel. And to make
others feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and
encouraged, the Church must be with doors
wide open so that all may enter. And we must
go out through these doors and proclaim the
Gospel.”
—Pope Francis during a General Audience on June 12, 2013
F
rom the Verrazano Bridge in Brooklyn to the lighthouse in Montauk, the Dioceses of Brooklyn and
Rockville Centre welcome over 3 million Catholics
to its 320 parishes. Each of these parishes is challenged to
live Pope Francis’ call to “be a place of God’s mercy and
hope where all feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live according to the good life of the Gospel.” For
each parish this is a unique call, especially as the parish
responds to the ethnic diversity of the varied neighborhoods. The challenge now becomes: how can this call be
lived out in each parish? Looking at four parishes—Immaculate Heart of Mary, Brooklyn; St. Joan of Arc, Jackson
Heights; Holy Name of Mary,Valley Stream; and Our Lady
of Lourdes, West Islip—all served by the Sisters of St.
Joseph—gives a glimpse into the parishs’ response to this
challenge.
Immaculate Heart of Mary on Fort Hamilton Parkway,
Brooklyn--865 families from Eastern European and Caribbean nations—is served by Mary Ann Ambrose, CSJ as
pastoral associate. IHM
...parishioners welcome is also a national church
for the Pakistanian comother parishioners and
munity with congregants
open the doors wide “so attending from as far away
that all may enter.”
as New Jersey. The open
invitation from IHM to its
members is ownership—the parish belongs to them and
lay leadership is encouraged. Although the focus of a commitment might vary—RCIA, Baptism, Rainbow Ministry,
One Parish, One Book, Food Pantry, Parish Council—the
underlying spirit is one of partnership realized most clearly
in a “team” approach. As a result of this team approach,
parishioners welcome other parishioners and open the
doors wide “so that all may enter.” The ethos of the parish
is one of openness to new possibilities which enhances the
dynamic quality of life within Immaculate Heart of Mary.
1010
Pope Francis’ challenge extends from parish life in Brooklyn to St. Joan of Arc in Jackson Heights, a multi-cultural
parish with 60-65 % Spanish speaking members. The
Spanish speaking includes diverse groups: Cuban, Columbian, Mexican. The remaining 40-45% parishioners are
English speaking. Maryann McHugh CSJ ministers in this
multi-cultural parish as pastoral associate. To the question how can Francis’ call be lived out in a parish characterized by diverse languages, fostering “connections” is
the resounding answer. These connections are the most
powerful form of partnership for this parish. ConnecIt is through contions can be personal invitanecting people that
tions to join a group such
values and customs
as Homebound Ministry or
are shared.
join a service group such as
the prayer shawl ministry
or the plastic needlecraft group. These two groups are
not language dependent, but rather are learned visually
thus creatively bridging the gap between the languages.
It is through connecting people that values and customs
are shared: for example—at Christmas, the parishioners
celebrate together sharing their unique traditions. For
a parish with great diversity, unity is forged by personal
invitations and creative connections “where all feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live according
to the good life of the Gospel.”
Across the Queens border to Valley Stream, The Holy
Name of Mary parish takes up the call from Pope Francis
to “be a place of God’s mercy and hope.” Margie Kelly,
CSJ ministers as Parish Outreach Director to this ethnically diverse community: a mixture of Anglo, Hispanic,
and Filipino. The parishioners witness to the “church at
its best“ when they are working together, reaching out to
the whole person with
spiritual needs, as well
The parishioners witness
human needs. The
to the “church at its best” as
parish takes Francis’
when they are working to- words to heart: the
gether, reaching out to the “Church must be with
whole person with spiritual doors wide open so
that all may enter.”
needs, as well as human
This is evident in
needs.
HNM’s outreach which
is both within parish
boundaries: for example, partnering with St.Vincent de
Paul and beyond parish boundaries by being a member
of Valley Stream Religious Council. By working together
with people of diverse faiths, the customs and values
of each faith are shared and relationships are forged.
This is most obvious in the intercommunity planning for
Thanksgiving dinner begun in 2014 and continuing into
the present. This community spirit built through working
together contributes to the vibrancy of the parish.
Lastly, Our Lady of Lourdes in West Islip, Suffolk is home
to Irish, Italian, and Polish families and a small Spanish population. In the parish’s mission statement the
words of Pope Francis echo: “We commit ourselves to
open wide the doors of our Parish to provide a place of
welcome and hospitality.” This spirit is most evident in
the religious education programs which are administered
by Diane Liona, CSJ-- K through 4th grade and Nancy
Campkin, CSJ. --5th grade to Confirmation. The program
is individualized to meet the needs of both children and
parents. For example, children in the lower grades focus
on building a foundation—Roots. The children in the
upper grades focus on a sense of exploration—Wings.
Through these programs, parents and children experience
a sense of belonging and trust. Consistent with this spirit,
a PEP—Parent Education Program has been created by
Partnering with Each Person. These programs deepen
parents’ sense of
ownership and sense
This spirit is most evident in the
of welcoming to
religious education programs...
those within and
The program is individualized
outside the parish.
With a committo meet the needs of both chilment to prayer and
dren and parents.
outreach to other
ministries—the religious education program responds to the evolving needs of
a dynamic parish.
To conclude, each of these parishes reflects the diversity of
cultures present in the Church in the Brooklyn and Rockville
Centre Dioceses. While unique in their response to Pope
Francis’ call, there is an underlying experience of partnering
among the parishes: realized through the teams in Immaculate Heart of Mary; connections in St. Joan of Arc; community
in which people work together in Holy Name of Mary; and
PEP programs in Our Lady of Lourdes. As these parishes go
into the future, there is an openness to respond to the sign
of the times. Prayer and commitment are the hallmarks of
their response to change, now and the future.
s
m
rea
n
e
l
B
D
g
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11
11
Tolle Lege: Take and Read
Virginia Dowd, Archivist
In 1933 the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn, Rt. Rev. Joseph V.S.
McClancy, wrote the Foreword for a new series of basal readers known as the Brooklyn
Catholic Reader. Stating it came with "the hearty endorsement" of Bishop Thomas E.
Molloy, he continued: "It has its origin in the initiative and zeal of a great teaching Community. For the Sisters of St. Joseph have rounded out more than three-quarters of a
century of admirable service to the children of America. It is fitting that they enter the
textbook field with a Reader series which is modern, fresh-spirited, and pedagogically
sound. The publication is timed for days when Catholic education is in flower."
S. Augustine Maria Early (l.) with
her life long friend and co-worker,
S. Mary Angelica Clarkin.
Another source suggested that the publishing firm of Schwartz, Kirwin and Fauss petitioned Mother Mary Louis Crummey to have the Community prepare a reader to meet
the needs of the parochial schools in Brooklyn. In either case, as Sister Augustine Maria
Early, the editor of the series, explained in a summary of the project, "the Sister Supervisors, after testing the reading grade by grade and from school to school, felt that the
basal readers in use were not entirely satisfactory." Their research indicated that a new
reader should offer a more familiar vocabulary, more drill work, and stories in a context
more familiar to Catholic, city children. A revised vocabulary was the prime objective.
As Sister pointed out, there were many reasons children had difficulty learning new
words, and often these reasons were beyond the control of the school. Pupils entering 1A had varying degrees of readiness. The large class size worked against individual
drilling. But "perhaps the most common cause for the lack of word recognition during
the first year is the prolonged periods of absence that result from the spring epidemics
of children's diseases such as chicken-pox, measles, whooping cough, and the like. It is no
uncommon thing during the whooping cough season to find the 1A class with only onethird of the pupils present."
Mother Jane Frances Dowling appointed Sister Augustine Maria Early to take charge
of the Reader project. With Mother's approval, she assembled a committee of twelve
Sisters in June 1932 to study the problem and draft material that might be usable reading matter. With certain Sisters in mind, Sister Augustine Maria described the "types of
Sisters" needed for the committee: "those who have taught the full eight years and have
a good cultural background; those who are actually engaged with little children, love the
work with them but have taught enough higher work to give them perspective; those
who have a good entertaining style of writing; those who can turn stories or ideas into
verse; those who will work earnestly and conscientiously in research that requires intelligent cooperation." (The last requirement underscored her own commitment to this
undertaking.) Letters were sent to the Superiors of the convents in which the Sisters
lived to ensure that the Sisters were free to apply themselves to the work of the project.
The Sisters met every day in the summer of 1933 to draft a new Reader and tested
bound, mimeographed copies in several schools; criticisms and suggestions offered by the
principals and first year teachers of these schools helped the committee revise and prepare the Reader for publication. To arrive at a correct solution for all the other specific
problems noted above, it was also essential to study the latest trends in reading. To that
end, two Sisters were sent, one to Columbia University and one to Catholic University,
which was "following the lead of the University of Chicago in reading methods."
Three artists were also assigned to the Readers project: Sisters Miriam Thérèse O'Brien,
Germana Maria Poska and Michael Maria Flynn, who, by all indications, was the chief illustrator. Sister Augustine Maria asked Mother Jane Frances for the aid of a professional
illustrator to train the Sisters because of the importance of pictures as part of the teaching value of the primary grade books. Thus, Maginel Wright Barney--leading illustrator
of children's books and sister of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright-- was hired and held
classes for the Sister-illustrators on Saturdays at St. John's Home during August 1934.
The connection with Columbia University led to helpful reviews of the stories still in
manuscript form by Dr. Roma Gans, Professor of Education at Teachers College of Columbia. Preserved in the archives is a detailed letter she sent to Sister Augustine Maria,
commending the Reader as "an excellent volume and a genuine tribute to your zeal and
12
inspiration," while making some gentle suggestions. The letter also contains marginalia
in Sister's handwriting, attesting to the careful attention she gave Dr. Gans' criticisms.
One concerned a tale about the boy Jesus curing a friend's dog. "The story of Jesus
and Rover is a new story to me," wrote Dr. Gans. "Is this based upon authentic Catholic documentation? If not, will there be some question about its inclusion in a book
for Catholic schools? Will you not find it very difficult to get the Imprimatur and Nihil
Obstat approval on this book with reference to this story?" The margin response reads
"Monsignor McClancy says it is alright."
Sister Clare Patricia Power documented the intense preparations of the committee in
her 1942 Master's thesis on the subject; Sister Augustine Maria's own correspondence
with Mother Jane Frances also gives us some insight into her tremendous work ethic...
which she sometimes transferred to the Sisters on the committee. A letter to Mother
Jane Frances reveals that one of the Sisters working on the Reader fell ill, and Sister
Augustine Maria took care of her. Relieved that she was able meet the publisher's
deadline for the main part of the volume, Sister Augustine Maria reported to Mother:
"Now that the big strain is over, it will be no burden for me to look after Sister ___.
She is working on the vocabulary with me, and I think she is happier here than she
would be in the hospital."
With a Ph.D. from Fordham University, teaching experience in English, French, Latin, and
Greek, and an appointment as Assistant Supervisor of Schools for the Congregation,
Sister Augustine Maria had the academic credentials necessary to oversee this demanding project. She was also called upon to offer demonstration lessons in the schools,
oversee testing to prove the Reader's value, promote its sales, and even contact a
heraldic artist from Harvard to design a coat of arms for the Community to be used
on the title page. She handled the business end of publication, as well--always with
utmost concern for the financial health of the Community. When told it would cost a
$100 copyright fee for the use of a story, she found out that the copyright was soon
expiring--and waited it out. In a letter to Mother, she reluctantly admitted she needed
money ("These last busy days necessitate many trips to New York. My carfare and expense fund is down to a little over a dollar. May I please have something to add to it?")
but noted in the next sentence that the publisher was sending a $900 royalty check in
the mail!
The six volumes of the Brooklyn Catholic Readers did so well that the Community
realized they might appeal to a wider audience if the name were less limiting; in 1941,
the series took on the name Catholic Life Basal Readers.
Sister Augustine Maria Early held various positions in the Community's schools after
her work on the Readers. Curiously, her career paralleled that of her lifelong friend
and coworker, Sister Mary Angelica Clarkin--from their school days in St. Joseph's
Academy in Flushing to teaching at St. Angela Hall Academy; from being among the first
group of Sisters to receive the Ph.D. from Fordham to teaching as pioneer faculty at St.
Joseph's College for Women. She succeeded Sister Mary Angelica as principal of The
Mary Louis Academy. They both retired to St. Joseph's Convent, Brentwood, and died
peacefully within twelve hours of each other in April 1961. They were waked in the
same room, shared a Mass of Requiem, and are buried side by side in Calvary Cemetery.
For all her accomplishments, Sister Augustine Maria was, as she signed herself in every
letter she wrote to Mother Jane Frances, "a devoted daughter in Christ." Humility
prevented her from allowing her photo to appear in any issue of the Crusader, TMLA's
yearbook. Even the title of Sister Clare Patricia Power's thesis, "An Achievement of an
Outstanding Member of My Community: Catholic Life Basal Reader," is a testament to
the anonymity of that member. The conclusion, as well, excludes her name in painful
obviousness.
There is one more page to the thesis, though, cleverly added by its author. Do you
recognize the quote? "All at once I heard a voice, like the voice of a boy or girl, I know
not which, coming from the next house, repeating over and over again in a musical
tone: 'Take and read, take and read.'"
It is from the Confessions of St. Augustine.
13
Enlightening Our Neighbors about Modern Day Slavery
Fontbonne students ask “who is my neighbor?”
Mary Anne Geskie, CSJA
Megan Correira, Campus Minister
T
he problem of modern day slavery and human trafficking is a
serious global issue. The profits obtained from the use of forced
labor are estimated at $150 billion per year and of that amount
$99 billion comes from commercial sexual exploitation. This criminal
activity is second only to the selling of drugs. In New York City alone, it
was found that almost 4000 children were sexually exploited. It is difficult
to believe that children as young as 12 years old are trafficked for sexual
exploitation.
As my factual awareness of this heinous crime has grown, I wondered if I
could intervene in some small way to stem the growth and destruction of
this horrible crime. I felt I needed to make a contribution and hopefully
make a difference in the lives of others.
Day Slavery. It was followed by a video called, “What
I’ve Been Through Is Not Who I Am.” This video is
about a young woman who was trafficked and has
used her experience to help other girls who have
been rescued from these situations. I then presented
a more detailed understanding of the psychological
impact upon these young women and a more thorough explanation of Trauma Bonding. The feedback I’ve
received indicates our presentation was beneficial. And
so in some small way, we hope that our effort increased
awareness of this horrible crime.
The way became clearer after attending a presentation by S. Connie Kennedy on Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking during an Associate
Day of Prayer. My questions and interest deepened as Connie and I began
to share our mutual interests and concerns related to this social justice
issue. Becoming a member of the congregation’s Social Justice Committee
has also expanded my awareness.
I live in a gated community on Long Island and happen to be a member of
the Jewish Cultural Club. The members of this club are probably the most
active and involved residents of the community and are mostly retired
professional people like teachers, doctors and lawyers. I suggested making
a presentation on Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking to the President of the club and she was very excited about the offer.
On May 18, 2015 Connie and I presented a program to this group. Connie
began with a power point presentation on the global nature of Modern
called “Who is my neighbor?” The retreat is rooted in
one of the key pillars of the charism of the Sisters of St.
Joseph - the expression of love for our dear neighbor. This
Paula Goldbaum, President of the Colony Jewish
Cultural Club, Associate Mary Anne Geskie,
S.Connie Kennedy.
Marist Brothers Honor Camp Foundress
August 30, 2015 the Marist Brothers Center at Esopus welcomed 200 people,
many who worked at the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp during the last 40 years. During
the day Brother Patrick McNamara, Provincial of the Marist Brothers United States
Province, presented S. St. Christopher Donnelly with a bouquet of flowers as an expression of gratitude for her many years of service at the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp.
S. St. Christopher was one of the original founders of the camp for deaf children.
The camp continues to serve this population and marginalized children.
Islip Town Board Honors Italian-American Heritage
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and the members of the
Islip Town Board made Town of Islip history by holding the very
first annual Italian-American Heritage Awards Celebration on
October 13. Among the six outstanding individuals recognized
for her exceptional effort to better the town and community
was S. Rose Viceconte. Pictured: (Top l. to r.) Councilman Anthony Senft, Jr., Islip Town Councilman John Cochrane, Jr.,Town
Clerk Olga Murray, Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt, and
Receiver of Taxes Alexis Weik. (Bottom l. to r.) Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, S. Rose Viceconte, Councilman Steve
Flotteron.
14
B
eginning in the Fall of 2015, Fontbonne Hall Academy partnered with a local soup kitchen to provide
the Junior class with a unique new retreat program
opportunity offers Junior students a point of access to the
lives and stories of neighbors living in Brooklyn. Each Friday,
6 members of the Junior class, accompanied by the Campus
Minister, spend the morning in prayer and retreat, then travel
to CHiPS (Christian Help in Park Slope). CHiPS is a soup
kitchen that prepares meals and offers seasonal clothing and
emergency pantry items for the needy. They also provide
housing and shelter for young mothers and their children.
This partnership has fostered a relationship between the
two groups that allows for the advancements of both.
CHiPS benefits from seven extra sets of hands that are eager to help in any way possible, while the students are being
given a special venue to gain life experiences and learn lessons that could never be taught in a traditional classroom. In
addition to the weekly trips, Fontbonne has also planned
on assisting the soup kitchen with a collection of turkeys to
be donated around the holidays. Furthermore, with knowledge of the soup kitchen growing within the school, more
students have committed to doing their Community Service
hours at the soup kitchen.
KEARNEY ALUMNAE SUPPORT SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Christine Downes, Co-Minister
B
ishop Kearney High School was pleased to see
a surge in alumnae participation in 2015. With a
300% increase in annual alumnae giving and an
expansion in the involvement of graduates in board leadership and volunteer and recruiting activities, the school
community is fully embracing the mantra “Once a Kearney Girl, Always a Kearney Girl.” Two graduates who have
made particularly impressive contributions to Kearney in
the past year are Donna Murphy ’78 and Nancy Nolan ’69.
students were also invited to view a live taping of Good Day
New York. In addition to providing industry leadership to train
Kearney students, 21st Century Fox also donated $100,000
worth of state-of-the-art production equipment for WBKS.
This kind of alumnae support has a direct impact on the academic and experiential learning of Kearney students. Kearney
is grateful to alumnae like Donna and Nancy, as they help
students grow into strong women of faith and service.
As Global CEO and Partner at Havas Health,
Donna Murphy has displayed a commitment
to Kearney’s recent capital improvements
by donating over two dozen laptops for the
renovated library, as well as office furniture
for the staff. She also facilitated the pro bono
production of Kearney’s new admissions
video, a modern and exciting production that
has been praised by alumnae, prospective
and current students, parents, and faculty.
This past summer, Nancy Nolan introduced
Kearney leadership to 21st Century Fox. The
multinational media company sent producers and executives to visit WBKS, Kearney’s
student-run television station. Kearney
15
The Power of Partnership in Academia MarÍa Reina
Angie Chaparro, Alumnae Office
F
or almost 50 years, Academia María Reina (AMR)
has inspired us to give, share and help others, making
service the purpose of our lives. Our philosophy for
the Alumnae partnerships is that there are many ways to give
back all that AMR gave us. AMR is fortunate that Alumnae are
always looking for opportunities to make a difference. As active members of the AMR community, Alumnae are willing to
share their knowledge, help our students achieve their goals,
support the AMR Scholarship Program and be part of AMR
student life through various programs and activities. Some of
our key examples of these endeavors are the Mentoring Program and Career Day, both of which support our academic
area.
We believe that helping students achieve a clear understanding of what a certain profession or business entails is crucial
for the selection of a relevant career path that will match their
abilities. Through the Mentoring Program this office provides
students from 10th to 12th grade the opportunity to observe
and explore tasks and responsibilities based on their specific
career interest. After careful analysis and consideration of each
student’s application and their expressed interests, we reach
out to our Alumnae to find a match. Each selected student
then gets to have a unique 20-hour minimum, unpaid, work
experience side-by-side an Alumna who acts as a mentor
and provides insight into what the day-to-day is like for their
chosen profession or business. The students gain valuable
learning experience and get to see firsthand if their career
path is anything like they have imagined. Our Alumnae share
their knowledge and experience and enjoy the exuberance
and energy of a teenager who is full of dreams and ideas. It is
a win-win situation evidenced by the participation of over 50
students and mentors this past summer, in areas as diverse as
medicine, law, journalism, fashion merchandising and politics,
among others.
16
Every other year we also celebrate a Career Day. It is
a major undertaking tailored to the students’ interests.
We start by asking each pupil from 9th to 12th grade
to fill out a questionnaire listing their chosen professions
or areas of interest. We then seek among our Alumnae
volunteers who work in these fields to come share their
expertise and professional backgrounds. We ask them to
offer students a comprehensive orientation about the jobs
and careers available in today’s professional world and to
answer students’ questions. During these exchanges, students not only familiarize themselves with the educational
requirements of their chosen field(s) but also learn about
the numerous job opportunities related to each and the
multiple ways there may be to reach a goal.
Other ways in which AMR Alumnae continue partnering
with AMR to serve our community are our various charity
campaigns celebrated throughout the year. For example,
every year, we celebrate our Christmas and Coffee Shop
and during this one-day shopping experience, volunteer
Alumnae work a stand called “Crepe Corner.” All day long
Alumnae volunteers prepare 300-400 crepes and all sale
proceeds fund the chosen service projects for the year,
from a home for recovering addicted women to a shelter
for pregnant teenagers and more. Also, understanding that
we have been blessed by our access to a great education,
we seek to further this experience to others and have
made a commitment to raise $50,000 in honor of AMR’s
upcoming 50th anniversary celebration to support the
AMR Financial Aid & Scholarship Program.
Finally, we also contribute to the development and enrichment of our school and community with social activities
such as the Alumnae Mother & Daughter Breakfast, Seniors/Alumnae Welcome Activity and the Alumnae Christmas Party.
TMLA JUNIORS HONOR CSJs
IN MT. ST. MARY CEMETERY, FLUSHING
Rita Piro, Co-Minister
B
urial in Calvary Cemetery. How many times have I read
those words at the end of a printed memorial for a Sister of
St. Joseph? I have also heard sisters joke that the Brentwood
property is “where we all start and where we all end.” While Calvary
is the resting place for most of the Brentwood CSJs, few outside of
the community know that nearly 550 sisters are interred in Mt. St.
Mary Cemetery in Flushing, NY. Almost all of these sisters were
members of the community when the motherhouse was in Brooklyn,
then Flushing.
As a graduate and member of the faculty of The Mary Louis Academy
I hope to live the CSJ mission and share it with others, especially our
students. A few weeks ago, seven TMLA students and I set out to
honor those sisters resting in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery. The students
were juniors Christina Alvarez, Bianca Vita, Alexa Roberto, Megan
Murray, Sabrina Ghiozzi, Isabella Spallino and Courtney Kessel. Armed
with more than 300 red roses I had purchased through the internet
(the graves are doubles with a few triples) we made our way to the
area reserved for the sisters located in the oldest section of the cemetery at the intersection of 164th Street and Booth Memorial Avenue.
A large memorial stone sits at the front of the section while two
statues of angels and a statue of St. Joseph, dating back to the 1930s,
stand watch from the rear and center.
The girls laid a single red rose on each gravestone, reserving a yellow
rose for those sisters we knew had been associated with TMLA. The
yellow rose is the traditional rose for TMLA. One of the graves we
found was of S. Mary Eustochium, a founding member of the Mary
Louis Convent in 1936. Afterwards we gathered in prayer, remembering these founding sisters upon whose shoulders we all stand today.
Founded in 1862 by Reverend O’Beirne, pastor of St. Michael
Parish in Flushing, Mt. St. Mary Cemetery was originally located
adjacent to the church. (Fr. O’Beirne is buried in the sisters’
section.) One year later, nearby expansive grounds for the
cemetery were consecrated by Bishop John Loughlin and the
remains of those buried in the original Mt. St. Mary Cemetery
were moved to its new location. The first and oldest section of
Mt. St. Mary’s is located at the northwest intersection of 164th
Street and Booth Memorial Avenue, originally known as North
Hempstead Turnpike, then renamed in 1960 in honor of William
Booth, founder of the Salvation Army which sponsored the original hospital on this location. For many years only parishioners
of St. Michael’s Church could be buried here until the restriction
was lifted and the cemetery was opened to all Catholics in the
Brooklyn Diocese.
Nearly 550 Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood (Brooklyn) NY
are buried in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery. S. Jerome Corcoran is the
first recorded burial among the first Brooklyn congregation on
Aug 5, 1869 followed by S. Thomas Murphy, who had passed on
Oct 23, 1869. Among those sisters interred in the cemetery are
the first three leaders of the community Mother Austin Kean,
Mother Baptista Hanson, and Mother Teresa Mullen. Although
not a leader of the Brooklyn Diocesan Congregation of the
Sisters of St. Joseph, Mother Mary DeChantal Keating is also
buried in the cemetery. A native of County Tipperary, Ireland,
Mother DeChantal entered the Brooklyn community in 1857.
A highly skilled nurse, she volunteered to serve as a battlefield
nurse during the Civil War, being named director of the Wheeling, West Virginia Military Hospital, caring for soldiers from both
the Union and the Confederacy. She was awarded a medal from
the Grand Army of the Republic for her service and a special
military marker stands near to her gravestone.
The original gravemarkers were white stone, which began to
show grow great wear after more than 12 decades of exposure
to the elements. Due to the urging of Bishop Raymond Chappetto, a complete overhaul of the sisters’ burial site, with new
gravemarkers and landscaping, was undertaken by the Catholic
Cemeteries.
Also buried at Mt. St. Mary Cemetery is Brooklyn Auxiliary
Bishop, Edmund J. Reilly.
17
50-60th Anniversary (l. to r.) first row: Sisters Anne Burke, Anne Lorraine Hanna, Ruth
Ann Cunningham, Rosellen McCann; second row: Patricia Joan Murphy, Catherine
Atkins, Loretta Ann McGrann, Diane Patricia Liona, Elizabeth Hill, Elizabeth Mary
Myles, Mary Rose Feeney, Marilyn Hartmann,Teresa Collins; third row: Nora Mary
McNiff, Joan Marie Hackett, Rosemary Anne Kern, Nancy Fackner, Carole Therese
Fitzpatrick, Eileen Mary Kelly; third row:Valerie Marie Scholl, Marianne Elaine Schutter, Cecelia Dignan, Patricia Ann Walsh,Theresa Ann Grant, Margaret Mary Raibaldi,
Ann Cecilia Keppel; top row: Mary Margaret Powell, Agnes Claudia Allen, Gloria Lydia
Agnese, Bernadette Jane Westman, Patricia Casey.
Celebration of Jubilees, September 12
S. Helen Kearney greets
Jubilarians of 1955.
S. Elizabeth Myles shared the
reflection. (See excerpt right)
18
W
e know from the Scriptures that Jesus went out long before dawn to a quiet
place to pray by himself. Henri Nouwen in his book, Out of Solitude reflects that
it was during that time Jesus grew in his awareness of who he was and what he
was called to do. It was from that contemplative time that his ministry was born. From that time
of prayer, Jesus received the courage and compassion to challenge not only his followers but the
religious and political leaders of his day. Those of us who went through the novitiate 50 or 60
years ago remember quite well the hour long before dawn when that bell at 5:20 summoned
us to the chapel…..Although there were some nodding heads trying to shake off the longed for
extra sleep, it was at that time that we too may have encountered God’s presence in our lives
and we began to realize how we were being called to live out the mission of Jesus over these
past years.
Jesus knew the Hebrew Scriptures well and it informed his prayer and ultimately his actions. He
was familiar with the mandate of Micah that God asks only this… to “act justly, love tenderly and
walk humbly with God.” During this time of Jubilee as we reflect on our own lives in light of the
scriptures, we know that Micah’s mandate is also what we mean when we say that the Sister of
St. Joseph is called to live a life that is simple, prayerful, courageous and
compassionate! It is the same Gospel call that Jesus preached. And the
call is for all people, not just those of us who are celebrating a milestone
in our lives today: to live simply, to be people of prayer and to be courageous and compassionate in all our actions for the sake of the reign of
God, that is our mission. To love all who cross our path; whether they be
gentiles or Jews, servant or free, woman or man, black, white, yellow, red,
gay, straight, Syrian, Mexican or Irani. Jesus’ message was all about inclusion. And, now in this twenty first century we have a new expanded
consciousness of who our neighbor is…those we love, the stranger and
even the enemy…but we also know now that our neighbor is the fish,
the bear, the lion, the chicken, the tree, the air we breathe. We are all
one. We are all connected. We share the same stardust! We are kin. Our
care for the neighbor now includes the care and reverence for earth and
all who dwell on it. Pope Francis has issued a call to us to appreciate
the gift of Earth as God’s creation, and also to take responsibility for the
devastation that we are causing. As humans, we are responsible for the
greatest impact on Earth. Climate change is real and we are the major
cause. We are responsible! And so what are we called to do?
As we leave the chapel on this day of Jubilee and embark on our tomorrows, we take our mission seriously: As Jesus did so we also must challenge our political leaders and ourselves to be just and compassionate
to all refugees and immigrants, we must work to secure the dignity of all
life at every stage, we must call our religious leaders to welcome women
as equal partners in decision making and ministry, and we must challenge
each other to do what is right and just for all persons and for our home,
Earth.
19
70th Anniversary (l. to r.) first row:
Sisters Miriam Christine McCullough;
second row: Loyola M. Curtin, Joanna
Ohlandt, Patricia Maris Tully, Mary Raymond Keane, Josephine Cecilia Adams,
Eileen Patricia Haggerty.
Celebration of Jubilees, September 26
A
sister-friend described a wonderful day with her five year old nephew. The day
was a beauty, clear, sunny. It was a delight to be out. They went to one of his
favorite places, the zoo. On the way home in the car, there was a pleasant quiet
between the two of them, aunt and nephew, savoring the day they had spent together. Then
her nephew spoke,from out of the blue, “You know, Margie, my life would be very different
if I had never met you.” My life would be very different if I had never met you.
Our lives, Sister Jubilarians, would be very different if we had never met you. If I had never
met Mary McKenna, Sister Philothea, as a High School sophomore, I wouldn’t be here today,
I wouldn’t be a Sister of St. Joseph and I wouldn’t be preaching to you. Mary, how very
different my life would be if I had never met you. Each one of you here could say much the
same thing, as you think of the Jubilarian you’ve come to honor.
That five year old child captured what is at the heart of our Christian faith, relationships,
the triune love relationship of the Father, Son and Spirit. This relationship is captured in the
gospel when Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches…bear abundant fruit.” Many of
you know that the North Fork of Long Island, and, even, now the South Fork, are home to
numerous vineyards producing wonderful grapes and delicious wines.
80th Anniversary: Sister Mary McKenna
Well, here, today, in Sacred Heart Chapel, we are in the midst of a vineyard carved in the
amber windows that surround us on both sides in the body of the Chapel. A frequent
design is of a strong central vine, sometimes with branches and sometimes with bunches of
grapes hanging from the vine. “I am the vine; you are the branches…bear abundant fruit.”
Like the vine and the branches, we are connected to Jesus and through his love we grow
strong. He supports us through the challenging task of producing abundant fruit.
Pope Francis, at the vesper service with religious spoke of two pillars of the spiritual life: a
spirit of gratitude and a spirit of hard work. “A grateful heart is spontaneously impelled
to serve the Lord and to find expression in a life of commitment to our work. Once we
come to realize how much God has given us, a life of self-sacrifice, of working for him and
for others, becomes a privileged way of responding to his great love.”
Sisters, your commitment to the hard work of the gospel is evident in the abundant fruit
you bore. Here we are - your family, your friends, your students, your co-workers, a small
portion of your abundant fruit. Your example moves us to become branches connected
to that same vine, Jesus. All of us are called by love to the hard work of the gospel to keep
the commandment Jesus gave us: Love one another as I have loved you.
What does that commandment look like? Micah says simply: do justice, love tenderly,
walk humbly. Simply do it! We are all called to this hard work which changes as our lived
realities change. Again in the words of Pope Francis, “Many of these (works) are known only
to God, but they bear rich fruit for the life of the Church.” And I would add, for the life of
our world. “As God has loved me, so I have loved you. Live on in my love.”
75th Anniversary: (l. to r.) first row: Sisters Anne Maureen Oakman; second
row: Richard Maureen Rowan, Mary Jacqueline McDermott, James Annette
McAuley.
Sisters Maryann McHugh and Ginny Barry
celebrate with their sponsor, S. Mary McKenna. Maryann shared the reflection. (See
excerpt right)
20
Fidelity to relationships and fidelity to the responsibilities that stem from these relationships
are at the root of Biblical justice. The centrality of relationships shapes the Sister of St.
Joseph, impels her to “love of God and love of neighbor without distinction.” Our Jubilarians
are doing the hard work of embodying Jesus’ love in their love of others, their love of the
neighbor without distinction. How very different the lives of those neighbors would be if
they had never met these Sisters.
21
21
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ording to your wishes. If
acc
If you are considering a be
ate
est
ur
yo
n
pla
to
y
TERS OF ST.
st effective wa
our correct legal title: SIS
use
to
can advise you on the mo
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po
im
is
it
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will be
Sister s of St. Josep
Sister s of St. Joseph, you
the
to
est
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be
provide a bequest to the
a
ke
ma
to
NY. Should you decide
JOSEPH, BRENTWOOD,
ty.
the Dear Neighbor Socie
enrolled in the Circle of
cement Office
nner t in the Mission Advan
Re
Jim
,
me
l
cal
ase
ple
dence
regarding a bequest
held in the strictest confi
be
ll
wi
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tio
ma
or
If you have any questions
inf
all
d
an
will be happy to help you
at 631-273-1187 x150. I
James R. Rennert, CFRE
cement.
Director of Mission Advan
22
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We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand.
He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.
All good gifts around us,
Are sent from Heaven above.
Then thank the Lord, Oh thank the Lord for all His love.
We thank Thee then, O Father, for all things bright and good,
The seedtime and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.
No gifts have we to offer for all Thy love imparts,
But that which Thou desirest, our humble thankful hearts.
—All Good Gifts by Steven Schwartz, from the musical Godspell
And so we thank our God for the gift of you —
our loving and faithful friends, family and supporters.
May you be blessed with life, love, health and wisdom
for all the days to come.
From The Mission Advancement Team
S. Pat Turley, S. Mary Owen Mullaney,
Jim Rennert, Tara Rogers, Marie Morreale,
Jennifer Arevalo, Michele Infante
Partners in Ministry Dinner Dance Honorees
Risk Strategies Company represented by Mike Christian,
President and Ann Baumann, Director of Claims and Rosalie
Carven, CSJ were the honorees at the Partners in Ministry
Dinner Dance, October 29, 2015 held at the Village Club at
Lake Success.
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Non-Profit Organization
US Postage
PAID
Brentwood, NY
PERMIT NO. 10
St. Joseph’s Convent
1725 Brentwood Rd.
Brentwood, NY 11717
PAPAL HONORS, DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN, CONFERRED ON THREE CSJs
Pope Francis conferred Papal
Honors on three Sisters of St.
Joseph. Bishop of Brooklyn,
Nicholas DiMarzio, presented the
honors to (l.) Sisters Elizabeth
Hill, (c.) Janet Kinney, (r.) Tesa
Fitzgerald at the Co-Cathedral of
St. Joseph on November 2, 2015.
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