Website Highlights CSA Image - Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine

mages
Fall/Winter
2008
A Newsletter for friends of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine
Website Highlights CSA Image
Several months ago the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine (CSA) hired two firms
located in the Galleria at Erieview, one of Cleveland's premier office and retail centers,
to take up the challenge of updating the CSA website. The multi-media marketing
firm, Peerlis, LLC, and Studiothink, LLC, a design firm, have been working with Sisters
Miriam Erb, Cheryl Keehner, Joan Gallagher, Jane Lab, Carol Kandiko and CSAs
Webmaster Caryn Kish. As members of the CSA Communication Committee, their
task has been to guide these firms through the project and to help define CSAs
presence on the web.
In defining their goals, Sr. Cheryl said, "We are interested in having our
website tell the story of who we are, how we are called as vowed women
religious and what ministries we support. We are adding several internet
features available to us now thirteen years after we first launched the site, aiming
at making it easier for people to be in touch with us and for us to communicate with them and
with each other. We want to show ourselves as a community of committed women,
freed by our chosen life style to do God's work, meeting the needs of real people.
Unified in our diversity, we use our gifts, doing quite ordinary things for extraordinary
reasons. At the same time, we are leaders in the dioceses where we serve, often
taking risks in order to preserve the legacy of which we are so proud: being Sisters
of Charity of St. Augustine."
The president of StudioThink, Christine Lobas, is a 1985 graduate of St. Augustine
Academy, the now closed CSA girls high school. She reflected on her experience
of working with CSA:
"As a graduate of "The Academy" as we refer to our Alma
Mater then and now, I am honored to work with the Sisters
on their innovative new website. I am pleased that my firm
has the opportunity to bring forth - through design - the
philosophies of peace and justice and the commitment to the
dignity of each human being that this group of strong, smart
women embody. The Sisters that I have beenfortunate enough
to work with through this process have genuine conviction to
ideas and ideals that I aspire to in business daily. It's really
been a wonderful interchange."
Christine (Zeller) Lobas, Class 0/1985
Check out the new look coming
soon at www.srsofcharitv.orq.
ortrait
Through the twists and turns of her education
and work assignments, Sr. Denise Stiles might never
have imagined that her latest ministry at the Center
of Hope would combine those experiences into what
may be a perfect fit.
The middle child in the family, Sr. Denise grew up
in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio with an older brother, Craig,
and a younger sister, Betty.
She had her first contact with CSA in elementary
school. The family was part of Immaculate Heart of
Mary Parish and the children attended the parish
school. She has many memories of the sisters who
taught there, and remembers them fondly. "They
were good people."
Sr. Denise attended Cuyahoga Falls High School,
graduating in 1972. Looking towards a career in the
food industry, she attended the University of Akron
and graduated in 1975 with a degree in food service
management. Close to her family, she has been
teased by them because it took her 3-1/2 years to
earn a 2 year degree. "But," she says, "I paid my own
way."
After college, she became more involved in parish
activities. This involvement led to the slowly evolving
idea that religious life was calling her. Over the course
of several years, while in her mid-twenties, she prayed
on her vocation. Those prayers were answered in
1983 with her entrance into the congregation.
Using her degree, she was assigned to St. Vincent
Charity Hospital as a food service supervisor. Not
feeling that food prep was where she was meant to be,
and having a desire to work more on the business side,
she started taking classes in business administration.
She was then assigned to Mercy Medical Center as
materials management medical buyer. From there
she moved to Consumer Credit Counseling and later
Sr. Denise Stiles
on to Community Support
Services where she was
an employment specialist.
Sr. Denise found jobs for
the emotionally ill and
then assisted her clients,
as much as she could, in
helping them keep their
jobs.
Moving
to
South
Carolina Sr. Denise was
set to run a special project helping the needy learn
to help themselves. The project, however, never got
off the ground so after a little more then a year she
returned to Ohio.
Sr. Denise currently works at the Center of Hope.
Located in Ravenna, Ohio, the Center of Hope
was established in 1989. Its mission is to serve hot
meals five-days a week and provide a food pantry
for emergency assistance. Sr. Denise is the program
manager. The Center has two paid staff and relies
on 8-10 volunteers each day to provide hot meals to
those in need.
Sr. Denise celebrated her Jubilee in September,
commemorating her 25 years in the congregation.
She spoke at the Mass reflecting on those years with
humor and thanking the many who made it possible
for her, and the others, to get this far.
The Center of Hope and the people in Portage
County should be thankful for them too.
^nages
is a newsletter published by
The Sisters of Charity of St.
Augustine
5232 Broadview Road
Richfield OH 44286
Staff for this issue:
Sr. Marian Durkin
Sr. Miriam Erb
Sr. Cheryl Keehner
Sr. Denise Stiles
Editor: Mrs. Caryn Kish
Visit our website:
Sr. Denise at work in the Center of Hope.
2008 Caritas Award Winner
Sr. Mildred Baker, IHM
Instituted in 2000 and given out once
every four years, the Sisters of Charity of St.
Augustine (CSA) present the Caritas Service
Award to an individual who embodies and
demonstrates the CSA charism to others
through a life of generosity, untiring service,
joyful witness of the love of God, and a
commitment to CSA's ministries in healthcare,
social service, pastoral ministry or education.
From individuals nominated by the members
of the congregation, a committee makes the
selection. The 2008 recipient was Sr. Mildred
Sr. Mildred Baker, IHM Baker, IHM.
(l-r) Pauline and Norman Wengerd, and Sr. Mary Patricia Barrett
Sr. Mildred first served with CSA as the initial coordinator with
the diocesan committee who were planning for the retirement needs of the religious of the diocese, then as
the Director of Admissions/lntercongregational Liaison at Regina Health Center (RHC). Currently, she is a
volunteer at St. John West Shore Hospital, a CSA hospital.
Sr. Mildred's warmth, welcoming manner and astute judgment served the residents extremely well in the
early years of RHC. Her kindness and friendliness were evident; her smile conveyed respect, care and concern
to the CSA members, the residents of RHC and their families.
Her loyalty to CSA continues at St. John West Shore Hospital where she volunteers in
a variety of capacities. From contributing to bake sales to helping countless hours with the
annual Festival of the Arts, Sr. Mildred does all with the same warm smile, twinkling eyes,
and generous heart. Whenever Sr. Mildred returns to RHC, she is greeted with open arms
and friendly smiles.
Sr. Mildred received the Caritas
Service Award during the Feast
of St. Augustine liturgy at Mt.
Augustine on August 28, 2008.
Fr. James Welsh, SJ, was the
celebrant. The chapel was
filled with members from
Sr. Mildred's community,
the Sisters, Servants of
the Immaculate Heart of
Mary (IHM), her family
and many friends.
Though she has an "IHM"
after her name and is true
and loyal to her congregation,
she certainly is "CSA" in heart
Sr. Mildred Baker, IHM receiving the award from
Sr. Miriam Erb, CSA.
Sisters of Charity /
of St. Auousrhi;
and spirit.
potlight
ubilee
On September 21, 2008 at Mt. Augustine during an afternoon Mass and
reception, five sisters celebrated their Jubilees with friends and family. Sisters
Petrina Scelfo and Assumpta Kneier entered the congregation in September
of 1948 and celebrated their 60th year. Celebrating 50 years were Sisters
Carole DeCrane and Catherine Walsh while Sr. Denise Stiles celebrated 25
years.
Sr. Petrina Scelfo is originally from Our Lady of Good
Counsel Parish in Cleveland, Ohio. Sister spent many
years teaching in various CSA schools in Ohio, among
them St. Joseph and Immaculate Heart of Mary
Schools, both in Cuyhoga Falls. At Assumption School
in Brook Park, Ohio she not only taught but was the
principal for a time. Retired and living at Mt. Augustine,
Sister's ministry is now one of prayer. She can be found
most any day in the halls of Regina Health Center
or outside the building enjoying the gardens. She is
always ready to speak with visitors and staff alike and
tries to keep all entertained by telling jokes.
After graduating from Glenville High School, Sr.
Assumpta Kneier spent several years working before
entering the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. She
began her religious life teaching elementary school.
She was stationed at several schools including St.
Joseph and Holy Family, both in the Akron area, St.
Luke in Lakewood, Ohio and at Parmadale in Parma.
Assigned to Mt. Augustine in 1972, Sister worked as
coordinator of the Constant Care Unit, was assistant to
the program director and was a driver. She was also
active in the Mt. Augustine Guild. Now retired and living
at Mt. Augustine, she keeps in contact with her family
and is involved with social justice issues. Her ministry is
now one of prayer.
Upon graduation from St. Augustine Academy, Sr.
Carole DeCrane entered the Sisters of Charity of St.
Augustine and began her career of various ministries
as a sister. First as a teacher at St. Joseph School
and Immaculate Heart of Mary School, she was
also called upon to use her musical background,
and served as the choir director and organist. At the
DePaul Center she was an outreach program tutor.
She was the chaplain for Sr. Vincent Charity Hospital
for 14 years. After serving two terms in community
leadership, she began ministry at St. John West Shore
Hospital, where she is now serving as a chaplain.
Born in County
Mayo, Ireland, Sr.
Catherine Walsh
came to the states
in her late teens
with the intention
of returning to
Ireland to become
a farmer's wife.
Instead,
she
entered the order
and
became a
citizen in May of 1964. After spending several
years as a cottage mom in Parmadale, Sister
earned her degree in special education and
returned to Parmadale as a teacher. She
also taught at St. Luke School, Lakewood,
Ohio, Epiphany Parish and St. Mary Parish
in Wooster, Ohio. In the early 1990's she
joined the Cleveland Diocese Mission Team
and went to El Salvador where she served
for seven years. After returning to the states,
she was instrumental in starting a Hispanic
Ministry at St. Bernard Parish in Akron, and
helped establish several Catholic Worker
homes. She served on the leadership team
for the community in the late 1990's and
continues as the Vocation Director.
Sr.
Denise
Stiles
attended a CSA grade
school,
Immaculate
Heart of Mary in
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
After attending Akron
University in the food
service management
program, she worked
at St. Vincent Charity
Hospital in the Food
Service Department. A calling to a different
ministry, business, saw her complete a degree
in Business Administration and work for Mercy
Medical Center as their medical buyer. Later
she would use her business skills working
with Consumer Credit Counseling services
and later at Community Support Services as
an employment specialist. Currently, she is
the manager of the Center of Hope, a program
of Portage County Family and Community
Services.
AOPHA Art and Writing Exhibition
Several CSA sisters participated in The Association of Ohio Philanthropic
Homes, Housing and Services for the Aging (AOPHA) Art and Writing
Exhibition and received awards. The projects were displayed at Regina
Health Center July 25, then in Columbus at AOPHA's annual meeting.
Fine Art I- Honorable Mention: "Popp'n Poppy" - Sr. Ruth Ann Patrick
Honorable Mention: "Lady Liberty" - Sr. Ruth Kerrigan
Centering Space
Fine Art II- Second Place: "Blessed Mess" - Sr. Ruth Kerrigan
Honorable Mention: "Oh Oh Cherry-Oh's" Sr. Ruth Ann Patrick
Three DimensionalHonorable Mention: "For Birds of Color" - Sr. Ruth Kerrigan
Needle Arts- First Place: "Aunt Iz Goes Hollywood" - Sr. Ruth Ann Patrick
Photography- Honorable Mention: "Passage to Alaska" Sr. Mary Jacob Yelcho
Cooperative Arts (group project)First Place: "All Creation Praises" - RHC Cut-Ups
Sr. Petrina Scelfo was a member of this group
Second Place Regional, First Place at State: "Our Doll House" Sr. Ruth Kerrigan was a member of the group
Third Place: "Under the Sea with Crayons & Watercolors"
(Sr. Ruth Ann Patrick & Sr. Ruth Kerrigan were in this group)
The newest CSA ministry, Centering Space, celebrated
the 5th anniversary of its prayerful existence November
1. Located next to Lakewood Park, Centering Space is on
the grounds of the previous motherhouse. This peaceful
setting provides a welcoming atmosphere where many
have joined in contemplative prayer directed by one of the
Core Circle members: Mary Ann Andrews, CSA, Mary
Jean Eucker, CSA, Peggy Gerovac, Carol Kandiko,
CSA and Jeannette Kearns, OSU. The atmosphere
of this special place invites all who come to enter into
the mysteries of the Divine Creator of the Universe,
mysteries which are ever unfolding in their lives and
in the world. Centering Space provides a place
for individual reflection for a day or for times of
retreat. Congratulations to Centering Space
for 5 years of wonderful ministry which
enriches the spirit of each person
who attends. For information
call 216-228-7451.
Special Fine ArtsHonorable Mention: "Sunshine & Thunder" - Sr. Petrina Scelfo
Honorable Mention: "Flowers in a Cup" - Sr. Catherine Browning
Special 3 DimensionalHonorable Mention: "Miss America" - Sr. Petrina Scelfo
Mercy Medical Center Turns 100
Non-Fiction Prose- Honorable Mention: "It is Lent" - Sr. Marian Warta
Poetry-
Second Place: "Little Miss Dande Lion" - Sr. Ruth Ann Patrick
Regina Health Center
Celebrates 15 Years
This past summer was the fifteenth anniversary of the opening of RHC.
The dedication Mass celebrated on May 16, 1993 by Bishop Anthony
Pilla followed two years of renovation and construction on the second
and third floors of Mt. Augustine. The result of the construction was an
assisted care and nursing home facility primarily for the religious, but
also open to those desiring a God-centered atmosphere.
j
Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio recently ended the
year long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the hospital's
founding. Formally opened on September 24, 1908, the
hospital was first located in the home of the late President
William McKinley. Mrs. Rosa Klorer purchased the home and
gave it to the Diocese of Cleveland with the stipulation that
a faith based hospital be opened in it and that the Sisters of
Charity of St. Augustine operate the hospital. The original
hospital was dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy and called
Mercy Hospital. Expanded three times to accommodate
the growing needs of the area, the building was closed in
1970. W. Robert and Henry H. Timken gave the sisters the
H.H. Timken residence in 1950. Timken Mercy Hospital, that
building was also expanded several times. The name was
changed to Mercy Medical Center.
Congratulations to Mercy Medical Center as it continues as
Stark County's only faith based hospital.
The anniversary was commemorated at several events held during <
the summer. Some were pubic, some by invitation and others for the j
employees whose dedication to the residents is evident by the care j
they receive.
Congratulations to RHC on its anniversary.
lebrations
impses
I **J3 fUtaAs^K*^
Sr. Catherine Walsh was chosen as "Religious of the Year"
by the Knights of Columbus, Akron Council 547. The award
was presented on July 10, 2008 at the Akron City Women's
Club by Grandnight Paul Jaeger. Sister Catherine was
recognized for her work in El Salvador, her current endeavor
with a project in Coban, Guatemala providing housing and
education for widows and orphans and for her work with the
Hispanic community through Catholic Worker in Akron, cs
Sr. Elizabeth Schur, a member of St. Luke Parish in
Lakewood, Ohio, continues to support the parish with her
presence in a variety of ways. This fall she shared her
spirituality in a talk on the Holy Spirit as part of the parish
renewal retreat for women. 03
Sr. Marian Durkin is on the board of Ohioans to Stop
Executions. Based in Columbus, she travels there for
quarterly meetings, gives talks across the Cleveland area
and is "on sight" in prayer at times of executions. She and the
other members and interested citizens are working to abolish
the death penalty in the state of Ohio. 03
Several CSA sisters were involved in events during Mercy
Medical Center's 100th Anniversary yearlong celebration.
Sr. Mary Denis Maher gave an inspirational address at
the employee dinner held at the Stark County Educational
Center and Sr. Cheryl Keehner prayed the meal blessing at
the breakfast for the volunteers held at Mercy Hall. Sr. Judith
Ann Karam delivered the reflection at the Interfaith Prayer
Service for the closing of the 100th Anniversary events held
at McKinley High School. Sr. Miriam Erb offered a prayer at
the Harvest Ball in thanksgiving for all the blessings received
during the past 100 years and for all who ministered and
were cared for at Mercy Medical Center, o#
CSA Wellness Ministry Open House
kmw
On July 7, 2008, Sisters Sharon Anne Yanak, Mary
Jean Euckerand Regina Fierman (shown above l-rwith
former Governor Bob Taft) attended the signing of the
Great Lakes Water Compact by Governor Ted Strickland
at the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, Marblehead,
Ohio. The Sisters are members of either CSA's Ecology
or Social Justice Committees.
This landmark legislation will protect the water in the Great
Lakes from being exported to other states and foreign
countries as well as prevent domestic overuse. The bill
was signed by President George Bush in early October.
The group enjoyed speaking with former Governor Bob
Taft who originally initiated the legislation for the State of
Ohio.
At the annual Commission on Catholic Community
Action (CCCA) Dinner, Sr. Marian Durkin presented the
outstanding person of the year award to Len Calabrese.
Len is the past president of CCCA and current President
of Catholic Community Connection. Sr. Marian nominated
Len for the award. o#
Sr. Cheryl Keehner and Sr. Sharon Anne Yanak,
members of the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking,
gave a presentation about human trafficking to personnel
at both St. Vincent Charity Hospital and Mercy Medical
Center. The sisters represent CSA on the steering
committee for the Collaborative's strategic planning
process, ea
l-r Clair Sikora, Sr. Cheryl Keehner,
Sr. Mary Grace Betzler and
Sr. Marian Durkin
Sr. Mary Edna Lodge, CSA
l-r Sr. Justine Sendelbach, Sr. Xavier Gorman
and Sr. Rita Louise Neader
Both Regina Health Center and St. John West Shore placed very
high in the Nursing Home Residents' Satisfaction Survey. The Ohio
Department of Aging report stated that both these facilities had scores
of 95% or above which placed them in the top 3% of all participating
nursing homes, es
St. Vincent Charity Hospital made many changes to the hospital this
year. The Spine and Orthopedic Institute opened in March. Patients are
greeted by a beautiful lobby and stay in private rooms designed like
bedrooms in four-star hotels. The newly renovated and modernized
Psychiatric Emergency Room also opened. It has features designed
especially for the safety of patients and staff. These new areas were
blessed at separate events for the public and staff, as
Art classes are a new program being offered to the residents at
Joseph's Home. The men tell their life stories through art, a process
which can be healing and therapeutic. Some of the art pieces have
been sold and others were used as the art work on some Christmas
cards, cs
Healthy Learners, a ministry of Providence Hospitals, Columbia,
SC, was the beneficiary of the George Younginer Memorial Golf
Tournament. Receiving more than $137,000 for its programs, Healthy
Learners gives support to school children of low-income families
in need of healthcare. With additional grants the program is being
expanded to other areas in South Carolina. o#
With an emphasis on reducing health and educational disparities in
Cleveland's central neighborhood, the Sisters of Charity Foundation
of Cleveland awarded nearly $440,000 to several Cleveland
organizations, cs
The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina
funded a documentary film depicting the lives of several
sisters working in South Carolina. The film showed the significant
impact and influence of the religious women and their ministries. The
documentary received two Telly awards. Telly awards are give for
excellence in local, regional and cable productions. The documentary
was aired Easter Sunday on SCETV. o#
Associates' News
During the September 14, 2008 liturgy at
Mt. Augustine, four Associates received
pins in a ceremony commemorating their
five-year commitment to the Associate
Program. Jeanne Burrige, Director of
the Associate Program, presented pins to
Fran Gedraitis, Donna Nance, Corrine
Wagner, and Elizabeth Wendling. eg
Jeanne Burrige has agreed to stay on as
the director of the Associates for another
year. Sr. Marian Durkin, the Council liaison
to the Associates, thanked Jeanne and
expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of
the sisters and the Associates on Jeanne's
continuing committment, cs
The weekend of October 3-5, 2008 was a
very special time for twenty-one Associates
who enjoyed a Retreat Weekend at Loyola
of the Lakes Retreat House in Clinton,
Ohio. Sr. Catherine Walsh directed the
retreat filling the days with opportunities for
prayer, sharing, crafts and socializing. Fr.
Thomas Kovach celebrated the Sunday
morning closing liturgy. The Associates
were overwhelmed by the thoughtfullness
of the sisters who sent support in the form
of notes and cards. 03
In South Carolina, six women are in the
Orientation Program and will become
Associates in early 2009. They are:
Kathleen Belinga, Kathleen Ernette,
Patricia Pastides, Rebecca Putnam,
Joan Ross and Cynthia Woodrow.
Sr. Nancy Hendershot and Associate,
Doris Easterling directed the orientation
process, cs
The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton has been instrumental
in obtaining a $150,000 appropriations grant to further develop the
Charitable Pharmacy Concept. The CSA Foundation of Canton, along
with several Stark County foundations, originally established the Stark
Prescription Assistance Network (SPAN). Through this program,
resources of local retail pharmacies and nonprofit clinics are used to
distribute medications to needy Stark County residents, 03
Vicki Conley has turned in her resignation as Executive Director of the
Sisters of Charity Foundation in Canton. She has been with the
Foundation since its beginning. The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine
wish her well and thank her for all the work she has done in this
ministry.
A statement released by Sr. Judith Ann Karam, CSA, President and
CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System, said, "Over the past 12
years, Vicki Conley's leadership in the development of the Foundation's
key strategic focus areas, and her significant involvement in the
community to address the root causes of poverty, are some of the
many contributions she has made in her role as the Executive Director.
She has served very well the ministry of the Sisters of Charity of St.
Augustine as the founding Executive Director realizing the vision set
forth in 1996."
Joni Close was named Executive Director and will begin her new
position in January 2009. Joni has been with the Foundation, working
as the Senior Program Director, since 1997. 03
front row l-r: Sr. Marian Warta, Ms. Donna Nance,
Sr. Regina Fierman and Sr. Virginia Durkin
Back row l-r: Sr. Marian Durkin, Ms. Elizabeth Wendling,
Mrs. Fran Gredaitis, Ms. Jeanne Burrige, Mrs. Corrine
Wagner, Sr. Elizabeth Schur
Sisters
o^Cfiarift
of St. A u g u s t i n e "
5232 Broadview Road
Richfield, OH 44286
Address service requested.
T'fiis newsCetter is printed on recycCedpaper.
A few weeks ago I baked cranberry bread for a staff gathering. As I added each ingredient to the
batter I thought about each member of our wonderful staff and their dedication to carrying on the
mission of CSA. When we gathered together to share prayer and the bread, the Leadership Team, Sr.
Marian Durkin, Sr. Cheryl Keehner and I, expressed our gratitude and celebrated the gift of each staff
member: secretaries, drivers, accountants, nurses and librarians.
This issue of Images is filled all kinds of celebrations. "Glimpses" touches on a few of our ministries
and celebrates the recognitions and awards they received for outstanding work and dedication. The
article on the Jubilarians celebrates the faithfulness of five sisters who responded to the call of religious
life, living lives of prayer and service with joy and dedication. The Caritas Service Award celebrates
the compassion and loving care of Sr. Mildred Baker, IHM, who helped many congregations bring their
members to Regina Health Center when it first opened its' doors in collaborative ministry for aging
religious in a community setting.
Sr. Miriam Erb, CSA
I n celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Regina Health Center (RHC), the Sisters of Charity established an Employee Emergency
Fund with $15,000 seed money. The Fund is designed to care for the needs of employees at times of tragedy, sickness or
unforeseen death of a loved one. There are similar funds within all the health related ministries of the Sisters of Charity
Health System. RHC Administration will name the Fund, write guidelines for its use and develop ways for the employees and
others to contribute so that it will grow. Congratulations RHC on your special anniversary. CSA celebrates your goodness and
excellent loving care of the residents.
Within CSA we also have much to celebrate. Our congregational decision to "Stand Alone Together" celebrates who we
are and challenges us to be fully alive in our ministries and more deeply connected with one another through community,
prayer and faith sharing. Our decision further encourages us to be more connected to the world through our AIDS and
Peace Stances, our focus on ecology and advocacy, especially for the underserved. Following the mandate of our CSA
Constitutions, we are called to celebrate the presence of God, bringing about the renewal of all things and giving generously
as we live and spread the Gospel. We celebrate this Call and invoke you to join us in being grateful for God's love made
visible in Christ, our Savior.
eflectlon