Directions - Sisters of the Holy Cross

Congregation
Direction
Set for
2004-2009
July/August 2004
DIRECTION STATEMENT
2004 Chapter coverage ............................ Cover
Voices
Editorial ......................................................... 2
Directions
A.M. break with fair-trade coffee .................... 6
Branches:
Holy Cross Around the World
A letter from Kasoa ........................................ 6
“Take a Hike Day” offers camaraderie ............ 7
LT members present workshop in Peru ............ 8
History conference awakens past .................... 8
Congregations converge for Idaho retreat ..... 10
California Jubilee celebration ........................ 10
Leaves:
Sisters in Ministry
Saint Mary’s Jubilee ..................................... 11
Nota Bene
Sister Mary Ann Pajakowski .................... 12
Sister Maura (Brannick) .......................... 12
Sister Michael Mary (Nolan) .................... 13
Sister Ruth Marie (Nickerson) .................. 13
Reflections
Education and gender ................................... 14
Advancing the Mission
Benefiting from corporate partnerships ......... 16
HOLY CROSS WOMEN
CREATING AND STRENGTHENING RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS
“Were not our hearts burning within us as we walked together along the way?” ~ Luke 24:32
We, Sisters of the Holy Cross, open to the transforming fire of the Spirit,
ardently desire and commit ourselves to the promotion of right relationships
with God and in our Congregation, Church, World and Cosmos.
Living in a world shattered by
fear, violence, intolerance,
inequity and ecological
destruction, we “believe that no
more important mission exists
at this time than to be bearers
of the reconciling hope for
which the world cries”
(Declaration of Women
Religious Leaders, 2004).
The new Leadership Team for 2004-2009! (L to r:)
Sisters Ruth Marie (Nickerson), Mary Louise Full, Joy
O’Grady, Pushpa Teresa Gomes and Geraldine Hoyler
Standing in solidarity with
people of many cultures
and nations, we witness prophetically to the mission of Jesus in our global reality.
Moving together into the future we will:
✴ Promote nonviolent systemic change through prayer, word and action;
✴ Steward human, ecological and financial resources in an equitable and
sustainable manner;
✴ Continue communal theological reflection;
✴ Participate responsibly in the life of the Congregation.
Empowered by the strength of our Holy Cross charism at work in the world today,
we invite others to walk with us in our life and mission.
article on page 3
Voices
2
his was my third General Chapter with the
Sisters of the Holy Cross. By some sisters’
standards, particularly Jubilarians, this isn’t
many, yet it’s been enough to experience the truth of
something a sister said just before the Chapter of ’99:
“Every Chapter’s different.”
And so it was. A new mix of people, issues and ideas,
different facilitation—even the weather—
opened new spaces for the Spirit to move.
Yet continuity is there if you look
for it. Each Chapter Direction
Statement testifies to this. Each
one builds upon its forebears
and lays ground for the next.
This one evolved from
the ’99 Statement and the
Calls that emerged from last
year’s International Assembly. It was a natural next
step that the Twenty-third
General Chapter chose to
focus the Congregation on
right relationships.
What is “right relationship?”
Once I might have imagined it was
one in which happiness and peace
reigned at all times. Today (after a bit more
life experience), I realize that to be truly in right
relationship with one’s world is to embrace the conflict
and disappointments that are a part of living while
engaging with others with respect at all times.
I saw this operating at the Twenty-third General
Chapter. Each day brought new needs, new demands,
new challenges, new deadlines. Chapter members and
support teams had to respond immediately and interac-
T
L
S
NOTE: Deadline for
next issue is September 1.
tively to get what was needed done. Hardworking people
got tired. But not once did I see respect for the other’s
situation or concern for the task at hand overridden by
temperament, ego or thoughtlessness. Getting the job
done was important. Sustaining relationships was important. Without even thinking about it, people “lived the
mission”—from moment to moment, from need to need.
In this issue of Life Signs (as indeed in every
issue) each article illustrates some aspect of
right relationships: whether it’s
learning dialogue skills in Peru
(page 8), creating new ways for
older sisters to enjoy the
outdoors (page 7), or building
a convent in Ghana (page 6).
Staff and sisters were
invited to contemplate a
more global meaning of
right relationships over their
morning coffee (page 6)—
right relationships with the
people who grow and deliver it
to our door; with other countries; and with the earth itself.
In this season Jubilarians, too,
celebrated their years of relationship
with God and the Congregation, and with all
to whom they minister in their lives (pages 10-11).
Life Signs takes this moment to congratulate the
Sisters of the Holy Cross on all 23 of their general chapters. For each has prepared the way for the next “chapter”
in the life of the Congregation and in the ongoing journey
of realizing right relationships. ❦
Life Signs is published six times a year for all members of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. News
items, draft articles and suggestions are welcome. Items must be in the Communications Office by the beginning
of the month preceding publication to assure inclusion and may be edited for length and clarity. Send signed,
dated materials to: Life Signs Editor, Sisters of the Holy Cross.
The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross
201 Bertrand Hall—Saint Mary’s
Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-5000
Sister Aline Marie (Steuer), CSC, President
Barbara Wade, Editor
Louise Koselak, Assistant Editor
PHONE: (574) 284-5728 • FAX: (574) 284-5577
http://www.cscsisters.org
Directions
3
Chapter, continued from cover
Twenty-third Chapter comes to peace-filled fruition
he Twenty-third General Chapter of
the Sisters of the Holy Cross, which
began on July 11, unfolded and
wound its peace-filled way to a new Direction
and Leadership Team, and ended on July 22—
one day early. Along the way, sisters around the
world and at Saint Mary’s expressed appreciation
for the daily news and pictures that came to
them through e-mail, the Sisters News Update,
the Web and the “E-Tree”—all made them feel a
T
continued, page 4
Opening liturgy. (L to r, front row:) Sisters Margaret Mary Nimo, Stella
Maris Kunihira, Esther Adjoa Entsiwah, Angelica Birungi, Shopna Cecilia
Gomes and other sisters from around the world enhance the sound of the
“Saint Mary’s Schola” (choir) for the opening liturgy of Chapter. The
international note lent to prayer and liturgical music throughout Chapter
reflected the harmonious blend of nationalities and cultures that
characterized the tone of the Twenty-third General Chapter.
“I am just sending a note to THANK
YOU ALL for keeping us informed—
the e-mails are really great.”
Day Two. Lighting the Chapter fire. Sisters Jean Barbara (Korkisch) (center)
and Sue Kintzele of the Environment and Housekeeping Committee, light the
Chapter fire as members gather in the courtyard outside the Chapter room in
Regina Hall to witness the fire that will ignite the Chapter candle each day.
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ABOVE: Keynote
speakers for Chapter
Sisters Catherine
O’Brien, CSC, and
Ursula Bugembe,
RSCJ, set the tone
of global vision and
challenge for Chapter
members on the second
and third days of
Chapter. RIGHT:
Chapter facilitator
Sister Janet Roesener,
CSJ, guided Chapter
members through a
peace-filled process
of compassionate
consideration and
mutual understanding.
July/August 2004
Directions
4
Chapter, continued from page 3
part of the Chapter experience.
Much work is yet to be done—getting out
Chapter documents and communications to
Congregation members, transitioning from one
leadership team to a new one, and implementing
a new governance structure. But those who
experienced the unfolding of Chapter, whether
far or near, seem revitalized with a new spirit
of hope and expectation and the energy and joy
of a clear challenge for the future.
Here are more scenes from General Chapter
2004... ❦
Considering the Calls. Characteristic of the Chapter process was the regular
mixing of table composition and reflecting upon each other’s work.
[Thanks
to photos
and daily
updates,
we feel]
“we are
very much
present...”
Day Seven. Morning prayer: Processing in the
Madonna of the Cosmos, joyfully carried by
Sister Diane Cundiff
The social event
of the season was
“Café Sainte Croix”
(also known as
Lourdes Assembly
Hall). Here sisters
enjoy the musical
skits presented by
each Area.
Liturgical dancing by Sisters of the Holy Cross was very
much a part of contemplative experience during the
liturgies and prayer rituals of Chapter. Pictured, Sister
Dana Michelle Sullivan
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LEFT: Day Nine, election day. Sisters Pushpa Teresa Gomes,
left, and Hashi Margaret Pereira anoint Sisters Amalia Marie
(Rios) and Agnes Anne (Roberts) in the Bengali custom before
the morning Mass asking for the intercession of the Spirit
especially on this day.
CENTER, RIGHT: Day Nine, morning prayer before
elections. (“The Spirit is a-movin’, a-movin’ all over this
land.”) Pictured, Sisters Mary Magdalena Gomes and Maria
Regina (Gomes)
BOTTOM LEFT: Day Ten. The new Direction Statement is
accepted and greeted with joy (and much relief on the part of
the writers!).
BOTTOM RIGHT: Day Twelve, Closing Liturgy. Sister
Aline Marie (Steuer) leads the acclamation of the new
Leadership Team in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto.
“Whoever is doing this terrific
job on the Web page, I want to say
‘You are wonderful!’ A great piece
of work—thanks.”
“Thank you for all the work
in keeping us up to date on
everything—it was the next best
thing to being there!”
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Directions
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Breaking the daily “grind” with fair-trade coffee
Sisters and staff take a morning coffee break to learn about and enjoy a cup of Fair
Trade coffee.
ith cups and mugs in hand, sisters joined Holy Cross Services
Corporation employees in a fair-trade coffee break July 9 in the
Lillie O’Grady Gathering Space at Saint Mary’s to sample the
fair-trade coffees and teas that would be served during General Chapter.
Coffee is the second largest U.S. import after oil, and the people in the
United States consume one-fifth of all the world’s coffee, making the United
States the largest consumer in the world. But few Americans realize that
agricultural workers in the coffee industry often toil in what can be described
as “sweatshops in the fields.” Many small coffee farmers receive prices for their
coffee that are less than the costs of production, forcing them into a cycle of
poverty and debt.
Fair Trade is a viable solution to this crisis, assuring consumers that the
coffee they drink was purchased under fair conditions. To become Fair Trade
certified, an importer must meet stringent international criteria by paying a
minimum price per pound of $1.26, providing much needed credit to farmers,
and providing technical assistance such as help transitioning to organic farming.
W
Coffee prices have plummeted and are
currently around $.60 to $.70 per pound.
“With world market prices as low as they
are right now, we see that a lot of farmers
cannot maintain their families and their land
anymore,” says Jerónimo Bollen, director
of Manos Campesinas, a Fair Trade coffee
cooperative in Guatemala. Meanwhile coffee
companies have not lowered consumer prices
but are pocketing the difference.
There are over 100 companies across
the United States, including Starbucks,
that have licensing agreements with
TransFair to offer Fair Trade Certified
coffee. For more information, go to these
Web sites: www.globalexchange.org and
www.oxfamamerica.org. ❦
Good to the last drop. Sisters Ann Oestreich, IHM,
and Mary Turgi take pleasure in a mug of coffee
while educating sisters and HCSC staff about what
Fair Trade means to farmers and consumers.
Branches: Holy Cross Around the World
A letter from Kasoa
by Helene Sharp, CSC
T
are held three days a week, with an average attendance of 65
to 70 persons. Several groups and individuals in the United
States have shipped more than 1,000 books for the center.
The program has been enhanced with Fridays designated as
a “library and singing day.” The space is too small, and
there are always more people than chairs. Unfortunately,
there seems to be no immediate solution to the problem.
In February two novices, Sisters Evelyn Ntiamoah
from Ghana and Theresia W. Mbugua from Kenya, arrived
he sisters in Kasoa have not been idle during
these past six months: In January the Holy
Cross Family Centre in Kasoa, Ghana, opened
its doors.
The sisters have rented a building and are holding
classes for both adults and children. The original aim was
to tutor those preparing for national exams and to teach
adult literacy. When they first started their program, over
100 people from nursery to adult ages registered. Classes
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July/August 2004
continued, next page
Branches: Holy Cross Around the World
7
“Take a Hike Day” offers adventure, camaraderie and fresh air
T
he rain came on Thursday morning, May 13,
but luckily the first Take a Hike Day was not
a washout. At the 1:30 p.m. start time, sisters
at Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross Service Corporation
(HCSC) employees began fortifying themselves with ice
cream cones as they peered out the windows of the Lillie
O’Grady Gathering Space searching for a break in the
precipitation.
Finally the sky cleared, and the sisters, accompanied
by their HCSC partners, began to stream out of
O’Grady to wander down the path along the Stations
of the Cross next to the cemetery. Whether being
pushed in a wheelchair, taken by an arm, or walking
side by side, the sisters had plenty to discuss with their
employee partners as they dodged puddles, felt the spray
of droplets from the trees, and marveled at the beauty of
the thousands of lilies of the valley blossoming at the end
of the path around the shrine of Our Lady of Peace. ❦
The sisters
were grateful
for the
assistance of all
the employees
who took time
from their
busy schedules
to accompany
them during
Take a Hike
Day.
TOP RIGHT: Sister Peter Clare (Berna) enjoys an ice cream cone as
she and Sister Margaret Mary Lavonis wait for the rain to stop.
ABOVE: Sister Agnes Solari begins a leisurely stroll with her HCSC
partner, Kari Alwine of Human Resources. LEFT: Staff members assist
Sister Josephine Callahan as she makes her way to the walking path.
A letter from Kasoa, continued from previous page
“The sisters in Kasoa have not been idle...”
from Uganda for the three-month mission experience.
They spent time in both Takoradi and Kasoa assisting the
sisters in their ministries, and joined the Catholic Action
for Street Children team in Accra for a monthlong ministry
experience. They returned to Uganda on April 30.
The convent building at Nyame N’Adom is progressing. Workers expect to complete the work this December.
Several dozen fruit and other fast-growing trees were
planted to the east of the house. These will serve, not only
Life Signs
as a fruit and shade source, but also as a windbreak, and
will help curb soil erosion.
On Easter Monday, the sisters hosted the first Holy
Cross family gathering in Kasoa. Father Bob Gilmour,
CSC, celebrated the Eucharist outside under a canopied
cover, which provided ample shade for this and other
activities for the day. The occasion, attended by 36 members, produced a rather impressive gathering of the Holy
Cross family in Ghana. ❦
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Branches: Holy Cross Around the World
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LT members present workshop to sisters in Peru
by Joan Marie Steadman, CSC
I
n early May, Sister Marilyn Zugish and I journeyed to our Holy Cross community in Peru to
facilitate a workshop on dialogue skills and conflict
resolution. Our sisters and postulants included the workshop
within the context of their four-day nucleo meeting. It was a
grace and gift to be with our sisters and share in their lives.
We gathered at Foyer de Charite, a retreat center outside
Lima at the foot of a mountain. The setting was beautiful.
With the assistance of Sister Sally Harper, CSJ, our able
translator, we spent an energizing two days with our members
as they learned more about and practiced dialogue and conflict
resolution skills.
Our concern about how the experience would unfold
through translation disappeared very quickly. The spoken
word and the myriad ways we communicate with facial
expressions and gestures helped us all and provided some
lighthearted moments in the process.
“Joan and Marilyn taught us some new techniques for
resolving conflicts in group discussions,” commented Sister
Mary Josephine Delany. “These were so helpful,” she added,
“that we’ve already used them in our nucleo, as well as in our
pastoral work and meetings.”
Postulant Carmen Marcelo Muñoz said that she was
grateful for the opportunity to meet the two members of the
Leadership Team and “for them to get to know us as well, as far
as it was possible for us to communicate and express ourselves.”
Carmen said she learned a lot about her own interpersonal
relationships and the need to deepen her listening skills.
“Whoever learns something is no longer ignorant,” she stated,
“and I should be conscious of what I express and feel.” ❦
TOP: Dialogue training for sisters in Peru, May 8-9. L to r: Sisters
Giovanna Carmona Chávez, Patricia Mary Crane, Marilyn Zugish,
translator Sally Harper, CSJ, and Joan Marie Steadman.
BOTTOM: Holy Cross sisters in Peru gather for a group photo
outside the retreat center where the dialogue workshop was held. Front
row (l to r): Postulant Isabel Cristina Camacho Torres, Sister Noylí
Ríos Manzo, Postulants Esperanza Sullca Clemente and Carmen
Marcelo Muñoz, and Sisters Patricia Dieringer and Mary Josephine
Delany. Back row (l to r): Sisters Lilma Calsín Collazos, Giovanna
Carmona Chávez, Marilyn Zugish, Eleanor Snyder, Joan Marie
Steadman, Mary Magdalena Gomes and Patricia Mary Crane.
CSC history conference awakens past, renews friendships
by James Connelly, CSC
n Thursday evening, June 10, Brother Joseph Fox,
CSC, president of the Holy Cross History Association, welcomed 49 participants to “A Pilgrimage to
the Past,” the Twenty-third Annual Conference on the
History of the Congregations of Holy Cross, held at the
Sarto Retreat House in Evansville, Indiana.
Local author, John McMullen, offered background
information on Catholics in Evansville and Vanderburgh
County, Indiana, and Brother Joseph led the group in a
Litany of Remembrance, praising the seven Holy Cross
O
missionaries who were the first to come to America. This
year’s conference followed an entirely new format, with bus
trips to various sites in southern Indiana figuring in the
early history of the community in the United States.
On Friday, June 11, conference-goers were bused
to Vincennes, Indiana, where they gathered in the Old
Cathedral and sang the “Te Deum”—just as the first
contingent of Holy Cross missionaries had done when they
arrived in Vincennes in October 1841. After mass, Richard
Patrick Day, whose family has been members of the Old
continued, next page
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Branches: Holy Cross Around the World
9
Cathedral parish since 1760,
had found Anselm’s grave,
spoke to the group about
and John Galvin of the
the cathedral and the early
Historic Madison Foundabishops of Vincennes. There
tion spoke about the history
was a tour of the museum
of St. Michael’s Church in
and the former bishop’s
Madison where Anselm lived
house, now the rectory,
and kept school in the
where Bishop Celestine de
basement of the church.
la Hailandiere welcomed
Madison Mayor Al HuntingAmong the many Holy Cross renewing friendships at the history
the seven men from France.
ton addressed the group at
conference were (l to r) Brother John Kuhn and Sisters Joan Marie
Father John Schipp, the
the cemetery and Brother
Steigmeyer and Albertine (Kramer).
pastor, led the tour.
Gerald Muller, CSC, gave an
From Vincennes the participants traveled on to Terre
organ recital in the church, now a historic landmark.
Haute and St. Mary of the Woods College where the Sisters
On the bus rides, the travelers saw several videos: Rev.
of Providence, founded by Jacques Dujarié, opened their
Marvin O’Connell on “The Magnificent Six,” the six Holy
first house in North America under Blessed Mother
Cross brothers who came from France in 1841; Mother
Theodore Guerin. Two Sisters of Providence, Sisters Eileen
Theodore Guerin and St. Mary of the Woods College; and
Kelley and Mary Roger Madden, read papers on the early
the history of Madison, once the largest town in Indiana.
foundations of their community in Indiana and on the
As always, the conference was a time for renewing
French school of spirituality, which had influenced both
friendships among members of the four Holy Cross comDujarié and Moreau. There followed an elegant banquet
munities, all of whom were represented, as well as with lay
and the business meeting of the Holy Cross History
friends who joined this year’s “pilgrimage.”
Association.
At the conclusion of the conference, Father Chris
On Saturday, June 12, everyone boarded an early
Kuhn, CSC, took over as president of the Holy Cross
bus for Madison, Indiana, on the Ohio River where
History Association for 2004-2005 and announced that
Brother Anselm (Pierre)
next year’s conference will be
Caillot, one of the original
held in Chicago and will
band and only 16 when he
celebrate among other things
came to Indiana, taught in
the 50th anniversary of
the parish school. Brother
Notre Dame High School in
Anselm drowned while
Niles, Illinois. Sister
swimming in the river in
Suzanne Payette, CSC, of
1845. The high point of the
Goffstown, New Hampshire,
weekend was a visit to his
and Brother Richard Kelly,
grave in the Springdale
CSC, of New Orleans were
Cemetery in Madison and
elected to two-year terms on
the dedication of a marker
the council. Father James
provided by the Holy Cross
Connelly, CSC, was elected
History Association.
vice president and Father
The exact location of the
Richard Gribble, CSC, and
gravesite was discovered only
Sister Dorothy Ann
two years ago by Mr. and
Reppen were re-elected
Mrs. Robert Newland of
secretary and treasurer,
(L to r:) Father James Connelly and Brother Joseph Fox are joined by
Indianapolis. Newland
respectively. ❦
Robert Newland of Indianapolis, who discovered the gravestone of
spoke, describing how he
Brother Anselm.
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Five congregations converge for Idaho retreat
by Elsbeth Mulvaney, CSC
S
isters from three other states and four
congregations joined the Sisters of the
Holy Cross in Idaho for their annual
retreat, June 14-19. Idaho native Sister Mary Louise
Deroin invited Sister Mary Ellen Vaughan to extend
the ministry of WindSong, South Bend, Indiana, by
traveling to lead the reflections on God and the
cosmos at the Benedictine Monastery of the Ascension
in Jerome, Idaho.
Optional afternoon trips to nearby mountain,
desert and spring-fed waterfall locations supplemented
the presentations and prayer services that Sister Mary
Ellen had prepared for the group. While the sisters
reveled in the opportunity for silence and reflection,
the most hospitable monks were a little concerned that
the sisters would never have a chance to talk!
“I was especially happy that, as Holy Cross, we
were able to share our resources—in the person of
Sister Mary Ellen—with the Mercy, Franciscan, Notre
Dame and Incarnate Word sisters who joined us,” said
Sister Mary Louise. ❦
Holy Cross retreat participants gather in front of the Ascension mosaic
outside the Benedictine Monastery chapel in Jerome, Idaho. L to r: Sisters
Mary Mulligan, Marie Bernadette (Rogers), Patricia Mulvaney, Kathryn
Mulligan, Miriam Joanne (Frankenfield), Mary Louise Deroin and Mary
Ellen Vaughan
The local community of Saint Catherine by the Sea in Ventura, California, celebrated the Diamond and Golden Jubilees of the
sisters in residence who had lived their vowed lives for 70, 60 and 50 years as Sisters of the Holy Cross. Jubilarians from other
convents in southern California also were honored at this time. The Jubilee Mass and dinner were held May 2. L to r: Sisters
Ignatius (Schumacher) – 70 years, Gloria Valdovinos – 50 years, Kathryn Mulligan – 60 years, Harriet Marie (St. Marie) – 60
years, Phyllis Golab – 50 years, Carmen (Davy) – 60 years, Beatrice Marie (Schutz) – 50 years, Patricia Hogan – 60 years, and
Mary Rose (Cunningham) – 60 years. ❦
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11
Sisters celebrate Jubilee at Saint Mary’s
S
unday, July 25, 2004, was special in
many ways—for weather, for spirit
and for celebration.
Jubilee 2004 began in the Lillie O’Grady
Center where the Jubilarians received corsages
from the members of the Leadership Team. This
year Sisters Aline Marie (Steuer) and Anna
Mae Golden were recipients, since they too are
celebrating Jubilee anniversaries. The Jubilarians
then moved to the Church of Our Lady of
Loretto, where they were celebrated with the
ringing of handbells
and the applause of
families and guests
gathered to join in the
celebration. With a
crescendo of drums
and trumpet, guitars,
flute and organ, the
Liturgy began. All the
assembly entered into the spirit, filling the
church to the cupola with resounding song.
On behalf of those present, the celebrant, Father
Paul Kollman, CSC, expressed heartfelt gratitude
for the years of service the Jubilarians had given
as he said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you,
for your selfless gift.”
It was a message echoed over and over again
throughout the celebrations of the day. ❦
INSET ABOVE: Sister
Joan Marie Steadman pins
a corsage on Jubilarian
Sister Aline Marie (Steuer).
LEFT: Sister Pauline
Gomes, the Silver Jubilarian,
proclaims the second
Scripture reading.
TOP RIGHT: Sister Joan
Marie reads the Jubilee
proclamation from Leviticus.
CENTER RIGHT:
Jubilarians stand for the Congregation’s acclamation. Front
row (l to r): Sisters Patricia Hogan, Ambrose (McCracken)
and Bettina (Batchelder); Back row: Sisters Basil Anthony
(O’Flynn), Marguerite (Troxler) and Anna Clare
(O’Connor). BOTTOM RIGHT: The Jubilarians process
out of the church to enthusiastic applause. (L to r:) Sisters
Gloria Valdovinos, Anna Mae Golden, Bettina (Batchelder)
Patricia Gantz and Georgia (Costin).
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S
ister Mary Ann Pajakowski was honored May 7 with a “2004
Many Women, Many Voices” award presented by Peace House,
a shelter for victims of domestic violence located in Park City, Utah.
Currently, Sister Mary Ann works at Holy Cross Ministries as coordinator
for after-school and summer programs primarily for Hispanic youth in
Wendover, Park City and Heber City, Utah.
Sister Mary Ann’s first experience with Peace House was through its
violence prevention program when she worked with a group of middleSister Mary Ann Pajakowski
school girls who were experiencing conflicts in school. This collaborative
effort by Peace House and Holy Cross Ministries taught the girls positive
ways to address and resolve conflict and stop the cycle of violence. The
group, then known as “Las Chicas,” under Sister Mary Ann’s direction,
put on plays and skits, wrote songs and choreographed their own dances,
performing for various local events and in the Park City Olympic venue.
Sister Mary Ann also volunteers in the St. Mary’s Parish religious
education program and for No More Homeless Pets of Utah. She serves
on the Sisters of the Holy Cross Hispanic Ministries Committee and
chairs the Women’s Human Rights Working Group of the Congregation
Justice Committee. ❦
S
ister Maura (Brannick) was presented with an honorary
doctorate of humane letters degree during the May 8 com-
mencement ceremony at Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, Indiana.
Highlighting her ongoing service to the poor and underserved, Holy
Cross College President Richard Gilman, CSC, recognized Sister Maura as
“a living example of what one person can do to make a difference.” A
familiar face in the South Bend, Indiana, area for more than 20 years, Sister
Maura is the outreach coordinator at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
Sister Maura (Brannick)
and Chapin Street Health Center, a clinic she founded in 1986. ❦
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S
ister Michael Mary (Nolan) received an honorary doctorate of
laws degree at the May 15 graduation ceremony of Saint Mary’s
College, Notre Dame, Indiana, for 36 years of defending the rights of the
homeless, orphans, street people and human rights victims in Brazil.
Sister Michael Mary earned a degree in economics and social science/
business administration in 1964 from Saint Mary’s College. To facilitate
her work for the poor, she also attended Pontifical Catholic University in
Brazil and received her law degree in 1984. Dedicated to protecting the
Sister Michael Mary (Nolan)
human rights of marginalized citizens in Brazil, Sister Michael Mary
continues to defend the poor in their struggle for justice. ❦
S
ister Ruth Marie (Nickerson) was named a Hall of Fame
honoree during the ninth annual Central California Excellence
in Business Awards luncheon June 23. Sponsored by The Fresno Bee
newspaper and chambers of commerce and economic development corporations throughout the central San Joaquin Valley, the award honored Sister
Ruth Marie for her dedication to Saint Agnes Medical Center, recognizing
the medical center’s high ethical standards, success and growth, employee
and customer service, and concern for the environment.
Sister Ruth Marie (Nickerson)
Sister Ruth Marie has been president and chief executive officer
of Saint Agnes Medical Center since 1984. She assumes office as First
Councilor on the new Leadership Team for the Congregation, August 29. ❦
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July/August 2004
Reflections
14
Education and gender
by Dana Michelle Sullivan, CSC, Patricia Dieringer, CSC, and Mary Ann Pajakowski, CSC
T
he concept of gender refers to socially
Summarizing her 20 years of experience, a teacher in a
constructed roles that describe how women
Chicago Catholic girls’ high school, which serves a variety
and men should act and relate in society.
of ethnic populations, emphasizes what helps and what
Education is a process of formation whose aim is to
hinders the education of young women. Hindrances
help people develop their capacities, fulfill their human
include low self-esteem, a low competitive nature, parental
potential and contribute to a productive and just
limitations of the girl’s role, societal definitions of the girl’s
society. Access to education is a fundamental human
role and lastly, boys. Personal ability and achievement
right, but gender discrimination denies many women
come up against some or all of these, and girls must be
their right to education and to the full development
taught how to overcome these obstacles.
of their God-given potential. How can education help
She suggests some specific ways to help girls deal with
young women develop their gifts and talents to share
these challenges. Involvement of girls in cocurricular
with a world that is so much in need of what they
activities—not necessarily sports—provides opportunities
have to offer?
for leadership training and a larger circle of experience.
Schools play a significant role in the formation of
Girls are more motivated when they feel connected with a
identities and relationships. They are in a unique
teacher or staff member of a school. Specific classroom
position to establish an atmosphere for students to learn
techniques include exposure to both a cooperative style of
and function. To begin to transform gender relations,
learning and traditional discipline. Like first-generation
schools need to create new ways of perceiving power
immigrants, girls must learn how to function competently
and its use, moving away from “win-lose” situations to
in several different worlds.
“win-win” situations that will benefit all.
Educational systems can either reinforce a system of
For example, in a classroom, it’s important for
inequality among and between men and women or begin
teachers to facilitate cooperative learning among the
to transform it. Educators need to replace concepts like
children rather than
competitive learning
styles. In Fe y Alegria #25
School in Lima, Peru,
many in-class assignments
allow students to practice
new skills and concepts in
cooperative learning
groups. This helps
students develop social
skills that value cooperation and sharing of gifts
among girls and boys
without distinction, since
all are equally involved
and responsible for the
outcome of their learning.
In this setting, everyone’s
gifts and talents are
cultivated and received by
a supportive audience of
Coeducational physical activities are encouraged in after-school programs sponsored by Holy Cross
males and females.
Ministries in and around Salt Lake City, Utah.
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July/August 2004
Reflections
15
“...they can
demonstrate to
students that men can
cook and be nurses,
and that women can
be politicians and fix
the plumbing!”
Aniceto Armendariz, a Holy Cross Ministries staff member, supervises an art project for
girls and boys.
gender discrimination with new mental models. For
example, they can demonstrate to students that men can
cook and be nurses, and that women can be politicians and
fix the plumbing!
To reverse discrimination, textbooks and other resources need to be analyzed to ensure that they are not
reinforcing stereotypes about how women and men act.
In Peru, pedagogical methods are based on models from
Spain. Peruvian educators need to evaluate these textbooks
and adapt them appropriately to their culture. Otherwise,
middle-class European values rather than Peruvian values
may be unconsciously replicated in the classroom.
Physical education activities present another arena for
challenging gender stereotypes. Games are often divided
by sex and can reinforce stereotypes about what men and
women are physically capable of achieving. At Colégio
Santa Maria in São Paulo, Brazil, physical education classes
in all grades integrate girls and boys. At Holy Cross
Ministries’ after school programs in Utah, soccer is played
by age groups, and not boy/girl. Both girls and boys are
expected to develop their skills in all games and sports.
Many more possibilities exist to reverse the patterns of
sexism in education. Some of these include introducing
women’s points of view in discussions; examining feminine
Life Signs
and masculine qualities and not ranking them
hierarchically; helping students critically analyze
stereotypes in society and the media; and offering
women’s studies courses.
Finally, educators must be willing to constantly
assess their own attitudes about women’s right to
education and their role in society. Their attitudes
will affect the material they present, how they present
it, and how it is received and interpreted by their
female students.
For women to exercise their human rights, they
must be treated as fully human. Their formation as
persons, including the education they receive, must
reinforce their full potential to contribute to society.
Education must prepare present and future generations
of women and men to build a society that allows for the
full development of everyone’s potential. If education
fails to do this, not just individuals, but the whole of
society will suffer. ❦
Sisters Dana Michelle Sullivan, Patricia Dieringer and Mary
Ann Pajakowski are members of the Women’s Human Rights
Working Group of the Congregation Justice Committee.
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July/August 2004
Advancing the Mission
16
“Keep your eyes and
ears open—opportunities
are everywhere.”
Benefiting from corporate partnerships
by Leslie Choitz, assistant development director
any large corporations have community
relations departments that seek ways to
support the communities of their
employees and customers. One such corporation is Meijer,
a grocery and general merchandise retailer with locations in
five Midwest states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan
and Ohio. Each year Meijer gives back at least 5 percent of
their net profits to the community, benefiting schools and
religious groups.
The Development Office has registered with the
Meijer Community RewardsSM program. This means that
anyone who shops regularly at a Meijer’s store can designate that a percentage of their monthly purchases goes to
the Sisters of the Holy Cross. All the shopper has to do is
apply for a Meijer Guest CardSM (or Meijer Credit Card)
M
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■
and then scan her/his card at checkout. Rewards are based
on a sliding percentage of monthly purchases in excess of
$100. (Most items qualify for rewards; however, there are
some exceptions such as gasoline, postage and online
purchases.) Current cardholders can use their cards to
register for the rewards, too.
Applications and more information about the program
are available from the Development Office for sisters who
may be interested, or shoppers can sign up online at
www.meijer.com/rewards. The Congregation’s organization code number is 986941.
Corporations in other parts of the country may have
similar programs. Keep your eyes and ears open—opportunities are everywhere. Every penny counts! ❦
July/August 2004