Sharing the Word - Blessed Sacrament Academy

Sharing the Word
The Incarnate Word
Volume 8 Issue 3
February 2015
Original Monasteries of the
Sisters of the Incarnate Word
and Blessed Sacrament
Founded under the inspiration of the
Venerable Jeanne Chezard de Matel
Monasteries founded after the
French Revolution
Sisters of the Incarnate Word
and Blessed Sacrament
Inside
Sharing the Word
The Incarnate Word
Thank you contributors to Sharing the Word
Page 3
My Consecrated Life
Page 5
Retreat
Sister Rebecca Janacek
Page 6
Why is my Pain your Pleasure?
Sister Odilia Korenek
Page 8
Remembering the Sabbath
Page 10
Reflection
Frank Rodriguez
Page 11
No One Knew It Was There
Ninfa Chavarria
Page 12
Sister Stephana Marbach
Laura Carter
What Valentines Day Means to Me Sister Stephanie Martinez
Page 15
The Other Side of Prayer
Sister Odilia Korneek
Page 16
Getting to Another Place
Sister Odilia Korenek
Veronica Trevino
Page 17
Angel Watch
Nancy Cisneros, RN
Page 20
Everyday Mission
Submit reflection and pictures to:
[email protected]
Page 2
Laura Carter
My Call to a Consecrated Life
Sister M. Stephana Marbach IWBS
January 2015
Pope Francis has designated the Year 2015 as the Year of Consecrated
Life. The focus of this year has given rise to
many ponderings about my call to being a
Consecrated Religious in the Congregation
of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and
Blessed Sacrament.
My call was not dynamic or extraordinary or
one that would draw some film artist to
portray my life on screen. As I reflect upon
“my call”, I would compare it to a seed that
was planted and which developed gradually
and consistently from early on in my
primary grades. I attended a Catholic
School in a rural parish of Our Lady of
Perpetual Help in Selma, Texas. In God’s providential plan, the
principal and teachers were Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed
Sacrament. My desire to be a Sister began when I first met and got to
know these Sisters.
Their lives, their dedication, their laughter, their intermingling with the
people, and their role in the Church sparked a desire to serve God as
they did. Lest you think that I thought they were perfect, that was not
the case; however, when I did complain about them in any way, my
dear mom would remind me that the Sisters were not angels and that I
was to remember that they belonged to the human race like everyone
else. This proved to be a very valuable and appreciated bit of wisdom as
my life unfurled.
Throughout my youth there always seemed to be that tug at my heart –
that God-call! When you get right down to explaining that tug, it is
really inexplicable. I just knew. Yes, I did dream of finding and
marrying that perfect, tall, dark, and handsome man who would sweep
me off my feet and we would have the perfect children and live happily
ever after! (continued)
Page 3
However, in the deep honest core of my being, I knew God was
calling me to consecrate my life as a religious Sister. I knew
my perfect Spouse was Jesus and that any other spouse would
not fulfill my dreams and therefore I would be a
disappointment to him also. I was blessed with wonderful
parents who supported my decision to be a Sister even though
it was difficult for them. They simply wanted me to be happy
in the vocation to which I was called.
A deep joy for me is the fact that I am living in community with
my first through fourth grade teachers: Sister Pauline Marie
Ermis, Sister Carmelita Casso, and Sister Claudia Klesel. They
continue to inspire me as they did in days of old when I began
school as a little German girl who knew no English. Their
“Gospel of Love” lives continue to motivate me to expend all
my energies to make the Incarnate Word known and loved as I
strive to humbly, simply, and joyfully be in the Church and for
the Church as I serve the Church. The Church I speak of
embraces all humankind especially my Sisters in community.
I have been a happily professed Sister for 55 years and every
day finds me filled with more gratitude for God’s call to this
consecrated life. My life’s cup has been filled to overflowing!
Each new day finds me renewing my ”yes” to God in my call to
Consecrated Life as well as to the other calls that fill each day,
The Love of my life, Jesus the
Incarnate Word, continues to
fulfill all my dreams.
Sister Stephana with other Board
Members Sisters Mildred
Truchard and Geraldine Pavlik
Page 4
Retreat
Coming home to touch base,
To find roots planted long ago.
Tapping sources long forgotten
That used to provide a mean of grace.
Wandering among places once familiar
Memories flood my being.
Like the tree down by the garden
That one special place.
There tears were shed
And laughter shared
With friends, with God,
With on one in particular.
Beside it stands ‘The Well’.
That sacred spot for prayer.
Young and timid women
dared to enter there
Seeking Something/Someone
Beyond our understanding.
Waiting…
Sister Rebecca Janacek
Page 5
Why Is My Pain Your Pleasure?
Interview with Emily
“I could write a book on your struggles, yet you have become an
inspiration to others, remarked a former Berkley professor who
now lives at Haven for Hope, a shelter for the homeless. The
subject of his remark is Emily, formerly an employee of Blessed
Sacrament Academy Cafeteria and now a resident of Haven for
Hope. Due to severe diabetes Emily “lost her leg along the way” as
she so aptly describes it.
Now she wonders why people are so rude and mean. She wonders
why they laugh at her in her wheelchair, why they won’t open the
door for her, why someone threw a raw egg at her as she crossed the
street backwards because that way she can paddle herself more
quickly, why people have no compassion.
“For a while I was angry with myself and with God”, she continued.
“Well, I wasn’t so angry with God” she continued sheepishly as she
struggled with herself and with who God is for her. I assured her
that God could take her anger. “Just be really angry for two days
and then let it go”, I said to her. Then true to her customary way of
thinking she responded, “I was
angry for a day and then I just
said to myself, ‘It is what it is’ now I just stay positive”.
As she sat in my office with her
friend Marie, also from Haven for
Hope, Emily confided that when
this happened, she asked God to
send her an angel to help her.
And God did. With a grand gesture, she acknowledged Marie. And,
her name is Mary, just like the Mother of Jesus, Emily smiled
proudly.
This prompted Marie to speak: “What I would like is a rosary”
Page 6
She had been listening quietly and this moment she chose to
make her request. The three chaplet rosaries which I had
sitting on my desk had found a worthy home! It looked like
someone had made them out of firm and really pretty cake
icing. The delight on their two faces was a gift worthy of
Christmas.
“So then, Emily” I continued “what message do you have
for us from your four month ride in a wheelchair as you
reflect on what you lost and what you gained”. “Well, I lost
my apartment, my job, my leg. I gained greater faith in God,
respect for others and a good friend”, was Emily’s response.
Then she added, “I wish that all of us would live so as to
bring peace on earth, good will to all people and not just at
Christmas”. Then to the world at large and with tears in her
eyes, she said, “I pray that you don’t let my pain be your
pleasure. Listen to the song Don’t Laugh at Me by Mark
Wills. You’ll understand what I mean”, she added.
Then with hugs all round, Emily and Marie readied
themselves to catch the bus back to Haven for Hope, the
homeless shelter where they now live.
As they wheeled their way to the elevator, I prayed that the
day would come when they would be able to share an
apartment as they hoped and planned to do and Emily could
begin the work that “I know God is planning for me”. “I
can see you on an inspirational speakers’ circuit”, I offered
with conviction.” Her smile showed me that she believed it
could be possible.
To those who read these pages: “How arrogant we are to dare
tell your stories. But humbly we ask pardon and forgiveness if we
goofed and not told the story properly or showed any disrespect
in any way.” Fr. Joe Maier, CSsR, Missionary for 40 years in the
slums of Bankok, Thailand.
Page 7
Remembering the Sabbath
Laura Carter
Several years ago I read a wonderful book “Sabbath, Restoring
the Sacred Rhythm of Rest” by Wayne Muller, ordained
minister, graduate of Harvard School of Divinity and therapist.
In his introduction, Muller explains in a general, not accusatory
way, how in the relentless busyness of modern life we have lost
the rhythm between work and rest. He tells how we suppose
action and accomplishment are better than rest, that doing
something-anything-is better than doing nothing. Because of
this, we don’t rest, we miss the quiet refuge that brings us
wisdom, and we miss the joy and peace from our moments of
rest.
According to Wikipedia, the Sabbath is generally a weekly day
of rest or time of worship. Although many viewpoints and
definitions have arisen over the millennia, most originate in the
same textual tradition.
In this book Muller encourages us to remember the Sabbath by
living the rhythm of rest and gives meditations and examples of
how to incorporate ‘small’ Sabbaths into our everyday life in a
variety of ways—that include setting aside quiet times, taking a
walk in the park, lighting a candle and saying a blessing or
enjoying a meal with friends.
The following are a few passages I hope will inspire you, as it
did me, to find a quiet place to remember the Sabbath as a
divine gift of rest.
Readings from the book:
In Genesis, a fundamental goodness is presumed throughout
the creation story. At every juncture God acts, steps back and
rests. “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold
it was very good” Genesis 1:31 Sabbath rest invites us to step
back and see that it is good. (continued)
Page 8
Mark 2:27, "You are not
made for the Sabbath, the
Sabbath is made for you.”
Muller says, The Sabbath isn't
a responsibility, it's a gift,
and if we don't take that gift,
we all suffer. He tells us the
point isn't to take the Sabbath
in order to avoid spiritual
trouble with a cranky God
who's going to punish you. The point is to take Sabbath in order to
be as nourished, fed and delighted as we're meant to be. “Your life is
not a problem to be solved but a gift to be opened.”
Prayer is like a portable Sabbath, when we close our eyes for just a
moment and let the mind rest. Like the Muslims who stop to pray
five time a day, like the Angelus we can be stopped by a sunset, a
meal and we can pray. Something close to the heart, and simple.
Sabbaths are filled with prayers. But we can begin slowly with a
simple prayer like a pebble dropped into the middle of our day
rippling out over the surface of our life. Perhaps a line from the 23rd
Psalm, the Lord's Prayer, a short blessing: “May all beings be happy
and may all being be at peace.”
A verse in the 23rd Psalm says “He makes me lie down in green
pastures; he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.”
Even Jesus stepped back from his ministry and the crowds to a place
of rest. In doing so he is honoring a deep spiritual need for a time
dedicated not to accomplishment and growth, but to quiescence and
rest.
Mother Teresa said “Let us remain as empty as possible so that God
can full us up.” At our best, we become Sabbath for one another. Not
fixing, not harming, not acting, we can become space, that our loved
ones, the lost and sorrowful, may find rest in us. “Whenever two or
more are gathered, there am I in the midst of you.”
Page 9
Reflection
By Frank Rodriguez
One time valued employee of BSA
Waves of mighty thoughts
Flow furiously through the mind.
Seeds planted sprout roots.
Plant the good seed
And water, water, water.
Let the clean thought bloom and grow,
Not letting the wild ones bind them,
For they entangle and suffocate.
But let God in your thoughts
And your heart
And he will stop them,
Turning the bloom into something
Pleasing
So fear not the wild root
For it cannot harm you
When the keeper of the garden
Helps with the planting.
Page 10
No One Knew It Was There
As told by Ninfa Chavarria, PVA Parent Liaison
When I was little, I had a rooster I really liked. I played with it and
carried it around. One night I took it to my bed and it flew up to sat
on the bedpost.
No one knew it was there. So, when in the early morning hours, a
loud cock-a-doodle- do rang through the house, everyone jumped up
startled and puzzled. When they recovered, the question was “Why
did you bring that rooster into the house? Ninfa answered by
declaring, “It’s my pet.”
In case you aren’t aware of Ninfa and
the wonderful job Ninfa does for Por
Vida Academy Charter High School as
their Parent Liaison, we’re going to do
a little ‘crowing’ about it.
Ninfa has been working for Por Vida
for a total of 20 years with four as the
Parent Liaison. Her primary job is
helping parents help their students to
do well in school and graduate.
She makes sure parents are aware of the tutoring and mentoring
opportunities for students, keeps them informed about graduation
plans, Saturday workshops and other extracurricular opportunities
for students and parents.
“I ask the parents, ‘What can we do to help the student.’ They can
ask me anything and if I don’t know the answer, I tell them I’ll find
out.” Ninfa even arranges transportation and helps families connect
with other social services to help them succeed and be well.
Page 11
What Valentine’s Day Means to Me
Sr. Stephanie Marie Martinez
Annually, thousands of dollars are spent on candy, chocolates,
flowers, and other gifts on Valentine’s Day. It is said that this is the
bestselling one-day holiday of the year. How did this holiday begin?
According to our Catholic history there were three St.
Valentines. The Catholic Encyclopedia states that the one for whom
this day is named was a priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius II.
Bishop Valentine performed secret marriages for soldiers going to war.
Claudius II felt that marriage made men weak and they wouldn’t make
good soldiers because of the attachment to their families. Valentine
stood his ground and was imprisoned. While in prison, his jailor,
Asterius, told him about his blind daughter. Asterius brought her to
Valentine,
who restored her sight. When Claudius II saw that Valentine would
not give up his faith, he had him decapitated on February 14, 270 AD.
Before his death, Valentine sent Asterius’ daughter a note about his
pending death and signed it, “From Your Valentine.” Thus February
14 became a day for all lovers as Pope Gelasius declared St. Valentine
its patron.
As I asked the following persons what Valentine’s Day meant
to them, I was astonished, surprised, and humbled at the answers I
was given as I posed the question. Even more amazing was the fact
that they were so willing to share their lives with me, if only for a
moment.
A friend and I were having dinner at a local restaurant. So
was a family, who was sitting next to us. The son, who seemed to be
mentally-challenged, kept running, jumping, and talking wildly.
Some of the patrons asked to be moved to different tables. We
greeted the family and introduced ourselves.
Page 12
The young man kept saying his sister was ten years old. The parents patiently admonished him to eat. At one time, the mother even
yelled at him. To help lighten the moment, I asked the little girl if
she was ready for Valentine’s Day. Her answer brought us to tears.
She said, “I already have my valentine. It’s my brother, “Rory”.
And with that, she got up and hugged him! He gave her a big smile
and sat down to eat.
While I was in the waiting room at the doctor’s, an older couple
came in and sat across from me. After our greetings, we chatted
about the weather, colds, and the flu. The room was decorated with
valentines and there was a plate of
valentine cookies by the coffee pot. I asked the couple what this special day meant for them. They looked at each other and he reached
for her hand.
With a shaky voice, she stated that February 14 was
the day they buried their only daughter, who had died at the
hands of her abusive husband. The following year, their grandson
had run away on February 14, after asking them to take him to the
cemetery to visit his mother’s grave. They still do not know his
whereabouts. I was taken aback and apologized for intruding into
their lives. Both shook their heads and thanked me for listening. I
promised that I would keep them and their grandson, “Gregorio”, in
our prayers.
At the grocery store, a young man was re-stocking the valentine
items section. I asked him if he was ready for the big day. He stated that although he had a loving family, Valentine’s Day hadn’t
meant much to them until five years ago. I asked, “What had happened five years ago? He said, “I was living out of state and was
hitch-hiking back to Texas. A trucker, “Randy”, who was on his
way to south Texas, stopped and offered me a ride.
We chatted about this and that, and then he said we were going to
stop for breakfast. When we walked into the truck stop, everyone
in the place clapped and welcomed him. He seemed embarrassed
by all of the attention.
We chatted about this and that, and then he said we were going to
stop for breakfast. When we walked into the truck stop, everyone
in the place clapped and welcomed him. He seemed embarrassed
by all of the attention. (continued)
Page 13
When he went to the back, I asked the waitress what the hoopla was all
about and she said that “Randy” was a hero to all of them. Seems that a
few years back, the truck stop owner had been burned over 80% of his
body by a pot of boiling oil. “Randy” had been there that day and had
called his company and told them that he was needed somewhere else
for a while. Without any cooking or managing experience, he manned
the place for almost a year, until the owner returned.
Because of his Christ-like attitude and treatment of all, the restaurant
picked up and became a successful and welcoming stop for the truck
drivers. This had taken place on Valentine’s Day and now every year on
Valentine’s Day, “Randy” returns and is cook for the day. The day that
“Randy” picked him up was Valentine’s Day.
The young man shared how “Randy” had helped change
his attitude about God and people. As a result, every Valentine’s Day, he
volunteers at a nursing home in his hometown and regales the residents
with his piano and guitar playing. Then that evening, he and “Randy”
call each other and share the day’s experience over a glass of milk and
valentine cookies.
Children at the CDC making Valentines for their parents.
Needless to say, St. Valentine’s Day has taken on a totally new
meaning for me—it’s a day filled with a mixture of love, pain, joy, sorrow,
perseverance, and new beginnings and insights. And, yes, the chocolates
and hearts are the mortar that holds all of these together, creating one
giant mosaic of LOVE. Happy St. Valentine’s Day!
Page 14
The Other Side of Prayer
Sister Odilia Korenek
The other side of prayer was a phrase which made us sit up and take notice
as our Thursday Prayer Circle at Blessed Sacrament Academy reflected on
the power of prayer in our lives: “The value of persistent prayer is not that
God will hear us but that we will finally hear God”. The hmmm…… got
longer as we reflected on that statement.
We were especially enlightened by the story of a woman who prayed and
prayed for her 8 year old daughter as they journeyed together through the
little one’s cancer. After the daughter died, the mother continued to share
her grief with God. Her car was privy to an outstanding understanding one
day. She “heard” God say to her “Thank you for taking care of Amanda”.
With a sense of wonder and for the 1st time she experienced the other side of
prayer – a split second feeling of God’s vulnerability, love and humility. It
was an unforgettable moment. Amanda’s Mom continues to explore this
amazing insight she was privileged to “see” into our very, very, very
multidimensional God. (Riding the Dragon, Robert J. Wicks) St. Teresa
of Avila reminds us that persistent prayer prepares the soil of our souls for
this kind of friendship with God.
This is the kind of talk Jesus used when he said, “the Kingdom of God is
within you”. Luke 17:21. By persisting in talking with God, Amanda’s Mom
began to understand the work of God in her own life. As our Prayer Circle
continues its journey of reflection and prayer, we too are getting Amandalike glimpses into the Kingdom within and around us. We can sense it by
the growth and personal development of each of us and by the respect and
peace with which we listen.
Kathy Lozano thanked
her Parents’ Academy
team with a Snowman
party in January 2015.
Always grateful and
creative, we appreciate
that she hares her joyful
life with us.
Page 15
Getting to Another Place
Anonymous inspiring woman, Sr. Odilia, Veronica Trevino
A woman who lost her sister in June of a calendar year, found the
autumn unbearable without her sister. Somewhere in that
intolerable Fall, she started writing – seriously. When asked why she
wrote, she responded, “you write to get to another place”.
When I ask myself that same question I find that I can claim “getting
to another place” fits my reason for writing, as well. On further
reflection I find that writing helps clarify my thoughts, monitor my
actions, find inspiration in my own life and in the lives of others.
It’s a container for the stories and the history of lives with whom I
mingle from day to day.
There are times in prayer when I am surprised by an inspiration and
no longer wonder where “THAT came from”. It’s just that reading,
writing, conversing with others has brought me to another place
within my very soul. Thoughts, words, actions evolve to a different
depth in my innermost being where God’s Kingdom dwells. I am
reminded, by Holy Spirit inspiration which can surprise me
anywhere, that what I give my body/mind/soul to reflect on
determines how and who I am becoming, both subtly and overtly. I
have found out that writing yourself to another place can be pretty
cool!
Veronica Trevino BSA employee,
UTSA student
I love writing because I don’t see it as just
another story, I see it as the unsaid
words. I see it as a feeling one is unable to
describe. I see it as the one thing that will make my mind travel to
places one has never been to. I write because I get lost within my own
thoughts and feelings, because what may just seem like a story to one
may be able to comfort others. I write because my heart goes into
words, because for once I feel like I only need myself to figure out
what that thought in the back of my head is. It’s not just another
story. It’s doing what you love and figuring it out.
Page 16
ANGEL WATCH
Nancy Cisneros, R.N.
Incarnate Word Convent Victoria, Tx. Health Care
One afternoon (it was around July 1, 2014,
Sr. John (98 years young, at left) was
talking about wanting to go to heaven. She
said she missed her mommy, daddy, uncle,
aunt, and of course Sr. Jeanne. She said
“When I’m close to dying I’m not going to
cry. I’m going to hold my hands like
this…” She proceeded to show the nurse
by placing one hand on top of the other.
Then speaking very slowly, she said, “I’m going to close my eyes (she
paused), and I will close my mouth.” She then began to talk about how
happy she would feel and kept smiling.
A few days later on July 3 when a new nurse wanted to get her from
her recliner to take her to the dining room, Sr. John had been leaning
back—she was very relaxed—on her recliner and told the nurse, “No!
I’m not going to go eat. I’m waiting to die. I’m not moving from here.”
Having heard all the commotion, I walked in and told her nurse,
“Well, she already told me that when she is close to dying, she is going
to close her eyes and her mouth.”
The nurse said, “Well, she must not be close to dying, because she
won’t close her mouth—she keeps talking.” Sr. John proceeded to
show us how she was going to look when she passed. She said, “I’m
going to smile pretty.” She continued to talk as she practiced her
smile. I got my phone camera
out and took her picture. When
Sr. John saw her picture, she
said, “You didn’t fix my habit
right. You need to do it again.
This time don’t take my
stomach.” (in the picture)
Page 17
By this time, we had persuaded her to get into her wheelchair.
While in the hallway, we involved the other sisters in our
conversation, so once again another camera shot was taken. The
picture was shown to her and she said, “Neh,” waving her hand in
disapproval. “I’ll just use Sr. Jeanne’s picture, I’ll lob her head off
and put my picture there.” As soon as she said it, she signaled no,
no with her finger and said, “Naughty, naughty.”
July 7, 2014, was the day Sr. Marcella’s body was going to be
brought back to the convent. Sr. John was sitting in her recliner
and at one point she was seen taking her restraint belt off. When
asked where she was going, she replied, “Well, I just want to go
down the hall to see how she is doing. You know, if she is ok or if
she is close to dying. I’ll just hold her hand and pray with her—to
help her get to heaven.” The nurse asked her, “Who are you going
to go see?” She wouldn’t reply—she just continued to get up.
So it was decided the nurse would help her get to her wheelchair
and let her go down the hall, since there was no stopping her now.
She was hurrying toward the wheelchair and she was mumbling,
“I’m not crippled—I can still walk.” But right before she reached
her wheelchair, her knee began to buckle and she said, “Hurry,
honey—my legs are giving out!” The nurse got her situated in her
wheelchair and set her free to wander down the hall. She went
into Sr. Michael’s room; Sr. Michael was looking out the window
when she realized someone came into the room. She turned, her
eyes got huge, she lifted her head up off the pillow and she let out a
huge sound. Sr. John, who was just about to reach toward Sr.
Michael’s hand—jumped back in fear.
Nurse Bridget walked into the room—unaware that Sr. John
apparently thinks she is doing angel watch with Sister Michael
whom she thinks is dying, rather than Sr. Marcella who is really
dying in another room. Sr. John, in desperation, tells Bridget
“She needs to go quietly.” Bridgett replied, “Oh, Sister, Sr. Michael
is not going to go quietly.” (continued)
Page 18
Bridgett told Sr. Michael, “Be nice, Sr. John is here to visit with
you. Jesus is watching you, so be nice.” Sr. John got the
courage to approach Sr. Michael once again. She attempted to
stroke Sr. Michael’s hand. Meanwhile, Sr. Michael’s hand was
clenching on to a soft roll, which a nurse placed there to prevent
contractures.
As Sr. John was lovingly stroking her hand and speaking words
of wisdom, Sr. Michael was swatting her with the soft roll. Sr.
John’s eyes were batting with each swat, but she was
determined to complete her mission. She began to stroke her
leg instead and was talking lovingly to her. About this time the
rosary for Sr. Marcella began and could be heard through the
intercom. To this Sr. John proclaimed, “Honey, put your hands
together and pray!” After a few minutes, Sr. Michael began to
enjoy this unexpected attention, put her head back on the
pillow and remained calm, while Sr. John continued to stroke
and talk. This continued on for about an hour, until Sr. John
got picked up to prepare for supper. Sr. John in her kindness
was doing “Angel Watch” with Sr. Michael.
Note: Angel Watch means a Sister or Sisters is on duty staying with a
Sister who is close to death. Sisters in the house take turns being on
Angel Watch - prayerfully staying with the dying Sister. Only a few of
our Sisters have “snuck off” without an Angel Watch.
Page 19
Every Day Mission
Laura Carter
Each day on the Blessed Sacrament Academy campus our amazing teachers and professional staff are educating, encouraging
and exciting children, teens and adults with life-changing results.
Por Vida Academy Charter High School offers three graduation
paths for generally anyone from the ages of 13-21 seeking a diploma, and is not able to attend (for whatever reason) any other
school. The staff and teacher at Por Vida give their attention,
knowledge, experience and compassion to make sure those who
desire to graduate and work hard can meet their goal.
Cande Alvarez, a 1996 graduate said, “The teachers at Por Vida
approach the students with a different perspective,” he explains.
“They don’t see a student’s past behavior or problems, but approach each individual as a first time student. That way, you are
not being given a “second chance” but your first chance to succeed.”
Current student Elisabeth told us, “There is no other school in
San Antonio like Por Vida,” Elisabeth said. “Because I was a middle school dropout, I was turned down by every other school I applied to. It’s just a real help that I can leave my baby daughter in
capable hands all day at the CDC.”
Page 20
Our Child Development Center serves children from 6 weeks to
5 years of age. BSA has been a certified member of the Texas
Rising Star (TRS) program since 2005. Through this program
Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) supplies Science Technology, Engineering and Math aka STEM supplies teaching aids
from Lakeshore Learning for the children in the Pre-K.
Resources such as manipulatives, instant learning centers,
math and science stories, STEM science stations, puzzles,
and building and architectural resources are just part of the
package that helps CDC stimulate young creative minds.
Through these resources and many more, we make sure the
children attending CDC receive educational experiences necessary for success in school and in life.
Since Parents’ Academy was founded in 1994, over 3,700 parents have participated in the Parents’ Academy programs with
an overall graduation rate near 80%. Many of the families
served have a history of high stress experiences in their own
childhoods and are struggling to provide a better future for their
children.
These families may have open cases with Child Protective Service and parent education is an important part of moving forward and re-uniting their family. (continued)
Page21
Testimonials from graduates affirm the quality of the program. A
recent graduate wrote "This program helped me realize the way I
was raised was unhealthy and it gave me insight and ways to become a better father. I learned about other methods to parent with
compassion and I am not repeating the way I was raised." A mother, a recovering addict, wrote, "Now I have the tools to become the
mother I always wanted to be." One parent shared, "The class
helped me manage my stress better and now I spend more quality
time with my children."
This year alone 350 parents have received their completion certification and an trophy – which they love. This is the first time I’ve
ever received anything telling me that I am a good person is a
statement which “breaks the heart” over and over again. And it
happens here session after session.
We promote our onsite counseling center which is staffed by Jewish Family Services and cross refer with them. We have built relationships with Bexar County Juvenile Probation officers and Child
protective Services caseworkers to best serve the families who
need us most. We meet quarterly with Seton Home, St. Peter St.
Joseph's children home and Jewish Family Service to share our
resources.
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IWBS Sisters arriving on other shores
Africa: one of the newest Missions following in the footsteps of:
Venerable Jeanne Chezard de Matel
Mother St. Clare Valentine and
Sister Rosa Marta Gamerdinger
(artist: Diane Peters)
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We are urged by Pope Francis to
www.blessedsacramentacademysa.org www.iwbsvictoria.org
San Antonio, TX 78210
1135 Mission Road
Blessed Sacrament Academy
Sisters of Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament