Voices of Charity -Summer 2014 - Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth

Transcription

Celebration of Charity
50 Years as SCLs
Summer 2014
pages 3 to 13
Vatican II Reflections
pages 24 to 25
A publication of the
Mission Statement
Impelled by the love of Christ,
we, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth,
offer every loving service in our power
to meet the critical needs
of God’s people.
Vision Statement
As Sisters of Charity we commit ourselves here and now
to embrace anew the charism given us by Vincent, Louise,
Mother Xavier:
to love the poor,
to love one another,
to live simply,
and to unite the whole of our lives
in the poor and loving Christ.
COVER PHOTO: SCL Golden Jubilarians in Annunciation Chapel:
seated, left to right, Sisters Maureen Kehoe, Jean Marian Rilinger,
Mary Ann Theisen; standing, left to right, Sisters Susan Rieke,
Margaret Finch, Jean Lockett, Renée Washut and Phyllis Stowell.
in this issue
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From the Community Director
Community Officers:
Sister Maureen Hall, Community Director
Sister Nancy Bauman,
Community Councilor
Sister Eileen Haynes, Community Councilor
Sister Eileen Hurley, Community Councilor
Sister Jean Anne Panisko,
Community Treasurer
Sister Peg Johnson, Community Secretary
Voices of Charity
published by the
Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth
Cantwell Hall
4200 South 4th Street
Leavenworth, KS 66048-5054
www.scls.org
Editorial Advisory Committee:
Sister Marie Brinkman
Sister Peg Johnson
Sister Mary Jo Quinn
Sister Susan Rieke
Sister Charlotte White
Editor:
Therese Horvat, SCLA
Communications Director
Designer:
Rosie Holderby
Cole Design & Production
Sister Maureen Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Celebration of Charity
Sister Margaret Finch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Sister Maureen Kehoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Sister Jean Lockett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Sister Susan Rieke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Sister Jean Marian Rilinger . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Sister Phyllis Stowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sister Mary Ann Theisen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Sister Renée Washut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Re-Markings
Published June 2014
22
18
Systemic change theme
of Spring Regionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Welcome Central blessing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
‘Opening the windows’
to the People of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Council emphasizes
baptismal call to holiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SCL Associates
Charisms sustain and strengthen . . . . . . . 26
Associate Build 2014:
House of Charity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Dull not likely when it comes
to Sister Catherine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Leavenwords
New director reflects on her role
in Latin American missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Sponsored Ministries
Adaptability serves ministries well . . . . . . 28
Anticipating the adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
USM to launch new physician
assistant program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
House of Charity –
Charity Federation initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Cristo Rey’s class of 2014 ‘looks forward
to the good that is yet to be’ . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Book celebrates beloved SCL as poet . . . 18
Saint John Hospital:
First civilian hospital in Kansas
has a long history of service . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Of Special Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Highlighting special honors
and ‘in the news’ items
Beyond All Borders
USM’s Global Studies Institute
promotes peace, awareness
through events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Impact of climate change far-reaching . . . 21
Blessings! ¡Bendiciones!
Representing SCL Community
at border Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Selected poems by
Sister Mary Janet McGilley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Cover Photo:
Don Brent
Don Brent Photography
Comments and story suggestions
appreciated. Email to [email protected];
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mail; or call 913-758-6541.
www.scls.org
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From the
Community
Director
Ring out the joyful sounds of Jubilee as we celebrate the 50th anniversaries
of eight Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCLs) this year. We extend
special congratulations to Sisters Margaret, Maureen, Jean, Susan, Jean
Marian, Phyllis, Mary Ann and Renée. Enjoy the stories of their lives and
ministries in this issue of Voices of Charity.
Sister Maureen Hall
The eight jubilarians have ministered in diverse services and locations. They have
demonstrated what it means to become an SCL for life. As we celebrate their Golden
Jubilees, our Constitution summarizes the significance of this landmark observance:
We become Sisters of Charity
in the fullest sense
over a lifetime
by being Gospel-centered
by constant renewal in Christ
by spending our lives in service to others
by living up to the name we bear:
Sisters of Charity.
This sense of becoming an SCL over a lifetime permeates other articles on the
pages that follow. As she marks her 70th year as an SCL, Sister Catherine Nichol
shares her deep love of the Peruvian people. Sister Mary Lex Smith has begun a new
ministry at the House of Charity in New Orleans – a collaborative effort of member
congregations of the Charity Federation. And in Peru, Hermana Clorinda has
embraced her new role as Director of Latin American Missions. Likewise, our
Associates exemplify the charism of Vincent, Louise and Xavier as described in the
article featuring Brother Dale Mooney, FSC, a Christian Brother who ministers to
the Blackfeet in Browning, Mont.
We have published Voices of Charity three times annually since June 2005. There’s
never been a dull moment nor has there been a lack of good stories to share! The
“voices of charity” have resounded over the years, and the accounts of our charism
in action have abounded.
As you can see, the “Heart of Charity” continues to give life in so many ways.
Again, we pray the guiding words from our Constitution:
… our essential mission
is to witness and share the mission of Jesus
who calls us
to love God with our whole hearts and
to love our neighbor
even as God loves us.
Happy Jubilee!
Sister Maureen Hall
SCL Community Director
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Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth • Voices of Charity • Summer 2014
Celebration
Of Charity
Jubilee 2014: A special time to celebrate
the vocations and talents of the eight
Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth who are marking
their 50th anniversaries this year. Enjoy their stories
and share their joy as we feature them
and thank them for their service.
Sister Margaret Finch
As I reflect on my 50 years as a Sister of Charity,
I think about “snapshots” of my life. The first snapshot
was the morning of Oct. 26, 1946 in Pittsburg, Kan.
Jack and Florence welcomed their daughter into their
family of three children, John, George and Mary. There
are several snapshots from Ottawa, Kan., where we lived
for four years and younger brother Tom was born during
the “flood of 1951.” We told him we found him floating
down the river in a basket. I attended kindergarten at
the local public school before starting first grade at
Sacred Heart School in 1952, taught by the Benedictine
Sisters. During Christmas vacation that year, we moved
to Topeka, and I attended Holy Name School with the Sisters of Charity of
Leavenworth (SCLs).
An important part of my summers was spending time with my Grandma Carr
in Pittsburg. All I have to do is close my eyes and “see” us together talking on the
porch. She was an example to me of a woman of faith.
I was a tomboy and had on jeans whenever I was home from school or
church. An early photo shows me on Christmas dressed in jeans, chaps, boots,
spurs, hat, bandanna, holster and gun. I tried to get away with going to bed
in this outfit. As I prepared to enter the Community, Mom teased me saying,
“You know Sisters don’t wear jeans and sweatshirts.”
My next snapshot is going to Hayden High School, which I enjoyed for four
years. My first summer job was working at a small, family-owned ice cream store.
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I thought the job would be driving a Jeep, selling
ice cream in the neighborhoods, but the owner
was working on repairs for the Jeep. To my
parents’ delight, I was inside, making ice cream
and waiting on customers.
The snapshot of my “vocation” began my
senior year of high school. I didn’t want anyone
to know I was thinking about it and so spent
time in Holy Name Church praying. I wanted to
be a nurse and was accepted for nursing school.
I was faced with a dilemma: go to nursing school
or the convent. I talked with Sister Dolores
Brinkel, Mom and finally Mother Leo Frances Ryan.
My memory of telling Mom is still very vivid: her
surprise and wonder about Dad’s response. Dad
wasn’t Catholic, and even though we were close,
I didn’t think he’d understand. They thought
I was too young and asked me to wait a year.
My response was, “If I don’t go now, I’ll never go.”
Whatever that meant, my parents supported me
in my decision.
As I look back on these snapshots these 50 years, I’m amazed
by the many blessings/gifts I’ve received from God, family
and Community: my vocation, spiritual formation,
education and friendships, my treasured photos.
— Sister Margaret Finch
I feel God called me to religious life, a decision
I could not make on my own. I also feel Grandma
Carr was part of it. As I look back on these
snapshots these 50 years, I’m amazed by the
many blessings/gifts I’ve received from God,
family and Community: my vocation, spiritual
formation, education and friendships, my
treasured photos.
I began teaching in Chicago in 1967, next at
St. Charles School in Kansas City, Mo., and then
St. Ann’s in Prairie Village, Kan. I attended the
University of Dayton four summers receiving
my master’s degree in elementary administration. After 13 years as a teacher, I went off to St.
Laurence School in Laramie, Wyo., to be principal,
then to Holy Name School in Topeka. At the end
of 10 years as principal there and a total of 25 in
education, I requested a sabbatical.
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I loved my years in education. The camera roll
of my good-by from the students, parents and
staff of Holy Name stays with me. Each day of
“Sister Margaret Week” began with my arriving
at school by a different mode of transportation:
Harley Davidson motorcycle (they checked to
see if I had ridden on one before, which I had),
1934 Ford, 1965 Mustang, 1950 Chevrolet fire
engine and a limousine. The week culminated
with a special luncheon with the school faculty
and an all-school assembly at which the students
sang an original song for me. I have many
snapshots and memories of this week.
Following sabbatical in Glen Falls, N.Y., I began
a new ministry at St. Francis Health Center, Topeka,
in 1994, researching the need for dental care for
the non-insured. This fulfilled my desire to work
more directly with the poor. Martin de Porres
Dental Clinic opened in 1996 and continues
today under Marian Clinic. While in Topeka, a
special moment for me was being chosen to
carry the torch in the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay.
After five years, I went to Leavenworth as
the manager of Saint Vincent Clinic and next
to Mother-to-Mother Ministry in Leavenworth,
where I paired at-risk moms with other moms.
This new view of family needs prepared me for
working at the Alliance Against Family Violence
as case manager for survivors of domestic abuse.
No pictures can capture the experience of those
years, especially when I accompanied a young
pregnant woman during her last months, and
she asked me to be present for the birth of her
son. A child is truly a miracle, and I felt the “gift
of life” that day.
Today I am the “inside” administrator of the
Mother House and enjoy working with the
employees and witnessing their dedication to
the Sisters. It’s also rewarding to be around the
Sisters; I hope that their qualities might rub off
on me.
Through the years, I have found ways to
relax by visiting family and friends and doing
hobbies that include photography, card making,
camping, walking, counted cross-stitch, reading
and playing with my two dogs.
Many photos are in my head as I close this
reflection of 50 years in the Community –
a full-length film really.
Celebration
Of Charity
Sister Maureen Kehoe
“You are greatly
loved,” I hear the Lord
speaking to my heart.
How true!
My life reflection
begins in praising God
for my outstanding
parents John and Ruth
(Driscoll) Kehoe. They
both came from humble
farm folks. Dad was an
Eden Valley, Minn.,
native, and Ruth hailed from Fruitland, Idaho.
Each was instilled with the value of Catholic faith.
Ruth became a nurse and X-ray technician
at Boise’s St. Alphonsus Hospital under the
Sisters of Holy Cross; John studied at St. John’s
in Collegeville, Minn. Ultimately, both moved to
Omaha, Neb., for medical careers. John studied
at Creighton University to become a general
practitioner. Ruth practiced at nearby St. Joseph’s
Hospital. They met at a Christmas party and
married six months later in July 1944.
God blessed Mom and Dad with 12 children,
the first being Omaha-born Kathleen. I was
second as the first Colorado native. Colleen and
Tim were born in Gilman, followed by those
born in Leadville in the ‘50s and early ‘60s: Joan,
Michael, Daniel, Patty, Sheilagh, Kevin, Erin and
Peggy. Each of them blessed me with his/her
distinct personalities and gifts. My upbringing
introduced me to community living.
The SCLs greatly impacted our lives. Dad did
his residency at Denver’s Saint Joseph Hospital,
sponsored by the Sisters. I was born there on
July 25, 1946 and christened at the Cathedral
of the Immaculate Conception. When I arrived,
Mom’s younger sister, Irene, helped care for
Kathleen. Shortly after her nurse’s training at
Saint Joseph, Irene decided to join the Sisters
in August 1947. She would become Sister
Mary Rosaleen [Driscoll]. Today, my aunt (and
godmother) is thriving at 87 as a Marian Clinic
nursing consultant in Topeka, Kan.
In Leadville, the Kehoe family further
connected with the SCLs who established
St. Vincent’s Hospital (1879) and St. Mary’s School
(1882). The family had ongoing involvement
through Dad’s work and our schooling. With
so many nurturing connections in my world,
the thought of a religious vocation in first
grade was cultivated throughout my youth.
A traumatic, adolescent experience led to
personal conversion. Grace from daily Mass and
reading lives of saints hastened healing.
A concern in following the call to religious
life was my narcolepsy, a tendency to fall asleep
frequently during the day. Since I was on
medication to control it, the Sisters accepted
me in August 1964. My perpetual vows came on
my baptismal anniversary of Aug. 11, 1973.
After obtaining an English undergraduate
degree and teacher certification, I received two
master’s degrees in library science and religious
studies, respectively. My education facilitated
multiple mission assignments. These included a
nursing home, a third-grade classroom, school
libraries, senior housing and small trade school
management. Later, I supervised the U.S. Post
Office at the Mother House and University of
Saint Mary while serving as a personal caregiver
for senior Sisters and a prison ministry volunteer.
During my formation period, cultural change
was rampant, with the greatest impact on
religious life being Vatican II’s completion in
1965. The Council concepts most impressive
to me were Church as the People of God, laity
empowerment and the need for ecumenism for
authentic witness to non-believers. The emerging
charismatic movement introduced me to more
expressive ways of group prayer. In later years,
centering prayer enhanced my spirituality.
In this revolutionary era, local Community
life changed from a superior-subject relationship
to a group decision-making process. I was
privileged to live in early groups that experimented with this approach. Today, our Sisters
keep exploring ways to be more involved
with leadership.
Currently, I live with Sister Renée Washut,
a novitiate classmate, in Denver. We are the
surviving members of the 10 SCLs who lived
The [Vatican] Council concepts most impressive to me were
Church as the People of God, laity empowerment and the
need for ecumenism for authentic witness to non-believers.
— Sister Maureen Kehoe
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at Saint Joseph Hospital in 2006. At the hospital,
I’m using seasoned pastoral, liturgical, musical
and Spanish talents. My other interests are
poetry and genealogy.
I joined a gathering last summer of 2,500 Saint
Joseph babies, honoring all persons born at the
hospital. In conjunction with this milestone, the
birthing of new Saint Joseph facilities next door
is underway for a December 2014 grand opening.
As I celebrate five decades of Community
service, it seems I’m coming full circle. The
vocation ring my family gave me decades ago
signifies it all. Engraved band symbols represent
the Trinity, the Blessed Virgin and my vows.
Also acknowledged are the People of God, the
Eucharist and Community along with my
Irish heritage.
Blessed be God who has revealed much love in
these symbols!
Sister Jean Lockett
seed of my vocation – Sisters Mary Odile Bohrer,
and Mary Bridget Mullen who is still alive today.
My family moved to Hardin, Mont., in 1952
where I attended school from the third grade
through the 10th grade. However, I was frustrated
with my public school experience and begged
my family to allow me to go away to St. Martin’s
Academy, a Catholic, all-girls boarding school
in South Dakota run by the Benedictine Sisters.
My junior and senior years of high school were
some of the best years of my life. Although I
developed a great love for these Benedictine
Sisters, the SCLs still held my heart.
I graduated from St. Martin’s in June 1963
and was accepted to attend Briar Cliff College
in Iowa. However, enter Sister Anne Callahan
who invited me to apply to Saint Mary College
in Leavenworth. I had met Sister Anne at a music
festival in Billings, Mont., while I was still attending
Hardin High School, and she kept in touch with
me over the years. I was accepted by Saint Mary
College for the 1964 fall semester – another one
of the best years of my life. I developed lifelong
friendships with college mates along with many
SCLs. Among them, Sisters Mary Liguori Horvat
and Mary Vincentia Maronick provided a lifetime
of sustaining support and love.
I entered the SCLs on Aug. 28, 1964, a date
which I almost missed because at the exact
moment I was boarding the train for Leavenworth,
my Mother received word that my Grandmother
was dying. It took everything in me to get on
that train and not look back. While en route,
I did receive word that Grandma would be okay.
My beloved Grandmother died Aug. 10, 1965.
I had just received the habit on June 10. I was
not allowed to go home to attend her funeral.
My Mom never let the Community know what
a hardship it was for her not to have me there as
I was born Patricia
Ann Lockett on June 22,
1945 in Bremerton,
Wash., to Lance and
Margaret Lockett. My
brother William (“Bill”)
Robert Lockett was
born a year earlier on
May 4, 1944, sharing
the same birthday as
my Dad. The doctor had
strongly advised my
Mother that she should not have another child
after the birth of my brother. My Mom had other
ideas. She not only told the doctor that she was
going to have another child and that it was
going to be a girl. She also let him know that this
baby would be born prematurely and the day
and the hour I would be born. And so it was!
My Dad was working in the Navy shipyards, and
my maternal Grandmother Elizabeth Harlan was
living with us at the time and did so until her
death in 1965.
My life has been blessed by those who have accompanied
me on my journey.
— Sister Jean Lockett
After the war, sometime around 1947, my
family moved from Bremerton to Fromberg,
Mont. – the town where I met my first SCLs
during summer vacation school in 1950 at the
age of 4 3/4. The following year on June 17, 1952,
I made my First Holy Communion along with
my brother Bill. I was 5 3/4 years of age and had
convinced the Sisters to let me receive even
though I was under age. These SCLs sowed the
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Celebration
Of Charity
she was also dealing with major concerns with
both my Dad and my brother.
I took the name Sister Jean William and later
shortened it to Sister Jean. I made my first vows
on Jan. 11, 1967. On Father’s Day that year, my
Dad joined the Catholic Church. At that time,
I was assigned to teach summer vacation school
in Columbus, Mont. In August 1967, I became
a physical therapy aide at Saint Joseph Hospital
in Denver where I met my lifelong friend and
mentor Sister Mary Andrew Talle and her birth
sister and my friend Sister Mary Josepha.
I then attended Saint Louis University School
of Physical Therapy, graduated in May 1971 and
returned to Saint Joseph Hospital as a physical
therapist. In 1974, at the request of Sister Mildred
Irwin, I was assigned as director of the Physical
and Occupational Therapy Department at
St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Junction, Colo.
In 1981, Sister Mary Kevin Hollow requested
that I come home to Leavenworth and establish
a physical therapy program for our Mother House
and Ross Hall Sisters. In July 1992, I returned to
my home in Billings, to care for my Mom who
was dying. She died on July 31, 1992. I remained
home to care for my Dad who died July 11, 1994.
After this, I went on a sabbatical to Blessing
Place in Lacome, La., run by the Carmelite Sisters.
This was another life-energizing experience.
In 1995, I was missioned to Topeka, Kan., where
I accepted a position as a home health physical
therapist covering 27 counties in Kansas.
In 1998, I entered the master of social work
program at Washburn University, Topeka, and
graduated in May 2000. In Topeka, I later spent
time working as a therapist at Catholic Social
Services and DCCCA Family Preservation Services.
I joined Woodridge Counseling Services as an
independent practitioner after obtaining my clinical
licensure. In 2005, I was requested to become a
provider through MHN Government Services as
a military and family life counselor. I am currently
working at Fort Riley, Kan., although I have been
to many other military installations around the
globe and have met some fantastic people.
My life has been blessed by those who have
accompanied me on my journey. I continually
remember the words of Father Andrew Jan who
said on our novitiate retreat, “Always remember
that long-faced lovers of Christ are arguments
for atheism.”
Sister Susan Rieke
Hometown: Jefferson City, Mo.
Home parish: Immaculate Conception Parish.
Parents: Otto and Rosemary Westhues Rieke (r.i.p.).
Brothers and sisters: Otto (Rusty) Rieke, Sally Rieke Papreck, Henry Rieke
(r.i.p.), Mary Rieke Murphy, Terry Rieke Lyskowski, Peter Rieke, Timothy Rieke
and Molly Rieke Reardon.
Nieces and nephews: lots and lots, all wonderful and lovely.
Great-nieces and nephews: growing in number and darling ages.
Angels in heaven: Gabriel and Michael Rieke (nephews), David Mitten
(great-nephew), Clementine Papreck (great-niece).
Missions: Sacred Heart High School, Falls City, Neb.; Helena Central
High School, Helena, Mont.; Bishop Ward High School, Kansas City, Kan.;
University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth.
Education: BA in English, University of Saint Mary (then Saint Mary College);
MA in English, University of Iowa; PhD in English, University of Iowa.
Honors: Sullivan Award for Teaching Excellence, Professor of English,
McGilley Chair for Liberal Studies.
Publications: Small Indulgences, From the Tower, Less Is Not More, Lean to the
Times (editor); poems and scholarly articles on Emily Dickinson and Walt
Whitman in magazines.
(continued on next page)
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Sister Susan Rieke (continued)
I am grateful to my family, Community and friends who have been vital
in this “walk” of mine. I am profoundly grateful to God for abiding grace,
for my vocational call and for my life. The following poem will serve as
an autobiography.
One Step
A dangerous walk, little girl,
once you take the holy vessels
in hand, you will never stop
walking. They burn, and burn,
increase to intense.
Gold will sear your heart. One
step if you could stay, but
flowers in your hair askew,
little girl, for a dangerous walk.
A 3-year-old as flower girl at her uncle’s first Mass
On a bead you say Our Father,
then a lot of Hail Marys.
You don’t know the Mary one,
well, like this. From some odd
desire, you will teach words.
Then witness, as you make
a short visit, chapel ignored
by a teenage crowd, but someone
will see. The same odd wish,
into unknown longing. What do
you yearn for, young girl? You
don’t know until you are thrown
off a horse, yes, knocked for
a loop, yes. All makes sense
finally, yes, you will step
on another road, not the fancy
aisle of long ago. Steps will
multiply on dark roads, you
see no way stations or stops.
Teaching and teaching, miles
stretch, words, words and words
the subject worth all. You heard
about the Word made flesh
along the way, but flesh means
flesh in life and words.
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You study students
with more complexity than you
could dream. You take them along
as you walk, young woman
with someone ever
thirsty for words, some few whose
light makes yours and better
words flow to best. You do not
deserve honor, only walking,
walking with a crowd now,
until you limp, no longer young,
old girl. Why did you take
the walk? No regret, murky
now as clouds fade your eyes
your walk continues. You stumble
as intricate fingers of columbine
blossoms dazzle you, gold wheat
fields blind you. Along the way
beauties push you forward, and
students’ children sit, politely
impatient in your presence. One
last step to go, across a chasm
seeing light and at last the Word
who threw your horse down.
Old girl, finally, you know purpose
in years and years, fast
momentum of your pace forward.
A dangerous walk, little girl,
once you take the holy vessels
in hand, you will never stop
walking. They burn, and burn,
increase to intense.
Gold will sear your heart. One
step if you could stay, but
flowers in your hair askew,
little girl, for a dangerous walk.
Celebration
Of Charity
Sister Jean Marian Rilinger
My heart is filled with
gratitude for the many
blessings my loving God
has showered on me
through the love of my
family, my teachers, my
SCL Community, my
co-workers, my clients,
my students, my friends.
The love of my
family – my parents
George and Mary
Fangman Rilinger, my eight brothers and two
sisters – welcomed me and gifted me with a
deep faith, sense of belonging, strong work ethic
and a spirit of sharing.
The Catholic Church was a very important
aspect of my family. My parents were involved
in parish activities and involved us. My Mother
gathered us every evening to pray the rosary.
I have fond memories of watching my Mother
feed transient men who walked the highway and
would stop at our door at lunchtime for a meal.
Growing up on a farm in Seneca, Kan., gave me
an appreciation of wide-open spaces, nature and
the beauty of the land with its message of growth,
patience, waiting. My education from first grade
through high school graduation was guided by
the Atchison Benedictine Sisters. In grade school
I was very involved with the Holy Childhood
Pagan Babies project which inspired me to want
to work in an orphanage. Several Sisters had
encouraged me to consider a religious vocation.
I would think about it and then go on with my
life, but somehow the thought kept recurring.
During high school and after graduation,
I helped with care of my Mother who died in
1961 when I was 19. It was at this time that I
was in the presence of the Sisters of Charity of
Leavenworth. My sister, Sister Dorothy Marie,
and Sister Charlotte Swain came for my Mother’s
funeral. I was impressed with their caring spirit.
When visiting with my sister when she was in
Billings, Mont., I witnessed the way the Sisters
treated each other and their joy-filled spirit.
In 1964, I resigned my position as deputy
clerk of the district court of Nemaha County
and entered the SCLs. While in the novitiate, we
were asked to list our preferences for mission.
Orphanage work was first on my list. My first
mission in 1967 was to work in the business
office at St. John’s Hospital in Helena, Mont., and
go to school at Carroll College.
This mission was changed after meeting with
Mother Leo Frances to get permission for a gold
wristwatch. She asked me where I was missioned
and if it was my first preference. The next day
Mother Leo Frances called me to her office to
receive a new mission – Mount Saint Vincent
Home (MSV), Denver, and to go to school at
Regis College.
She had received a call from the MSV director
stating that the Sister in charge of the office
needed surgery. Thus began my 32 years of
ministry at MSV as an office manager, secretary,
bookkeeper. When MSV transitioned in 1969
from an orphanage to a residential treatment
center for 5- to 13-year-old children who were
emotionally challenged, I was asked to open a
unit for girls. This provided many enjoyable and
challenging experiences. Traveling with the girls
to Disneyland, taking trips to the mountains and
hiking, and witnessing their growth, healing and
resilience were among the experiences.
Starting in 1988, I was secretary at Immaculata
High School, Leavenworth, for three years. In
1991, the Community Director asked me to
study for a master’s in social work at Saint Louis
University and return to MSV as the assistant
director and a therapist. It was as if I had taken
a fourth vow, a vow of stability. It was a privilege
and an awesome experience to be at MSV for
Pope John Paul II’s visit with the children in
1993. The security was unbelievable with
Secret Service, police officers and swat teams
everywhere. I took my job seriously of not letting
I celebrate my Golden Jubilee with a grateful heart,
in thanksgiving for God’s call to be a Sister of Charity
of Leavenworth and for the many opportunities to grow
spiritually and deepen my relationship with God,
and in thanksgiving for the support of my family,
my SCL Community and friends.
— Sister Jean Marian Rilinger
www.scls.org
9
anyone go to the chapel until the pope arrived.
A gentleman was getting on the elevator, and
I stopped him, only to find out he was the head
of the Secret Service!
In 2005 to 2006, I traveled and was blessed
with a 100-day spiritual renewal program at
Sangre de Cristo in Santa Fe, N.M., which
included hiking in the mountains that I loved.
After this, I began my ministry of being secretary
to the Community Treasurer and am continuing
this ministry today.
I celebrate my Golden Jubilee with a grateful
heart, in thanksgiving for God’s call to be a Sister
of Charity of Leavenworth and for the many
opportunities to grow spiritually and deepen my
relationship with God, and in thanksgiving for
the support of my family, my SCL Community
and friends. The Lord has been good to me and
as Mother Xavier said, “I look forward to the
good that is yet to be.”
Sister Phyllis Stowell
We were unlike most groups before us.
One of us tried to organize a boycott against
weed-pulling during the first week of postulancy.
We played touch football in the back circle, and
sometimes our basketball games got a bit out
of hand. We were told that good Sisters didn’t
run around the back circle during recreation
nor did they take more than one chocolate at
recreation. We also split more than our share
of “nibs” while learning the fine art of lettering.
Nevertheless, the Sisters persevered, and here
we are celebrating jubilee with good manners
and appropriate decorum.
I loved education and always wanted to be
a teacher. My degrees from the University of
Saint Mary and the University of San Francisco
prepared me well to follow in the footsteps of
many SCL educators.
After three years of formation, I was sent to
“Butte America” as my first mission. Then after
a year, I was on my way to Helena, Mont., with
Kansas City, Mo., to follow the third year. I learned
to teach from the after-school hours talking
and helping Sister Owen Marie Falk in Butte;
I delighted in the joys of community living (and
bobsledding) with the 21 of us Sisters in Helena;
and I broadened my understanding of and
love for cultural diversity at Blessed Sacrament
in Kansas City, Mo. (as well as learning to put
some “soul in my stroll”). My missions at Sacred
Heart and Most Pure Heart in Topeka, St. John’s
in Lawrence and St. Patrick’s in Kansas City
North were likewise happy and professionally
rewarding years.
I heard a call to move where good educators
were needed and not easily found. I accepted
a position in Santa Fe, N.M., in the early ‘90s. I felt
“We become Sisters of
Charity over a lifetime.”
This simple statement
from our documents
describes my experience
during 50 years as a
Sister of Charity of
Leavenworth. It all began
for me when I used to
play on the kitchen floor
of the convent in Falls
City, Neb., as my Mother
prepared dinner for the Sisters. The Sisters,
coming home from their teaching duties, always
stopped to greet me before attending to their
prayers and responsibilities. They were the first
outside of my family who watered the seed of
my vocation.
After being educated by the Atchison
Benedictines in grade school and the Ursuline
Sisters from Kentucky in high school, I became
a postulant and continued my journey with the
SCLs. I still carry a bit of Benedictine and Ursuline
charisms with me.
There were 48 of us who entered in August
1964. I think they’d agree that we consider each
other treasured gifts even today. Most certainly
they are part of the thread that runs through my
lifetime as a Sister of Charity, i.e., good people who
blessed me by their reflection of a loving God.
I have grown up with the Sisters of Charity, and I couldn’t
have chosen a better family. 10
— Sister Phyllis Stowell
Celebration
Of Charity
that I had come home. I loved living in Santa Fe,
and often wish I was still there to smell the green
chile roasting in the fall and the piñon smoke
rising from the fireplaces in the winter. I had the
opportunity while there to do one of the things
I always wanted to do: build a new school. Santo
Nino Regional Catholic School opened in Fall
2006 with an SCL as principal. While exhausting,
my professional experiences there were among
the most valuable and challenging of my life.
More importantly, I lived in a land of ancient
spirits and rugged settlers; an old land that was
often too dry to produce enough to provide
anything more than beans, chili and the makings
for tortillas – all foods my palate misses! The
richness of the cultures and the beauty of the
language as well as the simplicity and faithfulness
of the people are held deeply in my heart
and spirit.
I retired as a principal and teacher to begin
new ministries as a spiritual director and director
of adult faith formation for the Cathedral Basilica
of St. Francis of Assisi. I continue to minister in
these ways today.
During the 20 plus years I lived in New Mexico,
I was gifted with good friends and a new learning
experience almost every day. But the call to
come North arrived, and I am now ministering
among the good people at St. Francis de Sales
in Lansing, Kan.
I have 50 years of wonderful memories;
50 years of lasting friendships; 50 years of
blessings that come from knowing people of
different cultures; 50 years of happiness that
began on the kitchen floor in Sacred Heart
convent. I have grown up with the Sisters of
Charity, and I couldn’t have chosen a better
family. They taught me about the ”deep down
things” in life, forgave me when I needed it,
challenged me when they thought I could do
more, and all the time loved me with a joy that
just couldn’t help but make me want to be just
like them. Deo gratias!
Sister Mary Ann Theisen
My parents Wilfred
(Willie) and Evelyn
Hemmi Theisen met at
a USO dance in San
Antonio. Dad was
stationed at Fort Sam
Houston, recovering
from the malaria he’d
contracted during World
War II. Mom grew up
in Texas; Dad was from
North Dakota. After their
wedding, they moved to Molt, Mont., where Dad
was employed. I was born at St. Vincent Hospital
in Billings on Oct. 12, 1946. When I was six months
old, we moved to a farm a few miles outside of
Molt. Dad farmed the land first as a renter and
later as the owner. Since Dad grew wheat and
raised cattle, he called it a “wheat ranch.”
As I reflect on my life as a farmer’s daughter,
I am aware of the cycle of life and of the different
seeds of family, faith, friends and calling that
have been scattered, sown, planted and grown
in me. We used a well for all our water needs,
and the well could run dry if we used too much
in a short amount of time. We learned the
importance of water conservation, and from a
As I look back on the seeds that were planted in me and
nourished even during the most difficult parts of my life,
I continue to be in awe of God’s love, and I “look forward
to the good that is yet to be.”
— Sister Mary Ann Theisen
young age I was aware of our interconnectedness
with all of creation.
As the oldest of my siblings – Linda, Ron, Gary
and Diane – I was the responsible one. I would be
“in charge” when Mom and Dad had to be away
from home. All my siblings, my niece and most
of my nephews now live in Billings. Having lived
in both Molt and Billings, I still claim both as
“home.” The seed of family is a cherished one.
My siblings and I started our formal education
in the one-room school in Molt. My best friend
was also the only one in my class. When I was
a freshman, my parents decided that we would
receive a Catholic education, and I was transplanted and enrolled in Billings Central Catholic
High School. The number of classmates and
friends multiplied. It was over 25 miles from
Molt to Billings, so I boarded with a family in
www.scls.org
11
town, returning home on weekends. My sister
Linda started at Central my junior year, and we
drove the 50+ miles round-trip each day. Dad
purchased a home in Billings my senior year
where Mom, Linda and I would stay during the
week. Dad took care of the three youngest and
the farm. However, in the spring he couldn’t
manage all the field work and the kids, so Linda
and I again drove back and forth. The fruit of this
seed was learning to be adaptable and flexible.
Mom talked about the Sisters who had taught
her in Texas, and I think the seed of my vocation
to religious life was planted during my grade
school years. Mom and Dad, especially Mom,
nourished the seed of my faith life as a Catholic.
While at Billings Central I became familiar
with the SCLs, including the principal, Sister Mary
Lenore Martin. By my senior year, 1963-1964,
the seed of being called to be a Sister sprouted,
and I made the decision to apply to the SCLs.
My guidance counselor, Sister Regina DeCoursey,
helped me with all the necessary preparation.
Dad thought I would change my mind several
times before I really decided. However, when
I told him I’d been accepted for entrance, he
immediately said that he and Mom would drive
me to Leavenworth. Upon our arrival at the
front gate, I expressed some doubt. Mom said
if I wasn’t sure we could just turn around and
drive back. We didn’t.
After indicating that I would choose to teach,
I was missioned to three different schools that
first year of teaching. Once again, I needed to
be flexible and adaptable. I finished earning my
degree in elementary ed from the University
of Saint Mary. I taught for 10 years in schools
in Missouri and Colorado. During my last years
of teaching, I became aware another seed was
sprouting within me, and my ministry changed.
After I studied to improve my secretarial skills,
I served for six years as the secretary for the
principal at St. Pius X High School in Kansas City,
Mo. I then returned to the school where I had
last taught, St. Martin de Porres, Kansas City, Mo.,
but this time as the school secretary. Returning
to my hometown of Billings, I served as the
secretary at St. Francis Primary for 151/2 years.
I was thrilled to be in the same city as my family.
Following that final year at St. Francis, I enjoyed
a sabbatical program at The Cenacle in Lantana,
Fla. After working two more years as a school
secretary, I returned to Leavenworth, where my
life as an SCL had begun. Currently I work in
Cantwell Hall as an office assistant.
Throughout my life, I have enjoyed being
in nature, especially in the mountains. Other
activities I enjoy that also involve the outdoors
and God’s creation include gardening (both
flowers and vegetables), flower arranging,
camping, travel and photography.
As an SCL, I’ve been blessed with friendships
among those with whom I’ve worked and lived
as well as the various people I’ve worked with
beyond the Community. As I celebrate my Golden
Jubilee, I am grateful for the love and support
of my family, friends and Community. As I look
back on the seeds that were planted in me and
nourished even during the most difficult parts
of my life, I continue to be in awe of God’s love,
and I “look forward to the good that is yet to be.”
Sister Renée Washut
Born in Greybull, Wyo., the oldest of four
children, I was named Vivian (“vivacious”) Renée
(“reborn”) which humorously suited me as
Vivaciously Reborn! Three years later, we moved
from Sheridan to Casper in Wyoming and along
came my sister, Kay. She was followed some
years later by two brothers, Henry and Art.
We had a close-knit extended family and
were exposed to various church services. At last,
prior to the boys’ births, Mom and Dad received
instructions in the faith. In March 1953, Mom, Kay
and I were baptized; my parents’ marriage was
I was not a cradle
Catholic upon my
birth on April 3, 1943.
Although I did have
my Dad Henry’s Polish
Catholic heritage to
compliment my Mom
Paula’s quest for a faith,
baptism occurred when
I was 10 years old.
12
Celebration
Of Charity
blessed in our Casper home parish (Diocese
of Cheyenne).
Dad made his living by remaining in a long
line of meat cutters and sausage makers.
Assisting at his market was a highlight of
my youth. After graduating in 1961 from the
only county high school, college beckoned.
Although Mom leaned toward Denver’s Loretto
Heights College due to proximity, providential
connections led me to Saint Mary College
in Leavenworth.
The initial sense of being “a fish out of
water” was replaced by the Sisters of Charity of
Leavenworth cultivating a sense of belonging.
My junior year, I unexpectedly received an “aha”
moment to perhaps join them. One night during
Berchmans Hall “girl talk” about relationships
with guys led to me thinking, “I don’t think I
could love one guy for life.” This seemingly
meant I would have multiple men or “maybe I
could be a nun.”
Ah, the Lord works through mysterious
avenues when he wants you to recognize a
vocation even when you haven’t a clue what
a vocation is!
After whirlwind preparation, I entered the
novitiate in August 1964. First vows came in
January 1967. Even as I planned to graduate
from Saint Mary with a foods and nutrition
degree, Community leadership differed, and
I received a home economics in education
degree with English and theology minors.
By that fall, my first mission was as a Billings,
Mont., Central Catholic High School teacher.
Mentoring by seasoned Sisters facilitated my
memorable 23 years as a teacher and assistant
administrator. Being among kindred Community
spirits gave me confidence to go with the
prevailing atmosphere: that you teach how you
know to teach until you prove yourself wrong.
If that occurred, readily available resources were
to be used.
Graduate work for a family and child
development master’s endeared me to
schooling as never before. Comfort zone
expanding experiences led to final vows in
August 1973 at my Casper home parish.
After my Montana mission, I undertook
educator and administrative roles in Topeka,
Kan., and Missouri’s North Kansas City and
Parkville. In May 1990, I switched gears in a
Denver move by working in two different
Archdiocesan Housing administrative settings.
The years 2002 and 2003 found me on a
health sabbatical. My Dad’s recent death had
activated major depression, and our Community
generously promoted participation in the
renowned Southdown Institute in Aurora,
Ontario. The Canadian program operated solely
for the mental health care of women and men
religious and led to profound renewal for me.
Beyond this period, I was involved with
Catholic Charities of Wyoming and Cheyenne
Interfaith Hospitality for two years. Since 2006,
my mission has been Denver’s Saint Joseph
Hospital Foundation where I am Humanitarian
Fund administrator. Fellow Jubilarian, Sister
Maureen Kehoe and I were the two remaining
Ah, the Lord works through mysterious avenues when he
wants you to recognize a vocation even when you haven’t
a clue what a vocation is!
— Sister Renée Washut
Sisters of Charity living in Saint Joseph’s convent.
However, we have transitioned to nearby
apartment life in advance of our 50-year-old
facility’s closing by year’s end. Our volunteer
service will continue in the new hospital on
adjacent grounds.
At this juncture, so many memories nurture
an appreciation for Community companionship
and support that has gradually evolved in my
chosen life. This recognition manifested amidst
life that seemed in a constant flux in no small
part due to the implementation of Vatican II.
Five decades later, I recall Sister Mary
Clarence Burns, our novice director, sharing in
spirituality class something I did not fully grasp
then: “Dig a personal well so deep others can draw
from it.”
Five decades later, this insight remains
empowerment for living out my vocation in the
midst of all beginnings, with sufficient flexibility
to profess a strong belief system for what I know
to be the life of a woman religious moving
toward the future.
www.scls.org
13
Jubilee artwork
designed by
Rosemary
Nusbaum Murphy
Re-Markings
Dull not likely when it comes
Every year during her annual retreat, Sister Catherine Nichol rereads Sister Mary Buckner’s
History of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. Sister Catherine finds Mother Xavier Ross,
SCL foundress, a fascinating individual. “She had a spirit of adventure, faith and service,”
Sister Catherine says. “Mother Xavier risked bravely in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul.”
R
eflecting on Sister
Catherine’s 70 years as an
SCL, the same could be
said of her life and ministry. She
served almost 40 years in the Latin
American missions. Her missionary
experience was bookended by early
years as an educator in elementary
and secondary schools and more
recent pastoral outreach in a Latino
parish in Billings where she grew up
and currently lives.
Early years as an SCL
Sister Catherine has a knack for
finding adventure (and good humor)
in life. She remembers as a young
Sister-in-training being assigned
to work at the “orphanage on the
hill” in Leavenworth (St. Vincent’s
Orphanage). Her recollection is that
teaching 12 kids seemed like there
were 12 dozen!
14
And there was the time during
her early years as a high school
teacher when she taught chemistry
in addition to biology for which
she had earned her degree. Even
though she followed the manual
religiously, Sister Catherine recalls
kids opening classroom windows
to release fumes from chlorine gas
during one particular chemistry
experiment.
In retrospect, Sister Catherine
confesses to being somewhat
upset when Sister Blanche Marie
Remington, her novitiate classmate,
was among the first SCLs missioned
to Peru in 1963. Over a four-year
timespan, Sister Catherine peppered
her correspondences to Mother Leo
Frances Ryan with Spanish phrases
as she persisted with her requests to
volunteer for the missions.
Missioned to the Andes
When Mother Leo Frances called
with her Peruvian mission assignment
in 1967, the excitement began. For
early orientation, there were four
special months at the SCL tiny
hospital in Las Vegas, N.M., with
Sister Ann Raymond Downey –
a special gift in every way.
In the Peruvian Andes (8,000 feet),
where she spent the first 20 years
starting in 1968, Sister Catherine
was involved with implementing the
bishop’s Vatican II program, “New
Image of the Parish.” She trained
laypersons in 30 to 40 villages each
with its own small chapel. There
were many workshops at the home
base of Chalaco to orient liturgists,
catechists and moderators for scripture groups made up of 10 families
each. “Each group had a ‘messenger’
Re-Markings
to Sister Catherine
to pass the word each week,” Sister
Catherine recalls, “since the families
were scattered over the hills.”
Helping to coordinate the local
village teams entailed traveling by
mule to meet with each team as
well as the entire pueblo often on
weekends. Sister Catherine considered the mule her most valuable
educational tool because she wouldn’t
have arrived to the villages without it.
Sleeping bags were other important
equipment to be placed wherever –
on a chapel bench, school floor,
storeroom table or teacher’s desk, or
in a tiny hallway in a humble home.
“Once, I heard mice rattling around
in corn stored in another corner,”
Sister Catherine says, “and I hoped
that they stayed there!”
On the coast in Peru
Her second 20 years were spent in
the marginal barrios of Piura, Peru.
The Peruvian archbishop wanted the
laity (often populations that migrated
to the coast from the sierra and lived
in very fragilely constructed homes
of cardboard, tin sheets, etc.) to
receive additional faith formation.
There were weekly night meetings
with parents who were preparing
their children for First Holy
Communion over a period of two
years. “We had 10 families to a
group with whom booklet lessons
with scripture were reviewed. Later
celebration of First Communion
could include 100 children,” Sister
Catherine says.
During this same period of
time on the coast, Sister Catherine
coordinated both breakfast and
lunch programs for children in some
of the barrio neighborhoods. U.N.
shipments of soya, flour, powdered
milk and grains were distributed
under the supervision of the bishops.
To enrich the program, Sister
Catherine received permission
from the SCLs to buy oranges and
bananas in the big market at roughly
a penny apiece.
Sister Catherine treasures the
people she met and served while in
Peru. In her characteristic style of
speaking, she repeats, “The Latin
people don’t have to have, have,
have. They are, are, are proud of
being baptized – ‘soy Catolica.’”
She has a clipping from the
international news months ago that
reports that Latin American people
are among those recognized as the
happiest population in spite of not
having a lot materially. They are
happy with each other.
Return to the states
Because of her Peruvian
experience, Sister Catherine sought
a mission to a Latino parish in
Billings on her return to the U.S.
in 2007. She served persons in a
nursing home located in Guadalupe
Parish and worked with the parish’s
Council of Catholic Women. Today,
she volunteers at St. Vincent
Healthcare and visits the nursing
home, now within Mary Queen of
Peace, the newly established parish.
At age 90, Sister Catherine says
she’s not looking for full-time work.
This year, as she celebrates her
70th jubilee as an SCL in her
90th year, she’s thinking 2015 may
be “kind of dull” with 71st and
91st observances.
But “dull” is doubtful when it
comes to Sister Catherine’s life and
ministry. Motivated by St. Vincent de
Paul’s love of the poor and Mother
Xavier’s zeal, Sister Catherine will
continue saying “yes,” or more likely
“si,” to life and service as an SCL.
www.scls.org
15
New director reflects on her role in Latin American missions
With a ministry background
in catechetics, vocations and
formation, Hermana Clorinda
Timaná Martinez brings special
gifts to her new role as Director
of Latin American Missions.
Above Photo:
During a commissioning/blessing
ritual, Hermana Clorinda Timaná
Martinez (left), new Director of
Latin American Missions, accepts a
symbolic candle from Sister Maureen
Hall, SCL Community Director, with
Hermana Elena Mack, former director
of the missions, at right.
16
H
ermana Clorinda assumed this role on April 2 in Piura, Peru. She
appreciates the orientation provided by Hermana Elena Mack who
previously held this leadership position.
Quickly immersed in her new ministry, Hermana Clorinda has the goal of
helping the Community of the Hermanas de la Caridad (HCLs) grow in a sense
of their being Sisters in relationship to one another. Geographic distances and
barriers to travel present challenges for Hermanas serving three distinct mission
locations: Chalaco, Chuschi and Piura.
Hermana Clorinda takes seriously Pope Francis’ message to religious. “I want
us to accept with joy the exhortation of the Holy Father and realize that we
need to do our mission with love and joy,” she says.
Another of her goals is to “accompany the Hermanas on their own journeys.”
Hermana Clorinda will also continue to cultivate and build on good relationships
with Peruvian Church leaders and other religious communities in the country
through conversation and consultation – always learning in the process. She
will be in ongoing communication with Sister Maureen Hall, SCL Community
Director, and the SCL Community Council – consulting, discussing, inquiring
and being in relationship with them. She plans to focus on direction from the
2010 SCL Chapter in areas such as relationships with creation, the entire SCL
Community and others.
An HCL for 28 years, Hermana Clorinda was attracted to the Community
as a child in Talara, the first SCL Peruvian mission. She was impressed that the
SCLs/HCLs were welcoming, service-oriented, loving and willing to attend
to people.
Hermana Clorinda continues to love these characteristics of the SCLs/HCLs.
She especially values that the Community loves best and serves persons who are
poor and considers them “our lords and masters as St. Vincent de Paul encouraged.”
“I love our virtues of charity, humility and simplicity as we serve those who
are poor,” she says.
Hermana Clorinda believes part of her role is continuing to animate the
Peruvian Community to give witness. She will strive to be attentive to the needs
of individual Hermanas as she serves them in her new role. She does this with
joy, gratitude and commitment to the spirit and charism of St. Vincent de Paul
and Mother Xavier Ross.
Re-Markings
Anticipating the adventure
A 2013 sabbatical has transitioned to a full-time ministry
for Sister Mary Lex Smith who is now serving as a member
of the core team of the House of Charity, New Orleans.
House of Charity –
Charity Federation
initiative
S
he began this new adventure
in late May when she travelled
from Kansas City, Kan., to the
Louisiana city that is still recovering
from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina
almost nine years ago.
Last year, Sister Mary Lex spent her
sabbatical at the House of Charity,
working on home repairs. The 10-plus
years she volunteered with Christmas
in October in Kansas City proved to be
practical, on-the-job training for her
temporary six-week experience in New
Orleans hanging drywall, painting and
performing other tasks.
In her new full-time ministry, Sister
Mary Lex’s work remains centered in
the St. Bernard Parish section of New
Orleans where most of the hurricane
flood damage occurred and where
people have since been victimized
by contractors who absconded with
money and supplies. Along with
other members of the House of
Charity, her role now encompasses
day-to-day operations and coordinating
room and board arrangements at the
House of Charity for volunteers who
arrive year-round to assist with the
St. Bernard Project.
Sister Mary Lex brings a wealth of
experience from a lifetime of ministries
working with people in schools,
parishes, dioceses, hospitals, a shelter
for battered women and a victims’
assistance program.
She retired from her victim advocate
position in the Wyandotte County
District Attorney’s Office in December
2012. Shortly after, Sister Mary Lex
began volunteering in the pastoral
care department at Providence
Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan.
House of Charity, New Orleans
During her sabbatical, Sister Mary Lex
(left) did hands-on home repairs in
New Orleans. She’s pictured here with
Sister Lillian Conroy, SC, Sisters of Charity
of Halifax.
For her sabbatical, she wanted to do
a service project.
When she learned about the House
of Charity’s need for interim staff
support, Sister Mary Lex thought this
was a good fit for her. During her
six-week sabbatical, she worked with
groups in New Orleans that rebuilt
three houses.
While Sister Mary Lex was serving
in this volunteer capacity, the Charity
Federation invited Sisters of member
congregations to consider joining the
House of Charity core community.
Sister Mary Lex did her own discernment and participated in a discernment
weekend at the house. She submitted
her formal application in January. In
February, she learned she was accepted
as a new core member.
“I’m looking forward to doing what
needs to be done and to learning more
about this part of the country,” she says.
“I’m also excited about broadening my
knowledge and experience with the
Sisters from other communities that
share and live the Vincentian charism.”
The House of Charity opened in
New Orleans in January 2010. (See
related article, SCL Associates’ section,
page 27.) It models collaboration
among member congregations of
the Charity Federation. The Charity
Federation is comprised of 13 women
religious congregations, representing
more than 4,000 members who
recognize their particular character
and spirit in the charism of the
tradition of Charity founded by
St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de
Marillac and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
From its inception, the House of
Charity has strived to witness religious
life to a new generation of young
adults; serve persons who are poor
in their rebuilding efforts in New
Orleans following Hurricane Katrina;
and offer opportunities for vocational
discernment and volunteer service,
especially to young adults. Hallmarks
of the House of Charity include prayer,
reflection, service, hospitality and
intentional community.
Current members of the core
community include Sister Mary Lex
Smith, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth;
Sister Monica Gundler, Sisters of
Charity of Cincinnati; Sister Claire
Regan, Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent
de Paul, New York; and also new to the
group, Sister Kelly O’Mahoney, Sisters
of Charity of Nazareth.
www.scls.org
17
Re-Markings
Sister Susan Rieke (left) edited
the book of Sister Mary Janet
McGilley’s poetry. The
paperback is now available
in the USM Spirit Shop,
Leavenworth, or online at
https://universityofsaintmary.
3dcartstores.com/.
Book celebrates beloved SCL as poet
U
nbeknownst to her friends and colleagues,
Sister Mary Janet McGilley typed and assembled
a large collection of her poetry during her
sabbatical and retirement following 25 years as president
of the University of Saint Mary (USM), Leavenworth.
There are over 1,500 poems that Sister Sue Miller, former
SCL Community Director and Sister Mary Janet’s dear
friend, placed in special collections at the USM library.
Sister Susan Rieke, McGilley Chair for Liberal Studies,
explains that Sister Mary Janet had never published a
book during her years as English professor and college
president. “As we sorted through the large collection that
spanned 1974 to 1990, we were amazed to learn that she
continued to write poetry throughout her presidency,”
Sister Susan adds. “With her busy life, we wondered how
Janet found time for this.”
With Sister Susan spearheading the process, the
idea to publish a book of the beloved former college
president’s poetry evolved. Sister Susan engaged Sister
18
Sue’s involvement describing her as “a good reader
with an eye for what Janet would want in the book.”
Sister Sue selected representative and favorite poems
for inclusion.
Sister Susan edited the 100-page collection, titled Lean
to the Times. The title comes from a line of “The Future,”
one of many featured poems. (See Blessings! ¡Bendiciones!,
inside back cover, for this and another poem.) The
McGilley Chair funded publication of the collection.
Lean to the Times has four chapters loosely organized
around themes that include Sister Mary Janet’s memories
of Sisters and SCL Community life; the University of
Saint Mary; Sister Mary Janet at leisure and travel; and
the call to holiness and matters spiritual. The categories
overlap and are not exclusive, Sister Susan says. A photo
of Sister Mary Janet at one of her favorite pastimes –
fishing – is the cover of the book.
The book was launched at the June 2014 USM alumni
reunion during a poetry reading by Sister Susan.
Re-Markings
Of Special Note
In this section, Voices of Charity highlights Sisters, Associates and friends
who have earned special honors or been in the news.
Associate receives
Vincent de Paul Award
Mother House celebrates jubilees
Denver’s
Center for
Spirituality
at Work
recognized
Megan
Blalock,
SCLA, with
its Vincent de Paul Award
during a dinner on May 19.
Vie Thorgren, SCLA, executive
director, says, “Each year the
Center for Spirituality at Work
gratefully acknowledges
members of the community
who exemplify Vincentian
values. This year, the Center
honored Megan for her
commitment to the healing
of individuals through her
work with children at Mount
Saint Vincent and her writing
about healing from trauma.”
In addition to the all-Community annual celebration of Golden Jubilarians on June 22, SCLs
and HCLs celebrate landmark jubilees in their local houses and communities. Mother House
and Ross Hall honorees enjoy special recognition each year during Mass in Ross Chapel
followed by a celebratory meal and musical salute in the Mother House dining room. These
photos commemorate the April 26 event. Honorees included 60-year Jubilarians, Sisters
Jean Martin Dawson, Loretta Fick, Mary Patricia Kielty, Regina Mary Link and Dorothy Marie
Rilinger; and 50-year honored guests, Sisters Margaret Finch and Jean Marian Rilinger.
Leavenworth
community meal
program recognized
The free community meals
offered by various churches
and groups on Thursdays and
Saturdays in Leavenworth
received the Spirit of
Humanitarian Award from the
Leavenworth Human Service
Council on May 19. SCLs,
Associates, University of Saint
Mary students and Wallula
Christian Church collaborate
the third Thursday of the
month to serve area residents.
Each jubilarian had her moment
“on stage.” Sister Jean Martin
Dawson received her party hat
from Sister Mary Patricia Murry
(left) as Sister Letitia Lenherr
waited to accompany the guest
of honor to the stage.
Following Mass, SCLs offered congratulations to the
seven honorees who live at the Mother House and
Ross Hall.
Recognition for SCL theologian
Sister Susan Wood, SCL, PhD, received the Archbishop’s Vatican II
Award for Service in Ecumenism presented last fall by the Archdiocese
of Milwaukee. Since their inception in 1991, the Archbishop’s Vatican II
Awards for Distinguished Service have honored deserving Catholics
within the archdiocese who contribute to the vitality and spiritual life
of the Church. Each award spotlights an aspect of service that reveals
a vision for the Church of the Second Vatican Council. Archbishop
Jerome Listecki is pastoral leader of the archdiocese.
On June 8, Sister Susan became president of the Catholic Theological
Society of America. Watch for an interview with her in the fall edition
of Voices of Charity. Sister Susan’s recent publications have included
articles and chapters of books.
www.scls.org
19
Re-Markings
Corita’s Corner receives award
Corita’s Corner Sandwich Ministry was
one of six individuals and agencies to receive
a 2014 Peace and Justice Builders Award from
the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice during
its Peace Party and Dinner April 3. Corita’s
Corner merited the faith group category
recognition.
Originating over 50 years ago at Assumption
Parish, an effort to feed the hungry began with
sandwiches distributed through the rectory
window. Later, others in Topeka joined to help
under the leadership of Sister Mary Corita
Conlan, former principal of Assumption
School who died on New Year’s Day 2013.
The outreach, now located at 3rd and
Kansas Ave., honors her memory with the
name Corita’s Corner.
With poverty rates in Topeka close to
20 percent, Sister Marjorie Cushing, who now
leads the effort, has seen an increase in the
numbers of persons coming for the simple sack
lunches provided five days a week. The meal
can serve as breakfast, lunch or dinner. Church
and private donations enable Corita’s Corner to
buy supplies from local grocers while a few
businesses and families donate other products.
Between 25 and 30 volunteers, including several
SCLAs, shop, prepare the sandwiches and sack
lunches or serve at the window each week.
A typical day will offer between 150 to
200+ lunches. The 2013 annual total of lunches
provided was close to 40,000; 2014 already
predicts a significant increase. Sister Marjorie is
concerned that many people don’t fully grasp
how widespread poverty is, but she welcomes
the opportunity to help the community respond.
Award winners in other categories include
Dr. Robert A. Harder (individual), Christmas
in Action (organization), Phil Anderson
(journalism), Topeka West Peer Mediators
(education) and Angelique Flinn (youth).
Article submitted by Carolyn Zimmerman, SCLA;
photos by Susan Nyp, SCLA
Continuing the tradition of Sister Mary
Corita Conlan, Sister Marjorie Cushing
coordinates the sandwich ministry.
Mary Kirk, who has
volunteered with the
sandwich ministry from
its early years, holds the
award from the Topeka
Center for Peace and
Justice.
Susan Nyp,
SCLA (right),
and Barbara
Immenschuh,
Topeka
parishioner,
volunteer each
Wednesday at
Corita’s Corner.
If we’ve overlooked an item of importance, please email ([email protected]) or mail information to
Communications, Cantwell Hall, 4200 South Fourth Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048-5054.
20
Beyond All Borders
Impact of
climate change
far-reaching
by Sister Eileen Haynes
SCL NGO liaison
R
ecently the United Nations’ Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its
report (“Climate Change 2014: Impacts,
Adaptation, and Vulnerability”) stating that the impact
of climate change is already being felt on all continents.
The unique facet of these observed impacts of climate
change is taking place from small islands to large
continents, from the tropics to the poles, from the
wealthiest countries to the poorest! These impacts are
already “making their statement” on human health,
agriculture, ecosystems in the oceans as well as on land,
water supplies and people’s livelihoods. “Nobody on
this planet is going to be untouched by the impacts of
climate change,” Rajendra K. Pachauri, chairman of the
intergovernmental panel, said at a news conference.
The report placed special emphasis on the deep concern
for the world’s food supply. This concern contains a
threat that holds serious consequences for the poorest
nations. “Throughout the 21st century, climate-change
impacts are projected to slow down economic growth,
make poverty reduction more difficult, further erode
food security, and prolong existing and create new
poverty traps, the latter particularly in urban areas and
emerging hot spots of hunger,” the report declares.
These scientists emphasize that the impacts of climate
change are not potential problems of the future, but are,
in fact, happening now! For example, in much of the
American West, mountain snowpack is declining which
is threatening water supplies for the region. The snow
that does fall is melting earlier in the year, and this means
there is less meltwater to ease the summer droughts.
With these conditions, what can be done to help
reverse the situation?
“Transformations in economic, social, technological,
and political decisions and actions can enable climateresilient pathways,” the report states. Of course, it is
imperative that nations work collaboratively in these
efforts. Equally important is the action of each and every
individual throughout our world. The report specifies
that the world must make a conscious effort to reduce use
of fossil fuels while supporting clean energy investments.
Maintaining wetlands and urban green spaces; sharing
indigenous, traditional and local knowledge; introducing
green infrastructure (i.e., shade trees, green roofs); and
adopting water-saving technologies are but a few examples
of ways to support climate-resilient pathways.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is inviting heads
of state and government along with business, finance,
civic and local leaders to a Climate Summit in September
2014. This summit has a specific focus on catalyzing
action for new and substantial commitments that will
help the world shift toward a low carbon economy.
For more information, go to http://ippc-wg2.gov.
www.scls.org
21
Beyond All Borders
Sister Therese Bangert at the border.
Representing SCL Community at border Mass
Sister Therese Bangert, SCL social justice coordinator, represented the
SCL Community at the Mass at the border in Nogales, Ariz., on April 1.
The Mass memorialized the almost 6,000 migrants who have died
in the U.S. desert since 1996.
M
embers of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Committee on Migration were in Nogales to tour the border,
March 31-April 1. The purpose of the trip was to highlight the
human suffering caused by the broken immigration system.
While Sister Therese had been at the wall in Nogales two years ago, she says
the impact of seeing the gigantic steel barrier was lessened but not softened.
The stage for Mass was set up right in front of the wall.
“To hear the story of the Good Samaritan proclaimed here gave that
Gospel a deeper meaning for me,” Sister Therese says. “For me, the most
powerful moment emotionally was when the bishops went to the wall and
gave Eucharist to those who put their hands through the wall!”
At the end of the Eucharist (said predominantly in Spanish), there was a
procession to the wall to place a wreath in memory of those who have died.
However, almost immediately after the Mass, the wreath was removed.
The most startling experience for Sister Therese was seeing the men
dressed in black, including face masks, who stood on roofs in Mexico with
their guns pointed at the group. After the Mass, the bishops held a press
conference during which several discussed the need for immigration reform.
22
The Mass was celebrated
in memory of the almost
6,000 migrants who have
died in the U.S. desert
since 1996.
Beyond All Borders
Systemic change theme
of Spring Regionals
Brad Grabs, SCLA, discussed his experience of working toward
systemic change.
Sister Rejane Cytacki provided a helpful definition and
recommended resources to understand systemic change.
W elcome
SCLs and Associates across the country focused
on systemic change during Spring 2014 Regionals.
At the meeting in Leavenworth, Sister Rejane Cytacki
defined systemic change as changing the structure of
a whole system by getting to the underlying attitudes
and structures that have caused problems, such as
generational poverty.
Using resources from the Vincentian Family website
(famvin.org), Sister Rejane said the process of systemic
change requires a vision, participation of key stakeholders,
identification of root causes and collaboration that
includes coalition-building based on the shared vision.
“A system thinker does not see or treat one problem,”
she said, “but recognizes the connectedness of problems.”
Systemic change involves innovation, changing
patterns, long-range social impact, adaptability
and creation of social structures needed for
permanent change.
Visit a tutorial on systemic change at famvin.org.
C entral
bless i ng
On May 13, volunteers, SCLs, Associates, community leaders and friends participated in the “official” blessing
of Welcome Central in downtown Leavenworth. This is the outreach ministry of the SCLs in collaboration with
area churches to direct persons in need to helpful resources.
To volunteer in this ministry, call Sister Vickie Perkins, 913-530-4535.
www.scls.org
23
‘Opening the windows’
to the People of God
Recognized for their very active commitments to the Church
and to social justice, Associates Kitty and Len Bronec express enthusiasm
and appreciation for the good that evolved from the Second Vatican Council
as well as for the many ways it has enriched their personal lives.
Len cites two words that
summarize what the bishops
were attempting to do through
the Council:
• Aggiornamento – an Italian word
meaning “bring things up to the
present day.”
• Ressourcement – French for “back
to the sources.”
Explaining these words, Len says
that it seems to him that Pope John
XXIII “opened the windows” to let
the Holy Spirit flow out and interact
with the world. At the same time,
there was a return to important
sources including scripture and
Church tradition. “It was an exciting
and challenging time for me.”
“When I think of the Vatican
Council, I think of freedom,” Kitty
says. “It freed people personally to
understand and live our baptismal
call, and it freed the Church to
accept and enliven its role in the
modern world.”
Len finds the emphasis on
baptism and the universal call to
holiness enriching and fulfilling.
The concept “People of God” implies
that everyone – not only the hierarchy,
clergy and religious – is called to
holiness and active participation
in the Church.
24
That concept played out in many
new ways and roles for laity and for
the Bronecs personally as the Church
implemented changes following the
Council. These included adult faith
formation, opportunities to serve as
lectors and Eucharistic ministers,
and liturgy committees in parishes.
The Bronecs also credit Vatican II
for introducing vernacular in the
Mass; giving life to the charismatic
movement, base faith communities,
openness to scripture, ecumenism,
the Cursillo movement and RCIA
(Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults); and emphasizing the call
to be adult Catholic-Christians who
form and follow their consciences.
Len sees this as a return of the
Church to its rich Tradition –
“with a big ‘T,’” he emphasizes. The
Church introduced “collegiality”
with the formation of councils
for parishes, priests and bishops.
“We were all called to have a voice,”
Len says.
For the past four years, the
Bronecs have studied the Vatican II
documents again in a class at Holy
Family Parish, their parish in Kansas
City, Mo. From this study, the
Bronecs have come to understand
that a tension existed among the
Curia, bishops and Pope John XXIII
about opening the Church to the
modern world vs. not changing,
being exclusive and retaining the
hierarchical structure. They believe
this tension has continued and
been reflected in appointments of
the Curia, bishops and popes since
Vatican II.
The two Associates are heartened
that Pope Francis is the first postVatican II pope who “gets it” and
who values inclusivity and collegiality.
“Pope Francis reminds us of Pope
John XXIII,” they say. “We find so
many of his ideas refreshing such as
his focus on the moral responsibility
of Christians related to the environment, the economy and especially
the poor.”
“My greatest hope is that
Pope Francis lives long enough to
re-introduce the teachings of the
Council that have been pushed
back in the Church over the past
30 years,” Kitty concludes.
Both Kitty and Len trust that,
“The Holy Spirit will continue to
carry the People of God forward in
love and hope.”
Council emphasizes
baptismal call
to holiness
There are no qualms about it: Sister Letitia Lenherr has
always loved the Catholic Church and being Catholic –
pre- and post-Vatican II. At the same time, she recognizes
that the changes that evolved from the Second Vatican
Council were radical in a very positive way for her.
She’s also exhilarated that Pope Francis is leading and
exemplifying a reawakening of the Vatican II spirit.
“P
re-Vatican II, the wonderful thing about
being Catholic was that we believed some
things never changed,” Sister Letitia says.
“We could go anywhere in the world and attend Mass,
and it was always the same, even though we didn’t
understand Latin.
“The Vatican Council opened me to the reality that
everything changes all the time and that we need to
adjust to the times.”
Sister Letitia believes that Vatican II called religious to
reflect seriously on how their communities/congregations
needed to adapt to the constantly changing times and
remain faithful followers of Christ. “I could no longer
just ‘go to prayer’ or ‘get my prayers in,’” she says. “I was
called to form a relationship with Jesus and to try to discern God’s will for me. I came to understand prayer
as calling me to inner transformation.”
Likewise, post-Vatican II, Sister Letitia feels that it
wasn’t a matter of just “going to Mass.” “Vatican II called
me to celebrate, praise and thank my loving God through
the liturgy,” she says. “I realized that the liturgy done well
was life-giving.”
Growing up on a farm in St. Marys, Kan., Sister Letitia
always had a strong sense of freedom, happiness and
discipline. Being Catholic was a way of life and not a
weekend experience in the Lenherr home. Her family lived
a mile from the Jesuit seminary in this small town, and
Sunday dinner included at least two priests at the table.
When she entered the SCLs in 1952, Sister Letitia
recalls that she had to adjust to religious life with its
many rules – some of which in retrospect didn’t make
sense but to which she adhered. Post Vatican II, Sister
Letitia believes there was a greater sense of personal
freedom and responsibility.
“Vatican II fostered a greater desire to live our
baptismal call to holiness and to service, especially to
those who are poor,” she says. “Whereas previously we
were told to teach or nurse because it was God’s will for
us as SCLs, with the Second Vatican Council, we were
given choices of ministry.”
In her work in parish ministry and adult faith
formation from 1988 to 2011, Sister Letitia’s greatest
hope was that every person seeking baptism and joining
the Catholic Church be totally aware of his/her baptismal
call to holiness and that they be the persons God created
them to be. For Sister Letitia, a quote from now St. Pope
John XXIII – whom she greatly admires and respects –
best sums up this baptismal call:
“You know it is not the noise we make in our lives
or the things we see that count,
but the love with which we do the will of God.”
www.scls.org
25
SCL Associates
Charisms sustain and strengthen
As a De La Salle Christian Brother and an SCL Associate, Brother Dale Mooney, FSC,
draws on the charisms and spirituality of both religious communities to fortify efforts
B
in his current ministry among the Blackfeet of Montana.
rother Dale is president and
acting principal of De La Salle
Blackfeet School, Browning,
Mont., that serves fourth
through eighth graders from at-risk
families. The Catholic school provides
an alternative to the public system
where bullying is a problem and where
many students find it difficult to adjust.
The school asks parents to
contribute $450 annually toward
tuition. Approximately one half find
this impossible. As he interviews
prospective students, Brother Dale
has learned that a number of greatgrandparents are raising the kids.
Families have huge problems with
alcoholism and use of meth; parents are
in prison, on the streets or deceased.
The school is taught mostly by
volunteers with a few paid teachers.
“It’s a real challenge to retain experienced
teachers,” Brother Dale says. “Our most
experienced one has been with us for
four years.”
In spite of these challenges, 100 percent
of the students graduate high school,
compared to 50 to 55 percent of those
who attend public school. Little Flower
Parish on the reservation owns the
school buildings; the Christian Brothers
operate the school. Quoting Father
Ed Kohler, diocesan priest and pastor
who invited the Brothers to the school,
Brother Dale says, “This has always
been a miracle, and we’re depending
on miracles in the future!”
A Christian Brother since 1967,
Brother Dale has always been up to
challenges and new and different
opportunities to serve. He joined the
Brothers because he felt called to teach,
and he wanted to live in community.
While teaching at Christian Brothers
High School in Memphis, Brother Dale
26
Brother Dale Mooney distributes awards at the end of the first semester.
learned about the Key Club, the high
school equivalent of the Kiwanis service
organization. He assisted with the
program as students worked with the
poor in the Mississippi Delta region.
In St. Louis, Brother Dale expanded
the service concept to encompass
outreach to a Catholic Worker House
and to help people with home repairs.
In the 1970s, he and a lay colleague
introduced campus ministry in the
secondary school environment in
St. Louis.
Following what he describes as
“an intense and intimidating” language
school experience in Cuernavaca,
Mexico, Brother Dale was missioned to
politically volatile Guatemala. Brother
James Miller with whom Brother Dale
lived fell victim to the violence and
was shot and killed. Brother Dale was
in Guatemala from 1982 to 1993 as
director of the boarding department
and then director of the school of
1,200 students.
On his return to the U.S., Brother
Dale joined the staff of the Center
for Pastoral Life and Ministry of the
Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo.
His emphasis over a 10-year period
was work with Spanish-speaking
communities. It was during this time
that he first met the SCLs.
In 2006, Brother Dale received an
invitation from Sister Vickie Perkins
to join the staff of the newly formed
Cristo Rey High School in Kansas City.
He started as outreach coordinator to
parents, colleges and universities, and
transitioned to become assistant
principal. He was at Cristo Rey six years
before going to Montana.
While at Cristo Rey, Brother Dale
became an SCL Associate. Sister Sue
Retherford was his sponsor. Although
in the U.S., the Christian Brothers and
the SCLs have few historic ties, John
the Baptist de la Salle, founder of the
Christian Brothers, and Vincent de
Paul, to whom the SCLs trace their
roots, were contemporaries in France
and were likely influenced by the same
historic events. The charisms of both
religious communities bear similarities.
And both charisms help keep
Brother Dale on task and on mission –
gifts for which he is deeply grateful.
SCL Associates
Associate Build 2014:
House of Charity
Terri Butel, SCLA, prepares to paint in a house
being rebuilt/restored in New Orleans.
by Terri Butel, SCLA
Director of Associates
I learned how little I remembered
East New Orleans so that we could
about Hurricane Katrina beginning on
appreciate the scope of the disaster. Each
Feb. 15, 2014, the day after the feast of
morning and evening, Sisters Monica
hearts. Why do we forget about places
and Claire led us in prayer to help ready
and people harmed by massive disasters
us for the day ahead or to process our
like Hurricane Katrina? Do you remember
day’s experience. This and the opporthe details?
tunity to share our stories with fellow
• Aug. 29, 2005.
Vincentians deepened the experience.
The woman we helped, affectionately
• Category 3.
known
as “Miss Mary,” was victimized
Sister Monica Gundler, SC (left), a member of the
• Landfall: Buras, La., east of
more
than
once
by
fraudulent
contractors
House of Charity core team, and Susan Nyp, SCLA,
New Orleans.
Lawrence, Kan., team up on a repair project.
who either required a sizable down
• Death toll: at least 1,600.
payment and disappeared, or made
• Property damage: estimated to be
“repairs” for which they were unqualified.
hundreds of billions of dollars.
If the ravages of Katrina weren’t enough,
handicapped-accessible as Miss Mary
these
contractors
finished
many
in
the
needed nor was the replacement trailer,
Eight and a half years later, there are
hurricane’s
wake.
One
of
the
important
so it took patience and firm insistence
6,000 homes still awaiting renovation
services
the
St.
Bernard
Project
offers
about her physical needs before she was
and repair, excluding those abandoned
to
those
rebuilding
in
a
disaster
zone
able to return in 2010.
or unclaimed. We were assigned to one of
is
education
about
avoiding
contractor
Her stories were peppered with
those homes through St. Bernard Project.
scams.
mantras
about God’s blessings and
Mary Jo Mersmann, director of the
We
were
fortunate
that
Miss
Mary
how he had taken care of her through
Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Associates,
was living in her home in East New
everything – unshakable, unfloodable
and Moe Nieman and Debbie Weber,
Orleans and that we were there for some
faith! Returning home was important to
two of her associates, joined Susan Nyp,
of the final touches – priming, painting
her, and eight and a half years after her
SCLA, my husband, David, and me for
and trimming. Our work site supervisor,
neighborhood was a river, Miss Mary
the first ever Associate Build. We had
Emily, coached us and spent time undoing
remarked wistfully, looking out the front
hoped all Charity Federation directors of
botched “repairs.” Miss Mary eagerly
door of her modest home, “I just don’t
associates would attend and would each
shared family photos and stories about
think everyone is coming back.”
bring an associate, but many had conflicts.
living in Texas for several years after
Charity plods onward, even when
The House of Charity is a place and
Katrina with relatives and of learning
6,000 await restoration of their homes
a project sponsored by the Charity
that a trailer had been delivered to her
nearly nine years after Katrina, even
Federation to promulgate the Vincentian
front yard when Catholic Charities
when much more than home restoration
charism among volunteers who travel to
finally reached her on her cell phone.
provide service in New Orleans. Sister
is needed to re-animate neighborhoods
The caller asked why she wouldn’t
Monica Gundler, SC (Cincinnati),
and solve the problems that lead to
answer the door – Catholic Charities had
Sister Rene Rose, DC, and Sister Claire
violent crime. Charity keeps its head down
been trying for two months to reach her.
Regan, SC (New York), provided welcome,
and its spirits up and brings these deep
nourishment and education before we
It was several minutes before Miss Mary
needs to daily prayer with constancy
began our service. Sister Monica narrated
realized that they were in her front yard
and faith and confidence that the Lord
an interactive video about Katrina
in New Orleans, and Catholic Charities
of All, the Lord of the Bayou, the Lord
(www.nola.com/katrina/graphics/
staff realized that she was in Texas! The
of Parades and the Lord of Love Infinite
flashflood.swf) and a driving tour into
trailer that had been delivered was not
hears, smiles and mercifully responds!
Another New Orleans Associate Build event will be scheduled in 2015.
If you are interested, please contact Terri Butel, SCLA, director of Associates, [email protected] or 913-758-6519.
www.scls.org
27
Leavenwords
When she entered the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth in 1950,
Sister Anne Marie Burke was open to whatever her life ministry would be.
Adaptability serves ministries well
W
hat she wanted to be was a priest, and
eventually the young woman from Butte,
Mont., came close to her life’s dream
in parish ministry.
But first, she spent 11 years as an elementary school
teacher. Every year, Sister Anne Marie received an
assignment to a different school. “What’s wrong with
me that I change missions every year?” she asked Mother
Leo Frances Ryan.
“You adapt so well,” the Mother General replied.
Her ability to adapt led Sister Anne Marie to pick up
some extra credits to be a secondary school teacher and
apply her facility for speaking Spanish. She spent 15 years
teaching the language at Bishop Ward High School,
Kansas City, Kan. “I absolutely loved it,” Sister Anne
Marie says.
During summers, she worked on her master’s in
foreign languages at the University of Notre Dame.
Through a National Catholic Educational Association
grant, Sister Anne Marie immersed in an intensive Spanish
course at Rice University, Houston. She also spent six
weeks at the University of the Americas, Mexico City. All
the while, she taught high school Spanish at Bishop Ward.
28
While at Notre Dame, Sister Anne Marie attended an
urban ministry workshop. “It blew my mind,” she recalls.
“Everything was opening up the world: Vatican II, civil
rights, community organizing. I thought, ‘Do I want to
do urban ministry or something more prayerful?’”
Her Dad’s illness temporarily resolved the question,
and Sister Anne Marie returned to Butte to care for him
and teach high school Spanish. Following her Dad’s
death, Sister Anne Marie served three years as director
of religious education at the cathedral parish in Helena,
Mont. Over time, she had also earned a second master’s
degree in theology from Saint Louis University.
As the role of pastoral administrator was developing
in the Church, a crisis introduced Sister Anne Marie
to parish ministry. A priest in a semi-rural parish near
Kalispell, Mont., suffered a serious health problem.
The diocese invited Sister Anne Marie to be pastoral
administrator, a role she filled for two years.
Subsequent pastoral assignments took Sister Anne
Marie to parishes in Harlowtown, Butte, West Yellowstone
and Big Sky – all in Montana. She also served a parish
in Grand Junction, Colo. Pastoral ministry was very
fulfilling for her as she came closest to her lifelong desire
to be a priest.
In 2010, Sister Anne Marie returned to the Mother
House. In her 60th year as an SCL, she was unsure about
what to expect. Kansas seemed unfamiliar. She wondered
if she’d be bored. She had lived alone for so many years,
she didn’t know what to think about living with so many
other SCLs.
Sister Anne Marie describes what she found as “heaven
on earth in the kindness and goodness of the Sisters. I
love this Community more and more each year,” she says.
She has taught scripture classes to Mother House
and Ross Hall Sisters. Sister Anne Marie worked in the
Transportation Department, driving Sisters to doctors’
and other appointments.
Told as a high school sophomore that she thought
too much, Sister Anne Marie has learned to turn her
thinking to prayer as she continues to adapt to her life
and ministry as an SCL.
USM to launch new
physician assistant program
Expanding its growing mission to meet the country’s
needs for highly trained health care professionals,
the University of Saint Mary (USM), Leavenworth,
is developing a new master’s level physician assistant (PA)
program with classes expected to begin in January 2016.
USM has hired Joseph Tritchler, an experienced physician
assistant and PA educator, to develop the program
and shepherd it through accreditation.
“Our ideal students will be individuals who come from a wide
range of backgrounds but share a deeply felt love for working
with people and helping people,” Joseph says. “This is a great
opportunity for students in our area, as PAs are among the most
in-demand professionals in health care. There are very few
programs in neighboring communities and only one other
master’s level PA program in Kansas.”
The USM PA program is due for review by the Accreditation
Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant in
September 2014 to determine whether it will receive provisional
accreditation. If provisional accreditation is attained, USM will
begin recruiting students in April 2015, with classes starting the
following January.
The PA program is the newest addition to USM’s expanding
roster of health care education programs. Existing health care
offerings include the university’s first doctorate — the Stefani
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program; USM’s well-known and
well-regarded nursing programs — including an on-campus
BSN, online MSN and RN-to-BSN paths; and a health information
management (HIM) program offered on-ground and online.
USM Provost Dr. Bryan Le Beau describes the university’s
health care focus as the intersection where need, opportunity
and tradition meet.
“Several years ago, the University of Saint Mary decided that
while remaining a liberal arts institution, it would emphasize
the health sciences. The decision was consistent with the SCLs’
commitment to health care and to meeting the needs of society,”
he says. “Since then, USM has implemented a wide array of
programs that reflect that emphasis.”
“
Our ideal students
will be individuals
who come from a wide range
of backgrounds but share
a deeply felt love
for working with people
and helping people.
”
— Joseph Tritchler
Submitted by USM Marketing Department
www.scls.org
29
C risto R ey ’ s class of 2 0 1 4
‘Looks forward to the good that
T
The spotlight at this year’s Dancing with the Kansas City Stars
was on Tajah Molden and Eddie Sanchez. The two alums of the
first Cristo Rey Kansas City graduating class (2006) received
their diplomas this year from Rockhurst University. Eddie has a
degree in business; Tajah, a bachelor of arts in psychology and
criminal justice. (Photo by Cristo Rey Institutional Advancement)
30
he 66 members of the Cristo Rey Kansas City class
of 2014 really aren’t very different from Tajah
and Eddie. In fall 2006, Tajah Molden and Eddie
Sanchez bought into the dream. As freshmen, they were
students in the first class of the newly-formed high school
sponsored by the SCLs. The promise of Cristo Rey was
that a private, Catholic, college preparatory high school
education was not only available to students with high
economic need, but also that this education would make
them ready for work and ready for college.
This spring, Tajah and Eddie graduated from Rockhurst
University. “Cristo Rey offered me hope and opened
many doors. If you ever think about your life and what
you have done to impact the world, think of me walking
across that stage and receiving my college degree and
know that I was grateful,” says Tajah.
Tajah and Eddie’s high school and college years were
full of firsts. They were among:
• The first students to attend Cristo Rey.
• The first graduates of the school.
• The first from their families to achieve both high
school and college graduation.
The good news continues with Cristo Rey’s class of
2014. As with that very first class in 2010, every graduate
this spring earned acceptance to college. Among the
recent Cristo Rey graduates, 87 percent are the first in
their families to attend college.
Points of pride for Cristo Rey’s class of 2014:
• Students submitted 450 college applications to nearly
100 different colleges or universities.
• Institutions of higher learning awarded nearly
$2.7 million in combined college scholarships to
this year’s graduates.
• The first official National Honor Society Chapter was
established with 15 seniors and 21 juniors recognized
for their achievements.
• A Robotics Club blazed the path to the FIRST Tech
Challenge, the region’s premier robotics competition.
In its initial year, the Cristo Rey team custom-designed,
engineered and programmed a robot for competition.
• In state playoffs, Cristo Rey’s boys’ soccer team won the
district championship. Three team members received
is yet to be’
Class 1 All-State recognition, and two have received
scholarships to play college soccer.
• Cristo Rey’s girls’ basketball team went all the way in
the Great Plains Athletic Conference and remained
undefeated in the conference tournament.
• In the spirit of the SCLs, the senior class offered more
than 2,500 hours of volunteer community service.
As one of 26 schools in the Cristo Rey Network,
Cristo Rey is known as “A School That Works.” Through
an innovative Corporate Work Study Program, every
student works one day per week to offset approximately
half of the cost of his/her education. Currently, 110
companies partner with Cristo Rey to give students from
low-income families the opportunity to receive a collegeprep education that they otherwise could not afford.
Cristo Rey is accredited through AdvancEd and promotes
rigorous academics, real-world work experience and
life-stabilizing values to a diverse population of 381 students
from throughout Kansas City’s urban neighborhoods.
Submitted by Cristo Rey Institutional Advancement Department
Conceptual physics is part of the freshman course of studies
at Cristo Rey Kansas City. In this lab exercise, students are
measuring the elasticity of various objects. (Photo by David Tsai,
Hall Family Foundation)
Saint John Hospital: 150 years and counting
First civilian hospital in Kansas
has a long history of service
O
n March 15, 1864, the Sisters of Charity
of Leavenworth received their first
patients at Saint John Hospital – a ragged
family of Civil War refugees fleeing from Sherman’s
Army. Even though the hospital, originally located at
Seventh and Kiowa Streets, Leavenworth, was not yet
finished and had minimal supplies, the Sisters took
the family in, fed and clothed them, and gave them
a fresh start.
One hundred and fifty years later, the staff at
Saint John remains committed to improving the
health of Leavenworth area residents. To celebrate
its milestone anniversary, the hospital is planning
a year-long celebration in 2014.
On Friday, March 28, the 150th Anniversary
Celebration began with the unveiling of plans for the
hospital’s new Emergency Room. The state-of-the-art
facility will be located in the Saint John Medical Plaza
on the grounds of the hospital.
Saint John meets the health care needs of a broad
patient base that includes city and county residents,
military families, university personnel and students,
farmers and individuals affiliated with the area’s four
prisons. The hospital is now part of Prime Healthcare
Services, which is just as committed to investing in the
future of Saint John as the Sisters were to charting the
first 150 years.
Submitted by the Marketing and Public Relations Department,
Providence Medical Center and Saint John Hospital
www.scls.org
31
USM’s Global Studies Institute
promotes peace, awareness through events
T
he Lawrence D. Starr Global
Studies Institute (GSI) at
the University of Saint Mary
(USM), Leavenworth, worked
overtime this spring to broaden
global horizons — with events both
on and off the USM campus.
On April 22, the GSI hosted a
special photo exhibition and talk
featuring Alma Habib, alum. She
focused on her volunteer work in
Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon
over the 2013-2014 winter break.
Alma, a Leavenworth resident,
graduated from USM in 2013 with
a nursing degree. Her resumé of
service activities is extensive,
including her efforts to start a
non-profit organization to raise
money for Syrian refugees.
In her talk, Alma explored her own
ties to Syria, the motivation that
pushed her toward humanitarian
relief work at the refugee camps
and the challenging conditions
faced by refugees.
“This was a wonderful celebration
of the service and accomplishments
of an outstanding student who is
giving back to the world,” says
Dr. Karenbeth Zacharias, director
of the university’s GSI.
The GSI also helped sponsor two
major local cultural events. Through
GSI, USM became one of three
educational partners helping sponsor
the “Roads of Arabia” exhibit at
the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
April 25-July 6. The groundbreaking
exhibit presents about 7,000 years
of history and archaeology of the
32
Alma Habib
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and
features more than 200 recently
excavated objects that hadn’t been
on display outside of Saudi Arabia
until 2010. The exhibit’s other
educational partners are the
University of Central Missouri
and the University of MissouriKansas City.
“The Starr Global Studies Institute
is dedicated to peace through understanding and education, and we are
proud to be an educational partner
with the Nelson-Atkins Museum of
Art in bringing ‘Roads of Arabia:
Archaeology and History of the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’ to Kansas
City and the Midwest Region,” says
Dr. Zacharias. “‘Roads of Arabia’ is a
unique opportunity for students and
our community to view Arabia within
the context of its history at the crossroads of the earliest civilizations.”
The GSI also sponsored
“Envision, Empower, Embrace:
Inspiring Change for Women,”
a presentation of the United Nations
Association Women – Greater
Kansas City, at Grace and Holy
Trinity Cathedral Founder’s Hall
in Kansas City, Mo. The April event
was intended to raise awareness
and inspire change for issues
impacting women and girls locally
and globally. Farida Deif, deputy
chief of the UN Trust Fund to
End Violence Against Women, was
the featured speaker. Other event
sponsors included the Zonta Club
of Kansas City II and the Center
for Global Peace Journalism at
Park University.
Article and photo submitted by USM
Marketing Department
Blessings! ¡Bendiciones!
Selected poems
by Sister Mary Janet McGilley
The following two poems appear in Lean to the Times,
a recently published collection of poetry
by Sister Mary Janet McGilley, former president
of the University of Saint Mary.
Sister Mary Janet died in 2003.
See related article, page 18.
The Future
Lean to the times
as if they were friends
bringing gifts
prepared for
by the happy past,
and they will teach you
not to fear
time’s inexorable advance.
Thanksgiving: Australia
Here on the underside of the globe,
this is no special Thursday,
except for the cattle-branding day.
For me, an upside down time,
time to plant, not to harvest,
summer coming on and school ends
in December. Aborigines
recall Indians and the same fate,
but no pilgrims seeking freedom.
The reverse: a new world as prison.
Reversed seasons, reversed beginnings;
do these brand us in different ways
or merely different rhythms, different routes
to a similar harvest?
The book of poetry can be purchased
in the University of Saint Mary
Spirit Shop, Leavenworth, or online at
https://universityofsaintmary.3dcartstores.com/.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Consolidated
Mailing Corporation
Cantwell Hall
4200 South Fourth Street
A publication of the
Cantwell Hall
4200 South Fourth Street
www.scls.org

Voices of Charity -Summer 2014 - Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth

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