Fall 2004 - Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine

Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine
j
Fall
2004
NORM WENGERD 2004 CARITAS
SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Enthusiastic applause filled the Mount Augustine chapel on August
28th, the Feast of St. Augustine, as Norm Wengerd received the CSA's
highest service award. Every four years, the Caritas Service Award
is given to someone who embodies the CSA charism with a life of
service and charity. Norm Wengerd was a popular choice. With wife
Polly by his side, as well as his three children Kristy, Josh and Audrey,
Norm accepted hugs of congratulations from the CSA community,
family and friends. Bishop Edward Pevec celebrated the afternoon
liturgy, which included the annual missioning of CSA and CSA Associates. Dinnerfollowed highlighted by a three-foot long cake baked and
decorated by Sr. Mary Dorothy Tecca.
A closer look at Norm Wengerd
Ask Norm Wengerd how he has been able, for over 33 years, to say
'yes' to the Sisters of Charity and he'll readily acknowledge the support
he has received from God and from his wife, Polly.
Sr. Miriam Erb presents The Caritas Service
Award 2004 to Norm Wengerd
Currently a director on the Sisters of Charity Canton Foundation Board,
Norm's career with the CSA Health System began as a respiratory
therapist. Shift supervisor, education coordinator, and Associate
Director of Respiratory Therapy at Mercy Medical Center were
stepping-stones for Norm. In 1974, he was named Director of the
Respiratory Therapy Department, a position that he held for 7 years. He
became President for Marketing and Outreach at Mercy in 1981 and in
1986 he was appointed Vice President for Corporate Development of
the CSA Health System based in Cleveland. He returned to Mercy as
the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Six years later
he was asked to assume the position of interim President and Chief
Executive Officer. In 2003, he served in the same capacity at St. John
Westshore Hospital.
In all of these varied professional endeavors. Norm distinguished
himself as an effective and loyal partner with CSA in ministry. A man of
deep personal spirituality, Norm is characterized by colleagues as "a
peacemaker" and "a good listener, attentive to the needs of people."
Norm Wengerd and Sr. Eileen Keating
Caritas Award 2004 - (left to right) Sr. Judith Ann
Karam, Norm Wengerd,Polly Wengerd, Sr. Mary
Patricia Barrett
Norm's first and most important job is that of husband and father. Kathy
Miller, Norm's secretary at Mercy recalls with admiration that Norm
often adjusted his schedule to find time for lunch and a long talk with
his wife or children. The Wengerds have three children and Norm
tried to make sure that everybody received the attention from him that
they deserved. Polly and Norm have been married over 25 years. This
faith-filled couple shares warmth and compassion as readily as their
constant smiles. Among Polly's talents is a great home baked bread that
everybody enjoys.
As if working for and with CSA isn't enough, Norm spends many hours
in support of his church community. Last April, he completed a crosscountry bicycle trip to raise money for the construction of Lake Center
Christian High School. He raised $350,000 for the cause and rallied the
support of the Hartville community. The CSA community was proud and
enthusiastic about presenting Norm Wengerd with its highest honor,
the Caritas Service Award.
MOUNT AUGUSTINE HOSTS
SACRED SPACES
Sisters and friends from near and far journeyed to Mount
Augustine this summer to stroll through our tranquil
gardens. Everyone present enjoyed the chance to take time
and appreciate the sweetness of our surroundings. The
Sacred Spaces Committee is a collaborative effort between
local religious communities to showcase their
motherhouses and grounds.
Sr. Rita Louise Neader and Sr. Juletta Murray at Sacred Spaces
Sr. Carole DeCrane
Sacred Spaces
Sr. Mary Grace Betzler'(L) and friends'iafSacred Spaces garden tour
Images is a newsletter published by:
Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine
5232 Broadview Road
Richfield, Ohio 44286
Staff for this issue:
Sr. Miriam Erb
Sr. Cheryl Keehner
Mrs. Caryn Kish
Sr. Mary Denis Maher
Sr. Mary Lois Phillipp
Editor: Mrs. Eileen Biehl
V.V
Sr. Christopher Vozobule and
Mrs. Anne Murray at Sacred Spaces
Visit our web sitewww.srsofcharity.org
to carry out the ministry of Jesus Christ. We need to be seeds and
plant seeds around us!
Harvest time is filled with blessings. After the long labor of
planting the seeds, fertilizing, watering and hoping for good
weather, eventually the fruits of labor are seen. Harvesting
happens and rejoicing begins. This issue of Images celebrates
the efforts and benefits of our harvest.
The CSAs have always been committed to peace and justice. In
this spirit, a day of peace in August was planned. The Peace Fair
brought together people of all ages and cultures. The Fair offered
practical ways of being peacemakers including rituals, songs
and dancing as well as ways to foster and nurture inner peace.
The atmosphere of the day was inviting; the results of the day
were nourishing and practical. All who attended the Peace Fair
were challenged to a new level
of living interior peace. I am
grateful to Sr. Catherine Walsh,
the Peace Fair committee and
presenters for the opportunity
to reflect on how, as individuals, we contribute to the peace
of the world.
I write this column on the
Feast of St. Augustine, our
community feast day. This
morning, I prayed gratefully
for the "yes, I will come"
of the two Augustinian
sisters and two postulants
who were invited by Bishop
Rappe in 1851 to come to
Cleveland and begin a
As we watch the summer
ministry as "hospital
colors change and blow away,
sisters." These courageous
I am confident that new seeds
women were the "seeds"
have been planted, and new
of CSA. Thankfulness filled
fruit will be harvested. Each
my heart as I prayed for
of us is a gift, the beginning of
the many, many Sisters of
something significant. We are
Charity of St. Augustine who
each planted, nourished and
make up our rich history. _____
harvested, called to transform
Women who were the seeds Vocation Committee Members (left to right) Sr. Rosella Holloman, Sr. Miriam Erb,
the world. What seeds am I
Sarah Lundeen
of the ministries that cared
planting today to be harvested
for the sick, orphans, babies
later in my life? What seeds are my community sowing for the
and unwed mothers. Women who planted seeds of faith, justice
preservation of life and of the earth? What will the harvest be
and knowledge in schools, parishes and hospitals by teaching
that effects lasting positive change in individuals and in the
by example and direction. CSA sisters who were kernels of hope
safeguarding of the world? Most important, how do I use my time,
and hard work with care for the homeless, the immigrants and
resources, and opportunities now for a future harvest to benefit
those affected by and afflicted with AIDS. My prayers included
others? How do I use
^
our newest ministries, which are cultivating seeds with those
the "power within"
who seek to answer the call of God's voice through their lives
me for the good of all?
and through service. The numerous women who have been the
seed and soil in service to others were the focus of my prayers of
Bountiful God, how
thanksgiving.
short is the time
in which to sow
In a ritual meditation performed at the United Nations Women's
seeds for a beautiful
Conference in Beijing, the concept of "seed" was explored. The
harvest. Thank you
meditation was centered on the idea that the seed has potential
for all that we have,
and authority. Instead of "power over" the seed represents
all that we have had,
"power within." The meditation offered many challenges to
all that we will have.
reflect upon. "A seed lies dormant until it breaks open under the
Bountiful God, thank
soil, sprouts forth, blossoms, bears fruit, matures, withers, and
you for what we can
returns to the ground. What a marvel to behold, the seed! It will
be and for the graces
be what it is meant to be. We, too, are seeds; called to be what
of what we will be.
we are meant to be. I must do all that I can to make sure that you
God of the Harvest,
become what you are meant to be - and you must do the same
thank you.
for me." It is our call, rooted in the gospel and committed through
Baptism, to follow Christ and to be joined to the mission of the
Church in the transformation of the world in Christ. (CSA
Constitution- adapted) More simply, the power within us drives us
Sr. Miriam Erb, CSA
V.V
"My Spirit Finds Joy in God My Savior" was the theme of the
Jubilee Liturgy on September 19th. Officiating at the morning
liturgy was The Most Rev. Roger Gries, OSB. The Jubilarians, their
families and friends, CSA Sisters and Associates then shared the
noon meal and spent the afternoon visiting.
Celebrating seventy years of religious
life: Sister M. Verona Porter was born in
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and entered the order
from St. Joseph Parish. Graduation from St.
Thomas Hospital nursing school prepared
Sister for her many years in CSA hospitals.
She worked as a surgery supervisor at both
St. Vincent Charity and St. Thomas Hospitals
then in administration at Providence
Hospital (Columbia SC). When she retired,
Sr. M. Verona Porter, CSA
she cooked at Immaculate Heart of Mary
convent, was President of the Ladies' Guild
and found a new hobby -bingo. She currently resides at Regina
Health Center where she is a prayer partner. She offers
hospitality, a genuine smite andHrer wonderful trhtrcotete covered
marshmallowsto all she meets.
St. Vincent De Paul Parish in Cleveland
provided the foundation from which Sister
Evelyn Schroeder (Sr. M. Adrienne) entered |
the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. She
graduated from St. Vincent Charity Hospital
School of Nursing in 1947. The next 30
years were spent in various capacities of
hospital work including administration and
supervision at St. Vincent Charity Hospital,
Providence Hospital (Columbia SC), Timken
Mercy Hospital and De Paul Maternity
Sr. Evelyn Schroeder, CSA
and Infant Home in Cleveland. Sr. Evelyn
had a special way with the babies and loved them dearly. Upon
retiring in 1974, she became the Mt. Augustine librarian, a position
she held until 1984. Sister lives at Regina Health Center where
she brings a warm smile to all and spends time in her ministry of
prayer.
Sister Bernard Rostas' gift for teaching
was noticed early when she entered the
Sisters of Charity from St. Wendelin Parish
in Cleveland. In all, she spent about 40
years teaching and working in a number of
CSA schools including St. Joseph School,
Parmadale, St. Luke, Immaculate Heart
of Mary School and Holy Family. She
earned her Masters in Education in 1962.
Sr. M. Bernard Rostas, CSA
V.V
In 1979, she took some time to work for the community, and began
another career in 1985 working at the Chancery in the Diocese of
Cleveland doing computer data input. Moving to Timken Mercy
Hospital, she was the coordinator for the surgical bone retrieval
program, and later was a co-founder of Birth Right of Portage
County. She retired from Timken Mercy Hospital in 1992 after
being recognized for volunteering 13,000 hours. Moving to Mt.
Augustine, she helped with driving and wrapping beautiful gift
packages. She resides at Mt. Augustine where she has a ministry
of prayer.
Celebrating sixty years of religious life:
Sister Marian Warta entered the Sisters of
Charity from St. Francis De Sales,
Cleveland. She worked for 10 years as a
teacher and assistant cottage supervisor
at Parmadale. Several schools then
benefited from her experience, among
them Holy Family, St. Joseph and Immaculate Heart of Mary where she taught and
was the assistant principal. She was the
principal of Immaculate Heart of Mary for
Sr. Marian Warta, CSA
eight years. Using all her teaching experience, Sr. Marian spent 20 years with the Diocese of Cleveland
School Board as an educational consultant helping many
principals and classroom teachers. Retiring from the Diocese,
she assumedjJuties as the Mt. Augustine Librarian. Now retired
from those duties, she resides at Mt. Augustine and in her own
quiet way assists many RHC residents. She continues to do book
reviews for the community newsletter.
Sister M. George Paytas began her 60th
jubilee year with much anticipation but
died in April 2004 after a short illness. Her
family attended the Jubilee liturgy in her
honor and celebrated her memory by
giving the community a hand-carved
wooden head of Christ created by Sr.
George's nephew artist Jimmy Heintz.
Sister entered the Sisters of Charity from
St. Angela Parish and made her final vows
in 1950. She received her Bachelor in
Sr. M. George Paytas, CSA
Nursing in 1953 from St. John College. Her
next forty-two years were spent working in CSA hospitals in
various capacities. She was Assistant Director of the School of
Nursing at St. Thomas Hospital, Director of the Operating Room
at St. John Hospital, and Director of the School of Nursing at
St. Vincent Charity Hospital. After a Sabbatical she returned to
St. Vincent Charity Hospital in a variety of capacities including
support for families with someone hospitalized to providing
transportation for those with special needs. Retired from
volunteering at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in 2003, she resided at
Regina Health Center where she helped with transportation and
gathered sisters for study groups on the Constitution. Retirement
gave hertime for her other passions, centering prayer and golf.
The beautiful weather on Jubilee Day reminded all who knew her,
of where Sr. George would have wanted to be that afternoon.
I
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SR. REGINA FIERMAN AND JOSEPH'S HOME
"The 'harvest' here at Joseph's Home, after four years of ministry,
really are the residents," explained Sr. Regina Fierman, House
Monitor/Resident Educator. "We cultivate the ground for growth,
work to see the men thrive when they realize they are worthwhile,
nurture their self-esteem by our support and acknowledgement
of their small successes, which grow
eventually to large ones."
Sr. Regina was a member of the
original committee of CSA sisters in
1993 who looked at areas of need
where people were getting lost in the
cracks and dreamed about what they
could do to address the problem. One
of the needs the committee learned
about was that the homeless, who are
discharged from a hospital, have no
place to go for recuperation. Underthe
direction of Sr. Joan Gallagher, now
Director of Joseph's Home, the group
began planning for a place where men
could have a secure atmosphere for
recuperation and access programs
and services to enable them to find a
stable living arrangement and a job.
Sr. Regina Fierman and friend
Sr. Regina explained that in some cases the men think that
Joseph's Home is just a shelter and when the staff tries to
introduce concepts of responsibility and attempt to build structure
in their lives, they are resentful. "Caring for themselves, keeping
their room and clothes clean, helping with chores and other
responsibilities along with strong doses of staff affirmation does
help the men develop their self-worth," said Sr. Regina. "Of
course, Sr. Regina said, "as long as they can blame someone
else for their situation, they don't have to take responsibility. But
my greatest joy is when I see a resident that does make it, who
comes around. This usually happens when he has some kind of
success, maybe getting his GED (General Education Diploma) or
obtaining a job."
Joseph's Home does keep in contact
with the residents when they leave, both
because the federal funding the home
receives requires continuing check-up
for a year, but also because the staff
believes in strong, continuing support for
the men. Sr. Regina explained that the
reasons why the men are homeless vary;
some had a job and apartment, but lost it;
some have lived on the streets for many
years, and some have multiple underlying
causes fortheir homeless state.
On site, Joseph's Home offers art therapy,
Seeds of Literacy in preparation for
taking the GED, Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
meetings, job skills and computer
training, and spiritual programs. Some
exercise equipment is available as
well as computers. Additionally, some
training and services are arranged for
at off-site facilities.
"With my background in occupational
therapy as well as experience working
with patient relations and educational
services in several of our hospitals,
I felt I could make a contribution to
"Probably, our greatest need, now
this needed ministry," said Sr. Regina,
that we have the spiritual component
who has been working at Joseph's
in place, with Sr. Mary Grace Betzler,
Home since it opened in 2000. Today,
CSA, providing various prayer services
Joseph's Home, which can house 11
and counseling and the potential for
men in private rooms, is full with a
a Protestant chaplain, is for someone
waiting list of referrals from social
Sr. Regina Fierman, Sr. Carole DeCrane and Sr. Rita
who could provide continuity in
service agencies and hospitals in the
Louise Neader at Centering Space
activities, particularly for activities in
Greater Cleveland area.
the evening and on the weekends. Even
"Sr. Regina is indispensable," Sr.
opportunities for tickets for sporting
Joan said, "and I was ecstatic when she offered to come to serve events would be deeply appreciated," Sr. Regina said.
in the beginning."
A generous, take-charge person who does everything from pickJoseph's Home addresses the men's needs for medical recuperaing up food at the Food Bank, doing the other shopping, working
tion time, job training, income, housing, and self-esteem. "While
with the volunteers, coordinating various activities, attending to
we do not have all these programs on site, we act as advocates
the material needs of the men, attending meetings, Sr. Regina,
for the men in the welfare system, social security, and job skills
a member of the Sisters of Charity for 17 years, willingly does
training," said Sr. Regina. "A big issue which affects all the other
"whatever it takes" to keep Joseph's Home a true, supportive
areas, is the low self-image, the mistrust of the system, and the
place forthe men who call the converted convent "home" for a
struggles the men have had with the work system. Most of them
period of time.
haven't had structure in their lives before and we work hard to
provide structure and get them to take responsibility for their
"Through the ministry at Joseph's Home, I have come to love Sr.
actions."
Regina and the gift she brings to work each day. Her laughter
on the phone when she hears a familiar voice, her directness in
relating to residents, staff, and volunteers, and her willingness to
do whatever tasks arise each day. What a joy Sr. Regina has been
to all of us at Joseph's Home and to CSA," enthused Sr. Joan.
WE DREAM OF A WORLD OF PEACE
Children and adults gathered at Mount Augustine on August
7th to become peacemakers and peacekeepers. Activities
included making mandalas, dancing, singing and face
painting. CSA sisters, Associates and over 75 adults and
children participated in the day. Organized by the Social
Concerns Committee, the Peace Fair encouraged everyone
to make peace a personal and global priority.
Sr. Joan Gallagher at SJWS Festival of the Arts
Peace Fair participant
Sr. M. Petrina Scelfo - Peace Fair
Justine Sendelbach received a 2nd place award for her pressed
flower note cards. Sr. Bernard Rostas and Sr. Louise Willman
were 1st place winners with a group project titled "Proud to Be
an American." Winning projects were displayed in Dayton in
September.
/
Sisters Marian Durkin, Mary Ann Andrews, Carol Kandiko, Mary
Jean Eucker, Loretta Spotila and Denise Stiles attended the
Collaboration for Ministry Initiative Conference in Lexington,
Kentucky in September.
Sr. Judith Ann Karam and Sr. Miriam Erb recently returned from
a working trip to Paris, France and Rome, Italy. The highlight of
the trip was visiting Boulogne-sur-Mer and St. Louis Hospital
where the founding sisters of CSA were from. Sr. Miriam spotted
the original front door of the hospital and a plaque above it
The Diocesan Pastoral
Council has appointed Sr.
Mary Dorothy Tecca to a term
of service.
Joining Sr. Marian Durkin, Sr.
Sharon Anne Yanak is a new
member of the Commission on
Catholic Community Action.
Sr. Cheryl Keehner traveled
to Washington, D.C. to
participate in the Eucharistic
Conference. Sr. Mary ""
Anthony Gruetzmacher,
R.E., Regina Health Center
resident, was Sr. Cheryl's
traveling companion.
The Mid-Atlantic Archives
Conference in Pittsburgh was
the destination of Sr. Mary
Denis Maher in October.
Forty-Five years together in CSA! (left to right) Sr. Mary Lois Phillipp, Sr. Carol Kandiko, Sr. Mary Jean Eucker and
Summer and early autumn
Sr. Loretta Spotila
days were busy for Sr. Catherine Walsh. Accompanied
by Sr. Sheila Marie Tobbe, O.S.U., she traveled to Alderson Prison
for Women and the Catholic Worker house in West Virginia.
From there, they visited Sr. Dorothy Bondi, O.S.U. and Sr. Loretta
Spotila in Kentucky. Recent days have taken Sr. Kate and Sr.
Miriam Erb to Fort Worth, Texas for the LCWR (Leadership Council
of Religious Women). Sr. Kate attended the National Religious
Vocation Conference in Chicago in September. She ended her
busy summer with a visit with her family in Chicago and managed
to do a little Irish dancing with them before returning home.
AOPHA (The Advocate of Not-for-Profit Services for Older
Ohioans) sponsors art and writing shows each summer for
members of their resident facilities. Several Sisters of Charity
who reside at Mount Augustine participated in the 2004 Northeast
Region Art and Writing Exhibition. Srs. Ruth Ann Patrick, Venard
Kline, Rita Louise Neader and Corinne Baker were entrants. Sr.
dated 1623. "It was a thrill and a grace to touch our roots," said
Sr. Miriam. While at the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Boulogne
sur-Mer, the two sisters lit a candle and prayed for the community
and family and friends. The duo managed to complete CSA
community business in Rome as well as prevailing over a few
traveling challenges. At one point, Sr. Miriam reports that she and
Sr. Judy Ann were on trains going in opposite directions trying to
reach the same place. We are happy to report that they arrived
home on the same plane.
The 5th Annual Retreat for Gay and Lesbian Catholics was held
recently at the Jesuit Retreat House. Sr. Marian Durkin was a
co-director for that retreat.
Sisters of Charity of
St. Augustine
5232 Broadview Road
Richfield, OH 44286
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
"COME WITH ME INTO THE FIELDS."
The Gospels are full of invitations from Jesus to His followers. He
calls them to leave behind familiar shores and become "fishers of
men." He sends them out as "lambs among wolves" and expects
them to be "wise as serpents and simple as doves." Jesus invites
them into the fields where in the words of a Jesuit hymn. He
promises that their "arms may grow weary" and their "shoes
will wear thin." It makes you wonder; what was the draw? How
are we to hear the call of Jesus today? Where would we hear it?
What would entice us?
Perhaps we might better ask, as Jesus walks in our world today,
what would attract His attention? Would it be a rally on Public
Square, or a Peace Fair at Mt. Augustine; an all night vigil at
Lucasville or a homeless shelter such as Joseph's Home; a
negotiating meeting in a boardroom; a school construction site in
Hartville; a rest stop on the turnpike; perhaps a daycare center in
Canton; a hospice room; the Garden Center; Cedar Point?
As we rejoice together with our Jubilarians and all who have
labored long in the fields, let us recognize the voice of Jesus
in our own lives. "Come follow me. The harvest is plentiful. The
laborers are few." It just may be that, as those who have gone
before us, we will "find a treasure hidden in the field."