Journeys Fall/Winter 2011-12 - Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern

Volume 29, No. 2
Fall/Winter 2011-2012
Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania
Toward a Future Full of Hope
Welcome new SSJ Leadership
Meet our Leadership
Mary Herrmann, SSJ
President
Sister Mary’s most recent ministry was as
founding Director of the SSJ Neighborhood Network. She also served for many
years at Saint Vincent Health Center in
nursing/patient services and as Executive Vice President. She ministered as a
nurse clinician at the Booker T. Washington
Center in Erie and served as Vice President
of the Sisters of St. Joseph from 1989 to
1999. Sister Mary served on the Boards
of Saint Vincent Health System, St. Martin
Center, Saint Mary’s Home of Erie and
Villa Maria Academy. She continues to
serve as President of the Shankar Service
Foundation.
“This is a challenging, yet exciting, time to begin
serving in the ministry of Leadership,” said Sister
Mary. “We are called to a new vision of living our
mission of unity that includes more collaborating
and connecting with others throughout the world.
As always, we remain open to the action of God
in our lives to enable us to meet the needs of our
time and place.”
Clare Marie Beichner, SSJ
Treasurer
Sister Clare Marie was one of two Sisters
called to pioneer the development of
Catholic Rural Ministry in the Oil City
Deanery in 2007. She previously served as
Novice Director and Vocation Director for
the Sisters of St. Joseph and at the Prince
of Peace Center in Farrell, Pennsylvania as
a social worker. She was named Director
there in 1993. She taught at Our Lady’s
Christian and Our Lady of Peace Schools in
Erie and St. Catherine’s in DuBois, Pennsylvania. She has done outreach ministry
to the poor in Yucatan, Mexico; with the
Lakota Indians of South Dakota and in
Appalachia – Kentucky.
“My vision for Leadership is that we have one
desire: to be and become the Congregation God desires us to be. This ongoing transformation brings
a Gospel presence to our individual and communal journey that is enlivened, contemplative and
action-oriented. I know God will grace each of
us in Leadership ministry. As stated in one of our
Maxims, we quietly await the movement of grace
and when it comes, move gently with humility,
fidelity and courage toward a future full of hope.”
Journeys, Vol. 29, No. 2, Fall/Winter 2011-12
©2011 Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Inc.
Journeys is published by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern
Pennsylvania, Inc., Communications and Development Offices
5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506-1249. Phone 814-836-4100
Fax 814-836-4277 e-mail: [email protected]
2
On November 13, 2011, the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Northwestern Pennsylvania installed Sisters Mary Herrmann,
Clare Marie Beichner and Mary Ann White into Leadership.
They will serve the Congregation for the next four years.
fall/winter 2011-12
Mary Ann White, SSJ
Secretary
Sister Mary Ann’s most recent ministry
was in pastoral care at Saint Vincent Health
Center. Prior to that, she served as
Director of Training and Therapeutic Services at Gannondale and as parish minister
at St. Stanislaus Parish in Erie. She was
formerly Director of Religious Education
at Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Edinboro. She worked as Campus Minister at
Gannondale Residential Center, Erie, and
as an educator at Our Lady’s Christian,
Villa Maria Elementary, and St. Patrick
Schools in Erie. She was Campus Minister
at Villa Maria Academy and she worked
as an elementary educator and basketball
coach for the Farrell Area School District
in Farrell, Pennsylvania.
“I look forward to this new ministry with great
hope and excitement as we move forward into a
time in history when religious life is evolving in
new ways. There will be challenges, but through
prayer and conversation, we will be able to
re-imagine our future together and grow into it
as our first Sisters in France and the Erie Diocese
did.”
Editor: Stephanie Hall Cabelof, Director of PR and Communications
Contributing Writers: Nancy Fischer, SSJ; Stephanie Hall Cabelof,
SSJA; Rosemary O’Brien, SSJ; Kristina Huber, CFRE, SSJA, Director of
Development; John Brown, SSJA. Photography: Tim Rohrbach Photography.
Other photos are property of Sisters of St. Joseph and contributed photos.
Printed on recycled paper.
A courageous future
Sister Patricia Johnson, CSJ, was recently named executive director of
the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph.This long-time resident of
Hawaii, social worker, policy maker and self-proclaimed “geek-in-training”
shares with us her vision for a courageous future with a global focus on
power for mission, service to the dear neighbor and unioning love.
What called you to become a Sister of St. Joseph?
When I was at college at St. Louis University, I became involved in
a volunteer program called Full Achievement. The students ran a
tutoring program, scouts, summer recreation program and visited
elderly people in a poor neighborhood on the south side of
St. Louis.
In that neighborhood, there was a group of Sisters of St. Joseph
who I came to know and with whom I became friends. As I completed my master’s degree in social work, I was trying to figure
out how to create a support system that would keep me energized,
challenged and focused on serving the marginalized in society. I
began to realize I might not need to create that support because
the Sisters down the street seemed to have what I was seeking.
What has been your primary ministry?
Until about eight years ago, my primary work has been with
abused and neglected children, first as a social worker and then for
about 15 years as a manager. Over the last seven years, I have been
a senior manager at the Department of Human Services running
Adult Protective Services, managing Medicaid waivers and, over
the last three years, serving as the assistant administrator for
Medicaid in the State of Hawaii.
I also had the opportunity to live in the Kalihi Valley Homes public
housing with two other Sisters for 34 years. This complex housed
over 200 low income families. After work hours, I mentored a
troubled youth and eventually ran a lending library.
Living in this neighborhood was very meaningful for me. I believe
that as a policy maker in state government, I had a unique perspective on the needs of the people for whom we were making policy.
I think it helped me recognize that my most lifegiving experiences are when I am sharing
life with the people I serve.
You have been in Hawaii for
more than 10 years. What
drew you there and how did
you come to find it home?
I lived in Hawaii for three years
as a child. I remembered it as
a place where I felt at one with
nature and at peace. I also valued the
multi-cultural make-up of the population. When I was considering moving
to Hawaii, I thought I could combine
the opportunity to do the work I
enjoyed with the beauty of Hawaii. I can honestly say that although
I worked hard in Hawaii, I really did learn how to live a more balanced life.
What are some of the responsibilities of the role and
from where will you be working?
Headquartered in St. Louis, I will be working to implement the
vision and strategic plan of the U.S. Federation, working most
closely with the Federation Leadership Council, the Federation
Assembly, and its many committees. The executive director really
serves as the connector, keeping all the pieces of the operation in
motion and ensuring appropriate communication with the members and various constituencies. I will represent the U.S. Federation in the CSSJ Global Community.
What are some of your initial goals going in to this position?
One of my goals is to help make information about the Federation
readily available to all the Sisters, associates and ministry partners
in easily accessible forms. I have been a “geek-in-training” for
several years now, trying to learn new technologies and to apply
them to work and community settings. I hope to be able to further
enhance communication and create paperless processes for Federation activities whenever possible.
What do you hope to learn?
This position offers me the opportunity to listen and learn from
some of the best thinkers within the congregations, leaders who
are thinking and writing about religious life and contemporary
theology, and people who understand global connections and
international responsibilities in a very focused way. This exposure
will surely enrich my life and enhance my global perspective while
further deepening my commitment to the Sisters of St. Joseph.
What do you see as one of the major challenges ahead?
We are more aware that we live in a global world and how this
impacts our vision more than at any previous time in our history.
This increased awareness of the interconnectedness of all peoples
shapes our world vision, our values and our actions. This paradigm
shift is hard to adjust to and makes our individual and corporate
decision-making more complex. It stretches us in ways few of us
might have imagined, even 10 years ago.
Called to serve God and neighbor 175 years ago, six
sisters faithfully and courageously ventured out to a
new land. How do you see the Federation courageously
and faithfully venturing into the future?
The Federation commitment to be and act as one is courageous
and the implications for the future are staggering. I don’t think we
can even begin to imagine the corporate power for mission that
we might achieve by pushing our agenda of unioning love with a
global focus together. As the U.S. Federation, representing the
current world super-power, our voice for all our sisters worldwide
and our dear neighbor must be exceptionally strong.
Reprinted with permission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet,
St. Louis from Connections, Spring 2011
Journeys
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
3
Sisters of St. Joseph
welcome newest member
Carmel Rojek, SSJ
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania welcomed Carmel Rojek, SSJ, into Perpetual Profession with the Congregation on October 30, 2011.
Sister Carmel had been a member of the Franciscan
Missionary Sisters of Assisi since 1963 before transferring to the Sisters of
St. Joseph.
Transferring to
another religious community is a vocational choice
made by someone who
has been in religious life
for many years. A Sister
who transfers often experiences it as fidelity to
her vocational journey –
being faithful to what God
desires in her life. Many who move through the process
find that the roots of their vocation are strengthened
and they re-discover the depth of their commitment
to God.
Sister Carmel is originally from Lackawanna, New
York. She received an Associate of Arts degree from
Holyoke Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in
Science from the University of Massachusetts School of
Nursing. Sister Carmel was originally accepted into the
Sisters of St. Joseph of Buffalo before choosing to enter
the Franciscan community. She received a Certificate of
Studies in 1991 from the Pontifical Institute of Regina
Mundi in Rome, Italy. She later served for six years as
Provincial of her Congregation in the United States.
After participating in a religious renewal program
in 2007-2008, she sought guidance for transfer to
another institute and ultimately asked to be accepted
into the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. She completed a three-year formation program
that included exploration and discernment with a mentor as well as studying SSJ history and Constitutions.
She made profession to the Sisters of St. Joseph on
October 30, 2011. During this time, her ministry has
been, and continues to be, caregiving to elderly persons
in their homes.
4
fall/winter 2011-12
FALL/WINTER
Moving
Toward the Future
with Hope
Transformation of Religious Life
“I do not understand
the mystery of grace—
only that it meets us where we are, but
does not leave us where it found us.”
T
hese words of writer Ann Lamott could well
express the experience of the Sisters of St. Joseph
of Northwestern Pennsylvania as we move toward our future
with hope.
It is no secret that religious life for the majority of
U.S. Sisters is at a crossroads. Women religious across the
country sense a new era is emerging and many have decided
to embark together on a different way of discerning the
future. Religious life has a future in this time and beyond.
Although the high number of women who entered after
World War II is no longer the reality, those who do come
are totally committed to the quest for God and sharing this
vision through their presence and their lives of ministry.
Recently, in a September 2011 speech at St. Mary’s College
in Indiana, theologian Sister Sandra Schneiders expressed,
“We will not look today or in the future as we looked in the
past—either in outer appearance, or in age, or in numbers,
or in lifestyle, or in ministry. But we will be what we have
been since the first century, disciples personally called by
Christ to commit ourselves totally to him.”
The communal experiences of continuing formation
and the significant events of our 150th anniversary year in
particular, have evoked questions regarding our past, present
and future:
Where are we now and where are we going?
What is God’s call for us at this time in our history?
We believe that the time is now; that we are the ones
who are standing on the threshold of a new horizon. We
are being invited to move into the future together, grateful
for the courageous pioneer women on whose shoulders we
stand, and trusting the God who beckons us into a future
that will require deep faith and courage.
A planning committee, established and supported by
Congregational Leadership, proposed a futuring process for
2011-2012. The process is based on one led by Luisa M.
Saffiotti, Ph.D., and Fintan Sheeran, SSCC, for congregational leaders, members and religious formation personnel
throughout the country. This process, “Transformation of
Religious Life—An Action Oriented Initiative,” sponsored
by the Religious Formation Conference, speaks to our
contemporary experience of religious life and the challenges
we face.
The process calls for a more contemplative approach that
“will open us to a deeper place within ourselves so we can
create with God the future God intends.” (Marie McCarthy,
Sister of Providence). These words reflect the contemplative
path the Leadership Conference of Women Religious has also
chosen to discern God’s desire for women religious today.
Many of our Sisters have wholeheartedly responded to
the invitation of the planning committee to participate in the
futuring process by forming small intentional communities.
These small communities are meeting regularly through June
2012 to pray and discuss the deeper questions related to our
future together.
Sister Clare Marie Beichner, SSJ, a member of the futuring
initiatives committee recalled when she first learned of the
process. “They used a river as a metaphor as they explained
the process,” she said. “Imagine standing beside a river and
being beckoned by the other side. You may be content where
you are; you may want to wait, hoping a bridge will be
built; or you may impulsively jump right in without thinking, possibly putting yourself in danger. Or, you may reflect
and consider your options, test the temperature of the water
with your toe and then carefully inch your way in, knowing
that each step forward means more letting go of where you
are. You are being drawn to experience the fullness of the
flow of the river.”
This is what is happening with religious life as we move
forward. We are being beckoned further and we ask for the
grace to be open and responsive to receive the fullness of
God’s intent for our future.
Our prayer is that this futuring initiative will nurture the
sparks of hope in each of our hearts. The compelling needs
of the world and our Church call for hearts on fire with
God’s compassion and mercy.
“Now is the time for healing . . .
Now is the time for hope . . .
Expand our hearts, deepen our relationships,
and strengthen our zeal . . .”
Journeys
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
5
5
Nearly 900 Sisters of St. Joseph and Associates,
including 36 Sisters and 5 Associates from Erie
(right) attended the U.S. Federation of Sisters of
St. Joseph gathering this past July in St. Louis,
Missouri. They celebrated their 361st year of
reaching out to the ‘dear neighbor’ throughout the world, and the 175th year of serving in
ministries in the United States. They gathered
to expand their hearts and deepen their relationships through prayer and celebration. “We
gathered from 16 American foundations and 20
countries, representing all but one continent,”
said Dorinda Young, SSJ. “The brilliant contrast
of colors on the stage provided a breathtaking
backdrop and the theme, ‘Zeal for Healing the
Neighborhood of God’s Sacred Universe’ was
electrifying.” (Hats off to Associate Stephen
Kuhn, the only male in the Erie contingent and
one of only a few at the event!)
Gat
hered by
Kathy McCluskey, CSJ, the immensely gifted
outgoing Executive Director of the Federation, welcomed the group. Incoming Director,
Patricia Johnson, CSJ, was introduced to the
group at the Event (see story on page 3).
U.S. Federation
of Sisters of St. Joseph
Event 2011
“The opening session was spectacular,” said Michele Healy, SSJ.
“Singing, praying, and most of all, connecting with Sisters and
Associates from around the world! A sense of unity in our
diversity was very evident.”
6
fall/winter 2011-12
FALL/WINTER
Sister Lucille DeStefano, SSJ, Sr. Min Shik Kim, CSJ (Baden,
PA Sisters of St. Joseph); and Mary Fromknecht, SSJ
Keynote speaker Margaret Wheatley (left), a renowned writer, speaker, and teacher who
works from the belief that whatever the problem, community is the answer, spoke of using our
own power to lead in an oppressive world. She challenged the group to keep its zeal going
even when encountering opposition, fatigue and discouragement. She described the chaos and
insanity of the world, rife with consumerism and violence. She reminded the group that as
Sisters of St. Joseph, Associates and partners in ministry, “we bring the sanity of love.” We do
nothing alone, she said. We do all that is meaningful and life-giving in relationship. In the earliest SSJ documents from Father Jean Pierre Medaille, SJ, the call to relationship can be found.
It is a way of life, a daily struggle to preserve the bonds of love
among each other in a society that so often seeks to divide,
demonize and dominate the neighbor.
The concept of relationship led into the insightful presentation by Catherine T. Nerney, SSJ, PhD. (right), whose goal
is to bring the CSSJ mission and spirituality into a mutually
transformative conversation with our contemporary, global
situation. She explored more deeply the mystery of selfemptying love that equates to willingness to give all for the sake of God and
neighbor. The word compassion threaded its way throughout her presentation. She used the images of burning energy and ardent passion and reminded
the group to reflect on where it is going. Our yearning is not yet finished,
she said. We have not yet reached the limits of our longing.
She talked about ZEAL, the theme of the gathering. Referencing
Thomas Aquinas, she reminded us that ZEAL is a vehement movement of one who loves passionately. It is a burning energy,
the very life of God who inspires us to enlarge our capacity for loving. In that act
of loving we say to the dear neighbor: “There is room for you in me.” Zeal is
an active concept. It seizes us, and it carries us into the realm of passionate
love – love that is willing to sacrifice all for the good of the other.
t
he River
Zeal is what impels us to
action, such as learning more
about the sin of human trafficking which infects every
corner of our world. Zeal
led the group to listen with a
humble admiration to Katie
(left) as she told her story of
redemption from the horrors
of this modern day slavery.
And it was zeal that led to
the collaboration with the
Millennium Hotel and many
others to take a concrete step
to protect others from its
scourge (more on page 13).
“Zeal for healing the
neighborhood of God’s
sacred universe.”
Sister Michele Healy, SSJ, described the Event liturgy. “What a
prayerful, inspiring experience! Sisters waving banners of green
and blue – they practically floated into the ballroom – led by a
bowl of fire. The Gospel of the sower sowing seeds was acted
out in mime with parts read by several Sisters. It was outstanding! Our own Sister Linda Fusco proclaimed the first reading so
beautifully and our Sr. Joyce Lowrey read some lines of the Gospel.
Loaves of bread and wine were passed to all the tables and were
raised in unison as the priest raised the cup and bread from the
altar on the stage – again another moment of unity.”
Journeys
7 13.
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF NORTHWESTERN
PENNSYLVANIA
Continued
on page
Partners
in Ministry
T
hree sponsored ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph
of Northwestern Pennsylvania are presently under the
leadership of a lay person rather than a vowed Sister of
St. Joseph. Women religious throughout the United
States are increasingly employing lay partners in leadership positions of their sponsored ministries. Since January 2011, Scott
Whalen Ph.D. has served as Chief Executive Officer of Saint Vincent
Health System taking over the spot left when Angela Bontempo
retired. Bontempo was the first non-vowed partner to lead the
Health System. In July 2009, Damon Finazzo became the second
non-vowed principal of Villa Elementary School, and Rosmari
Graham stepped in as Director of the SSJ Neighborhood Network
in 2011 following Sister Mary Herrmann’s retirement from that
ministry.
Many other non-vowed lay partners are involved in SSJ ministries
and are an integral part of continuing the SSJ mission. Audrey
Urban serves as Administrator of Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge,
and lay Associate Directors as well as Associates serve in leadership
positions for St. James and St. Patrick Havens. Within the Congregation’s administrative staff, several lay partners hold key positions
including in the Development, Finance and Communications offices.
All of these positions had historically been held by Sisters.
The continued success of our ministries and, more important, the
continuance of the Congregation’s mission, relies more and more
on the dedication of lay partners who believe in the mission and
who demonstrate a passion for mission-driven work.
We recently had conversations with Scott Whalen, Damon Finazzo
and Rosmari Graham about their roles. We share with you some of
their comments and insight into their commitment to our mission.
What is your experience with Catholic, faith-based, missiondriven organizations?
In the last issue of Journeys, we explored the significance of the relationships the Sisters of St. Joseph
have with non-vowed, lay partners in ministry. We
examined how these collaborations have evolved and
their increasing importance to the Sisters’ mission.
Here, we introduce you to some of the Sisters’ lay
partners in ministry and hear from them how they
are carrying the SSJ mission torch.
Above: Scott Whalen, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Saint Vincent Health
System. Right: Scott Whalen, (far right), with, (from left), Carol Morehouse,
SSJ, Vice President of Mission Integration at Saint Vincent Health Center, Mark
Wrobelewski, son of Shelly Wrobelewski (center), this year’s winner of the
Saint Vincent We Know How to Treat People award and Maureen Chadwick,
Chief Nursing Officer.
8
fall/winter 2011-12
Whalen: I worked for two faith-based health care ministries. I
was with Trinity Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems — and the 12th largest health system — in the United States.
Sharing the traditions of its founders, the Sisters of Mercy Regional
Community of Detroit and the Congregation of the Sisters of the
Holy Cross, Trinity Health is a faith-based organization — specifically a Catholic health care delivery system — devoted to a ministry of healing and hope and drawing on a rich and compassionate
history extending beyond 140 years. I also served with Ascension
to furthering the overall Christian mission that we, as Catholics, are
called to live.
Damon Finazzo, Principal of Villa Maria Elementary School with (from left)
Sr. Joyce Lowrey, Sr. Ann Marie Cappello, Sr. Ann Marie Joint, Sr. Perpetua
Dickant, SSJ Associate Jane Zawacki, Sr. Margaret Frank and SSJ Associate
Mary Wright at the school’s Mission Day celebration.
Health, the largest Catholic healthcare system in the United States.
Ascension Health was formed in 1999 and is sponsored by the
Daughters of Charity, the Congregation of St. Joseph and the Sisters
of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
Graham: I believe the SSJ mission is the root of the ministry I serve.
It is who we are and projects where we want to be. “Stimulated by the
Holy Spirit of love and receptive to His inspirations the Sister of
St. Joseph moves always toward profound love of God and love of neighbor
without distinction from whom she does not separate herself and for whom, in
the following of Christ, she works in order to achieve unity both of neighbor
with neighbor and neighbor with God...” This simple statement helps us
minister in the present and move forward to the future. Our mission
at the SSJNN is to provide leadership, advocate for local residents,
and partner with the broader community to develop opportunities
for both personal growth and neighborhood revitalization. Every day
I ask myself the same question that is part of the discernment process
of the Sisters of St. Joseph, “what would God want me to do and, is God
happy with my decisions today?” I believe these two questions are ever
important to our ministry and carrying on the work of the Sisters.
As lay leaders, we need to be ever-conscious of the SSJ mission and
incorporate it into our every day’s work through our ministry. Not
only is it a great ministry philosophy, it is a great way of life.
Finazzo: My Catholic faith and my commitment to its continued mission has been the driving force in my life’s journey. Until
attaining the position at VME, my journey had not led me to fully
combine my faith with my professional life. I have really enjoyed
taking all of my experiences from parish memberships, Christian
formation, retreat participation, outreach missions, and collegiate
activity and joining them with all of my public school experiences to
help further the Catholic, Christian, and ecumenical mission of
Villa Maria Elementary School and the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Graham: I worked for four years as Development Director for
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie. For most of my adult life,
I have worked for a mission-driven organization. I have always felt
that my life is to be used to support my spirituality through missiondriven work.
Why is the SSJ mission important to the future of the ministry
you serve?
Whalen: It’s what makes the difference. It equates to an extremely high level of caring. A major part of who the SSJs are is the
focus on relationships. Those characteristics can’t be replaced with
technology. There are things you can do in the scope of your work
here that you can’t do in a non faith-based health care entity. You
can live your faith, and pray – and it’s encouraged. The mission
brings in the element of Catholic social justice. It’s important that I
understand that and do what I can to ensure that going forward.
Finazzo: The SSJ mission, “unity of neighbor with neighbor and
neighbor with God” is the cornerstone to everything that we do in
our school. When we are charged with teaching and preparing children for the future, to lead homes, businesses, societies and nations,
it is important that they understand God’s call for us to love each
other and God unconditionally. Passing on this mission is essential
Rosmari Graham, Director of the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network, speaking at a press conference announcing
Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) Tax Credit Donations
to support revitalization efforts in Little Italy.
What do you do in your position to ensure the SSJ mission
endures in the ministry you serve?
Whalen: I aspire to “servant leadership” which encompasses being
inspired by the people who work for you because of the work they
have done. On a day-to-day basis, I try to model mission integration
to our Leadership Team and Saint Vincent Associates. I model the
values we want as we move forward.
Journeys
Continued on page 15.
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
9
Fait
h
Faith is trust, hope, and belief in the goodness,
trustworthiness or reliability of a person.
Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and
love--and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
15th Annual SSJ Spirit of Courage
2011 SSJ Spirit of Courage honorees (l-r) Lisa Huffman; Jane
Theuerkauf, SSJ Spirit of Courage Unity Award; Dr. Joanne
Curry Carlburg; Mary Knight-Strong; John Manison and Toni
Ann Dillon.
Meeting an SSJ Spirit of Courage honoree is to be a witness of extraordinary faith. Each honoree’s unique story demonstrates believing when all the
odds are seemingly against doing so. For 15 years, the Sisters of St. Joseph
have had the privilege of honoring individuals for their spirit of courage. Their
stories are remarkable; their faith is enviable. We discovered that many of the
honorees received support through connections with Sisters or ministries of
the Sisters. It is our hope that by sharing their stories, others will test their
faith in a similar fashion and seek support through our ministries.
Please consider nominating someone for an SSJ Spirit of Courage honor.
His or her story could be the motivation for someone else to trust, hope and
believe in something better. Nominations are accepted through our website
www.ssjerie.org or by completing and mailing an application to:
Sisters of St. Joseph
c/o Spirit of Courage
5031 West Ridge Road
Erie, PA 16506
23rd Annual SSJ Thanksgiving Dinner
Roman philosopher Cicero said, “Where there’s life, there is hope.” Over the course of
23 years, thousands of persons have come to the Sisters of St. Joseph Thanksgiving Dinner
for a hot meal, for companionship, or in search of that hope. Thousands more have
benefitted from the SSJ Thanksgiving Dinner Fund.
The meal is made possible through the generosity of benefactors who give
to the SSJ Thanksgiving Dinner Fund and corporations who provide some of the
food at no, or reduced cost. We are grateful to so many: the volunteers who pull
the event together, the Hands All Around Erie Quilt Guild for making quilted
placemats, the anonymous florist who donates fall centerpieces each year and area
Sunshine groups and students who make favors for guests, hold fundraisers and
decorate placemats. All those little details and special touches coming together
is what makes this event special. Our wish is that all who connect with this great
gathering come away with belief in others and a renewed sense of hope.
Love
Love of God and neighbor... no greater gift.
Hope is the emotional state which promotes
the belief in a positive outcome related to
events and circumstances in one's life.
Volunteers Nancy Milkowski (l) and her mother, Gert
Milkowski with Santa at this year’s Thanksgiving Dinner.
Mother Agnes Spencer, SSJ Legacy Society
We continue to seek ways to address the needs of God’s
people and we recognize how important you are to helping us
fulfill our mission. We provide opportunities to give that help to
guarantee our mission will continue. A planned gift to the Sisters
of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania will have meaning and
impact for years to come.
We honor those who make a lasting commitment by including charitable gifts to the Sisters of St. Joseph in their estate plans.
Those who remember the Sisters through a will, trust, designation
or other planned gift, are invited into the Mother Agnes Spencer,
SSJ Legacy Society (MAS). Involvement in the Legacy Society
10
Hope
fall/winter 2011-12
provides the opportunity to leave a legacy that will protect and
strengthen our mission and ministries. MAS Legacy Society
members are invited to all SSJ events and are recognized in
publications, on our benefactor wall and on our website.
You may choose to remain anonymous in your philanthropy, however, participation in the MAS Legacy Society can be
a rewarding experience and may inspire others to look toward
the future and consider how a “gift of a lifetime” will impact the
advancement of the Sisters’ mission.
For additional information, please contact the SSJ Development Office (814) 836-4202.
2011 SSJ Fund
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If you have not given to a charity this year, we welcome the opportunity to show you how gifts
of any amount can serve our neighbors in simple ways.You can count on us to stretch a gift; we take
pride in being known for doing more with less.
By supporting the SSJ Annual Fund, you are making a world of difference in the lives of the
people needing our help. Please consider a gift to the SSJ Annual Fund.You have a unique opportunity as an investor in our mission to immediately witness the difference your gift makes in the
lives of others. Thank you!
SSJ Youth In Philanthropy Ministry
It’s a different world...
Depending on your age and upbringing, you may recall when
hand-written thank you notes for gifts or kindnesses were the
expected practice. Though
many of us still believe in
that practice, we are often
disappointed when gifts we
send go unacknowledged.
A few years ago, I volunteered as a tutor for at-risk
children. It struck me how
many of them expected a
gift each time they came, yet
there was no expectation that
they should acknowledge the gift. I would encourage and
prompt the child by asking, “What do you say?” and if he/
she didn’t know, I told them to simply say, “thank you.”
After years of this and of hearing about the many families who receive an abundance of gifts, particularly around
the holidays, from well-meaning social service organizations, I
realized that a teaching opportunity was being missed. The lesson
to be taught is how giving and receiving benefit both the giver and
the receiver.
In November, we launched the Help Your Neighbor Project.
Led by Villa Maria Academy seniors Kelsey Szpara, Alex Copley
by Kristina Huber, CFRE, SSJA
Director of Development
and Hannah Thayer, Villa Maria Elementary students worked on
a “winterization kit” service project to benefit four local service
agencies. The students made denim draft dodgers for windows
and doors and wrote letters to corporations inviting each to give
a specific item for the kits. In doing this, they learned three key
principles of gifting: how to show appreciation and gratitude for a gift; how to
graciously decline a gift and encourage a
gift be given to someone who needs it; and
the importance of giving when you are
able to give.
We live in a drive-thru, instantmessaging world. An expectation for
how fast we should do something or
receive something has put enormous
burdens on our relationships. Despite
the many time-saving appliances and
technology devices designed to make
our lives easier, it still seems we have no, or very little, time.
We value you and you can trust us. It’s important that we prepare the next generation to understand. The Sisters of St. Joseph
will make time for you.
What a world of difference we each can make!
Make an IRA Charitable Rollover Gift in 2011. . . it may be your last opportunity!
Good news! The 2010 Tax
Relief Act extends the exclusion
for qualified charitable distributions to those made before
January 1, 2012.
An IRA Charitable Rollover
gift is a simple, convenient way to
make a gift to the Sisters of
St. Joseph. If you are 70½ or older, you can transfer up to $100,000 from your IRA as a charitable
gift in 2011 without paying any federal income tax.
Your gift can be made simply by notifying your IRA plan
custodian of your intent to make a current transfer to the Sisters
of St. Joseph. And you can use your gift to meet your minimum
distribution requirements.
For more information on how to make an IRA rollover gift in
2011, please contact the SSJ Development Office (814) 836-4202.
Corrections from Annual SSJ Development Report: In the General
Fund gift listing on page 18 - Sweny and Bly families should have been
in memory of Audrey Sweny. We apologize for the error.
Journeys
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
11
DISCERNING NEW LEADERSHIP
Recently, we engaged in a process to select new Leadership
for our Congregation. Some people wonder how we discern the
women who will lead the Congregation for the next four years.
The Constitutions of the Congregation require that one year
prior to an election, the present Leadership must assemble a group
of Sisters to form a government committee. This committee is responsible to recommend a process to elect new leaders. A general
notice is sent to all Sisters asking them to consider being part of
this group. In the summer of 2010, seven members answered this
call and began to study possible processes.
The first task was to obtain an outside facilitator. With the
help of Sister Mary Ellen Dwyer and the Leadership Conference
of Women Religious (LCWR), we obtained a list of available Sister
facilitators from throughout the country. After many calls and
interviews, the group agreed to invite Sr. Patricia Flynn, SSND,
to lead us through our Chapter of Elections. Sr. Patricia came to
Erie in March 2011 and presented a proposal for the process she
was recommending. The committee and Sr. Pat spent many hours
reviewing and re-working it in light of our own experience. Our
committee made it clear that the entire Congregation wanted to
be part of the discernment process. Sr. Pat considered our needs
and re-designed the process until our committee was satisfied
and could recommend it to the Congregation. The proposed
model was presented to the Sisters in June. Sr. Mary Ann White
addressed the Congregation about the meaning and use of discernment and Sr. Nancy Fischer explained the process. After much
discussion, the Congregation accepted the recommendation and it
was sent to present Leadership for final approval.
A letter was sent to each vowed member inviting them to
be delegates to the Chapter of Election. Delegates are vowed
members who participate in the discernment process and choose
the new Leadership. Some Sisters chose to be “pray-ers” and gave
prayerful support to the process. Ninety-six Sisters accepted the
invitation. To prepare, they were asked to read several suggested
articles related to Chapters, elections and discernment and to
meet in small groups to discuss them. Comments from the groups
were summarized for all the Sisters to review.
Again, the delegates gathered in small groups to talk about
gifts and talents that were needed for Leadership and what Sisters
they felt possessed these gifts. Each Sister was given blank invitations for use in inviting up to five Sisters to consider Leadership.
The invitations were returned to the Government Committee
which distributed them to the appropriate Sisters. Those receiving
the most invitations became the nominees.
The nominees then began their own process of discernment.
Each was asked to gather a group of people to dialogue with them
12
FALL/WINTER 2011-12
by Nancy Fischer, SSJ
on what Sr. Patricia called a “search and enlightenment.” This
process enabled the nominee to look at her own strengths, weaknesses and general feelings about a call to Leadership at this time.
The nominee was asked to bring the results of this search to the
August Community discernment weekend.
During that weekend, the nominees met with Sr. Patricia and
shared how the process went and prepared for the community
gatherings the following two days. The agenda was interspersed
with prayer, presentations, questions and dialogue with the
nominees. After this session, each nominee was asked to submit a
form to the Government Committee stating her intentions to stay
in or not stay in the process.
A second discernment weekend was held in September.
Those nominees still remaining in the process gave statements
and answered questions about their vision of Leadership, their
strengths and weaknesses and their general feeling about this call
from God and the Congregation. By the end of the day, delegates
were ready to make their choices for the three women to serve the
Congregation in Leadership.
The nominees’ names were posted on large sheets of paper
and delegates marked the sheet of those whom they believed could
best meet the needs of the Congregation at this time. After three
rounds, the delegates identified the members who would lead
them into the future.
This year of prayer, discernment, dialogue, discussion, and
sharing had accomplished what was intended. The Sisters of
St. Joseph are blessed with new leaders called to follow in the
footsteps of all the great women who have gone before them in
this position.
May God’s will shine through and in them.
Zeal
Gathered by the River
Continued from page 7.
GRACED JUICE
It is near the end.
I am trying to recall.
The words are stuffed inside.
My memory has gathered all of them
And made juice . . . of all things!
I trust the grace of God.
My limited zeal has had a boost.
Maybe the juice will be enough
Time will deliver the truth.
André Feulner, SSJ
Pictured at the Federation Event, clockwise from left, Sister
Dorothy Wilwohl (l) and Sister Phyllis Hilbert. Above, from
left, Sister Ann Marie Joint and Associate Stephen Kuhn. At
right, SSJ Candidate Kelly Smock (l) and Sister André Feulner.
Human trafficking is 21st century slavery. It is estimated that
more than 800,000 victims are trafficked annually across international borders and at least 15,000 are trafficked into the U.S. to
be sexually exploited. Fifty percent of them are under age 18 and
80% are women and young girls. Nearly 300,000 American youth
are at risk, especially vulnerable are orphans, runaways and those
who have been sexually abused. Incidents of sex trafficking have
been documented in all 50 states and in 90 U.S. cities.
The U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph is committed to educate about the causes, consequences and magnitude of
human trafficking and slavery and use its strength as consumers
and investors to eliminate the incentives for human trafficking,
advocate for just laws that punish traffickers, protect victims and
prevent recidivism and to be aware of, identify and report
potential victims.
After months of collaborative
conversation, the Millennium Hotel
St. Louis, where the U.S. Federation
of Sisters of St. Joseph Event 2011
was held, signed and implemented
the six-point ECPAT-USA Code of
Conduct. By signing this code, the
hotel took a stand against the sexual
exploitation of children by helping
ECPAT (End Child Prostitution,
Child Pornography and Trafficking
in Children for Sexual Purposes)
fight child sex tourism. The Code
of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual
Exploitation in Travel and Tourism, developed by
ECPAT, sets a standard of responsible business practices
that effectively crack down on child sexual
exploitation.
There are 1,030 Code of Conduct signers in 42 countries, but only six – including
Delta Airlines, Amazon Tours, the Carlson
and Hilton Hotels, and the American Society
of Travel Agents – are in the United States.
According to the National Catholic Reporter, “It is not easy to move a corporation, but
women religious managed to add the
St. Louis Millennium Hotel to the list.”
As part of our local commitment to
educate and create awareness about human trafficking, we are participating in the Blue Heart Campaign
Against Human Trafficking, an initiative of the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The Blue Heart campaign is an awareness raising initiative that
seeks to encourage involvement and inspire action to help stop this
crime. The campaign also allows people to show solidarity with
the victims of human trafficking by wearing the Blue Heart, which
represents the sadness of those who are trafficked while reminding
us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell fellow human
beings. The use of the blue UN color also demonstrates the commitment of the United Nations to combatting this crime against
human dignity. In the same way that the red ribbon has become the
international symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness, this campaign aims
to make the Blue Heart into an international symbol against human
trafficking. By “wearing” the Blue Heart you will raise awareness
of human trafficking and join the campaign to fight this crime. You
will be hearing more about our participation in this campaign and
ways that you can help create awareness and inspire action.
Journeys
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
13
Somebody’sHome
by John Brown, SSJA
The young woman was bandaged from head to foot and
in a coma. Her husband sat by her bed, holding her hand. As
I stepped into the room, the husband had a look of surprise as
he noticed I was carrying a guitar. “May I sing a tune for your
wife?” He nodded his approval. Later I chanced to meet this
man while getting off an elevator. “My wife heard your music,”
he said. “How do you know?” “Because her breathing changed
and her hand moved ever so slightly.”
The woman began to recover and I happened to meet her
in a rehab unit. She was recovering many of her faculties after
having been in the auto accident. Therapists had taught her
to use her tongue to signal “Yes” or “No.” The last I knew she
had made a near-perfect recovery. I asked her that day if she
remembered the time I sang to her. Emphatically, she signaled,
“Yes!” There was somebody home all the time! I am not a
miracle worker, but an observer of human consciousness.
I’ve had a ministry as a pastoral musician for more than
three decades and presently am with the Pastoral Department
of Meadville Medical Center. None of the accounts I relate
here happened at MMC.
A young lady I’ll call my niece-in-law was in an ATV accident and ended up in an intensive care unit and in a coma. Not
all people in comas lay motionless, and sometimes even have
their eyes open. I visited her and did some music and a prayer.
Slowly, she began the long recovery process and at this writing
even is back to work. She confided to her mother after her
recovery that she had the strangest dream. She dreamed that
Colonel Sanders visited her and sang to guitar music. There
was somebody home!
I was visiting in a nursing home and had seen one elderly
patient on several occasions. Her husband was a resident of
the same facility and was constantly by her bedside. Each time
I appeared in the hallway, the husband would stand up and say
“Hey, you’re not gonna forget us!” One Sunday afternoon I
had a music and prayer session with this couple and when I
was through, I chanced to step to the bedside of her roommate
who also was “out of it.” Family had gathered at her bedside
and spoke in hushed tones. I asked if I might do a song for this
patient and those gathered glanced at each other. I think they
were skeptical but agreed to let this strange little man sing for
their mom.
The woman’s eyes welled up with tears and I whispered a
prayer as I left. Some time after, my mother happened to meet
someone who was at the woman’s bedside that day. They told
about a man who sang to their mom and that she cried and
they realized that there was somebody home after all and now,
instead of talking ABOUT mom, they could talk TO her.
I could relate many more similar experiences both from
14
FALL/WINTER 2011-12
The following article, written by John Brown, appeared in The
Meadville Tribune on June 2, 2011. John and his wife, Martha,
have been Associates of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern
Pennsylvania since 1986. John’s ministry is another example of
how SSJ Associates “live the mission” in various ways.
other sources and my own experiences. One thing I
know, we must assume that there is somebody home, no
matter the condition or circumstances. In many cases
we will never know, but my own encounters have been
windows into the unresponsive and comatose. I share
with you one of my first experiences which awakened my
sensitivity to those who appear to be beyond reach.
I normally do not sit on patients’ beds, but Mrs.
Smith had a beautiful afghan and invited me to sit there.
I felt that it may have been the only bit of hospitality
she had to offer, so I sat down. We had many sessions
together and she loved the old songs and told how, days
after, she would wake up with songs running through
her mind. On this particular day, another woman in
a wheelchair inched her way into the room, using her
tippy toes. She sat at the foot of the bed and dropped her
head. Presently, there was a commotion in the hallway
and it sounded as though there was a patient missing. A
nurse came into the room and called out, “Here she
is!” Then she turned to me and asked “Did you
wheel her in here?” I hadn’t. Later I found
out that the wheelchair lady had never gone
anywhere on her own until that day when
she followed the music. She could not
speak and appeared unresponsive.
There was somebody home! Guess
with whom I was able to strike up a
friendship through song!
SSJ Associates Martha and John Brown
Lay Partners
Continued from page 9
Finazzo: We work hand-in-hand with the Sisters of St. Joseph
through communication with Sr. Ann Marie Cappello in the
Mission Effectiveness office, Kristina Huber in the Development office and, of course, SSJ Leadership to make sure that
our school-wide mission to provide the Villa Difference by
Leading theWay and Doing it Right is in lockstep with the overall
mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Graham: It is very important that the spirit of the Sisters
of St. Joseph be seen through our ministry. I believe that the
organization should be known as a sponsored ministry of the
Sisters of St. Joseph and be linked directly to the Sisters’ mission and not necessarily associated with a person. I believe it
is imperative to ensure that the community as a whole is aware
of the Sisters and their work in our community both here at
the SSJNN and beyond. I will continue to be committed to
the ministry and works of the Sisters of St. Joseph. I hope that
my actions will always speak louder than my words and that
together we can change the world -- one person, one family,
one neighborhood, one community at a time.
Looking ahead, what effect do you feel the trend towards
lay persons leading sponsored ministries may have on
mission?
Whalen: If done correctly, we will take the time to ensure
that the leadership we identify is truly mission-based. No
amount of formation will do any good to someone who
doesn’t have that in their fiber. This is a critical time while we
still have sponsorship by women religious who are still here.
They need to know how their mission will be sustained in the
future. They need to know they have someone to defend that
mission as they would.
Finazzo: I believe that the trend of having lay persons leading
the sponsored ministries of the SSJ will only enhance the scope
and breadth of those touched by the charism of the SSJ. It will
be farther reaching than we can predict.
Graham: I believe this is a positive trend. The Bible is full of
lay ministers who had a positive effect on the mission of Jesus.
They continued to carry the torch long after Jesus died and
today, thousands of years later, the teachings of Jesus continue
because of their works and writings. As always, I think we can
learn from our past. I think, as with Jesus, the trend towards
lay persons leading ministries will be an expansion of mission,
a voice that never ends and a commitment to the values and
charism of the SSJs that will be continued on for thousands of
years. I am thankful for the opportunity to carry the torch and
when my time is done, to pass along the love and inspiration
bestowed upon me by the Sisters of St. Joseph.
We Remember…
Mary Karen Crawford, SSJ
Sister Mary Karen Crawford, SSJ, 77, of the Sisters of
St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on November 22, 2011 in her 60th year of religious life. She was born
Shirley Crawford on June 5, 1934
in Erie, the daughter of the late
Norbert and Catherine Crawford.
She graduated from the former
St. Michael School and Villa Maria
Academy, both in Erie. She earned
a bachelor’s degree in education
from Villa Maria College, Erie.
She entered the Sisters of
St. Joseph on August 30, 1952
from her home parish, Blessed Sacrament. She professed her final vows on August 15, 1958 and
celebrated her 50th anniversary as a Sister of St. Joseph
in 2002.
Sister Mary Karen taught at St. Andrew, St. Ann, Blessed
Sacrament, St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph and St. Patrick
elementary schools in Erie. She attended many workshops in
education, pastoral ministry, Head Start and intergenerational
programs. She worked in parish ministry at St. Agatha Parish,
Meadville, and at St. Mary Parish, Reynoldsville. She ministered to children and adults at Houtzdale Catechetical Center,
traveling to teach religious
Loving God,
education to 16 parishes.
Your Son told His disciples
She also worked with todto become like little children.
dlers at St. Joseph’s Home,
You led Sister Mary Karen to
work with children through education. Erie. Her most recent
May her example lead us all
ministry prior to retirement
to a deeper love and reverence
was as an intergenerational
forYour little ones.
coordinator between Saint
We pray this in Jesus’ name.
Mary’s Home of Erie and
Amen.
the Mercyhurst Child
Learning Center.
On the occasion of her Golden Jubilee, Sister Mary Karen
reflected on her 50 years in religious life. “How blessed I was
to be guided spiritually to follow God’s call by Msgr. Wilfrid
Nash (her pastor), the Sisters of St. Joseph and my family,”
she said.
We prayerfully remember
SSJ Associates who recently died:
Joseph Schember
Journeys
October 19, 2011
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
15
Do we need to correct your name, title or address? Did you receive
duplicate copies of Journeys or do you wish to be removed from
our mailing list? Please let us know by faxing the mailing label with
corrections to 814-836-4277 or mail it to us at 5031 West Ridge
Road, Erie, PA 16506-1249.
5031 West Ridge Road | Erie, Pennsylvania 16506-1249
PHONE (814) 836-4100 | FAX (814) 836-4277
WEBSITE www.ssjerie.org
Blue Heart Campaign
Against Human Trafficking
Our Wish for You . . .
Our world is dark, shadowed by money and job worries,
By violence in our cities, corruption in our politics.
But into Christmas Season 2011 shines Light, the Light that is Christ.
Let us welcome Christ, open our hearts to the warmth of His love,
His compassion for all people, His desire for peace in our world.
Christ’s invitation to be more loving in our homes, with our families,
More patient and kind at work, more generous with the needy.
Silence is God’s speech. Let us quiet our minds and rest in His presence,
Be aware of the Now. Repeat a prayer word like “Peace” or “Jesus”
Keeping mindful of our God within, who embraces and heals us.
That is our Christmas wish for you, dear friends, as we offer prayers:
God’s blessings of joy and hope on your Journey to the Kingdom.
Mary Kay McNelis, SSJ
Non-Profit Org.
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