Fall 2009 - Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed

Life
Word
Fall 2009
www.iwbscc.org
A Newsletter for the Friends of the Congregation of
the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament of Corpus Christi, Texas
Incarnation, Core of the Good News
C
hristians are supposed to be witnesses to
the Good News. What is the Good News? As
Revelation, it offers us truths we humans
cannot arrive at on our own, truths God
wants us to know. It offers us the gift
to recognize mystery—the manner in
which God is present and active among
us. Scripture and Jeanne Chezard de Matel, foundress
of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament,
point to numerous truths revealed to us within the Mystery of
the Incarnation.
1. Revelation about God
First, the Incarnation reveals God’s enduring love for us,
a love so immense and powerful that it can accomplish the
“impossible”; it can marry the infinite to the finite without
losing either nature. Familiar stories of both Testaments show
that Love in action. An unconditional love, seen in God’s choice
of Jacob the trickster—not depending on our being “worthy.”
An unlimited love, seen in God’s concern for the citizens of
Nineveh—not bound by our fitting into the “right” ethnic or
religious group. An undiminished love, seen in Jesus’ fidelity
to Peter—not dulled by our betrayal of our call. An unending
love, as we hear in Jesus’ promise to be with us always—not
just when we deserve it.
2. Revelation about Human Beings
Next, the Incarnation reveals some very important truths
about ourselves. God wants us to recognize our potential
for intimacy with God, our lovableness—even when hidden
beneath what we (or others) may think disqualifies us. In his
version of the Good News, John addresses our concern when
Editor’s Note: This article is an abridged version of a
section taken from the National Reunion VII Address
entitled Incarnate Word Witnesses and Artisans.
he tells us that “the Word became flesh.” In scriptural
language the term flesh sums up all that
we consider undesirable within our
human nature: the tendency toward
physical decay and moral weakness; a
fascination for evil, for what is destructive of
self or others. Basically flesh is the code word for
any dynamic that moves us away from our Source, the
God of Life and Love.
So where do we find the Word, the message of divine love in the
weak human flesh around us? Jesus tells us to look for him in
those on the edge of society. He states that we will find him: In
the hungry and thirsty—those struggling for survival (because
they have no job skills?). In the homeless—those who do not
fit in (because of their own rootlessness?). In those alienated
by sickness or prison (because of their own choices?). Jesus
ignores the question of who does or does not deserve help, who
is innocent or guilty. Jesus simply tells us where to find him.
More personally: Where will I find the Word in my flesh? Jeanne
reminds us that “God loves to fill emptiness” (Writings). I am
already filled in my giftedness, education and accomplishments.
Today we speak of our “shadow,” those aspects of ourselves that
we would like to ignore or at least pretend are not part of us.
Presenting herself as an example, Jeanne comments that “in
those very faults of mine, our Good God finds ways of exercising
His mercy” (Letters). In her Treatise on the Beatitudes, Jeanne
offers us this question she hears the Incarnate Word ask, “Does
your heart belong entirely to Me, as Mine is wholly yours?” So
I am to offer God all of my heart, even those dark, ugly aspects
I would like to pretend are not there. So I can enter into my
emptiness—my shadow—and find my loving God present. I can
embrace my own flesh and find that unconditional, unlimited,
Continued on page 5
Statement of Purpose: The Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament publish WordLife twice a year for
our Sisters, Associates and friends. Through these words and pictures we hope to share our charism and mission, and
news about our community and ministries. Please visit our website at iwbscc.org.
National Reunion VII Celebrates, Strengthens
Incarnate Word Unity
I
ncarnate Word Witnesses and Artisans–Sisters and
Associates—gathered on Incarnate Word Campus in Corpus
Christi, Texas, for National Reunion VII, on July 17-19, 2009.
Approximately 180 Incarnate Word Sisters and Associates from
Cleveland, Ohio, Houston, Victoria, San Antonio and Corpus
Christi shared prayer, presentation, reflection time, exchange
of ideas and insights, as well as recreation, meals and snacks
during the special weekend.
Friday evening Sister Michelle Marie Kuntscher, Superior General
of the Corpus Christi congregation, welcomed all participants.
The reunion opened with the Enthronement of the Word, which
was included in the Evening Prayer offered in memory of Mother
Rosa Marta Gamerdinger, CVI, of Mexico City, who died in Africa
on Tuesday, July 14, 2009. As pictures of Mother Rosa Marta and
her beloved Kenyan formation community and Sisters from the
various congregations were shown on the screen, participants
responded to the petitions by singing “You are ever a part of our
lives. All the good you have shared will live on in our hearts.”
Present and past Superiors and U.S. Sisters who served in Kenya
as missionaries shared stories of the influence Mother Rosa
Marta had on bringing Incarnate Word Congregations of the
United States and Mexico together for work on the 1981 Charter
of Communion and on international reunions.
Sr. Vianney Uyeno and Associates Ben and Debbie Tamez share
some visiting time together.
the Beatitudes as our means for continuing Christ’s mission;
mutual communal support of discipleship to bring the blessings
of the Beatitudes to fruition; and faithfulness in enduring the
tension while pursuing the mission as witness to the revelations
present in the Incarnation. That afternoon, participants chose
a particular art form to craft their own personal expressions of
the Incarnate Word charism.
Monsignor Michael Howell presided at the Saturday Eucharist,
which began with an entrance procession formed by a member
of each congregation carrying a symbol of his/her respective
group. Most Rev. Bishop Daniel Flores of Detroit, Michigan, was
welcomed back to Texas, as he presided at Sunday’s closing
Mass, with Incarnate Word Convent Chaplain, Msgr. Tom
Feeney. The National Reunion VII banner, created by Sister
Marian Bradley for the occasion and displayed on the stage of
the Dougherty Center during the weekend, was presented to
Sister Rosalia Purcell, CVI, of Houston, in the closing liturgy on
Sunday. The Houston Incarnate Word Congregation will host
the next National Reunion in July of 2011.
Incarnate Word Associate Diane Peters, who had just made a
trip to Africa, returned there to represent the Incarnate Word
congregation of Corpus Christi at the funeral, where she served
as official photographer. Diane’s painting of Mother Rosa Marta
in Africa was displayed on stage during the reunion, and other
African paintings dotted the Dougherty Center meeting hall.
Sister Annette Wagner gave the main reunion presentation
on Saturday following Morning Praise. Sister highlighted
the reunion theme, Incarnate Word Witnesses and Artisans.
Participants were then invited to reflect upon and discuss living
National Reunion VII not only witnessed, but also nourished
the unity among Incarnate Word Sisters and Associates, both
nationally and internationally.
Sr. Teresita Rodriguez, Associate Delia Tucker and Sr. Lou Ella
Hickman visit during one of the breaks.
Sr. Marian Bradley carries the symbol of the Corpus Christi
community in the opening procession of the Saturday Mass.
2
Sisters Reflect on Sharing the Flame of God’s Love
“W
omen of Spirit Enflamed by the Word” was the
theme of the 2009 General Assembly which opened at the
Motherhouse on Friday evening, September 25, 2009. Within
a prayer service and ritual, Sisters discussed the various topics
of the Apostolic Visitation and called on the support and spirit
of the Incarnate Word Foundress, the four Founding Sisters
of Brownsville and all Incarnate Word Sisters who have gone
before us in faith.
On Saturday, Sister Elsa Garcia, CDP, outlined how to promote a
culture of vocation awareness in our world. When all members
of the Body of Christ are aware that they are called, that
awareness can assist the young people in active discernment
of God’s will for them. During the day, Sister led the Incarnate
Word Sisters in exploring the questions: “How can the Word
be made flesh anew so that all people come to know how God
loves them?” “How can we connect with those young women
who are called to join in offering this much-needed gift to our
world?” Among the reflections was a report from the Center for
the Advancement of Religious Apostolate (CARA). A survey of
more than 4,000 new members of current religious communities
revealed: involvement in ministry before entrance; an
attraction to community and prayer; a hunger for symbol, ritual
and encountering mystery; a desire to live, work and pray with
other members of the religious community. In addition, new
members enjoy a tolerance in areas of ethnicity, politics, and
cultural differences and a positive attitude toward authority.
Finally, Sister Elsa reviewed skills to look for in those who
inquire about religious life – to maintain relationship with
God and with people; for living in community; for living a life
of generosity, vision, flexibility, celibate love, personal growth
and fulfillment.
Sr. Mary Lelia Aguilar (right) takes her turn in silent prayer as
Sr. Mary Lucy Garcia continues in reflection.
Sisters Teresita Rodriguez Kathleen McDonagh, Anna Marie
Espinosa and Esther Dunegan share reflections.
The wind of the Holy Spirit
is that strong cooling device
which enables the small
hearts of human beings to
receive the fire of God’s Love.
The Divine Word is in the
Holy Spirit.
This Word is fire.
The day concluded with the recognition that Sisters who
radiate the charism and communicate the fire of love in the
heart of God and God’s people not only attract new members,
but also inspire and sustain the new members’ efforts to settle
into community living. When we sing the song of love in our
hearts clearly and when it resonates in the young women we
encounter, then they will know where they are being called.
Then they will have an opportunity to answer God’s invitation
with a determined “yes.”
(Letters of Jeanne de Matel)
AN ADDITION TO OUR LIBRARY: Sr. Kathleen McDonough has completed the final editing of The De Rhodes Manuscript.
This collection includes biographical sketches of some of the earliest members of the Order of the Incarnate Word and
Blessed Sacrament, including Catherine Fleurin, recognized as the first companion of Mother Jeanne Chezard de Matel.
Compiled by Mother Louise of the Resurrection de Rhodes, a seventeenth century Sister of the Incarnate Word, this resource
offers another vantage point from which to recognize the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the founding of our Order.
3
Steps in Initial Formation
Mark Growth for Individuals, Community
T
he months of August and September offered particular
occasions of rejoicing for the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and
Blessed Sacrament. On three separate days, in three separate
ceremonies, three women have taken individual steps on
their journey of discerning their call to unite themselves more
closely to Jesus, the Incarnate Word.
She was joined in this celebration by Sisters, Associates and
family presently living in Matamoros, Mexico.
Commonly referred to as “the Scholasticate,” the purpose
of this time in temporary vows is “to provide a climate and
program in which a Sister consecrated by vow may grow in
love and fidelity” (Constitution, #39). Therefore, a “scholastic”
lives the vowed life one year at
a time, with the opportunity for
an annual renewal so she and the
community can recognize when
she is ready to make a permanent
commitment.
First Profession
On August 1, 2009, Sister Theresa
Nguyen joyfully professed the
vows of poverty, celibate chastity
and obedience for the first time as
a Sister of the Incarnate Word and
Blessed Sacrament. Along with
the Incarnate Word community of
Professed Sisters and Associates,
Sister Theresa was joined by the
choir and parishioners from St.
Peter Parish in Fulton, as well as
relatives and friends from far and
near.
Because this time in initial
formation “aims first and
foremost to deepen the scholistic’s
knowledge and love of Christ and
His mission” (Constitution, #42),
scholastics may work to complete
Sr. Helga Leija, Sr. Theresa Nguyen and Miss Aguida
Oveido celebrate their individual steps in their journey
their studies for a degree. Having
of discernment.
already earned her BA in Spanish
A native of Vietnam, Sr. Theresa
translation
with
bilingual
entered Incarnate Word Convent
certification, Sr. Helga is spending her summers working on
on November 11, 2005. During her time in the pre-novitiate,
an MA in theology. When possible, scholastics are given the
she attended Del Mar College to strengthen her English skills
opportunity to experience living in different Incarnate Word
and volunteered at the Mother Theresa Shelter, a day-time
houses and serving at different ministry sites. Sr. Helga has
facility for the homeless. She has gained ministry experience
taught Spanish at Incarnate Word Academy (Corpus Christi)
by assisting the Incarnate Word Academy (Corpus Christi) high
high school level, and continued the Sisters’ practice of
school librarian and by teaching in the parish religion program
volunteer ministry in her free time by working with the choir
for the Vietnamese community at St. Peter in Fulton.
at Our Lady of Pilar in Corpus Christi for three years. She also
has made dolls for children in various orphanages. This year,
Sister embraced her time in the novitiate as the opportunity
returning to her home town, Sister has joined the Brownsville
to “consider more deeply [her] vocation from God” and to
community, and will be teaching religion at St. Joseph High
“deepen [her] conscious awareness of her relationship with
School sponsored by the Marist Brothers.
Christ” (Constitution # 22 & #23). Returning to a more active
life as a vowed member of the Incarnate Word community, she
Entrance into Postulancy
continues her studies at Del Mar and volunteer time at the
On September 11, 2009, Miss Agueda Ovieda was accepted
Mother Theresa Shelter. Sister plans to prepare more fully for
into the postulancy, for the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and
ministry by continuing her English studies and organ lessons,
Blessed Sacrament. Born in San Juan, Texas, Agueda claims St.
and pursuing a degree in education.
Joseph Parish in Donna, Texas, as her home parish. There she
attended religious education classes and received her initiation
Renewal of Vows
sacraments.
On August 2, 2009, having completed one year as a vowed
religious, Sr. Helga Leija chose to continue her membership
Desiring an education at a Catholic college, Agueda attended
as a Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament by
St. Edward’s University in Austin and completed requirements
renewing her vows of poverty, celibate chastity and obedience.
to earn a BS in Biology at St. Mary University in San Antonio.
4
Three celebrations, three steps in deepening discernment,
three women attentive to the call of Jesus, God’s Word of Love
spoken in our flesh—truly good reasons to proclaim: Praised
be the Incarnate Word!
Her experience in the biological-medical field included work
at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Whatever institute
of learning or city, no matter her study load and work load,
Agueda continued to participate in programs to deepen her faith
life. Through the years she has accumulated a wide variety
of ministry experiences: from soup kitchen to a house for the
terminally ill; from dispute mediation to campus ministry.
Eventually she was led to focus on working with youth. As a
postulant, she will continue her present ministry as Director of
Youth Ministry in her home parish, St. Joseph in Donna.
Entering into this final step before the novitiate is significant,
for Agueda will live with the community of Incarnate Word
Sisters in Brownsville. “In this way, she and the community
grow in knowledge of each other in a new and deeper way”
(Constitution, #19), giving both the woman in initial formation
and the community “the opportunity to experience and evaluate
their mutual relatedness” (Constitution, #15).
Sr. Mary Ann Korczynski and Sr. Michelle Marie Kuntscher visit
with Fr. Joe Lawless, MSF (left) and Fr. Jean Hart, SOLT (right).
Associate Spirituality Studies Begin a Journey to
Abundant Life
Associate Kay West (Corpus Christi) and
Sr. Mary Louise Mount share a greeting.
September marked the beginning of this year’s spirituality reflections for
Incarnate Word Associates and Sisters in Corpus Christi, Brownsville and the
Upper Valley. The main focus of their time together comes from Jesus’ statement,
“I came that they might have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). In his book
Reaching Jesus: Five Steps to a Fuller Life, Fr. David Knight has mapped out a
path that can help followers of Jesus to arrive at that abundant life. Through
five significant choices, Associates and Sisters hope to deepen their commitment
first given at Baptism: to be a Christian, to be a disciple, to be a prophet, to be
a priest, to be a steward. This is a journey all are invited to travel. This is a
journey we want to travel together in the Incarnate Word Family.
Incarnation, Core of the Good News
Continued from page 1
So how do we witness to the “Good News of
Our Lord Jesus Christ”? Words are good.
Actions are better. Do we really believe
in and count on God’s love—no matter
what—for ourselves? For others? Do we
recognize God’s message of love, and honor
the dignity in the every-day people we
encounter? Are we willing to look for God’s
love in those whom society treats as invisible
or not worthy? Do we accept and offer all of
ourselves—even the embarrassing parts—to be
filled with God’s love? Do we enjoy . . . honor . . . protect
the original expression of God’s qualities found in the gifts to
our senses that we call nature? Yes, the richness of Revelation
in the Mystery of the Incarnation will keep us busy celebrating
for the rest of our lives!
undiminished and unending Love embracing my
whole self.
3. Revelation about all Creation
Finally, the Incarnation reveals truth about
all creation. In the Incarnate Word, the
union of the intangible and the tangible, we
recognize that the physical is good. The Book
of Genesis presents all of nature—including
us—as the original expression of God’s beauty,
power, imagination, playfulness; and then tells us:
“God looked at everything he had made, and he found it
very good” (Gen. 1:31). Jeanne prays to her Beloved, “By your
Incarnation you . . . join yourself, not only in love, but in person
to our earth…” (Spiritual Works). She then reminds us, “The
earth on which we live is holy” (Writings).
5
Sister Esther Dunegan
Among Those Honored by Pope Benedict XVI
S
r. Esther Dunegan, IWBS, is one
of twelve to receive papal honors for
their many years of dedicated service
to the Church and the wider Southeast
Texas community. The announcement of
the special honors came as a surprise to
the ten priests and two women religious
attending a September 24, 2009 business
meeting and luncheon for the priests of
Beaumont. Of the twelve, eight diocesan
priests were named Prelates of Honor to
His Holiness, with the right to the title
of Reverend Monsignor. Two Religious
Order priests and two women Religious
were awarded the Cross Pro Ecclesia et
Pontifice. Although Beaumont priests
have been honored as recently as 1995,
this announcement marks the first time
men and women Religious in the Diocese
of Beaumont have been recognized with such a high honor.
insurance coordinator and Advocate
for the Tribunal. She was appointed
Collegiate Judge in that Tribunal and
Chancellor of the Brownsville Diocese
from 1989 to 1995. At the end of 1995
she began her service as Chancellor of
the Diocese of Beaumont. From 1996 to
2004, she served on the Incarnate Word
Leadership Team, and was elected to
another term in leadership in 2008.
Also known as the “Cross of Honour,”
the Holy Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice
is translated “for Church and Pope.”
Established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888
to recognize those who assisted in
commemorating his golden jubilee as a
priest, the Cross is currently given for
distinguished service to the Church by lay people.
Sr. Esther, along with the other honorees, will receive the papal
honors during a Pontifical Mass on Monday, November 23, 2009,
at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica in Beaumont, Texas.
The Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice is the highest honor that can
be awarded to a Catholic lay person by the Papacy. In making
the announcement, Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, explained that
the nominations were made in recognition of their faithful
service and dedication for many years. He recognized that
many of the recipients had received the benefits of Catholic
school education.
Women & Spirit:
Catholic Sisters in America
“Each of them has served Christ’s Church generously for many
decades. They have touched the lives of countless faithful, and
all are held in high esteem by their colleagues and the faithful,”
Bishop Guillory said.
An exhibit on the rich history and
contributions of Catholic Sisters in the
United States
In response to this recognition, Sr. Esther stated, “This is not
just an honor for me, but an honor my entire Congregation.
Where I am, the Congregation is…and where the Congregation
is, I am also.”
Photographs, artifacts, material from
congregational archives tell the Sisters’
vital role in shaping American life from the
days of the republic to today.
Presently serving as Chancellor in the Diocese of Beaumont,
Sr. Esther entered Incarnate Word Convent in Corpus Christi,
Texas, in 1965. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration
from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio and in 1988 received
a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Catholic University
of America, Washington, D.C. After being an educator in
Brownsville for almost 10 years, she transferred to the Diocese
of Brownsville Chancery in 1979 where she served as pension-
Accepted by the Smithsonian Institute
On exhibit in Dallas at
The Women’s Museum:
An Institute for the Future
September 25, 2009 to December 13, 2009
6
Building Relationships
J
uly 1, 2009, Sister Irma González
began her new ministry in a familiar
place. Sister Irma is Campus Director
of Incarnate Word Academy and Villa
Maria Language Institute in Brownsville,
Texas, where she worked from 19721982 and again from 1990-2000. Her
new ministry involves coordinating the
schools’ mission effectiveness, overseeing
the advancement and marketing for the
schools, and working with alumni and
the Advisory Council of Incarnate Word
Academy.
that have learned a second language at the
Language Institute. The border economy
took its toll on one of the Institute’s
collaborative efforts; the satellite campus
in neighboring Matamoros, Tamaulipas,
Mexico, is on hold due to lack of students.
This is challenging the Institute, under
Sister Irma’s direction, to look for
innovative ways to re-establish ties with
students who cannot come into the United
States for classes. Sister Irma reflects
that one of her greatest joys is visiting
with adults who attend English classes at
the Institute’s outreach campuses in two
of Brownsville’s parishes. The outreach
program provides free instruction to adults who otherwise are
not able to afford English classes.
A big plate? Not if one thinks of the
ministry as one of building relationships.
Mission effectiveness is the “in” word these days. The ministries
of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word have had a strong mission
well before the business jargon became popular. “Who can beat
the following mission statement?” remarks, Sister Irma.
“Reconnecting with alumni and the Advisory Council is another
energizing part of the ministry,” says Sister Irma. A visit from a
current grandparent, a phone call here, an email there, finding
a Facebook page with 130 alumni have been heartwarming
events and are evidence that a deep relationship already exists
between individuals who are partners-in-mission with the
Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in deep
South Texas and northern Mexico.
Incarnate Word Academy exists to provide an
environment for learning in which God is the highest
value. Our faculty is dedicated to providing each student
with a Catholic educational experience that encourages
academic excellence, develops the whole person, fosters
a life-long love of learning and promotes an awareness
of needs of the community.
It is all about relationships!
For more information about these two ministries visit http://
www.iw-academy.org/ and http://www.villamarialg.com/.
This aspect of Sister Irma’s ministry involves collaborating with
the staff, parents, and students – partners in mission. In short,
mission effectiveness is about “building relationships.”
Relationships are also key components of successful
advancement and marketing. “I’ve learned a few things
about advancement and marketing. Mostly I am trusting in
the relationships that have already been built by previous
Sisters and staff to help move us forward this year in building
new relationships,” notes Sister Irma. Thanks to Incarnate
Word’s Development Director Magda Garza, the Annual Giving
Campaign, “Planting Seeds for Tomorrow”, is off to a good start.
One of the current parents helped design this year’s Annual
Report which highlighted the partnership of many individuals
with Incarnate Word Academy.
Above: Students in the
outreach program with their
teacher, Mr. Marco A. Macias
At Villa Maria Language Institute, the relationships built by the
staff are evident in the number of adults, youth and children
Right: .Sixth grade students
on their way to class
7
Sister Adrian Clare
Modeled a Life of Deep Faith and Integrity
“S
he portrays a character of
stability and a deep devotion to duty.
Her spiritual life is of a high caliber as
evidenced by her . . . daily attendance
at Mass. Her moral character is beyond
reproach.” This statement from a letter
of recommendation for entrance into the
convent rings true to those who would
later encounter Sr. Adrian Clare Wolfe
as teacher, mentor and friend. Her love
of the Mass and unbending personal
integrity were constants in her life. Sr.
Adrian Clare died as simply as she lived at
Incarnate Word Convent in Brownsville,
Texas, on April 23, 2009.
Sr. Adrian Clare served her community
in a variety of positions, including
General Councilor, Director of Formation
and Council representative to various
congregational commissions.
Messages of condolence to the community
at the time of her death confirm the
insight expressed in the letter of
recommendation so many years earlier
and indicate the effect of her fifty-nine
years of vowed fidelity. . . . a very special
lady . . . she influenced many of us in
so many ways . . . she inspired me to
do good things in the world . . . I carry
her teachings within me as I will carry
her memory with me forever . . . She
was everything a Sister should be. . .
. She was a pillar of faith, strength,
devotion and love. She was strict but
fair. . . . She was a
wonderful example
for us to follow.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 3, 1930, Sr. Adrian
Clare first met the Incarnate Word Sisters when her family
moved to Corpus Christi and she enrolled in the fourth grade at
Incarnate Word Academy. Although her family was not Catholic,
she chose to be baptized into the Catholic Church shortly before
her eleventh birthday. She applied to join the Sisters after her
graduation from high school. Sister made her first profession
April 15, 1950 and professed perpetual vows April 18, 1953.
Sr. Adrian Clare received her B.A in English from Incarnate
Word College, San Antonio and her M.A in English from St.
Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. She also held a Choir
Master Certificate from the Gregorian Institute of America.
Certified to teach in both elementary and secondary schools,
she taught at Sacred Heart School in Sinton; at St. Patrick’s
School—where she also served as principal, Incarnate Word
Academy and Christopher Junior College in Corpus Christi.
In the Diocese of Brownsville, Sr. Adrian Clare taught and
served as principal at Villa Maria High School. Additional
positions in the diocese included from time to time Advocate
and Director of the Marriage Tribunal, Vicar for Religious,
President of the Council of Religious and Chair of Region 12
of the National Sisters Vocation Conference. Sister served
as Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and was active
in literacy training. She was also quietly supportive of
many initiatives addressing local and national social justice
concerns. After she formally retired, she continued to tutor
seminarians and priests in English language usage, and
offered ministry training for the laity.
8
In Memory of: (beginning April 2009)
Rev. Gregory A. Boensch
Marie O. Frontera, Mary Agnes Harris, Alton and Rosalie
Jones, Dolores Vesely
Bequeathed
Sisters
donation
to
the
Msgr. Alvin Joseph Tengler
Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Allen, Andrew
Busker, Mike and Joyce McGuill,
Rick and Melanie Richardson,
Mary E. Meyer, Joe and Margaret
McGuill, Margaret Sciantarelli,
Patricia S. Borglund, Ms. Dorothy
Krause, Casper and Emily Wenzel,
Dolores Gillece, LCDR Frederick
and Lena Helle, Mr. and Mrs.
R. L. Fritz, Maria G. Ramos, Deborah Sullivan, Gail
Wagner and Family, Mrs. Lillian Speed, Mrs. Dolores E.
Vesely, Ms. Mary Ann Sternadel, David and Evelyn Yeary,
Capt. R. E. and Hilda Batterson, Ed and Betty Rotter,
Sr. Suzanne Friedmann, Harry and Jeanie Kemp, Diane
Peters, Margaret Rose (Penny) Pacheco, Jeannette Stryk
Miles, Olga and Donald Stryk, Bernice M. Heard, Roland
and Mary Longoria, M. T. and Elaine Carter, John and Pat
Flory, Gerry Thomson, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Dryer
Mary Busker
Andrew Busker
George Allen Crowley
Helene Gibson
Margaret Mary Till Hoelscher
Ms. Margaret Sciantarelli and family, Mary and Barbara
Russell
Maria Rosario Garcia
Mary G. and Rolando S. Longoria
Albin Janosek
Joseph and Cecilia Janosek, Jim and Veronica Lankford,
Dolores Vesely, Arturo and Mary Salinas, Andy and Mary
Louise Scott, May Jeannette Kollaja, Kay West, Leroy and
Mary Ellen Ryza
Catherine Grant (Tad) Kelly
Mrs. Vernon Krause, Catherine’s family: Gerry, Moggie,
Toosie, Larry and Leroy
Philomena Busker Walker
May Jeanette Kollaja. Margaret Rose Pacheco
Dustin Knoblauch
Mr. and Mrs. W. D. McNair
Sister Adrian Clare Wolfe
Margaret Rose (Penny) Pacheco, Marli E. Mooberry, Jesus
and Emma Guevara, Leroy and Mary Ellen Ryza, Andy
Busker, Dr Luis Agnese, Jr., Dr. Carlos O. Canales, Ernesto
Cortez, Sister Mary Ann Potts and Sister Helen Rottier,
CSJ, Felicitas Villarreal, Deacon Paul McArdle, Alejandra,
Dolores, Carmen Perez and families, Dolores Vesely,
Margaret Solis, Leonel and Diana Rosales, Tony Martinez
Vernon Krause
Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Dreyer
Frank and Margaret Kuntscher
Terry and Judy Temple
Fay Laudadio
Mrs. Vernon Krause, Laudadio Family, James and Caryl
Devlin, Ronny and Peggy Fritz, Dr. and Mrs. Ellen Flood,
CDR John J. and Margaret Foley
In Honor Of
Sister Nativity Mostyn
Denis and Nuala Tarrant
2009 Jubilarians:
Sister Mary Anselm Till, Sister Mary Catherine Brehony,
Sister Kathleen McDonagh and Sister Mary Jude Janecek
Manfred and Lore Hofstaedter, Helene P. Gibson, Connie
Cueva, Deacon Heriberto and Lee Trevino, Albert E. Till
Victor and Gaye Remlinger
Terry and Judy Temple
David Salinas
Dora Salinas and the Salinas family
Sister Kathleen McDonagh
Gregor Seagrave
Scott and Josephine Temple and son Scott
Terry and Judy Temple
Sister Catherine Brehony
Anne Rabalais, Jerry and Ann Keehan
Delia Vasquez
9
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and assist those in need...now and in the years to come.
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o In Memory Of
Please send an acknowledgement card in my/our name to:
(The amount of your gift is not mentioned)
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Street_________________________________________________________________________
City_ ____________________________________________ Zip___________________________
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