SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET AND ASSOCIATES ST.

LOUIS PROVINCE SEPTEMBER 2012

News Notes
PROVINCE

a silent guardian

Inside this Issue

Our Journey
Page 9 Associates Fred and Cindy Bardenheier share the story of their special journey of supporting and becoming friends with Patty Prewitt, a woman unjustly convicted of murdering her husband in 1984.

L
Province News Notes is a publication of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province. Its purpose is to promote dialogue and unity within the St. Louis province and to keep members informed on those subjects that promote community and ministry. We welcome your submissions! Submit articles and photos to Sarah Baker (e-mail preferred to sbaker@csjsl.org). **Materials are subject to editing and will be published at the discretion of the editor. STAFF Jenny Beatrice Editor Sarah Baker Graphic Design Susan Narrow & Print Shop Volunteers Production, printing and mailing S. Jane Behlmann, CSJ S. Audrey Olson, CSJ S. Charline Sullivan, CSJ Madeleine Reilly Proofreading

2012 Jubilee
Pages 14-15 We had lots to celebrate in the month of August, including honoring our Golden and Silver Jubilarians.

Contents
Province Leadership Message .........................................................................................3 CLG .................................................................................................................................. 4-5 PL ..........................................................................................................................................6 Association .........................................................................................................................7 Vocation/Formation ..........................................................................................................8 Justice ...................................................................................................................................9 Liturgy................................................................................................................................10 Senior Ministry ................................................................................................................11 Sponsored Institutions ............................................................................................ 12-13 2012 Jubilee ............................................................................................................... 14-15 Eco-Justice ........................................................................................................................16 Retreats & Workshops ...................................................................................................17 MCRI ........................................................................................................................... 18-19 Meeting Our Ancestors .................................................................................................20 Necrology, S. Ellen Hucker ............................................................................................21 Necrology, S. Maria Joseph Walsh ................................................................................22 Necrology, S. Regina Catherine Brandt ......................................................................23 Necrology, S. Mary Louise Gagnon .............................................................................24 Necrology, S. Florence Kane .........................................................................................25 Corporation and Council ..............................................................................................26 Face of the Motherhouse ..............................................................................................27 Calendars ..........................................................................................................................28

On t he Cove r : Silen t Guardian

On Aug. 10, a red-tailed hawk took in the sites of the Carondelet Motherhouse and kept watch over the sisters, staff and guests in the courtyard for the day.

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September 2012 PNN

Back: Sisters Liz Brown, Jean Meier, Patty Clune and Suzanne Wesley. Front: Srs. Helen Flemington, Nancy Corcoran and Pat Giljum.

Province Leadership Reections

Heart Moments
by Sister Patty Clune
The phrase it touched my heart has taken on new meaning since I had a stent put in my heart this summer. As a result of this simple surgery, my heart is stronger than ever, and I am even more aware of people and situations that touch my heart. This summer we have all had many opportunities to have our hearts touched. The ground breaking for our independent living units at the Village of Nazareth rooted us in a shared future with our dear neighbors and Benedictine Health partners. After welcoming Clare Bass into our novitiate, we sent Sisters Clare and Mary Flick to the Federation Novitiate in Chicago with love, prayers, support and the promise to stay in touch. The Spirit was with us at assembly, bringing us Sister Janet Mock as our keynote presenter. S. Janet described the role of women religious throughout history and shared her personal story as played out in her role as executive director at LCWR. The hearts of all in leadership were touched when the assembly sent us forth to our LCWR meetings with a blessing and a mandate to stand tall and to speak with integrity, as we continue to build up our church. We carried this to the conference, where more than 900 sisters from across the country were charged with staying at the table in dialogue as long as our integrity could be maintained. Some of us were privileged to attend the 50th anniversary of our sisters in Peru and hear the heart-warming stories from the sisters who ministered there. Finally, our jubilee celebrations brought many of us together, reminding us of the faithfulness of God and of one another. These are but a few of our heart moments. What touches your heart?

Editors Notes
by Jenny Beatrice
It is an exciting time to be a communicator for women religious. It certainly has been energizing to see so many nuns in the news for all the right reasons. The sisters who have come forth in the media have expressed deep faith and strong convictions beyond words, conveying a peaceful presence in trying times. It is also an important time to be in this role. It is a great responsibility to be the caretaker of your Gospel message, especially when so many are hungry for the hope it proclaims. Although my oce may craft the words printed on these pages, between the lines shines the peaceful presence of a faithful and strong community. Together, we are sharing the Good News for all the right reasons.

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CLG
Congregational Chapter: July 17-31, 2013
from the Congregational Chapter Process Committee (CCPC)
Throughout our conversations, we consistently voiced the desire that the congregational chapter and the preparation preceding it be seamless, integrated and whole. As a result, we acknowledged that what we hope will occur at the congregational chapter could begin to happen at vice/province chapters. With that in mind, we will share with you a few of the foundational components that will be evident at the 2013 Congregational Chapter and invite you to explore the degree to which they may be included in your vice/province chapters. Congregational Chapter 2013 will: Be steeped in a spirit of contemplation and discernment, requiring us to engage in a process of both personal and communal discernment. The disciplines required for such a chapter include openness of mind, heart and will, and the capacity to notice when that openness is blocked. The process committee believes that if as a congregation we are going to enter deeply into the mystery of transformation, we need to see with new eyes that to which the Spirit is now calling us. Many of us are familiar with methods for applying discernment to personal decision making and to communal discernment for a special outcome. We want to take The members of the Congregational Chapter Process Committee (CCPC) spent three and a half days together in late February, reecting on the possible shape and content of Congregational Chapter 2013. During our time together, we recognized the evolution of our congregations insight into our call, apparent in the themes of the last two chapters: in 2001, the call to communion and six years later, the call to deepening communion. At the end of the vision statement, which captured the direction of the 2007 chapter, we expressed our desire to continue this process of deepening communion by participating in the mystery of transformation. Our constitution outlines the work of congregational chapter: to elect the congregational leadership team, review the life and ministry of the congregation in the light of its spirit, its purpose and the current needs of the church and society, and to make the decisions necessary to strengthen the congregation in fullling its mission (C:58). Since the last chapter, we, as a congregation, have been engaged in various experiences and conversations which foster individual and communal transformation. The members of the CCPC, representing multiple perspectives, spent time reecting on how the call from our last chapter and the previous chapters led us to desire deepening communion and to willingly enter into mystery and transformation. Situating ourselves in profound openness to one another, the committee explored what is emerging throughout the congregation. Based on the awareness of that reality, we considered implications for the upcoming vice-province, province and congregational chapters.
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this understanding of discernment to a deeper level by inviting ourselves to become individually and collectively committed to a stance of discernment and contemplation. This stance calls us to embrace an open mind, open heart, and an open will in all of our deliberations and calls us to sustain a spirit of openness to such time when we are ready to make a decision.

We invite you to probe your understanding of discernment as a way of hearing Gods voice as a congregation and as a way of being about the common good. We suggest that if possible, vice/ province chapters weave 10 minutes of silence into prayer and ritual or throughout chapter proceedings as appropriate.

 Include the integration of material arising from Core Group conversations. The congregation has already received from the Core Group the synthesis of conversations on mission; the synthesis of feedback on mission and membership was sent in early May; a third round of reection and conversations regarding structures and infrastructures will be completed by the end of August. We highly encourage each vice/ province to take quality time to review these materials and engage in conversations around them. As you plan the content for vice/ province chapters, we recommend that you integrate the syntheses and/or commentaries from the conversation circles. What implications do these ndings hold for us as a congregation? What is stirring within you as you consider the ndings and implications? Explore creative ways to ensure that newer/younger members are integrally engaged and involved and also explore appropriate and creative ways to include associates (ACOF). This component highlights ideas and questions arising from our daily life together and particular questions related to vice/province/ congregational chapters. For example: How can the voices of younger, newer members be integrated into chapter(s)? What can we do to encourage this and

make it possible? What insights and dreams unique to them do the congregation and chapter need to hear? Is there a special articulation of our mission that they are being called to lift up and give voice to? How can ACOF best participate and contribute? How can they help us see with new eyes? Include processes and experiences concerning the role and inclusion of our partners in mission. Recognizing that the phrase partners in mission is understood dierently throughout the congregation and within vice/ provinces, we are keenly aware that our ongoing work with our partners in mission is an integral part of our emerging future. We are considering creative ways to engage in conversation with these partners in mission during congregational chapter. We invite you to explore ways to include such conversations at the local level. Consider these possibilities: Ask a few of your mission partners to share with the vice/province how they are being called to sustain and promote the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Another might be to ask them how they see their mission as interdependent with or integral to the mission and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph or how they see their role as a partner in mission with the vice/ province.

The members of CCPC invite you during the upcoming chapter year to include the above concepts in whatever ways work best for you. The concepts might be directly included in your vice/ province chapter, or could be addressed and explored in some other way (e.g. forums, sectionals, area meetings). At this time, it is not our expectation that you will be asked for a formal report on the ways in which you included or addressed the above ideas. It is our belief that however these ideas unfold locally, the congregational chapter will be inuenced in profound and mysterious ways. As you consider how to unpack these concepts, be conscious of sisters from your vice/province who currently serve on the Core Group, the CCPC or were members of the Chapter Animation Committee who can assist and support you in designing an approach. Our hope is that these conversations and experiences will give fresh perspectives to those who gather at the 2013 Congregational Chapter, enriching the chapter conversations, enabling us to move forward together on the path of transformation.
The Congregational Chapter Process Committee: Sisters Carol Brong, Laura Bufano, Patrice Coolick, Francine Costello, Mary Dugar, Rosheen Glennon, Susan Hames, Karen Hilgers, Ansgar Holmberg, Suzanne Jabro, Mary McKay, Catherine McNamee, Mary Agnes Nance, and Chris Partisano, Debbie Asberry and Donna Fye, facilitators

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PL
A Message from the CLT
The gift you have received, give as a gift. By the time you read this message you should have received at a recent vice/province gathering/meeting, by mail or other means, a personal copy of the booklet called Deepening Communion with Creation. We oer it to you as a timely and beautiful gift from the congregation. The gift is one that we received from the writers and artists who generously shared their knowledge, art and reections in the booklet. It is the fruit of the creative and collaborative eorts of many, who behind the scenes persevered and saw this project through to completion. In the coming months, as we breathe in and breathe out Gods unifying love and continue our preparation for Congregational Chapter 2013, we encourage you to use these reections for your personal and communal prayer and for sharing of the heart. The introduction to the booklet gives you the background on its origin. Gods work in us can do innitely more than we can ask or imagine, and we are deeply grateful. With love, Catherine, Francine, Laura, Susan The Congregational Leadership Team *For a copy, contact Carol Underhill at 314-678-0344 or cunderhill@csjsl.org.
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Words from Our Past Speak to Our Future

from Province Leadership
We share with you this 30+ year old letter of support written to Sister Barbara Verheyen, principal of St.Teresas Academy, from the general superiors. Their words serve as inspiration to follow our truth today. March 30, 1981 Dear Sisters: Yesterday at the St. Louis Province chapter we learned of the threats and harassment that you are suering because Sister Teresa Kane, RSM will be speaking at St. Teresa Academy. What you are enduring is a source of great concern to us, and we believe it to be, ultimately, a test of whether your teaching of Gospel values can be lived out when these values are tested by re. It is a test of all that the Sisters of St. Joseph have taught of Christs suering love throughout the glorious history of St. Teresas. You are being asked to make your lives illustrate your words. Following Sister Teresas talk at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington during the visit of Pope John Paul II, I (SMK) called to give her my personal support for I believe she spoke about fullness of participation in the church. To attribute but one limited interpretation to what she said is a disservice. Many of this countrys church leaders also supported her; some others were very much upset by her words, but never have the ocial spokespersons for the bishops of this country or for the ocial congregations of the church in Rome ever censured or condemned her. I went with Sister Teresa in Rome when she reported to the Sacred Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes. She was openly received and true dialogue ensued. What Sister Teresa speaks is the hard truth which must be heard if the churchs teachings on the value of all persons is to be credible. Her message is not easy for many to hear for it calls for a radical change in ideas and stereotypes. This is threatening and brings about angry and defensive reactions from those who do not want to hear it. Jesus had to reveal frightening truths, too, in the face of great odds, in the face of the criticism of great and respected persons and religious leadersand many left Him. We pray that you will have the courage and strength to continue to suer and risk the loss which your choice may bring upon you. Ultimately all will be resolved in peace; but it may take a very long time and the temptation to discouragement and turning back will be strong. With you, we pray that those who persecute you may be brought to truth for it is only in truth that you can honestly continue to be acclaimed as teachers of what it means to be Gospel women in a world which nds many of the Lords teachings to be hard sayings. With love and support, Sister Mary Kevin Ford, CSJ General Superior Sister Ida R. Berresheim, CSJ Assistant General Superior

Association
Associate Janet Linck Makes Ongoing Commitment
by Clara Uhlrich, CSJA

On July 12, while on summer retreat at the Marillac Retreat Center in Leavenworth, Kan., Associate Janet Linck professed her ongoing commitment. Janet, a member of the Medaille Community in Kansas City, has admired the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet from the age of nine when her sister, S. Martha Ann Linck, became a member of the community. Associate Clara Uhlrich, S. Marilyn Peot, Associate Janet Janet was educated by the sisters and especially Linck and S. Joan Tolle appreciated the example of her chemistry teacher, S. Henrietta Eileen (Mary Grace) Heiner. S. with and awareness of our common goals, thus building and Harriet Koutsoumpas prepared Janet for her initial keeping a Christ-centered life together. commitment and, over the years, S. Marilyn Peot has been her spiritual companion. The ceremony concluded with a sharing of the heart, recognizing the richness and grace experienced at the S. Marilyn, along with Sister Joan Tolle and Associate gathering by the members of the CSJ Community who Clara Uhlrich, joined Janet in the song, How Can I Keep received Janets commitment with joy and enthusiasm. from Singing, selected by Janet to express her joyful commitment. Janets yes to the Community of St. Joseph reminds us all For Janet, with commitment comes action focused with the how loved we are by our God, and how inspired to action we are by the presence of God in each other, says Clara. eyes on the Lord, our God (Psalm 123).Serving the dear neighbor has endless ramications, she says. I seek unity

Seven Associate Candidates Welcomed to Community

Sisters, associates, family and friends gathered at the Carondelet Motherhouse on Aug. 9 to welcome seven new associate candidates. Candidates Sharon Auer, Diane Blackwell, Mary Kay Vasterling, Kathleen (Kathi) Busam, and Mary Ann Daust Buehler, are employees or volunteer at Nazareth Living Center and spoke of being drawn to association by the loving witness of the sisters who live there. A married couple, Piera and Dennis Cummins, were attracted to Front row (l-r): Piera and Diane. Back row: Mary Ann, Dennis, association because the sisters care for the dear Sharon, May Kay and Kathi. neighbor match their own thirst for social justice.
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Vocation/Formation
Walking the CSJ Journey
Snippets about our three women presently in the various stages of formation.

Will They be Welcomed Among Us?

by S. Jean Meier, CSJ
We are all familiar with the quote It takes a village to raise a child. To extend that metaphor, it takes a community to nurture a vocation. Think back to all the women and men who helped you to choose and subsequently to live religious life over the years: parents, friends, wisdom gures, spiritual directors, etc. The chances are that few, if any, of these persons were ocially vocation directors! Our province vocation and formation personnel are working hard to invite and support women in their vocational discernment. We now have two community houses to oer safe space in which to discern where God might be calling women in our time. Our sisters oer wisdom, gentle listening, and conversation about the possibilities inherent in religious life today. They provide a lived experience of communal life: sharing prayer, responsibilities, and celebrations. Just as families need to change their lifestyles with the advent of new members, so community members need to open themselves to new membership and sometimes need to adjust their lifestyle (and their comfort zones) to welcome and accommodate new members. We are the wisdom gures and mentors whose task it is to welcome, support, and learn from our new members. Many times these interested women express their admiration for the religious women they have met and for the ministries in which we are engaged. What is more elusive to them is our life together on the day to day level. How do we pray? How do we make decisions? Are our homes open and hospitable? Will they be welcomed among us? Perhaps it is time we asked ourselves these questions: Am I convinced enough of the value of my life choice that I am open to adjusting my comfort zone in order to welcome new members? Do I believe that I have something to oer women who wish to pursue religious life? Am I open to being changed (perhaps renewed) by my contact with new members? As I interact with various communities, I am ever so grateful for the gifts and graces I have received in this Community of St. Joseph. As I work with formation personnel in many dierent communities, I am more and more convinced that it takes a community to nurture new membership. I invite us to prayerfully consider how we can best support the eorts of our formation personnel and the desire of those who might wish to join us in the future. We have a wonderful heritage to live and celebrate. How are we being called to share it?

Sarah Heger - Temporary Profession I had a wonderful month and a half of formal preparation for nal vows. The preparation will continue and the learning will never end. I am excited for the new school year and the class of beautiful fth-grade girls with whom to share life and ministry.

Mary Flick - Novitiate It has been a busy summer for me as I prepared to leave for the Federation Novitiate in Chicago. Here summer has included coees, lunches and dinners with sisters and friends, and frequent morning bike rides during the summer heat. I also hosted a 55th wedding anniversary party in July for my parents at the motherhouse, sharing the beauty and history of my home to about 50 relatives and friends.

Clare Bass - Novitiate I am grateful for the outpouring of love and support that was shown to me during my entrance into the novitiate on July 29. Thank you for coming and sending prayers. My family is also amazed and grateful for the way you all embraced them in love. I am excited about being in Chicago at the Federation Novitiate. I miss you all dearly; please keep in touch. I suppose its appropriate now to say: Go Cardinals & White Sox! Also, football is almost here: Go Saints, Bears & Rams!

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Justice
by Cindy Bardenheier, CSJA
In April 2012 we embarked on a new spiritual path. What started as a road less traveled quickly became a network of hope and love for each of the companions on this special journey. It started with a call to action from our Social Justice Oce. At Easter, we stood with the sisters, associates and other religious leaders in petitioning Governor Jay Nixon to grant clemency for Patty Prewitt. Patty is a 63-yearold mother and grandmother unjustly convicted of murdering her husband in 1984. She is currently serving her 26th year of a life sentence at the Missouri Womens Correctional Center in Vandalia with no hope of parole until 50 years of her sentence have been served. While signing this petition was a small step in the right direction, we knew that we wanted to do much more. Two weeks later, a request came from the Social Justice Oce for any interested sisters or associates to correspond with Patty. This idea immediately sparked our interest and spirit. We responded to the call and began to build our own spiritual network of support for Patty through written word and prayer. The rst letter was the hardest to write since we knew very little about her and her interests. To our amazement, however, subsequent letters were easier to create and grew in length as our journey with Patty continued. Letters from Patty are like a visit from a dear friendheartwarming, delightful and lled with her funny stories and poetry. Her faith keeps her focused while family and friends keep her strong. Patty is very involved with the Womens Theater Group at the prison, which is aliated with Prison Performing Arts (PPA), a literacy and performing arts program that serves incarcerated adults and children in Missouri. Participants of the performing arts program are eligible to earn college credit for their work through Fontbonne University. In July, Patty invited us to attend a performance of Metamorphoses. We made all the necessary arrangements with PPA and journeyed to Vandalia to meet our new friend. Patty has an

Our Journey

Associates Fred and Cindy Bardenheier

incredible spirit about her when shes on stage. We were able to share many warm hugs with her during our visit and had the opportunity to meet her daughter, grandson and the young lawyer from Georgetown University who leads the Catholic community campaign for Pattys clemency petition. What a day it was! We were spiritually pumped and very happy we made the journey. Our spiritual connection with Patty continues to grow in hope, love and prayerful support. Her friendship is a precious gift and our journey together is paved with special blessings. It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving. Mother Teresa
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Patty Prewitt

Liturgy
LITURGY CALENDAR
September 5 Midday Prayer for the 22nd Week of Ordinary Time 11:45 a.m. 15 Midday Prayer for the Triumph of the Holy Cross 11:45 a.m. 21 Midday Prayer for St. Matthew 11:45 a.m. 21 International World Day of Peace 7:00 p.m. 27 Midday Prayer for St.Vincent DePaul 11:45 AM October 1 Midday Prayer for St. Therese of Liseaux 11:45 a.m. 10 Midday Prayer for the 27th Week of Ordinary Time 11:45 a.m. 15 Midday Prayer for St. Teresa of Avila 11:45 a.m. 23 Midday Prayer for St. John Capristrano 11:45 a.m.

Source and Summit

by Associate Mary Kay Christian, liturgist
This year Pope Benedict has proclaimed A Year of Faith, beginning Oct. 11, 2012, on the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, and ending Nov. 24, 2013, the feast of Christ the King. Faith, St. Paul wrote "is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen." But how do we keep believing in a world brimming over with violence, death and pain? How can we have faith in goodness and truth when the nightly news keeps reporting all evidence to the contrary? At times in our own lives, it may seem that we can't win for losing. Job losses, illness and death of people we love, crime, abandonment, betrayal by people and systems we used to place all our trust in, war, terrorism, hurricanes, res, earthquakes and oods...in what can we dare to trust? All the insurance policies in the universe cannot keep bad things from happening to good people. We ask God like the prophet Habbakuk: How long, O LORD, must I cry for help and you do not listen? Or cry out to you, Violence! and you do not intervene? Why do you let me see iniquity? Why do you simply gaze at evil? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife and discord. This is why the law is numb and justice never comes, For the wicked surround the just. The world, and our prospects for happiness in it, can seem very scary. Some things never change. When the presence of what is hoped for hasn't materialized, when we cannot seem to nd a shred of evidence of God's presence in our lives, why don't we just give up? We continue forward because of the gift of faith. Faith, even when it is waning, even if we have almost none left, is the powerful force that keeps us putting one foot in front of the other. Faith is the urge to give our work and struggle one more try. Faith is the condence to continue on even when we cannot see what lies around the corner for us. So let us pray in the coming year, Yes, Lord, we pray, increase our faith. (Luke 17:5) We continue to pray for faith, in faith because our world needs more than ever to believe that God's healing presence and creative Spirit are real and possible in our everyday lives and in the world. I can be reached best by phone from 9 a.m-noon, Monday through Friday. If I do not answer, please leave a voice mail message or send an e-mail. Calls and e-mails will be returned within 24 hours. If you need immediate attention, you can contact me on my cell phone at 314-497-0640.

Keeping the Faith

Sara Thomsen Workshop Retreat & Concert

Saturday, Nov. 3
Workshop: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rockhaven Ecozoic Center Concert: 7:30 p.m. Carondelet Motherhouse Cost: $40 (workshop/concert) $10 (concert only) More info: rockhavencenter.org
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Senior Ministry
by Sister Bonnie Murray, CSJ & Trish Callahan
Reprise on Decluttering By Sister Bonnie, director Over the summer, I have had many sisters share their stories with me about getting rid of clutter and what a freeing experience this has been for them. If some of you still need a little motivation to get started, let me suggest a few more resources. Ponder what it means to live simply. Are you aware that in three of the Gospel accounts, Jesus advised his followers to travel lightly? For their journeys, Jesus told them to leave their traveling bags behind. If I needed to pick up and move on tomorrow, I have to confess that I would need several traveling bags. How about you? In a retreat centers gift shop, the book Clutter Busting by Brooks Palmer jumped at me o the shelf! In this insightful book, Palmer shows how to get rid of the things in our lives that no longer serve us. He says that piles of junk in garages and closets, overowing papers on desks, items unused for years, masses of unanswered email, clothing never worn, useless gifts that collect dust all these things come weighted with shame and guilt, having a suocating eect on spirit and soul. By tossing out these unneeded items, we also eliminate their negative inuences, free up energy, and unlock our potentials. Loaded with inspiring anecdotes and practical tips, Clutter Busting is based on the premise that your things are not sacredyou are. Palmer explores such fundamental topics as the false identities we assume through clutter, the fear of change those junk piles represent, the addictive nature of holding on to objects and how clearing clutter makes room for clarity and sweeps away confusion. With Brooks upbeat and compassionate guidance, youll nd yourself clearing the way for new and exciting things to come into your life. If you are interested in reading his book, a copy is available in our Senior Ministry Resource Center. You can also hear him speak about his experiences assisting folks with their decluttering projects on his website (a link is available on the Senior Ministry Reading Resources page in Members Only at csjsl.org). In addition, to learn more useful tips, ask questions about your clutter situation or read inspiring stories from the clutter busting front lines, go to http://brooks-palmer.blogspot.com/. Coming Soon By Trish Callahan Many of the coming years topics have been taken from suggestions given in the questionnaire we distributed earlier this year. A few examples include: Input from the sisters regarding how they are coping with the aging process and with downsizing Nutritional supplements and healthy eating Personal experiences with the Road Scholar program The importance of staying active Exercises to help maintain exibility and balance Book reviews Computer tips and tools

Gleanings

Computer Shortcuts Use these keystrokes rather than the mouse Control key + b = bold Control key + i = italicize Control key + u = underline Control key + s = save Control key + c = copy Control key + x = cut Control key + v = paste Control key + z = undo last action Control key + f = nd Control key + a = select (highlight) all

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Sponsored Institutions

Nazareth Living Center Breaks Ground: Independent Living at The Village at Nazareth
With the turning of several shovels, Nazareth Living Center began construction of the Village at Nazareth, new independent living apartment homes for area seniors on its 16-acre campus. The proposed three-story plus ground level building will feature attractive landscaping designed to preserve the privacy of the residents and area neighbors. Each apartment home in the Village at Nazareth will have a full appliance package in the kitchen and laundry including pull-out shelving. Sisters who will reside at the Village with area residents look forward to continuing serving and to now sharing the new apartment homes with area residents. Nazareth Living Center has retained the services of The Lawrence Group as the project architect, Northstar Management as the construction manager and PARIC CORPORATION as the general contractor. Construction is anticipated to be completed mid-year 2013. With this expansion of services, our campus will provide a full continuum of service, from independent living apartments through nursing services, says Lu Westho, administrator of Nazareth Living Center. Our goal is to position NLC to provide high quality care on a campus that supports families and the individual aging in place.

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September 2012 PNN

Small Gifts, Big Impact

The women of the Fontbonne Community Connection celebrate ve years and $339,000 in giving to the university. Composed of alumnae and friends of Fontbonne, each member pledges to give $1,000 each scal year. All gifts are deposited in a restricted fund and faculty, sta, students and student organizations are then invited to apply for grants. With 86 current members, their collective gifts have made possible 65 projects, impacted innumerable people and provided $339,000 in grants to the Fontbonne University community since the groups inception, an impact which extends beyond the campus. All of us believe in the importance and worth of education, says Karen Gedera, immediate past president of the FCC. We value having a personal stake in our charitable giving.

SJA Coach to be First Female in St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame

After 41 years and 841 inductees, the times have caught up with the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame. The local soccer shrine, which started in 1971 and has been adding members annually ever since, is welcoming its rst female member: St. Josephs Academy coach Maureen McVey. Its a great honor, McVey said. There are a lot of great womens soccer players from here. I know Im not getting in as a soccer player. Im getting in as a coach. A late bloomer in soccer, McVey began playing as a senior at Riverview Gardens, winning the state title and scoring the only goal in the championship game. Today, McVey is the second-winningest girls high school soccer coach in the St. Louis area. McVey-coached teams have a 501-11941 record. Her teams have won four state championships. I love what I do, McVey says. I always said that the day I dont enjoy walking up that hill is the day I quit, but I love walking up there every day. I really enjoy coaching.

Nazareth Living Center Anniversary Celebration

Join us as we honor our 140th anniversary of the CSJ presence on this holy ground and the 20th anniversary of opening our home to lay partners.

Celebration Reception
Sunday, Sept. 16 3:30-5:00 p.m. Gleason Hall Community Room
Park at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, 4900 Ringer Rd. A shuttle will transport guests to NLC. Handicap parking will be available on the NLC campus. RSVP by Monday, Sept. 1 to 314-487-3950 ext. 4144.

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Jubilee

2012

Golden Jubilee: Sisters of the Reception of 1962: Back Row: Sisters Jane Schaper, Kathy Crowley, Fran Voivedich, Helen Oates, Gabrielle Smits, Joanne Geary, Jean Iadevito, Rita McGovern, Jean Abbott, Nancy Folkl, Kate Filla. Front Row: Sisters Jean Magdalene Wyatt, Maureen Freeman, Mary Ann Boes, Adele Marie Rothan, Rita Marie Schmitz, Liz Brown, Marion Weinzapfel, Marianne Dwyer.

Silver Jubilee: Sisters Sandra Schmid (left) and Clare Spaeth celebrated their 25th jubilee on Aug. 25 with family and friends at the Carondelet Motherhouse.
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75 Years

Honorary Contributions (as of 8/15/2012)

To the Development Oce: Associate Pat Baxter Associate Jeremy Lillig Associate Catherine Shinn Associate Mary Sheppard To the Retirement Fund: Sisters Kathleen Naughton and Phyllis Bardenheier To the Missions Fund Our Ladys Community Associate Marilyn F. Koncen

Sister Marie T. Tucker Sister Teresa Shea

70 Years
Sister Winifred Adelsberger Sister Mary Laurent Duggan Sister Alice Hein Sister Charlotte Smith

60 Years
Sister Clairerita Atha Sister Therese Beaudin Sister Mary Rita Essert Sister Laura Ann Grady Sister Jane Hassett Sister Constance Heun Sister Patricia J. Kelly Sister Joan E. Lampton Sister Joyce M. Landreman Sister Mary Reinhart Sister Mary Socorro Richey

Thank You
From S. Jean Magdalene Our 50th Jubilee was a wonderful celebration. Thank each and everyone for coming. Your presence was gift enough for me but I am grateful for all your cards and well wishes. For the donations to the various places you sent to for me, for the Masses, your loving care and concern. My gratitude and many blessings to each of you. From S. Mary Ann Boes Thanks to all of you for making our 50th Jubilee Celebration so great. I appreciate your cards, notes, gifts and donations to our missions. From S. Rita M. Schmitz A special thank you to each of you who helped to make my Golden Jubilee so special. It was such a delight to receive so many cards, donations, Masses, gifts, prayers and expressions of gratitude. I feel truly blessed! From S. Helen Oates From start to nish, the Jubilee celebration was made special by all of you who shared in it whether present or in spirit. What a delight to open so many cards lled with kind words, good wishes and promises of prayersand other surprises. Thank you, thank you to all who helped to make this 50th Jubilee such a joyous occasion. From S. Francis Rita Voivedich My heartfelt thanks for your many wishes of joy and blessings as I and the 18 other Golden Jubilarians celebrated on August 4. I am thankful for your many cards, Mass oerings and donations to the Edmundites mission, mission fund, Gulu mission, retirement fund, and development fund. Most of all grateful to be by grace a Sister of St. Joseph. All are most sincerely appreciated. From S. Rita McGovern I would like to thank the sisters and associates for their good wishes, prayers and gifts at the time of my Golden Jubilee. Our celebration was just wonderful and I am grateful for all those who celebrated with us. It is a good feeling to be among the 50 group. Blessings to all.

50 Years
Sister Jean Marie Abbott Sister Mary Ann Boes Sister Elizabeth Brown Sister Kathleen Crowley Sister Marianne Dwyer Sister Catherine Filla Sister Nancy Folkl Sister Maureen Freeman Sister Jo Ann Geary Sister Jean Marie Iadevito Sister Rita McGovern Sister Helen Francine Oates Sister Adele Marie Rothan Sister Jane Schaper Sister Rita Marie Schmitz Sister Gabrielle Smits Sister Francis Rita Voivedich Sister Marion Weinzapfel Sister Jean Magdalene Wyatt

25 Years
Sister Sandra Schmid Sister Mary Clare Spaeth
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Eco-Justice
Summer Events Focus on Right Relationship with Earth
by Diana Oleskevich, CSJA
mono-crop farming, free trade policies, contributions to global warming and water rights. Sisters of Earth Following the Wisdom Circle gathering we joined with 130 plus members of the Sisters of Earth for their 2012 conference Sharing the Wisdom, Shaping the Dream: Deep Transition. Dr. Nettie Wiebe, a farmer, seminary teacher, and environmental activist for La Via Compesina (an organization that defends small-scale sustainable agriculture) spoke about the hidden dangers of the globalized food security system and the counter movement towards more sustainable and local food sovereignty. Food security means the availability and access to sucient, safe food. Transnational companies (like Monsanto) have privatized food production, genetically modied food crops and displaced thousands of small farmers in the name of food security. Food sovereignty promotes the rights of local people to dene the food and agriculture systems that are ecologically, socially, economically and culturally appropriate to their unique circumstances ( Jean Ziegler, 2008). Nettie suggests that women's religious communities consider how to use their land to support local, healthy food production now and into the future. Helen Norberg-Hodge, lmmaker Sacred Mystery embraces us in unifying love and we know Communion Recognizing the urgency of working to protect and restore Earths healthy living systems. Acts of Chapter 2007 Wisdom Circle Sisters across the provinces met at the White Violet Center for Eco-justice, St. Mary of the Woods, Ind. in a Wisdom Circle format that allowed us to share, brainstorm and dream our way to live right relationship with Earth. A deep sense of gratitude for the growing consciousness of our congregations sense of the sacredness of all life inspired possibilities for our next direction. Three areas surfaced. First, we see it benecial to learn from communities around the globe that have self-organized towards a less oil dependent and more resilient local, ecologically sustainable system (known as the Transition Movement). Second, we noticed the need for a congregation-wide land ethic that would help us relate to our land in a sacred and sustainable manner. Finally, as a congregation, we need more education about how our individual and communal choices impact eco-justice issues such as food systems, GMO (geneticallymodied organism) practices, and a pioneer of the new economy movement, spoke to us via Skype about local economies. As a founding member of the International Commission of the Future of Food and Agriculture and a co-founder of the Global Ecovillage Network, she lled us in on how localization allows for more sustainable and equitable ways of living. Dr. Carolyn Baker, author of Sacred Demise: Walking the Spiritual Path of Industrial Civilizations Collapse and Navigating the Coming Chaos: A Handbook for Inner Transition, gifted us with emotional and spiritual tools for living in a post-industrial world. Her drumming and storytelling evoked the wisdom residing in each of us. It is the unraveling that keeps things going she reminds us as we witness the demise of so many of Earths healthy ecosystems. We are challenged to consider what might be born from the ashes and how we discover the gifts of the collapse. Powerful ritual, song, dance and art spiraled throughout the conference as participants owed through streams of networking channels. It was truly an adventure in the Mystery of Transformation deepening each participants Communion with Creation.

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Retreats & Workshops

The Eucharistic Letter Retreat: Exploring the Charism Today
by Sister Lisa Lazio, CSJ
Consider the sublime end of your vocation. I never imagined that the few words of this maxim would be enough to carry me through a retreat. Yet for the 30+ sisters and associates who gathered at the motherhouse June 10-16 for the Eucharistic Letter Retreat, these words led us to see a familiar story through a new perspective. Among the many profound graces of this retreat was the gift of having a shared experience of our spirituality. Through our reverent silence, it was clear that we were on holy ground. Led by S. Edna McKeever, CSJ (Brentwood), the retreats focus was to spend time with the Eucharistic Letter, the 17th century document in which Father Medaille shares what it means to be a Sister of St. Joseph in the Little Design community. The letter itself was never meant to be a formative document. It was, in fact, Medailles personal response of spiritual direction to Marguerite Burdier. As the only original member who could read and write, Burdier carried a great deal of responsibility for the group. Sister Edna surmises that Medailles words reassured Burdier as she reiterated the goal of the Little Design. In this light, S. Edna presented the letter as an invitation for us to view our vocation as a call to mysticism, continually bringing us back to the grace hidden within this maxim along with another precious phrase of Medailles , Eect in me a miracle of love. In considering the Eucharistic Letter as a collective invitation to deepen our mystical experience of Gods Great Love, we come to know in Jesus both the Trinitarian Love as well as of the self-emptying humility that allows the experience of Love to deepen. Out of that expansive experience of love develops the energy and focus for our mission that we might move forward in sharing that mystery of love with the dear neighbor. In considering the letter as a personal invitation, the call to deepen our mystical experience is clear. We have each come to this community with an individual mystical relationship. The strength of that relationship impels us to join together with others, also mystics, who want to spread hope and a communion of Gods Great Love. Medaille has given us a model for our life based on the two trinities. As the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit dwell in a communion of Great Love, and as Joseph, Mary, and the Word Incarnate dwell in a communion of Great Love, so do we. In each of us there is a sacred potential, a longing to belong to a communion of Great Love. As we practice living in this way, our experience of dwelling in Gods Great Love is also deepened. This manifests itself in a variety of ways, according to our temperament and individual personalities. Our charism is an incarnational grace that opens us to become channels of Gods Great Love. The key for us comes as we continue together to open ourselves, welcoming God to work in the circumstances of our lives. The grace of together oers the added dimension of the mysticism of the community. When all of us are aware of Gods Great Love and grace within and among us, then together we become the community of Gods Great Love. Only when we have communally reected on our experience of Gods Love do we consider the practicalities of how we might respond to the dear neighbor. The focus of the letter is not on the celebration of the Eucharist, but on Jesus indwelling in the host that models a way for us to be present in the world. In the manner of Joseph, who drew no attention to himself but rather lived in service to Jesus and Mary, so are we to live. In loving Jesus who emptied Himself to take on our nature, so are we to welcome self-emptying humility that we may make room to be lled by Gods Great Love.

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MCRI
by Sister Barbara Jennings, CSJ, MCRI Coordinator
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water without price from the fountain of the water of life. Revelation 21:6 The Midwest Coalition for Responsible Investment believes that God gives water in abundance but it is lack of human management that makes a scarcity. This scarcity is a Global Water Crisis according to the U.S. Intelligence Community (Atlantic Monthly, May 2012). By 2025 the global demand for fresh water will outstrip a reliable supply in parts of the world such as North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Asia. Today, Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona and California are experiencing water management diculties. Population growth, declining fresh water supplies in aquifers, disappearing glaciers in mountains, changing dietary preferences and poor water management are all contributing to this modern scarcity. MCRIs 14 members and six associate members continue to press corporations to be better managers of water use, recycling and restoration. If a company says they recycle 616 million gallons of water in a year, we ask how much they did not and how much are they putting back that is puried and potable. If a company says they are restoring groundwater, we ask what independent third party is measuring this and where. If a company says they are proactively assisting with water projects in regions where they operate,
Page 18 September 2012 PNN

Annual Report: June 2012

we ask them who is beneting, how much is the company spending, exactly what are they doing and where is this disclosed. We also ask companies to adopt a policy for the Human Right to Water, especially if they are operating in these water scarce regions. Here is a brief summary of our actions in 2011-2012: Ameren: We led a resolution asking Ameren to disclose more information on their eorts to identify and reduce the health and environmental hazards of coal combustion waste or coal ash. The company stated that they did the most work for you of any other group we deal with. The 8.8% vote is enough to le next year, we will continue to engage the company in dialogue about their groundwater monitoring around their coal ash ponds and to engage them more strongly on energy eciency and use of renewables. Arch Coal, Inc.: This St. Louis-based company received their rst ever shareholder resolution, and it was from the Midwest Coalition. We asked them to disclose more information on their water measurements and practices in regards to mountaintop removal. Arch has received numerous nes from the EPA and lawsuits by conservation organizations over discharges of selenium, mercury, etc. in the streams and rivers of Central Appalachia. We dialogued with the company on Jan. 6 and received a 44.7% vote on our resolution. We will probably le this resolution again in November, but ask for a dialogue in October.

Monsanto: Monsanto has declared water use a central focus, but has not written or adopted a Human Right to Water policy. Monsanto is counting on their drought resistant seeds, reduced tillage, Water Utilization Learning Center in Nebraska and their farmers to use fewer nutrients. The 2004 U.S. Geological Survey has concluded that the amounts of glyphosate, nitrates, and other chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides in the Mississippi River has not lessened since 1996 when Monsanto Roundup Ready genetically modied seeds were introduced. It seems farmers are not using fewer chemicals since 1996, but using more in some cases. We dialogued with Monsanto on Nov. 4, and led a shareholder resolution in August. Peabody Energy: We dialogued with the company on Dec. 6, encouraging them to continue the metrics they are using and to disclose these to the shareholders. We press them specically on their water measurements and cautions in Mongolia, Australia, China and all countries experiencing water scarcity or risk. Boeing: Our dialogues with Boeing have been around human rights for employees. Boeing has agreed to put forth its relationship to the International Labor Organization Principles in a consolidated and detailed report on its website, with the rst draft coming in late September. We will be critiquing this rst draft and making suggestions. Boeing has an obligation to these principles in its

Department of Defense (taxpayer) business, but has not disclosed for its civilian business. This website will include both. So we will see what Boeing is doing in the areas of employee training on human rights, tracking, wages, hours, health benets, freedom of association in all its factories and subsidiaries. Some companies have developed Statements on the Human Right to WaterJohnson and Johnson and Proctor and Gamble are two of the well known. Other dialogues and resolutions this year have involved Walmart, Abbott, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, and Wells Fargo. If you are interested in any one of these, contact me at 314-678-0471 or midwest.coalition@yahoo.com. Without the involvement of the religious congregations and individuals in MCRI, we couldnt do this work. Thank you!

The Celebrating Our Heritage Committee presents

Founders Day 2012

Theme: Feast of St. Teresa of Avila
October 15: Founders Day Mass
5:00 p.m., Carondelet Motherhouse Father Brad Modde will preside with Sister Sandra Schmid oering the reection. Dinner to follow Mass.

Related Links: www.iccr.org www.ceres.org/resources/reports/ aqua-gauge www.theatlantic.com/international/ archive/2012/05/the-coming-globalwater-crisis/256896 www.pg.com/sustainability www. globalreporting.org www.waterfootprint.org

October 21: Nazareth Event

2:00 p.m., Sister Mary Timlin Room
Showing of video from the LCWR exhibit Women in Spirit. RSVP by Oct. 5 to 314-481-8800 or motherhousersvp@csjsl.org

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Meeting Our Ancestors

Early picture of Nazareth Cemetery.

Prole of Early Sisters Who Died in the Month of September

Sister Mary Borgia Kelly died at our Half Orphan Asylum, St. Louis at 5:00 a.m. on September 3, 1854 in the twentieth year of her age, having passed one year and one month in our Congregation. This truly humble soul entered on her annual retreat a few weeks before her death, and we hope she was prepared for the hasty summons. Having fallen victim of cholera, she had not had time to be received as a professed sister, but we hope that her intention to give herself entirely to The Lord will meet the reward of a place amidst those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. [From the Necrology Book] Sister Mary Borgia (Mary) was born in Ireland in 1828 and was missioned at St. Bridget Half Orphan Asylum from March to September, 1854 where she was stricken with cholera, an epidemic that peaked in St. Louis in 1849. She was buried in St. Vincent de Paul Parish Cemetery. There is no record of where her remains were reinterred. Sister Mary Agnes Gill died at the Novitiate, Nazareth, on the 18th day of September, 1874 in the 25th year of her age and the sixth of her religious profession. Having been very much tormented during life by the fear of death, this dear sister seemed now at its approach to look forward to it with condence and joy. Strengthened by the Bread of Life and fortied by the blessings of the Church, she happily departed this life to enter upon the possession of that bliss which is promised to those who persevere to the end. [From the Necrology Book] Sister Mary Agnes Gill (Maria) was born in Cohoes, New York in 1849 to Catherine (Higgins) and John Gill. She entered at Carondelet on September 8, 1864 and received the habit on December 8, 1864. She made profession of vows on December 8, 1866. There are no records of her rst missions. She was among the rst group of sisters to serve at St. Josephs Academy in Marquette, Michigan in 1872. She came to Nazareth in 1873 and died there in 1874. She was the rst sister to be buried in Nazareth Cemetery which opened in 1874. Her remains are now in Row 2, Grave 29 of Resurrection Cemetery.

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The Hand of God Shall Hold You

Sister Ellen Hucker, CSJ

March 19, 1922 - June 23, 2012 Helped others nd Jesus

S. Ellen Hucker became a sister of St. Joseph, so that she could help others nd Jesus, and in nding Jesus, they would nd salvation. Indeed, she undertook this commitment with her whole heart, giving herself in service to children and to every other kind of neighbor throughout her life. The daughter of Aurelius and Ellen Raus Hucker, she was born on March 19, 1922, in St. Louis and named Dorothy Anne. Within this loving family of four girls and three boys, the seeds of her vocation were nourished by family prayer and her Catholic education at St. Philip Neri School, where she was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph. When she left home to enter religious life, the Sisters of St. Joseph, whom she deeply loved, were her only choice. On March 19, 1947, she was received and given the name S. Ellen Aurelia. As a novice, S. Ellen had begun her studies to become an elementary school teacher. After her profession in 1949 and until 1971, she was totally absorbed in her teaching in both

primary and intermediate grades. She taught everywhere: Denver, Littleton, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Peoria, Chicago and Hannibal. In 1971, her classroom teaching ended when she left St. Viators in Chicago, but not her stay in school. She moved across town to St. Bedes, serving as that schools secretary for the next 13 years. In 1984 S. Ellen moved to St. Louis, becoming receptionist and secretary in the province oces and a sta person in the nance oce at Carondelet. Her reliability and her skills of careful attention to detail and accuracy made tasks easier, more ecient and less stressful. While living at Carondelet, she also helped with hospitality, preparing rooms and greeting visitors. In 1993 school life beckoned her once more and she joined the school sta at St. Anthonys in St. Louis as a library aide. Helping children to choose books, listening to them and working with them on classroom assignments, S. Ellen endeared herself to the children and teachers alike. All appreciated her gentle, caring presence.

S. Ellen moved to Nazareth in 2001, a dicult move. Prayerful as always, she asked God to help her accept the changes in her life. Despite her physical suering, S. Ellen remained pleasant and cooperative. She willingly moved to McGovern Commons when it became necessary, trusting that the sta would care for her. Her special joy: a piece of chocolate candy or a chocolate shake. Throughout her life S. Ellen was generous with her time and presence: helping a child who needed just a bit more; volunteering on a project in the parish or school, always making herself available for others. How natural then that she decided to donate her body to St. Louis University. Rather selfdeprecating most of her life, S. Ellen knows now just how precious she is in Gods loving embrace. May she rest in peace. S. Rita Louise Huebner

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The Hand of God Shall Hold You

Sister Maria Joseph Walsh, CSJ

March 19, 1933 - June 26, 2012 A life lived for Gods Glory

No doubt S. Maria Joseph Walsh was destined to become a Sister of St. Joseph, being born on March 19, 1933, in Atchison, Kan. Baptized Georgia Josephine, she was the youngest of ve children, two of whom had died very young. Family life revolved around school, where she excelled as a student at St. Benedict Parish. Taught by the Benedictine sisters, she had thought about becoming one of them, but was dissuaded by her parents. Prior to entering the Sisters of St. Joseph, this bright young woman attended Mt. St. Scholastica College and received her degree in English. College life and its aftermath were exciting years, a time when she enjoyed dating and dancing. With her degree in hand, she taught briey at Bishop Ward School in Kansas City. At age 23, and after having turned aside two marriage proposals, she entered the community in 1956. On March 19, 1957, she was received as S. Maria Joseph. After profession, S. Maria Joseph nished out the academic year at St. Agnes grade school in St. Louis. An English teacher, she taught for the next 15 years secondary students in schools throughout the province. Ever the scholar, she took a speed-reading course at St. Louis University while

teaching at Rosati-Kain because she had many books to read for her English classes. She would speed read her class assignments while riding the bus to the university. S. Maria spent 10 years at St. Teresas Academy in Kansas City, (1972 1982) serving as assistant principal and teaching English. Her work with faculty development caught the attention of the diocese of Kansas City/St. Joseph. Thus in 1982, she was tapped to become spiritual development coordinator for 50 schools. Creative and organized, she assisted principals to develop faith communities and, with the backing of the National Catholic Education Association, authored books: Inviting the Faculty to Prayer and To Bring the Good News: Spiritual Development for School Faculties. Her creative ideas were adapted by many other high schools in Kansas City. After these productive years, God beckoned her to a dierent path. In 1988, after having become interested in the charismatic movement, S. Maria enrolled as a theology student at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. After earning her masters degree, she accepted the invitation of the university to become a fulltime faculty member. Thus her heart

centered itself in Steubenville, where she thrust herself into teaching theology and administering the healing arts through her prayer. In 1997 she opened Annunciation House for women religious who wanted to study, pray and live together. She had battled cancer during those years and accepted it as an opportunity to give God glory and praise. But after 19 years in Steubenville, she was happy to hand over her responsibilities to another. S. Maria Joseph retired to Nazareth Living Center in 2007. Always, S. Maria lived poverty and then some. She traveled lightly and could put all her belongings into one small bag. God was the center of her being. With this richness, she lived life fully and generously in relationship, whether it was traveling to the Holy Land with sisters, family, and friends; sharing her love of scripture with a candidate; accurately synthesizing information at community meetings; praying for healing; or interacting with her many students. Her life was totally given for Gods Glory. Her faith was real and strong. May she rest in peace. S. Kathleen Karbowski S. Rita Louise Huebner S. Ruth Stuckel

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The Hand of God Shall Hold You

S. Regina Catherine Brandt, CSJ

March 6, 1910 - July 12, 2012 A life given totally to God

S. Regina Catherine Brandt was born in St. Louis on March 6, 1910, the rst born daughter of William and Catherine Schmidtner Brandt and named Mary Johanna. She and her younger sister Anne developed a strong sisterly bond. My parents were rm, yet so loving that the thought that perhaps they did not love us never crossed our minds, she said, recalling her happy childhood. She met the Sisters of St. Joseph at St. Anthonys grade school. After graduating from St. Anthonys high school, she worked at Robert Gaylord, Inc., and became a procient writer and typist, gifts she used throughout her life. During these working years, she said, she suddenly seemed to fall in love with the Lord. Enthralled and in love with God, she noted, One day the feeling came over me that I wanted to belong entirely to God. In 1930 after much prayer and direction, she entered the community that t her longings perfectly, the Sisters of St. Joseph. After her profession in 1933, she taught at Sacred Heart in Indianapolis for seven years. In 1939, she was missioned to Hawaii, thus beginning her 28 year stint among the Hawaiian people. The mission had just opened the previous year. Her assignments were teaching on the elementary school

level and serving as principalall on Oahu: at St. Theresas, St. Josephs and St. Anthonys. The early years, she said, truly seemed like a missionary venture. Many people there were baptized but few knew anything about their Catholic faith. It became very evident that nothing we did or said could bring a person to Christ. It was only God who could do this with His grace, and He did it individually, one by one. When Hawaii became a vice province in 1956, S. Regina Catherine was appointed the rst vice provincial. She wrote, All I can say is I asked God to take care of the vice province and He did. I was only His instrument. After a year of study in 1962 in St. Louis to obtain her masters degree in secondary education administration, she returned to Hawaii and became the education consultant and associate superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Honolulu. In this role, S. Regina traveled the islands, visited all the schools and, after having lived there for 26 years, nally saw the volcanos on the big island for the rst time. She returned to the mainland in 1967 and spent one year as principal at St. Vincent School in Los Angeles, where her parents were living. She returned to St. Louis with her father after her

mothers death and moved into St. Anthonys where she taught the eighth grade and was administrator of the convent for the next ve years. Eventually S. Regina was invited to help sta the House of Prayer in Ferguson. The three years in that role were among her happiest. Daily prayer, helping with retreats, and assisting sisters to a deeper union with God were a natural bent for her. S. Regina Catherine went to Nazareth in 1992 at age 82, believing she had but a few years to prepare herself for her nal journey home. God had much more in mind. While her body may have been frail, her keen mind thirsted for knowledge. She engaged actively in book clubs and discussion groups, played a strategic game of bridge, and kept abreast of Church teaching and the new cosmology. She also had a wonderful memory for history, but more than that, a delightful way about her as she remembered and retold her stories. Who has not heard her tales of wartime in Honolulu? She never preached, but loved all persons into goodness, a role model for the rest of us. S. Kathleen Karbowski S. Rita Louise Huebner

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The Hand of God Shall Hold You

Sister Mary Louise Gagnon, CSJ

December 4, 1906 - July 13, 2012 Exceptional teacher, compassionate companion

Quiet and very private, S. Mary Louise left very little written about herself. Wherever she lived, however, her companions knew she embodied holiness and lived in the true spirit of what it means to be a Sister of St. Joseph. She was born on December 4, 1906, in Marinette, Wis. Her parents, Joseph and Gertrude Gordon Gagnon, had her baptized two weeks after her birth at St. Joseph Church in Marinette. Mary Louise had two sisters and one brother. With love and encouragement, these children grew up in a close family. Thus when at age 21, Mary Louise told her parents she thought she had a religious vocation, they found it dicult to let her go, but encouraged her in her life choice. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 8, 1927, and was received and given the name S. Mary Alonzo on March 19, 1928. In 1968 she reclaimed her baptismal name. S. Mary Louise was an exceptional primary teacher. Her mild but rm manner allowed very large classes of squirming, eager rst grade children to learn with condence. Beginning at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Kansas City in 1930, S. Mary Louise left her mark on young children for the next 47 years.

Early on, she taught in Kansas City, St. Louis, and St. Joseph, Mo., as well as a few years in Denver, Colo. She wasnt much of a traveler, so she enjoyed the visits of her family at her various missions. Beginning in 1959, (with the exception of one year at St. Joseph School in Marietta, Ga., in 1963), S. Mary Louise spent her remaining teaching years in Wisconsin or Michigan. She taught in LAnse, Mich., on two separate occasions and in West DePere, Oconto, and Green Bay, Wis. Closer to home now, she appreciated spending time with her sisters and her brother and getting to know her nieces and nephews. In support of one another, she and her siblings often visited their mother in a nearby nursing home. At one point reecting on her many years of teaching, she realized she had not only taught rst grade for over 30 years, but had prepared hundreds of children to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. As a seasoned primary educator, she willingly passed on her wisdom to less experienced teachers of the elementary grades. Prior to retirement in 1987, S. Mary Louise volunteered for nine years at St. Peter Grade School in Oconto, Wis. She also volunteered in the Parish

School of Religion and at Riverside Nursing Home in Oconto, where she was appreciated for her prayerful, compassionate presence. In her retirement years, she lived at St. Joseph Academy Convent in Green Bay and cheered on the Packers. At age 84, she moved to Nazareth Living Center and lived an additional 23 years. Would she have imagined it? On her last birthday, December 4, when it was time for her to celebrate with the community, she said to those attending, Oh I think Id rather stay here and take a nap. She surely had the right to be tired, for she had, indeed, poured herself out for many years. In retirement, she loved the Eucharist, prayed her rosary faithfully, and focused her attention on Gods presence. She modeled for all the ministry of prayer and witness. May she rest in peace. S. Kathleen Karbowski S. Rita Louise Huebner

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The Hand of God Shall Hold You

Sister Florence Kane, CSJ

July 9, 1921 - July 20, 2012 Opened many to the gift of sound

When Sister Florence Kane entered the community in 1938, her sister, S. Frances, had preceded her by four years. S. Frances had even been missioned at St. Josephs Institute for the Deaf before Florence arrived there. But, while S. Frances went on to study philosophy and theology to become a college professor, S. Florence spent her entire active life at SJI as a teacher and audiologist, helping hundreds of young students and older adults cope with hearing loss with her exceptional ability to t hearing devices. S. Florence was born into a large family in Stark, Wis., on July 9, 1921, sharing life with eight brothers and sisters. The family struggled nancially, but with the overwhelming generosity of their Aunt Virginia, their mothers sister, the six daughters were able to attend and graduate from St. Josephs Academy in Green Bay. There she grew to know the Sisters of St. Joseph. Florence entered the community in September of 1938. The following March she received the habit and name, S. Mary Fanchea. Her rst and only assignment was to St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf, beginning in 1941. She immediately applied herself to learning the intricacies of teaching deaf children and ultimately was given her own classroom. An engaging teacher,

S. Florence used skits to illustrate stories. Imagine how her students loved making real ice cream after reading a story on ice cream making! For First Communion, she gave each child a handmade prayer book to reinforce their learning of prayers. S. Florence received her masters degree in audiology from Northwestern University in 1956. Inspired by her own teachers and her sense of professionalism S. Florence kept abreast of the newest trends in deaf education. Deeply committed to providing her students with the best amplication possible, she worked with people knowledgeable in electronics to make sure listening devices were powerful enough for profoundly deaf students to access sound. With S. Roseanne Siebert, she traveled to Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines to visit programs for the deaf. She attended conferences with S. Arlene Eveld to learn about the latest testing equipment and newest hearing aids. Fitting those hearing devices within the tiny, exible ears of her young charges became her specialty. S. Florence welcomed the advancement of cochlear implants. The sooner they can do that surgery, the better the chances that child will be able to hear and communicate, she said.

Her expertise spread far. Soon adults came to see her, begging her for help in tting hearing aids. She gladly worked with them. She felt it best, however, to spread her charity rst at home, so in 1956 she began to volunteer at Nazareth on weekends, during the summer and at Christmas vacation time. She regarded this charity work a special blessing because it gave her the opportunity to know the sisters as friends as well as clients. Also, during her volunteer time, she maintained a classroom, monitored a dormitory and supervised the playground and the dining room at SJI. Probably more than 100 sisters were helped by S. Florence during the past 55 years. In May 1944, she wrote the provincial asking to be allowed to make her nal vows, saying, I sincerely promise to be a faithful and loyal subject. My big aim in life will be to be a good religious, to live a life worthy of my calling. S. Florence retired to Nazareth Living Center in 2011, where she truly fullled this promise. She was a blessing to all as a faithful Sister of St. Joseph. May she rest in peace. S. Rita Louise Huebner

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Corporation & Council

May & June Meetings
CORPORATION
Accepted Minutes of Board of Directors of the Corporation meetings held April 27, 2012 and May 25, 2012 April and May 2012 Financial Statements Approved Christian Brothers LaSalle Retreat Center Golf Tournament - $500 Ignatian Spirituality Homeless Persons Retreat Weekend - $2,000 Hope VI Main Street Housing for Small Rural Communities - $15,000 Excel, Okolona, MS - $15,000 U.S. Federation to assist eorts in Haiti to provide clean water - $5,000 Iraqi Student Project - $1,000

COUNCIL
Accepted Minutes of the Province Council Meetings held April 27 and May 25, 2012. Approved Patrimony Request Travel Request Study Request Discussed Department updates Sponsored Institutions updates Vocation/Formation update Nazareth Living Center/BHS Assembly update

Book Review
Flying in the Face of Tradition: Listening to the Lived Experience of the Faithful
By Louis deThomasis, FSC
From S. Baya Clare, CSJ (St. Paul)

In a time when conversations about diering viewpoints that could lead to greater unity degenerate into polarizing acrimony, it is refreshing to run across a book that takes a dierent path. Flying in the Face of Tradition is a 102-page example of the true denition of humility. It is written without hyperbole, exaggeration or distortion, but from within a clear-eyed foundation of personal experience and expertise. Louis deThomas is a Christian Brother whos hardly out on the fringes. His background and experience as an educator,
Page 26 September 2012 PNN

university president and investment manager place him squarely within the boundaries of whatever establishment one might delineate, be it ecclesial, academic or nancial. Brother Louis asks questions that cut right to the heart of the problems plaguing the institutional church today in a quiet, respectful manner that never strays from his aim of reconciliation and unity. He sprinkles the text with encouragement to the faithful who struggle with the losses that any kind of change inevitably represents. I highly recommend it to anyone Catholic or not who is looking for some sign of sanity in the midst of our ailing church. This book is one such sign.

Face of the Motherhouse

Meet Sasha Josipovic
Information Technology Director
How long have you worked at the motherhouse and what does your job entail? I have been with the Sisters of St. Joseph since May 1, 2005. My job entails anything and everything that has to do with Sasha and Sarah Josipovic technology. Without going into details of what I do, I will just say this: I am responsible for all networking and systems infrastructure design and implementation as well as end user technical support and department management. Tell us about your family. I have been married to my beautiful wife Sarah since May 2, 2009. We dont have any children, but we are hoping to adopt a little one or two. Both of my parents live here in St. Louis as well as my two younger sisters. My hobbies are... My wife says: I have way too many hobbies, and all of them are expensive. I have a huge love for dogs and dog training (obedience, agility and hunting). One of my favorite hobbies is teaching obedience classes as well as training my dogs for obedience competitions and hunting retriever tests and eld trials. It amazes me to see how smart dogs are and what they can be taught. It would surprise people to learn... I used to ballroom dance and I hold a black belt in Budokai Karate. I have also taught self-defense classes and competed in full contact karate until I injured my knees. I enjoy working for/with the CSJs because... They are great ladies and I can make a dierence in their lives for the better (I hope) with the technology. My fondest memory while working at the motherhouse is... Oh, where do I begin? There are so many, but one memory that stands out for me is with Sister Margaret Brennan who was always so very much appreciative, understanding and eager to push St. Louis province into the 21st century using technology. I still have one of her pottery pieces she made and gave me as a gift that sits on my desk.

Ministry Changes
The following sisters have moved to Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis and serve in prayer and witness: Janet Mary Feager, CSJ Roberta Houlihan, CSJ Jane Schilling, CSJ Mary Shryock, CSJ Kathleen Elliott, CSJ

Rest in Peace
August 8 Marie Adams, aunt of Srs. Joan and Kate Filla 9 S. Peter Marie Munoz-Najar (LA) 13 Alfred J. Schlett, brother of S. Anna Schlett 14 Dorothy Cento, aunt of S. Rose Cento

Ling er Over Breakfas t

Dying to Know
Sept. 29

Presented by S. Patrice Coolick Hear straight talk about death and dying and the grace to accompany people on their last journeys. Visit www.csjsl.org to learn more. RSVP by Sept. 24.

www.csjsl.org

Page 27

LEADERSHIP Calendar
September 6 IEC Mtg. (HF) 4-6 Province Chapter Planning Mtg. (NC, PC) 7-10 Elizabeth Browns Jubilee, Okolona (LB, PC, PG, HF, JM, SW) 12 SJA Sponsorship Planning Mtg. (PG) 12 STA Board Mtg. (PC) 12 CWIT Executive Committee (SW) 13 LCWR Breakfast (PG, HF) 13 Avila Board of Trustees Mtg. (PC) 14 Congregational Associate Mtg. (PG) 14 Avila Board Retreat (PC) 16 Nazareth Living Center 140th Anniversary Celebration (PG, HF, JM, SW) 17 SJA Board Mtg. (PG) 19 ETP Mtg. (HF) 20 CWIT Board Mtg. (SW) 20-24 CLG Mtg. St. Paul (PC, PG, HF) 24 CSJ Golf Tournament (SW) 24 Formation Team Mtg. (JM) 29-30 Fall Sectionals (LB, NC, PC, HF, SW) 29 Mass for Consecrated Life (PG) October 1-3 Heartland Federation Carondelet (NC, PC, PG, HF, JM, SW) 6-7 Fall Sectionals (PG, JM) 8-10 Ascension Health Convocation Mtg., Indianapolis (PC, SW) 11 Sponsorship Visit at Fontbonne and St. Joseph Academy (PL) 12-13 Province Leadership Mtgs. (PL) 15 DAC Mtg. (HF) 15 Founders Day Mass/Dinner, Carondelet (PG, HF, JM, SW) 18 Founders DayFontbonne University (PG, HF, SW) 19-20 Fontbonne Board Mtg. (HF, SW) 19 Spirituality Committee Mtg. (PG) 20-21 Associate Board Mtg. (PG) 21 NLC (JM) 21 Founders Day Celebration, NLC (HF, SW) 24 PCRI Mtg. (HF) 27 Government Committee Mtg. (NC)

PROVINCE Calendar
September 24 24th Annual CSJ Golf Tournament, Westborough Country Club 29-30 Fall Sectionals 29 Linger Over Breakfast with S. Patrice Coolick, CSJ

October 6-7 Fall Sectionals 15 Founders Day Mass & Dinner 21 Founders Day Event, Nazareth Living Center November 3 Sara Thomsen Concert 10 Linger Over Breakfast with S. Judy Miller, CSJ
December 6-9 Province Chapter: Session I
*All events at Carondelet Motherhouse unless otherwise noted. For more event listings and details, visit our Members Only Calendar of Events at www.csjsl.org.

SAVE THE DATE

St. Louis Province Chapter Sessions Dates Dec. 6-9, 2012 - Province Chapter: Session I Carondelet Motherhouse Facilitators: Ted Dunn, Ph.D. and Beth Lipsmeyer, Ph.D.

Order Now! Province Directories & Let Us Remember

Order forms for the Province Directory and Let Us Remember Birth/Death Books are included in this issue. Please refer to the sheets for information. Remember, sisters receive one directory per living unit automatically (no order form necessary). Associates must order a directory. Also, all sisters and associates may receive a Birth/Death Book, but it must be ordered. Many of you have already picked up your copy at the recent assembly. Orders are due September 15.

NEXT ISSUE: October PNN

Submission Deadline: Oct. 1 Publication Date: Oct. 15
For a complete PNN schedule, visit Members Only at www.csjsl.org. Page 28 September 2012 PNN