sisters of the good shepherd ~ province of mid-north america December 2015

ofITEMS interest Champions 4 Children Rose Haven First A New Direction Holy Year of Mercy CORA Services honored Rose Haven hosted its first Lakshmie The Year of Consecrated three men for their service resource fair for women Napagoda has become the Life gives way to The Holy at the annual Champions in collaboration with 28 Executive Director of Year of Mercy on for Children dinner. local agencies. Compassion Counseling. December 8. Page 3 Page 6 Page 8 Page 11

Green Corner Sister Anne Kelley took an eco adventure onboard the National Geographic Explorer NAC EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE while on sabbatical this fall. This is one of the ships of the The Good Shepherd National Advocacy Center (NAC) has launched an Lindblad/National Geographic fleet that sail to the world’s expanded online presence with a new mobile-based website, facebook most biologically diverse page and twitter feed. Director Larry Couch said, “As Pope Francis has places. Sr. Anne traveled said, ‘We are not in an era of change but a change of era.’ As such, we through the Panama Canal and on into remote places in need to communicate with young people and those in all age groups in South America. She took along newer and more creative ways through social media.” NAC heads into with her a copy of Laudato Si, its 15th year with the increased online presence and a new slogan — the environmental encyclical that Pope Francis wrote earlier Rise Up and Act for Justice. this year. Continued on next page Continued on p. 14

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PROVINCE NEWS

NAC Online Cont’d from p. 1

Shades of blue are used in the new NAC logo in honor of the Virgin Mary and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The two figures are shown with arms raised signifying empowerment, community and the lifting up of marginalized people through political advocacy. The National Advocacy Center is the lobbying arm of the Good Shepherd Sisters, their ministries and agencies serving in the United States and more than 70 countries. The Director of Good Shepherd National Advocacy Center Larry Couch The purpose of NAC is to serve as helped provide advocacy training in November for 1,400 high school the voice for those on the margin of society, in particular women, and college students from Jesuit schools across the United States. and children. immigration to domestic abuse, Dynamic home for NAC criminal justice and racism. The new website provides a “If we are going to dynamic home for NAC, offering “We seek to inform people of resources, advocacy tools and reach young specific issues in a timely manner action alerts to Congress. The people, we need to and provide them with an effective Facebook page and Twitter feed means for taking immediate allow NAC to engage quickly with be deeply involved action. In a matter of minutes we friends and activists, as well as a in social media.” can advise people of a particular wider audience. The updated look issue. With a simple click we can and added media platforms give lead them to a pre-formatted letter NAC a fresh face to engage with its that is ready to be sent to their many partnering organizations in “I was reminded again that if we legislators,” Larry said. are going to reach young people, Washington, D.C., and to expand You can help the Good Shepherd we need to be deeply involved in its reach to college campuses and National Advocacy Center expand social media,” Larry said, parishes. its reach and increase its power by NAC is a lead organizer for the “These young people and millions telling others about NAC’s online annual Ecumenical Advocacy across the country and overseas presence. can only be reached if we use Days, which brings nearly a Visit the NAC Facebook page and contemporary forms of thousand people from across the click the “Like” button. Invite all of communication,” he said. U.S. every spring to our nation's your Facebook friends to do the capitol. NAC also offers speaking Larry also said that the large same. Go to the NAC Twitter feed and outreach opportunities and number of issues NAC addresses and click the “Follow” button. advocacy workshops. requires the agency to have readily Encourage others on Twitter to Advocacy training for youth available the most effective and also follow the Good Shepherd In November Larry helped provide quickest forms of communication. National Advocacy Center. advocacy training at a gathering of The mission of the National “It’s through the exponential 1,400 high school and college Advocacy Center is broad. It covers impact of the internet that we can students from Jesuit schools issues ranging from poverty, serve those most in need of help,” across the United States. human trafficking and Larry said.

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MINISTRY NEWS CORA November happenings

Grandparents spent the morning with children in the Early Years LaSalle Program on November 20th. The read stories to the children, made CORA Mission Partners participated in a skills training crafts with them, and built gingerbread cookies. seminar titled "Too Much Time Online: Youth, Gaming Grandparents Day is part of National Week, & Digital Media Addiction.” Youth in the U.S. average an annual celebration that is observed during the 44 hours/week in digital media use. Studies show that week of Thanksgiving. excessive use of digital media can lead to decreased or poor academic performance, deterioration in peer and family relationships, behavioral problems, physical health issues, developmental delays and difficulty with Three men honored as psychosocial adjustments. Champions of Children CORA Services held its annual Champions for Children Celebration on November 24. The awards dinner is a time when CORA honors men and women each year who contribute time, talent and/or treasure to help children and in the Philadelphia region succeed. This year CORA recognized James Harron, Robert McElhenney and J. Michael Schell. They have more than 100 years of combined service to CORA. Together they helped grow the services, programs and partnerships that have made CORA a renowned provider of services to the local and regional community for 44 years.

CORA Services honored its Paraprofessionals in the Chichester School District as part of American Education Week. The paraprofessionals provide one-on-one support to students with intellectual disabilities or autism, who need assistance navigating their school day.

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MINISTRY NEWS Good Shepherd Services Baltimore happenings

Left: GSS Therapist Lou Applebaum, and Expressive Therapist Amanda McEntegart each received a turkey from Paul Beeker, GSS Facilities Director. Right: GSS Dietary Director Bob Davis handed a Thanksgiving turkey to Nurse Comfort Donkor at the second annual GSS Baltimore turkey giveaway to staff and agency partners.

Spirit of the season This is the season of gratitude, and at Good Shepherd Services (GSS) Baltimore it’s a time of great fun that puts everyone in the spirit of the season. GSS gave away more than 325 Thanksgiving turkeys to staff and agency partners as an expression of gratitude for their dedication and hard work. “Throughout the weeks prior to Thanksgiving, we openly share with each other those things for which we are grateful,” said Michele Wyman, Executive Director of GSS. “We are, of course, exceedingly grateful for our dedicated and hard- working staff. As an expression of that gratitude and as a way of sharing our Thanksgiving celebration with each other, we offered all of our staff and agency partners a turkey for their Thanksgiving table!” she said. Annual gala GSS Baltimore raised nearly $70,000 at its annual gala on October 29. The theme of the gala was “Celebrating a Legacy of wreaths made by Sisters at Relationships.” A highlight of the St. Joseph Residence. GSS evening came when donors raised students made bracelets for more than $11,000 for laptops for every guest. GSS alumni students in just eight minutes! provided entertainment, Sr. Regina Long gave the invocation and everyone had a joyful at the gala. A silent auction featured and memorable time.

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MINISTRY NEWS Shepherding Images ribbon cutting The new ministry Shepherding Images is officially open. Sr. Glynis McManamon, founder of the ministry, cut the purple Greater North County Chamber of Commerce ribbon on November 17. She also cut the City of Ferguson’s red ribbon. She was assisted in both ribbon cuttings by (far left) Dan Bish, City of Ferguson Community Development Coordinator and (middle) Carolyn Marty, President/CEO of the Chamber. Guests at the ribbon cutting included Msgr. Nicholas Schneider, James W. Knowles III (Mayor of Ferguson) and a host of Sisters from the the Province of Mid-North America. Sr. Glynis has already accepted invitations to participate in local business events, including Small Business Saturday and Ferguson’s annual Twilight Christmas House Tour. You can contact Shepherding Images at [email protected].

It is the magical season of Christmas and something miraculous happens. The birds, the beasts and insects tell the story of how they helped bring baby Jesus into the world. A picture book for children, The Animals’ Christmas narrates a legend that dates back centuries. It is the story of The Nativity told from the unique point of view of the animals who journeyed to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph and the animals who made room for the couple when they arrived at the stable. Sister Glynis McManamon wrote this enchanting tale. Her book is now available in time for Christmas online and locally in St. Louis. Here’s where you can buy the book online: lulu.com electronic edition lulu.com soft cover edition Left Bank Books For locations of where to buy the book in St. Louis contact [email protected]

Eweltide Gathering DLC Thanksgiving Potluck Pies and cookies oh my! Good Shepherd Mediation DeNeuville Learning Center held Good Shepherd Services Program will host its annual its annual Thanksgiving Potluck Baltimore gave pie, cookies, Zeal “Eweltide Holiday Gathering” on on November 24 for staff and the bars and cold drinks to its December 9 to celebrate the women they serve in Memphis. Residential staff as they reported joyous holidays with staff, for work November 25 to express volunteers, board members and gratitude for the important and friends. difficult work they do.

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MINISTRY NEWS Rose Haven holds its first resource fair for women

Rose Haven hosted its first resource Haven. She fair in November for the women it took the lead serves in the Portland area. The in planning event involved 28 partnering and agencies and kicked off Rose coordinating Haven’s new monthly wellness and the resource empowerment program for women, fair as a way called Bloom. 51 Rose Haven guests to help attended the resource fair. women gain drawn to Rose Haven for “The women who come to Rose access to its mission and core values. Haven have many needs. We are a services and build connections that She said it became clear to her soon sanctuary from the street, offering can enhance their lives. after starting her volunteer work at compassion, practical assistance When planning the event, Kirstin Rose Haven that it was a special and community to women and and her coworkers created place that had been created for children facing loss of home, abuse overarching topics that they wanted women by women. She soon wanted and other disruptive life to see represented at the resource to do more than volunteer. She experiences in Portland,”said fair, such as education and housing. wanted to help Rose Haven grow. Kirstin Juul, Program Manager/ Once they identified the topics the “Rose Haven is a place where Advocate. team looked at available agencies in everyone is welcomed with dignity, the community and examined the respect, a sense of self worth and relationships they had with those open arms,” Kirstin said. “It was wonderful to agencies. They then began seeking partners for the fair. “Together we laugh, love, listen and see that create the space which gives us all a “One of our partnering agencies sense of safety and belonging,” she Rose exists to sign people up for the said. Haven Oregon Health Plan. The day of the Learn more about Rose Haven at is loved fair they were able to sign up two Rose Haven guests who were http://rosehaven.org. in the otherwise uninsured,” Kirstin said. community,” said A local inpatient treatment center Kirstin Juul. made it possible for their clients to $400K by Christmas Day access the event so they could network and build a safety net for Good Shepherd Shelter Los after treatment. Angeles has begun a “Understanding our guests’ needs “There was an outpouring of thanks fundraising campaign to raise comes from both our experience in to Rose Haven from the partnering $400,000 by Christmas Day. working with the women and from agencies and guests who attended Funds raised will allow the a quarterly needs survey, which the resource fair,” said Kirstin. shelter to expand its services allows the women to share their by 40% to women and opinion about Rose Haven and “It was wonderful to see that Rose children who are seeking suggest services that they would Haven is loved in the community,” freedom from domestic like to see,” Kirstin said. she said. violence. Learn more and Kirstin also manages advocacy and Kirstin began volunteering at Rose donate what you can. direct service programming at Rose Haven in June of 2011. She was

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MINISTRY NEWS Grateful to PMNA for support to Saipan By Stella Mangiona, RGS

I want to extend a big thank you to the Province for sending Saipan $1,000.00 right away after our tiny island was struck by a typhoon. The islanders of Saipan consider you First Responders to the natural disaster that occurred on August 2nd. So many people on the island were traumatized by their losses. No lives were lost, but many fell ill from the intense heat and lack of water. The aftermath felt like a war zone to many who did not have much to begin with and still lost whatever little they had. I returned home from my trip to the Assembly in Belleville, Illinois, to see the suffering of the poor. I joined Lauri Ogumoro, Karidat Director, and some Catholic Charities volunteers who came to help with our disaster recovery. To them I also say thank you, thank you! Approximately 4,000 in Saipan (more than We did counseling with the victims of the typhoon, 25 percent of households on the island) requested which hit us with a vengeance and devastated our small assistance from the Federal Emergency Management island. Continue to keep us in your prayers. Most Agency after a typhoon raked Saipan. especially I ask for prayers for Guma Esperanza Domestic Violence Shelter, my group from Division of Youth services, which counsels victims of sexual assault, is alive in Saipan. I was present in recent months at four and for our human trafficking victims who are trying to court hearings, serving as an advocate for women and give their families a better life. Starting anew after the children who have been abused through domestic typhoon has been difficult. violence and sexual assault. The hearings were in Still, there is much to be grateful for. Our shelter September, October and November. program is giving people opportunities to make better Please hold us in your prayers, and blessings to all! decisions. The Good Shepherd peace and justice ministry

Let’s face it Maryhurst joined its partnering agencies in November for a program called Face It. The 10-year initiative envisions that all children in Jefferson County, Kentucky, will be free from abuse and neglect by 2023. The program, led by Kosair Charities, began in 2012 in response to public outcry against the increasing number of abuse deaths in the Commonwealth. The initiative addresses the unacceptable number of child abuse deaths in Jefferson County and the surrounding areas with best practices in child abuse prevention, community engagement and the promotion of effective policies to improve the child welfare system. Learn more about the Face It movement at https://kosair.org/face-it-movement/.

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SISTER STORY

After meeting with the psychologist and social worker, the pastor decided to poll the community for its thoughts about these needs. Upon completion of the community survey, the pastor decided to to adopt the Samaritan model. She enrolled her church as a member of the Samaritan Institute and then set out to create a governing board for a new nonprofit. The board applied for nonprofit status and rented a 700 square foot space to begin operations. The board then decided to conduct a nationwide search to hire an Executive Director.

I discovered Compassion Counseling, and it seemed to be a good fit.

I had been searching and was praying for a ministry in a small setting. I was looking for a new beginning and a Sister Lakshmie Napagoda (4th from left) is the new ministry that had the aspect of the value of Executive Director of Compassion Counseling in reconciliation. I discovered Compassion Counseling, and Maryville, Tennessee. She stands with the governing it seemed to be a good fit. I felt right at home with the board of the organization at the ribbon cutting of its board members when I travelled to meet them in July. I new center of operations. was offered the position. I had to get to work immediately. I attended a three day conference in Denver in order to get to know the My journey to Tennessee Maryville community, the Diocese and one and only Catholic church. I had to hire staff, find volunteers, and a new job figure out ways to raise funds (which I have not been very successful at), and get things ready for the Grand By Lakshmie Napagoda, RGS Opening, which took place on November 10, 2015. I know some of you have been wondering what happened The mission of Compassion Counseling is to provide to me and why I have not been going to the Assemblies counseling services to those seeking direction. The and other meetings and gatherings. Thank you for method integrates mind, body, spirit and community. sharing your concerns and keeping in touch. I missed This is a community-based and faith-based program. I being with all of you too. Life happened and I needed am grateful for the opportunity to serve with this agency, time to process, listen, be and act. I am now living and and to experience Good Shepherd Charism in a new working in Maryville, Tennessee. setting. You may be asking, "How did you get to Maryville, I live in a one-bedroom apartment and have made a few Tennessee? Here’s the answer to that question: friends. We are not too far from the Smokey Mountains. Five years ago, a pastor at the First Methodist Church in Admittedly, I am glad to be away from the Chicago Maryville approached a psychologist and a social worker, weather, especially with the onset of cold and windy who are members of that church. The pastor wanted to winter. I have no idea what type of winter weather I am determine from the two people whether they could going to experience in East Tennessee. I guess I will initiate a program for individuals and families who are in know soon. Thank you for your prayers and for your need of emotional, mental and psychological support. continued support. The pastor found this to be of particular importance You can learn more about Compassion Counseling, its since the church had no expertise in this field. programs and mission online at cccmaryville.org.

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COMMUNITY LIFE

The Sisters at Maria Droste Contemplative Community donate many of the crafts they produce. They also sell some of their one-of-a-kind crafts at Immaculate Heart Convent as a way to help support the community. Sr. Lalani Ekenayaka (wearing veil) handcrafts greeting cards. Sr. Elizabeth Garciano embellishes candles with her unique designs. Prayerfully crafted artwork a part of community life

Talent abounds at the Maria Droste artwork as an extension to their Contemplative Community, where prayer life. Sisters make baby blankets, rosaries, “We pray as we make greeting cards, greeting cards and candles as part of candles, baby blankets and rosaries. community life and their prayer We weave prayerful intentions into ministry. everything we make,” said Sr. Beth. Sister Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Garciano, You can read about the Sisters’ baby local leader, began making one-of-a- blanket ministry in the January 2015 kind candles several years ago while issue of Items of Interest. The she was missioned in Austria. Sr. community’s rosary project for the Lalani Ekanayaka’s talent caught the Archdiocese of St. Louis is in the attention of a Sister in community August 2015 issue of Items of one day in 2012 while she was Interest. You can purchase the missioned in the Philippines. The Sisters’ handmade products from the Sister asked Sr. Lalani to make some Immaculate Heart Convent. Contact cards for her, and an artist was born. Shirley Norful at 314-383-0300. Sisters Beth and Lalani see their See related story on next page

Happy Jubilee! Sisters Carmel Irving, Portland Community, and Colette Sauers, Pelletier Hall, will each celebrate their Jubilee on December 8. Sr. Carmel is marking her 25th year of professed religious life and Sr. Colette is celebrating her 70th year as a Sister of the Good Shepherd. Happy Jubilee, Sisters Collette and Carmel! Sr. Collette Sauers Sr. Carmel Irving

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COMMUNITY LIFE

Prayer service held for unborn babies The Maria Droste Contemplative Community held a special prayer service on November 29 for healing and reconciliation for the injustice done to unborn babies. The idea for the service came while Sr. Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Garciano, local leader, was praying. During the meditation she was inspired to do more to enhance the community’s baby blanket ministry, which is intended to save babies from abortion. Sisters in the Maria Droste community crochet baby blankets and give them to pregnant women in St. Louis who are considering abortions. Offering the women blankets lets them know that someone cares about them. This simple gesture helps the women feel less alone and has been the catalyst for changing some women’s minds about ending their baby’s life. “On November 1st during my meditation prayer I felt called to deepen support for pregnant women through a spiritual aspect,” Sr. Beth said. “I sketched an idea for a prayer service for unborn babies and asked Sister Michael Maguire celebrated her 86th Sr. Josephine Fritz to review my birthday in November at Immaculate Heart Convent in St. Louis. On hand for the Sr. Elizabeth Garciano idea,” she said. celebration were three of Sr. Michael’s nieces hand-crafted these two Sr. Josephine had been in the who were visiting from Ireland. Sr. Michael’s candles for the special contemplative community before nieces are (from left) Eileen, Betty (named after prayer service for being missioned to Immaculate Heart her) and Alice. A sing-song of Irish tunes in the unborn babies. Convent. She was excited about Sr. Beth’s idea and encouraged her to go community room followed dinner and a forward with it. Empowered by the birthday ice cream and cake celebration. The support, Sr. Beth developed the idea further and drafted an party was unexpected, lively and absolutely invitation for a prayer service. She showed the invitation to Sr. delightful, according to Sr. Michael. Pauline Bilbrough, local leader at Immaculate Heart Convent, who also encouraged Sr. Beth to hold the service.

“The prayer service we held for unborn babies was beautiful and Sister Yolanda Sanchez has begun her inspired by God,” said Sr. Beth. new mission at the Good Shepherd “Sisters from Immaculate Heart Convent and the Province Center International Justice Peace Office in joined us for the event. I feel that the service was embraced by my Geneva, Switzerland. Her email address community and our apostolic Sisters. I experienced peace, is [email protected]. knowing that I am doing what God wants me to do,” she said. You can learn more about the Justice The Maria Droste community plans to hold a prayer service for Peace Office from the congregational unborn babies again next year and open it to a wider community. website at http:// Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were www.buonpastoreint.org/jp-en born, I set you apart. Jeremiah 1:5

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ACROSS BORDERS

Holy Year of Mercy begins

The Year of Consecrated Life gives "similar symbolic gestures of way to The Holy Year of Mercy communion with Pope Francis" and beginning December 8 and running his vision of reaching out to those through November 20, 2016. on the margins. The Holy Year of Mercy will be an The logo for the Holy Year of Mercy opportunity to encourage Christians features Jesus the Good Shepherd to meet people's "real needs" with taking upon his shoulders the lost concrete assistance, to experience a soul, demonstrating that it is the "true pilgrimage" on foot, and to love of Christ that brings to send "missionaries of mercy" completion the mystery of his throughout the world to forgive incarnation culminating in even the most serious of sins, said redemption. Archbishop Rino Fisichella. The image, created by Jesuit Fr. The motto, "Merciful Like the Marko Rupnik, also shows one of ," he said, "serves as an Feb. 2 to close the Year of Jesus' eyes merged with the man's invitation to follow the merciful Consecrated Life and a jubilee for to show how "Christ sees with the example of the Father who asks us the Roman Curia Feb. 22. A jubilee eyes of Adam, and Adam with the not to judge or condemn but to for "workers and volunteers of eyes of Christ.” forgive and to give love and mercy" will be celebrated on The Jubilee of Mercy has an official forgiveness without measure." Blessed Teresa of Kolkata's website in seven languages at More than a dozen individual feast day Sept. 5 and a jubilee for www.im.va; a Twitter jubilee celebrations will be prisoners will be celebrated Nov. 6. handle: @Jubilee_va; a Facebook scheduled in 2016, such as a jubilee The Vatican is asking bishops and page; and accounts on Instagram, for consecrated men and women priests around the world to conduct Flickr and Google+.

Orange the world!

November 25th began the commencement of the global activism campaign against gender- based violence. The campaign lasts 16 days (through December 10). The idea is for people and communities around the world to draw attention to violence against women and girls by wearing the color orange, lighting up buildings and decorating neighborhoods in orange or finding other creative ways to make the color orange an impact statement. You can follow the campaign on Twitter at #16days, #Orangetheworld and #GBVTeachin. Join the movement on facebook l-r: Cecilie Kern with Sisters Winifred Doherty and Clare at https://www.facebook.com/ Nolan, Good Shepherd NGO Representatives at the United 16DaysCampaign/ Nations. Cecilie is Assistant To Sr. Winifred.

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CELEBRATION OF LIFE Marie Belanger, RGS January 23, 1921 - October 7, 2015

Sister Marie Belanger was born on January 23, 1921 in Detroit, Michigan. Her Augustus Joseph Belanger and Mabel Pillon Belanger were of French descent. Sister was baptized Elizabeth Vivian Marie seven days after her birth and was confirmed on June 28, 1928. She had three sisters and two , giving her many nieces and nephews. Elizabeth entered the Good Shepherd community at Carthage (Cincinnati) Ohio on December 27, 1940. She received the habit on June 29, 1941 and received the name Sister Marie. She made her first profession on June 29, 1943 and made final profession in 1946. Sister Marie Belanger Sister Marie received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Marian College in Indianapolis on June 5, 1955. Two years later she received her permanent Teacher’s License remember her always saying funny things. One of my from Marian College. In Indianapolis, Sister was Jean’s favorite memories of “ Betty” was responsible for meal preparation and assisting with the day she put on a pair of red gym shoes and held a retreat weekends at Fatima Retreat House. She also helium balloon while running around our big back yard served as group-mother for Indianapolis students. laughing and shouting that she was free! Sister spent several years teaching and performing Memories from the Pelletier Hall staff various duties in Good Shepherd ministries in Cleveland, Sister Marie loved chocolate and reading. When she was Columbus, Indianapolis and Detroit including caring for upset about something, holding her mother’s picture the sick and making chapel arrangements for weddings. would calm her. She loved for staff to read letters from From May 1978 to February 1985 she was Superior at the her family. Her favorite movie was Seven Brides for “old” Pelletier Hall in the Contemplative wing at Fort Seven Brothers. Whenever staff would drop something, Thomas and in the “new” Pelletier Hall, of which she she would say, “Holy Toledo” or “Kerplunk!” She was helped plan the construction. One of her building goals generous and wanted to share everything she had. was for each Sister’s room to have its own bathroom. The day of the funeral From 1985-1993 Sr. Marie again performed various Sisters at Pelletier Hall attended Sr. Marie’s funeral. We duties, including serving as Superior of the Detroit lit the Easter candle and placed the pall on the casket. Community. When the community disbanded, Sr. Marie James, holding the crucifix, and Father Seiler led lived with the contemplatives until her transfer to Marie to the altar. Mass went well until the Final Pelletier Hall on July 15, 2006. Sr. Marie was a hugger. Commendation. The organ stopped working. Sister She liked to hold onto the hands of anyone that gave her Marie would have exclaimed, “Holy Toledo!” We sang a hug. She was a community Sister to her last moment. the words anyway and blessed Sister on her way. When the casket reached the door the wheels caught in the Memories from her niece Ann Montgomery doorway. The casket kept moving ahead. Sr. Marie would As a child Sister’s favorite thing to do was roller skate to surely have said, “Kerplunk!” The pall bearers reached the market. While skating home from the market she and out in time to keep the casket from falling to the ground. her would get a cone of chocolate ripple ice Sister was not ready to leave yet. We eventually made it cream and sing songs from sheet music. Sr. Marie would to the gravesite and said our final prayers for Sr. Marie, cut the end of the tube of toothpaste with a knife to get who loved us all and enjoyed life to its fullest. She all of it out, and she saved coupons. When the nuns went wanted a joyful funeral to begin her New Life. Alleluia! shopping she would ask people in the grocery store if they needed any coupons, and she would share them. I Submitted by Sr. Patricia Marie Barnette

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CELEBRATION OF LIFE Mary Kevin (Patricia) Schingel, RGS May 15, 1925 - November 6, 2015

Sister Mary Kevin (Patricia) was sufficiency and individual born to Frank and Mary Brennan empowerment. Schingel in Danville, Kentucky. Sister Kevin was well rounded and Actor Dick Van Dyke also lived often dealt with legal, personal and there and was a personal friend of spiritual affairs of the elderly and Sister Mary Kevin and her family dying. She followed up with throughout their lives. residents of the Anna Louise Inn Sister worked as an operator and during grieving periods and supervisor for the Illinois Bell implemented memorial services. Telephone Company, and as She kept in contact with many Deputy Registrar for the City former girls from Our Lady of Health Department. She entered Highlands and helped with their religious life at age 27. aftercare. After making her profession Sr. Mary Kevin was the Assistant Child Care Director for three years at Our Sr. Kevin inspired Lady of Highlands, which was everyone around her to located in Ft. Thomas, Kentucky. For the next 28 years she was the see the good in others. full time Child Care Director and Sister Mary Kevin Schingel counselor to the girls and their families there. She earned Even after the closing of Our Lady certificates in Justice and Child of Highlands in 1983, many former pay their respects to Sr. Mary Care during this time. students visited Sr. Kevin. They Kevin at her wake. They stayed all Because of her outstanding work endearingly named her “Mother afternoon, sharing stories and with the youth, Sister Kevin was Kevin.” It was common to see pictures. Many were able to return the first Sister of the Good these former students, who had the next day for her funeral. Shepherd order to receive an award grown into successful adults, visit Each visit was a living tribute to the from the Kentucky Colonel Mother Kevin during her time here loving care that Sr. Kevin gave to Commission. at Pelletier Hall. others throughout her life. Her When Our Lady of Highlands Sr. Mary Kevin continued to inspire brother and his and their four closed she served as a volunteer on others to become the best person also attended the funeral. the hotline for the Women's Crisis they could be, even when she was In death, Sr. Kevin was absolutely Center and worked two days a week unable to talk. She connected with radiant. She looked about 30 years as a caseworker for the Welcome others through her eyes and smile. younger and had such a peaceful House in Covington, which served With her unfaltering good mood, expression on her face. One had a the homeless and impoverished. she helped inspire everyone around sense of the resurrection when her to see the good in others. She She also worked at Anna Louise looking at her in the casket. really looked at people and saw the Inn as Assistant Director of good in them, and in return they May Sr. Mary Kevin rest in the Counseling and Intake. The Anna became better people. peace of Jesus and intercede for all Louise Inn served women in of us. transition by providing them with There was a steady stream of safe, affordable residential and visitors to Sr. Kevin the last day of Submitted by Sr. Patricia Marie supportive services leading to self- her life. At least 100 people came to Barnette

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GREEN CORNER Caring for the earth and seas By Anne Kelley, RGS In September/October, as part of years ago, and it so impressed him my sabbatical, I had the incredibly that Jason too became an unique privilege of joining my oceanographer and is doing brother Jim on an expedition expeditions in mostly Antarctica, aboard the National Geographic Africa and Alaska. ship Explorer. Jason's wife Lisa was also a guest Each National Geographic ship has on an expedition ship and veteran expedition teams to provide afterwards asked if there was a job insightful commentary on what onboard. At the time, only the gift guests see. Every evening there is a recap of the day and a discussion of the next day’s activities, which may include snorkeling, kayaking, birding, hiking or visiting historical sites or indigenous peoples. There were also engaging scientific presentations each evening that wove the expedition into a cohesive narrative for the 110 guests aboard. These expeditions are designed for My brother, Jim, drove the zodiac people who have an interest in the to put us ashore. wonders of nature and our responsibility to care for the earth shop had an opening. She has now and seas. The guests were from a been doing expeditions for 15 years fascinating array of backgrounds and has gone from gift shop clerk to and were enthusiastically engaged expedition leader. Today Lisa is the in every activity. Many have been only female certified scuba diver in on multiple expeditions. Antarctica. So, I now have THREE My brother was the chief scientist family members working on these on this expedition. He is a geologist expeditions! and oceanographer and has been You can watch Lisa in action on doing expeditions for more than 30 YouTube as she encounters a years. He has been all over the female Leopard Seal in Antarctica. world. For years, after hearing his https://www.youtube.com/ stories, I had always wanted to go on one of the National Geographic watch?v=NXTkOs-wg2E expeditions to have an up close and In addition to the scientists and personal experience of “our photographers on my expedition, common home” and see for myself we also had experts at each location the remote wonders of God’s From top: Pelicans in Ecuador who boarded the ship to give creation. frame the National Geographic presentations or musical As Jim’s sister, I was able to go on Explorer, a humpback whale performances. Most notable was expedition for a mere fraction of the submerges beneath the sea and Cesar Gaviria, the former president cost of the other guests. Jim took blue-footed boobies adorn the of Colombia from 1990-1994. After his Jason on an expedition 20 beach. Continued on next page

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GREEN CORNER

Earth and seas Cont’d from p. 14

he left office, he was elected countries, hosting close to 10% of Secretary General of the the planet’s biodiversity. Organization of American Sates, a Worldwide, it ranks first in bird and 35 nation organization which orchid species diversity and second fostered profound changes in in plants, butterflies, freshwater combatting terrorism, drugs and fishes and amphibians. corruption. Gaviria is also on the With 314 types of ecosystems, Board of Oceana, the global Colombia possesses a rich organization that creates policy to complexity of ecological, climatic, reduce pollution and promote biological and ecosystem healthy fish populations, marine components. Colombia was ranked mammals and other sea life. as one of the world’s richest Colombia’s rich biodiversity countries in aquatic resources, Panamanian children entertained Gaviria gave two presentations: one which is explained in part by the us with traditional dances. on the economic and political fact that the country’s large climate of Latin America and the watersheds feed into the four massive sub-continental basins of second on his efforts to protect the species, followed by the Amazon world’s oceans and the ecosystems the Amazon, Orinoco, Caribbean, Magdalena-Cauca and the Pacific. rainforests and the humid in Colombia, even in the midst of a ecosystems in the Chocó 20 year civil war. The country has several areas of biogeographical area. high biological diversity in the We were amazed to learn, and Laudato Si by my bed experience, why Colombia is listed Andean ecosystems, characterized Throughout the trip, I had Pope as one of the world’s “megadiverse” by a significant variety of endemic Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si next to my bed. His words were coming to life in what I was seeing and learning every day in Colombia and the other countries we visited and heard about. In my imagination, I could just see Pope Francis and the Lindblad- National Geographic arm in arm, praising God’s creation and calling us all to do our part in caring for A scientist discusses this precious gift. marine mammal skulls. I am so grateful to have had this experience of a lifetime. It has opened my eyes and heart to all that is being done — as Pope Francis is asking — and how important every effort is. I give my thanks to our province and congregation directives which recognize this as part of our mission. We CAN make a difference and now is the time! From left: We visited an indigenous Embera Indian village deep in the Continued on next page rainforest of Panama and listened as native Peruvians welcomed us.

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GREEN CORNER

earth and seas Cont’d from p. 15 Laudato Si on One of the major governing principles Biodiversity of Lindblad Expeditions - National "Each year sees the Geographic is to support projects at the disappearance of thousands of global, regional and local level. plant and animal species which They aim to protect the last wild places we will never know, which our in the ocean, support innovative local children will never see, because projects, and facilitate conservation, they have been lost forever. The research, education and community great majority become extinct development projects in the places they because of human activity…" explore. Each expedition ship even has "Because all creatures are a store onboard where guests can buy connected, each must be Fair Trade products from the areas they cherished with love and respect, have visited. for all of us as living creatures are Together, with their guests, the dependent on one another. Each Lindblad Expeditions have given more area is responsible for the care of than $11.3 million to projects in the this family.” (#33, #42) remote regions they visit. 100% of guest contributions go directly to on-the- ground projects, as Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic covers the fleet’s operating costs. The statue of the “Black Christ” is You can learn more about Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic at highly venerated in Panama. Notice Simon of Cyrene behind, helping him www.expeditions.com. Here you will carry the cross. The Black Christ has see some of their key initiatives as well as learn more about my expedition and an interesting history, which you can read about at http:// so many others. Howler monkeys live in the www.coloncity.com/blackchrist.html. rainforests of Central and South America and are the loudest land animal on Earth. Their vocalizations can be heard clearly for three miles. The function of howling is thought to relate to intergroup spacing and territory protection. The howler monkey is Endangered. It is estimated that the specie will experience a decline approaching 60% over a period of three generations (30 years) based on past and current rates of habitat decline and continued hunting and poaching. Children in Colombia greeted us with an outdoor dance performance.

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LEADERSHIP TRAVEL

NAME DATES LOCATION

Sr. Sharon Rose Authorson Sabbatical Sabbatical

Sr. Jean Marie Fernandez Dec 5-12 Apostolic Council Meeting, St. Louis

Sr. Beverly Hedgecoth No travel No travel

Sr. Maureen Johnson No travel No travel

Sr. Dolores Kalina Dec 1-13 St. Louis

Sr. Maureen Kunz Dec 5-12 Apostolic Council Meeting, St. Louis

Sr. Marie Maurer Dec 1-4 Pelletier Hall, Ft. Thomas Dec 6 -11 Apostolic Council Meeting, St. Louis

Sr. Mary Carolyn McQuaid Dec 1-5 Good Shepherd Shelter, Los Angeles Dec 6-11 Apostolic Council Meeting, St. Louis Dec 16-18 Good Shepherd Shelter, Los Angeles Dec 19-23 Family (with Loretta) Dec 24-26 Christmas with Sisters, Los Angeles Dec 27-Jan 2 Family (with Loretta)

Sr. Madeleine Munday Dec 6-11 Apostolic Council Meeting, St. Louis Dec 17 Graduation at DeNeuville Learning Center, Memphis Dec 22 Blessing of Maria Droste Contemplative Community with Bishop Rice, St. Louis

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PROVINCE CONTACT

“In the stable at Bethlehem, we see our God teaching us all the virtues.” Saint Mary Euphrasia

Contact us Jeanette McDermott, communications coordinator 314-381-3400, ext. 28 Sisters of the Good Shepherd Province of Mid-North America [email protected] 7654 Natural Bridge Road St. Louis, MO 63121 Follow us on facebook & Twitter 314-381-3400; 314-381-7102 fax www.facebook.com/Sistersofthegoodshepherd www.sistersofthegoodshepherd.com @GoodShepherdRGS (twitter)

ITEMS OF INTEREST Sisters of the Good Shepherd Province of Mid-North America 7654 Natural Bridge Road St. Louis, MO 63121

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