sisters of the good shepherd ~ province of mid-north america february 2017
ofITEMS interest Windows find a home Women’s March Cast your vote Human Trafficking The beautiful stained glass Good Shepherd Sisters Help Good Shepherd Sister Stella Mangona windows from Pelletier and Laity were part of the Gallery get better known. reports on human Hall have a new home in historic Women’s March Nominate it for North trafficking on the island of Good Shepherd Church. on January 21. County’s best business. Saipan. Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 Page 15
Green Corner This month the Green Corner offers three different websites that inform and encourage our participation in responding to A VISIT WITH SISTERS IN INDIA the spirit and message of Laudato Si. We hope you will Province Mission Partner Monte Abbott visited the Sisters of the Good find them helpful. Shepherd in Chennai, India, last month while he was in the south Indian Confrontglobalpoverty.org state of Tamil Nadu on a mission trip with members of his church Catholics Confront Global Poverty is an initiative of the congregation Disciples of Christ. The purpose of the trip was to connect United States Conference of with the congregation’s Global Mission Partners. “How could I not visit Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services. As the official our Sisters in Chennai while I was there,” Monte asked. voice of the Catholic Church in Continued on page 16 Continued on p. 14
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PROVINCE NEWS
Pelletier Hall stained glass windows get a new home
The stained glass windows that Shepherd were looking for a home beautify and enhance our chapel adorned Pelletier Hall’s chapel have for the windows at the same time worship space. We are very grateful a new home. Good Shepherd the church was redesigning its to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Montgomery, chapel to meet parishioners’ needs. for their generous donation of these Ohio, (near Cincinnati) will install Fr. Tom Mannebach, Pastor of windows. We are excited, as they the windows in their redesigned Good Shepherd Parish, said, “The will serve to enhance the prayer chapel when they complete efforts to secure stained glass lives of all who worship in our renovations later this year. windows for the church came as an newly remodeled chapel.” According to Deacon Max, it was important part of our plan to Continued on next page timely that Sisters of the Good
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PROVINCE NEWS
Stained glass Cont’d from p. 2
Province of Mid-North America and 1923. The windows of Jesus the The Sisters made an agreement with archival records reveal that the Good Shepherd and Mary, the the buyer of Pelletier Hall that the windows were made for and Shepherdess for Christ, were stained glass windows would be installed in the chapel of Our Lady of removed from the chapel of Our donated to Good Shepherd Church. the Woods in Carthage, Ohio. The Lady of the Woods after the facility The church was built in the 1960s Provincial House was established in was closed. They were sold back to without stained glass. Deacon Max 1871. Its buildings were detached the Sisters for the new retirement said the windows are going to be a and erected at different time home, Pelletier Hall, in Ft. Thomas, welcome and beautiful addition to periods. Sisters began chapel Kentucky. their chapel. construction in 1911. The Most The Sisters broke ground for Good Shepherd Church is going to Reverend Henry Moeller, Pelletier Hall on November 6, 1980. install a plaque next to the windows Archbishop of Cincinnati, dedicated They moved retired Sisters into the to recognize Sisters of the Good the chapel on June 23, 1924. building — complete with the Good Shepherd Province of Mid-North According to Province of Mid-North Shepherd and Good Shepherdess America. America (PMNA) archival records, windows — on March 30, 1982. In You can read additional historical the two windows were originally part 2016 Sisters left Pelletier Hall and accounts of Our Lady of the Woods of a much larger group of at least moved into St. Margaret Hall and and Pelletier Hall at http://bit.ly/ 140 stained glass windows, which Beechwood nursing care facilities in 2kOAY5P and http://bit.ly/ were likely made in Munich Cincinnati. PMNA then sold Pelletier 2kJmfKa. Germany sometime between 1910 Hall.
Province archives reveal that the stained glass windows from Pelletier Hall were originally made in Munich, Germany, sometime between 1910 and 1923 for the Provincial House Our Lady of the Woods in Carthage, Ohio.
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PROVINCE NEWS
Women’s March draws Good Shepherd Millions gathered at marches and rallies across the U.S. and around the world on January 21 to stand in solidarity with those who marched in the Washington, DC, Women’s March. Good Shepherd Sisters and Laity were among them, identifying with causes and issues that reflect the charism and lifelong work of Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Read about it in Global Sisters Report at http://bit.ly/2k8zy6O and see photos from every continent at http://nyti.ms/2k73kZK.
From top: Fran Eskin-Royer (NAC) and her friend Jenny Gelman; Sr. Jeanette McDermott (Province Center) Larry Couch (NAC) with daughter Winifred Doherty, RGS ; Nancy at the march in St. Louis. Rebecca and granddaughter Fritsche Eagan and Kelly Dugan (New Audrey. York Province).
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PROVINCE NEWS Last call for spiritual retreat Deadline to register for the 10-day spiritual retreat at the Motherhouse in Angers, France, is just one week away. Dates for the 2017 retreats are April 18-29 and June 13-24. The invitation is open to all Good Motherhouse of Our Lady of Charity Shepherd of the Good Shepherd. Sisters and Sr. Dami returns to her province Laity, with the purpose of deepening together our identities as Good Shepherd people. The Province Center said goodbye to Sister Damiana Ham late last month. She has Both retreats have the same itinerary. They include a journey between Caen, Noirmoutier, Tours and Angers, returned to her Province in South Korea, after where participants will follow in the footsteps of St. John being with us in St. Louis for a year while Eudes and St. Mary Euphrasia. The retreats also include learning English. Sr. Dami left an especially days of reflection and conversations at the Motherhouse large heart-print on the Sisters at Immaculate and new Congregational Museum. Heart Convent, who sang and laughed with her routinely. Sr. Dami visited the Sisters daily Registration deadline for both retreats is February 8. Cost is 800 euros, plus travel expenses. Check the currency and taught them folk songs and hymns in her conversion for daily exchange rates. For more native Korean language. information contact Melinda Stricklen at [email protected] or 502-271-4593.
Announcements & News Tidbits
The St. Louis Community no Sunday morning, January 15. [email protected] or longer has a fax line. Please Joan had volunteered with 215.701.2536. change your directory to reflect HandCrafting Justice for about that the number 314-382-5294 is 20 years. February 14, 2017 marks the 17th no longer an active fax line. anniversary of the Sisters of the CORA Services is gearing up for Good Shepherd Province of Mid- Please note that any cell phone its annual Family Festival on North America. Happy number that you have for Sr. April 22 and is looking for Anniversary to us! Christine Truong is no longer performers, volunteers and raffle active. Sr Christine Truong does prize donors. If you would like to The Province Center’s not have a cell phone at this time. get involved or know someone receptionist Ann Flerlage is who might enjoy being a part of retiring on February 3. We send Good Shepherd Mission Partner this community extravaganza in her off with blessings and thank and friend Joan Egan passed Philadelphia, then please contact her for the 27 years of service she passed into the arms of Jesus on Rachel McGonigle at gave to Good Shepherd.
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MINISTRY NEWS
Good Shepherd Gallery hosts first art show of 2017 Good Shepherd Gallery hosted its first art exhibit of 2017 on January 14 with the opening of the show “Interior Expressions.” The show runs through February 18 and features the abstract works of Gary Lang. Inspired by nature’s mystery and beauty, Gary said, “Each work is a prayer, an experiment, and an expression of my interior life.” Gary has made a career in painting for more than 30 years. He also teaches art at Webster University in St. Louis. The next art exhibit is slated for March. The show, titled “Corporal Works of Mercy,” will feature the artwork of children from three schools in the St. Louis area.
Cast your vote for Good Shepherd Gallery! Sr. Glynis McManamon is asking all readers to help Good Shepherd Gallery become better known. Votes for the gallery as a favorite business in North County (St. Louis) will help others learn about Good Shepherd’s ministry of arts. You don’t have to live in St. Louis to vote; you can live anywhere. Here’s what to do to cast your vote for Good Shepherd Gallery: 1. Click on http://mycnews.com/best-of-north-county/ 2. Complete the form with your first and last name and email address. 3. Find the category "Jeweler" and write “Good Shepherd Gallery” in the box. There is no category for Gallery or Art, so use the category Jeweler. 4. Vote once per email address. 5. If you tweet, use @GoodShepherdRGS in the body of your message. 6. Be sure to vote by March 1, 2017. 7. Spread the word. We want Good Shepherd Gallery to win the Best of North County!
The impact and importance of art Art means different things to different people. Some see art as a form of communication, a repository of a society’s collective memory or vehicle for social change. Art can give voice to the politically or socially disenfranchised. A poster, song, film or novel can rouse emotions and inspire people to rally for change. Art also has utilitarian influences on society. There is a demonstrable, positive correlation between schoolchildren's grades in math and literacy and their involvement with music, drama and other art activities. Some Good Shepherd ministries use art to help youth and adults heal from trauma and addiction. Encouraging free self-expression through painting and drawing aids in improving a person's physical, mental and emotional well-being. A student's self-reflection at Vista Maria reminds us why the Good Shepherd mission and artistic expression are so important in the world today.
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RippleMINISTRY Cont’d from p. ___ NEWS CORA serves on task force for Philadelphia’s opioid crisis
The crisis in opioid use is As part of its strategy, the task force challenging communities across the is holding four “Listening Sessions” United States. In the Philadelphia with citizens. CORA Services will metropolitan area the search for host one of the sessions on solutions is no longer being left to Thursday, February 2nd. government and treatment agencies Mary K. Doherty, Director alone. Government & Strategic Last year in Philadelphia there was Partnerships for CORA is a member an 80% increase in drug overdose of the Opioid Task Force, deaths from 2013. Eighty percent of Subcommittee on Public Education the deaths involved opioids such as and Prevention Strategies. She said prescription painkillers, heroin and the listening sessions are part of a fentanyl. In response to the crisis, comprehensive strategy to engage Abuse of prescription pain killers Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney citizens and hear from those who announced the formation of a task are affected by and exposed to and heroin are at the heart of the force to address the social and substance use so they can lend their opioid drug epidemic facing cities public health challenge. voice to solutions. and towns across America. Sixteen members sit on the new The National Institute on Drug https://www.drugabuse.gov/about- task force, covering a broad section Abuse published a report last year nida/legislative-activities/ of community stakeholders. The titled “What Science tells us About task force convened in mid-January Opioid Abuse and Addiction.” You testimony-to-congress/2016/what- to initiate the city’s coordinated can read the report online at science-tells-us-about-opioid- abuse-addiction. response. Rose Haven celebrates guests’ birthdays
Rose Haven has been hosting monthly birthday parties for its guests for about three years. Each month the agency celebrates with cake and presents the women who have a birthday that month. Gift bags generally contain needed items such as gloves or hand warmers and hand sanitizer. The tradition began in partnership with the Portland Women’s Club and awarded Rose Haven recently with a continues through a partnership grant for its advocacy program. with the Junior League of Portland. Rose Haven is a Day Center for Sister Maureen Kunz caught In addition to partnering with Rose women and children in Portland, Editor Jeanette McDermott Haven on birthday celebrations, the Oregon. To see how the agency met at her own game to remind Junior League helps Rose Haven the needs of those most effected by us of the next copy and with its school supply drive and the housing crisis in 2016, visit photo deadline for Items of children's holiday party. In addition http://bit.ly/2k9tye5, where you can Interest; it’s February 20th. to providing volunteers to help with read and download a copy of its events like this the Junior League Annual Report.
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RippleCOMMUNITY Cont’d from p. ___ LIFE Catching up with readers from my trip to London By Maria Sowerby, RGS
Since Brexit occurred in the United As some of you know, I stayed with celebrated the Roman Mass Kingdom there was a considerable my sister who is a widow. On together, in Henry’s chapel no less! decrease in air fare to London, so I Christmas Eve we went to the * This was the first time this has decided to take advantage of this parish Mass, which was absolutely happened in over 450 years, before and be with family over the packed - so crowded, in fact, that the USA was born. Christmas holidays. As Pope the priest came out before Mass The presenter of the program Francis often says, “It is time to and asked the ushers to close the commented that religion in minister to our families too.” doors since they could not allow England might have been a lot So, for those who enjoy reading any more people into the church. different today had Henry’s first about our endeavors, I thought I’d That had to be a first! child, a boy, not died seven weeks send a few details of serving others Later, I spent the evening with a after birth. Who knows? One thing through “presence” and “sharing” school friend whose husband with is certain: things are changing as I experienced it. Also, bearing in dementia was recently admitted to before our very eyes. mind that we take our mission as a nursing facility. They are married Good Shepherd Sisters wherever well over 50 years. we go, and as our Christmas letter I spent time on Christmas morning from Rome stated, we ought to be with my niece Lynn and her trying our best to bring joy and husband. Lynn is suffering from hope to a presently dark world. Not cancer, and it seems to have spread an easy task! to her lungs. However, she is very My journey to England from optimistic and is loving life. But it Philadelphia was very pleasant and has got to be hard at 48 years old. somewhat different from past This is turning into a list of sick Hampton Court Palace, the home travels. I was seated beside a very calls. Another relative is also where Tudor King Henry VIII broke lovely young South African girl who suffering from stomach cancer. He off ties with the papacy in 1530 is studying dance, particularly is slowly improving but is lonely over efforts to have his first ballet, at the Philadelphia and wondering what the future marriage annulled so he could Performing Arts School. She was holds. Nice to spend time with him. returning to South Africa for a marry his mistress (whom he later month’s visit with family and I spent time catching up with sleep beheaded). friends. We talked about various and relaxation. Also, I was able to topical issues throughout the trip, read and meditate in a quiet and Over the Christmas season I including politics, U.S. elections, joy-filled atmosphere. I watched watched amazing and deeply Good Shepherd Global Mission and many really good programs on spiritual services from Durham, so forth. BBC. In the midst of the darkness Bristol and Cambridge Cathedrals. enveloping our world, it was really I thought the choirs and the As we neared Heathrow Airport in exciting to watch a few highlights of homilies were great. London at about 6:15 a.m., she 2016 on television. asked to pray with me. Slightly While I missed my usual Christmas taken aback, I of course agreed! One show was about Hampton activities in Philly, nevertheless I Her prayer was beautifully said Court, the previous home of King felt my mission was extended to with great simplicity and honesty, Henry VIII. You all know the include family and friends. Just including blessings on our mission history there. Well, in 2016 the being present to each other and and joy to our families. It was quite Archbishop of Westminster — sharing life seemed so important. Cardinal Vince Nichols — and unexpected from a fellow traveler Continued on next page and very touching too. Queen Elizabeth’s Chief Chaplain
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RippleCOMMUNITY Cont’d from p. ___ LIFE
Catching up Cont’d from p. 8
My journey back to the United Louis early in November States was smooth and uneventful. and, in retrospect, it was My seating companion was a young our final farewell. French woman (Eva) who was on Well, the darkness of the her way to Widener University Law world can be school. Eva’s English was perfect debilitating, but and we talked about Angers and our alongside it there are global mission. She lives north of many great things Paris. She asked about our lifestyle happening, only quietly. and had many more questions We have to search for about politics in the U.S. these and spread them I’m writing this because I thought too! Thank you for your some of you might be interested, prayers, thoughtfulness especially those who know me. Like and kindness over the Sisters Marie Maurer (left) and Maria Sowerby you, I was sorry to hear about Marie season. May hope and shared many walks while missioned together in Maurer’s death. She was one of the joy be yours in 2017. Philadelphia. first Sisters I met upon coming to the United States. Almost every night we went out walking on the *News reports about the driveways of Lourdesmont. She Roman Mass service At Hampton Catholic Church. Read more at educated me about Philadelphia, Court speculated that the Mass https://www.nytimes.com/ the sports clubs, the Philly Cheese symbolized, in part, a growing 2016/02/10/world/europe/ Steaks, the local sayings, etc. I was reconciliation between the Church hampton-court-henry- honored to meet with her in St. of England and the Roman catholic.html.
Happiness is having a party at Immaculate Heart Convent Sisters at Immaculate Heart Convent had a party to beat all parties when they combined National Hat Day, National Popcorn Day and National Hugging Day. They celebrated the three events while also watching live coverage of the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Immaculate Heart’s receptionist Shirley Norful conjured the idea of having a party to celebrate hats, hugs and popcorn on inauguration day. She said, “I like to see the Sisters have fun and thought a party like this would help them better enjoy watching the inauguration.”
From left: Local Leader of Immaculate Heart Convent Sr. Pauline Bilbrough; Sr. Christopher Mullan; Kitchen Manager Mary Horton (left) and Receptionist Shirley Norful; and Sr. Rosalinda Sobremisana.
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COMMUNITY LIFE
Lunar New Year Top photo: Sister Monica Duong tutored Theresa Nguyen in the artistry of napkin folding as the two of them decorated the Province Center dining room for Lunar New Year ambience. Theresa is a prospective candidate for Sisters of the Good Shepherd and will be at Sisters at Saint Margaret Hall and the Province Center for six Beechwood hammed it up and posed for months. a selfie with Marsha Esarey (in green) Bottom photo: Sr. Olga during her recent visit. Marsha was one Cristobal (right) celebrated the of a group of ten Mission Partners from Lunar New Year in Albania with Maryhurst who visited the Sisters over Sr. Mirjam Beike of the Province the holidays. Melinda Stricklen, Mission of Germany/Albania. Sr. Olga is Effectiveness, said, “We had wonderful on mission to Albania through conversations about our Good Shepherd the end of this year. lives and sang Christmas Carols, backed up by iTunes music. This enabled everyone to sing really loudly!" Sisters from left: Marilyn Kahl, Rose Henry Kern and Elise Kramer. Sisters inspired by ordination Four Good Shepherd Sisters from the Baltimore Community attended the ordination to the Order of Bishop of The Most Reverend Adam J. Parker and the Most Reverend Mark E. Brennan. Both priests became Auxiliary Bishops of Baltimore on January 19, 2017, in the Cathedral of Mary our Queen, Baltimore. Bishop Parker and his parents are long time friends of the Baltimore Community. He celebrated Mass in the Community’s chapel for Thanksgiving and Christmas for a number of years. His father volunteered at St. Joseph’s Residence and inspired his friend to refurbish the tabernacle in the chapel. Mrs. Parker often attended Mass with the Sisters when her son presided. From left: Sisters Gayle Lwanga Crumbley and Mary “Bishop Parker is a very pastoral priest. I believe he will Carol McClenon; Bishop Adam J. Parker; Sisters Patricia make a wonderful bishop. He is sociable, humble, caring Marie Barnette and Frances Altavilla. and gives great homilies. I will keep him in my prayers,” said Sr. Frances Altavilla. she recalled her own perpetual profession. It brought Sr. Frances found the entire ceremony exciting to witness back special memories for her. Like Sr. Frances, the other and said that when everyone sang the Litany of the Saints Continued on next page
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COMMUNITY LIFE
Ordination Cont’d from p. 10
Sisters who attended the ordination former pastor who now resides in Celebrant and Consecrator. Two felt a sense of awe at what they Rome and was present to assist Cardinals with local ties served as experienced. Sr. Mary Carol Bishop Parker. Being a relatively Co-consecrators: Donald Cardinal McClenon said, “I have been to the new member of the Community I Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington; installation of a bishop before, but did not know most of the priests, and Edwin Cardinal O’Brien, never to the consecration of a bishops and Sisters that gave us formerly Archbishop of Baltimore bishop. Besides being a very moving warm greetings. and now Grand Master of the ecclesial experience, I found the Equestrian Order of the Holy ritual itself fascinating, full of Sepulcher of Jerusalem (an historic historical references and and international group of people symbolism.” “Time ceased and who commit themselves to helping Laying of hands brought me to the Christians in Jerusalem). Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New Sr. Patricia Marie Barnette said, anointing of the York, was also present, along with “The ordination was beautiful and at least 20 other bishops. inspiring in every way.” apostles and how this Sr. Mary Carol said one of her She said the most important part tradition carries on favorite parts of the ceremony for her was when Archbishop Lori through the centuries. occurred near the end. and Cardinals O’Brien and Wuerl laid hands upon the heads of “Following the Prayer after Bishops-elect Parker and Brennan Communion, the new bishops, with as a sign of the outpouring of the The Sisters arrived to the their miters and croziers, processed Holy Spirit. All other bishops ordination early to ensure a good throughout the church extending present did the same. seat and parking space. Hundreds their blessing to all. They appeared of others had the same idea. “We to be radiantly joyful. The choir As Archbishop Lori and the other were lucky that we had been to and congregation were singing a bishops prayed the solemn prayer ordinations of bishops before familiar version of the Te Deum of consecration, two deacons held because it was so crowded many of that is, Holy God, We Praise Thy open the Book of Gospels over each us could not see what was Name. It had five verses! Who Bishop-elect’s head as a sign of the happening in the sanctuary. I was knew? I had only ever heard three enriching power of God’s Word in able to step out of the pew and had verses before,” she said. their lives. a good view of the ceremony from All of the Sisters left the event “Time ceased and brought me to the the back of the cathedral,” said Sr. feeling uplifted and inspired. Sr. anointing of the apostles and how Gayle. Gayle said, “We returned home this tradition carries on through the happy and exhausted.” centuries. The apostolic succession Radiantly joyful brings us back to Christ as head of “It looked like all of the seminarians Sr. Frances said, “This beautiful the Church,” Sr. Patricia Marie said. for the Archdiocese of Baltimore event was like a spiritual renewal were there, and way more deacons for me as a Sister of the Good “I love tradition. So many of the than I ever thought existed,” Sr. Shepherd. Thank You, God, for this readings and actions connect us all Mary Carol said. Then a massive opportunity.” over the world and across the span number of priests followed by of time. May God bless them both bishops and finally, the bishops- Bishop Brennan, who is originally as they work for the salvation of elect, the Cardinals and the from the Washington, D.C. diocese, souls in a powerful way,” she said. Archbishop. They filled about half is assigned to the Baltimore area, so point Sr. Gayle Lwanga Crumbley said of one side of the Cathedral – and at some he and the Baltimore “Our community was greeted by it’s not a small Cathedral,” she said. Community will connect. The many old friends, including the Sisters say they are looking forward Archbishop of Baltimore, William E to getting to know him. pastor of our parish church and the Lori served as the Principal
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VOCATIONS Renewed in spirit: discerning a call to vocation
Twenty-year-old Maria Oscilowski visited Sisters in the San Francisco Community from December 27 - 29 last year. Maria attends John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego, where she has entered her Junior year in pursuit of studies in screenwriting. Maria reflected on her visit with the Sisters: “Staying with the Good Shepherd Sisters has helped me consider my vocation in a deeper, more meaningful way. I was blessed to be able to converse with the Sisters and hear their stories. They’ve given me a lot to think about. I am also very thankful to have had the opportunity to visit some of the Sisters' workplaces, as this gave me perspective on my own life that I would have otherwise missed. From this visit, I learned that there are so many blessings that I take for granted every day. Renewed in spirit, I will continue to discern my vocation and what I am called to do every day.” My 25-year journey to a silver jubilee
By Claudia Palacio first contact with Sisters of the Good what faith and hope are about. They It was the work and passion of Mary Shepherd. Some of the Sisters with have taught me about creativity and Euphrasia that drove me to the whom I had that first contact still perseverance. I have these people’s Sisters of the Good Shepherd in live there. names, faces and voices with me so 1989. This past December I I feel privileged and humbled by the that I might always remember God’s celebrated my silver jubilee as a experience of being missioned to presence in my life and in our midst. Sister of the Good Shepherd with serve in so many different countries. This journey that started more than the Central American Province, I have learned about different 25 years ago brought me here to where I pronounced my first vows cultures and experienced so much Mid-North America. Thank you for on October 7, 1991. This event kindness, not only from our being a part of my journey. brought many wonderful memories religious communities but from the “Some gifts you hold in your and a deep sense of gratitude to large community as well, and from hands… God’s mercy and faithfulness, as those to whom I have been sent. The well as to my Sisters’ kindness and girls who worked selling candies at a Some you hold in your companionship along this journey. traffic light, the pregnant teen with heart” ~ anonymous After 18 years, I visited the no place to go, the single mother Provincial house in Costa Rica, with no job, the boys where I participated in Mass and a and girls with no small surprise celebration the running water in their Sisters held for me. I had the community, the opportunity to express my gratitude women caught in to the Sisters who played an domestic violence, important part in my early years of prostitution and formation. addiction, the baby being born in a safe Later, in Nicaragua, I had a nice place. These celebration with the Community, experiences have family and friends. Casa Nazareth, taught me what the community in Managua, was my resilience looks like,
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CELEBRATION OF LIFE Mary Lawrence Crisler, RGS January 3, 1933 – January 17, 2017
Marjorie Joyce Crisler was born on served as principal and enjoyed January 3, 1933 in Grand Rapids, working with students. She also Michigan, to Lawrence and Cecilia worked in aftercare services to young Henderson Crisler. She was the women who had left Our Lady of the oldest of five girls. Highlands. Marjorie entered the Sisters of Our Working with girls was her greatest Lady of Charity of the Good joy. Sr. Mary Lawrence kept in touch Shepherd on May 20, 1950, and with many of her former students received the name Mary Lawrence. until the end of her life. Over the She made her first profession on many decades her students visited November 11, 1952 in Cincinnati, her often. Many of them sat by her Ohio. She made her final profession side during her final hours. of vows on November 21, 1956. “Our Lady of the Highlands was the Sr. Mary Lawrence was missioned in best thing that ever happened to me. various capacities in Michigan, Ohio My life would have been ruined had and Kentucky. Among her roles were it not been for Mothers Lawrence House Mother, Teacher, Bookkeeper and Kevin, “ said Terri Fischer, one and Principal. Sr. Mary Lawrence of the many women who visited the spent many of her years at Our Lady Sisters for years after graduating Sr. Mary Lawrence Crisler of the Highlands, where she taught, from the Good Shepherd school. After Our Lady poor. She organized an arts and of the Highlands crafts fair that continued for a closed, Sr. Mary number of years at Pelletier Hall. Lawrence chose Sr. Mary Lawrence moved to to work with the Pelletier Hall when she and Sr. Mary poor and was Kevin Schingel were no longer able Director of Social to continue living independently in Services at Free their house in Florence, Kentucky. Store in Cincinnati for 10 Less than a year ago, Sr. Mary years. Later she Lawrence moved to St. Margaret served as Hall in Cincinnati, where her health Administrator needs could continue to be met. She and Local Leader graciously accepted being there and at Pelletier Hall always enjoyed visits from Sisters, in Fort Thomas. friends and former students. She During this time smiled and greeted others, enjoyed and beyond she playing scrabble, and loved to Sisters Mary Lawrence Crisler (center) and Kevin Schingel made quilts, receive and give hugs. (right) were inseparable friends for life. It was common for teddy bears in Like Saint Mary Euphrasia, Sr. Mary their former students from Our Lady of the Highlands to cute little outfits Lawrence’s zeal was the foundation visit them over the many decades after graduating from and other craft of her life of prayer. the school to express their gratitude to the Sisters for items that were Submitted by Sr. Dolores Kalina transforming their lives. sold to help the
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GREEN CORNER
Green websites Cont’d from p. 1 the U.S., USCCB calls on Catholics and the nation to 7. Use less water. Water processing accounts for defend the lives and dignity of people living in poverty approximately 3% of energy use in the United States, worldwide. according to the EPA. Saving water means saving energy. Post a “please conserve water” sign at sinks Catholicclimatecovenant.org and showers, install low-flow spigots, or select the Catholic Climate Covenant inspires and equips people “eco” setting on laundry machines and dishwashers. and institutions to care for Creation and care of the poor. It has 14 national partners, which include the USCCB, 8. Petition policy makers. Your elected officials have the Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities USA, the power to take action on climate change. Write policy Catholic Health Association, congregations of religious makers to tell them that you stand for the stewardship men and women, and other national organizations. of Creation. Catholic Climate Covenant guides the U.S. Church's 9. Write to your local newspaper. Writing a letter to the response to climate change by educating, giving public editor has effects beyond your local community. witness and offering resources. Its website offers the Legislators assign their staffs to read letters to the following tips for making a difference: editor as an important barometer of constituents’ 10 Ways You Can Make a Difference interests. For tip sheets and templates, write to 1. Be energy efficient. During the summer months, close [email protected]. your curtains to block heat from the sun. During the 10. Form a study or action group at church. We are all winter, open your curtains during the day to allow the strengthened when we act together as a community. sun to warm your home. These simple steps can Consider forming a Creation Care Team, and visit significantly reduce the need for air conditioning and CatholicClimateCovenant.org for more information. heating, which are likely the most energy-intensive aspects of your home. Catholicclimatemovement.global Catholic Climate Movement is a worldwide network of 2. Calculate your carbon footprint. Understanding which Catholics responding to the Pope’s call to action in the activities are carbon-intensive allows you to know Laudato Si encyclical. The network is comprised of lay where you can take action. The EPA has a free carbon people, priests, women religious and bishops working footprint calculator you can use. together to tackle the climate change crisis. 3. Adjust the thermostat. Turning down your air We might question how little things we do can make a conditioning or heating when you leave the house will difference. Laudato Si answers this question for us. Pope further shrink your carbon footprint. A change of just Francis addresses our motivation. He says information is 5 degrees is a good start. not enough, nor are laws and regulations. 4. Adjust your driving routine. By combining multiple The Holy Father says we must be ... personally errands into one trip, you reduce the amount of fossil transformed … Only by cultivating sound virtues will fuel you use. people be able to make a selfless ecological commitment. 5. Go meatless on Fridays. Livestock production A person who could afford to spend and consume more accounts for 4% of Americans’ greenhouse gas, but regularly uses less heating and wears warmer clothes, according to the EPA. By going meatless one day per shows the kind of convictions and attitudes which help to week, you’ll both honor Catholic teaching and better protect the environment. care for Creation. He says there is a nobility in the duty to care for Creation 6. Recycle more. Recycling reduces your carbon footprint through little daily actions … all of these reflect a both because landfills emit greenhouse gases through generous and worthy creativity which brings out the best decomposition, and because manufacturing from in human beings …We must not think that these efforts scratch is carbon-intensive. Find where and how to are not going to change our world. They benefit society, recycle almost anything in your area at often unbeknown to us, for they call forth a generosity search.earth911.com. which tends to spread (#211, #212).
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HUMAN TRAFFICKING Searching desperately for a way out of the promised land
Sr. Stella Mangona is missioned to that your family will get hurt if you Saipan, where she works with complain to the police about abuses victims of human trafficking and you experience or witness? advocates for victims of domestic When I tried to keep my family violence and sexual assault. On from going into debt and becoming January 30th she participated in a homeless I found myself in these proclamation signing in Saipan to situations. I thought the invitation officially recognize January as to work abroad would answer my National Slavery and Human prayers for how I could help my Sr. Stella Mangona (left) and Trafficking Prevention Month. As parents, siblings and grandparents. collaborators who help victims of part of the ceremony, victim I made a sacrifice and left my advocate Emy Camacho read country, believing a family friend human trafficking, domestic Jennifer’s story, a survivor of was going to give me work violence and sexual assault. human trafficking: opportunities that would allow me “Have you ever felt lost in a place to send money home to my family. Jennifer eventually escaped her captors with the help of a customer that you thought was a land of This person told me that I did not and found her way to Hope House, promise? Have you ever been need to worry about having money forced to entertain men? Have you a shelter where Sr. Stella and others for food, lodging and basic needs. help women like her claim a new ever been put on display before He said that I would be able to send men and women to entice them to lease on life. Jennifer’s story ends enough money home to help my with these words: give money that you never see for parents raise three of my siblings services you provide? and send them to school. I was told “At the shelter I learned my rights Have you worked without ever that my new job would be in a place as a human being and was having a day off, or had your pay called “the promised land,” and that empowered not to allow anyone to withheld and handed to you only the money I earned would alleviate abuse me again. Today I am after your contract expired? Have my family’s hunger, heal my speaking for many of us, both men you ever had your passport taken grandparents’ illness, help pay the and women, who have survived and from you against your will so that rent and repair holes in the roof of regained control of our lives. I am you could not leave a country? Have our house that creates a flood asking all who will listen to never you ever been warned or threatened indoors each time it rains. turn away from us when we ask for help, and to continue your efforts to All of my dreams of prosperity and seek justice for those of us who have providing for my family vanished no voice.” when I received a first pay check of only $20.00, not the $600.00 that Sr. Stella says, “We need your was promised. Other promises — prayers.” that my food, lodging and basic needs would be met — were also The Washington Inter-Religious Staff false. I had to pay $100 for skimpy Community group has put together an costumes, $300 for bedsheets and Interfaith Toolkit on Human Trafficking. telephone calls. I had to pay for Good Shepherd National Advocacy everything. I was not allowed to leave the building. It was like living Center is a member of the group and in prison where every action, every hopes the toolkit will help faith Victim advocate Emy Camacho word spoken seemed recorded. This communities raise awareness, promote read the story of a survivor of ordeal scared me, and I soon dialogue and take moral action human trafficking at the started trusting no one. I needed to against modern-day slavery. http:// proclamation signing in Saipan. get out of “the promised land.” bit.ly/2kcqnEX
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ACROSS BORDERS
India Cont’d from p. 1 Monte said he wanted to meet the will use that time to discover Monte said he won’t forget the Sisters in person and develop some student talents and abilities. Each Sisters in India. understanding of how the Good girl will then be steered into the Sr. Anne taught him how to use a Shepherd mission is being pursued area that best matches her abilities free messaging application for his in other parts of the world. He and desires. cell phone. Sr. Maria Rose, local learned that the Sisters in Chennai Enhancing lives community leader, took him to all manage four vibrant programs to of the programs on campus and to meet the needs of 2,400 girls and Eleven Sisters live in the Chennai Community. In addition to each school, where the children young women: managing the school, orphanage, greeted him. She also took him to 1. day school for girls of all ages residential dorm for young women Chennai to see various points of 2. orphanage for girls and Marion Home, the Sisters interest related to St. Thomas, the 3. residential dorm for college- operate study centers in several martyred disciple of Christ. These aged women poor communities around the city. included the cathedral where his 4. job skills training program for They and dedicated volunteers meet bones are interred, the cave where young women with students from poor families in he taught, the hill where he escaped The job training program at Marion evening hours and tutor them in and the place where he was killed. Home is the newest ministry. The coursework. Many of the students Continued on next page Sisters began Marion Home in are Dalit, of the social group once 1925. In the past this was a thriving referred to as the Untouchables. program where young women learned sewing skills. The program “I spent two weeks in India and saw has declined in importance and in a the poverty and need of the people few months will be replaced with at close hand. I witnessed how girls five new training programs: home and women in India are often health care, data processing, disadvantaged. So it was gratifying graphic design, hotel hospitality for me to visit the Sisters and and office reception, and experience how they are tackling cosmetology. social problems through their ministries and programs. The scale Students will train in intensive of the Good Shepherd mission in The High School girls like to sing English for the first year. Teachers Chennai is impressive,” Monte said. between classroom sessions.
The Good Shepherd Sisters in Chennai educate and care for 2,400 girls of all ages. The Sisters manage a day school, orphanage, residential dorm for college-aged women and a job skills training program for young women on the convent campus. The Sisters also reach out to children from poor families in the community during evening hours and tutor them in coursework.
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ACROSS BORDERS
India Cont’d from p. 16
Sr. Madeline, a semi-retired Sister visiting Christian Medical College who previously did social work and Hospital (founded by Mission among the children of temple Partner Vicky Barshis’ cousin), a prostitutes and now works in the research institute for lepers, and an kitchen, sat beside Monte at each orphanage with 800 children. They meal and made sure he had enough also visited a home for elders and food, tea and coffee. women who have left lives of When asked about his lasting prostitution and escaped from impression of the Sisters in human trafficking. The women Chennai, Monte said, “After being today are supporting themselves introduced to every classroom and through handicrafts. Monte said he spending time with children, staff was struck by the friendliness and and teachers, I can report that the openness of everyone he and his Good Shepherd school is a happy church group encountered. place. “I went to India expecting to meet Shrines and people’s daily devotions strangers and to encounter the “The children smile a lot. The to them abound in India. teachers and Sisters know that they exotic qualities of a different land. That happened, but what I didn’t are empowering girls and women Jesus was reflected back at me by and shaping their lives and futures.” expect was the kindness that was extended by so many people to me all these people and how surprised I Tamil Nadu and the group I was with,” he said. am to have found that image of Before visiting the Sisters in Jesus there. I don’t believe a “I have spent a lot of time thinking Chennai, Monte and his church stranger in unusual clothing would about how the love and radical group spent 16 days in Tamil Nadu find the same welcome on my hospitality embodied by the life of street,” he said.
Warm and open smiles, colorful religious garments, cows lounging on beaches and in streets are all part of India’s daily life. Shrines dot the landscape across India, and temples are gathering places for tourists and locals alike.
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LEADERSHIP TRAVEL
NAME DATES LOCATION
Sr. Sharon Rose Authorson Feb 1-4 Leadership & Integration Team, St. Louis Feb 24 Sr. Michaella renewal of vows, Cheltenham
Sr. Jean Marie Fernandez Feb 1-4 Leadership & Integration Team, St. Louis Feb 14 Annual Dinner for Women Religious Jesuit Community Feb 21 Women Religious Council meeting, San Francisco
Sr. Beverly Hedgecoth Feb 1-4 Leadership & Integration Team, St. Louis
Sr. Maureen Johnson Feb 1-3 Leadership & Integration Team, St. Louis
Sr. Dolores Kalina Feb 1-7 Leadership & Integration Team, St. Louis Feb 25 - Mar 1 Community and Board meetings, Silver Spring
Sr. Maureen Kunz Jan 28 - Feb 5 Leadership & Integration Team, St. Louis Feb 23-28 Religious Education Congress, Los Angeles
Sr. Mary Carolyn McQuaid Feb 1-2 Integration Team, St. Louis Feb 3-4 Leadership Team, St. Louis Feb 20-22 Good Shepherd Shelter Board meeting, Los Angeles
Sr. Madeleine Munday Feb 1-2 Integration Team, St. Louis Feb 3-4 Leadership Team, St. Louis Feb 14 DeNeuville Learning Center Board meeting, Memphis Feb 24 Sr. Michaella renewal of vows, Cheltenham Feb 28 National Advocacy Appreciation Dinner, Silver Spring
Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment is full of references to animals and calls on all of us to embrace a more humane path. The encyclical is named “Praised Be” (Laudato Si) after St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Sun, in which the Saint praises God for animals and Creation. In the encyclical, the Pope reminds us, “We read in the Gospel that Jesus says of the birds of the air that ‘not one of them is forgotten before God’ ( Lk 12:6). February is National Bird Feeding Month, a time to steward our feathered friends.
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PROVINCE CONTACT
“Let us remain in precious peace. Grace and peace are enough.’” 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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