Fall 2010 Journey page 1

Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA Vol. 28, No. 2 Fall 2010 Commitment

or hundreds of years people have used the ring as a symbol of love and fidelity in their relationships. Pictured above is an IHM Sister’s ring which is inscribed F“Ego Te Sponsabo,” meaning I espouse you. The ring is symbolic of a sister’s commitment of love and fidelity to Jesus Christ.

In this issue of Journey the writers explore the meaning of commitment in their lives and a variety of variables that inform and nurture their commitments. You are invited to reflect on the stories that follow and to allow them to influence your understanding of your own commitments to significant persons and important issues in your life. page 2 Journey Fall 2010 Standing Together by Sister Terry O’Rourke, IHM

here is something special women religious. Throughout power fill our daily news and Tabout standing together. It history, the prophets demanded destroy life-giving opportunities is a sign of unity, courage, and justice for all. Our call and our for millions. The increase determination. As Chapter 2010 shared commitment are to do the of violence both locally and came to a close we promised one same. globally is staggering. The world another that, as IHM Sisters, we Much has been written about is in distress. We have chosen to would do just that as we entered the power of intention. At the have our very lives address that into the joys, hopes, griefs, and conclusion of Chapter 2010 the reality. anxieties of the people of this congregation made an intentional We are well aware that we world. We are inviting you, commitment to participate in will need to be a contemplative our co-workers and friends, to the transformation of the world presence if we are to have any continue to stand with us. wherever we live and work. impact in a world that appears to Our shared commitment has As witnesses to the presence of have lost its balance. The Source Our shared no other destination than at the God, we recognize some urgent of our intention and hope is heart of suffering humanity, issues that have a claim on us, also the spark that enflames our commitment because that is where we find our energy, our time and our commitment. Our call is to point Jesus himself. He made no collaborative, public response. to a preferred and hoped for has no other pretense about his purpose on We have chosen to be agents future for all of our sisters and earth. The Gospel makes it clear: of healing and encouragement brothers. It is nothing less than destination he came that all might have in our chaotic, broken, and the liberating mission of Jesus. life, and his ministry took him darkened world. We intend to It is a responsibility we have directly to the poor, the hungry, stand together and speak Gospel chosen to call our own today in than at the the social outcasts and those truth. 2010. We are standing together, who were overwhelmed with Many of you, the readers of knowing that God will complete heart of sorrow. Our commitment is to his Journey, know us well. You may what we begin. mission, and when we journey ask, “Is this anything new? We delight in knowing that suffering with the hurting people of this Have you not always prayed you share our commitment and world we stand together in and lived from a Gospel base?” that you stand with us. humanity, solidarity with him. Where else The answer is yes, of course we would we choose to be? have and you have supported This commitment is not an our efforts. What we are References: because that is easy one. The word of God experiencing today is a unity of Chittister, J. 2009. The cry of the makes demands on those who purpose that feels new. What we prophet: a call to fullness of life. where we find carry it in their hearts. It will embraced at Chapter 2010 is a Erie, PA: Benetvision. challenge us as we challenge new awareness that the world Jesus others. Our contemplative is in a state of distress. Many O’Donohue, J. 2008. To bless Chapter set the stage, drew us of our brothers and sisters with the space between us. New York: himself. together and galvanized our whom we share this planet are Doubleday. determination. It is only in this deprived of basic necessities contemplative spirit that we and an opportunity to live a life can dare to continue to live our that reflects the dignity they prophetic call as consecrated deserve. Greed and abuse of

Editor: Sister Fran Fasolka, IHM Copyeditor: Sister Kathleen McNulty, IHM Advisory Board: Sister Gilmary Beagle, IHM Sister Lillian Marie Farrell, IHM Sister Benedicta Berendes, IHM Sister Chris Koellhoffer, IHM Sister Suzanne Delaney, IHM Sister Annmarie Sanders, IHM Sister Ann Barbara DeSiano, IHM Proofreader: Sister St. Anthony Radzikowski, IHM Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, Journey is published by the IHM Congregation for its members, friends, donors, sponsored Our mission as Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Scranton, institutions and supporters of the IHM Sisters and their ministries. Opinions expressed by authors Pennsylvania, is to follow Jesus as a community of disciples, aware that we are sent published in Journey do not necessarily reflect those of the IHM Congregation. Correspondence should be addressed to the editor at: IHM Center, 2300 Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509 to be a clear and understandable prophetic witness to the presence of God in the E-mail: [email protected] world. - from the IHM Mission Statement Journey is online at: http://ihmnew.marywood.edu/1.WhoWeAre/1IHMJourney.html Fall 2010 Journey page 3 Cr e a t i n g Re a l a n d Li v i n g St o r i e s by Sister Rachel Terry, IHM

where my parents are still economic stability. It stands to are examined, one will see that married in an age where divorce reason that when young adults it is not always that we young is very common. My father has are making choices, they are not adults are trying to escape from been working with the same necessarily imaging that things commitment, it is rather that agency for more than twenty- are going to last forever. I began we are trying to find a way that five years, and we witnessed to revision the phrase “yes for will lead not just to success, but my mother’s commitment to life.” It seems more common fulfillment. We were told we her family as well as recently that rather than thinking of “yes could have both, we believed it, committing herself to going for life” as meaning a lifetime and now we seek it. back to school and finishing her commitment, many young people Next, we spoke about what bachelor’s degree. They are choose to make commitments was exciting about making good examples of fidelity and that bring us to live life more a commitment and what integrity. As we spoke, we fully, to the abundant life, to might have produced some realized just how strongly our saying yes to that which gives fear or anxiety about that hen I was contemplating views were shaped by our life. same commitment. We were the topic of commitment, W upbringing and to our parents we My sisters and I noticed specifically talking about our it occurred to me that in the past are most grateful! that our peers have a strong vocational commitments to several years my life and the As we continued to speak desire to be of service and to be marriage and religious life. My lives of those close to me have we took a look at the different involved, to belong to something sisters expressed that for them been filled with commitments. ways people in our peer group bigger than ourselves. This may marriage was exciting because My peers and I have embarked have witnessed to commitment appear to some, especially in they would have a person to on new careers, entered religious in their lives. We noticed that the workplace, as self centered grow and change with. They life, become married, and the things that are usually named and demanding, but we felt that both noticed that even in the become parents. I thought as “life commitments” such most of our friends want to work short spans of their marriage the it would be a help to me in as careers and relationships are for more than just a paycheck way they love their husbands writing this article to gather their lived out in our age bracket, but (although the paychecks do is different somehow, and they wisdom, so I called for a little perhaps in a way different from remain important!) and that if felt excited to know that they back up. I called two women on the generations before us. Our something isn’t meeting our will have a life filled with new whom I could rely, who I know generation witnessed our parents expectations, we feel free to ways to love. They felt secure are conscientious, faithful, and live through massive corporate move on and find that which in knowing that they will be loving and who make choices lay offs, a 40-50 percent divorce will. This can appear to be with someone who has similar out of integrity. I called on my rate, and great fluctuation in self-indulgent, but if the roots attitudes toward life and the own two sisters, Alissa world as they do, and they West and Laura Farley, can contribute to society who have both recently by being faithful to their begun new lives as shared vision. Both of my married women. We sisters are excited to begin a had great conversations family and help shape a new about commitments generation. We summed up in general and about that what was most exciting each of our own unique about their marriages was commitments in that they could create real particular. We shared and living stories out of the stories which we shared dreams and ideas. knew so well about one My own excitement about another but had never religious life has very really voiced in this way, similar undertones to their and so I hope to share motivations, just manifested with you a bit of the differently. wisdom of the “Terry The anxiety produced Girls.” around commitment My sisters and I, not was intertwined with the surprisingly, have similar This photo was taken at my sister Laura’s wedding in April 2010. Pictured are excitement we shared. views about commitment. L-R Nathan Terry (brother), me, Laura Farley (sister) and her husband , We came from a family Alissa West (sister) and her husband Paul. continued on page 7 page 4 Journey Fall 2010

Committing Ourselves to Stillness A Justice and Peace Perspective by Sister Christine Koellhoffer, IHM Standing still. suburban New Jersey, becoming will allow us to see injustice, friends with the willow tree, the to confront our own need for A friend of mine, also a black-eyed Susan, the fox, and conversion, to lament, to see the bee. No word was spoken; through situations and to name writer, related how one day, Where we facing a major freelance none was needed. In just such new possibilities as we engage deadline, she had taken an entire a contemplative space, God is with the world and attempt to day out of the office to stay at present and wisdom is born. live the Gospel.” “waste” our time home and work on her article. Out of this same wisdom, our In her groundbreaking work, “How did that go?” I asked. IHM Congregation chose to enter Proclaim Jubilee!, Maria Harris and on whom and “Were you able to accomplish into a contemplative process for comments that embracing this much?” the next four years, engaging sense of Sabbath, of letting the what we waste She shook her head, gave me in deep prayer and profound land lie fallow, challenges us conversation with one another. to new understandings of time a knowing smile, and replied, it is revelatory “I didn’t write a single word. I We chose to pray, as Wendell that are rooted in justice for all. spent the entire day staring out Berry notes, “not for new earth Sabbath, she notes, “describes a the window.” or heaven, but to be quiet in discipline of being in time that of how we are We both laughed. Inspiration, heart, and in eye clear.” enables us to listen for what we after all, can’t be summoned on With all of the crying human are called to do in time. As such, present to our command, and often when we needs of our wounded world, Sabbath acts as the reminder of need it most, it seems to elude we put aside the compulsion to the deeper dimension of all our world, of what we our grasp. But my friend and act hastily and made the very time, the dimension of depth, I both instinctively knew— counter-cultural choice to stand when at every moment our value and cherish probably from many years of still and to stand together in choice as human beings is to live prayer. We chose to enter into either superficially in time or wrestling with words—that her most. day wasn’t wasted. Standing the Jubilee practice of letting the profoundly in time. Sabbath acts in stillness and staring out the land lie fallow, entering into a as the religious summons to be window contemplating might time of stillness, resting the land present.” look like a lost day, but it can be of our personal and corporate Where we “waste” our time enormously fruitful. The proof souls. and on whom and what we waste How do the choices I make of this: two days later, my friend Why did we commit to such a it is revelatory of how we are today/we make today affect related that her entire essay came “foolish” choice, and what are its present to our world, of what persons who are in need in our together almost effortlessly and implications for justice? we value and cherish most. We time? seemed to write itself. In gardening or farming, we chose to waste ours leading to a You already know this if easily understand the importance statement and question that will What choices must we make as you come from a long line of of letting the land renew and focus our contemplation and our we live out our commitment to people practiced in the art of refresh itself; this concept is also energies for the next four years: God and God’s people? “wasting” time. My father not critical to the work of justice. only passed this trait on to us; he We pause in order to listen. We We, Sisters, Servants of the So here we are, standing also modeled for us how to while pause in order to be open to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, together in the stillness. Come away the hours daydreaming, transformation to which God rooted in God and in the Gospel, and join us as we stare out the imagining, listening—and then calls us. We pause so that God stand together and courageously window and are transformed by creating. He used to shake us at work in us can reveal the most commit ourselves to enter into this extravagant waste of time. awake at night so that we could graced way to move forward for the joys, hopes, griefs, and go out to our deck and look up the life of the world. anxieties of the people of this at a sky alive with stars. Fishing Thirteen years ago, Anne world. Sister Chris serves as the pole in hand, he would stand Munley, IHM noted in an IHM Councilor for Spiritual alone in the ocean surf for hours. Pre-Chapter meeting, “It is only We choose to be transformed by Development for the IHM He fell in love with nature in rootedness in contemplation that these questions: Congregation. Fall 2010 Journey page 5 A smile, a thank you and an “I love you.” Coming Full Circle to Self-Understanding by Sister Kathryn Kurdziel, IHM

y mother, now ninety, simple answer to the questions is arrested or suspended. On the Msquints as she senses the I have been asked to address. other hand, the woman hopefully movement of someone coming How do I help new members embraces the painful journey into her room at St. Mary’s Villa come to self-understanding and of learning how to thrive in the Nursing Home. “Hi, Mom,” I say contemplation? desert. and that perpetually wonderful What I do is invite and Like the Israelites of old, smile spreads across her still witness to the ongoing desire those who learned to face beautiful face. Her dementia and effort of new members to themselves and brace the rigors has not dimmed the radiance of engage in the God-quest all of of the desert became leaner, the heartwarming smile that has us have vowed to pursue first tougher, more disciplined attracted people to her all of her as humans, then as Christians, human beings ready to lead the life. Her smile says: welcome, and then as vowed religious. transformed community into the I like you. It is an absolutely All sincere believers are on Promised Land. unconditional smile and it this quest but those who enter And so it is with the new dispenses any self doubt I carry a formation process commit member as she begins to thrive, and brings me to the present themselves to this mission in a as she begins to negotiate the The new member moment where Mom lives in an very intense manner, and God perceived terrors, obstacles, and all pervasive awareness of God literally turns their lives upside demons in her own mysterious begins to claim who carries her and is “her best down. Each encounters her self. I stand as an accompanying friend.” quest for self understanding in a observer looking for certain her imperfect Not much meaningful completely unique and surprising signs and marking certain conversation is possible any adventure in grace. I am only benchmarks. This is what I see. sisters even as more but the best sentences a humble witness. However, The finger pointing, measuring, in the world punctuate our there is a general pattern that and critical judgments of others she also begins conversation at three minute emerges over time which begins begin to ease, and appreciation, intervals. “Thank you” for being with pre-entrance and lasts until compassion and even tenderness to claim her here; for opening my milk; for final profession and for the rest begin to set in. The new member finding my tissues; thank you of life. It is the process of total begins to claim her imperfect own imperfect for the smallest things. Mom, transformation and I shall try to sisters even as she also begins self, even as always keenly observant, still describe what I witness. to claim her own imperfect notices the minutest detail and is The new member usually self, even as she, almost she, almost genuinely grateful. The second arrives with wonderfully simultaneously perceives that she sentence is utterly spontaneous altruistic ideas about community and all the others are on the same simultaneously and unsolicited, “I love you!” and even higher expectations quest, all involved in the very Sometimes it comes in mime, of herself. Most of these begin same struggle for wholeness and perceives that sometimes in a whisper, crumbling about Thanksgiving self understanding. sometimes loudly repeated if I of her first year. All illusions are Slowly she eases up on she and all the do not respond after the tenth usually pretty deconstructed by herself, taking responsibility for such declaration. No matter the middle of her canonical year her growth, fearing less to delve others are on what else happens during my (year of formation) because the into her blind and vulnerable daily visit, “Thank you and I intense prayer and silence that spots, and resisting less the the same quest, love you” hover in my being as I year accelerate the demolition companionship of guides, humbly drive the lush rural road and invite the demons of self mentors, and truth-tellers. She all involved leading away from the Villa. doubt and self criticism, as she relinquishes the “perfectionist in the very Often tearfully I resolve to be a enters the desert experience of novice.” The blame game phase better, kinder, more patient, more total transformation. She feels fades as the woman realizes she same struggle loving person, yet know I have a as if she is literally starving and is loved and accepted in spite long way to go to be grateful or thirsting to death in the desert. of failures, early arrogance, for wholeness loving enough to be my mother’s At this point, the novice has a harsh misjudgments and all the daughter. choice to make. She can curl up, things that make her human and self This is not an article about resist, and move into survival and vulnerable like the rest of my mother. It is, however, my mode and just jump through the us. Her soul seems to settle understanding. growing realization of the utterly hoops. At this point her progress continued on page 7 page 6 Journey Fall 2010 A Union Most Sacred and Most Serious Only Love Can Make It Easy by Marie V. Harkins “With this ring, I thee wed In the beginning, we merely The more we love, the greater moment of birth. That special and I pledge unto you my merge our habits and idiosyn- their capacity for loving and as place is all his or her own and crasies. We bring together a we grow and flourish, that love it will be there forever. I do fidelity.” Thus, the ring be- lifetime of family traditions, encircles all those who bring not wish to portray parenthood comes the symbol and the cor- peer pressures, and careers. Our meaning to our lives. as easy, because you will make nerstone of the marriage and the judgments and our skills will be When your first child is mistakes. Ideally, you are united young couple put their hearts, questioned (out of fear and love placed in your arms, you are in your parenting. When there their hopes and dreams into the for us) and conflicts will arise. filled with awe and wonder. are differences in approaches, hands of the other. The words When this happens with one you How can this be? This child those differences should be that have remained with me from love (i.e. parents, friends, etc.) is truly ours; she even has his settled privately so you can sup- the exhortation the priest gave at it can be very difficult. This is crooked toe. Rather than feel- port each other in your decisions. our wedding (pre-Vatican Coun- where your commitment comes ings of overwhelming love The most important thing is that cil II) were, “You are about to at a price—but your partner’s (which you anticipated), you are they know they are loved no enter into a union which is most feelings must always be your struck with fear. If you do not matter what they do or what hap- sacred and most serious…” and primary concern. Commitments care for her every need, she will pens. Convincing a headstrong “Only love can make it easy….” in our relationships are perceived die. This beautiful child with young person of that is not easy. I had never really thought subjectively, formed by our a mind and soul of her own is However, despite our mistakes, of marriage as a commitment backgrounds and experience. totally dependent on you. By they all grew up to be loving and because it was what I wanted Before marriage, our perceptions the time you are expecting your caring adults. The two that chose to do. Looking back, I realize are distorted because we see second child, you worry that you marriage are blessed with loving we are committing our entire with the eyes of love. Everyday could not possibly love another partners and we are so proud of self, emotionally, physically and living entails sacrifices, compro- child as much as you love the the parents they have become. spiritually to this union. With mise, and acceptance. Only love first. The birth of the third child One chose to serve God in reli- open hearts, we give our imper- can make it easy because when dispels all those myths; you can gious life and the other cares for fect selves to the other fearlessly, our loved one is happy, we are finally relax and enjoy his baby- the sick and the challenged. armed with hope and naively happy. hood. The fourth was an angel When we were preparing for seeking the “happy-ever-after.” Each of us is born seeking and I hardly had a chance to hold marriage, the priest told us our As I recently watched my first nourishment and acceptance. the fifth. His two older sisters, children would never be any bet- grandson and his fiancée walk That never changes. If we are then ten and eleven, took turns ter than we are. I am happy to innocently down the aisle, with blessed by a loving family, God’s spoiling the baby. say he was wrong. Our children hope and trust in each other, I most precious gift, the ability Each child occupies a very never cease to amaze us. Now, prayed that their marriage would to love, will enrich our lives. special place in your heart at the we watch from the wings as our steadily grandchil- maneuver the dren blos- storms that som into will inevita- adulthood. bly rock their Every little boat. family Trust and re- experiences spect are two joys and of the most sorrows, important some more components profound of a happy than others. life together. The loss of They are not a child— just words or really a ideals; you very loving must earn and tal- them as you ented young walk togeth- man—was er hand-in- devastating. hand, day by continued on day. page 7 Marie Harkins, center, with beloved members of her family Fall 2010 Journey page 7 A Union Most Sacred and Most Serious – continued from page 6 Many marriages ries surface of the wonderful and ation. Whether or not our love is do not survive a proud years we shared. Perhaps perfect, our marriage is a joy and serious illness or the time will come when we can love truly is a many-splendored death of a child. be grateful for the gift of his life thing. Sometimes we are without a tinge of sadness. afraid if we share As your future time together Marie is married to her best- our feelings, it will diminishes, you learn the true friend and soulmate, Bill, for make our partner meaning of the word “cher- fifty-four years. She is the mother feel worse. It was ish.” Everyone who has shared of three daughters, Kim, Sis- important to cling your life becomes ever so dear ter Ruth and Marie; and two to each other during and that partner you thought sons, Tom and the late Bill. She the difficult times you loved on your wedding day cherishes her son-in-law John and not grieve becomes a part of you, filling and daughter-in-law Francine. alone. Our son will your heart to overflowing. I am Marie enjoys her four grandchil- always have his not sure human love can ever be dren, John, Mark, Stephen and special place in perfect, but the journey has been Jaclyn. Marie is an IHM Associ- our hearts, at times an amazing grace. You cherish ate. She and her husband reside more tender than your husband, your family, your in Wilmington, DE. Marie and Bill Harkins others, as memo- friends and all of God’s cre-

Creating Real and Living Stories - continued from page 3 While it is exciting that life fear, we agreed that it did not and authenticity. However Be careful how you live. Don’t with another person or group of outweigh the joy and possibilities those commitments might be live like ignorant people, but people will evolve and change, it of choosing fidelity. realized, it is for us to discern like wise people. Make good use can be scary to have to face and Finally, we listed some of the and discover as we go into our of every opportunity you have, accept those changes. Another things that we are committed to futures together continuing to because these are trying times. anxiety was the notion that you that bring us to more abundant say “Yes” for life. are joining your life to another life and hopefully will be life I would like to leave you with Don’t be fools, then, but try to person or group of people and for the world. Our lives lie a scripture passage that my sister find out what the Lord wants you to do. that you are no longer making in commitment to our family, Laura said spoke to her about decisions autonomously. That is our faith, our careers/ministry, the commitments she has made Ephesians 5:15-16 a big adjustment for a generation our relationships with others, and will make in her life. I think that was raised with a focus on nurturing our creativity, and Paul expresses succinctly Sister Rachel serves as a music the individual. Although making living out who we were born what the three of us were trying teacher at Little Flower School a commitment did produce some and raised to be with integrity to articulate. in Bethesda, Maryland.

Coming Full Circle to Self Under- illusive self that took so long to of her God whispering more inevitably lead her to oneness standing – continued from page 5 craft. She begins to die to the deeply than despair, “I love you; with all humanity and the judgments and expectations of I made the real and wonderful universe. She will lean into the into a more hopeful, confident others, to the deadly drives of the you which you sometimes truth of human self identity. She space in spite of the rigors of professional climb, to false, rigid have loathed and sometimes is a creature, dependent for every the desert. She continues to find religious ideas and to personal have worked so hard to make breath on the Divine, and all is contemplative moments. She prides and accomplishments over away from my image. Go gift! Then, like my mom, she learns to feel her way gently that lie to her that they are the entwine your one and only life, will bow her head, surrendering through the dark passages; she ultimate measure of her worth your love, your passion, your in a smile and whispering to her finds just enough water in the and most especially die to the pain in service of your sisters and God for a lifetime, “Thank you limestone crevices; she trusts that real demon of despair that brothers. Claim your sisters as and I love you.” the little manna can sustain if whispers that she will never, your own as you live and work she accepts it gracefully. Most of ever be good enough. Indeed, together in community.” Sister Kathy serves as the all she begins to find surprising I witness a very sincere and When I sense a serene sense director for candidates companions among the thrivers. rigorous journey into the depth of self understanding begin to and novices for the IHM They are not close friends of contemplation and into the dawn and hear humble gratitude Congregation. She resides in but others making their way heart of God with all of its pain replace harsh criticism, I know Scranton. toward the same contemplative and glory. the woman is on her way to awareness. Gradually, the old I listen to hear indications of real self understanding. If she N.B. Sister Kathy’s mother died false, critical, perfectionist self a woman at the mouth of a cave continues her discipline of deep on October 8, 2010. begins to surrender to the most catching the still small voice contemplative living, it will difficult dying to self, that false page 8 Journey Fall 2010 Covenant and Commitment Chosen, chosen, God’s beloved, affirmed and deepened each Old Mother Cryil Conway, IHM upon which we Happy, blessed is thy lot. Covenant bond: bread and wine, warmly welcomed Maria Kaupas have embarked Earth forgetting, joys renounced, anointings, laying of hands, and her two companions into toward a by the world unknown, forgot. sacrifices, and above all the the IHM family, marking the future that we Pure the heart that answers Jesus, Passover Meal. beginning of a lasting covenant cannot even “Take thy cross and follow Me.” “Likewise Jesus also took and a strong bond of sisterly imagine. The Happy soul that hears Him say, the cup after supper, saying, love and friendship between relationship “Daughter, I have chosen thee!” ‘This cup is the new covenant the Sisters, Servants of the between the (IHM traditional hymn sung on in my blood, which is shed Immaculate Heart of Mary members of our Profession Day) for you’” (Luke 22:20). In the and the Sisters of St. Casimir. congregations New Covenant, Jesus gives new The bonds of this relationship will deepen One hundred three years meaning to the deeds and signs remained constant throughout as we grow in ago, on the holy ground of of the Old Covenant relationship. the years as each congregation knowledge and Marywood, in Scranton, He himself is the meaning of flourished and expanded its appreciation Pennsylvania, the treasured all these signs: the miracles, ministries in response to the of one another, words and melody of the above forgiveness and compassion, the needs of the times. Today, truly as we share hymn forever echoed in the revelation of the mysteries of the inspired by the Holy Spirit our individual hearts of Sister Maria Kaupas, Kingdom of God, the Eucharist. and motivated by a desire to and communal now Venerable , In the New Testament God again deepen the relationship between stories, and and her two companions, Sister calls his chosen ones, Mary, the Sisters, Servants of the as together Immaculata and Sister Concepta, , the Apostles, Immaculate Heart of Mary and we look to as they pronounced their vows in Mary Magdalen, and Paul to lead the Sisters of St. Casimir, we the future the Motherhouse of the Sisters, God’s people to deepen this New answer God’s call entering into with hope and Servants of the Immaculate and Redeeming Covenant. a new and deeper covenant, a conviction Heart of Mary. Thus was born a And God continues to pledge that we believe will be that it will be new congregation in the Church: call people into a covenant solemn, lasting, and life-giving enriched by the Sisters of St. Casimir. Thus, relationship in new ways, for both of our congregations. a diversity Mother Maria, with her heart times, and places. He chose By this covenant, we respect of ideas, an filled with love and compassion, Alphonsus, Rev. Louis Florent each other’s autonomy and expansion of responded to God’s call in Gillet, C.Ss.R., Mother Theresa unique identity while at the same vision, and an total commitment of her life to Maxis Duchemin, IHM, Mother time we seek ways of coming to extension of foster the faith of the Lithuanian Cyril Conway, IHM, and Bishop know one another, collaborating our individual Covenant prayer card immigrants in their time of J. W. Shanahan of Harrisburg. with one another, supporting one founding struggle and homesickness in Each responded to God’s call another as we live our mission mission into new and this new land. Forever the strains and became part of a long line and as we fulfill our commitment uncharted areas. of this hymn echoes in our hearts of faithful followers whose to the vision of our founders A beautiful and too, interweaving the deep story influence flowed into the life of long into the future. We firmly meaningful ritual of our call and the bond between a young woman from , believe, as we have already took place on July 23, our congregations. Maria Kaupas. In 1905, at the warmly experienced, that this is 2010, celebrating this “Behold, the days are coming, request of Bishop Shanahan, a life-giving and sacred journey historic and emotional says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant...” ( 31:31). As seen in the lives of so many of God’s chosen people in the Old Testament—, , , the Israelites, Esther, and Ruth— they were called in the hope of forming a deep relationship between God and his people. Gradually God’s love for them and God’s deep desire for their eternal salvation was recognized through the many promises and signs that Sisters Margaret Zalot, SSC, Susan Hadzima, IHM, Mary Persico, IHM, Immacula Wendt, SSC Sisters Immacula and Terry sprinkle salt as a sign of the covenant relationship between the and Ellen Maroney, IHM, share a festive meal following the assembly. Sisteres of St. Casimir and Sisters of IHM Fall 2010 Journey page 9

Covenant and Commitment by Sister Immacula Wendt, SSC promulgation agreement, was used as we inscription on the covers of the of the reflected on our covenant with boxes reminds us of our hope in covenant God and one another as we God who journeys with us: “For between promise to preserve, enhance, I know the plans I have for you, the Sisters, flavor, heal, and stay with the plans to prosper you” (Jeremiah Servants process of the covenant. 29:11). of the It was a profound moment The sisters of both Immaculate as the president of each congregations, gathered together of Mary and congregation and their respective in prayer, were also invited to the Sisters of leadership teams along with the remember the “salty”ones in our St. Casimir. former IHM leadership team histories: the wisdom figures; The powerful who helped initiate this process those who have endured; those symbolism sprinkled salt into two small who have learned courage; those of salt, found boxes. These boxes will be kept who show staying power and in scripture by each congregation as a sign are faithful to the struggle; those to symbolize of our enduring and deepening who have kept the covenant. In The relationship a reciprocal covenant relationship. The memory of these sisters and as a sign of preserving our rekindled between the members covenant today, the leadership of our congregations teams dipped bread into salt and consumed it as the Sisters will deepen as we assembled consumed pretzels grow in knowledge and as a way of taking salt into themselves and preserving this appreciation of one covenant relationship. another, as we share God began this good work more than one hundred years ago our individual and and the vision still has its time. communal stories, and What mystery there is in the history we share! Let our hearts, as together we look to filled with remembrance and the future with hope and Covenant prayer card gratitude, hear the words of the Sisters Jane Mary Duke, IHM and Barbara Jablonski, IHM conviction that it will be share pretzels as symbol of the covenant relationship. hymn of our profession day in a new way, for we are truly blessed enriched by a diversity to hear God say, “I have chosen of ideas, an expansion of you.” For this Covenant! This time! This moment! vision, and an extension of our individual Come, thou chosen of the Lord, You who seek to live His word, founding mission into From His life now come and new and uncharted learn That your love for Him might burn. areas. You have answered Jesus’call: “Take thy cross and give Me all.” Deep within you hear Him say: “Daughter, you are Mine today.” (SSC traditional hymn, received from the IHMs, sung on each Profession Day since 1907)

Sister Immacula serves as general superior of the Sisters of in , IL. Sisters Immacula and Terry sprinkle salt as a sign of the covenant relationship between the Sisteres of St. Casimir and Sisters of IHM page 10 Journey Fall 2010 Committment to Hope by Sister Eileen Coleman, IHM

s IHM sisters we proudly “In spite of all that has happened, somehow the Afterward, , a young Atrace our roots and con- man of about thirty, expressed nection to the people of Haiti Haitian people continue to go on, clinging to the his gratitude to me and our con- through our foundress, Theresa hope that help will come, that aid will reach them, gregation for all we have done to Maxis Duchemin, who was of help the sisters and his people. Haitian descent. Theresa and her that God will help them make it through just one He shared many aspects of his friend and mentor, Mary Lange, more day, as they struggle not for just a better life, life as if we had been friends for a refugee from Haiti, cofounded years—his relationship and faith the Oblate Sisters of Providence but for life itself.” in God and his dreams and hopes in 1829, in Baltimore for the future. He told Maryland, the first con- me of his dream of build- gregation of women of ing a house for his wife color in the . and three children who In 1845 Theresa left the were now living with Oblates and Baltimore her parents. His goal: to for Monroe, Michigan at become a teacher so he the invitation of Father could improve the qual- Louis Gillet, a French- ity of his own life and speaking Redemptorist perhaps more important- who wanted to establish a ly, change the quality of new community of Sisters life for all his people. I to teach the French speak- asked where he lived. He ing young women of his told me Les Cayes. I was parish. This new com- a bit surprised since it is munity became known quite a long and difficult as the Sisters, Servants journey over the moun- of the Immaculate Heart tains. I also knew that of Mary. One hundred some peasants had set up and fifty years and three a road block on the only different branches of the L-R Sisters Susan Hadzima, Eileen Coleman, Anne Wisda (Monroe) route over the mountains IHM sisters later, Monroe, with some members of the Little Sisters of Sainte Therese because we had tried to Immaculata and Scran- travel there earlier that ton, the Tri IHM Haiti Outreach cently, the Haiti Outreach Proj- Little Sisters and those to whom day. Naively, I asked him how Project was established in 1995. ect evolved to include all three they minister most profoundly is he got to Baraderes. He hesitat- Its goal was to acknowledge branches of the IHM Congrega- our willingness to be present to ed just a moment and responded our Haitian roots, raise aware- tions as well as the Oblate Sisters and among them. I recall hear- simply: “I walked.” This journey ness about the critical economic of Providence and presently is ing that the shortest distance to over the mountains would have situation in Haiti and support the represented by twelve commit- another person’s heart is through taken us three hours by truck— people of Haiti through a twin- tee members, three from each of a story. So I share this one with yet he had done it by foot under ning relationship with the Little the four communities. The scope you. the hot Haitian sun—all for the Sisters of Sainte Therese, the first of the project has also expanded On one of my visits to Haiti few dollars he would receive indigenous congregation of sis- and includes continuing the I traveled to Baraderes, a small for participating in the program. ters in Haiti who have forty-two partnership with the Little Sisters village about eighty miles from Suddenly overwhelmed by the missions throughout the country, of Sainte Therese, educating our the capitol of Port-au-Prince. harsh and heart-breaking realities ministering to the poorest of the sisters about the needs of Haiti, The Little Sisters run a clinic of Haiti’s impoverished situa- poor. communicating opportunities for there for pre- and postnatal care tion, and humbled by this young Through this project thou- advocacy for Haiti, and encour- for women and children. They man’s sincerity and hopefulness, sands of dollars in grant monies, aging participation in projects asked me to speak about the I tried to express my frustration financial contributions and dona- for Haiti. While not to minimize twinning relationship our com- at not being able to do more, tions of school supplies, medical the importance and impact of munities have with the Little bring more, help more. His supplies and clothing have been the financial and material sup- Sisters of Sainte Therese through response to my frustration held sent to the poor of Haiti and port that has been generated over our Haiti Outreach Project to a no judgment, but his words went distributed through the work and the years through this project, group of men and women who straight to my heart: “Your pres- ministry of the Little Sisters. Re- what seems to have affected the were training to be midwives. continued on page 15 Fall 2010 Journey page 11

A Spiritual Journey to Healing and Healthby Sister Denise Lyon, IHM

s a professional person a relationship of trust. The then ready to join the staff and To care is to become fully human and systems approach transformation enter into the following process. . . . like Jesus” (adapted from pp. Amember with forty-one years process also focuses on the The Badin Hall Staff Team 20-21 from Practicing Presence). experience in the work/ministry interconnection between the Development Program has three The staff members are given the milieu, I have been part of many multiple aspects of university main parts that are each cyclic, main example of using oxygen staffs, faculties, committees, life, hall life, and the individual; on-going, and intertwining: masks in air flights: to put on and other groups. But it is just how they influence each other, (a) Spiritual/Ministerial: the your own mask before assisting within the past five years that I and how an effective hall Spirituality of Presence, (b) others. In order to be present to have come to understand what leadership team creates a healthy, Personal Development: Self- others, they must be attentive to creating and participating on safe, and trusting environment Integration; (c) Professional caring for the self: physically, a team truly means. As the for student residents where they Development: Cohesive emotionally, spiritually, leader of a team in a university can grow socially, spiritually, and Teamwork. academically, socially and setting, I have come to realize emotionally. psychologically. Besides being that forming a genuine team The process of and Spiritual/Ministerial: given the books: Practicing requires a commitment with commitment to team building The Spirituality of Presence is Presence: The Spirituality all the energy, time obligations begins in the interview process. the essence of being a resident of Caring in Everyday Life and even suffering that are the Every time a new member assistant and an assistant rector by Kerry Walters, and Peace essence of such an intention. I applies to join my staff, he or she at the University of Notre Dame. is Every Step: The Path of would even claim that creating is informed of the expectations Key to being present to others Mindfulness in Everyday Life and participating authentically on of team building participation is the care of self: “Presence is by Thich Nhat Hanh, they are a team requires a “commitment before ever being hired and the essence of caring—caring, taught the spiritual practice of to the commitment of forming signing the contract. As the in fact, is presencing. To care consciousness examen and given a team.” I believe this because leader of the team, I expect, at [for the self] is holy because a journal in which they may keep it is so very easy to lose the the time of the acceptance of the it’s an intentional imitation of note of their progress in pursuing momentum and focus and put position, a commitment to the divine Presencing. To care is to self-care. Bi-monthly meetings the hard work of team building group goals, a 100 percent buy-in make oneself available, as God with the leader are focused on on a back burner, giving into to team building. In preparation makes Godself available, in a how they are caring for self in the temptation of the immediate for membership and in order meaningful, intimate and creative order to care for others. issues facing the group because to partake in the team-building way, to one’s deepest nature, to they appear more important activities, the new member other humans, and ultimately to Personal Development: and press the group for priority must take the Myers-Briggs Godself. To care is to embrace Self-Integration is essential attention. Personality Type Inventory and and celebrate the Presence that for leadership and successful Although my experience also read the book, The Five percolates throughout existence, teaming. “Working together well of initiating and leading Dysfunctions of a Team. They are and in doing so to assent to be. as a team can sometimes be a team building is within challenge. The personality a university residential of each member contributes situation, I consider this to the identity of the team process to be applicable to and influences the way the any group—from a married team operates. Effective couple to a parish staff to teamwork, whether amid an executive body within diversity or homogeneity, a corporation. I offer here requires effective a glimpse into a systems communication making approach transformation of space for the contributions a hall staff of individuals of others and shifting into a highly effective behavior to meet others at hall leadership team: my their view of the world. design of a year-long Effective communication personal journey, creating involves self-knowledge a team environment which and self-awareness— maximizes each staff knowing our own member’s intellectual capital perspectives, needs, values, while creating a culture that and talents, and knowing values diversity and builds Sister Denise Lyon, far right, with the Badin Hall staff team members. continued on page 15 page 12 Journey Fall 2010 Ma k i n g a Co mm i t m e n t t o Ca r e f o r t h e Ea r t h by Barbara Giovagnoli erhaps committing to the care has also Some typically grown locally and with Pof our Earth is simply a way contributed plants little to no use of chemicals. of thinking. Who was it who to renewed reflect more Backyard gardening is on the said, “As you think so you are?” interest in light such increase in the United States, Thinking about God our Creator the use of as those with neighborhood gardens is an avenue that assists in all of alternative with waxy springing up in larger urban our paths in life. We were made in energy leaves and areas. his image, so thinking as he thinks sources such are believed Green spaces in urban areas helps in our own creative actions. as the sun, to have a and planned developments are on Our commitment to care for wind, and positive the rise. Orchards not only provide our Earth, our Eden, comes from water. We climate fruit for humankind but also for the the first book of the Bible. It is can save impact. insects and birds that frequent them. there in the story of creation that energy, Water Perhaps you can plant a fruit tree. we discover light (energy), air, protect our covers Maintaining greenbelts and and water for the replenishment of air, and save most of forests provides habitat and food vegetation to feed the creatures of money if we our Earth’s sources for animals. Protect these earth: fish and fowl, animals and start with the surface and areas whenever possible. humankind. following steps: is crucial to survival. Conserving Humankind made in God’s Our Creator gave specific • Replace frequently used light and preserving drinking water, image is an awesome privilege. It instructions to follow. In Genesis bulbs with compact fluorescent and keeping our rivers, lakes also comes with a unique set of 2:8, “The Lord God planted a bulbs. and oceans viable to sustain life responsibilities for it is humankind garden eastward in Eden, and • Turn off lights when leaving are becoming challenges for who is given dominion over the there he put the man whom he had a room; invest in motion humankind. Respecting this Earth and its resources. Changing formed.” In Genesis 1:27, we read activated sensors. all important gift is worth the habits is never easy. Changing “...God created man in his own • Unplug unused electronics following considerations: social behavior is a creative image, male and female.” And then such as cell phone chargers, • Running water unnecessarily is endeavor. But it is in our ongoing in Genesis 2:15, he commanded: computers, and TVs. wasteful. Shorten shower time. creativity that a commitment is “…dress it and … keep it.” Only • Insulate water heaters, walls, • Fix leaky pipes and fixtures made to care for our Earth. We all those created in his image were ceilings, and outside wall light and utilize toilet tank water teach by example. With thoughtful commanded and given dominion plates. savers such as plastic bottles consideration, let us show in action: over the Earth. Here is the firm • Carpool, and refrain from idling filled with large pebbles, tops • Respect for our Earth by foundation for our commitment to car engines. screwed on tightly. conserving and preserving its care for our Earth. • Replace old appliances and cars • Wash only full loads of clothes resources. To follow these commands, with energy efficient models as and dishware. • Respect for our Community we should first respect the gifts needed. • Think more than twice before by not littering our shared of the Earth and strive to make a • Recycle or reuse as many using chemicals on lawns or for environment. difference in taking care of them. items as possible. Make a few cleaning. • Respect for our Environment Energy, its generation, phone calls in order to discover • Do not flush medications down by less wasteful practices, conservation, and costs is a timely all that is currently available the drains. recycling, reusing and reducing topic. Thinking we have no affect in your area, including scrap Vegetation is so often taken for unnecessary items. on the generation of energy we yards. granted, yet typically contributes • Respect for Mankind by often misuse it. This is where we Air is wonderful when fresh and to serene and positive meditative remaining faithful to the belief can make a difference. When we clean. Keeping it that way is easier environments. The fragrances and that we are all made in God’s turn on the lights for any reason, when you follow the same tips as visual beauty of a flower garden image. we might remember that the saving energy. But in addition or medicinal and culinary aspects We can allow ourselves to electricity was probably generated consider these: of an herb garden are worthy of be reminded that this seemingly by the burning of coal. Fossil fuels • Avoid unnecessary burning. pursuit. Consider the following everlasting present is the ever such as coal, oil, and gas produce Plant trees, evergreen bushes with regard to God’s gift of present Now. Perhaps that alone will most of the energy consumed by and perennial flowers at every vegetation: allow us to commit to our own care Americans. The consequence of opportunity. • Human health is enhanced by and the care of our Earth. It is after the misuse of fossil fueled energy • Buy products locally grown the consumption of a diet rich all, a gift. has contributed to references of and produced to reduce in vegetables. greenhouse gas emissions and transportation emissions. • Plant foods contain vitamins, Barbara Giovagnoli serves as the a change in our climate. It has • Use fans instead of air minerals and fiber. Berries, community outreach coordinator spurred increases in gas and oil conditioners. cherries and grapes are nutrient and education specialist for the explorations and research in • Plant a green roof, if dense. Lackawanna County Office of damages to our environment. It circumstances allow. • Sustainable food supply is Environmental Sustainability. Fall 2010 Journey page 13 Friends of God In Memoriam and lovers of the dream who knew her. It all seemed to From her we learned that the community. Very evident was her happen so quickly. most important thing in life is to love for God, for the congregation, The night before she died, rely on Divine Providence and to for her family and for the ministry Sister Helene and I were with embrace Mary as our model of a which was closest to her heart, St. her. Sister Helene was holding life rooted in God. Sister Basil Joseph’s Hospital, Carbondale. Magdalene’s left hand with her lived a simple lifestyle and drew Yes, her heart was with the sick left hand. I was sitting on the other her strength and determination and the poor as director of medical side of the bed. Sister didn’t seem from her prayer and fidelity to records for thirty-five years. to be aware that we were present. God. Profound gratitude was at Imagine the importance of that At one point Sister Magdalene the heart of Sister Basil’s life. No work in the days before modern Magdalene Bubenko, IHM lifted her hand, now holding He- matter how great or small the fa- technology and the changes taking April 2, 1926 lene’s and reached across the bed vor we did for her, she always had place in healthcare. This was also February 6, 2010 to hold my hand. We prayed there, to thank us more than once with a time when women religious were by Jane Mary Duke, IHM the three of us holding hands. God an added promise to keep us in her building hospitals with a strong was there! We were saying good- prayers. Catholic presence. When I was asked to write a bye to one another. Helene and I Although physically fragile, Sister Edmunda was born in reflection about Sister Magdalene said one Hail Mary together. Sister Sister Basil enjoyed celebrat- Pittston, Pennsylvania of Elizabeth I was surprised and I don’t know Magdalene passed into the hands ing her birthdays with us and her and Timothy McAndrew, one of why. I lived with Sister for two of God the next day. local community at Our Lady of eight children. She was ninety- years at Sacred Heart Convent in The fourth verse of the hymn, Peace. Other guests, who always six years of age when she entered LaPlata, MD. I frequently spent “O God of Loveliness” tells me brought the cake and ice cream, eternal life. Her love for God led summer months with her, as she of Sister’s relationship with God: included students she had taught, her to spend seventy-six years in returned to Archbishop Neale “O loveliness supreme, and beauty now in their seventies. On her one the IHM Congregation, studying, School to tutor or assist the staff infinite; O ever flowing stream, hundredth birthday, Sister Basil teaching and working in the office and the principal in preparing for and ocean of delight; O life by delighted in receiving a manicure at St. Joseph’s. These are the facts the next school year. which I live, my truest life above, as one of her gifts. To her amaze- in numbers, but it is by her spirit After thinking about what I To Thee alone I give my undivided ment, she could not believe that that the world is touched. could share with you, I realized love.” she had to be one hundred to The last twenty years of Sis- that I had many stories to tell. receive her first manicure. Her ter’s life were in prayer ministry However, my real reflection on longevity surprised her and with at the Marian Convent and Our Sister was that she was a faithful the passing of her last few birth- Lady of Peace. As I delivered her spouse of Christ. She was dedi- days she expressed her readiness mail or a newspaper, she would cated to the ministry of teaching to return to God. Because we share something of her day, a visit children. Some of her students, have the example of her life of or phone call from her friend or who are adults today, knew her faith, we are ever more convinced family member. Sometimes Sister better than a lot of us and remain that, as she promised us in life, her could be seen riding her motor- faithful to her memory. Truly she prayers for us continue through ized wheelchair on Marywood was a Sister, Servant of the Im- the communion of . Campus, and always into chapel maculate Heart of Mary. for Mass. Then came the day when Magdalene was a powerful giving up was necessary, and I force in her own quiet way. She M. Basil McLane, IHM never heard her complain. was unassuming and dependable. October 2, 1906 Sending greetings for impor- She was very prayerful. March 22, 2010 tant occasions was very important When Sister first went to the by Sisters Ann Walsh, Jean Louise and, most of all, sending thank IHM Center to live she was con- Bachetti and Amanda DelValle you notes. Sister took nothing for cerned about having something granted. Often it was my privilege to do. She was never idle but The deep, raspy message of to write these for her, but it had knew when to relax and take a the voicemail played back, “Maria to be difficult for this competent break. Whenever I would visit House, how can I ever thank you? business person to allow someone her at the IHM Center I knew the I love you. I pray for you every M. Edmunda McAndrew, IHM else to do it. first place I should look was the day.” That is the Sister Basil we January 22, 1914 Sister lost three of her sisters Chapel. She was usually there knew and loved. We, her Sisters June 23, 2010 and her brother Ray in recent in the afternoon straight and tall at Maria House, had the honor of by Harriet Jackson, IHM years. Deep faith and acceptance kneeling, praying the rosary or sit- being in a special relationship with of God’s will sustained her in ting quietly in the presence of the Sister Basil. She was our adopted I knew Sister Edmunda for only grief. Both her hearing and sight Blessed Sacrament. Sister at Our Lady of Peace Resi- the last years of her life. During were impairments accepted in the Her physical decline was sud- dence, and what a mutual blessing those ten years or so, we became same good faith and trust in God. den and shocking for those of us it was! good friends as well as Sisters in As Sister was placed in the LIFE page 14 Journey Fall 2010 Inspire us In Memoriam to lives of meaning program, communication was later on in her rooms at the Marian limited to an occasional greeting Convent and Our Lady of Peace as we passed in the hall. All these Residence. transitions were made with grace. There were some predictable Our Chapter 2010 Direction components of conversations with Statement invites us to enter into Sister Emerita. You could count the “joys, hopes, griefs and anxiet- on hearing about some facet of St. ies of the people of our world.” I Gertrude’s life and mystical spiri- am grateful for having done that tuality, perhaps a nugget or two with our Sister Edmunda. from or some As we celebrate the Commu- deeply spiritual thought springing Carolyn Mullen, IHM M. Albrette Rouleau, IHM nion of Saints in November, All up from the issues du jour. She February 11, 1935 March 11, 1920 Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, I was keenly aware of what was September 22, 2010 October 1, 2010 pray: May Sister Edmunda live in happening in the lives of sisters by Mary Kay Faliskie by Marionette Coll, IHM the House of the Lord forever. at Our Lady of Peace Residence, A sharp mind and a steadfast, and would often express concern Sister Carolyn Mullen, IHM courageous spirit were only two of the for one of the sisters who had just entered into eternal life on gifts which Claire Rouleau brought to returned from the hospital or for September 22, 2010. She chose the IHM Congregation on September one who had been experiencing to live life right up until the end, 8, 1939. Her French-Canadian heri- some difficulty. Sister Emerita in spite of her terminal diagnosis. tage had already given her a strong knew who they were and asked for This was consistent with her faith and a deep desire to serve God them by name. outlook on life. She always chose with her very life. Each visit with Sister Emerita to overcome life’s obstacles with Through the rigors of early train- was an opportunity to learn some- a positive outlook and a deep ing in the and mission life, thing from a woman who lived sense of faith. Her unassuming I don’t think Sister Albrette ever life much like the mystics, with a and quiet presence was an wavered from her resolve to give her moment by moment awareness of example to her family whom she M. Emerita Gasper, IHM all to God. She faced squarely the God’s loving presence. Her words treasured dearly. Family was of March 27, 1903 demands of teaching, from primary to were a source of practical informa- utmost importance to her. Carolyn August 9, 2010 secondary classes in many locations tion (“If the squirrels get in, pray was the eighth child of eleven. by Kathryn Clauss, IHM over a span of almost thirty years. to the Principalities.”), an oasis of She was taught early on that She also served as principal of a high Sister Emerita and a baker’s inspiration (“If you have God, you the support of one another was school in New York. The most chal- dozen… is there a connection? Of have everything.”), and a clarifica- most important. She carried this lenging call, however, came when she course there is! Sister Emerita tion of what was really important value with her when she entered was assigned to the congregation’s started life as part of what would (When Sister’s grandniece told religious life. Having spent more Business Office in 1972. become a baker’s dozen—thirteen her that she was working on her than 50 years in the field of During Sister’s tenure in the children born of George and Kath- Ph.D., Sister reminded her that education, both in teaching and in Business Office, the congregation erine Gasper. Within the context she should be working on praying guidance counseling, she assisted was taking on many earth-shattering of her family she learned and for a happy death!). The elegance students very quietly, in her own ventures, like health insurance and developed many of the “fortifying of Sister Emerita’s rootedness in way without any fanfare. Many Social Security. Many Sisters have and enriching” skills that blessed God, humility and wisdom are an stories were told of the times she said that you could call Sister Albrette us over the years. As a cook, she ongoing reminder of the clar- assisted students and the impact at any hour with a question about did not limit herself to providing ity with which God speaks when she had on their lives and that of health insurance and she would give food for those she served. Her using the presence of one whose the families. you the answer immediately. Her presence could be a feast for one love is great. As one of her nieces, I can who engaged her. Any conversa- attest to the fact that she was an work became her life and, ultimately, tion could result in experiencing example of faith. Carolyn taught the life of the congregation. Sister in one of the numerous roles Obituaries for IHM Sisters me that in life there are hardships; When Sister Albrette’s niece, may be found on the she played in the lives of young however, it is with faith that we Karen Rouleau, came to Scranton for Sisters of IHM webpage: sisters, sisters in community, and can live life to the fullest. Her her funeral, she explained that her those who labored with her in the www.sistersofihm.org deep faith enabled her to endure husband, Greg, wanted to be there, kitchens in which she selflessly her last challenge, her terminal but he couldn’t take a day off from Go to Who We Are and ministered. Sister Emerita was illness, with acceptance and his —how like his aunt, Sister a philosopher, a “chief cook and click on Obituaries peace. She will be missed by our Albrette! bottle washer, a manager, a teach- family but her legacy of faith and Our prayers and sympathy go out er, an advisor, and a wisdom figure her resilient spirit will live on in to Sister’s brother, Albert, her sister, par excellence, all within the con- each of us. Sister Marie Marguerite, RSM, and to fines of her kitchen, convents, and all her nieces and nephews. May she rest in peace! Fall 2010 Journey page 15

Commitment to Hope – continued from page 10 ence here is much more impor- tant to us than what you can give us. You bring us hope!” Accord- ing to Saint Paul this is not the greatest of the three, but to this young man, in a situation that most of us would call hopeless, it certainly seemed to be the most important. Reaching beyond our bor- Haitian school children taught by the The Presidential Palace in Port-au-Prince was ders to the once beautiful island Little Sisters of Sainte Therese severely damaged by the 2010 Haiti earthquake. of Haiti, we continue to reach out to all whose pleas for help middle name of many Haitians. remind us of the deep sorrow Bringing hope to the people of and extreme devastation that has Haiti is an essential element in enveloped that nation. But we the OSP IHM Haiti Outreach also stand in awe and admiration Project’s definition of commit- at the almost defiant resiliency ment. and profound faith of her people. In spite of all that has happened, Sister Eileen serves as a French somehow the Haitian people teacher at Holy Cross High continue to go on, clinging to the School in Dunmore, Pa. hope that help will come, that aid will reach them, that God will help them make it through just one more day, as they struggle not for just a better life, but for life itself. Hope seems to be the The Little Sisters of Sainte Therese live in tents since the earthquake severely damaged the structure of their convent.

A Spiritual Journey to Healing and Health – continued from page 11 our own biases and potential come to know and understand necessity. The members of a depending on each other, owning shortcomings. It is essential that the type styles of the other truly cohesive team must trust the vision, and understanding the each type contribute to the team, members of the team. one another, engage in unfiltered real power of teamwork. lead others, and express their conflict around ideas, commit Finally, the commitment blind spots in order for the team Professional to decisions and plans of action, to team building lies initially to be at its best!” (Quick Guide hold one another accountable for and finds it continuity in the to the 16 Personality Types in Development: delivering those plans, and focus commitment of the leader to Cohesive Teamwork is Organizations: Understanding on the achievement of collective the ongoing process of system understanding and intentionally Personality Differences in results. transformation. The creativity and consistently overcoming the Workplace, ed. Berens, et All of the above must be and ingenuity of the leader’s the five natural but dangerous al. p.2). Team members are derived from the mission dedication to the team building pitfalls that cause most teams to provided with myriad forms and goals of the organization process becomes the reservoir be dysfunctional as described in of information to help them for which the staff exists. for the members’ commitment. the book, The Five Dysfunctions understand how they solve There must be a common It is more likely that the team’s of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. problems, what they bring to a understanding of the one vision, raison d’etre will remain strong Once the theory of this book has team, teamwork style, dealing so that all actions and decisions and life-giving for each member been digested by each member, with stress, learning styles and of the team support, reflect, and if they know their potential they understand how these personal growth suggestions empower the mission of that is realized, maximized, and dysfunctions are replaced and according to their individual organization. This is the systems appreciated in this team building even bypassed with five positive type. This information is shared approach: the transformation culture. behaviors, so that eventually regularly through the use of of the staff into a mature and the group becomes a team. worksheets and discussions highly effective leadership team Sister Denise serves as resident Monitoring their interaction during the team building portion (in this case, the leadership team rector of Badin Hall at the Uni- and behaviors through honest of the weekly staff meeting. It is of a university residential hall) versity of Notre Dame in assessment is an on-going essential that each staff member by learning to work together, Notre Dame, IN. page 16 Journey Fall 2010 the writers the explore

Journey issues in your life. Commitment n this issue of

I variables that inform and nurture their commitments. to reflect invited are on the stories that follow and You to allow them influence your understanding of your meaning of and a variety of commitment in their lives own commitments to significant persons and important Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, Pennsylvania of the Sisters, Servants Immaculate Heart Mary, Congregation PAID Non-Profit U.S. Postage Scranton, PA Organization Permit No. 39 Address Service Requested

Visit us on the web us on the Visit www.sistersofihm.org Journey IHM Center Avenue Adams 2300 18509-1598 Scranton, PA L-R Sisters Carrie Flood, Helene Cooke and Rachel Terry L-R Sisters Carrie Flood, Helene Cooke and Rachel Get to Know the IHM Sisters to Know Get