Nuns on the Bus: Journey in Faith dear members Contents I want you all to know that there are a LOT more envisioning of you than there were three If We Stay months ago! It is strange to 3 Faithful… say, but the Vatican censure When we gathered on April of LCWR and naming NET- 14, little did we know what lay ahead… WORK as a suspect organiza- tion really can be seen as a cover story gift. Nuns on the Bus: In our culture of democ- 5 Journey in Faith racy, when a group is criti- Behind-the-scenes account cized by authority there is of the journey that touched so many. curiosity about them. Addi- On April 14, we celebrated the tionally, we discovered that 40th anniversary of NETWORK’s founding. With focus on the hill while I thought Catholic Meanwhile, Back this issue, we honor the 2011–12 NETWORK/NEP Sisters were anonymous and 23in Washington unseen in society, this is FAR Board and Staff Members who helped make our Update on what has from the truth. I’m not sure been happening in celebration a vital milestone. We didn’t know Washington on the federal what it is, but Catholic Sis- it then, but we now understand that this was a budget, immigration and ters touch some deep respect healthcare and even longing in the gen- turning point for us. We have begun an exciting eral public. It is treasure, but new journey into the future. mystery for me. Stay connected Our Nuns on the Bus NETWORK BOARD NETWORK & NEP Staff with us on adventure was able to touch so many as we traveled 2700 Marie Clarke Brill Margaret Brevig, miles…and it also caught Regina Ann Brummel, CSJ Coordinator of Annual Giving the imagination of many. Kevin M. Callahan I have heard of numerous Tom Cordaro Simone Campbell, SSS, additional trips that people Cathleen Crayton Executive Director www.facebook.com/NetworkLobby are doing in the same spirit Patricia Mullahy Fugere Marge Clark, BVM, and and that they are looking for Delia Gomez Lobbyist nuns to join them. Sr. Diane Lorena G. Gonzalez Ann Dunn, Office/ Donoghue, SSS, is going on Mary Beth Hamm, SSJ Membership a three-day trip. Linda Howell-Perrin Coordinator http://twitter.com/#!/networklobby Donna Marie Korba, IHM Sr. Richelle Friedman was Eric Gibble, Associate asked to go to Mississippi Bernita McTernan Shannon Hughes, NEP NETWORK—a Catholic leader in the global on a Methodist bus trip. In Patricia Mejia movement for justice and peace—educates, Coordinator organizes and lobbies for economic and New York, there is an effort Kateri Mitchell, SSA social transformation. to have “city-wide” bus trips, Rachel Pineda Harvir Kaur, Emerson Hunger Fellow Articles in NETWORK Connection may be re- all with the message of lifting Ann Scholz, SSND printed. Please include the following on the Judith Braitmayer Sharpe Mary Ellen Lacy, DC, reprints: “Reprinted with permission from up responsible programs. NETWORK, a National Catholic Here at NETWORK, we Sandra Thibodeaux, MMB Lobbyist Lobby, 25 E Street NW, Suite 200, Wash- Dick Ullrich ington, DC 20001, www.networklobby.org.” are organizing follow-up Stephanie Niedringhaus, Please send us a copy of the reprinted article. with more pressure on the Mary T. Yelenick Communications Third Quarter 2012—Vol. 40, No. 3 Ryan Budget and a new push Peter J. Zografos Coordinator/Editor NETWORK Connection ISSN 0199-5723 Published quarterly by NETWORK to ensure that states sign up Jean Sammon, Field phone 202-347-9797 fax 202-347-9864 NEP Board for the Medicaid expansion. Coordinator e-mail: [email protected] These are essential policies Elizabeth Coyle Matt Shuster, Associate web site: www.networklobby.org for our nation, and we are so Kathleen Hinga, SSJ Caitlin Villeta, Election Postmaster: glad that you are partnering Dorothy Jackson SCN Send address changes to Project Coordinator NETWORK • 25 E Street NW, Suite 200 with us in seeking a more Barbara Lange Claire Wheeler, Associate Washington, DC 20001 perfect union! Dean P. Manternach Annual dues: $50/$60 international. Kathleen Phelan, OP Joy Wigwe, IT/HR Copyright © 2012 NETWORK. Jerry Zurek Coordinator Cover: Cleveland press conference. Photo by Barbara Laub.

2 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org envisioning

If We Stay Faithful… By Simone Campbell, SSS

When we gathered on April 14 for our overwhelmingly generous. pushed me to embrace radical accep- Wfabulous 40th anniversary celebration, On May 14, we gathered to brain- tance as a spiritual practice. To know none of us could have predicted what storm what we could do to lift up mis- that there is no difference between the was to come. In simple ignorance we sion. We don’t remember who first said God alive in me and the God alive in rejoiced in our amazing 40-year-old “bus trip,” but by the end of the meeting you so I can’t be at odds with you. This mission, danced with Carol Coston, OP, it was clear that we were going to go on then led to him pushing me to add in relished Diana Hayes’s theological reflec- a bus trip to speak out against the Ryan/ “fighting” as part of radical acceptance. tion, were energized by Frida Berrigan’s House budget and to lift up the works I can’t tell you what a struggle it was to insights, and savored E.J. Sh ane M c Dionne’s questions and obvi- ous caring. We sipped wine and treasured friendship. The C art hy recurring theme was: How can we get NETWORK’s mission and ministry better known? How do we spread the good news of our work? A mere four days later, the Vatican answered the question for us by naming NETWORK as a questionable group that the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) collaborates with. This criti- cism catapulted NETWORK into the spotlight along with LCWR. It was quickly clear to me that because NETWORK has no direct connection to the Vatican we here had the freedom to speak out while LCWR has the very difficult work of finding a way forward in their direct relationship with Rome. Therefore, our Sister Simone Campbell holds up a copy of “Faithful Budget.” effort was to provide a “public face” of women religious and our work. of Catholic Sisters. The whole event was live beyond the dualism of fighting and But after a few days of that notori- a gift of the Holy Spirit—from coming find some unity. But what I discovered ety, it was abundantly clear that we are up with the idea and the money (10 is that the combination is fire: fuel and not used to having the spotlight just on days later), getting the beautiful “wrap” flame, heat, light, purification and ash. us. We don’t go seeking the limelight. for the bus, setting up all of the stops, But with the Vatican assessment of We try to use everything for mission. etc., etc.! In the following pages, you can LCWR and criticism of NETWORK and So the question was how can we use read of the amazing things we learned the voracious interest of the media, the this moment to further our mission? In and the entire “village” that it took to image that came to me is that we are meditation, what came to me was that at make it happen. In the midst of all of the called to be the burning bush. If we NETWORK we had a 40-year-old imag- amazing collaboration, three scriptural are faithful and let God flame up in our ination and we needed bigger insights. images have emerged for me. lives, the bush will not be destroyed. So I asked our high-level colleagues The first comes from my December And as Yahweh says in Exodus “I have here in DC for help. The response was retreat where my meditation teacher indeed seen the misery of my people…

www.networklobby.org Third Quarter 2012 Connection 3 envisioning

I have heard them crying for help on woman asked me if she joined NET- in the Scripture and in us. Jesus takes account of their taskmasters. Yes, I am WORK could we give her the names of the food, blesses it and breaks it, and well aware of their sufferings.” This is some people she could talk to? What all are fed. It is enough. So I am trust- reason enough to strive to be the burn- anguish! These are dry bones desper- ing that if we are “blessed and broken” ing bush. ate for breath. “Breathe on these dead so we will be enough for whatever the next This led to the second image on the that they come to life!” (Ez 37:9) It is step is. This then has become my man- bus trip, which is from Ezekiel. Remem- this hunger and hope that I marvel at, tra: Blessed and Broken. ber the story as Ezekiel walks through and in the process I find joy in the midst I trust that together we can be the the valley of the dry bones? Over and of the anguish. burning bush and let God flame up in over on the bus trip, I experienced our Finally, the third image came to me as our lives. Together we can breathe new people as these bones parched for breath the bus trip was drawing to a close and life into these very dry bones. And with and moisture. When we gathered each people were starting to ask, “What next?” the action of the Spirit we can be blessed evening at our “friendraisers” with folks The image is that of five loaves and two and broken and given to the very hun- who came just to be connected, I expe- fish and the apostles wondering “what gry people around us. If we stay faithful rienced the great hunger abroad in the are these among so many.” This is how I to this amazing spiritual journey then land for candor, nourishment and lov- feel as we come back and try to find the all can be fed, community will be nour- ing community way beyond the bounds next step forward. NETWORK will never ished, and the Spirit of God will be seen of the current fear-based politics. Since be the same. We have lived vibrantly alive and well in our midst. coming home, I look back and realize from our roots a passion for mission, a It was only a bus trip, but it touched that we saw Sisters building community connection with direct service and the a hunger and a vision in our land that in the places where Sisters worked. So public demonstration of the consequenc- gave life! Let us stay faithful to that life often in those low-income communities es of proposed policy choices. We can’t and live it in a joyful community that there is a sense of connection. go back to “business as usual.” knows we will not be left orphans! But it is in the middle-class commu- We are very small and I feel a bit nities that there is isolation and fear. It insignificant in the face of the expecta- Simone Campbell, SSS, is NETWORK’s is so bad that in Hershey, PA, one young tion, but I take comfort in Jesus’s action Executive Director.

Fifth century mosaic inside the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes, Tabgha, Galilee, Israel. B o g dan L a z ar

4 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org co u rtes y S r . J eanie Ha

inset: Greeting party that includes (from left) Sister Jeanie Hagedorn, CHM, with Sister Elaine

g edorn and other CHMs—holding signs prepared by Holy Trinity pastor Fr. Michael Amadeo. above: Supporters in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. Nuns on the Bus—Journey in Faith By Stephanie Niedringhaus

t all happened so quickly!” Sister agreement with the “Ryan Budget” and Here then, mostly in the words of Jeanie Hagedorn, CHM, was right. promote an alternative budget rooted in some of those who played a part in “I In April, NETWORK joyfully cel- faith and fairness. It also would raise up our journey, is a brief chronicle of what ebrated our 40th anniversary at Trinity the work of Catholic Sisters along the turned out to be a life-changing event Washington University. Just four days way and their ongoing commitment to for many of us. We deeply regret that later we were shocked to hear that we stand with people at the economic mar- we don’t have the space to include the were mentioned in the now-famous Vat- gins. names and accounts of all the people ican assessment of the Leadership Con- And by June (June 18, to be exact), who contributed in some way to Nuns ference of Women Religious (LCWR). we were on the road. on the Bus. We humbly thank you all. In May, barely recovering from deal- Looking back, we now realize that ing with an avalanche of international the Holy Spirit was at work. Somehow, Preparations media coverage that came out of the despite feverish, often chaotic planning assessment, we began to look at how we for an event unlike anything we had ever hile NETWORK staff rushed to could use our sudden fame to further undertaken, we made it through. The prepare for the tour, connect- our social justice mission. Someone sug- challenges were many, but the gifts were Wing with people with far more gested a bus tour to publicize our dis- enormous. bus tour expertise than we possessed

www.networklobby.org Third Quarter 2012 Connection 5 Sunday, June 17—Des Moines, IA he first gathering was an evening prayer service at Holy Trinity Cath- Tolic Church in Des Moines. Sister Jeanie Hagedorn, CHM: We

SHANE M didn’t know what kind of a turnout to expect because of the short notice. Lo

c CARTHY and behold! Over 300 people from many faith traditions arrived, not only from the Des Moines area but from over a hun- dred miles west, to stand in solidarity with us! Our Intentional Eucharistic Commu- nity provided music, a friend made three beautiful banners, the congre- gation offered their blessing (and very generous donations), and Sr. Simone’s challenging and humorous remarks touched the minds and hearts of all. After receiving our warm welcome, Simone bowed appreciatively and said to the congregation, “You humble me. And I’m not even a Sis- ter of Humility!” (“wrapping” a bus—what Sister Sandy Rodemyer, BVM: Sr. does that mean?!), we hast- Simone’s address to the assembly ily enlisted the help of doz- was interrupted several times by ens of wonderful people out in the field. the Des Moines spontaneous applause. She received Jean Sammon: One of the secrets of the arrival of the Nuns on the a standing ovation when she first bus tour was that it started before plan- Bus. Sr. Elaine and I were in a whirlwind for approached the ambo, and when she ning was complete. We NETWORK staff those ten days, rearranging our schedules finished. All of the Sisters riding the bus members learned that it takes more than and setting up their schedules for their were introduced individually, and the ser- two weeks to plan a two-week bus tour. brief 20-hour stay in Iowa’s capital city. vice concluded with the assembly blessing Although many offers of help came, it was What an exhausting joy and honor it was! them. …The Nuns on the Bus tour [was] off still a challenge to answer all the phone A real blessing in all of our planning to a spirited and Spirit-filled start. calls and emails that came with more ques- was our pastor at Holy Trinity parish, Father Len Cockman: I was fortunate to have wit- tions than answers. We scrambled to find Michael Amadeo, who shared our excite- nessed the send-off service in Des Moines. places for ministry visits, press events, over- ment and offered to host the prayer ser- Like so many other older lifelong Catholics, night accommodations, and public “frien- vice we were planning. He also surprised I just don’t understand why some of us draising” events (even though we weren’t us with twelve professionally-made signs (meaning mostly my fellow men) haven’t sure at first what a “friendraiser” was). When and badges for everyone to wear. We took learned anything about gender in the last the tour started in Iowa, we pretty much the signs to the airport where six CHMs 2,000 years. Or shared leadership, or the had the first week planned, but as the and about a dozen other friends joined us downside of power over caring and love. nuns rode the bus, we were still working in welcoming the Sisters. Or... well, you get the point. But on that to set up events in places where the bus es, the signs. Everywhere the evening when Sr. Simone so eloquently was heading. Thanks to heroic efforts by “Nuns on the Bus” traveled, they offered words reflecting on those who people like Pat Wynn Brown in Columbus, saw people holding signs, signs have been learning and acting the heart Anne Searer in Hershey, and Rosemary Y hanging from buildings, signs every- of Christianity, I felt like some have learned Thompson in Baltimore, and many others, where. They appeared again and again something about love and justice... but why the first-ever NETWORK bus tour turned in the media coverage. Their messages can’t we (meaning mostly men in “power”) out to be a huge success. buoyed everyone’s spirits—including put it into action? May their bus trip be an Sister Jeanie Hagedorn, CHM: It was June those of us in the NETWORK office— inspirational beginning to renew genuine 8th when Lisa Martin (CHM Communica- when we faced exhaustion during the caring for all of God’s people. Thank you, tions) emailed asking me to coordinate trip. We were and are grateful. Sisters…you are not fighting alone!

6 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org Sister Jeanie Hagedorn, CHM: Following knew about “wrapping” a bus with imag- others, it was recommended that “Nuns the prayer service, Elaine and I delivered es, I only had one request: it should be drive for faith, family & fairness” be the Simone and her companions to Hotel Fort uplifting, showing the dignity of people official name of the tour. Eugenia Kim, Des Moines where they were given, gratis, who serve and are served. No pathetic who designed the bus logo, misunder- overnight accommodations. As we drove images too often used in charity advertis- stood me when I gave her the new offi- up to the hotel, Elaine and I were excited to ing—images that exploit and undermine cial name. She still used “Nuns on the see the huge NUNS bus parked out front. the dignity of those portrayed. Bus,” which I had given her earlier, and It was also exciting to see CHM Sr. Marilyn We also sent out requests for pictures added “Nuns drive…” only as a tagline. Schierbrock’s picture on the side of the of Sisters, and I was delighted when the A true gift of the Spirit. “Nuns on the bus, right near the banner, “Nuns Drive for photo of Sr. Marilyn Schierbrock was Bus” was surely the best choice! Faith, Family & Fairness.” chosen to appear. The bright blue bus served as a back- Monday, June 18— Sister Marge Clark, BVM: Outside the drop for hundreds—probably thou- hotel was our home-away-from-home, a Des Moines to Ames to sands—of photos, both private and in very large bus beautifully adorned. Cedar Rapids to Dubuque, IA the media. h, the bus. It was amazing to And now a little-known story about Sister Marge Clark, BVM: The Nuns on the watch as it became a symbol of the famous “Nuns on the Bus” name. Bus met for quiet shared prayer before we A what the tour was all about—hope That was actually supposed to be a started the day’s venture. At 8:15 we loaded and faith in a better future. When I first placeholder while we looked for a per- the bus before media and another 30 or so talked about it with the designers who manent title. After consultation with supporters, and by 8:45 were on the road.

Tia shares her story in Dubuque, IA.

www.networklobby.org Third Quarter 2012 Connection 7 athering for morn- ing prayer became an important Gpart of the daily routine for the Nuns on the Bus. The one morning they weren’t able to do this, tensions on the bus were noticeably higher during the day. In Washington, NETWORK staffers also gathered each morning for a sharing time. Nuns on the Bus was an authentic above: “Friendraising” in Sinsinawa, WI. below: Sr. Simone Campbell leaves the Faithful Budget at Congressman community effort. King’s office in Ames, IA. Sister Jeanie Hagedorn, CHM: Our sister Mary Jo Reed and I raced to HyVee to buy a wonderful Jewish woman on an electric and faithful laypeople. There was great helium balloons and a bouquet of flow- scooter. She strongly objects to Congress- enthusiasm as we told stories of our first 24 ers for the sendoff. Holding down the man King’s anti-immigration policies, say- hours on this journey. balloons was a challenge on a very windy ing that if they had been in effect when her he Nuns on the Bus were given Iowa summer day! Simone had said to all family was coming from Russia, she would overnight hospitality by the Sisters of us numerous times, “You are AMAZ- not be alive today. of the Presentation. ING!” So it was only appropriate that we T Sister Jeanie Hagedorn, CHM: Finally, give her a special balloon that said, “You singing “Alleluia,” they posed for one final Are AMAZING!” Tuesday, June 19— photo before releasing the balloons. As After the exciting sendoff, attended by Dubuque, IA, to Sinsinawa, the balloons flew upward, the nuns drove a number of CHMs and numerous other Janesville and Milwaukee, WI onward to Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and friends and media, several of us (includ- points east delivering a message of hope, Tuesday morning included visits to ing our faithful pastor) followed the bus commitment for social justice, and a chal- Maria House, founded by six Catholic to Ames where there was another excited lenge to citizens and Congress alike. women’s religious communities, which crowd waiting. In spite of a scheduled provides support services for homeless appointment, Simone and the Sisters fter a visit with the editorial women, and the Lantern Center, spon- found the doors to the office of Republi- board of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, sored by the Sisters of the Presentation, can Congressman Steve King locked. Athe Nuns on the Bus traveled to which is a drop-in center offering servic- Sister Marge Clark, BVM: We were Dubuque for a “friendraiser” (an oppor- es for immigrants. shocked to find that the promised staffer tunity to gather and speak with current and potential friends). Sister Marge Clark, BVM: We joined the was not at Congressman King’s office. It Sisters for breakfast, boarded the bus and was locked with a note on the door saying Sister Marge Clark, BVM: Moving east, headed to the Dubuque Food Bank, fol- the staff would be visiting areas of the dis- we realized that our path is a reverse of lowed by visits to the Lantern Center and trict all morning. We left copies of the Faith- so many of our congre- Maria House. About 75 Dubuquers and ful Budget Preamble and gations’ arrivals in the friends joined us in already scorching heat. Iowa Platform, developed Midwest—many gen- We listened as Tia shared the benefits of with input from Iowans. erations ago. The bus Maria House for her two children as she There were nearly 100 pulled into the Mt. Car- had completed high school and is prepar- Iowa witnesses to the lack mel complex moments ing to move to an apartment in two more of follow-through from before the first official weeks.” Congressman King’s staff. friendraiser, attended These included many Cath- by over 200 BVM, Fran- uns on the Bus then moved on to olics, Protestant Women ciscan, Dominican, Pre- the “Sinsinawa Mound” in Wis- Clergy and laypeople, and sentation and Humility Sisters, Nconsin.

8 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org Sister Kathleen Phelan, OP: Even weeks following the appearance of THE bus at Sinsinawa Mound, Wisconsin, the Domini- cans of Sinsinawa are still recounting the excitement of the event! You had to be there…seeing that large, creatively wrapped bus being led down a country road by a small car filled with Sisters hold- ing a sign out the car window declaring, “Nuns on the Bus, follow us!” And follow they did, rolling down County Road Z and up to the entrance of Sinsinawa Mound, home of the Dominicans of Sinsinawa. As they emerged from the bus, our guests were engulfed with hugs and cheers from Sisters, Mound staff members, partners in ministry who happened to be meeting, and a few of our neighbors. Regrouping indoors in a packed gathering space, we nd then it was on to Janesville, introduced our guests and heard a mini- a donation to help support this compelling Wisconsin, the hometown of Rep- version of the spirited purpose and plans mission and, as important, a basket of fresh resentative , author of for the trip. Besides all those present, Sisters baked goods from the Sinsinawa Mound A the “Ryan Budget” that sought to cut in assisted living and skilled care joined in bakery! As is our tradition, we drew this needed funding for safety net programs. via live-stream TV, making it all the more “prayerful pep rally” to a close by praying enlivening and inclusive. Knowing our together a Prayer for Travelers and singing Sister Marge Clark, BVM: Hundreds who guests were on a tight timeline, we con- of the Dominican Blessing….being part of are frustrated by the actions of their rep- cluded the moment, presenting our guests the Nuns on the Bus was a not-soon-to-be- resentative to Congress met the bus. As with our version of the “keys” to Sinsinawa: forgotten blessing-event. “the Nuns” proceeded to the congressional below: Supporters rally outside of Rep. Paul Ryan’s office, Janesville, WI.above : Young supporters greet the bus in Ames, IA.

www.networklobby.org Third Quarter 2012 Connection 9 office, hundreds followed. Only those of us Brigade contacted the D.C coordinators for with an appointment were allowed to enter, Nuns on the Bus, we didn’t really expect and we were welcomed into the office of to get the busy Sisters out to one of our the director. During the conversation the bridge parties. We really just wanted to director took pages of notes and seemed extend a warm Wisconsin welcome to genuinely interested in our perspective. We their tour, where they are highlighting the left the office to find hundreds crowded human side of politics by reminding peo- into the hallway, and hanging over the bal- ple that the poor are the most asymmetri- cony from above. Leaving the building, we cally affected by the current systematic spoke with the people. dismantling of public services. We were delighted with their response. “See you on he next stop was a community the bridge Tuesday night!” meal at St. Benedict the Moor, a Word got out. The nuns have gained Ttruly moving experience. At St. some real momentum, and progressives Ben’s, a Capuchin Franciscan minis- in Wisconsin are hungry to continue and try, more than 85 religious groups and hat evening included a friendraiser at St. John’s on the Lake in Milwau- build, amplify, tweak, sustain our own organizations provide hot, home-made momentum. meals six nights a week for hundreds of Tkee, followed by overnight accom- There were ninety people on the people in need. modations provided by the Sinsinawa Dominicans in Whitefish Bay. bridge. I was trying to get some pictures Sister Simone Campbell, SSS: I came to One of the most unique experiences from ground level when I heard a massive know that a large percentage of the folks of the tour also happened that night. cheer, sounding like a winning Badger who are served by these programs are The Nuns on the Bus met with the Over- touchdown at Camp Randall. It was 9:00, working at least one job. They are not pass Light Brigade, which describes and the bus was spotted, heading for our making enough money to care for their itself thus: “The Overpass Light Brigade exit. Wow. families. Many face the situation that Billy was forged in the activist climate of We had worked to figure out a good faces. Billy, whom I met at St. Ben’s, has the Wisconsin Uprising. Our messages message that would resonate with the enough money in his downsized salary to shine over highways at night… We are nuns’ tour. They had spent the day in Janes- either put food on the table or a roof over a loose and inclusive affiliation of people ville, bringing visibility to Paul Ryan’s ridicu- his family’s heads. He and his wife chose a dedicated to the power of peaceful and lous budget proposal. Austerity. Question roof for the family so that the kids could playful protest.” Austerity. That’s it: simple, to the point, and stay in their school. Every evening they go the beginning of a social media campaign. to St. Benedict the Moor’s dining room for As recounted by Lane Hall on the Daily It was Sister Mary’s 72nd birthday, and dinner. Cos (excerpts): When the Overpass Light she looked profoundly happy holding the

Friendraiser at St. John’s on the Lake in Milwaukee.

10 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org South Bend, IN. letter “E” when everyone kicked into a rous- state-of-the-art dental clinic, dedicated to one and the Nuns on the Bus. I kept look- ing version of Happy Birthday. It was sim- those with serious conditions and the least ing around as no one else seemed to be ply wonderful looking at this community resources for obtaining care. The morn- paying attention to what I thought was a that we’ve been building, and its growing ing we were there, several of the cubicles huge event. I took a couple of photos of interconnections with other peace/justice were dedicated to treatment of children. the bus from my phone and went to the activist groups. This Nuns on the Bus tour There were also spaces reserved for those front door to ask the bus driver to send is a powerful thing, because the Sisters are with critical problems. Dental and dental my thanks to the nuns for doing what I creating a context for their own essential hygiene students assist the staff. In addi- think is the most important work being visibility. They will not let their moral com- tion to work at the clinic, they serve in the done in this age and time. He nodded to passes be dictated from disconnected schools with the highest poverty rates, me and then, all of sudden, here comes hierarchies, and their insistence on civil doing training and initial check-ups. It is an this wonderful lady down the steps of engagement is their core power. amazing public-private partnership. the bus. She shook my hand and thanked ME for stopping to thank them. I asked Sister Mary Wendeln, CPPS: How better to fter a stop at Palermo’s Pizza fac- her name and it was the wonderful Sis- celebrate another year of life than walking tory to show solidarity with those ter Simone who I had been following down the sidewalk with a group singing protesting a government decision A on TV shows in the week past. I was so Happy Birthday and being serenaded by to seek more documentation on work- excited. I know I blurted out to her that someone playing the bagpipes. A night I ers’ immigration status, the Nuns on the “I am not a Catholic but I truly appreci- will remember. Bus visited the office of Rep. Joe Walsh ate what you are doing” and she came in Fox Lake, and they then headed on to over and gave me a hug—gave me a Grace Place in Chicago for a friendraiser. Wednesday, June 20—Milwaukee, hug!! We talked for a minute and then Along the way, they pulled into a Target WI to Fox Lake and Chicago, IL they had to go as they were on their way parking lot for a brief rest. he first stop on Wednesday morn- to Chicago. My greatest thrill was being Peggy Becker: I was shopping at the Tar- ing was the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton a part of this great event and being able get in Gurnee, IL after dropping my grand- Dental Clinic in Milwaukee. to do this one-on-one, instead of in a big T kids back at home. When I came out of the crowd. They made me feel as important Sister Marge Clark, BVM: We had the store I saw this huge bus parked in front as I am sure they did to the really famous pleasure of meeting staff and touring a and I knew right away, it was Sister Sim- people they met on this trip. www.networklobby.org Third Quarter 2012 Connection 11 tional Housing, who showed us their apart- Friday, June 22—South Bend, IN ments, explained the programs and their to Grand Rapids, MI dreams for further activities. Symbols of a riday’s first visit was to the Sister program that will diminish if the Ryan cuts Maura Brannick, CSC, Health Cen- are enacted. F ter in South Bend, where bilingual he day concluded with a visit with staff provide primary healthcare services the Holy Cross Sisters, followed by to patients without healthcare insurance. a pot luck dinner and friendraiser T Dorothy Pedtke: Their funding comes at the Good Shepherd largely from the area’s Catholic hospital, St. Montessori School in Joseph’s, but their clientele is already large, South Bend. and the reductions in services that would Dorothy Pedtke: It result from the Ryan budget would dump poured (desperately a whole lot more low-income people into needed) rain, but quit their clinic, which would force them to about a half hour spread their funding a lot thinner. Unasked, before the arrival of the clinic had set up donuts and coffee, The Bus. The Sisters which was a good break for us all. handed out their Nuns From there we went to the South Bend on the Bus stickers, office of Rep. Joe Donnelly, who has been so we all proudly dis- the 2nd District congressman for two played the proof that terms—and is now running for the Sen- we had been in on ate seat held for so many years by Richard this. It was hard to Lugar. Donnelly was in Washington, but get the Sisters away his staff was very welcoming, press people from the welcoming crowd although came and talked to everybody, the Sisters they knew the time was short. They were had more Nuns on the Bus stickers for Fox Lake, IL. already almost too tired to eat the elegant everyone, and lots of signatures were col- supper. But they choked up when they lected. Sr. Simone had left early in a rent- Thursday, June 21— came in and saw the packed hall and gave ed car to get to some meeting in Detroit, Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN a bang-up performance that people were but almost no one realized that, until the sad to have come to an end. Everyone remaining Sisters came out and got on The fter a breakfast stop at Ina’s Res- went out engrossed in serious conversa- Bus. Whoosh, the Bus was gone. It took me taurant in the West Loop, the tions, each proudly sporting a Nuns sticker. a few days to calm down and get used to ANuns on the Bus had an edito- rial board meeting at the Chicago Sun Times, followed by a memorable visit to Mercy Housing. Sister Marge Clark, BVM: On the south side of Chicago, there is a safe refuge and sign of hope amidst tragedy and vacan- cies. Mercy Housing Center provides fresh, well-designed small apartments for single men and women who might be living on the streets without it. Several spoke of their previous homelessness. Not only do they have a clean place to call home, but also classes with an emphasis on leadership training. A gentleman in a classy suit spoke, telling us of his experience and expec- tation that he would have been on the street—and perhaps in prison—without this ministry of the Sisters. Sister Mary Wendeln, CPPS: I was struck by the tenant leaders of the Mercy Transi- Greeters in South Bend, IL.

12 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org the silence in my house. No more phone Saturday, June 23— and struggle to improve their lives as they calls. All good things come to an end. Jackson to Detroit, MI overcome great challenges. Having the Nuns on a Bus highlight this ministry was fter a visit to the office of Repre- ince congressional offices were an honor. sentative Justin Amash in Grand closed on Saturday, the Nuns on The word got out and on Saturday Rapids, the bus headed to the the Bus had a morning press con- A S morning, 200 to 300 people gathered in Dominican Center at Marywood, where ference at Jacksonburg Park Square in front of our building in order to be heard. 160 people heard about NETWORK and Jackson to discuss the Ryan budget. This Representative Hansen Clarke said a few the Ryan budget cuts. was followed by an inspiring visit to the words of support for such ministries and Dominican Literacy Center in Detroit. Sister Joyce Ann Hertzig, OP: Thank you spoke of his disagreement with severe for asking Dominican Sisters-Grand Rapids Sister Janice Brown, OP: The Dominican cuts proposed by the Ryan House bud- to host the Nuns on the Bus and provide Literacy Center enables adult learners to get. The crowd was thrilled that Sr. Simone space for the education session. It was the transform their lives by acquiring basic Campbell and her group of Sisters were RIGHT TIME! The energy of our Sisters for reading, math, and computer skills which speaking out. advocacy, interest, and hospitality was makes it possible for the adult learner to The visit was also an opportunity to outstanding. Over 160 people from Grand be a successful parent, productive worker, say a few words about the good realized Rapids, Lansing, DeWitt, Holland, Muskeg- and responsible citizen. This mutual col- through ministries that are sponsored by on, and the surrounding area participated laboration in adult literacy is a contempo- women religious. in the education session conducted by rary expression of the Adrian Dominican Along with a video crew, the Nuns on Marge Clark, BVM. The MESSAGE—our Sisters’ commitment to education. The the Bus walked with me through the cen- voice needs to be heard by our lawmak- services are offered to those most in need; ter. I was able to say a little more about the ers—was of enduring significance. 93% of the student body are low-income ministry.

Outside of Rep. Justin Amash’s office in Grand Rapids, MI.

www.networklobby.org Third Quarter 2012 Connection 13 D ick Herbst

Sister of Dick Herbst by the bus in Detroit..

The people we serve are not necessar- ation was handled through the leading ing and the proposal of a moral budget ily looking for a handout; they are looking of the Holy Spirit. Simone would pray, is something I believe in and can get to be self-sufficient community members. and then she would be led to do some behind. Thank you for stopping in Detroit. I heard someone say this was one of simple thing. When she did that thing, it Sister Gloria Rivera, IHM: The idea and the better stops thus far. I am not sure if was as though Jesus was repeating the event, Nuns on the Bus, has been for me it was because of the number of peo- multiplication of the loaves and fishes. one of the most creative and right-on- ple who turned out, if it was because it Ideas, money, contacts—whatever was target responses one could use to bring seemed to move along so smoothly, or if needed—came pouring forth. I’m sure the message across with beauty and dig- it was because we had food waiting for Simone isn’t the only woman of prayer in nity. The response was overwhelmingly them (smile). I can tell you, though, that it this important ministry, but her witness supportive. I was invited to speak at the was an inspirational day for all of us! truly challenged all of us to pray faithfully evening event and used my two minutes and to believe the Lord’s promise of abun- to suggest how the Ryan budget would hat evening, another friendrais- dance. directly affect those who are poor in my er—this one at the Gesu Church in My final thought is that this work illus- city. Thank you, NETWORK, for your cour- TDetroit. trates Jesus’s advice to be wise as serpents age. I have no doubt that you will con- and gentle as doves (Mt 10:16). The whole Sister Angela Hibbard, IHM: I think three tinue to engage all of us as we follow the project was done respectfully, without things stand out for me. The first is the gospel mandate of justice for all. anger or rancor. No one could accuse the overwhelming support the Nuns had NETWORK team of negativity as they care- everywhere they went. As we prepared Sunday, June 24—Monroe, MI fully and reasonably threaded their way for the bus to come to Detroit, emails were to Toledo and Cincinnati, OH through the challenges presented by the flying in every direction telling people the Roman critique. Bravo! news, and the church had by actual count Sister Alice Baker, IHM: On Sunday morn- 355 people present on Saturday evening. Dick Herbst: I read about you online and ing, the bus took a slight detour. Since The second thing is the witness of faith saw that you were going to stop at Gesu the other IHM, Joan Mumaw, our Vice given by Simone Campbell. She wasn’t Church in Detroit. That is the parish I grew President, lived in Monroe, it only seemed speaking as a political activist—although up in. I was interested about what you sensible that the bus might stop at our what she and NETWORK are doing is cer- stand for and made plans to attend. By Motherhouse in Monroe and pick her up tainly at the intersection of faith and poli- chance, my sister who is an RSCJ had just on their way to Toledo. As we approached tics. It seemed as though every hurdle, come in from St. Louis and she came with our Motherhouse, we couldn’t believe our every roadblock, every impossible situ- me. Sister Simone’s speech was electrify- eyes. The front porch, steps and sidewalk

14 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org were filled with 100 or more women cheer- ing for us, some standing, some with walk- ers, some in wheelchairs, and even some viewing from the windows. Though it was only a 5-10 minute stop, I know that Sim- one Campbell said it was well worth it, only to witness the IHM support of this justice project. I was so proud and happy to be a small part of it. My admiration of NET- WORK’s mission soared higher than ever. above and below: Supporters in Cincinnati, OH. Sister Brigid Wade, IHM: As I stood waiting for the arrival of the bus in front of the IHM sisters, politicians, “lovers of nuns” and the special. Truly, “this is the day the Lord has Sisters of Monroe, I was excited and happy “Nuns on the Bus” arrived with enthusi- made, let us rejoice and be glad.” to be a part of something bigger than asm and dedication to galvanize support t was then on to Cincinnati, with the I could imagine, justice for the poor and for their critique of the Ryan budget. first stop at the office of Representa- those without a voice. As the bus drove Matthew and Mark, fifth graders who tive Steve Chabot. up the driveway my excitement increased; attend the Padua Center summer camps, I That evening, one of the most mov- this was a Holy Place where God was truly knew it was special because, although ing events of the bus tour occurred. Two present. As the Sisters exited from the bus their mom was in the hospital, they walked days earlier, NETWORK had received a they were greeted with loud cheers. over to the center to tell everyone that The Facebook message from Jini Kai saying Padua Center is important and the work he bus then moved on to Toledo, she would attend the Cincinnati frien- that is done by so many Sisters in the cen- with a stop at St. Martin de Porres draiser immediately after attending her tral city is important. Greg Johnson knew Church for Mass and a visit to the sister’s memorial service. T this was a special group, because he came Padua Center. This wonderful ministry from his home to tell the audience that provides education programs, vision Jini Kai: It was such a blessing to meet the The Padua Center is making a difference. therapy, hospitality and other services. Nuns on the Bus at the Peaslee Neighbor- We knew it was a special day because hood Center. As you well know, we were Sister Virginia Welsh, OSF: We knew it it is not every day that a big bus with a in Cincinnati to attend the memorial ser- was a special day at St. Martin de Porres precious cargo of Nuns comes to us, on vice of my sister, Margaret, earlier that very when a retired Bishop, the retired founder our streets, in our neighborhood to tell us afternoon. of the Parish, and our present Representa- that what we do is important and that our Margaret had lived her entire adult life tive, Marcy Kaptur, all came to pray with ministry is making a difference and “Wash- on the economic margin. She’d always our small community. We knew it was a ington” ears are listening. No, this was lived below the poverty line until she finally special day when not an ordinary day. We knew it was found a job that gave her a decent enough

www.networklobby.org Third Quarter 2012 Connection 15 J ini K ai

ister Simone Campbell has carried Tuesday, June 26—Cleveland, OH Margaret’s photo in her Bible since Sthat day, and has shown it to many he first stop on Tuesday was at St. people, inspiring all. Augustine Church in Cleveland. That evening, the Sisters of Charity TJean Sammon: Being a native Cleve- of Cincinnati provided hospitality, and lander, I was very familiar with St. Augus- many heard Margaret’s story. tine’s ministry to people who are deaf, and their hunger center. They not only feed Monday, June 25— people in the surrounding neighborhood West Chester to Columbus, OH daily, they also prepare dinners for thou- sands of people across the city on holi- he first stop on Monday morning days. But they do much more than feed In memory of Margaret Kistler was at the office of Speaker John people. Sister Corita Ambro, who has been May 29, 1956 – June 6, 2012 Boehner in West Chester. T running things there for many years, seems From Jini Kai: “[Margaret] is wearing her Jean Sammon: I was able to join the to be able to help people with whatever Wisconsin 14 t-shirt I just delivered. She nuns for the visit, and so were two young needs they have. She graciously welcomed stood in solidarity with the 14 Wisconsin women who rode the bus on the short the Nuns on the Bus, the press and other senators who fled the state in protest trip from Cincinnati. They had just been interested people, even though it was the of the ‘budget bill’ our radical governor received into the Sisters of Charity for ultimately jammed through the state the first steps toward becoming nuns, below: The Dominican Sisters of Peace hosted legislature. And, through our long con- and were invited to come along for the the Nuns on the Bus in Columbus, OH. Rev. versations, it was clear that she support- Tim Ahrens speaks to the crowd. inset, right: lobby experience. In the office, the nuns Meeting with Rep. Pat Tiberi. ed the .” talked about the needs of people they were meeting on the tour. I could hear the wage and, more importantly, health insur- crowd outside chanting “nuns on the bus!” ance. But a few years ago she lost that job, and realized what a unique lobby visit this and her health insurance went with it. For was turning out to be. As we came back two years before her diagnosis she knew out to talk to the crowd and the that she was ill. But she told no one as she press, I asked one of the young could not afford to go to the doctor any- women what she thought. She way. By the time she was diagnosed (via a replied “Pretty good for my sec- near-death trip to the emergency room), ond day in the convent!” her colon cancer had spread throughout her body, and her fate was sealed. Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, DC: To meet you brave women taking Rep. Boehner’s staff was polite care of those who cannot take care of and listened. I suspect they themselves, living your faith rather than are not going to adopt our professing it, was pure Grace. faithful budget, but we While Margaret’s loss is deeply per- sold it hard. sonal to our family, it is by no means As I was getting on the isolated. In fact, her death is emblematic bus, an atheist who was a vet of the failure of the health care system in gave me CDs for Sr. Marge, whom he met our rich land to care for the less fortunate last night. I thanked him for his service; he among us. Our prayer is that your work will thanked me for mine. Then we hugged. save other families from enduring the loss He had the warmest, most appreciative we have experienced, solely due to lack of smile. I think we gave him a little hope. I adequate health care. suspect he remembered why he fought Thank you so much for holding our for this country. family as we grieved Margaret. And thank you for taking her picture with you as you he Nuns on the Bus later visited continue your journey. She would (and the office of Rep. Pat Tiberi in does?) appreciate her life and death being TColumbus and ended the day with held as an example of what happens to a friendraiser at the First Unitarian Uni- those who lack access to health care. This versalist Church of Columbus, followed is not a political issue, it is a matter of life by overnight accommodations with the and death. Dominicans of Peace.

16 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org first day of day camp for over 100 children! Brown and Representative Marcia Fudge. Edge, a ministry of the Congregation of It was a lovely day, and I was able to meet What a great way to bring so many people St. Joseph. Among those attending was with many who gathered outside the together. Sister Catherine Pinkerton, CSJ, who church, including some of the children, a recently retired from many years as a man who credited Sr. Corita with helping n editorial board meeting fol- NETWORK lobbyist. him get his life back on track, volunteers lowed at the Cleveland Plain Deal- who made lunch for us, and representa- Ae r, and that evening the Nuns on Sister Rita Petruziello, CSJ: Personally, I tives from the offices of Senator Sherrod the Bus joined friends at The River’s was so taken with the overwhelming sup- port and goodness of so many of our lay brothers and sisters present that evening that I was near tears. The whole event made me very proud, grateful and excited that I am a part of something much larger than I could imagine on behalf of creating a world where all can thrive. The Bus was a real symbol of the leadership that is mov- ing us forward! Sr. Cecelia Moran, SIW: Two of my most unforgettable experiences included shar- ing their bus ride to Saint Joseph Wellness Center for an evening program, and our morning prayer together on the day they left Cleveland for their next stop. Their commitment to faith, justice and commu- nity are inspiring.

Wednesday, June 27— Youngstown, OH to Pittsburgh, PA ednesday morning began with a visit to the WHouse in Youngstown, a Cath- olic Worker initiative. Maureen A. Drummond: I was thrilled to learn that Sr. Simone and the Nuns on the Bus tour would be coming to Youngstown to visit the Dorothy Day house, and took the morning off to join other community leaders in celebration and advocacy. For years, I have been struggling with the outright oppression of the . I married a Baptist man and togeth- er we joined the Presbyterian Church where I was ordained as a lay minister of the church, but I missed the joy of the sac- raments. As my career in the nonprofit sec- tor has grown, I have had the opportunity to work with people all over the U.S., and have seen some of the toughest situations. In the middle of most, there has been a gentle light of an order of Sisters caring for those on the fringe of society. Sr. Simone’s message speaks to so much of what I see and what I have expe- rienced in my upbringing, education and www.networklobby.org Third Quarter 2012 Connection 17 career; and what I have worked to pro- mote: ADVOCACY, JUSTICE, COMPASSION and ACTION. I drove to Pittsburgh that evening, with my 78-year-old mother (and like- thinker) to the gathering at the Sisters of Divine Providence convent at the LaRoche College Campus. My mother is a retired professor from LaRoche and it was like coming home as we crested the hill toward the convent drive. We were greeted by a room full of like-minded people who believe that the Church is its people. As Simone spoke, you could feel the spirit and energy of J ean S a mm on people who: 1. Want to stay committed to the Catho- lic Church, but see the oppression and distancing of the papal hierarchy Sr. Simone Campbell with St. Augustine day campers, Cleveland, OH. and need inspiration and purpose to continue the work of transformation ater in the day, the bus traveled to Thursday, June 28—Clairton to 2. Work with populations who need the office of Rep. Tim Murphy in Harrisburg and Hershey, PA advocates to make the changes that Pittsburgh and a wonderful frien- L he first visit on Thursday morning will provide them with life-sustaining draiser with the Sisters of Divine Provi- was to Sister’s Place in Clairton. services and supportive communities dence, Providence Heights in Pittsburgh. of growth. TFounded by a group of 14 Catho- Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, DC: Next, we went lic religious communities, this wonder- I realize the Nuns on the Bus tour was on to Rep. Tim Murphy’s office. It was fun. ful group provides housing and support about the Ryan Budget and cuts to signifi- We pulled up to huge crowds. After we services for poor clients, many of whom cant services that assist people in survival. stopped, the police pulled up and asked have suffered from abuse, addiction and But peppered in Simone’s comments were why we were parking there in the street mental illness, and have no high school clear indicators of the larger issue impact- even though they had placed cones for us diploma or GED. ing the Catholic Church. to park there. It must have been the crowd As the bus rolled along the highway, So what did the Nuns on the Bus tour who put the cones there. The priests were the U.S. Supreme Court announced its offer me? Hope. Hope that many voices out in full support. We love Pittsburgh historic decision upholding President can continue to move forward supporting priests. Pittsburgh Priest Association held Obama’s healthcare reform. Just like people who act on Christ’s teach- a big sign with their name. They earlier in the week, when the immigra- ing. thanked us. The meeting with his tion decision was announced, the Sisters Rev. Monica Beasley-Martina: On office went well. The chief coun- had waited anxiously for the decision. June 16, I presented a workshop at sel said he would try to get the Initial cable news reports about a nega- the Don’t Frack conference enti- representative himself to meet tive decision were met with groans, but tled, “Called to Worship & Action.” with us when we get back to DC. the bus riders erupted in cheers when My research on the workshop’s Sister Diane Guerin, RSM: As those reports were corrected. A press subject matter led me to the Nuns the bus approached the offices, conference had been arranged in front of on the Bus. They were the exam- nothing prepared me for the the Pennsylvania State Capitol, and the ple used when I shared that God sight. Hundreds of people were healthcare decision was applauded. requires we speak out against injus- gathered, cheering and bear- And then it was on to Hershey for a tice even when it occurs inside our ing signs of support. I was truly friendraiser at Briarcrest Gardens, where own churches. Imagine my surprise when overwhelmed and could feel myself on a standing-room-only crowd assembled. I discovered that the Nuns on the Bus Tour the verge of tears. This experience and the Anne Searer: I was on vacation on Long was stopping in my town, and only five accompanying emotions as people shared Island when I learned that the bus was minutes away from where I live, that next their stories with us were to become a going to make a stop in Harrisburg. I was week. Of course I made sure my face was familiar feeling. It was so humbling to be so excited that I could not wait for my at The Dorothy Day House. I am inspired by greeted by these folks who are truly “salt vacation to be over so I could get home their courage and fortitude. of the earth.” to help organize and plan an event for

18 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org Hershey. The meeting allowed so many NETWORK. However, the sheer number of who are exceptionally committed to social people—almost 600—who participated justice to meet some of these outstand- in this event was the biggest surprise of ing women in person. We were inspired all! I learned from those in the audience and motivated by the stories of their lives that they travelled from all parts of New in public service and how they have rep- Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and many plac- resented our Church so admirably during es in eastern Pennsylvania…and all of this some very bad years. in Friday-night traffic during a heat wave. While in Hershey, the nuns were stay- To be in the company of such a host of ing in an old home that was built about kindred spirits with hearts on fire for eco- 1915 and was surrounded by stately old nomic justice clearly affirms for me the trees. About 4 A.M., there was a sudden, hunger of so many people to put their faith very localized, and unexpectedly severe (no matter what that faith is) into action. A storm. Some called it a mini-twister. A profound experience of God’s Spirit per- huge tree just east of the old home, a meated this friendraiser, and truly it was a power line and a second very old tree moment of grace. just south of the old home, and a third old tree just west of the home were all Saturday, June 30— hit by the storm. Huge major limbs of Philadelphia, PA to Baltimore, MD all three trees came crashing down right he new day began with a visit to next to the house, closing roads and cut- Mercy Neighborhood Ministries ting off power. As far as anyone can tell, Tof Philadelphia, a ministry of the not a branch fell on the roof of the old Sisters of Mercy. home. So our group of meeting planners (maybe we really are community organiz- Sister Richelle Friedman, PVBM: Elev- ers!) enjoy believing that the nuns had en-year-old Josiah asked his mom if he saved the house. For sure, they were a could come to Mercy Neighborhood powerful presence and we were hon- Ministries even though it was Satur- ored to have them in our town. day and there would be no classes. He’d heard there were going to Friday, June 29— be visitors and he wanted to be Langhorne to Philadelphia, PA there. I noticed him standing close to his teacher, Sharon. As a middle- n Friday, the bus traveled to school teacher, Sharon knows how the Langhorne office of Rep. important it also is for Josiah and OMike Fitzpatrick and then her other students whose lives are on to Philadelphia for a spirit-filled full of conflict and turmoil to learn friendraiser at Chestnut Hill Col- peace and tranquility. She asked if I lege. wanted to see their classroom. Josiah Sister Mary Beth Hamm, SSJ: Ener- proudly led the way. In a brightly gizing, inspiring and simply over- painted and decorated classroom whelming are three words that Sharon uses music, beautiful pictures come to mind as I reflect on the Nuns on of nature, breathing techniques, and the Bus friendraiser. I was touched in so exercises to assist the children in many ways: that our local Rabbi encour- developing inner peace and strength aged the entire Jewish Community in she knows they will need to face Philadelphia to support the effort of the adversity and make hard choices. Sisters and come out to this event; that Children as young as three come every request I made for help in organiz- to MNM for daycare, children are ing the Philly lap of the trip was answered taught in afterschool classes, adults with an unhesitating “yes”; that so many learn computer skills and complete people expressed the esteem they had for GEDs, and eldercare provides a place of dignity for seniors and a from top: St. Martin de Porres Church, Toledo; on the way to The Dorothy Day house in Youngstown; Nuns on the Bus outside Mercy Housing in Chicago; Dan speaks at Mercy Housing. www.networklobby.org Third Quarter 2012 Connection 19 respite for caregivers. Sister Ann, a Sister hosted the evening friendraiser. We had a Personally touching was looking out of Mercy and director of MNM, found a delightful dinner with the Jesuits living at into the crowd and seeing a beautiful face way to purchase an old warehouse in the Ignatius House. We had wonderful sharing from long ago: Marci Neimann (former neighborhood and transform it into a before dinner, during which we lamented BVM, sister of Maribeth, BVM), one of my beautiful, green-certified building with a the diminishment of the spirit of Vatican early role models. While still a scholastic, welcoming and beautiful learning space II. We shared our vision of Church as the I lived with Marci at the Immaculata High that is respectful of all who come. People of God. School convent. After dinner we went to Stony Run, a Another powerful experience was Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, DC: The director beautiful Quaker meeting house, where meeting a woman with cerebral palsy, in introduced a young participant. His name we were joined by a couple of hundred an electric wheelchair accompanied by was Mikhail. He is of a slight build, his hair friends yearning for the positive energy her service dog. Before getting off the is close-cut and he wears little wire glass- we seem able to bring. The quiet spirit of bus I secured water for both her and the es. He radiates beauty. He proudly walked that space brought a deep centering as dog. Simone learned that the beautiful up to the director, took the microphone, we shared stories of those we carry in our dog was from a training program in which and walked around to the front of the hearts. her congregation is involved in California. podium. He stood erect and announced The woman was accompanied by several to the large gathered crowd, “I am Mikhail. he Sisters then spent the night in members of her family, one who works I’m a second grader here and I am a shin- the Dorothy Day dorm at Loyola with families of children with autism. A ing star.” He went on to explain that he TUniversity. form of crippling arthritis is beginning to had learned at the facility that we are affect her, as she continues her work. Both called to be bright lights for each other Sunday, July 1—Richmond, VA women are so grateful for the upholding on our journeys. He concluded, “So, I am of the Affordable Care Act! a brilliant star.” He had recently won an n Sunday, the bus traveled to Vir- award for fulfillment of this role. ginia. Sister Richelle Friedman, PBVM: I met O Charlie and Donna who drove five hours previously scheduled stop in Sister Marge Clark, BVM: We roundtrip to be present. They told me they Frederick, MD had to be canceled pulled out of Baltimore about 8:00 a.m. have done financially well and believe that A due to storm damage, much to in order to get to Congressman Cantor’s they and others like them can contribute everyone’s regret. So it was on to Bal- office by noon. It was critical to come to more to maintaining programs vital to timore. this place, as Congressman Cantor is very vulnerable families and individuals. They supportive of the Ryan budget. About 100 inspired me. Sister Marge Clark, BVM: Baltimore folks showed up to greet us even knowing offered us tremendous support and hos- no staff would be there on a Sunday. Many Sister Marge Clark, BVM: From Rep. Can- pitality, from the Jesuit Community at had come long distances in 100-degree tor’s office, we traversed the farm and for- Loyola to the Quaker community, which temperatures and been at our other events. estland to visit Shalom Farms, a ministry of the United Methodist Urban Ministries of Richmond. The farm produces food, teaches about growing food, cooking and care of the land—both on the farm, and in Richmond. Their goal is to eliminate as many food deserts as possible. Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, DC: It is a remark- able program and it was a great “last stop” for our tour. Steve Miles is the farmer, and his three- and one-year-old boys, Eden and Asher, welcomed us warmly and played happily in the fruit rows of the organic farm. I walked with the three-year-old into the blackberry row. At one point, Eden looked at the plant and cautiously sur- veyed the branch to find a ripe berry. He picked a berry and without hesitation, he turned to me, held out his open hand and offered the berry to me. It was sweet. Sister Mary Ellen Lacy with Mikhail. Amazingly, the youngster did not take

20 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org C o u rtes y S r . R ic h elle F ried m an

Sister Richelle Friedman on the tractor at Shalom Farms.

the first taste of the fruit of his labor. Nor Monday, July 2— did he try to fill his own belly or pockets Richmond, VA to Washington DC captured the attention of a church and, in order to save some for a later date. No, really, a nation. Eden was generous and he trusted that n Monday, the Nuns on the Bus What’s admirable is that these women there would be enough for all of us. were greeted by an enthusiastic used their time in the spotlight not to Growing up here had taught the Ocrowd in Washington, along with talk about the Vatican, but to command three-year-old to respect the gift of earth, representatives of several faiths. change for the “least among us.” to recognize the fruits of life, and to gen- The Sisters remain committed to living erously own his responsibility to share his Kim Smolik, written for Franciscan Mis- out the Gospel, renouncing the proposed resources with his neighbor. And Jesus sion Service blog (excerpts): I put aside federal budget because of its misalign- said, “Be like the little child.” Amen. my own schedule to make sure I was ment with church teaching about solidar- present. It was inspiring and motivating ity, inequality, the option for the poor, and Sister Marge Clark, BVM: Leaving the to witness how a small group of people the common good. farm, we headed to St. Augustine’s for a Spanish-language Mass. Our hope was Greeting Nuns on the Bus in Washington. to stay in the back, and sneak out in time to get to the final friendraiser on time, at 7:00. Clearly, we should have not held that expectation. At the end of the Mass, Simone was asked to introduce the Nuns on the Bus; we were each given a special pin with a medal, and left the church near 7:30. This final friendraiser was at the Vir- ginia Interfaith Center, which is a hub for

those providing services to people strug- S H ANE M gling with poverty. The very patient and c enthusiastic group made this last evening CART HY event very special.

www.networklobby.org Third Quarter 2012 Connection 21 S H ANE M c CART HY

In the crowd gathered outside the Unit- ed Methodist Building, I was surrounded by the familiar faces of our partners, col- laborators and friends: Pax Christi USA, the Maryknoll Center for Global Concerns, Holy Name Province members, Franciscan Sisters and Friars, and Franciscan Action Network, which helped gather attendees for the rally. There is a movement going on and a sense of a need to organize, collaborate, and support each other, and the passion and energy surrounding the Nuns on the Bus encourages us to continue to live out our faith in solidarity with the poor. Thank you, Sisters, for continuing to set a strong example of Gospel-living in standing up for the poor.

Epilogue Sister Simone Campbell greets the crowd (in back: Sisters Marge Clark, Mary Wendeln, Mary Ellen Lacy and Diane Donoghue. Sister Diane Guerin, RSM: Throughout this journey, many images found their way story different, circumstances varied, but What then is the challenge we face? in and out of my consciousness. Yet, one a thread of connection in all the stories. I Our Constitution begins: “We the Peo- has been vivid and remains with me. It is believe that it is in that connection that we ple…” There are no qualifiers; it means ALL the image of Pentecost with its accompa- can find hope. We need to hear, but more the people. Policies, procedures or laws nying tongues of fire which rested upon importantly we need to understand what that exclude some of the people from the the head of each one. has contributed to making these stories. benefits of a democracy or leave people All were filled with the Holy Spirit and In many instances it has been the policies behind is not who we are called to be as a began to speak in their own language and initiated by our government. Policies that nation. Our leaders need to not only hear each one heard them speaking in their have worked for the few but abandoned the stories of the people, but they need to own native tongue. the majority. This is not who we are as a open their hearts so that they can truly be When one speaks from the heart, shar- nation and as a people. How have we touched with compassion and understand ing their deepest pain, how can hearts wandered so far from our values of human the full impact of stories people are shar- not be touched with compassion? Each dignity, fairness, family? ing. Until they learn to understand, there is little hope of change. We must keep on (l to r) Sisters Mary Wendeln, Mary Ellen Lacy and Diane Donoghue at the Washington celebration. holding up these life experiences of “the

people” and encouraging our leaders to put aside partisan politics and begin to represent the people at the grassroots, not just corporate interests. This is an almost overwhelming challenge, but we saw as the Nuns on the Bus traveled that there is a groundswell at the grassroots and people are demanding a more just and equitable world for all. And may the ears of all be open to hear, the hearts of all be receptive to the message, and the will of all be moved to change so that all on Earth may know the blessings of life.

S H ANE M Stephanie Niedringhaus is NETWORK’s Communications Coordinator. c CART HY

22 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org focus on the hill

Meanwhile, Back in Washington

By NETWORK Issue Staff

The federal budget was the big issue on (formerly known as food stamps). This of the tax cuts to expire—except for the the Nuns on the Bus tour. During the cut would result in up to three million low-income credit improvement. Ttour, two key Supreme Court decisions people being denied SNAP benefits, Lawmakers from both parties are also were also announced—on healthcare with another 500,000 SNAP participat- hoping for a broad structural overhaul and immigration. Here are Washington ing households losing $90 of the tax code in 2013. The updates for these three critically impor- a month in benefits, and House is also voting on leg- tant issue areas. 280,000 school-age children islation (H.R. 6169) that will no longer being eligible for instruct the Ways & Means Budget & Appropriations free school meals. The SNAP Committee to develop com- Congress is in recess August 6 to Sep- cuts would eliminate 19,000 prehensive legislation by next tember 6. Neither chamber will be in jobs and deprive low- April. Although tax reform is session for more than nine days in Sep- income of nearly needed, H.R. 6169 outlines tember, with the end of the fiscal year fast one billion meals. dangerous combinations of approaching. Although both chambers Another large difference lowered tax rates and elimina- have been working on FY 2013 appro- is the House’s $7.7 bil- tion of deductions and credits priations bills (the annual spending bills lion cuts in the Labor-HHS for low-income families. that finance operations of government bill. Given the vast differences between agencies), Congress appears unlikely House and Senate funding levels, agree- Misguided Fiscal Cliff to clear many bills before Election Day. ment on all individual appropriations The combination of tax and spend- This means, once again, moving into the bills is unlikely. Therefore, we expect ing changes, scheduled to take effect new fiscal year on a Continuing Resolu- passage of an “omnibus” bill containing in January 2013, would produce what tion—extending current funding levels many individual appropriations. many refer to as a “fiscal cliff.” How- for some period of time. ever, numerous economists believe Final agreement between the House Taxes there would be more and Senate has been delayed because The Senate passed a tax bill similar of a “slide,” providing their committees are working under dif- to the one President Obama has been time to adapt to current ferent appropriations caps. The Senate promoting. This means anyone with an law, thus avoiding a adheres to the Budget Control Act cap income will continue to get a tax cut, renewed recession. The ($1.047 trillion for FY 2013), passed including millionaires (who get it on “fear factor” is being last August while House members work their first $250,000 in income). The Sen- publicized to justify under a $28-billion lower cap. More- ate bill also continues low-income tax massive cuts to govern- over, the House budget resolution calls credit improvements enacted in 2009, to ment spending (as in for an $8.1 billion increase prevent low-income work- “sequestration”—money being taken for Defense. In order to allo- ers with children from see- away from affected federal agencies) cate this additional money, ing a large increase in their while continuing to exempt the wealthi- the House has designed taxes. est from paying previous levels of taxes. deeper cuts in non-defense The House GOP plan August is an important month for spending programs, which (H.R. 8) takes away credits NETWORK activists. District office vis- disproportionately harm low- for low-income families, but its and attending town hall meetings are income working families and gives LARGER tax breaks to two of many ways to stay informed and seniors. the wealthiest estate heirs, active. One egregious example is and is expected to pass! the House Agriculture Com- Indeed, many Republicans Immigration mittee bill that contains a in the House and Senate On June 16, President Obama $16.5 billion cut to SNAP have opposed allowing any announced the Department of Home-

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focus on the hill

land Security would no lon- stitutional. The remain- requirement for states to expand their ger deport undocumented ing provision, Section Medicaid programs to include those immigrants under age 30 2B, requires local police with incomes up to 133% of the federal who arrived in the U.S. as to ask for proof of immi- poverty line is now optional. NETWORK children (before age 16). gration status whenever firmly believes that states should move In addition, they must also they have “reasonable beyond politics and ensure poor people meet one of these criteria: suspicion” that a person have access to the healthcare they need. resided in the U.S. for at least five years, is undocumented. This will affect all Six million young adults have already graduated from high school, attained Americans as it takes time and resources benefitted from this law and those with their GED, or served in the military. away from police in order to fulfill this preexisting conditions cannot be denied Those qualifying can apply for requirement. coverage. The act also does not provide deferred action for two years and are NETWORK firmly believes that these federal funding for abortion as enforced able to apply for a work permit. This is actions show the pressing need through the Hyde Amend- not the DREAM Act because it does not for Congress to establish a ment and affirmed in a ruling provide a pathway to citizenship. How- working immigration system by Federal Judge Timothy ever, in a gridlocked political climate, for our country. Black. As Catholics who removing the deportation fear is a major believe healthcare access is step for DREAMers. We must continue Healthcare a human right, it is now our to advocate for passage of the DREAM In a greatly anticipated rul- responsibility to ensure full Act. ing, the Supreme Court upheld implementation of the law On June 25, the Supreme Court ruled most of the Affordable Care Act to ensure the undeniable that three of four provisions in Arizona’s on June 28. While the individu- moral imperative to guaran- SB 1070 immigration law were uncon- al mandate was kept intact, the tee healthcare for all.

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24 Connection Third Quarter 2012 www.networklobby.org