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A Banner Day for the Sisters

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VisionVision VOLUME 13, ISSUE 2, Spring 2009 A Banner Day for the Sisters 2009 arch 17th is always a special day Patrick’s Cathedral to join other Sisters marks the in New York City. That’s because and Associates gathered there for the the world’s largest and oldest 8:30am Liturgy, where Edward Cardinal 200th anniversary M St. Patrick’s Day parade is held here. This Egan was the principal celebrant. After of the founding year the day had extra significance for the Mass, it was down to 44th Street where of the Sisters of Charity of New York because the Sisters of Charity contingent formed Sisters of Charity the 248th parade was dedicated to them in and awaited the call to march up Fifth by recognition of their “200 years of dedicated Avenue at 11am. St. Elizabeth service to the Poor of New York City.” The parade was broadcast by WNBC- Ann Seton It was a full day that started for Sr. TV New York, Channel 4. It could also be Dorothy Metz, President, and Sr. Donna viewed online from the parade’s official Dodge, Assistant to the President, with site. During the day, Sr. Dorothy and others 7am breakfast with NYC’s Mayor Michael in the Congregation were interviewed by Bloomberg. Then they dashed to St. various TV outlets. (continued on page 8) In this issue: • A Memorable March • Final Vows • Spiritual Ministries • Volunteering This was the first parade in which the Sisters marched in their own Congregational contingent. Three teams of Sisters took turns carrying the 10-foot wide banner. Here, Sisters Carol Barnes, Mary Ann Daly, Kathleen Byrnes and Karen Helfenstein take the first shift. They were succeeded by Sisters Sheila Brosnan, Kathleen McHugh, Regina Murphy and Eileen P. Walsh; and, in the final stretch,caption by Sisters Andrea Dixon, Vivienne Joyce, Frances Keegan and Florence Speth. Letter From the President Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends, “Everybody loves a parade” and that refrain was never truer than it was on this St. Patrick’s Day in New York City. When I wrote to the Official Parade Committee requesting permission to join this year’s march as a way of celebrating the Bicentennial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s founding of the Sisters of Charity in North America, their response was immediate. They met and decided unanimously to dedicate the Parade to the Sisters of Charity to honor and recognize the Congregation’s great service to the Church and the people of this continent. We soon found out we had quite a bit to learn about parades, but once we mastered Parades 101 we were ready to go. We – Sisters of Charity of New York and our Associates – were joined by Federation members, colleagues from our sponsored works, friends and family members. Marching with such a wonderful contingent gave us a strong feeling of support and solidarity. I was totally surprised by the enormity of the expressions of gratitude from the crowds all along the Parade route. Many called out the names of the schools they attended or Sisters who taught them. Some expressed gratitude for children they had adopted from The New York Foundling. In some ways, it was like stepping into the shoes of the 4,000 plus Sisters of Charity who ever ministered in the 285 schools, hospitals and child care institutions we staffed throughout our history. The many “thank-yous” we heard were for all those Sisters. As the saying goes, we knew “we were standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.” It was very humbling for me personally, but also a source of great pride as I reflected on our long history and the wonderful women whose heritage we continue. During these difficult economic times, the Parade was a reminder that we are on a journey together, not alone. God was an active presence as we marched and surely St. Patrick marched proudly with us. Sincerely in Christ, Sister Dorothy Metz, SC President Vision enables the Sisters of Charity of New York to make a cohesive statement about how they reveal God’s love in their lives and the many and varied ways in which they respond to the signs of the times. Advisory Board Contributors Sr. Regina Bechtle Sr. Regina Bechtle William Hurley Sr. Donna Dodge Sr. Constance Brennan Sr. Mary E. Mc Cormick Sr. Mary Gallagher Sr. Alice Darragh Sr. A. Jean Iannone William Hurley, Associate Sr. Dorothy Gallant Sr. Eileen Regina Leonard Sr. Mary E. Mc Cormick Christine Haggerty Sr. Eileen McGrory Sr. Patricia McGowan Sr. Jane Iannucelli Sr. Ellen Rose O’Connell Editor Designer/Printer Christine Haggerty Jill Cuddire / Rose Press Inc. Articles without bylines were written by Christine Haggerty. Article contributions to this publication are welcome; however, all submissions are subject to editorial and space constraints. See back page for our mailing address. 2 • Sisters of Charity of New York • Living Lives of Love Spring Benefit Helps Multiple Ministries e hope you will be able to join us at our Annual Spring Benefit. It’s on Thursday, May 7th at the W Yale Club by Grand Central Station. Proceeds of the evening will go to the six ministries in the Congregation’s Charity Response Team (CRT) whose goals are to improve the lives of the homeless, new immigrants and women in need. You can learn more about the CRT ministries online at www.scny.org/socialservices.html The featured guest speaker at this year’s event will be Fr. James Martin, SJ. He is Culture Editor of America, the national Catholic weekly magazine, and is also the author of several books, including My Life with the Saints which received a 2006 Christopher Award and was also named one of the “Best Books” of 2006 by Publishers Weekly. Our first Benefit last year was a delightful evening of Those who attended our first Spring Benefit last year found it good company, delicious food and wonderful silent auction an enjoyable experience, including the Houlihans, who had items – trips, autographed books, jewelry, tickets to sporting winning bids on several fine silent auction items. events and Broadway shows, and more. We were thrilled From the left: Gerry Houlihan, Maureen Doran Houlihan, to exceed our target goal then and hope to do so again this Mark Houlihan, Dr. Anna Filipkowski Houlihan, and, in the year. We hope you’ll be able to join us in this good cause. background, Kate Houlihan. For more information, contact Bill Hurley, Development Kate’s daughter, Rita, is on the planning committee again for this year’s Benefit, so it’s sure to be another successful and Director, at 718-549-9200 x 234 or [email protected] ■ memorable evening. LEFSA Proves a Lifesaver r. Dorothy Gallant co-founded and directs the futures that did not include being homeless. Gradually, Life Experience and Faith Sharing Association. my confidence and hope in a better life were restored. It SLEFSA is a unique city-wide program that fills a was a happy day when I moved into my own apartment, critical void for those in city shelters by creating faith which LEFSA helped me find and furnish with basics. communities among the homeless. It is one of the CRT As a new mother, I needed help adjusting to all ministries that will be helped by the proceeds from the the new responsibilities in my life. I continued my Spring Benefit. Here is one example of how LEFSA connection with LEFSA and went to the monthly made a difference to Janet (not her real name). women’s group meetings and leadership study days. My daughter came with me and became a part of the Janet’s story LEFSA family. When life became too overwhelming, I Several years ago, I arrived at Life Experience and always got the encouragement to press on. I was able to Faith Sharing Association, homeless and pregnant. Sr. raise my daughter, who is now in a Catholic HS. When Dorothy befriended me during that time when my life she needs to talk with someone other than me about her seemed to be falling apart. She encouraged me to get troubles, she calls Sr. Dorothy and shares what is in her medical care and pregnancy counseling. heart. She gets some counseling and assurance of her I began participating in the Life and Faith Sharing own goodness. Community gatherings in the shelter and met other Today, I thank God that I am gainfully employed. women who were struggling. We grew together in the I am grateful to LEFSA, which is always there with knowledge that God is walking with us and loving us support, encouragement and care. LEFSA helped turn no matter what our situation is. We addressed goals for my life around. ■ Vision • Spring 2009 • 3 The Congregation is offering the 2nd year of its Charity in the This year’s program runs May 29 - June 12 in NYC and City service program. This two-week volunteer option offers environs. No experience needed, just a desire to help and young women 18-25 years of age a chance to live and work a willingness to live simply. Apply by May 12. Details & with the Sisters and their associates in their ministries to the application online at www.scny.org poor – especially women and children, new immigrants and For more information, contact Sr. Mary Katherine Hamm the homeless. The volunteers get plenty of chances to visit at 718.549.9200 x 264 or [email protected] ■ NYC’s tourist sites, too. Volunteers Get More The Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center and the John A. Than They Give Coleman School, with campuses in Manhattan and White Plains, have special need for volunteers to the staff in its by Sr.
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