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Family: The Heart of Our Mission Sisters of the of Nazareth Nazareth Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012

Congratulations,Connections Sr. Barbara Jean and new leadership team Within days of her election as provincial , ministering 2013–2019, Sr. Barbara Jean Wojnicki was en with our route to Zdzary, Poland, for the CSFNs’ annual sisters in the international planning meeting. The CSFNs have Philippines. a and retreat house in Zdzary. Over the years, she “Although the International Planning meeting in has been Zdzary was intense,” Sr. Barbara Jean says, “I involved with found the discussions to be informative, thought- formation provoking and mission-oriented. We all came activities for from diverse circumstances and cultures, but our sisters as the spirit among all those present was deeply well as for lay rooted in our charism and mission. It was truly a ministers in blessing to be a part of this meeting.” the Other members of the new leadership team, of Allentown, elected in late August, are: PA, where she • Sr. Catherine Fedewa, assistant provincial; also served Election gathering as a pastoral Members of the new leadership team • Sr. Kathleen Ann Stadler, provincial secretary/ associate. gather shortly after their election by the councilor; She helped 2012 : Srs. Barbara Jean Wojnicki, Rita Fanning, Michele Vincent Fisher • Sr. Teresa Mika, provincial treasurer/councilor; establish two and Catherine Fedewa. Not shown: Srs. • Sr. Michele Vincent Fisher, provincial councilor, groups of the Kathleen Ann Stadler and Teresa Mika. Association • Sr. Rita Fanning, CSFN, provincial councilor. of the Holy Family and has worked with other • Sr. Barbara Jean and the council-elect will be groups in the Association. She was a member installed at a special liturgy on Jan. 5, 2013. of the 2012 Chapter Steering Committee and a Sr. Barbara Jean, provincial-elect, a member delegate to this Chapter. of the community for 45 years, has served Sr. Catherine Fedewa, assistant provincial-elect, the past three years as director of , in community for 51 years, has served as the first in Grand Prairie, TX, and since 2010 executive director of the Community at Holy in Des Plaines. Previously, she taught Family Manor, Pittsburgh, for the past 2½ years. junior high school at Nazareth Academy Sr. Catherine taught junior high school for seven Grade School and St. Katherine years, was a DRE for 12 years and a pastoral of Siena Grade School, both in associate for five years, with most of her ministry Philadelphia, and was a in the Pittsburgh area. For the former St. Joseph director of religious education Province in Pittsburgh, she served as Provincial Inside This Issue (DRE) in Miami, FL. Sr. Barbara Secretary and later as Provincial Treasurer, as Jean also served 1½ years well as Vocation Director and Director. Letter from the Provincial ...... 2 Please see “Leadership” on page 3 Mission & ministry...... 3 New members ...... 5 We, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, are called to Vocations ...... 6–7 extend the Kingdom of God’s love among ourselves and others Around the Province ...... 4, 8–11, 16 by living the spirit of Jesus, Mary and Joseph whose lives were Calendar...... 9 centered in the love of God and one another. We witness Association of the Holy Family...... 10 to this love through dedicated service to the Church, Peace & Justice ...... 12 especially in ministry to the family. In Memoriam ...... 13–15 Development ...... 16–19 ­— CSFN Covenant of Love A message from the Provincial Superior: Let us remember to give thanks I write to you this season of He said: Be thankful for: thanksgiving with joy and gratitude! ... the mess to clean up after a party because it We all know the story of means that you have been surrounded by friends Thanksgiving. It was the autumn ... the taxes you have to pay because it means you of 1621. In Plymouth, MA, after have a job and you are employed a rich harvest, the men, women ... the clothes that fit a little too snugly because it and children who had survived means that you have had enough to eat Sr. Sally Marie Kiepura, CSFN the first year in the new world Provincial Superior gathered for a feast to offer thanks. ... the lawn that needs mowing, windows What was it like? I did a little that need cleaning, Googling and found that the menu for gutters than need fixing that first Thanksgiving had some surprises. It was not because it means you necessarily turkey and pumpkin pie. Historians think have a home they probably ate fowl and venison. The pilgrims didn’t ... the parking spot have forks, but used spoons and very likely ate with you find at the far end their hands. They didn’t have much sugar so sweets of the lot because it and desserts and even pumpkin pie were probably not means you are capable on the menu. Whatever it may have been, that meal of walking left us with an enduring tradition: a gathering around a table, giving thanks. For those pilgrims it was thanks for ... the big heating bill surviving in an uncertain and difficult new place. because it means you are warm Someone suggested we look at this differently. Maybe, ... the lady behind you he wrote, the pilgrims weren’t thankful because they in Church who sings off had survived. But, maybe they had survived because key because It means they were thankful! you can hear These were people who lived their lives in wonder and ... the piles of laundry hope, grateful for everything: the hard winds and and ironing because it deep snows ... the frightening evenings and hopeful means your loved ones mornings ... the long journey that had taken them to a are nearby new place. They knew how to express gratitude. ... the weariness and aching muscles at the end of Maybe that is what enabled the pilgrims to thrive and the day because it means you have been productive prosper: a humble appreciation for whatever God ... the alarm that goes off early in the morning gave them, trusting that He would give them what they because it means that you are still alive! would need.. May that spirit teach us something as Friends, let us remember what it is that we are thankful we endure our own hard winds and deep snows – the for and be men and women and children filled and over- storms of our own lives. flowing with joy and gratitude! And, may the blessings I would like to share with you Fr. Brian Joyce’s reminder of the Holy Family be yours today and every day – this about gratitude and giving thanks for the simple is my prayer for you. everyday things that we don’t notice.

You’re invited to pray the Holy Family Novena with the Sisters: Dec. 21–29 Since the 1989 Christmas season, friends of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth have been praying the special Holy Family Novena with the sisters for the nine days leading up to this feast on the Church calendar. This year’s feast falls on Sunday, Dec. 30. Today, the novena is prayed across the country in English, Spanish and Polish. Each day of the prayer focuses on a different aspect or form of family life, some of them non-traditional. “For all families… for new families… for families in pain… for persons without families… for our brothers and sisters throughout the world…” The novena can be found on our web site, www.nazarethcsfn.org. Copies in English, Polish and Spanish can be ordered through the web site.

Editor’s note: This column will return with our spring issue.

2 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Mission & Ministry

Sisters bid “Farewell” to Puerto Rican missions In mid-June, Sr. Sally Marie Kiepura, provincial superior, and Sr. Virginia Rozich, provincial councilor, joined Srs. Mary Ellen Gemmell and Teresita Morales on a farewell pilgrimage to the schools, parishes and missions in Puerto Rico where 72 of our sisters have served since 1944. Sr. Mary Ellen is the new principal at Nazareth Academy Grade School (NAGS), Philadelphia, and Sr. Teresita now resides at Mt. Nazareth, also working at the grade school. Their journey began in April when Sr. Sally Marie called Sr. Mary Ellen, asking her to become principal of NAGS. After some conversation, Sr. Mary Ellen’s response was, “Sister, I will do what the Community asks.” In the coming months, Srs. Mary Ellen and Teresita dealt with a mixture of sadness at leaving a beloved mission, concerns for their 1,250 students Recalling 72 years of service and their families, a sense of obedience to the Lord’s will and hope for the During their farewell pilgrimage to schools, parishes and missions served by the CSFNs over the past decades, the sisters and people shared school communities in both Puerto Rico and Philadelphia. many memories and good-byes. Here, sisters are greeted by one Alberto When Sr. Mary Ellen advised Msgr. Carlos Quintana, the and director of Maldonado, a security guard at a CSFN school in Puerto Rico. From left, Academia del Perpetuo Socorro, about her impending change of assignment, Srs. Teresita, Sally Marie and Mary Ellen. (Photo by Sr. Virginia Rozich) he expressed his concern regarding this change after only three years at the Carolina (1987-99); Colegio Nuestra Senora de Belen, Guaynabo (1999- school, yet advised Sr. Mary Ellen to “blossom where the Lord is calling you.” 2003); the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, where Sr. Mary She and Sr. Teresita were busy the rest of the spring with all the details Ellen served from 1999-2009; Colegio San Luis Rey, Rio Piedras (2003- associated with ending the longtime CSFN presence in Puerto Rico, 08); Colegio Corazon de Maria, Rio Piedras (2008-09), and Academia del finishing the school year, planning for the next academic year and Perpetuo Socorro, Miramar (2009-12). preparing to visit all the places our Sisters had served since 1944. “We were On the first day of their pilgrimage, the Sisters were hosted by Msgr. Quintana, able to speak with some school leaders who expressed their love, gratitude who invited them to a luncheon at his home. He gave them his blessing and and concern for the work of every Sister and who wished the Community a donation for the Sisters’ retirement fund. At every place of pilgrimage, Srs. the best in the future,” Sr. Mary Ellen recalled. Sally Marie and Virginia presented the leaders of each ministry (including The Sisters visited: Colegio Espiritu Santo, Hato Rey, (1944-88); Remanso Msgr. Quintana) a signed icon of the Foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Nazaret, Barrio Camarones, Guaynabo (1984-90); Academia del Carmen, Family of Nazareth, Bl. Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd. 9

Leadership (Continued from page 1) In addition to serving as a delegate to accounting from the University of Sr. Rita Fanning, councilor-elect, in the 2012 Province Chapter, she was a Texas at Arlington. She serves as an community for 34 years, has ministered delegate to several previous Province accountant for Mother Frances in education and social services Chapters and twice to the General Hospitals & Clinics in Tyler, TX. for much of that time. She taught Chapter in Rome. elementary school for 10 years in Sr. Michele Vincent Fisher, councilor- Sr. Kathleen Ann Stadler, secretary/ Baltimore, Philadelphia and Ardsley, elect, a member of the community for 23 PA, and taught religious education and councilor-elect, a community member years, has served as Vocation Director sacramental preparation for six years . for 53 years, has served in health care for the province since 2006. Previously, She was involved in social services for ministry, most recently as the executive she ministered with our sisters in Puerto children for 11 years, eventually serving director of Resurrection Retirement Rico; at St. Mary’s Villa in Ambler, PA; as CEO at St. Mary’s Villa for Children Community, Chicago. Previously, she at a parish in Hamburg, PA, and at St. and Families. She also served as CEO ministered for 33 years at St. Mary of Christopher Parish in Philadelphia. Sr. of Holy Family Institute in Emsworth, PA, Nazareth Hospital Center, Chicago. She Michele is a member of the National has served in a variety of leadership roles Religious Vocation Conference’s and currently ministers as a high school for our community over the years, including executive board and serves on two counselor at Nazareth Academy High the Provincial Policy Committee and the school boards in Philadelphia. Over School and as a counselor for children Nazareth Family Foundation Board. the years, Sr. Michele has helped plan and families. She was a member of the Sr. Teresa Mika, treasurer/councilor- province assemblies and been a delegate Steering Committee and a delegate to elect, has been in the community for to General and Provincial chapters. She the 2012 Province Chapter. 26 years, entering in Warsaw, Poland, was a member of the Steering Committee and transferring to the U.S. in 1996. for and a delegate to the 2012 Province Please visit us on the web and watch for a special Since then, she has earned associate’s, Chapter. She also is active with the issue in January 2013, featuring photos and stories bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Association of the Holy Family. from the installation of the new leadership.

Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 3 Around the Province

Midsummer, early fall jubilee celebrations Editor’s note: Our summer issue traditionally features profile stories about CSFN jubilarians celebrating 25-, 50- and 75-year anniversaries with the Congregation. It also includes photos from some of the local celebrations. Here we feature jubilee celebrations from mid-summer and early fall in Pittsburgh, left, and Grand Prairie, TX, below right.

Pittsburgh sisters mark jubilees Family, friends and fellow sisters numbering about 200 people joined three of our sisters as they celebrated their jubilees at Mt. Nazareth in Pittsburgh. Shown at left are Sr. Cynthia Meyer, 50 years; Sr. Floretta Krakowski, 75 years; Sr. Maria Kruszewski, area councilor, and Sr. Rebecca Sullivan, 25 years. Sr. Cynthia is the executive director of St. Yellow roses for Texas jubilees Leonard’s Home in Hollidaysburg, PA, and Sr. Rebecca is the province While the silver jubilarians wore white roses, the theme seemed to be archivist in Des Plaines, IL. Sr. Floretta resides at Holy Family Manor, yellow roses of Texas for the 2012 jubilee celebration in Grand Prairie, Pittsburgh. Fr. David Moczulski, OFM, was the celebrant and Srs. TX. Left to right, top photos: Srs. Marietta Osinska (25), Corona Virginette Rypniewski and Danielle Jacob provided the instrumental Molenda (70) and Mary Paul Haase (25). Bottom: Sr. Corona lends a music for the . (Photo by Sr. Thea Krause) helping hand with the cutting of the cake. (Photos by Candice Chase)

CSFNs support

in western PA

Ten CSFNs and guests recently attended “Setting a Place for my Sister,” the annual breakfast fundraiser for Sisters Place near Pittsburgh. Attending were Srs. Maria Kruszewski, Florence Klaniecki, Florence Pawlicki, Catherine Fedewa, Noemi Tereszkiewicz, Geraldine Wodarczyk and Celeste Hupert along with CSFN Associate Jean Gasior and her daughter, and Michael Cavanaugh, another associate and a CSFN volunteer. The CSFNs are one of 14 religious communities in Western Pennsylvania that support Back-up for Barbra! Sisters Place, which provides housing and support Sr. Danielle Jacob, left, was part of the Chicago Christian Choir that sang back-up services for single parents and their children in for Barbra Streisand’s sold-out show Oct. 26 in Chicago. The multi-cultural choir apartment units in Clairton, PA. This year, Sisters performed “Make Our Garden Grow” with Ms. Streisand. The song is from Candide Place is supporting 32 families. by Leonard Bernstein. With Sr. Danielle are Charlotte and Jennifer Schiller.

4 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 New Members

Sr. Maria Sophia professes 1st vows in Philadelphia Her journey from ‘undercover ’ in 2005 to temporary professed today

Sr. Maria Sophia Gerlach describes her vocation journey as “a series of snapshots” that captured special moments from grammar school to the present day. Most telling, perhaps, was the time in 2005 when a fellow teacher, a Sister of St. Joseph, came to her with this message: “The sophomores have asked me a question — ‘Is Miss Gerlach an undercover nun?’” Variations of that question had surfaced over the years. To further explore this persistent question, Maria Sophia sought to do some volunteer work and travel as well. After two years of teaching in the Boston area, she reconnected with the CSFNs who taught her in Philadelphia. Having studied Polish in high school at Nazareth Academy, she moved to Poland for three months, staying with the CSFNs in Łuków. It was a time of deep prayer. In the end, Maria returned to Philadelphia, working at her alma mater, Nazareth Academy High School. She became an affiliate in January 2009, was accepted as a postulant one year later, and was invested as a on Aug. 22, 2010. On Aug. 11, 2012, she professed temporary vows in the chapel at Nazareth Academy. After a few days of vacation, Sr. Maria Sophia returned to Des Plaines, IL. Now residing at the Provincialate, she began teaching at St. Viator High Sr. Maria Sophia receives her veil School, Arlington Heights, IL, in mid-August. Sr. Sally Marie Kiepura presents the black veil to Sr. Maria Sophia while Sr. Barbara Jean Wojnicki, A longer story and more photos are posted on our web site, www.nazarethcsfn.org. director of novices, observes. (Photo by Sr. Danielle Jacob) Video from Aug. 11 can be found on our YouTube channel.

“It’s all God’s mercy and Grace”

Nicole Ferko (now Sr. Faustina) first encountered the CSFNs in high school. She met Sr. Trina Marie Ulrich in Erie, PA, when Nicole was 15. Sr. Trina Marie was on an apostolic visit to Nicole’s parish; the two discussed vocations. Some years later, on a college pilgrimage to Rome in 2000, Nicole found herself in St. Peter’s Square during the of the CSFN martyrs (Sr. Stella and her 10 Companions) and “I was in awe of their sacrifice. There was a sea of sisters outside St. Peter’s. I told one of my friends that I wanted to be a sister.” Fast forward another few years, and Nicole again encounters Sr. Trina Marie, this time on a plane ride home after interviewing for a youth ministry job at a Texas parish. “She told me, ‘You know, we have a convent in Grand Prairie, just 20 minutes from your new parish’” in Duncansville, TX. Nicole received the job Congratulations! offer. On moving to Texas, she contacted Sr. Mary Paul Haase in Grand Prairie, Sisters in Grand Prairie, TX, are all smiles as they join new CSFN novice and the conversation continued. Sr. Faustina (Nicole) Ferko following her June 30 acceptance in the CSFN In 2007, Nicole participated in a “Come & See Day” at Grand Prairie and talked . First row, Srs. Honesta Pozdol, Lillianne Murzyn and Adria Wijas. Back row: Srs. Corona Molenda and Malgorzata Majszczyk join Sr. with Sr. Michele Vincent Fisher, national vocation director. “I really felt strongly Faustina. (Photo by Toni Garrett, CSFN affiliate) that I was being called to this community.” After two periods as an affiliate, Nicole was accepted as a postulant in January 2011. May 20 was her last day as the youth minister at Holy Spirit Parish. “It was hard; I loved them and they loved me.” The six weeks before her June 30 acceptance into the novitiate “was like a slow death, but in a good way,” she said. “That’s who Nicole was, and this was a period of letting go and being open to God.” She had been praying over possibly changing her name when she became a novice. “It was only the month before that ‘Faustina’ came to light. The more I thought about divine mercy and grace, the more I realized ...that I would not be here except for the grace and mercy of God. So for me, it was the perfect name.” 9

On July 1, the new Sr. Faustina moved to the Des Plaines, IL, novitiate.

Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 5 Vocations

Crew change High school participants in the CSFNs’ 2012 summer CREW program show off some of their handiwork in Camden, NJ. The mural is part of a new fence being installed outside a dump area in the city. This year’s CREW (Community Rocks Everyone’s World) drew enthusiastic high school students to CSFN in Philadelphia for a week of service, discernment and “fun with the .” (Photo by Becca Gutherman — CREW alumna and college aide) The Ghana-to-Grand-Prairie connection At left, participants in the August Discernment Weekend and the Come & See day for high school students were able to connect with CSFN sisters beginning their mission in Ghana — from the library at Jesus the Good Shepherd Convent in Grand Prairie, TX, courtesy of Skype.

Welcome, Sheila! At right, Sr. Virginia Rozich welcomes Sheila Cigich, the newest CSFN affiliate, on Sept. 8 in Philadelphia. A native of Pennsauken, NJ, Sheila lived most recently in Boise, ID, and recently spent a year teaching in an international school in Germany. While there, she visited our sisters in Paris, Rome and Warsaw. More recently, she spent time with sisters in Philadelphia, Monroe and Pittsburgh. Sheila has two daughters (in Germany and Seattle, WA), a son (Boise) and five grandsons. She is teaching first grade at St. Katherine of Siena School in Philadelphia and residing at Infant Jesus Convent. (Photo by Sr. Marcelina Mikulska)

6 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Vocations

Discernment days across the Province This summer, two women in the discernment process spent time at CSFN convents in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Altoona, PA, as well as in Monroe, CT. Sheila Cigich and Barbara Alexander ‘met’ the CSFNs through very 21st-century methods: Sheila connected through the CSFN website, and Barbara through the VISION Vocation Match on-line questionnaire. All parties used Skype as a means of frequent communication, as neither Sheila nor Barbara lived close to a local community of CSFNs. Sheila and Barbara visited with many sisters during their time in Pittsburgh, including those at Holy Family Manor, the communities at the Mount, Holy Spirit Convent, Patronage of St. Joseph, and St. Bartholomew Parish in Penn Hills, among others. Far right: Barbara Alexander lights a candle at St. Byzantine , one of two Byzantine Catholic parishes in Pittsburgh where Sr. Celeste Hupert serves as a pastoral assistant. At right: Sr. Celeste pauses with Sheila Cigich during their visit to St. John’s.

Sr. Michele Vincent Fisher is an active member of the NRVC board

Sr. Michele Vincent Fisher, national vocation director for the CSFNs, recently began the second year of her three-year term on the executive board of the National Religious Vocations Conference (NRVC). It has an annual membership of more than 1,300 women and men, most of whom are vocation ministers for religious congregations. Here, Sr. Michele (second from left) and her fellow board members visit the U.S. Capitol during their fall meeting in Bethesda, MD.

In early November, Sr. Michele participated in the NRVC’s annual convocation in Plano, TX (Vocation Ministers as Ambassadors for Christ: A Reconciling Presence). From there, she traveled to Grand Prairie, TX, where the CSFNs hosted a vocation discernment weekend for young adult women. (NRVC photo)

Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 7 Around the Province

Sr. Julianna Tran spends 2nd summer in support role for Xuan Loc Project Sr. Julianna Tran continues her administrative support role with Holy Family University’s Xuan Loc Project, an effort to teach English to seminarians studying to become in Xuan Loc, Vietnam’s largest Catholic diocese. The program provides a mix of on-line instruction during the regular academic year, with four weeks of face-to-face instruction each summer. For the 2012-13 academic year, 150 seminarians are participating. While her work with the program is not part of her work towards her master’s in TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Dog days at the seminary Other Languages), Sr. Julianna notes, “I have gained valuable, practical experience through this work in These 4-legged seminary residents wait patiently while language teachers share lunch during the summer session at St. Joseph Seminary in Xuan Vietnam.” She is slated to complete work towards Loc, Vietnam. Center, Sr. Julianna Tran, then clockwise: Sr. Deirdre O’Brien her master’s degree from Holy Family University in the of another congregation (partly hidden), Manju, Ying, Angela and Dawn. summer of 2014. She expects to return to Vietnam next Xuan Loc is 80 miles north of Ho Chi Minh City (the former Saigon). summer with the TESOL program at the seminary.

Family visit Sr. Julianna, center, with her father Tran A round of applause for the teachers Chinh and her sister, Monica, a member Seminary students at St. Joseph Seminary, Xuan Loc, Vietnam, welcome four of their English of another religious community, at the teachers at the start of the summer session. family home in Vietnam.

Futures Planning effort brings Stewardship Committee to Provincialate Sisters on the Stewardship Committee met at the Provincialate in Des Plaines, IL, Sept. 14-16 to finalize the goals, objectives, and action plans for the Stewardship section of the Futures Plan. Checking out components of their work are, left to right, Srs. Michaeline Kwit, Chicago; Marita Ruppe (Chair), Monroe, CT; Clare Marie Kozicki, Des Plaines; Danielle Jacob, Des Plaines; Josita Churla, Philadelphia, and Teresa Mika, Tyler, TX. The sisters are very excited about the work of the committee and their plans for implementation. Please see related story on p. 12. (Photo by Judy Horak)

8 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Around the Province

Calendar Events around the Province Vocations Nov. 9–11 Discernment Weekend For women age 18 + older Grand Prairie, TX

Nov. 10 Come & See Day For high school students Grand Prairie, TX Special Events Nov. 4 Family Day, Philadelphia Dec. 19, 6:30 pm Christmas Sing-Along & Pot-luck supper, A visible sign of gratitude Jesus the Good Shepherd This framed print of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Healing Convent, Grand Prairie, TX Garden and the “Circle of Love” statue was given to Sr. Info: 972-641-4496 (convent) Sally Marie Kiepura on July 27. AOC Chancellor Jimmy Lago or D. Streeter, 972-647-1489 presented Sr. Sally with this gift to Holy Family Province in Jan. 25, 2013 CSFN Social, Philadelphia gratitude and recognition for the Province’s gift of the “Circle of Love” statue to the Archdiocese. In 2011, the Province provdided the funds for the bronze sculpture, depicting the Holy Family in a joyful moment, to the Archdiocese as part of the Province Special Dates celebration of the CSFNs’ 125 years of mission and ministry in the U.S. (Photo by Judith Horak) Nov. 12 Birth of Frances Siedliska, CSFN Foundress, in 1842 in Roszkowa Wola, Poland Sr. Maureen McGarrity attends Brazil conference Participates in panel on educational approach of religious orders Nov. 21 Feastday of Bl. Mary of Sr. Maureen McGarrity, PhD, Provost of Holy Family University, represented HFU at the 24th Jesus the Good Shepherd General Assembly of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) in Sao (Frances Siedliska), CSFN Paulo, Brazil, over the summer. Foundress (Anniversary of her death in 1902 in Rome) Sr. Maureen was among 300 representatives from 200 universities across the globe. She served on the panel, “Educational Approaches of the Religious Orders Working in Higher Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Day Education,” with panelists from France, Brazil, Japan, India, Lebanon, Colombia and the U.S. IFCU has members from North and South America, Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe. Visit Dec. 2 First Sunday in Advent; the web for more on the conference. celebration of the anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (CSFN) in Rome, 1875 Dec. 21– Dec. 29 Holy Family Novena

Dec. 25 Christmas

Dec. 30 Feast of the Holy Family

Jan. 1, 2013 Mary, Mother of God New Year’s Day

Jan. 5, 2013 Installation of the new Provincial Administration Des Plaines, IL “Let us raise our voices in prayer” Mark your calendars! Sr. Maureen McGarrity was one of several IFCU delegates invited to lead Gathering at the table of the Lord the opening prayer service on July 24. Participants in the IFCU assembly gather for Mass.

Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 9 Around the Province: Association of the Holy Family

Association of the Holy Family inducts four new members The Chicago chapter of the Association of the Holy Family recently inducted four new members. In the photo at left, Sr. Sally Marie Kiepura, provincial superior, invites Jean Wesolowski to sign the AHF covenant. Above right, Sr. Barbara Jean Wojnicki, the AHF coordinator, welcomes the new members on Sept. 16 at the Provincialate in Des Plaines, IL. From left to right, the new members are Jay Corr, Mary Scully, Geraldine Hoss and Jean Wesolowski. (Photos by Sr. Angela Szczawinska)

Gathering of wise women Sr. Eileen Therese Przybylowski (front row- center) recently led a retreat day on the “Wisdom of Believing Women” for members of the Association of the Holy Family’s Infant Jesus group in Philadelphia. They were joined by associates from the St. John’s group, Bridesburg, led by Sr. Rita Partyka (far left). The retreat day was designed to introduce the associates to the Year of Faith declared by Benedict XVI. After Mass, the group was invited to join the reception and luncheon for new affiliate, Sheila Cigich. (Photo by Sr. Marcelina Mikulska)

An invitation to “rest in your spaciousness” On Aug. 17, sisters gathered to dedicate the new prayer garden in the ‘backyard’of the Provincialate. Rev. Charles Schlax led the prayers, asking the Spirit of Life to “bless this place with your quiet rhythm, calm us back to our center…” Materials and labor for the prayer garden were donated by friends of the Province. (Photo by Sr. Danielle Jacob)

1014 VolumeVolume 66 •• NumberNumber 23 •• SummerAutumn 20122012 Around the Province

Going once, going twice...Sisters prove to be popular ‘auction items’ The culinary team of Srs. Mary Joan Jacobs and Mary McDevitt are all smiles during the annual Blue & Gold Auction for Nazareth Academy High School, Philadelphia. Two of the top auction items were “Dinner with Sr. Mary Joan,” who promised to create an Italian feast for 10 in the winner’s home, and the “White Glove Lunch,” with Sr. Mary Joan and some assistants serving a student’s lunch table “a delectable array of entrees and treats to enjoy with first-class service!”

Above, Sr. Mary Anthony Lovezzola joins some of the student ushers at the event which drew 260 guests. (NAHS photos)

‘Nothing but net’ for these sisters at St. Viator service project

Pumpkins + firefighters spell ‘O-c-t-o-b-e-r’ Changing habits? The youngsters at Mt. Nazareth Learning Center, teachers and a few parent chaperones enjoyed a trip on Oct. 11 to the Pumpkin Patch at Are these sisters trading in their veils for hairnets? Only for a few hours. Reilly’s Farm near Pittsburgh. The next day, as part of National Fire On Saturday, Sept. 29, Srs. Michael Marie Franzak, center, and Gabriela Prevention Month (October), the children enjoyed a visit from the Quaill Duszynska, right, joined Sr. Maria Sophia Gerlach, teacher at St. Viator Fire Department, part of the Ross Township system. Firefighters showed High School, for the school’s Family Service Day. They worked with off their equipment to the fascinated preschoolers. Children, staff and students from the Arlington Heights, IL, high school and their families, parents were wowed when the fire company raised its ladder, then spun packing food for children in need from around the world. They volunteered it around in a complete circle. at Feed My Starving Children's facility in Schaumburg, IL. The sisters joined approximately 272 others at work throughout the day, helping to Above: Sr. Antonina Gadacz joins three children showing off their feed 195 children in Swaziland for an entire year. (St. Viator HS photo) pumpkin wares. (CSFN photo)

VolumeVolume 66 •• NumberNumber 23 •• SummerAutumn 20122012 VolumeVolume 66 •• NumberNumber 23 •• SummerAutumn 20122012 1511 Peace & Justice

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (CSFN) are one of the 55 communites of women religious that co-sponsor the monthly electronic newsletter, Stop Trafficking. The Stop Trafficking newsletter, hosted by the STOP ENSLAVEMENT web domain, serves as a forum for exchange among religious congregations and their collaborating organization. Here’s the link to the current issue of the newsletter: www.stopenslavement.org Recent issues have focused on overseas slave labor and U.S. business, child slavery in th U.S., and government data on human trafficking. Personal check-list for sustainability of the earth The CSFN Stewardship Committee, Your Transportation o Insulate your water pipes organized as part of the Province’s o Use a bicycle to get to work every day (both hot and cold) Futures Planning initative, included a o  o Take shorter showers, not baths focus on “sustainability of the earth” Walk to work o  when developing its stewardship o Think twice about your next Turn the water off when you recommendations for CSFN properties. trip with your car brush your teeth One component was a check-ist o Buy a smaller, more fuel-efficient car o Check your water meter – if it provided to local communities and o Buy a hybrid auto moves when no water is being facilities managers to evaluate and used, you have a leak implement cost-effective maintenance Your Gardening Habits o Stop using your garbage disposal unit of properties in line with sustainability of o Plant a vegetable garden o  the earth. The Stewardship and Peace Look for water leaks on outside taps o Replace your lawn with native plants & Justice committees are pleased to o Use full loads for clothes washers share that checklist with our readers. o Stop using pesticides and dishwashers o Use a manual grass mower Your Home o Do not run the water as you wash o Share plants with neighbors dishes; use a second sink or rack o Use renewable electricity suppliers o  (such as Bullfrog Power) Plant a tree o Water your lawn less frequently, but with a bit more water o Use timers on lights Your Cleaning/Clothing Habits o Water your lawn or flowers o Use timers on appliances that require a o  Use a clothes line in the morning bit of a power-up before use o Choose clothes that are not synthetic (e.g. TV with a guide) o Use mulch around trees or shrubs o Use vinegar as a fabric softener o Change your light bulbs to compact o Wash your car at home with a bucket o  fluorescents (CFLs) Use a phosphate-free dish soap o Sweep your driveway, instead of and detergent o Turn off lights as you leave rooms hosing it down o Install a green roof Your Heating Habits Your Eating/Cooking Habits o Install an on-demand water heater Your Waste and Recycling Efforts o Eat out less o Limit your garbage to one bag of o Replace your furnace with a high efficiency furnace o When you do eat out, take home less than 7.5 pounds per person as much compostable material as per week in your household o Install more ceiling fans possible o Recycle all your paper, plastic and o Install a programmable thermostat o  glass as possible Choose eco-friendly restaurants Water o Use an artificial or a potted o Choose organic food o Use aerators on your taps Christmas tree o Use food that is "locally grown" o o Buy your real Christmas tree from Install a low flush toilet (within 100 miles) o Use a rain barrel a certified Christmas tree farm o Use appropriately sized appliances o Compost as much kitchen waste o Stop using bottled water to cook as possible o Use a low-flow shower head o Eat less meat and dairy o Put a bottle of sand in your toilet Your Your Leisure Habits o Buy fair trade coffee o Subscribe to on-line magazines tank to reduce the water used o Eat more raw vegetables and newspapers o Repair any leaks quickly

12 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 In Memoriam

Sr. M. Margaret (Marcella) Langsett Nov. 21, 1930 – Sept. 7, 2012 Sr. Margaret (Marcella) Langsett, CSFN, 81, and a member education from the University of St. Thomas of Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (CSFN) for 65 in Houston. She conducted adult teacher years, died Sept. 6 at the convent of Jesus the Good training courses for the Diocese of Dallas Shepherd in Grand Prairie, TX. (1971-74) and worked in the Pastoral Care A Chicago native, Marcella and her siblings lived with their Department at Bethany Hospital, Wichita Falls, for 10 years. father after the parents divorced, eventually settling in Spokane, WA, when she was 4½. We “were raised in a After earning her CPE (Chaplaincy Pastoral Education) loving but nonreligious environment.” certification, Sr. Margaret was assigned as director of pastoral care at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Marcella discovered God when she was 9 and the Catholic TX, a role that gave her great joy. Soon, she was asked Church at age 12. In Chicago with her younger to return to the Provincialate in Grand Prairie as assistant for a visit to their mother, a lapsed Catholic, Sr. Margaret provincial superior and provincial secretary. She also visited St. Josaphat Church. It was her first time in a served in other full- and part-time leadership roles for the Catholic church and “changed my life completely,” she CSFNs. From 1998-2008, Sr. Margaret was the part-time later reported. St. Josaphat was the first American parish associate vocations director for the Diocese of Dallas. served by the CSFNs, and it was there “that my journey towards Nazareth began…I felt deep in my heart that this In 2005, Sr. Margaret was first diagnosed with cancer. was where I belonged and fell in love with the Blessed During her many visits to doctors and radiation centers, she Mother who became my mother.” continued her ministry to the sick through her joyful faith. Radiation treatments, she joked, meant that she glowed She met the sisters when her mother enrolled the two in the dark. Soon she was using a scooter to get around children in the parish school. Before graduating from the convent, giving rides to children who visited. She loved St. Josaphat in May 1945, Marcella made her first Holy nature and considered it part of her therapy. She often Communion. Next, she made arrangements to enroll as introduced herself as the “Fun Nun from the God Squad.” a CSFN aspirant at Holy Family Academy, Chicago, without In April 2010, she wrote in her autobiography: “when you the knowledge of her parents. “It had to be God’s special read this, I want you to concentrate on how God’s loving, calling, his special grace which sustained me during this forgiving and compassionate care for me has been the difficult time,” Sr. Margaret recalled. result of an unbelievable journey. He chose to guide and Over the decades, Sr. Margaret served in teaching, direct me from the age of 9 when I discovered that he made chaplaincy and formation ministries in Wichita Falls, Grand me and (I) went in search of him. I have found that God Prairie and Tyler, TX. The first graduate from the University who loved me so much that he made me. I have truly been of Dallas in 1960, she also held a master’s in religious touched by his love.” 9

Sr. M. Fidelia (Florence) Sopinski Aug. 1, 1926 – Sept. 6, 2012 The fifth of eight children born to Polish immigrants in CSFN ministry in Enfield, England, and then Scranton, PA, Florence Sopinski first encountered the Sisters returned to Philadelphia to profess her final of the Holy Family of Nazareth at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and vows in 1962. Mary Parish School. Florence considered religious life at the Sr. Fidelia held a B.A. from Holy Family end of her grammar school days, but her mother asked her College in Philadelphia and a certificate from to finish high school first. Florence spent two years in public Adelphi University’s Child Care Institute on Long Island, NY. high school, finishing her diploma at St. John’s High School where she was taught by the IHM sisters. Sr. Fidelia taught for a time at St. Stanislaus Kostka School After graduation, Florence’s mother again asked her to in Brooklyn, NY, but most of her ministry centered on child delay entrance to religious life. After working in a bakery care. She served many years at St. Christopher Home, Sea and a laundry, Florence became a long-distance operator Cliff, NY, and returned to England for an additional year of for Bell Telephone. Finally, at age 27, Florence was child-care ministry. In 1971, Sr. Fidelia was asked to assist accepted as a CSFN postulant in Torresdale, PA. Given the at the new House of Prayer in Riverhead, NY. Her “active name “Fidelia” when she became a novice, she spent her ministry” ended in 1983 with her retirement to Immaculate two-year novitiate at the CSFN formation house in Albano, Heart of Mary Convent in Monroe, CT. There, she spent Italy, near Rome, professing her first vows there in 1956. nearly 30 years as , also serving as a volunteer She spent the next two years as a house mother for a catechist at two local parishes for more than 20 years.

(Continued on page 14)

Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 13 In Memoriam

Sr. M. Fidelia (Florence) Sopinski, Continued As sacristan, Sr. Fidelia was known for her attention to detail wheeled motorized bicycle in her later years. and her “trusty little notebook” with instructions for every Sr. Fidelia loved spiritual reading and often shared with liturgy, whether in Ordinary Time, Advent, Lent, Christmas, others what she had discovered in a book, an article or Easter, or for jubilees or funerals. Her love for the Lord was on a tape. Over the course of her 30-year retirement, she evident in the way she moved about the sanctuary. blossomed into a true contemplative, seeking to become the holy and special woman God wanted her to be. As a catechist, Sr. Fidelia first assisted another Sister before teaching classes on her own as her confidence in A sister who began her novitiate in Albano after Sr. Fidelia this ministry grew. A former director of religious education recalled that the novice mistress told them they should try who knew Sr. Fidelia said she was “an incredibly strong, to emulate Sr. Fidelia in her total giving. “This is a holy gentle woman.” Others who knew Sr. Fidelia over the woman,” she said of Sr. Fidelia. Those who knew her in her years commented on her sweetness, her ready smile and ministries and in her retirement agree. welcoming ways. She had a wonderful sense of humor Sr. Fidelia’s death was unexpected, yet peaceful. She that often emerged when playing a game or while sharing a left the convent for what was expected to be a one-day meal with her fellow sisters. Her love for Pictionary and the procedure; instead, she slipped away peacefully with her card game Nickel Nickel were legendary. It’s been said that sister and niece sitting beside her. In Sr. Fidelia’s faithful she was quite a dancer in her youth. An avid swimmer, she and charitable life, we see clearly that the meek will inherit also enjoyed ‘getting around’ on a jet ski and on a three- the earth. 9

Sr. M. Benigna (Evelyn) Gadzinski Jan. 14, 1924 – Aug. 26, 2012

A Chicago native and a proud Texan, Sr. In 2001, she returned to Grand Prairie to serve as local M. Benigna (Evelyn) Gadzinski joined the superior there. Later that year, she became ill and was Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth bedridden until her death on Aug. 26 at age 88 after 66 (CSFN) in 1946 in Des Plaines, IL. A years in community. graduate of Holy Family Academy, Chicago, she held a BS in education from Loyola University and Sr. Benigna was proud of being from Texas. Before Karol spent 17 years teaching at parish schools in the Chicago Wojtyla was elected Pope in 1978, Sr. Benigna met the then area. She served as the Director of , assistant cardinal in Krakow. When others asked her about meeting to the Director of Novices, other administrative positions in Cardinal Wojtyla, she responded with pride: “I told him that the Congregation and in administrative roles for a variety of I was from Texas. He seemed to take note of where I was healthcare facilities. from. Most people from Eastern European countries seem to be impressed when you’re from Texas because it’s such In 1971, Sr. Benigna moved to the Lone Star state, a large state.” becoming secretary in the CSFNs’ then vice province in Texas. Over the years, she held various positions on the Years later, when celebrating her golden jubilee, Sr. Benigna governing boards of Bethania Hospital in Wichita Falls, said her time in Nazareth had been a manifestation of God’s and Mother Frances Hospital (subsequently Trinity Mother hundredfold. She was particularly grateful for Nazareth’s Frances Hospitals & Clinics) in Tyler, TX. Eucharistic devotion and for the rhythm of community life with sisters whom she loved and who loved her in return. From 1974-82, Sr. Benigna was the Superior of the Texas She was loved and deeply appreciated by the sisters who Vice Province and chairperson of the governing boards often said that Sr. Benigna walked through daily life, planting of Bethania and Mother Frances Hospitals. From 1983- the seeds of love, kindness and compassion. 9 92, she was the local superior at Grand Prairie, TX, and a member of the board of Bethania Hospital. In 1992, Among the many testimonials to Sr. Benigna after her death after completing her term as chairperson, Sr. Benigna was this: moved to Tyler, TX, serving in the Utilization Office of Care Management at Trinity Mother Frances. One year later, You are the one from whom I tried to learn how to ‘love she became superior of the St. Frances of Rome Convent. tenderly and walk humbly with God.’

“Be concerned about everything, show interest in everything, but do this calmly, without impatience, remembering that Our Lord governs, directs and guides all things.” – Bl. Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd, (Frances Siedliska) Foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth

1814 VolumeVolume 66 •• NumberNumber 23 •• SummerAutumn 20122012 In Memoriam

Sr. M. Olimpia (Helen) Nowakowska May 9, 1911 – Aug. 21, 2012 The oldest of eight children and a native of Worcester, MA, MA. “Sister O,” as her students called her, Helen Nowakowska attended Nazareth Academy High School was known as a dedicated, no-nonsense in Philadelphia, joining the CSFNs while a student. She entered teacher with a creative streak she shared the novitiate in Des Plaines, IL, making her first vows there in with her students. For example, at Holy Trinity 1929. Sr. Olimpia professed her perpetual vows in Rome in School in Utica, NY, she taught as many as 1935, after preparing at the CSFN novitiate in Albano, Italy. 180 students the art of making butter lambs for Easter. After completing her novitiate in Des Plaines, Sr. Olimpia In addition to teaching, Sr. Olimpia also served as vocation became a member of the new director for a short time, a local superior and as principal at Province established in Philadelphia. She taught in several parishes. She established libraries at the schools Philadelphia and Brooklyn before being sent to Europe to and at Villa Immaculata House of Prayer in Riverhead, NY, prepare for her final vows and then to study at Jagellonian while she ministered there. Sr. Olimpia ‘retired’ to the University in Krakow. She spent another three years in then Immaculate Heart of Mary Provincialate in Monroe, Europe, undoubtedly affected by the winds of war that were CT, in 1983. She managed the gift shop there until her brewing while she was a student. final retirement at age 91 in 2002. Her creativity found Returning to the States in 1938, she resumed her studies, expression in in the gardens at the House of Prayer and at earning a BA in education from Villanova University, the Monroe gift shop, where her crafts and surprise packages Philadelphia, in 1940. Decades later, she was awarded were featured items. She delighted in the newspaper’s daily her master’s in Latin, English and Library Studies, also from crossword puzzle, and was always happy to find someone Villanova. A language and library scholar, Sr. Olimpia taught at who shared this activity. schools in Philadelphia; Utica, NY; Long Island and Brooklyn, In her later years, confined to her room at the convent in NY; Connecticut; New Jersey, and her alma mater, St. Mary’s Monroe, Sr. Olimpia had these words on her wall: To love Grade School at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish in Worcester, and to be loved is the greatest joy in the world. 9

Sr. M. Jane Harriet Leszczynska Dec. 27, 1915 – July 6, 2012 A native of Worcester, MA, Hedwig Jane was the second later, she returned to the elementary school of eight children. The Leszczynskis lived near St. Mary environment, first as a teacher at Queen of of Czestochowa Parish, where the children attended the Peace in Ardsley, PA, and next, as superior parish school staffed by the Sisters of the Holy Family of and teacher at St. Adalbert in Philadelphia. Nazareth. Hedwig Jane liked and admired the sisters – and In 1984, St. Jane Harriet began a nine-year their . By the time she was in first grade, she ministry at Nazareth Academy Grade School, first as a told her mother of her desire to become a sister. teacher, then as a tutor and finally, as school librarian. Her parents blessed her decision to attend Nazareth In 1993, Sr. Jane Harriet semi-retired to the then Academy in Philadelphia for her high school education. Provincialate community in Philadelphia. After two years, She joined the CSFNs in 1935, and after professing her she volunteered her clerical and administrative services to perpetual vows, she was invited to join the sisters in a new the newly formed Development Office in Philadelphia. From ministry in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. One of the pioneering a humble beginning, stuffing envelopes, Sr. Jane Harriet group of CSFNs in Puerto Rico, Sr. Jane Harriet spent eight realized that development work involved inviting others to happy years there. Her greatest joy was teaching religion become part of the Nazareth family through prayer and to the children. the sisters’ interest in the needs of the donors. Retiring Sr. Jane Harriet enjoyed a long life in ministry and in ‘for good’ in 2008, Sr. Jane Harriet joined the retirement community, with many families getting to know her during community at Mount Nazareth. her teaching ministry. On her return from Puerto Rico, At her death on July 6, the sisters, her friends and family she ministered as a local superior and as a teacher and recalled Sr. Jane Harriet’s favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art:” school principal at several parishes, including: St. Mary of When Christ shall come with shouts Czestochowa School, Philadelphia; Holy Trinity in Utica, NY, and twice at Visitation of the Blessed Mary in Trooper, of acclamation and take me home, PA. Next, she spent 12 years in Florida at both St. Brendan What joy shall fill my heart! School, Miami, and St. Gregory School, Plantation. Then I shall bow in humble adoration, In 1972, she returned to Philadelphia, working in the And there proclaim, business office at Holy Family University. Three years ‘My God, how great thou art.’ 9

VolumeVolume 66 •• NumberNumber 23 •• SummerAutumn 20122012 VolumeVolume 66 •• NumberNumber 23 •• SummerAutumn 20122012 1519 Around the Province/Development News

East Coast Sisters feel effects of Superstorm Sandy We are fortunate we still have our home... Sustained power outages, downed trees, shingles ripped from roof tops, Trees fell between the outdoor Stations of the Cross on the House of Prayer cancelled classes, closed ministry offices, short supplies of heat, food and property. “An old cherry tree split down from the roots in the front of the house gasoline — for many CSFNs and their neighbors on the East Coast, these and there were many trees felled in the woods. One big one was uprooted and were the effects of Hurricane Sandy, which hit much of the Coast overnight thankfully, fell in the direction away from the electric wires….When we meet Sunday–Monday, Oct. 28–29. It seems that most of our sisters had power anyone along the way, we just share our situation but express gratitude for what restored by Friday afternoon, Nov. 2, though large swathes of the coast we have as opposed to those further west on the Island who are under water or remain without electricity. Most importantly, our sisters remained safe. who lost their homes to fire at the height of the storm. As I sat shivering in my Many of our readers will be sad to learn that the large fir tree in the two warm hoodie jackets, I wondered how the homeless ever survive the cold.” circular drive at the front of Nazareth Academy High School in Philadelphia Some blessings: Sr. Linda Joseph ChiChi, principal of St. Isidore School, was among the storm casualties. Riverhead, NY, never lost power at school or home, but school was closed For a sense of the impact, provincial councilor Sr. Ronald Wlodarczyk agreed three days because roads were impassable due to downed trees. Heeding to let us share excerpts from her e-mail advisory to her fellow councilors: storm warnings, farmers worked to get their crop in; crops remaining in “Sandy was not kind to many but we are fortunate that we do still have our the ground on Long Island survived due to relatively light rain from Sandy. house” (Villa Immaculate in Riverhead, NY, on Long Island). “We got through “There are places on the Island that will never be the same, especially those (Sunday) night thankful that we still had electricity...Just as I said my prayer little free-standing islands that were drowned when the ocean and bay met of thanks, the lights went out” which meant no lights, no heat, no water, no and washed over them.” At this writing, the East Coast is bracing for a internet. “By Thursday, it was getting so cold...we made the decision to come major ‘Nor’easter’ and the sisters ask for your prayers for all affected by these to Little Flower (Wading River, NY) where the Sisters had electricity …” storms. Please visit us at www.nazarethcsfn.org for updates. 9

CSFNs honor Sisters Place, award scholarships at Family Day in Philadelphia On Nov. 4, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth honored Sr. Mary Parks, CSJ, with the 2012 Sr. Michaelann Delaney tribute grant. The presentation was part of the annual Family Day celebration in Philadelphia, which drew about 90 people, including One-to-One sponsors, donors and relatives of sisters who are deceased, in addition to the CSFNs themselves. Sr. Parks is the executive director of Sisters Place, a supportive housing community in the Pittsburgh area. It is committed to assisting homeless single-parent families in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The non-profit helps families toward self-sufficiency by providing housing and support services. The CSFNs are one of the 14 communities of women religious who founded Sisters Place in 1993. For more information, please visit their web site at www.sistersplace.org. During the annual Family Day program, the CSFNs also award scholarships to a student at Nazareth Academy High School and a student at St. Huber High School, Sr. Michaelann’s alma mater. The scholarship students must be in need of financial assistance and exhibit some of the virtues of Sr. Michaelann. Top photo: Sr. Stephanie Potyraj enjoys a moment with Jeffrey and Delaney Shellenberger, the children of Sr. Stephanie’s One-to-One sponsor, Heather Pacan. At right, Sr. Virginia Rozich, provincial councilor, joins in song with Delaney tribute grant winner Sr. Mary Parks, CSFN, center, and Sr. Karen Stoila, CSJ, who lived with the CSFNs in Florida at the time of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. (Photos by Kathi Barth)

Complimentary copies of DVD on CSFN martyrs available Donation for shipping & handling requested A limited number of copies of the 22-minute DVD about the CSFN sisters martyred by the Nazis during World War II are still available through the Communications Office. Sr. Mary Bernard Wiecezak and Jason Kopal produced the video, prepared for the 2010- 2011 celebration of the community’s 125 years of ministry in the U.S. Please send your request to Communications, CSFN Central Offices, 310 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60016. Donations to cover shipping & handling costs are most appreciated.

16 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Development News/CSFN History

Holy Family Academy Alumnae, CSFNs enjoy luncheon, raffles & Spirit of Life Chorus Some 150 alumnae of Holy Family Academy of Chicago, their guests, and CSFNs enjoyed festivities Sunday, Oct. 21, during the “Live the Spirit of HFA” event at the White Eagle Banquets & Restaurant, Niles, IL. The event was sponsored by the Holy Family Academy Alumnae. Members of the event committee include Sr. Clare Marie Kozicki, HFA alumna and assistant director of development, as well Elaine Krzywicki Beatovic (Class of ‘56), Virginia Pazdyka Bielawa (‘45), Margaret Post Gorder (‘60), Jacqueline Hyzy (‘56), Bernadette Ludkte (‘49), Gerri Wojnarowski Plotke (‘63), Jacquelynne Kulig Pokorny (‘60), Mary Puente (‘77), Therese Olender Winters (‘71) and Irene Witkowski (‘46). The event netted almost $12,000, used to support elderly and infirm members of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. 9 Raffle tickets anyone? Photos below: Good to see you! At left, Sr. Benedicta Nowakowska greets Sr. Clare Marie Kozicki, above left, assistant director Frances Zawila, mother of Frances Kocovski of Chicago, an HFA alumna and member of development, and three of her classmates enjoy a of the CSFN Development staff. That’s entertainment: Below right, the crowd moment at the Oct. 21 Holy Family Academy Alumnae enjoys an advance on its holiday spirit, with a fall concert featuring Christmas and event. With Sr. Clare are Jacqueline Krause, Donna Celtic favorites by the Spirit of Life Chorus, an ecumenical choir with approximately Woszczak and Mary Seitzinger. (Photo by Kathi Barth) 90 singers from seven Christian denominations. (Photos by Kathi Barth)

125th Anniversary Name

Book Order Form: Address

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Suggested donation $12.00. To cover shipping: $5 for single book; $11.25 for 2–9 books

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Please make checks payable to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth Complete and mail this form and your contribution to: Communications Dept., 310 N. River Road; Des Plaines, IL 60016. Thank you!

Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 17 Development News

Grateful Gathering honors Sr. Catherine The tables were turned — at least briefly — on Sr. Catherine Fedewa at the 2012 Grateful Gathering in Pittsburgh. At left, Sr. Cathy, who usually serves as MC for the event, had to yield the microphone to Dr. Lorri Lankiewicz, member of the planning committee, who extolled Sr. Cathy for her dedication over the years. Sr. Sandra Sharon, another committee member, presented Sr. Cathy with a dozen red roses to cap off the festivities. More than 200 people attended the annual wine & chocolate tasting, featuring auctions, raffles and music. It grossed about $30,000. Below left: Why is this trio smiling? Chocolate, of course! Sr. Carol Mockus, assistant director of development, joins chocolatiers Tim Weaver and Dolores Hartmann for a sampling of the delicious chocolates the company donates each year to the Grateful Gathering. Below right: A good time was had by all! Sr. Lydia Sekowski and her cousins, Nora and Tom Zolna from Philadelphia, enjoy refreshments and the company of friends and family at the 2012 event. (Photos by Kathi Barth)

2012 Grateful Gathering Sponsors Anniversary Sweepstakes Gold Sponsors Betsy Ann American Chocolates Winners Lane Steel Co. Inc. & Zabrowski Family Vernon C. Neal & Alvina B. Neal Fund $3,500 Ms. Alfreda E. Kwiatkowski Philadelphia, PA Silver Sponsors $2,500 Mr. Gerald N. Jay Allen Park, MI Mr. Tim Aguglia $1,000 Mr. & Mrs. Philip E. Hughes Feasterville, PA Consumers Produce Company, Inc. The Paul Gropelli Memorial Company $500 Mr. & Mrs. Walter S. Kuczynski Philadelphia, PA Roland’s Seafood Grill, Richard Carrozzi $500 Mrs. Karen Miller Hull Wichita Falls, TX Bronze Sponsors Mr. Robert Aguglia $250 Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Maduzia Plainfield, IL The Community at Holy Family Manor, Inc. Energy Saver, Inc. $250 Mr. & Mrs. Carl McKellip Douglas, WY Dr. Lorri A. Lankiewicz, Balance for Wellness, Inc. George Pegher, Inc. This sweepstakes raised more than $69,000 for the CSFNs. Holy Family Institute Please remember in your prayersall those who generously Sodexho Services, Inc. contributed to this sweepstakes opportunity. Zalewski Funeral Homes, Inc. G.W. Kleber & Sons Alpha Communications

18 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Development News

October 2012 Sweepstakes Winners Thanks so much for your help in making this sweepstakes so successful. To date, our gross income is more than $46,000. Date Amount Winner City/State 1 $100.00 Mrs. Maryanne Lucenti Fallsington, PA 2 $500.00 Sr. Irmina Paszkiewicz Philadelphia, PA 3 $100.00 CSFN Mt. Nazareth Philadelphia, PA 4 $100.00 Mrs. Diane Morrison Fenton, MO 5 $100.00 Mr. Edward Hammer Erie, PA 6 $200.00 Ms. Jeanne Trzaska Philadelphia, PA It’s time to order 7 $200.00 Mrs. Patricia Fischer Shrewsbury, PA your Christmas 8 $100.00 Mrs. Diane Scala Ridge, NY 9 $100.00 Mrs. Guadalupe Lopez Austin, TX opłatki 10 $100.00 Mrs. Sophie Higman Lavallette, NJ Last chance to order your Christmas opłatki! For years, friends of the 11 $100.00 Mr. Martin Tantala Newtown, PA CSFNs in the U.S. have been able to order handmade opłatki through the 12 $100.00 Mrs. Toni Auriemma Norristown, PA Development Office. Your donations 13 $200.00 Mr. Stanley Racicki Cleveland, OH support the CSFNs here and in Belarus, where the sisters make the 14 $200.00 Mrs. Helen Kania Park Ridge, IL special Christmas wafers each year. 15 $100.00 Mrs. Stella Damon West Palm Beach, FL This year, we encourage you to visit our 16 S100.00 Mrs. Geraldine Schnitzel Huntingdon Valley, PA website to order your opłatki: Simply go to http://www.nazarethcsfn.org/ 17 $100.00 Andrew & Irena Manolescu New York Mills, NY item-request-form.php, fill out the form and hit send. 18 $100.00 Mr. George Saniga Pittsburgh, PA Or you can download a PDF of the 19 $100.00 Sr. Michaeline Kwit Chicago, IL form; fill it out, follow the instructions 20 $200.00 Mr. Gregory Okoniewski Cedar Lake, IN and fax it to us. Better yet: simply call the Development Office’s opłatki 21 $200.00 Mrs. Cathy Wisniewski Elmhurst, NY hotline at 847-298-6760, x137, to 22 $100.00 Sr. Irmina Paskiewicz Philadelphia, PA place your order. One important note: Our opłatki are 2 x 4-inch wafers. 23 $100.00 Mrs. Aleksandra Bzdyra New Haven, CT Requests are filled in the order received. 24 $100.00 Mrs. Diane Irwin Philadelphia, PA 25 $100.00 Mr. Robert O’Hara Philadelphia, PA 26 $100.00 Mrs. Patricia Cawley Philadelphia, PA Memory Lane 27 $200.00 Mr. Mike McGuire Salem, VA Readers, you’re invited to share 28 $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. James McCann Cheltenham, PA your memories and old photos from school and other ministries 29 $100.00 Mrs. Carol Mika San Antonio, TX served by the CSFNs. Send photos 30 $100.00 Ms. Elaine Mauro Philadelphia, PA and background info to Nazareth Connections, 310 N. River Road, 31 $500.00 Mrs. Donna Ottenstroer Homer Glen, IL Des Plaines, IL 60016. Thank you!

Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 Volume 6 • Number 3 • Autumn 2012 19 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Des Plaines, IL Permit No. 340

Central Offices, Holy Family Province 310 N. River Road | Des Plaines, IL 60016

Vol. 6, No. 3 | Autumn 2012 Nazareth Connections is published three times a year by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in the USA. Editor: Judith A. Horak Proofreader: Sr. Barbara Sudol Design/Print: Triangle

Editorial Board: Sr. Angela Szczawinska Sr. Audrey Merski Sr. Barbara Frances Samp Sr. Celeste Hupert Sr. Ellen Zak Sr. Jude Carroll Sr. Marcella Louise Wallowicz Sr. Mary Louise Swift Sr. Rose Marie O’Barski Sr. Sandra Marie Sosnowski

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please contact: Communications Department Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth 310 N. River Road Des Plaines, IL 60016 847-298-6760 x144 [email protected] www.nazarethcsfn.org In thanksgiving for all creation “Like” us on ... “Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might.” From Ps. 145; responsorial psalm, Thanksgiving Day liturgy. (Photo by Sr. Ellen Zak)