NAULC Convergence “To Move Toward the Same Purpose Together” Vol. 15, No. 2 Summer 2018
Youngstown Ursuline Ministries Making Great Strides
Our new nonprofit corporation, Ursuline Ministries, is group of 20 college students have signed up for the making great strides in building collaboration between our program. They volunteer in a number of our ministries and major ministries, which it now oversees. gain experience toward their career goals. One of those college volunteers, who ministers with us year-round, was just named to our Ursuline Ambassador position. Marta will work closely with Sister Norma Raupple and our Young Adult Ministry to promote vocations and service with us to young people in our area. Also new this summer, three of the young women in our SSL program are living at Angela’s Villa for various lengths of stays. Angela’s, as they call it, is the house we use as a center for our Young Adult Ministry. Staying the month of June is Sarah Elizabeth, a pre-med student at Youngstown State University who volunteers in our healthcare wing, is a volunteer catechist teaches CCD with our Sister Martha Reed at St. Columba Cathedral, volunteers at the diocesan St. Vincent De Paul soup kitchen, works on campus and is a member of the honors college there. From left: Teresa Boyce, co-director of Beatitude House, Mary The other two young women will stay a month and two Ann Critell, director and principal of Ursuline Preschool and weeks, respectively. Jenne and Lauren are also discerning Kindergarten, Linda Reinthaler, operations director of The Ursuline Center, Brigid Kennedy, president of Ursuline Ministries, with us. Peggy Eicher, director of Ursuline Sisters Senior Living, and Dan All three women are leading activities at the house for Wakefield, director of Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry. the young adults in ministry with us. Our Prison Ministry is really reaching the hearts of those Ursuline Ministries consists of several entities. One is who are incarcer- Beatitude House, which is expanding its work in Trumbull ated. Sister Nancy and Ashtabula counties helping homeless women and their Dawson, who’s an children break the cycle of generational poverty through instructor of World housing, education and other assistance. Another is the Religions classes at Ursuline Center, which has three major components: The Youngstown State Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS ministry, which is marking 25 University, ministers years of ministry with a number of special events; Ursuline as a Prison Chaplain Preschool and Kindergarten, which is adding classes to meet and heads our Pris- its growing enrollment; Ursuline Sisters Senior Living, which on Ministry. She’s is in the process of constructing three additional apartments also part of a team for adults ages 55+ of moderate income, bringing the total from our diocese to 21. The Ursuline Center, which is nearing completion providing education- of a recent renovation, is adding education and wellness al programming and programming to meet the needs of God’s people in the meeting the spiritual Sister Norma Raupple and Ursuline Mahoning Valley. needs of inmates. Ambassador Marta Hergenrother This marks the eighth year for our Summer Service Sister Nancy Learning Program. For the third year in a row, a capacity works with inmates - continued on next page
PB Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 1 Young Adult Involvement Growing for Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown
News from Cleveland
Ursuline Derby Day, Cleveland-style Almost 440 guests, our largest crowd to date, filled the City Club Lounge at Cleveland Browns Stadium for the 9th annual Ursuline Derby Day. All enjoyed the excitement of the race and the variety of games including the wine pull, the basket raffle, the 50/50 raffle and the live auction. This year’s auction included lively bidding on a round of golf and lunch with Cleveland Ursuline president Sue Durkin; the package sold for $800! The evening also featured the presentation of the Merici Award to Sue and Jerry Schroer for their commitment and support to the congregation through the years. The Derby committee will begin work soon on next year’s event, our 10th Anniversary Derby Day! Ursuline Regina Health Center residents Patricia Dippel and Erin O’Brien joined in the festivities.
Construction/Campaign update Our new residence --Merici Crossings -- is stretching to the sky with its three-story living area and the sloping chapel roof serving as the focal point of the one-story portion of the building that will house offices, ministry space, dining room and chapel. Windows are being installed and façade materials are being delivered. Meanwhile, sisters at the motherhouse are readying themselves and their belongings for the move, still expected to take place in November. Remember, interested individuals can track the construction work athttps://www. ursulinesisterscampaign.org/live-construction. Our Capital Campaign - Bold Faith | Building a Future - surpassed Mary Eileen Boyle Praxedes its Challenge Goal mark of $9 million and is continuing, aided by a challenge gift of $100,000, toward the $10 million mark.
Youngstown Ursuline Ministries, continued from front page
on death row. They earn certificates for classes she teaches, complete the RCIA process and attend Mass monthly. Sister Nancy brings Eucharist from St. Angela Joan Petersen (right) with her niece Kathy Merici Parish in Youngstown to Catholics each week. Additionally, a number of our Sisters, Associates and volunteers work with Sister Prison Ministry’s Sister Nancy Nancy by visiting prisoners, Dawson (left) and Gerry Mansour. writing to them, making them crosses from palms and more.
2 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 3 Ursulines of Prelate Busy as Usual This week, the temperature went from 320c (90) to an On June 10th, the community welcomed five new unseasonable 120c (54). Today, the sky is heavy with clouds associates. In a simple liturgy, they pronounced their and the wind is strong - it is actually quite chilly. But as usual, willingness to follow their baptismal call in the spirit of we are busy with various things and are thus keeping warm. St. Angela. This was followed by a celebration in which we April saw preparatory meetings for elections in May. all shared appetizers and wine. We have over one hundred After a day of communal prayer and reflection onMay associates, all of whom edify us by their Christian witness in 30th, we voted for our leadership on May 30th. Elected were the larger community, both locally and internationally. Sr. Anne Lewans (General Superior) and three assistants In March, the first non-sister resident moved into our - Sr. Lucy Palm, Sr. Dianne Sehn and Sr. Teresita Kambeitz. retirement/care home. Lillian The latter is the only new addition to the team. Sr. Teresita has settled in well and she is replaces Sr. Mary who worked very hard on council over the hoping for more residents to last three years. Installation of the council took place on come. (So are we…) June 30th. We rejoice with Sister Teresita who, on June 9th, received the 2018 Higgins Award, presented annually by the Canadian Catholic School Trustees. The Higgins Award is given in memory of the Honourable Justice James Higgins (1913-1974) of St. John’s, Newfoundland. This award is presented annually to a Sister Teresita Kambeitz person or group that has made receives Higgins award. an outstanding contribution to Catholic education in Newly elected Leadership Team Canada. The Justice James Left to Right: Sister Dianne Sehn, Sister Anne Lewans, Higgins Award is the highest honour provided by CCSTA. General Superior, Sister Lucy Palm and Sister Teresita Kambeitz Sr. Teresita is the seventh women to receive the honour since its inception in 1975. Sister Teresita was nominated by the Board of Education of Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Congratulations, Sister Teresita! We are all honored by your honor. Continued blessings on your ministry in Catholic Education! On August 15th, we will be celebrating the 75th jubilees of Sr. Callista Arnold and Sr. Joanne Drescher. A community Mass and brunch in the morning, and a come-and-go-tea in the afternoon are planned to celebrate. Recently, a committee was struck which will plan another celebration(s)—our 100th anniversary next year. Definite, at this point, is a joint celebration on Junest 1 , 2019 of the jubilee and the Associates’ bi-annual assembly. We Newly received Associates will be sure to keep you informed of our events. Left to Right: Bev Canaday (Associate Formation Director), Emily Bajbula, Elizabeth Field, Margot Taylor, Patricia Pasloski, Emmanuel Pasloski, Bill Shumay (Executive Director).
2 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 3 News from the Louisville Ursulines
50th anniversary of Ursuline, Bellarmine merger is I suppose Bellarmine’s founders felt the same way when focus of year-long celebration their all-male college went co-ed. It is wonderful to know Fifty years ago this month, Ursuline College and that fifty years later Ursuline College still lives on in the Bellarmine College merged to form a co-educational college historical memory of Bellarmine University. It is gratifying that is now Bellarmine University. to see Professor Bob Lockhart’s beautiful statue of Saint The university and the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville Angela Merici on the campus, former Ursuline College have launched a year-long celebration of the merger’s president Sister Angelice Seibert’s picture on the wall along anniversary, featuring events celebrating the legacy of with Bellarmine’s presidents, and streets on campus with Bellarmine’s enduring Ursuline bonds. Information about historic Ursuline names.” the merger will be displayed on Bellarmine’s campus Today, the Ursuline Campus features the offices of throughout the coming academic year. the Ursuline Sisters and their Motherhouse Chapel, along The celebration began on Saturday, June 2, when with Sacred Heart Academy, Sacred Heart Model School, 1968 graduates of Ursuline College — the last class to Sacred Heart Preschool and Sacred Heart School for the graduate from the college with that name — along with Arts. Brescia Hall, built in 1939 as a science and classroom other alumnae took a tour of the Ursuline Campus as part building for Ursuline College, still stands and is in use by of Bellarmine’s annual reunion weekend. Prior to the tour, Sacred Heart Schools. the Ursuline Sisters installed an outdoor banner on their “Bellarmine’s founding president, Monsignor Alfred campus to commemorate the merger. Horrigan, once said that mergers involve many problems Ursuline College was a Catholic college for women on many different levels and remarked that this merger established by the Ursuline Sisters at 3105 Lexington Road was ‘the single most difficult thing connected with my years in 1938, with roots going back to the opening of the Sacred at Bellarmine,’” said Dr. Susan M. Donovan, Bellarmine’s Heart Junior College and Normal School in 1921. In 1968, president. “While it was surely challenging, we’re grateful it merged with Bellarmine — a Catholic college for men — for the leadership and vision that he and President after several years of increased coordination between the Seibert — and members of both communities — displayed two colleges. The merged institution was called Bellarmine- in successfully negotiating and implementing this merger, Ursuline College for three years, while students who had which resulted in an exceptional institution of Catholic initially enrolled at either institution completed their studies higher education that continues to emerge into regional together on Bellarmine’s campus. The name reverted to and national prominence. The legacy of Ursuline College Bellarmine College in 1971. and Ursuline core values of community, reverence, service “The Ursuline Sisters are happy that the fiftieth and leadership as well as their commitment to social justice anniversary of the merger of Ursuline College and Bellarmine and care for creation are continually present in Bellarmine’s College is being commemorated in so many different ways mission, curriculum and campus life.” throughout this ‘Year of Ursuline,’ said Sister Janet Marie A full calendar of events for the year-long celebration Peterworth, OSU, president of the Ursuline Sisters of will be announced in the fall semester. It will include: Louisville. “I remember 50 years ago. The years leading up to the merger were difficult ones for the Ursulines. We saw our college of many years changing its nature from an important all-woman’s institution to a co-ed institution. And
4 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 5 News from the Louisville Ursulines, continued
• Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education’s will help you determine Teacher Education Induction Ceremony, featuring your personality type and remarks by Ursuline Sister Paula Kleine-Kracht, in related characteristics. Bellarmine’s Nolen C. Allen Hall (September 14 at Learn why you can’t stand 5:30 p.m.) a mess or why you create • a tree planting on Bellarmine’s campus during them, why you are fearful the Blessing of the Animals (October 4 at 5 p.m.) or why following the rules are so important to you. • Mass for the Feast of St. Angela Merici at the Your life will change as you Ursuline Chapel (January 27 at 3 p.m.) look at yourself and your • opportunities for Bellarmine students to spend family through the lens of time with Ursuline sisters self-knowledge. The Enneagram does not put you in a box; it allows you to get out of it. Our facilitator was Sister Judy • recognition of Ursuline alumnae at a Bellarmine Rice, OSU and the group agreed that they would come back alumni awards dinner and an athletic event for a part two! The Center hosted a four-week workshop beginning Learn more at www.bellarmine.edu/ursuline- June 6 on: A Path to Wholeness via Awareness, Self- celebration. Compassion and Gratitude. You are not created to be perfect, as in without flaw or mistake. You are created to be whole, as in the truest version of yourself. Your life is a Angela Merici Center for Spirituality journey to this wholeness. There are many ways to become Our Angela Merici Center for Spirituality continues whole and three that have come down to us through the to host wonderful retreats and workshops such as The ages are awareness, self-compassion and gratitude. During Enneagram: An Interactive Workshop of Self-Discovery, held this reflective workshop, you will be invited to learn about on Saturday, May 19. and integrate these three practices into your journey of The description read: The Enneagram is an ancient becoming your one, best, true self through teachings, tool of self-discovery and understanding that leads to both contemplative experiences, poetry and sharing with fellow wisdom and self-acceptance. This interactive workshop seekers. For more information on our workshops and retreats, please visit: http://www.ursulinesisterslouisville.org/amc/
Creating Alternate Spaces and Celebrating Our Future with Hope Dear Friends, We, the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, are heeding the call of Pope Francis to be good stewards of our resources. As the Pope said to all religious, “So I trust that, rather than living in some utopia, you will find ways to create ‘alternate spaces,’ where the Gospel approach of self-giving, fraternity, embracing differences, and love of one another can thrive.” We as Ursulines definitely find ourselves creating “alternate spaces” and embracing our future with hope. After working with consultants and doing the analysis, we determined it was no longer good stewardship to continue to use the Motherhouse for living quarters. This move will allow us to continue our important work in outreach and continue to support our sisters who are actively working in ministry. One could say that this returns us to our Ursuline roots. For continued on next page
4 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 5 News from the Louisville Ursulines, continued as you as fellow Ursulines know, the original followers of preservation fund in conjunction with the Chapel’s Centennial Saint Angela lived among the people they served. year in 2017 for the purpose of preserving our beautiful Our chapel will continue to be used as a worship and sacred space in which future generations can worship and gathering space for special feasts, funerals and prayer connect with God. services by the Sisters; retreats and events of the Angela We are housing our sisters (who are in need of assisted Merici Center; Mass of the Air; as well as by the Sacred Heart living) at Twinbrook in Louisville. Our corporate offices moved Schools on the Ursuline Campus. In fact, we established the to the Motherhouse in March, so we have more change with this move as well. We know that we stand on the shoulders of strong women who have made other difficult yet exciting decisions over the last 160 years of our time in Louisville. We ask for your prayers during this transition. We often reflect on Saint Angela’s words: “If, according to times and circumstances, the need arises to make new rules or to do something differently, do it prudently and with good advice.” Our ministry involvement will continue, the Charism of Saint Angela will live on, and the Gospel will be proclaimed no matter where the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville reside.
In the spirit of Saint Angela, the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville
In Memoriam Sister Margaret Ann Hagan O.S.U., died at Nazareth Home-Highlands on Friday, March 9, 2018. A native of Louisville, she was 71 and had been an Ursuline Sister of Louisville since 1965. Sister Hagan taught high school for 10 years at Holy Rosary Academy, Angela Merici High School and Sacred Heart Academy in Louisville. Following her teaching career, Sister Hagan earned a master’s degree in theological studies at St. Meinrad School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Indiana. She then ministered at St. Meinrad as director of seminarians’ field education and served as associate academic dean in the 1990s. In 2007 she became the first woman to be honored by St. Meinrad as “Distinguished Alumna of the Year.” Sister Hagan also served as pastoral assistant at St. Joseph Church in Louisville, and then at Sacred Heart and St. Joseph parishes in Rock Island, Illinois, in the 1980s. From 2003 to 2006, she was coordinator of the Ursuline Society, a collaborative effort of the Sister Margaret Ann Hagan nine autonomous Ursuline congregations of the mid-United States. Her service to the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville included director of finance and two terms as a member of the congregation’s leadership team. Her most recent ministries were aiding individuals as a spiritual director and as a retreat director. Sister Hagan graduated from Holy Spirit School and Sacred Heart Academy, held a B.A. from Bellarmine-Ursuline College [now Bellarmine University] and a M.A.T. from the University of Louisville, as well as the master’s degree from St. Meinrad. She is survived by her brother John Hagan (Patricia), sister Charlotte Cashin (Pat) and nieces and nephews, as well as her community of Ursuline Sisters and Associates.
6 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 7 Motherhouse at Maple Mount Jubilee Celebration A celebratory Mass and meal for the 2018 jubilarians at the Motherhouse at Maple Mount took place on May 10. Eleven of the 15 Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph celebrating anniversaries of religious profession were recognized at the liturgy and the dinner. They are: Sister Naomi Aull and Sister Marie Bosco Wathen (75 years); Sister Luisa Bickett, Sister Clarita Browning and Sister Grace Swift (70 years); Sister Ann Patrice Cecil and Sister Rose Karen Johnson (60 years), and Sister Claudia Hayden and Sister Amelia Stenger (50 years). Two of the jubilarians, Sister Emma Cecilia Busam (75) and Sister Mary Elizabeth Krampe (60), did not feel up to attending. The final four jubilarians who minister elsewhere will be honored during community days in July (Sister Vivian Bowles, Sister Dianna Ortiz, Sister Carol Shively and Sister Nancy Liddy).
The Motherhouse jubilarians singing in the Sister Jacinta Powers, right, hands a glass of front row during Mass were, left to right: Sisters wine to Sister Marie Brenda Vowels as Sister Claudia Hayden, Naomi Aull, Luisa Bickett, Grace Mary Irene Cecil, left, watches, at the jubilee Swift, Rose Karen Johnson, Marie Bosco Wathen, Sister Rose Karen Johnson, reception. Clarita Browning, Amelia Stenger and Ann Patrice a 60-year jubilarian, did the Cecil. Together, these sisters have ministered for first reading. 580 years.
Arbor Day Tree Planting About 50 volunteers of all ages joined together on a beautiful sunny day April 28 at Yellow Creek Park outside Owensboro, Ky., for the second Community Arbor Day tree planting. The trees planted were donated by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph to honor all their supporters who donated at least $100 during the “Rooted in Faith” campaign in the fall. Families and children of all ages came to volunteer for the event. Here volunteers take some of the 500 saplings that were ready to plant. The variety of trees were pawpaw, hickory, Sister Amelia Stenger, yellow poplar, Kentucky coffee, and congregational leader of the hazelnut. Many parents Ursuline Sisters, welcomes the brought their young volunteers and tells them that children to plant trees taking care of the land is so together on the sunny important to the health of our day. environment.
6 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 7 “Around the Mount”
“Gossip Tree” Alumnae Weekend was a big success The “Gossip Tree,” a maple tree in the center of the More than 120 graduates of Mount Saint Joseph Academy Motherhouse campus that has provided a gathering place or Junior College were on hand May 19-20, 2018, for for Ursuline Sisters and hundreds of students for likely 100 Alumnae Weekend, celebrating a sunny day with all the years, is nearing its final days. “Mount girls.” A good time was had by all. The tree, which has defied the ages and sometimes Anna Mattingly, class of 1966, and Paula Chandler Gray, gravity, was a staple for students at the former Mount Saint class of 1973, were honored with the Maple Leaf Award, Joseph Academy to sit and talk. Many of those students which goes annually to two graduates who personify the became Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, and the values of their Mount Saint Joseph education in contributions sisters on campus have never known a time when the to their local faith communities, civic communities and/or Gossip Tree wasn’t there to greet them between the chapel Mount Saint Joseph. and Guest House. Sister Mary Irene Cecil joined two of her classmates The ravages of time have finally caught up with the tree. from the Academy class of 1945 as the “most senior” Last year, a brace was built to support a fragile limb that graduates to attend the annual reunion. runs parallel to the ground. Now much of the tree is dying, so before it falls, the community will have it taken down professionally. The date of removal is not yet set. On May 23, 2018, the sisters gathered in the chapel for a “Letting Go” service. Sister Ruth Gehres read “The Legacy of the Gossip Tree,” written by Madelyn Denniston Keach, a 1960 graduate of the Academy. It includes the following line:
“I can hear girls chattering, laughing, sisters’ rosaries rattling, chapel bell ringing, silence beckoning, wisdom blooming, prayers ascending!” Mary Judge Mohr, A77, left, visits with her Sister George Mary Hagan then read from the Gospel of beloved teacher from the former Mount Saint John, 20:11-18, Mary Magdalene’s vision of the risen Jesus, Academy, Ursuline Sister Catherine Marie who tells her, “Stop holding onto me.” The sisters were then Lauterwasser, A55, during Sunday breakfast. asked to reflect on allowing God to use their disappointment Standing is Mary Lou Byrne Payne, A66. and sadness. “It is pointless for us to sit back and feel sorry for our loss,” the reflection said. “We must remember and reflect on our memories and joys this gorgeous maple tree has brought us over these many years.” The sisters were encouraged to light a small candle, then place it floating into a bowl of water as a way of letting go. When all were finished, they sang “For Everything Sister Elaine Burke, A49, and Sister Cecelia There Is A Joseph Olinger, A58, proudly wear their Derby Time.” hats at the Mount Saint Joseph Acdemy reunion in Maple Mount, Ky. A prayer service took place on May 23 to honor the old “Gossip Tree” beside the Guest House. The tree will be taken down soon.
8 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 9 “Around the Mount,” continued
Council of Religious gathers at Maple Mount Summer Retreat for Women Religious coming in July All women religious in the Diocese of Owensboro “Living in the Present Moment Without the Power of were invited to a spring gathering at Mount Saint Joseph Now and Without Forgiveness” is the topic for the 2018 on April 28, 2018. They enjoyed a meal, bingo, door prizes, Summer Retreat for Women Religious at the Mount Saint and a lottery for Circle of Life awards. These $100 awards Joseph Conference and Retreat Center. The retreat runs July assist the ministries of women religious serving in the 15-20. diocese. The three ministries drawn at random from nine Sister Carol Marozzi, SSJ, a member of the Congregation applications were the Ursula Library (Sister Pat Rhoten, of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Chestnut Hill, is the presenter OSU); St. Alphonsus Parish Formation (Sister Vivian Bowles, for the week. Sister Carol worked in ministry formation OSU), and the Spiritual Direction Training Program at Mount and vocation ministry for the Archdiocese of Baltimore for Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center (Sister Elaine eight years. She served as the director of the Bon Secours Burke, OSU). Spiritual Center -- now Bon Secours Retreat and Conference These officers of the Council of Religious planned the Center -- for 10 years. Sister Carol also worked at Saint event: Sister Jeannette Fennewald, SND; Sister Julia Head, Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Md., where she did spiritual OSU; Sister Nancy Murphy, OSU, and Sister Pat Rhoten, OSU. assessments and feedback for sisters, brothers and priests in The following communities of women religious serve in treatment, as well as spiritual direction. In these capacities the Diocese of Owensboro: Carmelite Sisters of the Divine she has accompanied individuals on their spiritual journey Heart of Jesus (DCJ); Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy and assisted them in discerning their life’s call. Sister Carol (DMMM); Dominican Sisters of Adrian (OP); Home Mission served on the board of Spiritual Directors International. She Sisters of America, Glenmary Sisters (GHMS); Misioneras holds a master’s degree in Moral Theology and a master’s del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus ad Gentes; Passionist Nuns in Christian Spirituality. She also completed the Spiritual (CP); School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND); Sisters of Saint Guidance Program at Shalem Institute, an ecumenical Benedict (OSB); Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate program for spiritual growth. Conception of Glasgow/Scotland/Nigeria Province (OSF); Ursuline Sisters Mary Matthias Ward and Helen O’Brien Sisters of Saint Francis of Tiffin, Ohio (OSF); Sisters of the will be offering directed retreats during the week as well. Lamb of God (AD), and the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint To learn more about the retreat and to register, visit Joseph (OSU). the Conference and Retreat Center page on the Ursuline website, ursulinesmsj.org, or contact Kathy McCarty, 270- 229-0206 or [email protected].
Ursuline Sister Francis Louise Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph Johnson, left, sat and talked with Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph Monica Seaton, second from left, visited Ursuline Sister Pat Lynch, right, Marie Joseph Coomes enjoyed seeing with Vietnamese Sisters Thanh Nguyen during the Council of Religious Sister Consolata Ojemeh, a Franciscan gathering at Maple Mount, Ky. (Mary Queen of the World), left, and Thoa Sister of the Immaculate Conception. Phan, (Dominican Sister of Saint Catherine of Siena), third from left, and Phuong Nguyen (Mary Queen of the World), right.
Photos taken by Sister Ruth Gehres, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph
8 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 9 Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk
Sr. Valerie Encourages Corporate Gun Policy Change weapons and militarism, environmental and human impacts Sr. Valerie Heinonen has served for decades in corporate of chemicals, and fair and equitable access to capital. social justice and responsibility. Through the years, she She serves as a corporate social responsibility consultant pressed financial services firms to support affordable for her own congregation, as well as for the Dominican housing and defense contractors to limit weapons sales. She Sisters of Hope and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. called on companies to protect the environment and human Leveraging their equity ownership, Sr. Valerie regularly rights. She targeted corporate governance and executive engages the board members of some of the world’s most compensation. powerful companies to lessen the social and environmental In January of 2018, Sr. Valerie, risks resulting from corporate operations and policies. together with representatives of Sr. Valerie Heinonen said, “Part of what we are doing other religious orders and the is planting seeds.” Valerie’s own words aptly describe Domestic and Foreign Mission her commitment to corporate social responsibility. She Society of the Episcopal Church, has “planted seeds” through countless dialogues and met with the executives of resolutions with companies, fearlessly encouraging them to Dick’s Sporting Goods following be accountable for the impacts of their businesses. a shareholder resolution filed in December 2017 to persuade the company to take measures Congregation Celebrates Bicentennial towards gun safety. The investors The Congregation of the Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk Sr. Valerie Heinonen requested the Board report on celebrated the 200th anniversary of its foundation on April measures taken to curb gun 30, 2018. violence. The resolution also In planning for this suggested that the company implement background checks Bicentennial, the Extended on all gun and ammunition sales; support the establishment Council, all the Province Leaders of federal universal background check systems; reevaluate and Vice-Province of the policies regarding the sale, design or conversion of military- Democratic Republic of Congo, as style assault weapons for civilian use; support federal gun well as the Congregation Leaders trafficking regulation; promote restrictions on firearms and expressed their desire to have ammunition sales, transfers and possession to keep guns the spirituality of their founder, out of the hands of children, the mentally ill, criminals and Father John Lambertz, studied domestic or international terrorists; as well as promote and written down for posterity. gun safety education at point of sale and in communities in Two members of the Ursulines of Tildonk, Sister Placida which the company operates. Kispotta from the Ranchi Province and Sister Laurentine In February 2018, after Sr. Valerie’s meeting and the Morgan of the United States Province, were invited to tragedy in Parkland, FL, the CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods accomplish this sacred task. announced that the company would stop selling assault The opportunity allowed them to delve into the study rifles, raise the minimum age for purchasers to 21, and no of Father Lambertz’s spirituality, enabling them to share the longer sell high-capacity magazines. deeply rich spirituality they uncovered with their readers in “It’s obvious that Dick’s Sporting Goods took our the publication, Anchored in God. concerns to heart and seriously considered steps to address Anchored in God also provides historical background and its role in this public health crisis,” said Sr. Valerie. “We are the rich tradition of the Ursulines, daughters of Saint Angela pleased with Dick’s Sporting Goods for their cooperation Merici, as well as our particular branch of the Ursuline family and willingness to take such a significant step toward ending tree known as the Ursulines of Tildonk. It connects the dots gun violence.” showing many similarities in the spiritualities shared by both Sr. Valerie started her career in shareholder activism by St. Angela Merici and John Lambertz. chance when she responded to a posting for a job at the Father John Lambertz’s spirituality, founded on “Love” Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, the then newly grounded in simplicity, humility, kindness and energized by formed coalition for faith-based investors. Throughout her prayer, fasting, and sacrifice was profoundly genuine. As career, she pursued issues related to human trafficking of such it serves as a lens through which we Ursuline Sisters and women and children, protection of the rights of indigenous Associates of Tildonk can live the contemplative spirituality persons and immigrants, fair treatment of workers, effects of of the gospel in today’s world.
10 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 11 Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk, continued
We look back to 1818 with Diocese of Brooklyn Jubilee Mass gratitude, when in a little village The Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk congratulate of Tildonk, Belgium, under Sr. Catherine Gardiner and Sr. Judith O’Connor, who the inspiration of Father John attended the celebration of the Brooklyn Diocese Annual Lambertz, three young women Sisters and Brothers Jubilee Mass on May 20, 2018 at the desired to give themselves to Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, NY. Sr. the education of children. It was Catherine celebrates 65 years and Sr. Judith celebrates 60 on April 30, 1818, on Ascension years of religious life. Day when the Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk began their work. After one year of spiritual preparation which began on April 30, 2017 with the opening of the 200th anniversary, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated in Scherpenheuvel. Scherpenheuvel is very significant in Ursuline history since Father Lambertz often made a pilgrimage to the miraculous shrine of our Lady of Montaigue. We remember with gratitude those who have been our inspiration, St. Angela Merici, St. Marie of the Incarnation, Father John Lambertz and all our Sisters who have joined with the communion of saints. We also remember all those Sr. Catherine Gardiner, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio who accompany us every day in our mission of making God and Sr. Judith O’Connor known and loved.
Sister Marguerite Torre Honored at Bronx Event Sr. Marguerite Torre was honored by the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York for her years of service in Pray for our Sisters Catholic education. The event, “A Night in the Bronx on who have entered into Arthur Avenue,” was held at the Arthur Avenue Market Eternal Life on May 23, 2018. The special guest speaker was baseball legend Joe Torre who introduced his sister, Sr. Marguerite. Sister Anne Clare Asbeck (Cleveland) Sr. Marguerite enjoyed the Italian fare, live entertainment Sister John Vianney Marria (Cleveland) and sharing stories about her life and ministries. Sister Johna Lincoln (Cleveland) Sister Sheila Kearns (Cleveland) Sister Patricia McCaffrey (Cleveland) Sister Pauletta McCarty (Maple Mount) Sister Martina Rockers (Maple Mount) Sister Marie Michael Hayden (Maple Mount) Sister Margaret Ann Hagan (Louisville)
Joe Torre, Sr. Marguerite Torre and Province Leader Sr. Joanne Callahan
10 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 11 An Update from the Toledo Ursulines
Toledo Ursulines Elect New Leadership Team The Ursuline Sisters of Toledo gathered in April to elect the new Leadership Team for the next four years. Sister Sandy Sherman was re-elected General Superior/President. Assisting on the General Council will be Sister Bernarda Breidenbach, Sister Nelda Chafitelli and Sister Donna Frey. The Sisters acknowledge with gratitude Sister Margaret Manion and Sister Claudia Holtz who served on the 2010 – 2014 and 2014 – 2018 Leadership Teams. Sister Ellen Doyle, Ursuline of Brown County, served as facilitator who led the Chapter members through the Chapter of Affairs and Chapter of Elections. The theme of Chapter was, “One mind, one heart, one Eileen Simon Phyllis Kustra will.” The Ursulines’ Directional Statement, “Living in holy relationship, a contemplative presence in an ever changing world,” was reaffirmed as the Sisters have found that College, Phyllis worked for 45 years as a nurse at Toledo, contemplative presence in today’s world is more important Mercy and Parkview Hospitals, some nursing homes, and than ever. now as a contingency nurse at the Ursuline Center. Phyllis The focus of the next four years centers on stewardship looks forward to growing spiritually with the Ursulines and in our care for our Sisters, our financial and material getting involved in some of our ministries. resources, and our sponsored ministries. Ursuline Center Art Show Showcases Residents’ Creativity The Ursuline Center of Toledo hosted it first “Opening Minds through Art (OMA)” Art Show and Reception on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Ursuline Center. The Ursuline Center received a grant last fall through the Scripps Gerontology Center, an Ohio Center of Excellence at Miami University, to participate in Opening Minds through Sister Donna Frey, Sister Nelda Chafitelli, Sister Sandy Art. Opening Minds through Sherman, Sister Bernarda Breidenbach Art is an intergenerational art-making program for people with Alzheimer’s Welcome to our Newest Associates disease and other forms of The Ursuline Sisters and Associates welcome two new neurocognitive disorders. Associates. Eileen Simon is a Certified Jungian Analyst who Its failure-free program provides opportunities for creative lives and practices in the Washington, D.C. area. “Living and self-expression and social engagement for people with supporting the Ursuline mission and being about embodying dementia. OMA also provides volunteers with opportunities consciously Angela’s charism have been a part of my life for to improve their attitudes toward aging through the weekly 50 years,” Eileen writes. “For me, becoming an Associate is interaction with OMA program participants. formally honoring what I have been living for many years.” During the eight weekly sessions, Ursuline Center Phyllis Kustra graduated from Mary Manse College with residents with dementia (artists) were paired with trained majors in Social Students and Elementary Education. She volunteers (students from the University of Toledo learned much about interacting with people as a social Department of Art and University of Toledo College of worker. Graduating with the first class of nurses at Owens Medicine and Life Sciences) who assisted them with primarily
12 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 13 News from Mount Saint Joseph
Toledo Ursulines, continued Company of St. Ursula of Toronto painting projects to create beautiful finished artwork. The Art Gathering Together Show was held at the conclusion of the eight On March 18, 2018, the Company of St. Ursula weeks to celebrate each of Toronto gathered for their monthly meeting - a artist’s accomplishments time of socializing, praying and sharing of business, while educating the etc. Visitors included Elsie Tajon, a leader of the public about the creative abilities of people Group in the Philippines, Bernice Daratha, a with neurocognitive member from Western Canada, and Mary-Cabrini disorders. Durkin, leader of the Group of the Company in the United States. Mary-Cabrini, who is also on the Council of the Sister Jane Catherine Lauer’s worldwide Federation of Companies, spoke about Artwork on Exhibit the purposes and services of the Federation which A painting by Sister Jane th Catherine Lauer (1907 – 1988) is celebrating its 60 anniversary this year! The titled, “Afternoon Collation Federation will be holding its General Assembly 1952” was recently on display at in Rome from July 7-11. During this Assembly, the Toledo Museum of Art. The the President, Vice-President and Councilors are work of Sister Jane Catherine elected and major decisions are made in response was chosen to be in this curated to the needs of the worldwide membership, which exhibit honoring the collection of the Toledo Federation of Art includes about 50 Companies and Groups (12 Societies. Work for this exhibit members and years of stability are required before was selected by the Toledo Museum of Art out of more than a “Group” constitutes a “Company”). 300 pieces that the Federation is honored to own. Many of Stay tuned for an interview in the next issue our Sisters have not seen the particular painting until the with Sabina Abiaka, whom the Company of Toronto exhibit. elected to represent them at the Assembly!
Ursuline Center STNA Earns Long Term Care Scholarship Denise Freeman, Ursuline Center STNA, was awarded a $4,000 Don & Theo Wessel Premier Scholarship to pursue further education. The Educational Foundation of the Ohio Health Care Association presented the scholarship to Denise during a special ceremony at the Ohio Health st Denise Freeman Care Association’s 71 Annual Convention on May 1 in Columbus, Ohio.
12 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 13 14 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 15 Snapshots from Cleveland
Cleveland Bishop Nelson Perez recently visited Light of Hearts Villa where he met many of the Sisters who serve or reside there. Pictured here with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, who minister at the facility, are five of our Ursuline residents: Back row at right is Shirley Ann Warner; front (l-r) are Marie Canice, Helen Marie, Irene Charette, and Virginia Lang.
14 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 15 From the Ursulines of Cincinnati
SUA Earth Club wins Spirit of Sr. Dorothy Stang Award A Living History Lesson Four students from St. Ursula Academy (SUA) and their In today’s fast-changing teacher recently received the Spirit of Sr. Dorothy Stang world, the mission of the Award for their efforts to care for God’s creation through Cincinnati Ursulines’ Archives a sustainability project in partnership with the Ursulines of includes preserving Ursuline Cincinnati. The cafeteria composting project was initiated in history both in its original form August 2016 with the purchase of two waste sorting tables and digitally. One might wonder: with a grant from the sisters. Mark Simcoe, SUA Earth Club “Is it worth it?” Our archivists moderator, and his officers took the lead on educating the would say, “absolutely,” and school community about this new way to sort trash at lunch have volunteered their services and supervise the students daily during the lunch hour weekly for the past nine years about what is recyclable and what is compostable and get it to make it happen. In addition to preserving it, they also in the correct containers. actively share this history with students, alumni, faculty, The award was presented by Teresa Phillips, associate women’s groups and the Cincinnati community. director of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Mission Office in Because they welcome so many guests, these dedicated collaboration with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur volunteers refer to the space as “a living archive.” During and the archdiocesan Social Action Office, to Simcoe, who the last six months, more than 500 people have visited for also teaches AP environmental science, and Earth Club tours guided by the archivists. Visitors are amazed to learn officers Josie Friedl, Grace Coughlin, Julie Ahrnsen, and Skye about the accomplishments of our 100 sisters over the last Toomey. century. They were teachers and principals for 10 parish and Every year, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, with rural schools and of St. Ursula Academy and St. Ursula Villa. the Catholic Social Action and Mission Offices, bestow the They were authors, community leaders, musicians, artists, award on high school seniors and educators who have lived caregivers, voices for social justice and change, creators of out the spirit of Sr. Dorothy Stang, who was murdered in social service programs, and more. the Amazon Basin of Brazil in 2005 due to her outspoken This is a piece of women’s history, a story that encourages support for the poor and the environment of the rainforest and inspires women of and for the 21st century. The spirit in this region. Simcoe and the four students have been of St. Angela is certainly alive in the Ursuline Archives in leaders in environmental sustainability efforts at SUA. Cincinnati. Through their work, the school has been able to increase the amount of items recycled at lunch and compost all leftover food. This has reduced the number of garbage bags headed to the landfill to just two per lunch from the previous six bags. They are also responsible for all the educational programming about sustainable practices for the whole school. Congratulations to award winners for their leadership in the care of God’s creation!
The Victorian Society in America Ohio River Valley Chapter held a formal “tea” in the parlors after touring the Ursuline chapel and archives. Of special interest was the sisters’ relationship with Maria Longworth Storer, founder of Rookwood Pottery, who resided at St. Ursula for three and a half years. Pictured from left are Josie Friedl, Julie Ahrnsen, Grace Coughlin, Teresa Phillips, and Mark Simcoe.
16 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 17 Ursulines of Bruno The Wedding By Sr. Maureen Maier the Chaldean rite church of the Sacred Heart. Because the Chaldean is one of a number of Eastern rites in the Catholic The wedding celebrations on Saturday, May 26, appeared Church, the presiding celebrant was Bishop Brian Bayda to be in true Iraqi fashion, faithful to this peoples’ tradition whom we generally consider the Ukrainian Catholic bishop of family, feasting and fun. On this day we witnessed the of Saskatoon. marriage of Kimberly and Giovani who is Evlin and Sabri’s Also according to their tradition, the wedding party left third born and second son. The bride, Kimberly, together us waiting well past the scheduled time for the ceremony, with her family, emigrated to Canada from Pakistan several but finally everyone appeared at the church entrance. This years ago. Giovani himself had a more dramatic leave- taking first grand entrance to the tune of “Here Comes the Bride” from his homeland and his entry began with very tiny flower girls into a new way of life in Canada. and a ring bearer, all of whom During Saddam Hussein’s seemed more frightened than tyrannical rule in Iraq, many of joyful. The five bridesmaids in these nationals fled in search of deep purple were next, then five freedom elsewhere. Entire villages groomsmen in black, the groom attempted escape on foot to himself and finally the bride with Turkey. For the better part of a year a long train sweeping the floor Evlin and Sabri together with two behind her. The service was made small children as well as friends up of scripture readings and a very and neighbours trekked through long sermon in which the bishop northern Iraq and Iran, through emphasized the permanence of Turkey and parts of Italy until the marriage bond. Great reminder they eventually arrived in Rome. Maureen Maier, OSU; Marian Noll, OSU; Giovani - for everyone present. The experience was exceptionally groom; Denise Hinz, OSU; Miriam Spenrath, OSU. The second grand entrance harrowing for Evlin who was now for the evening festivities at the pregnant with her third child. In Rome they found shelter Saskatoon Inn, again true to tradition, began about an hour with the San Egidio community, a group of young people late. The meal itself was a hotel serving of beef and chicken, who hoped to alleviate the hardships of international which was delicious but not the Iraqi foods some of us have refugees of that day. The day after Evlin’s arrival in Rome learned to love. There was, for example, no “dolma,” the she delivered her baby, none other than Italian Giovani, the ground meats wrapped in grape leaves, but we did enjoy proud groom of this day. the sumptuous meal. Eventually with the help of Evlin’s brothers who were The meal was followed by their traditional dancing already in Canada, this family applied for refugee status. where the dancers hold hands to form a ring around the Because the Ursulines of Bruno had already become room to move along in a kind of two-step. There is something involved in providing assistance in this issue of migration appealing about that formation: anyone can break in or of refugees, their application for sponsorship of this family drop out at any time while the music keeps going. That of five was quickly routed through the bureaucracy. The latter was provided by some string instruments and a very vacant St. Joe’s house on the Bruno convent property was loud vocalist, apparently from Calgary. Even Bishop Bayda prepared to receive them; now attention went into learning joined in the dancing for some moments. English together with some adaptation to Canadian culture. Quite late into the evening there were some moments By this time one-year-old Giovani had begun walking, but for a few speeches, introductions and welcomes all around. he delighted in borrowing Sr. Lidwina’s cane from the back Evlin did some very appropriate thanking, and I was par- of her chair to help himself in this new endeavor. Before ticularly moved (and grateful) for her good words for us as long the family transferred to Saskatoon where they were their sponsors. Those words and the almost thunderous ap- much more comfortable in the Iraqi community. plause again helped me believe how right it was for us to Weddings and baptisms of new family members were get into refugee sponsorship those many years ago. These frequent and joyous occasions, and the wedding of Kimberly families from such diverse cultures, Iraqi, Vietnamese and and Giovani was certainly no exception. The celebration of Eritrean, have influenced our lives in ways we could never this multi-cultural marriage began on Saturday afternoon in have imagined had we not engaged in this ministry.
16 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 17 From the Ursuline Sisters, Central Province
Laredo celebrates 150 Years of Ursuline Service Later in 2006, as immigration issues became more Ursuline Sisters of the Central Province were special pressing, the Central Province felt the need to renew the guests at the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Ursuline Ursuline presence in Laredo. In 2008 Sisters Carla Dolce, Presence in Laredo, Texas, held May 26 at St. Augustine Carmel Rangel and Karen Schwane went to Laredo to fulfill School. the province commitment to begin new ministries to the Alumnae and poor and marginalized residents of Laredo. After another 10 Friends of the Ur- years of Ursuline service, Sister Karen Schwane was the last sulines, who hosted to leave at the end of last year. the celebration, The celebration at St. Augustine’s included a Mass and invited all Ursulines reception. A featured part of the reunion was a historical who had ministered photo exhibit from the Ursuline Collection donated by the in Laredo to be their sisters to the Webb County Heritage Foundation. The op- guests, and eight Ur- portunity to renew old friendships will be cherished for sulines traveled from years to come. St. Louis, Missouri; Alton, Illinois; and San Antonio, Texas, to attend: Sisters Rita Ann Bregenhorn, Mary Teresa de Llano, Sister Maria Teresa de Llano greets an Julie Hickey, Elizabeth old friend. Susan Hatzenbuehler, Pauline Lorch, Mari- anne Mullen, Theresa Sarich and Karen Schwane. The Ursulines founded the first Catholic school in Laredo in 1868. At the request of Bishop Claude Dubois, Sister From left are Sister Rita Ann Bregenhorn, provincial; Lucy Mary Joseph left San Antonio for Laredo, where she and Cardenas, retired chancellor of the Diocese of Laredo; Sisters an Ursuline from Galveston, Sister Teresa Pereda, opened Pauline Lorch and Marianne Mullen; Margarita Araiza, executive an academy for girls. In the ensuing decades, hundreds of director of the Webb County Historical Foundation; and Sisters Theresa Sarich, Karen Schwane and Maria Teresa de Llano. Ursulines taught at parish schools and academies in Laredo, educating thousands Ursulines Part of Special Library Exhibit of children along the The St. Louis Public Library, in conjunction with the way. Communicators for St. Louis Sisters, hosted a special exhibit, Due to dimin- “Catholic Sisters: The Spirit of St. Louis,” in March and ished numbers, the April. The Ursulines of the Central Province were one of 15 sisters closed their participating congregations that helped develop the exhibit education ministries and contributed photos, books, artifacts and memorabilia. and left Laredo in The free exhibit celebrated the contributions Catholic 2006. Only one Ur- sisters have made in the St. Louis area for the past 200 suline, Sister Theresa years and was designed to coincide with National Catholic Sarich, remained to Sisters Week, March 8-14. Since 1818, Catholic sisters have continue her 10-year served St. Louisans through a host of ministries, including ministry at Santa education, healthcare and services to those in need. The Monica mission in Ursulines arrived in St. Louis in 1848. El Cenizo, a Hispan- Sister Rita Ann Bregenhorn with alumnae and friends. Each person at Visitors ranged from alumni of Catholic schools and ic community just Mass received a rose to present to others whose lives were impacted by sisters to people who outside of Laredo. Mary. continued on next page
18 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 19 Ursuline Sisters, Central Province, continued
were not familiar with Catholic sisters but were interested in learning about their history and the ways in which they minister today. For many the exhibit provided an opportunity to recall memories of the sisters and the influence they had on their lives. Sister Docents from each congregation volunteered to greet and talk with visitors. The Ursulines who served as Sister Docents were sometimes amazed at the high number of visitors and always glad to share information about their lives and ministries. The exhibit originally was scheduled just for March, but the library kept it up a second month due to the enthusiastic public response - noting that only A large section of the exhibit was devoted to the St. Louis Blues’ exhibit was more popular! sisters in education.
The crowd was lively during the opening Sisters enjoyed viewing other congregation’s reception. artifacts and memorabilia. Sister Rita Ann Bregenhorn shares a laugh with Archbishop Robert Carlson during the March 9 opening reception for sisters and special guests.
General council members visit Central Province Sisters Marie Thèrese Le Goc and Maria Jaworski, members of the Roman Union’s General Council in Rome, visited Ursuline communities in the Central Province in May. Visits to Ursuline provinces allow the Roman Leadership to better know the reality of each province, meet and visit with the sisters and see the ministries the sisters are involved in, Sister Rita Ann Bregenhorn, provincial, says. “It gives them an overall picture of how Ursuline life is lived in the U.S.” Councilors also visited the Eastern and Western provinces of the United States. Sister Marie Thèrese spent most of the month with Ursuline communities in St. Louis; Springfield and Alton, Illinois; and New Orleans. Sister Maria spent two weeks with the province’s Mère Marie community in the northeast. Both councilors attended the annual meeting of RULUSA (Roman Union Leadership in the United States of America) meeting in Chicago. Sisters Marie Thèrese Le Goc and Rita Ann Bregenhorn enjoyed the opportunity to become Donna Hyndmann from showing Sister Marie Thèrese around New Orleans. better acquainted during Sister Marie Thèrese’s St. Louis visit.
18 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 19 News from UEN
UEN is getting older. No surprise there. The organization There is an archival celebrated its 30th year in 2017, so it now has a history. service housed at That history is contained in paper: legal documents which Loyola University in record its beginnings and incorporation, records of meeting Chicago; Women minutes, records of conferences, publications, events, and Leadership mailings. Over 30 years of documents kept safe in binders Archives (WLA) in the UEN office. And those documents are being added to committed every year. Therefore, more binders, more space needed. to preserving Preserving the historical documents of UEN became a the materials of problem when it was determined that the Director’s Office women’s organizations. WLA would be closed and the current and future Directors would accepts records based on this principle: what records will work either from a home office or from space in an Ursuline tell people in the future 25, 50, 100 years from now about school. It didn’t seem feasible that space would be available this organization? What is important for people to know, that would provide storage in addition to the required learn about and appreciate regarding this group? What working area. How could the records be stored? Should the would I want to see if I were looking at these records in the records be preserved? The answer from the UEN Board of future? Trustees was Yes, the records should be preserved. But the Judy contacted WLA asking the key question: would how question was unanswered. the organization be interested in the historical records of Scanning the documents and storing them on a thumb Ursuline Education Network? Given their space constraints, drive was one option. Time-consuming but certainly would they be able to accept the records? Pictures were possible. Would renting a storage space be a possibility? sent showing the extent of documents that UEN would be Wouldn’t dampness and changing temperatures damage sending them, along with a general description of them. the records? Were there other options? The initial response was affirmative. WLA could receive the UEN Director, Judy Wimberg, told friends about the documents pending an examination of them. problem which was becoming more critical as the months The documents were transferred from binders to rolled by and the date for closing the office on Montgomery “banker’s boxes” and taken to the WLA office in Chicago. Road loomed closer on the horizon. In conversation with a Transferred in late March, the final acceptance of UEN’s friend at a Xavier Musketeer men’s basketball game, Judy historical records was communicated to Judy in May. A got the answer to the problem and it was as close as Chicago. formal document transferring the records to WLA from UEN is being prepared and will be signed by both parties in late May – early June 2018. The UEN documents that are being archived are inactive and generally the staff does not need to consult Ursuline Sisters, Eastern Province them. However, if any do need to be referenced, UEN can contact the WLA for that information. From time to time in the future, more records can be added to those already archived. The records are kept in a temperature -controlled environment that will preserve them for posterity, and future historiographers. A brochure published by the Society of American Archivists states, “The heart of an organization ‘s memory is in its records.” Preserving the records of UEN is a testimony to the farsightedness of the Ursuline sisters who founded the organization in 1987 and all who have followed in their footsteps over the last 30 years. The archives records give testimony to lives spent in developing the treasure of Ursuline education, and commitment to living the spirit of Sister Moekti Gondosasmito from the General Council St. Angela. in Rome visited the Province May 13 - 30.
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20 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 21 Celebrating with our 2018 Jubilarians 75 Years Sister Margaret Ann Babione (Toledo) Sister Mary Ann Luth (Eureka, Missouri) Sister Callista Arnold (Prelate) Sister Joanne Drescher (Prelate) Sister Naomi Aull (Maple Mount) Sister Marie Bosco Wathen (Maple Mount) Sister Emma Cecilia Busam (Maple Mount)
70 Years Sister Luisa Bickett (Maple Mount) Sister Clarita Browning (Maple Mount) Sister Grace Swift (Maple Mount)
65 Years Sister Eileen Marie Vogel (Toledo) Sister Joan Bretz (Eureka, Missouri) Sister Margaret Mary Cain (Brazil) Sister Theresa Pelletier (Waterville, Maine) Sister Catherine Gardiner (Tildonk)
60 Years Sister Mary Angela Gaietto (Toledo) Sister Nancy Mathias (Toledo) Sister Kenwyn Steger (Toledo) Sister Barbara Becnel (New Orleans, Louisville) Sister Glenda Burgeois (Dallas, Texas) Sister Julia Genetti (Alton, Illinois) Sister Mary Frances Judge (St. Paul, Minnesota) Sister Pauline Lorch (St. Louis, Missouri) Sister Madonna O’Hare (St. Louis, Missouri) Sister Francis Marie Thrailkill (New Orleans, Louisiana) Sister Marianne Mullen (Alton, Illinois) Sister Judith O’Connor (Tildonk) Sister Ann Patrice Cecil (Maple Mount) Sister Rose Karen Johnson (Maple Mount) Sister Mary Elizabeth Krampe (Maple Mount) Convergence 50 Years Sister Joy Gray (Toledo) Vol. 15, No. 2 Sister Madeline Kelley (Dallas, Texas) Sister Deana Walker (St. Louis, Missouri) Deadline for the Fall 2018 issue of Sister Claudia Hayden (Maple Mount) Sister Amelia Stenger (Maple Mount) NAULC Convergence is October 4, 2018. Please send stories and photos to Michelle Scazzero at [email protected].
20 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 21 News from Brown County
Brown County, Ohio Bicentennial Highlights St. George Parish in Georgetown and involved in many Sr. Julia Chatfield volunteer services in the local area. In 1818, Brown County Ohio was established as part All were invited to witness Margaret tell the story of of the young State of Ohio. In honor of this bicentennial Julia Chatfield and the foundation of the Ursulines of Brown year, the county held a Chautauqua experience in June at County in 1845. She was wearing one of the original bonnets the county fairgrounds in Georgetown. This popular adult worn by the sisters as they left France and embarked on the education movement throughout rural areas of the country journey that led them to St. Martin, Ohio in Brown County in the late 19th and early 20th centuries replicated the original 173 years ago. one founded on the banks of New York’s Chautauqua Lake. The assemblies brought entertainment and culture not present in the local communities around the country. Farmland Legacy Continues with James Adams As part of this two-hundred-year celebration of Brown It was evident to anyone who attended the auction of County, three speakers represented historic figures from the Ursulines of Brown County farmland on October 24, the southern, central and northern parts of the county, and 2017, that James Adams was determined to purchase all address the history shared by all in the area. three parcels of land that were up for sale that night. As The three historic figures portrayed on consecutive reported in the last issue of Convergence, the final selling nights in June were Sr. Julia Chatfield, foundress of the price far exceeded what the auctioneer and the sisters Ursulines of Brown County, Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War expected, and it had been sold to someone with great General and eighteenth president of the United States and fondness for the sisters. John Parker, former slave who became the most active Sr. Christine Pratt met with James Adams in late May to Underground Railroad conductor in the John Rankin “line.” explore his desire to own this farmland and his intentions to (The John Rankin House in Ripley, Ohio is said to be the continue its care under the conservation easement which destination of the character Eliza, in Uncle Tom’s Cabin by he agreed to continue with the purchase of the farm. Harriet Beecher Stowe.) When asked about his personal connection with the Margaret Clark sisters, his face softened, and he replied that it all began portrayed Sr. Julia with his first day of school at the small St. Martin school Chatfield on June 21st. staffed by our sisters. “It was 1945, and the first time I ever Since 1983 Margaret, saw a nun. I was scared to death. I respected Sr. Aloysius the an attorney, has principal and Sr. Patricia, but I fell in love with Sr. Xavier, my served the county as a first-grade teacher. She was so beautiful and reminded me probate, juvenile and of an angel.” (Sr. Xavier later became General Superior and common pleas judge. President of Chatfield College). Well known for her James added that his mother Florence (Flossie) became community work, she chief cook at the Ursuline Motherhouse and boarding also has served as an school for many years. “One of the reasons I wanted the adjunct professor at Ursuline farmland was because of the memories of my Chatfield College as time in school with the sisters and my mom working there.” well as Wilmington James and his wife Sandy renewed their vows on their College, Xavier 25th Wedding Anniversary in the Ursuline Chapel in 1991. University, University Coincidentally, it was Sr. Xavier to whom he was sent to of Cincinnati and make the arrangements for the chapel. Margaret Clark visits Ursulines of Lebanon Correctional He then shared his appreciation for the conservation Brown County archives in preparation Institution. easement because of his desire to continue the farming for her portrayal of Julia Chatfield. In addition to her tradition through his son Gail, his two grandsons Curtis professional career, and Cody and his step-grandson Jack. James also has a Margaret has taken local agribusiness which supplies farmers in the local three on many roles on stage as part of the Gaslight Players in county area. At one time his business had a large base Georgetown, Ohio. She has portrayed other historical of customers, but he has purposely reduced his buyers figures from the area as well. She and her husband Patrick to a smaller number because “it was hard to run a large Hornschemeier, also an attorney, are active members of
22 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 23 News from Brown County, continued Ursuline Sisters, Eastern Province
business and farm at the same time. It was very difficult Mother Cecelia’s visit to the Eastern Province for the customers especially as we had built real bonds of friendship over many years.” The conversation then turned to the connection of faith and the vocation of farming. “Farming is in my blood. I was raised on a farm. My faith and farming go together. When I am on my tractor or combine, it is my chance to pray. I am alone with nature and God.” Jim continued: “Farming teaches humility. I can do all I can in good farming practices but in the end, what happens in rain or hail, sun and drought is out of my control. God is in it all.” There are many challenges facing farmers today, but one particular concern is the change in corn and soybean production, two major crops grown on US farms. “It used to be the United States was the major producer of corn Mother Cecelia Wang visited the Eastern Province and soybeans. Today, Brazil, Ukraine, Russia and China are from May 3 - 6, 2018. Mother Cecelia is here with Sister Maria Rosa. producing corn and beans and are heavy players on the global trade scene. This impacts supply and payments for the crops,” James says. “Farming has always been a gamble, and we have learned to adapt.” James ended the conversation with these words, “I like this particular farmland because of the nuns. I will hold it in trust to stay in the family for farming according to the easement.” James continues the legacy on the land as he smiled and said, “these 85 acres will always be referred to as ‘The Convent Farm,’ in perpetuity.”
• Note from writer: Let us pray and advocate for farmers, farmworkers and the land during this time of shifting trade and immigration policies and the Mother Cecelia with Sister Jeanne Brennan. Farm Bill 2018 Congressional deliberations.
Sister Moekti Gondosasmito, OSU’s Visit
James Adams standing in his newly planted soybean field at St. Martin. The St Martin church is in the background. We were delighted to welcome Sister Moekti He asked that his stance be one of gratitude. from the General Council in Rome to the province from May 13 - 30.
22 Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC Convergence - A Newsletter of the NAULC 23