Sisters of Charity of Saint Augustine

Transcription

1 Sisters of Charity of Saint Augustine Spring 2000 One Heart and One Soul in God Why We Choose to Live as We Do "Home to me is not a physical place, but a sense of being loved and accepted that can be in all places if I have the heart and spirit to see it!" Sr. Eileen Keating, CSA. Continuing the theme of our Fall 1999 issue of Images, this spring we share a deeper perspective of our living situations, a view of the interior motivation and generous grace of God that inspirits our various CSA life styles." Sr. Theresa Bontempo My dear sisters, these are the rules we bid you observe. Above all things love God and then your neighbor, for these are the chief commandments given to us. The first purpose for which you have come together is to live in union and concord and to have but one heart and One SOUl in God. From the Rule of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Our lives as Christians are rooted in the Gospel. We are committed through Baptism to following Christ within a community of believers, the church....we dedicate ourselves to live lives of love in response to God's love for us. We Back row L to R: Sr. Rosemarie Burke, SIW, Sr. Cecelia Moran, SIW, front row: Sr. Therese Horan, OSU, Sr. Evelyn Flowers, CSA Sr. Denise Stiles hope to witness freely and joyfully the Good News of salvation and the coming of the kingdom....our response to the call "to live in union and concord and to have one heart and one mind in God" is made possible through the grace of God which has brought us together. Our prayer and our shared life in community reflect the life of the Trinity and are integral and supportive to our religious commitment. From the Constitution of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. Bits of the essence of our communal life are captured in the words of the sisters themselves on pages 4,5 & 6.

2 Sister Beth Pierik OFT rait Born in Cleveland Heights the oldest of 3 children, Sr. Beth attended St. Ann's School and Notre Dame Academy. In 1936 she became a Sister of Charity of St. Augustine and was given the name Sr. Michella. The 34 years she taught in settings ranging from rural classrooms to city schools, from Parmadale to St. Augustine Academy were rewarding to both herself and the many children who experienced her dedication. Called to something new in her life, Sr. Beth designed a program for Ministry to the Elderly at St. Luke Parish in Lakewood, including service to the Aristocrat Nursing Home. Ten years later she became Director of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) at St. Christopher Parish in Rocky River. For those who completed RCIA and wished to further pray and learn together she began a group called New Paths which continues monthly meetings to this day. After 57 years of active ministry Sr. Beth continues to serve the people of God as a volunteer. The folks at St. Augustine Towers enjoy her help with religious services and presentations on religious themes, story telling and current events. She also answers phones, packs food bags and lends a compassionate ear at the Lakewood Christian Service Center. Creativity has been a thread through Sr. Beth's life. She gathered the oral history of deceased sisters in a project called "Love Remembers," developing a kinship with sisters past and present. Realizing Sr. Beth Pierik their struggles and their hopes, she says, "We've buried a lot of unknown saints." In Sisters Today Sr. Beth contributed two articles, one on Parish Ministry to the Elderly and another entitled "The Reality of Dependency of the Aging Person." She was part of the working committee for "Our Journey of Faith Together," a letter to older adults written by Bishop Pilla. In 1997, Sr. Beth was recognized as a "Woman of Wisdom" by the Sacred Space community. In regard to living alone Sr. Beth is grateful for this profoundly nourishing time "to bloom" and experience a new way to live religious life today. She states in her personal creed: "my life's faith journey has brought me some surprising experiences of resurrection and of hope for our church and our world." Concluding with "the best is yet to be," (Browning) she adds "I count on that!" u Sunlight pours through the east window ofsr. Beth's apartment in Lakewood, filling it with light and peace. "I have never been lonely a day since I have been here," she says, tranquil in the warm and prayerful atmosphere she has created. Her "hermitage " imparts a harmony of color, sound and fragrance. "I don't live by myself but with myself. The heart of my home is openness to love for the Lord and all who enter this 'convent.' I offer guests a listening ear, a shared meal, a prayer and good conversation."

3 "Blessed! Held in Love!!" "Peace-filled, like coming home or being home at last!" "Comfortable, cared for, loved." "Challenged to grow!" "Connected!!" In these words, a few CSA Associates expressed how it feels to be in community with the Sisters of Charity. Most of our thirty-eight Associates live alone or with just one other person. Reflections on what makes their house a home include treasured belongings, personal touches in the decor, working with and enjoying flowers and gardens. Home provides feelings of peace, harmony, contentment and quiet - "sacred space." Always there is the welcoming of family and friends for frequent visits and extended times of sharing, caring and celebrating. For Associates being in community means being part of a whole, sharing common goals and ideals, giving mutual support, working to benefit the whole, sharing in prayer, joy, sorrow and - specifically with CSA - sharing Christ's love, joining in service to God and others, and being connected to brothers and sisters in the Spirit. Drawn to CSA because of a personal relationship or while working closely with one or more of the Sisters and aware of the Congregational Charism, Associates experience community with CSA in a variety of ways, among them: attending all CSA functions they are able, including regional Associate meetings, nurturing relationships with the sisters, serving on CSA committees, and living the Charism of CSA in their everyday lifestyles. Also important are centering prayer and volunteering at RHC or one of the hospitals. Many Associates describe changes in their lives as a result of belonging to CSA. Challenged to growth they have become more aware of timely issues, taken stances on justice, educated others, assumed positive roles in parish and society, become more prayerful and more tuned in to the needs of others, extending themselves in areas of service. Associates live, love and learn through their relationship with the community of CSA. ight Associates in Community with CSA L to R: Toni Meyer, Connie McAdams, Jeannette Pittinger, Jan Peach L to R: Sr: Kathleen Barnes, Mary McManus, Joan Weist, Gertrude Sikes, Gerry Spragg L to R: Maiy DeCapite, Rita Sossong, Bonnie Bowers

4 One Heart and One Soul in God Srs. Kathy Andrews, Sharon Anne Yanak, Mary Jean Eucker We believe Jesus is in our midst, connecting us to each other and sustaining us in our relationships, even over a cup of tea around our kitchen table. Sr. Eileen Keating The spirit of CSA is in my heart. There is a deep bond of oneness with all of our sisters. Trusting that our life journey is being led by God, our daily lives reflect that real faith. Srs. Rosella Holloman, Regina Fierman, Marietta Rohr The process of unfolding human life, awareness, experience, interests and values shared and lived congruently with the gospel message forms us as a community. Through the spirit of our community life, we are energized and inspired for ministry. Srs. Carole DeCrane, Carol Kandiko, Nancy Hendershot Spontaneous times of prayer and dialogue open us to the deeper spiritual dimensions of our lives together. We sincerely care about each other, honoring, respecting and at times struggling with our unique differences. v

5 Why We Choose to Live as We Do Srs. Coletta McNamee, Judith Ann Karam, Mary O'Grady, Allan Kenzig Our common purpose is service of God. We're happy to come home to experience an attitude of freedom and caring in a welcoming atmosphere. Srs. Mary Jacob Yelcho, Kathleen Barnes, Christopher Vozobule, and Eileen Quinn, SSMN We have had a commonality of diverse communities under one roof for over fourteen years. Our prayer life is the same though our works are different. We are kitchen people. We visit with each other, talk over the day, play games, interact with visitors... all around the kitchen table. Seated: Srs. Virginia Coldren, CSJ, Mary Lois Phillipp, Helen Mary Frank. Standing: Srs. Mary Bryan, Jenni Skerk, HM Although from three communities and two dioceses, we live together as one. Each of us considers Jesus Christ, our Leader, Lover and Friend, as the main focus of who we are and what we do. Prayer and meals are celebrations of life. Standing: Srs. Mary Grace Betzler, Jane Lab, Mary Denis Maher, George Paytas; Seated: Srs. Mary Patricia Barrett, Ancilla Ellinger, Pauline Panik, Stephanie Kovach, Venard Kline In times of personal or family illness or ministry crisis the local community particularly shows compassionate support through prayer and practical assistance. Continued on next page

6 Why We Choose to Live as We Do Srs. Maureen Grady, OSU, Elizabeth Schur (seated), Francesca Reardon, The heart of our home is our union with God and with each other in God. We have a good time together talking and sharing and laughing with each other's idiosyncracies. Srs. Joan Gallaher, Mary Ann Andrews, Miriam Erb With the blessing of the CSA congregation, we are an intentional community. We hold all things in common and are interdependent with each other. We extend ourselves to our neighbors, trusting that our neighbors recognize us as a community of sisters. Srs. Mary Dorothy Tecca & Ruth Ann Patrick We are committed to religious life and our personal response to God's call. We are "at home" when we transcend the physical and our spirits are connected, heart and soul. ^^^^S Sr. Loretta Spotila I am bonded to my religious congregation in one mind and communal heart. Together, we travel the "Jesus path" bringing our charism to others with interdependence and mutual friendship, concern and sharing of faith. The heart of my home is on my front porch where I reflect and enjoy my porch garden amidst the trees and mountains of God's creation. Srs. Marian Durkin, Cheryl Keehner Community is a choice. Being present is a gift we give to each other. We work at building relationships, although there is an element of discovery as well. We are already related, the task is to find out how.

7 limpses Preview of Coming Attractions: In 1851, two Augustinian Sisters from France came to America with two postulants responding to Bishop Rappe's request that they establish a hospital in Cleveland. This fall the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine begin a year long celebration of our one hundred and fifty years of dedicated service to God's people. Details of this Sesquicentennial Anniversary will be announced in the fall issue of Images. The CSA Ministries Corporations were redirected in 1995 to function as vehicles for new ways of service to the poor. In the past year they have begun unprecedented expansion. Our Fall 2000 issue will highlight the exciting new ventures that are being created. Sr. Mary Lois Phillipp is working as a Program Coordinator in the Volunteer Services Department at Mercy Medical Center. She is working with CSA Associate, Mrs. Marcia Ferguson. Marcia is the Director of Volunteers. In addition to her position as Pastoral Care Associate at Regina Health Center, Sr. Kathy Andrews is serving as assistant to the Local Leader for CSA sisters living at Regina Health Center. Several sisters were out and about in the parishes speaking to the congregations about the Retirement Fund for Religious. Sr. Marian Durkin spoke at St. Luke Parish, Lakewood, Sr. Carol Kandiko at St. Eugene in Cuyahoga Falls, and Sr. Judith Ann Karam at St. Clarence in North Olmsted. In addition to her work with the Hispanic ministry at St. Bernard's in Akron, Sr. Catherine Walsh has been named chaplain for the Spanish speaking inmates at the Summit County Jail. Sr. Catherine spoke for the Retirement Fund for Religion at her church. NEW VENTURES has named Sr. Marian Durkin to their national board. NEW VENTURES is an association of members of religious communities who develop new enterprises and ministries. Sr. Joan Gallagher has concluded her work with Famicos in order to devote full time to Joseph's Home as the project manager. Sr. Denise Stiles is an employment specialist at Community Support Services, Inc. in Akron. Requiescat In Pacem Please remember in your prayers Sr. Margaret Ann Fahy, CSA who died in January. "^^tftf^fi^^v Itnages is a bi-annual newsletter published by: Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine 5232 Broadview Rd. Richfield, Ohio (330) Staff for this issue: Sr. Miriam Erb Mrs. Caryn Kish Mrs. JoanWcist Photographer: JJ.Prekop Jr. Editor: Sr. Carol Kandiko Design and Production: ScripType Publishing Reminder: visit our web page -

8 Sisters of Charity, of Saint Augustine Mount Augustine, 5232 Broadview Road, Richfield, OH RETURN SER VICE REQ VESTED Sr. Nancy Henderskot, CSA Open Wide the Doors to Christ! Jubilee 2000 invites and challenges us. When we open doors we experience fresh air; we are refreshed and reinvigorated. But to experience the "more" that God offers us we need to move from where we are... dare we step through the doorway? In 1851 four women from a French religious congregation of "hospital sisters" dared to leave France and step onto a boat headed for the New World. This boat became their doorway to serving God's people in Cleveland, Ohio. Within a few weeks of their arrival they were visiting the sick in their homes (Cleveland's first unofficial public health nurses). Today the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, inspired by this heritage of courage and risktaking, are preparing to celebrate our sesquicentennial celebration (150 years) as well as examining where God is calling us in the future. We stand at the doorway with Christ as our guide. We are blessed to minister with people who share the same Spirit and who continue to believe in God's power to heal a hurting world. With our co-ministers we continue to respond V/ieflections to health needs through our hospitals and outreach programs. With others we serve in parishes and service agencies, teaching at the university level and in AIDS ministry. In collaboration with others we launched Early Childhood Resource Center in Canton as a means to improve the quality of child care for the poor... develop a means to assist in the formation of supportive infrastructure to address needs in rural poverty areas of South Carolina... address wellness issues in the mountains of Kentucky... open a Catholic Worker House of hospitality in Akron and convene greater Clevelanders concerned with affordable housing. Julian of Norwich tells us "All shall be well! All shall be well! And all manner of things shall be well!" Each of us is called to create the future. With Christ we build the kingdom of God.