Chronicles of the Sisters of St. Joseph

Transcription

1 SISTERS of ST. JOSEPH ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA Chronicles of the Sisters of St. Joseph Established 1866 SPRING 2018

2 Zeal for the Glory of God and Salvation of the Dear Neighbor. Maxim 7 By Sister Jane Stoecker, SSJ, General Superior As Sisters of St. Joseph we are called to serve the dear neighbor, uniting neighbor to neighbor and neighbor to God so that all may be one. As I remember the thousands of dear neighbors, I continue to marvel at the energy and dedication of my Sisters to whom I was called to serve these past eight years; privileged to be #18 in the line of congregational leadership over our past 153 years serving on Florida soil. There is no soil in this beautiful state of Florida that has not been trod upon by the feet of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine. It is the soil upon which we continue to walk and where our hands continue to serve. Recent memories of the terrible storms in Florida called us to birth the Dear Neighbor kits that continue to this day. More than 5,000 hygiene kits have been made by the Sisters and received by the poor and needy in north Florida and in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Irma. I have watched as a reinvigorated zeal and energy has emerged among our retired Sisters at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent. Their outreach now serves the homeless, the homebound and the imprisoned. In welcoming our postulant and in anticipation of the bounty of the Lord s grace, we opened the Formation House in Jacksonville wherein we welcome young women discerning a call to the consecrated life. Who could forget our 150th anniversary celebrations wherein hundreds of people came on a dreary night in February, and in the rain, to see the documentary and in Miami though storms threatened there also. The covenant agreement written upon the sale of Mercy Hospital, Miami, ensured that the Catholic religious and ethical directives be maintained at Mercy and beyond; and that the Catholic religious symbols be visibly present throughout the hospital. Celebrating its 25th year of service to the Miami-Dade community, St. John Bosco Clinic, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph, continues to reach individuals who are underserved and lacking access to healthcare. As it has done throughout a quarter century, the clinic is a beacon of compassion and hope for many uninsured and underinsured in the community. Continually aware of the needs of the dear neighbor and especially the poor, our sisters ministering at St. James School, Miami, took on the supervision of another inner city Catholic school in the area that was on the verge of closure. And our Villa Flora-Brown Hall Renewal Center looks to the future; the deteriorating Villa Flora has been renovated and restored. We watch Brown Hall renovations that will provide a more welcoming and comprehensive space for retreatants. It has been my honor to serve with the trust and confidence of my Sisters and I look forward to the next chapter in our Legacy under the Leadership of Sister Kathleen Carr (General Superior), and Councilors Sister Ann Kuhn, Sister Stephanie Flynn, Sister Suzan Foster and Sister Carol Stovall. Our new Leadership will be installed in their new congregational positions on July 31st, the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. May our faithful and merciful God continue to transform us into his image and likeness so that we may untiringly continue to bring that image to our dear, dear neighbors. In gratitude to the Sisters on the Councils that have served these past eight years Council: Sisters Kathleen Carr, Elizabeth Worley, Carolyn Tucker and Florence Bryan Council: Sisters Kathleen Carr, Carolyn Tucker, Ann Kuhn and Suzan Foster 2

3 Notes from the Motherhouse: Motherhouse hosts 2018 General Chapter April 2-7 By Sister Carol Stovall, SSJ, Motherhouse Coordinator / Administrator To most people, the word chapter means a section of a book. For consecrated religious, however, chapter has another meaning. Easter week this year was the time our Congregation had its Chapter of Affairs and Chapter of Elections. These are held every four years and took place at the Motherhouse this year. Our meetings were held in the Archives with many Sisters from out of town staying at the Motherhouse. At Chapter of Affairs, held April 2-5, Sister delegates deliberated on important congregational matters and enacted legislation and/or general directives. During Chapter the General Superior Sweet Jesus let my Heart be your Home By Sister Kathleen Carr, SSJ, General Superior Elect Take these words of mine into your heart and soul Teach them to your children, speaking of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. (Deuteronomy 11: 18-19) When I read these words of scripture my own mother comes to mind. My mother was born and raised in England. She met my father during World War II, fell in love, married, came to the United States, and had 13 children. Needless to say that she was a very busy woman with very little rest. We were a strong Catholic family: Mass every Sunday, Catholic school, and always prayers before going to bed. One of the lines in our nightly prayer together was, Sweet Jesus let my heart be your home. I learned those prayers as soon as I could speak. That particular phrase has stayed with me my whole life. What does the home in my heart look like? Is there room for and Council provided an account of the persons, works and temporalities of the Congregation since the last Chapter of Affairs. Our Constitutions explains the General Chapter in the following way: The General Chapter is the highest authority in the Congregation, this assembly of our Sisters expresses our unity in love and our concern for constant renewal and adaptation according to the call of the Church, the needs of society, and the spirit and mission of the Congregation. (p. 78 of Constitutions) At Chapter of Elections, April 6-7, the new General Superior and Councilors were chosen by the members of the (Continued on next page.) Jesus to make himself at home in my heart? When I open my heart to those around me do they see Jesus? What more needs to be done to renovate the home in my heart? Do I allow Jesus to help me change my heart? Yes, this phrase has become my mantra for my life. I also add and Sweet Jesus let Your Heart be my Home. I have been in the field of elementary education for the past 40 years. All the children who have passed through my life I have tried to teach them to pray, Sweet Jesus let my heart be your home. Maybe 50 years from now someone will be teaching it to their children. In the Book of Joel 1:3 we are reminded, Tell it to your children, and your children to their children and their children to the next generation. My mother brought the prayers abroad from England, she had us say those prayers whether she was busy or at rest. May Sweet Jesus be at home in your heart and may you be at home in the heart of Jesus. Sister Kathy on her mom s lap during their holiday meal celebration Sister Kathy instructs 7th graders (l-r) Ashma Honore and Roxanne Milfort at St. James Catholic School in Miami 3

4 Nun Run 2018 By Sister Kathleen Power, SSJ Associate Director of Vocations, Diocese of Orlando Six teenage girls who are discerning a religious vocation met on Saturday morning, March 10th, at the Chancery parking lot in Orlando. They were ready to embark on a spiritual journey, visiting three religious communities of Sisters in Central Florida. The journey took them to visit the Sisters of Notre Dame in Winter Garden, the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Longwood, and the Sisters of St. Joseph in Orlando. At each convent they were warmly welcomed. They were invited to pray with the Sisters, share a simple meal with the Sisters and engage in learning, sharing about the community, and a question and answer session. Sr. Florence Bryan, Director of Vocations for the Sisters of St. Joseph, came down from Jacksonville to assist in this event. She was pleasantly surprised to meet a young woman named Florence in the group. The girls had a thoroughly joyful experience, as did the Sisters. Fr. Chris Dorsey of St. James Cathedral gives a blessing Motherhouse (Continued from previous page.) Chapter. This is done in a prayerful spirit, and all members are guided by their conscience in voting for Sisters who reflect the qualities required of those in the service of governance. (p. 79 of Constitutions) Canon Law emphasizes that the foremost duty of General Chapter is to protect the patrimony of the institute, which it defines as the intention of the founders and their determination concerning the nature, purpose, spirit and character of the institute as well as its wholesome traditions. (Canon 578, Code of Canon Law) Sister Lynn Jarrell, an Ursuline from Kentucky who is a canon lawyer, served as our Chapter facilitator. She has been working with our congregation s leadership and a small group of Sisters on the Chapter Planning Committee to prepare for our Chapter 2018 since last summer. Our theme was Journey Together. The entire congregation had the opportunity to participate in small group meetings called Chapter Chats that provided input for setting the agenda of the 2018 Chapter of Affairs. All were united in prayer during these special days as we set the direction of the Journey Together for the Congregation for the next four, eight or 12 years. The girls said that having the opportunity to meet and be with Sisters in their own homes made all the difference to them, since they had relied on information on websites and Google. The girls remarked on the supportive experience of finding other girls like themselves who are seriously asking God to reveal to them their life s vocation. Discernment with Sister Florence and Sister Kathleen Love Letters from Lourdes By Mrs. Patricia Poticny, BSN, RN Lourdes Hall Adminstrator Spring is in the air here at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent. Our eighteen retired Sisters are looking forward to warmer weather and beautiful sunshine. The air is softer and more conducive to time spent outdoors; walking on the grounds or enjoying some time at the beach house. Going for doctor s appointments is even more pleasant when the weather is good. The SSJ bus is a source of camaraderie, efficiency, connectedness and service, as the Sisters are taken to appointments, for social road trips and service oriented deliveries. The Spring outreach activities will include a singing visit to a local nursing home, collaborating with the St. Joseph s Academy Students during their Mission Week, writing letters to the incarcerated, baking treats for the homeless of St. Augustine, facilitating the Centering Prayer group, offering spiritual direction and lifting up the Dear Neighbor in prayer every day. Our newest resident at Lourdes Hall is a gentle 8 year old (Continued on next page.) Sister Marlene gives Holly Ann some love 4

5 St. Joseph Academy Mission Week By Sister Suzan Foster, SSJ Assistant Principal It began before dawn on Sunday, March 11. Boarding buses and planes, the SJA overseas missionary students began SJA Mission Week with the group heading to Belize. A few hours later, the students and chaperones bound for the Dominican Republic took their leave. With 50+ students in those faraway places, the at-home SJA student body led the way descending on various diocesan and community entities of charitable services. The Sisters saw SJA students at the Motherhouse and Villa Flora/Brown Hall. The Weeding and Raking Buddies took on two days of landscape cleanup at San Lorenzo Cemetery. More than just gardening, our students sought to comfort the sorrowful through beautification of so many loved ones resting places. Midst the working pace, a quiet and prayerful peace settled. Truly God is present here. Sister Suzan with her raking buddies St. Joseph Academy Catholic High School is a private Catholic high school in St. Augustine, Florida. It is located in, and administered by, the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine. The oldest Catholic high school in Florida, it was founded in Sister St. Margaret (age 100) colors Easter Eggs with the students that will go to the Homeless Shelter Together with the students, Sister Beatrice and Sister Mary David create cards for those imprisoned Sister Cathy, Archivist, shares with the students the deep history of their school that was founded by the Sisters Love Letters from Lourdes (Continued from previous page.) female beagle. Holly Ann came to live at Lourdes from a rescue shelter on December 23, Holly has made herself at home and has become a source of companionship, joy and laughter for the Sisters and staff. The statements found about the positive effects of having pets around seniors hold true here at Lourdes Hall. In addition to talking to and petting Holly, Sisters also take her out for walks and provide occasional dog treats from their pockets or walkers. Holly Ann is a happy pup! Lastly, there is an ongoing need here at Lourdes Hall for maintenance and upkeep, just as there is in every home. We are currently appealing for assistance for several large projects that will keep this building strong and safe for the retired Sisters, while allowing them the space and time to accomplish their ongoing ministries to the Dear Neighbor. The entire duct system needs to be insulated, as the current insulation is over 25 years old, has degraded, and lost its efficacy. There are 18 bedrooms for the Sisters that need to be renovated from their 1987 appearance and condition. Lastly, the inner courtyard needs to be resurfaced and re-landscaped to provide an outdoor refuge where the Sisters can watch the birds, have picnics, and enjoy fresh air in a secure environment. The current courtyard has an uneven surface which is not safe for our Sisters to walk upon. These special improvement projects are meant to improve the health, safety and general well-being of each of our aging Sisters. Rest assured of the love and prayers from the Sisters of Lourdes Hall to you and your families. 5

6 Out of the Archives By Sister Catherine Bitzer, SSJ, Archivist Manel Nieto, a journalist and T.V. producer from Spain, sent a small production crew from Minorca and Spain to participate in the St. Augustine Minorcan Festival. While here they visited the Diocesan Archives to see first-hand and to film some of the pages from the original Father Camps Golden Book of Minorcans. They were in awe as they turned the pages and saw familiar family names. Sisters Mary Josepha Butterfield and Suzan Foster who have Minorcan heritage enjoyed meeting the crew. In response to our request for your memories, many former students of the Sisters wrote in to share their stories... Perusing the Golden Book of Minorcans are: Crew (left to right): Agustí Torres (Director of Photography), Celia Novis (Director and scriptwriter of the film), Sabina Llambias (Host) with Minorcans Sister Suzan Foster, SSJ, Sister Mary Josepha Butterfield, SSJ and Archivist Sister Catherine Bitzer, SSJ (Additional Crew members not pictured: Luis Ortas (cameraman and producer) Marisa Goñi (producer) and Manel Ferrera (producer) Support Sisters Of St. Joseph. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates! Bless the Sisters and your loved ones when you do all of your Amazon shopping! To Register with Amazon Smiles in Support of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, please use EIN #: If you have a story to share for a future Chronicles please jeanetteghioto@ssjfl.org or call toll free x341 for Jeanette Ghioto Sister Ann Raymond Wood, SSJ Sister Ann Raymond asked a question in class (sophomore English, I believe) and it was a good one that made me think, but I didn't feel like participating that day. But she looked at me and said, "Emily, I can see the wheels turning in your head," so I had to answer anyway! She never let anyone get away with slacking off, but she did it in such a quiet and gentle way that you felt honored when she called you out. Emily Ghioto Berlinghoff Bishop Kenny 81 Sister Maria Antonia, SSJ Having arrived in Orlando in 1951, at the age of eight, I am very familiar with the development of the Catholic Church in this area and the beautiful work of the Sisters of St. Joseph for many years. I attended St. James Catholic School 6th, 7th, 8 grade, graduating in Subsequently, I attended Bishop Moore High School graduating in I will never forget those devoted women who believed in my potential, especially Sister Maria Antonia, SSJ. Jack Recker St. James Catholic School and Bishop Moore High School, Orlando, FL 6

7 Sister Boniface, SSJ My late aunt, Lois McNally, went down to the bus stop one afternoon about 60 years ago (yes, all the good stories happened in the 50's) to meet her son, Thomas, and his good friend, Tommy White, at the bus stop. Tommy was crying inconsolably...he had a note to his father from Sister Boniface and he thought it was a "bad note". Just to calm him down, Aunt Lois read the note...not sealed up, just on a slip of paper. It simply said, "I know a man who needs a suit about your size." And she said, Tommy, this is not a bad note, this is a good note." And on the bus the next morning there was Tommy White with a man's suit on a hanger and a bag with a pair of shoes and a shirt and a tie. So, here was Sr. Boniface at her best. And bringing out the best in others Anne Logue Sulzbacher St. Pauls Riverside, Jacksonville, Sister Edith, Jedi Master, SSJ When Jesus taught, he used words and imagery that listeners easily understood. Every first century Palestinian had daily interactions with mustard seeds, with barren fig trees, with Samaritans on Jericho s road, with the joy of finding lost coins, with the wisdom of having enough lamp oil just to identify a few. It takes a special kind of teacher to refine profound theological truths into simple lessens. Sr. Edith is one of those teachers. My most influential high school memories came from inside her religion classroom where she taught us about God, the Saints, and the Church through modern parables found in Star Wars and Star Trek (despite the irony that the former is set a long time ago in a galaxy far away while the latter is set centuries from now). We contemplated supernatural truths of the faith in Christ through the Force of Star Wars. We explored the Universal Church s teaching on virtue and the dignity of the human person through the enterprise of Star Trek. Sr. Edith is one of the reasons I received a Master s degree in Theology and am now working for Scott Hahn and his apostolate, the St. Paul Center. Sr. Edith is one of the reasons I continue to pray every day while trekking on the Narrow Way. Sr. Edith is the Jedi Master, the Star Fleet Captain, the Saint for our times who used modern metaphors to teach someone like me that I could be someone like Christ. Brandon Ghioto (Becket) Bishop Kenny Class of 95 (Continued on next page.) A New Ministry for Homeless People in Orlando By Sister Kathleen Power, SSJ Associate Director of Vocations, Diocese of Orlando A friend of mine told me about her new ministry called IDignity. She invited me to volunteer monthly at the Orlando downtown Parramore Mission for homeless persons. I began serving there with her in August Each month I am assigned to one of several stations. So far I have learned to assist in Intake, Legal, Shepherding and Out of State Birth Certificates! It s been an excellent learning opportunity. Meeting the young and the elderly homeless people in the city has given me the impetus to pray for them daily. Since May 2008, IDignity Orlando has hosted monthly Client Services Events where governmental partners and more than 120 volunteers serve over 200 people in need. At these events, qualified clients can get a Florida birth certificate, as well as a Florida ID (or license renewal). We also offer our clients help with getting a Social Security card or verification information. The documents IDignity obtains for its clients give them the freedom to apply for work or school, gain access to shelters, seek help from social service programs, open a bank account or cash a check, secure permanent housing, or overcome many other obstacles to being self-sufficient. Restoring dignity and hope doesn t just begin and end at Client Services Events. Among other things it does in the community, IDignity hosts an annual Homeless Memorial Service recognizing those who have died each year and IDignity leaders serve on committees and boards addressing homeless and social justice concerns. IDignity s purpose is to empower the community and cultivate a more inclusive, productive and secure society. IDignity Orlando has also expanded through satellite organizations in Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. These satellite stations hold quarterly Client Service Events. My most recent statistics: Your service with IDignity meant that 165 individuals received help obtaining legal identification: 86 of these obtained an ID/license, 60 applied for Social Security cards, 16 people obtained their Florida birth certificate, and 35 began their journey to obtain their birth certificate from outside of Florida. It is an honor to serve. Sister Kathleen (center) joins volunteers Lynn and Maureen in serving homeless people of Orlando 7

8 January 2018 Retreat Reflection By Vanity Duran Catholic Volunteers in Florida started off the New Year at their annual Winter Retreat in St. Augustine. Known as the oldest city in the country, the volunteers met at the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine Villa Flora-Brown Hall Renewal Center. Just in time for the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this retreat focused on social justice. Volunteers were offered opportunities to learn about Catholic Social Teaching and taking action on important social issues, including the "March for Life" in St. Augustine. Catholic Correctional Chaplain to Florida's Death Row, Brother Dale Recinella shared his work on death row and efforts to end the death penalty in Florida. Volunteers were given a chance to experience the realities of incarceration with a tour at the Tomoka Correctional Institution. This helped ignite our Catholic call to honor the life and dignity of all human persons. Sister Florence Bryan, who serves on the CVIF Board, led a reflection on discernment and prayer. Catholic Volunteers also celebrated Mass with Bishop Estevez at the Cathedral. Another highlight of the retreat was sharing a delicious meal with the Sisters of St. Joseph and having a chance to visit with the retired Sisters at Lourdes. "I have never seen such dedication and love to God before," remarked LaShanna Tyson. "Visiting the Sisters was one of my best experiences with CVIF," said Edson Jean. "To love and serve God as much as the Sisters do, and to remain committed like the Sisters is something I am taking back into my life from this retreat." Catholic Volunteers in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine with Bishop Felipe Estévez REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE CATHOLIC VOLUNTEERS OF FLORIDA Sister Helen Marie, SSJ I only went to Saints Peter and Paul for four years, grades 5 through 8, but I have nothing but fond and vivid memories of that time. The years Sister Helen Marie and Barbara Anne (Continued from previous page.) would have been 1948 through I am now 80, but I still remember my 5th grade teacher was Sister Mary Sebastian, who liked to keep chocolates in her desk, and was known to indulge in a snack or two when the impulse arose. This was usually followed by a wink and a grin. She caused somewhat of a scandal by having us sing "Buttons and Bows" in the annual Christmas program. It is a country song, but it 8 sounded Christmasy to her and she liked the tune. My 6th grade teacher was Sister Helen Marie. I was such a tomboy, I probably liked her best, because she would get out and play softball with us. When I was in the 7th grade, I broke my arm during recess. I remember stumbling trying to catch a ball and step over the curb into the street that divided the playground. I knew it was broken, but it didn't yet hurt, and I went over to one of the Sisters and said, "Sister, I think I've broken my arm". She took one look and fainted. When I got home later, and walked into my house with a cast on my arm, my mother fainted. Who could forget that memory! Barbara Anne (Mitchell) Fullwood Saints Peter and Paul School, Miami, FL

9 Apostolic Ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph throughout Florida Doing the work of whatever a woman is capable SSJ Founder, Fr. Jean Pierre Medaille, SJ TEN YEARS RECOGNITION OF SERVICE Sister Kathleen Power, SSJ, 10 Year serving the dear neighbor in the Diocese of Orlando. Bishop John Noonan presented Sister Kathleen with a plaque recognizing her ten years of service as the Associate Vocations Director on December 15, Mr. Thomas Doyle, President of Bishop Moore Catholic High School, spoke about the value of her ministry there as Chaplain of the girls varsity volleyball team. After honoring Sister Stephanie Flynn, SSJ on her 25th Jubilee, Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami, where Sister serves as principal of St. James School, joins her for dinner at St. Mary s Cathedral in Miami Sister Bernard Joseph teaches a weekly Bible Study Class to the ladies of St. Anastasia parish in St. Augustine Sister Lilia and Sister Lyn bake cookies for the homeless ministry in St. Augustine Sister Jerome Danese, SSJ I am a cradle Catholic and went to parochial school for 12 years. I was taught by Sisters the entire time. Most of that time were the Sisters of St. Joseph. In grade school, I didn t really think much about it but by the time I got to high school, I was wondering why all the rules? You ve heard all the stories, seen or heard about Nunsense. How well I remember having to kneel to see if my skirt was long enough and having the boys on one side of the street and girls on the other. But I learned and I learned well. Many of my best habits were formed at Bishop Kenny. Fast forward to when my daughters were at BK. I had to visit one day and walking the halls was a real eye opener for me. No order, no silence, no Sisters. It was so different from my experience. I think the silence and the order were better. One of my big influences was my cousin, Sister Jerome. She was special to me. I went to their novitiate at Jensen 9 Beach during my senior year. She showed me around and told me about all the graces of being a Sister. After I left Bishop Kenny, she came to visit me at FSU. She was always one of my favorites! Thanks to the Sisters for teaching me discipline, educating me (freshman year at college was a breeze), strengthening my faith and giving me so many wonderful memories. Helene McCall McCarthy Bishop Kenny 65 (Continued on next page.)

10 Sister Kathleen Carr, SSJ Sisters Josephine Marie and Kathleen sign Bibles with words of encouragement for the prison ministry Sisters also create cards to send to the prisoners Sister Suzan Foster was a guest on St. Joseph Academy s Principal Todd DeClemente s weekly radio program St. Joe Radio discussing the importance and value of Catholic education. Sister Suzan is the Assistant Principal at St. Joseph Academy Jacksonville Associates welcome Sister Eileen Therese's presentation, Spirituality and Praying Alone, at their December meeting. The day was chilly enough for a fire which added to the prayerful atmosphere. Sister Marie LaSalette Japour, SSJ Sister LaSalette was the Dean of Girls all of my four years at Bishop Kenny High School. Everyone loved her! We had a great respect for her and we knew we could go talk to her about anything. The seniors got to pick the theme for Homecoming, and my class picked the '50s. We decorated our classroom like a malt shop. I came to school with my skirt longer than usual, my hair in a ponytail, a skate key & a boy's class ring on a chain around my neck, and roller skates! My home room teacher took one look at me and sent me to the office for approval. Sister LaSalette was on her way up from the convent. I started down the sidewalk toward her. Before I could even get my question out, she said "Oh, Mary, skates! Wait here, I'll go get mine and we'll race down the hall!" She was just kidding, but I got my permission and a wonderful memory. Mary Meigs Adams Bishop Kenny Class of 75 10

11 Sister Mary Leonard Spengler, SSJ Sister Mary Leonard managed 3 rows of 3rd grade and 2 rows of 4th grade back in the 60 s at St. Michael s School in Fernandina. I can still remember where I sat those two years of some of the best foundational education I ever received. Every morning started with Mass; yes, it was in Latin, but Sister explained to me that I was on Holy Ground and I believed her. This was confirmed for me when the lady with the brown curly hair quietly wept every morning when the bells rang out the ultimate Sacrifice. After Mass we walked, in straight lines, to the Flag and pledged and sang allegiance to this great country. And then we trooped into classrooms wherein learning was not an option. God, country and disciplined learning a solid foundation and springboard for lives well lived. Years later I came to Lourdes to visit Sister Mary Leonard in her retirement. Excitedly I asked her if she remembered me? She smiled her beautiful smile and nodded. She didn t have a clue who I was as thousands of children had passed through her classroom over her decades of teaching. But that didn t really matter as I would forever remember all that she meant to me during those critical formative years. Rest in Peace Sister! Job well done! Jeanette Lawrence Ghioto St. Michael s School, Fernandina Beach Sister Monica, SSJ and Sister Josepha Butterfield, SSJ Sister Monica was my mother's Senior Home Room teacher at Gesu in 1936 and so those many years later in 56 she was mine in my senior year. I might have looked like my mom but in no way was I the student she was. If I heard it once I heard it a million times in my senior year: "Carol Nasrallah why can't you be more like your mother. You're a poor representation of the wonderful student she was." And she was right. I barely graduated but went to college in my 60 s and had a 4.0 grade point average. The Sisters laid a great foundation. And there was the time Sister knew the boys were in the bathroom smoking because the bathroom was right next to the senior class. There was a hole in the wall right through to our classroom. The smoke from the cigarettes sent a line through the class and Sister, being Sister, marched out of our class, swung open the boy s bathroom door and had them march out handing her the cigarettes they had left. Bishop Peter Baldacchino, Auxiliary Bishop of Miami, speaks with the students at St. James School in Miami where our Sisters are Administrators during Catholic Schools Week Sister Mary Victor and Sister Dorothy assemble dear neighbor basic needs packets to send to the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas Sister Elise and her CCD Students from St. Pius Sister Mary David always makes sure the vehicles are in excellent condition (Continued on next page.) 11

12 Sister Monica, SSJ and Sister Josepha Butterfield, SSJ (Continued from previous page.) My two brothers Paul and David were not ones who really paid attention in school EXCEPT when this beautiful Sister came to their school. In them, Sister Josepha Butterfield found two students who would help her do anything she asked. They even learned to pay attention in class. Now years later they are still in touch with her and find her more beautiful today than those many years ago. Carol (Nasrallah) Ellis Gesu High School, Miami, FL, Class of 1956 Sister Monica was a brave soul to go into the boy's bathroom when she caught them smoking cigarettes. She would pull them out by their shirts into the hallways and scold them furiously. God Bless her! Janet Maybury Clement Gesu and SS Peter and Paul High Schools,1955 Villa Flora hosted a Nativity Open House featuring the renovations stay tuned for upcoming events... Sister Rita revitalizes Sister Marie Therese s Nun Doll Ministry with porcelain dolls clad in the original hand sewn Sisters of St. Joseph habit Sister Florence presents a day of reflection at the Motherhouse: Preparing our Hearts for the Lenten Journey 12 Sister Thomas Joseph, SSJ My memories of St. Joseph Academy in this article will be first those of Sister Thomas Joseph. She gave me a Holy Card of The Madonna of the Streets shortly after I arrived there. I still treasure it. Sister gave me a precious gift of keeping the Madonna by my side in all the years that followed - in happiness and in sadness- her picture hangs in every place I have lived, and my three daughters grew up loving the Madonna as well. Sister was the only teacher who made Math comprehensive to me as she helped me with Geometry in our Boarder Study Hall very patiently and encouraging... "you can do this." Thank you, Sister Thomas Joseph, I am blessed to have you in my life. We were encouraged to be kind to the youngest Boarders as an older sister might. Upon my High School graduation my "little sister" gave me a gift that I still treasure, a booklet that she made herself with sweet Thank You messages, beautiful drawings, held together by a yellow ribbon. I also treasure my SJA friendships, Boarder and Day Students, with whom I have kept in touch over the years. I remember our Sunday walks in the city of St. Augustine, Boarders two by two's - with Sisters leading the way and checking on us every step of our way. (Continued on next page.)

13 Formation of Associate Candidates (l-r) Jean Broglio, candidate; Sister Rita, Coordinator; Sister Diane, sponsor; Dave Look, candidate; Nancy O Byrne, presenter; Joe Lynn Look, candidate For the 18th consecutive year Sister Loyce Newton presented the Divine Mercy message on Divine Mercy Sunday. Sister shared Sister Faustina s timeless message to 100 attendees at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Jacksonville at the invitation of Father James Kaniparampil, pastor Sister Eileen Therese shares her talents as a poet and an artist from her many years of teaching the children Pictured with former Morning Star students, Julie Stillwell and Sharon Cascone Ray, are Sister Elizabeth Marie and Sister Nancy Keane who were given a tour of Morning Star School by Principal Jean Barnes. Sister Elizabeth Marie was principal and teacher at Morning Star 60 years ago Sister Thomas Joseph, SSJ (Continued from previous page.) Same thing at the end of our Friday night dances...sisters would walk us back "home" very ATTENTIVE to any male friend walking by our side. The list of memories could go on for pages...thank YOU! Rowena Kaylor, Boarder St. Joseph Academy, St. Augustine, FL - Class of

14 SSJ Community Connections FLORIDA EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS 2018 MARCH 16 AND 17 PRIME OSBORN CONVENTION CENTER JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA Sister Jane and Sister Nicole display the Sisters table at the Eucharistic Congress for the Diocese of St. Augustine where many handmade crafts by the Sisters were available DCCW of St. Anastasia Parish in St. Augustine tour the Motherhouse, Archives and Miguel O Reilly Museum Sisters ride the Christmas Trolley in St. Augustine 14

15 Sisters St. Margaret, Kathleen and Immaculate enjoy St. Patrick s Day Sister Jane welcomed Brandon Ghioto (Becket), Social Media Marketing Specialist for Dr. Scott Hahn s St. Paul Institute for Biblical Studies, who presented Your New Year s Resolution in Christ: Being Christ s Best Disciple in 2018 Lauren O Neill, a Masters student from the University of Florida, researches historic stained glass in St. Augustine with Sister Catherine, Archivist St. Michael s Ladies Guild in Fernandina present a $750 check to the Sisters for their ongoing ministry to the dear neighbor Sisters Rea and Elise serve at Cursillo Catherine Turner sent photos of the Bosque Bello gravesite in Fernandina of some of the founding Sisters of St. Joseph 15

16 SISTERS of ST. JOSEPH ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine Office of Mission Advancement Post Office Box 3506 St. Augustine, FL ssjfl.org Associates from Gainesville bring handmade crafts for Sister Joan of Arc s Annual Christmas Sale Sister Margaret Jeanne receives a kind donation from Steve Melnick, President of the St. Augustine Sons of Italy, for Our Lady of Lourdes Convent Sister Thomas Joseph and members of the Bishop Kenny Class of 1964 honor the memory of classmate Patrick Griffin. Pat was instrumental in organizing special recognition of Sister, who was their principal, for their 50th class reunion 16