LOOKING WITH THE EYES OF CLAUDINE AND RESPONDING

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1 RELIGIOUS OF JESUS AND MARY US PROVINCE BRIDGES March 3, 2017 LOOKING WITH THE EYES OF CLAUDINE AND RESPONDING [GC PRIORITY 2] BY SERVING THE NEEDS OF REFUGEES [USA PROVINCIAL CHAPTER] For the past month, I have been a tutor for adult foreign students who are beginning ESL classes at Dorcas International Institute in Providence, which offers a variety of programs to refugees/immigrants. At first, I had two women, but within three weeks, there were five! I spend two hours a week with them, complementing their regular classes with basic conversation. Their origins are as diverse as their dress: Cape Verde, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, and Puerto Rico! We spend the time in practical conversation [introductions, food shopping, going to the bank, etc.]. We also sing simple songs in English, which they enjoy. I have been touched by their vitality and eagerness to learn, despite the painful burdens of trauma they carry from war, family separation, and other heartrending situations. The fact that we are just the girls in the room permits spontaneity they cannot have in their mixed classes. Those from the Middle East happily share food with all and the group describes it in five languages! Their courage and hope are a light in our dark political times. Since 1921, Dorcas Center [named after one of the holy women in Acts, full of good works ] has offered a variety of learning and literacy experiences including basic education, citizenship preparation, employment assistance, and refugee/ immigration services. These days, it is in the forefront of Rhode Island s efforts to welcome recent refugees and provide them with basic services. The Center is a busy, lively place chaotic and colorful, empowering newcomers with self-sufficiency in an unfamiliar culture. I am grateful to do my part to offer them a welcoming and friendly face. My time there reminds me of the freedom I take for granted a grace and a challenge! Janice Farnham, RJM volunteer tutor, ESL Program for Refugees (photo of Statue of Liberty with Refugees Welcome banner that appeared 2/21/17, from Instagram of Victoria Londero Sheisvick )

2 ASH WEDNESDAY PRAYER SERVICE OF REPENTANCE OUTSIDE WHITE HOUSE "A Church that doesn t provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn t unsettle, a word of God that doesn t get under anyone s skin, a word of God that doesn t touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed what Gospel is that"? Archbishop Oscar Romero On Ash Wednesday people from the faith-based peace and justice community in the D.C. area held a prayer service in front of the White House to call for repentance and conversion of ourselves, our society and our churches to the Gospel way of justice, nonviolence and a reverence for all life and creation. Seeking to eradicate what Martin Luther King, Jr. called the triple evils of poverty, racism and militarism, we call for an end to corporate domination and systemic exploitation, racism and discrimination; debt forgiveness for poor countries, justice for the poor and all immigrants; an end to torture, indefinite detention and the mass incarceration complex; and for the abolition of war and the conversion of our war-based economy to one centered on serving the common good, alleviating poverty and protecting our sacred earth.

3 EASTERN JUBILEE CELEBRATION This year s Jubilarians will celebrate in the East on May 20 th ; If you are planning on attending, please RSVP to Sr. Rita by March 30th. Details will follow in the next Bridges. Sr. Beatrice Bonin, RJM 70 th Sr. Lorraine Genest, RJM 70 th Sr. Antoinette Jacques, RJM 70 th Sr. Maria De Belen Rojas, RJM 65 th Total number of years Sr. Diane Dube, RJM 50 th Sr. Janice Farnham, RJM Of love & service Sr. Fatima Viramontes, RJM Sr. Dina Marie Garcia, RJM Sr. Margaret Theresa Guinan, RJM Sr. Therese Picard, RJM Sr. Mary Stella Herrera, RJM Sr. Lina Lavoie, RJM WESTERN JUBILEE CELEBRATION This year s Jubilarians will celebrate in the West on a day between July 3-6. Details will follow in the next Bridges.

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5 GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS MEMORIAL TEA AT MARILLAC

6 MARDI GRAS in Plainville Sr. Pauline Joyal was the Mardi Gras Queen this year in Plainville. The celebration began with her grand entrance into the dining room assisted by Alice and Lina (pictured) who helped with her train. The community welcomed her with colorful bubbles of joy. Sr. Denise Renaud s nieces, Denise and Jeannine, joined us for dinner on that day. They too enjoyed the festivities and the treats Pauline distributed to all. Happy Lent. UPCOMING RELIGIOUS FORMATION CONFERENCE Crossing the Borders of Diversity: Interpersonal Skills and Challenges Presenter: Luisa M Saffiotti, Ph.D. Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, Philadelphia, PA May 13, :00 AM - 4:00 PM EST Click here to register: oeidk=a07edq4oio4efa82b76 Register now for 10% discount!

7 LENTEN REFLECTIONS During the Lenten season we will try to include a resource for reflection. Please feel free to send in your suggestion of a Lenten reflection to Sr. Rita. The first one is attached to this issue of Bridges REMINDER - MINISTRY FUND GRANTS Due 3/27 Please send your completed form to Sr. Rita Ricker. PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR Thomas Egan, who is recovering from knee replacement surgery, and who is Sr. Eileen Reid s brother-in-law; Bill Ferrante, who was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and who is the husband of Sr. Eileen Reid s cousin; Colleen Alion, Sr. Christine Carrigg s niece, who is still suffering from the effects of Cancer. WE ALSO PRAY FOR ALL THE NEEDS OF OUR RJM SISTERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Have you checked out our new website? Praised Forever Be Jesus and Mary