Province

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET AND ASSOCIATES ST. LOUIS PROVINCE JANUARY 2012

News Notes

I have seen your light.

Insi d e thi s I s su e
Fiat House Community Reection
Page 8 Two members of the Fiat House, Aisa Rocha and Deanna Molosky, reect on Gods path for them in the world and at the Fiat House.

Province News Notes

January 2012
Province News Notes is a publication of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province. Its purpose is to promote dialogue and unity within the St. Louis Province and to keep members informed on those subjects that promote community and ministry. We welcome your submissions. Please submit articles and photos to Sarah Baker (e-mail preferred to sbaker@csjsl.org). Materials are subject to editing and will be published at the discretion of the editor.

Face of the Motherhouse

Pages 15 Meet the newest member of the St. Louis province sta, Van Farrington, bookkeeper/personnel administrator. She tells us about her family, her hobbies of sewing and gardening, and her enjoyment of working for/with the CSJs.

Contents
Province Leadership Message ....................................................................3 Wisdom Circle ..............................................................................................4 Steering Committee.....................................................................................5 Association .....................................................................................................6 Gleanings from Senior Ministry .................................................................7 Vocation/Formation.................................................................................. 8-9 Carondelet Chronicles ..............................................................................10 Liturgy ...........................................................................................................11 Justice ............................................................................................................12 Meeting Our Ancestors.............................................................................13 CSJ Spirituality .............................................................................................14 Face of the Motherhouse..........................................................................15 Calendars......................................................................................................16

STAFF
JENNY BEATRICE Editor SARAH BAKER Graphic Design SUSAN NARROW AND PRINT SHOP VOLUNTEERS Production, printing and mailing S. JANE BEHLMANN S. AUDREY OLSON S. CHARLINE SULLIVAN Proofreading

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet St. Louis Province 6400 Minnesota Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63111 314-481-8800 www.csjsl.org

O n t h e Cover : P re se ntati on of the Lord/Candl e m as

Pray with us each month online at csjsl.org as we bring you a prayer corresponding to a featured piece of art from the motherhouse relating to a feast or holy day of that month, as highlighted in the 2012 province calendar. In February we honor the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus, often called Candlemas. At the temple, the holy man Simeon took the child Jesus in his arms praising God saying, I have seen your light.
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Editors Notes
by Jenny Beatrice
My Epiphany celebration came early this season. In the days before Christmas, my uncle was hospitalized in Washington D.C. Eager to get there, my mother and I planned and re-planned our departure many times, lost in our anxiety. Finally, on Christmas Eve, my wise husband set us straight. "What are you two waiting for? Get going!" That evening, after a quick gift exchange with the family, we began the 14+ hour drive. Fueled by determination, we drove for 12 hours straight on the lonely roads of Kentucky and West Virginia. The darkness was deep, stars dimmed by mountain fog. As I tried to keep my eyes open, I kept my mind on the Three Wise Men and their long journey through the night. The Magi became my back seat drivers, guiding me forward and cheering me on mile after mile. So thanks to four wise men, we arrived at the hospital bearing gifts of presence, peace and love, all shining brightly in perfect light.

What Wonders We Have Seen!

by Sister Jean Meier

from Province Leadership

Along the journey comes times of pausing, or surprise, of wonder at what we discover on the way. We may be so intent on what lies ahead that we nd ourselves occasionally amazed by one who has journeyed toward us, who meets us by chance or by purpose with a word, a gesture, a touch we most need to receive. Epiphany is such a time. In the midst of the journey we pause to ponder, to listen, to marvel at the ways God appears to us.* Just a few short weeks ago, we were in the Advent journey, waiting in anticipation of the One who would come to show us the way. In more recent days, we were caught up in the wonder of Christmas, the joy of celebrating Emmanuel. We wept with gratitude and joy as some of our newest sister saints celebrated their rst Christmas in the company of the angels. They are our own wise women, showing us the way to the Promised One. Now we are once again in the silence of winter days, a good time for pondering the surprising ways in which God has chosen to come to us. We surely see God in the celebrations of this 175th anniversary of our coming to this land. We are blessed by many visitors, friends, neighbors who have been touched by the charism, which remains alive among us. We see that spirit grow in our associates who continue to enrich the Community of St. Joseph by their lives of faithful commitment and generous service.

Province Leaders: (Back) Srs. Pat Giljum, Jean Meier, Patty Clune and Liz Brown. (Front) Srs. Suzanne Wesley, Helen Flemington and Nancy Corcoran.

We are engaging with one another in contemplation of our rich history and of our mysterious future as we continue the process given to us by the Core Group of the congregation. We are setting our sights on a future lled with hope as we dream new dreams, trying always to be attentive to the surprising ways that God comes to us. We invite you to look within and around you, to pray with these questions during the weeks ahead: What evokes wonder for you? How is God surprising you? What are you learning along the way? Open my eyes, my hands, my arms, my heart to know your appearing and to celebrate the esh-shaped mystery of Emmanuel, God with us. *Sacred Journeys by Jan L. Richardson (1995)

www.csjsl.org

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O ur P re fe rre d Future To g e the r Wisdom Circle Task Force Report

by Sister Ann Pace
The task force formed from the wisdom circle on association presents the nal article that will be used in preparation for the 2012 spring sectionals. This article focuses on identity and communication and touches on a few additional topics. The responses are the ndings of the task force. 1. Identity a. Why are some sisters resistant to associates and inclusivity? One reason is the lack of knowledge of the associate program and unfamiliarity with associates. b. Why is there variety/diversity throughout the congregation regarding associates? It depends on the culture of the unit. Sisters are also diverse. The associate director further explains that there are slight dierences based on the history of association in the unit, the geography of the area, and full or part-time directors. c. Does the history of associates call forth the history of the CSJs? Yes, and vice-versa. 2. Communication a. How do we help some sisters understand the associate program better? By having those sisters become involved with the associates and the program. b. How can we relate more closely with associates? There is a desire for more understanding between associates and vowed members. The steering committee of this wisdom circle is preparing a forum for this discussion at the sectionals. 3. Other a. Does geography prohibit associates from connecting? It does prohibit associates sometimes who do not live in close proximity with other associates or sisters. The associate oce is working on developing an online associate community. b. Will the associates take over the community? We do not know where the Spirit is leading us. The associates will never take our place. They are partners with us striving to live out the charism. c. Why are not all of the sisters invited to the Associate Assembly? Mainly because it is held in St. Josephs Hall at Carondelet and there is not enough room. Sisters who are members of an associate community are invited to attend. To remedy this situation, the task force proposes that at the annual assembly in the summer, Fridays session be divided into two sections, one for sisters and one for associates. Saturday and Sunday would then be a meeting of the whole. d. Is there anything in Canon Law regarding associates? Third orders and societies of the faithful are found in Canon Law but association is too new to be written into law. Law follows function. The Task Force: Sisters Elizabeth Ahrens, Lillian Baumann, Catherine Durr, Patricia Flavin, Margaret Gregg, Mary Ann Hilgeman, Audrey Olson and Ann Pace - chair

Ongoing discussion regarding associates in the St. Louis province

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January 2012 PNN

Continuing Our Journey Together

by the Steering Committee
A Bit of History When we were founded in LePuy in 1650, no distinctions were made among those women who were drawn together to serve a world in need. United by their common purpose and Christs prayer that all may be one, they came from various parts of the city, representing dierent classes in society, with diverse gifts. Central to their relationship was prayer and sharing of the heart with one another. In 1975 the General Chapter blessed the experience of association that the province began in 1974 with the formation of the rst associate community. Now What? In response to the changing needs of our world and community and the evolving partnership of sisters and associates the Steering Committee, formed from the February 2011 Wisdom Circle on Relations Within the Community of St. Joseph, met Nov. 1013. As stated in the December PNN, the Steering Committee designed a process enabling us to move forward together. Happily we discovered some of our questions resonated with the questions being prepared by the Congregational Core Group. The Steering Committee process begins with the Spring 2012 Sectionals, continues through the 2012 Province Assembly in July and readies us for the next step at the Fall 2012 Sectionals. We Need Your Help In the spring sectional materials you will receive personal reection questions with an individual response sheet. Please jot down your thoughts on the response sheet, bring that sheet to share with your sectional and give your individual response sheet to your facilitator. There will be no group response for this agenda item. If you are unable to attend your sectional, please send your response to your facilitator or one of the steering committee members (listed below). Your individual thoughts are important to us. The Steering Committee will collate individual responses, give a report and describe the next step of the process at the 2012 Province Assembly. Pray with us as we continue our journey together and ask our God, What would you have us do? Steering Committee Members: Associates Santa Cuddihee, Cathy Hart, Peggy Maguire and Michelle Piranio, and Sisters Suzanne Giblin, Paulette Gladis, Judy Miller, Audrey Olson and Marilyn Peot.

Messages from Province Leadership

Burial of Cremated Sister Saints at Resurrection Cemetery Our sister saints who choose cremation will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in the graves located in the same row as the remaining graves of 10 between the two memorials for sisters who have given their body to science. Each of these graves will include 10 sisters. A torch and ame will be added to these grave stones symbolizing those cremated.
Sisters may not necessarily be in chronological order from date of death depending on the sisters wishes for their nal disposition. To search for a deceased sister saint in our plots, visit the Archdiocese of St. Louis Catholic Cemeteries database, www.archstl.org/cemeteries. Click Burial Search listed on the bottom of the left-hand menu. It will bring you to a search form where you can enter the cemetery name, name of the deceased and additional information to help with your search. We are also adding a third monument for those who are giving their bodies to medical science. It will be located at the end of the same row as the remaining graves. We hope this explanation will make nding the grave of the sister you are looking for easier. If you have any questions, please contact S. Suzanne Wesley at 314-729-9843, 314-2808662 or swesley@csjsl.org.

Thank You Thank you for your Christmas greetings, Mass remembrances, prayers and gifts. They are most appreciated and we are grateful. May the new year be lled with many blessings for each of you, and let us continue to hold each other in prayer.

www.csjsl.org

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A s s o c i at i o n
Associate Volunteer Ministry Opportunities
from the Associate Volunteer Ministry Committee But What do Associates DO? People often ask associates But what do you DO? Associates volunteer both as associate communities and as individuals in a variety of ministries and services. The Associate Committee on Volunteer Ministry Opportunities exists to identify, publicize and continually update volunteer opportunities. In each issue of the PNN, the committee will answer the question of what associates do by telling about an associate community or individual associate volunteer project. This month we begin with the Mary Joseph Dillon Associate Communitys volunteer service at Nazareth Living Center: On Dec. 8 we had a Christmas party for the retired Sisters of St. Joseph and the lay community. We provided Christmas cupcakes and individual containers with cookies and candy. We also had lively entertainment with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claussome of the folks even had their picture taken with them. The retired community also joined us in singing Christmas songs and received door prizes. It was a lovely evening, a way to enjoy the festive season as well as show our friends how much we appreciate them. Our volunteer activity reects our charism of loving unity since we are all about helping the dear neighbor and those in need of special attention. The Nazareth retired women have put in many hours of unselsh labor throughout the years and we felt it would be a kind gesture to give back to them a small bit of our appreciation. This is also what Christ calls our associates to do. In giving service to others it has strengthened our associates relationships both to each other and to God.

The Kingsbury Ensemble

presents

T T S
Jessica Heuser, Christine Johnson, Elise LaBarge with John Korak, baroque trumpet Ken Kulosa, cello Marc Thayer and Rochelle Skolnick,violins Maryse Carlin, harpsichord

Sunday, January 29 2:00 p.m. Carondelet Motherhouse

Five associate candidates (l-r), Ken and Jessica (and baby Levi) Mayo, Kristen Franke, Patti Kelly and Cathy Hudspeth, were welcomed into the community as they made their initial commitment as CSJ Associates during the Thanksgiving Prayer and Celebration Service on Nov. 20.
Works for 1, 2 and 3 voices by Luzzaschi, Rossi, Charpentier, Lully, Purcell and Handel Admission for sisters is free. RSVP to 314-481-8800 or motherhousersvp@csjsl.org Tickets available at the door: $15 general admission, $10 seniors, $5 students under 25
Visit www.kingsburyensemble.org for more information.

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January 2012 PNN

Gl e aning s f ro m S e ni o r Mini str y New Year, Healthier You

by Sister Bonnie Murray and Trish Callahan
Sister Bonnie Gleans... As I begin a new calendar year, I am very conscious of my continual aging process. Recently, I was asked to give my oral history for the Archives Department. This caused me to do a bit of reection, taking a trip down memory lane and doing a lifes review. My life has taken on the image of an hourglass, with more sands of my life in the bottom than in the top. Rather than dwelling on the past or future, I know that life happens in the tight neck of that instrument. Thats where I meet God in the challenges and adventures of each day. What image reects your aging process? What wisdom could you share with your CSJ elders? Sister Joan Pitlyk shared her reection on being hearing impaired in a beautiful piece, entitled Ephphata. To read her reection, go to the Senior Ministry Wisdom of Elderhood page in Members Only at csjsl.org. Trish Gleans... With the celebrations of Christmas and New Years Day behind us, we begin to tackle those New Years resolutions that always seem to fade away as the year progresses. Popular resolutions often focus on some aspect of improving our health habits, i.e. lose weight, lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol. There is a vast supply of recipes, suggestions, plans and strategies available that often seem contradictory or complicated. I spent some time looking on the Internet for suggestions on healthy eating and found an abundance of resources44,100,000 to be exact. Of course, I didnt explore even a tenth of these but did come across a handful of very helpful Web sites and periodicals. The Nutrition Action Healthletter and the Environmental Nutrition newsletter are two of the most easily read and informative periodicals. They often include healthy recipes, such as butternut squash with pumpkin seeds and cranberries. Both oer practical suggestions such as product comparison lists with nutritional values and strategies for making changes. The following are two Web sites that stood out in my search of the virtual library: Choose My Plate.gov from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture is very informative and includes interactive tools. One of the more interesting is MyPyramid Tracker, an online dietary and physical activity assessment tool that provides information on ones diet quality, physical activity status, related nutrition messages, and links to nutrient and physical activity information. Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure/ Healthy Eating from The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (the NHLBI) oers in-depth information about the DASH diet plan. For links to the newsletters and Web sites two sites, check out the Senior Ministry Healthy Eating and Nutrition Web page in Members Only.

Nine Small Diet Changes that Lead to Big Results

1. Practice portion control 2. Slip more vegetables and fruits into your diet 3. Be mindful as you eat 4. Use caution with snacks 5. Leave 10% of each meal on your plate 6. Try an oil pump mister 7. Swap some of your meat for mushrooms 8. Eat only while sitting 9. Swap butter for ripe avocado from Environmental Nutrition, December 2011 issue

www.csjsl.org

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Vo c at i o n / Fo r m at i o n Fiat House Community Reection

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. (Luke 1:26) No doubt, you know the rest. It is a story and a yes that have inspired generations of people eager to nd their yes in the story of the world. While a humbler and lesser known setting, Fiat House is home to women eager to understand their call and to speak their at in trust and love. The home of three Sisters of St. Joseph, one St. Joseph Worker, and two women as formal discerners of Gods path for them in the world, it is a community supporting each of its members in their various stages of development and life commitment. The following are quotes from two Fiat members. At the end of my service year with the Vincentian Service Corps, God and I had worked out my passion. As a volunteer, I was assigned to work at Our Ladys Inn, a local shelter for pregnant women and their children, and was blessed with the opportunity to assist women during labor and delivery. A year of discernment led me to recognize that God was calling me to a life of service in nursing; I applied to SLUs AGMSN (Accelerated Generalist Masters of Science in Nursing) program and am currently a rst-semester nursing student. I live with the grace to know that this is where I am supposed to be right now and with the developing trust that, with all of the goodness of my Catholic faith, my dream of one day becoming a nurse midwife will be fullled...

by Sister Sarah Heger, Aisa Rocha and Deanna Molosky

...Come summer 2011, I was living in fear of what I might do for shelter; when Fiat House was revealed to me, I knew it was meant for me. As I continued to pray with this decision, it became apparent to me that my at to this life that I was being called to was continually being blessed. Mamma Mary had led me to the University of Notre Dame, Our Ladys Inn, and now, St. Joseph, the patron saint of house hunters like me, had taken me under his wing to lead me to a home named after Mamma Marys beautiful yes to life, to love, to me, and to God. Although intentional community challenges us in ways that we never would have imagined, each member of our Fiat family lives a beautiful life of service and love. Despite the struggles one often nds associated with any program in its rst year, Id have to say that we rock onpretty hard. Aisa Rocha Fiat is a remarkable word to reect upon and an even more interesting word to live out. I wont say that I had any real hard and fast expectations when joining the Fiat Community, but I will say that this life decision is an extremely unique adventure. Throughout these past few months the Fiat House is nding its identity as I am solidifying mine. This environment allows me to reect on how I say yes to God through my words and actions, while the community supports me during the challenges that that promise brings to my attention. Deanna Molosky Please guide and accompany us on our search to know You, ourselves, and each other. Help us to deepen our faith and compassion. Jesus, we trust in you. Fiat Community "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Mamma Mary

Pictured (l-r): Aisa Rocha, Theresa Guirida, S. Linda Markway, Deanna Molosky, S. Kathleen Eiler and S. Sarah Heger.
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CSJs Attend National Catholic Youth Convention

Sisters Linda Markway and Sarah Heger and CSJ Candidate Clare Bass brought the CSJ charism to 24,000 high school students from throughout the nation at the National Catholic Youth Convention in Indianapolis in November. They presented a CSSJ Federation booth that was quite popular with its Tying the world together in unifying love, neon shoelaces and I Love God temporary tattoos.

Walking the CSJ Journey

Snippets about our three women presently in the various stages of formation. Sarah Heger - Temporary Profession I had a Christmas full of playing Tyrannosaurus rex with my nephew and running through the creek with my godson in the midst of the prayer of the season. I am loving the invitation to pray about what is next for Carondelet CSJs and religious life. Exciting things in all realms. Mary Flick - Novitiate I appreciated the opportunity to serve on the Social Justice Coordinator Selection Committee. During the holidays I had the chance to renew many old and new friendships, and I especially enjoyed celebrating Christmas with my local community, the CCBF Literacy Center sta, and the 19th of the Month and motherhouse communities. I am always grateful to those sisters who invite me for a meal or a game of cardsor both. Clare Bass - Candidacy I hope everyone had a joyful Christmas and new year. I had a wonderful time in Biloxi, Miss., with my family for the holidays and I am ready for 2012. I have a good feeling the Green Bay Packers will play the New Orleans Saints at some point in the NFL playos. If it does happen, I am having a gumbo party. You are welcome to come and watch the game at my housecall or e-mail me if you would like to watch the game with us at Magnolia.
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Top: S. Linda, S. Sarah and Clare meet and greet students at their booth. Left - S. Sarah (third from left) and Clare join in the inatable foosball game.

Right: Clare works the booth.

Caro n d el et Chro ni cl e s
Recollection Sundays to be held at the Motherhouse
by the Holy Family Chapel Wisdom Circle
Sunday, March 4 in Holy Family Chapel Quiet Personal Prayer: 1:00-4:00 p.m. Mass: 4 p.m.
Sisters and associates are invited to leave the noise and hurry of their worlds and enter into the welcoming silence and beauty of Holy Family Chapel for an afternoon of reection on Sunday, March 4. The quiet hours of personal prayer will be from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and will close with a Mass at 4 p.m. This newest invitation is actually a return to Recollection Sunday, a long-standing community tradition. It is being extended by the Holy Family Chapel Wisdom Circle, which emerged during the 2011 Assembly. At last Mays assembly, the question surfaced about the use the motherhouse chapel. Since October, HFC Wisdom Circle members have considered the 1999 mission statement of the chapel that refers to the chapel as the sacred gathering space of the Community of St. Joseph [which] embodies our history and reects our spirituality. Circle members have surfaced several possibilities, but a monthly day of recollection met with general approval. Such a day of recollection is uncommon todaythere will be no presenters, no music, no meals. It is an invitation to return to one of this communitys most sacred spaces and to gather in contemplative prayer with the Community of St. Joseph on the rst Sunday of the month. And while the Holy Family Chapel may not be accessible to those at a distance, the invitation to gather for an afternoon of quiet prayer on the rst Sunday of the month is open to all. Community members outside the St. Louis area might consider gathering for prayer in a sacred space in their own locale. Recollection Sundays are also planned for April 1 and May 6. For more information, contact Mary Kay Christian, community liturgist, or S. Helen Flemington, interim chair of the HFC Wisdom Circle.

Multicultural Awareness
In order to witness what we ask of the world, we will look for ways to grow in our multicultural identity, acknowledging and confronting the racism that exists among us. From our Acts of Chapter, Deepening Communion With Each Other Racial microaggressions are often subtle, well-intentioned, under-the-radar statements and questions that may tend to oend and separate us from one another. Here are examples of some by U.S. born whites/Caucasians: Theme: Alien in own land when Asian Americans and Latino Americans are assumed to be foreign-born. Microaggression: Where are you from? Where were you born? You speak good English. asking the other person to teach them words in their native language Message: You are not American. You are a foreigner.
Sue, D. W. et al., Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. American Psychologist, 62, 271-286.

Theme: Second-class citizen occurs when a white person is given preferential treatment as a consumer over a person of color Microaggression: Person of color mistaken for a service worker. Having a taxi cab pass a person of color and pick up a white passenger Message: People of color are servants to whites. They couldnt possibly occupy high-status positions. You are likely to cause trouble and/or travel to a dangerous neighborhood.

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January 2012 PNN

Liturg y Source and Summit

by Associate Mary Kay Christian
OCCUPY... Any time people come together for just about any purpose, I cant stay away. Parades, street parties, ball games, theater in the park, farmers marketsyou name it, Im there. I cant help myself, Im a people person. I dont know if going to the zoo is fun because of the opportunity to watch the animals or because of all the people who come to watch the animals. So, when I read about people gathering in Kiener Plaza to Occupy St. Louis, I had to check it out. And what I found did not disappoint. People of every age, ethnicity and social strata had gathered for a single purpose. They gathered in search of social justice. Many have asked, what does the Occupy Movement stand for? What is its message? What I found was diversity of thought, values and purpose. But one underlying premise bound this unlikely collection of people togetherjustice. Each person I met had encountered injustice and aronts to individual human dignity at some level in their lives or in the lives of those around them. Each person came, not to retaliate in kind, but to give voice to the voiceless and to remind our community and the country that democracy is not a spectator sport. Democracy can only succeed as a political process when each and every persons voice is heard and counted. The birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. helps us to remember the unbreakable link between faith and justice. Dr. King taught us to speak out on behalf of justice and equality even in the face of ridicule and retaliation. The Occupiers may seem annoying and extreme to many, but isnt that always the role of the prophet? John the Baptist looked like a guy who needed to stop ranting and raving and take a bath, too! Prophets talk about that which the powerful and the pretty will not. They force us to face issues of truth and justice that get in the way of those of wealth, power and prestige. You may be asking, what does this have to do with liturgy, or prayer or Communion with the Church? In that ragtag collection of souls gathered in protest, I found a profound experience of ritual and spiritual communion. I found a microcosm of church in the middle of downtown St. Louis. People gathered from the city and rural Missouri, from comfortable suburbs and homeless shelters. People seeking no personal gain, only unity in human relationship and hope for all to enjoy a peaceful, equitable and just world. And so, can we strive to occupy our schools, our churches and our town squares? Isnt it Christs great commission to go out to the world and make it better? Can we take the words and deeds of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to heart and act upon them? As he taught us, We must learn to live together as brothers [and sisters] or perish together as fools. Peace!

Liturgy Calendar
January 18 Midday Prayer, 11:45 a.m. 25 Midday Prayer, 11:45 a.m. 29 Kingsbury Ensemble Concert, 2 p.m. February 1 Midday Prayer, 11:45 p.m. 8 Midday Prayer, 11:45 a.m. 15 Midday Prayer, 11:45 a.m. 19 Associate Initial Commitment 22 Ash Wednesday Midday Prayer, 11:45 p.m. 29 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m. I can be reached best by phone from 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday. If I am away from my desk or in a meeting, please leave a voice mail message. All calls and e-mails will be returned within 24 hours.

www.csjsl.org

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Ju sti c e STARS for Justice Prole: Sister Ann Chamblin

by Associate Karen Monroe
Gifted by grace, I always moved toward more love of God and the freedom to love our neighbors, my sisters, and the community more dearly. Sister Ann Chamblin's journey of justice began in rst grade classrooms in St. Louis, Chamblin Indianapolis, Kansas City and Michigan. Amidst 60 children in wall-to-wall rows of desks, wrestling with snow suits and lost mittens, she taught them to stand up for others with dierences and special needs. She was also inuenced by working with "radical" sisters. During Vatican II, as sisters were revisiting their charism and mission, moving away from habits and into more free interaction with lay persons, they were also becoming more aware of their roles in sensitizing systems to peace and justice. In the 1970s S. Ann's teaching career expanded into the role of coordinator of parish school religion at St. Blaise and Our Lady of Lourdes in St. Louis. During that time she went on a 30-day Ignatian retreat and rediscovered God's healing love. She found a new freedom to love more dearly when she was transferred to Holy Name in St. Louis. "The poor and my own dear sisters showed me the way to my heart." She awakened to a sense of systems' inuence in sustaining patterns that impact the poor and how to stand up to injustices. We always welcomed everybody. I always reached out to janitors, helpers, people in the street. That's who I am...I made friends with former students and encouraged them to become teachers. I marched in rallies, protested abortions and nuclear weapons, talked to local neighbors about neighbors in other places, stood outside a courthouse before an execution. I also learned from Alice Edwards, the rst St. Louis archdiocesan black principal about giving kids the right teaching and I taught them they could be what they wanted to be if they worked on it [education] and have the power they wanted. I always wished I could do more. After a sabbatical at Mundelein in Chicago, S. Ann stayed to volunteer at the CSJ Home for Children. Her threemonth commitment became a three-year ministry of serving the children, sisters and dear neighbors. Upon her return to St. Louis, she began providing in-home care for the elderly, which gave her the training to start the CSJ Care ministry. Today, as a new resident at Nazareth, S. Ann lives her mission and charism rooted in prayer, softened with gentleness and humor, zealous with passion for the great love of God and the oneness of sisters with each other, the dear neighbor and with God. Prayer is the way to peace and justice in our world.

60th Jubilee Celebration

Sisters and associates are invited to celebrate the 60th jubilee of the Reception of 1952. Saturday, March 17 10:30 a.m. Mass, followed by lunch Holy Family Chapel, Carondelet Motherhouse
RSVP by March 9 to 314-481-8800 or motherhousersvp@csjsl.org.
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Ling er Over Breakfas t

April 21: Vote with Your Fork
Presented by Associate Nancy Broach, CSJA Feed your mind by learning more about how good food choices are a vote for your health.
Visit csjsl.org for more information and to register.

Me e t ing O ur Anc e s t o r s Prole of an Early Sister Who Died in the Month of January
Sister Mary Thomas Houlihan (Ellen) died in our community at Ste. Genevieve, Missouri at 3 oclock in the morning of Wednesday, January 20, 1869, aged twentyseven years, professed six years. The cholera of 1849 deprived Sister Mary Thomas of the protection of her parents, both of whom died on the same day, leaving three orphans, of whom she was the eldest, and in a few days the only surviving one. She was then seven years old and, almost unconscious of her rst grief, was placed by her uncle under the care of the Sisters in St. Vincents Parish, St. Louis. As a child she was quiet, docile and of promising talent. She specially manifested a taste for music and took great delight in singing hymns to the Blessed Virgin. It was evident from the tone of her voice on these occasions that her heart was not taking an earthy bias. Her gentle and unobtrusive manner shrank from contact with the world. Her uncle, who was her guardian, would have her to live with his family, but she prevailed with him to allow her to reside as a boarder in the Academy at Carondelet for one year, during which year she decided on entering the novitiate. During her novitiate she was remarkable for a tender devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to His Immaculate Mother. After her profession she was sent to teach music in the Academy under the direction of our sisters at Ste. Genevieve where she endeared herself to all by her virtues and amiability. Always patient, meek and gentle she continued to edify them when no longer able to attend to any duty. Her disease was pulmonary consumption from which she suered more or less for nearly ve years. Her death which was long expected found her waiting with calm endurance and her death struggle was literally a going to sleep in the Lord. [From the Necrology Book] Sister Mary Thomas (Ellen) was born in 1842 to Bridget and Patrick Houlihan. She entered the community on January 29, 1860 and received the habit on July 24, 1860. She professed her vows on March 19, 1863. Her only mission was to teach music at St. Francis Academy in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. She is buried in Valle Spring Cemetery in Ste. Genevieve. Sister Mary Thomas Houlihans grave stone in Valle Spring Cemetery. The remains of the four sisters in this grave were exhumed from the old cemetery and reinterred in Valle Spring.

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CSJ Spiritu alit y Retreat on the Eucharistic Letter

What is the Eucharistic Letter? The Eucharistic Letter was written by Father Medaille to a Sister of St. Joseph. His words tell us what it means to be a Sister of St. Joseph and what we are called to be and to do. How has this letter spoken to you on your journey as a Sister of St. Joseph? I rst read the letter in 1971 when I was a young Sister of St. Joseph teaching at Fontbonne College. I remember talking to Sister John Marie Riley who said that this letter was the heart of our charism. All these years later, from a dierent stage of life, I wanted to reread the letter and explore the meaning it would bring to me today. What gave you the idea to oer a retreat on the Eucharistic Letter? In 2009 I went on a pilgrimage to France, led by Sister Edna McKeever, CSJ, who was the archivist for the Brentwood sisters at the time. (She continues to work in the archives oce in Brentwood and has been assigned to professionalize the archives in Le Puy, France.) Sister Edna's presentations brought the history and spirit of the Sisters of St.

Sister Margaret Guzzardo shares the details about the upcoming Eucharistic Letter Retreat for sisters and associates.
Joseph alive, so when she mentioned that she had given retreats on the Eucharistic Letter in Brentwood and Baden, I invited her to St. Louis to share her gifts with our province. Tell us about the retreat Sister Edna will be presenting. The retreat is a contemplative, silent retreat for sisters and associates who would like to ponder anew the depths of our charism and its meaning for us in todays world. The retreat begins Sunday, June 10 at 3:30 p.m. and ends Saturday, June 16 at 1 p.m. There will be two presentations each day and there will be opportunity for quiet and reection. Sister Edna encourages participants to make the retreat from beginning to end because every presentation builds upon another presentation. Having the retreat at our motherhouse is a way of bringing Father Medailles message home to us, as well as spreading his message wherever we live and minister. I hope that we register a good number of participants living outside of St. Louis so Fr. Medailles message can be spread to more corners of the world.

Guzzardo

The Eucharistic Letter: Exploring the Charism Today

What: A Contemplative Silent Retreat presented by Sister Edna McKeever, CSJ (Brentwood) When: June 10-16 Where: Carondelet Motherhouse Who: Sisters and Associates Registration Coming soon Questions? Contact S. Margaret Guzzardo at 314-348-2756 or mguzzardo@csjsl.org.

Comments from participants of previous retreats in Brentwood and Los Angeles: This was a week to remember, and a week to live in on-going prayer and meditation for years to come. Each day was a discovery of Gods love and our call to holiness, through the inspiring and carefully honed presentations. The presenter, imbued with Father Medailles writings and intentions, helped us discover our own mystic hearts. All became familiar and began to resonate deep within. This retreat provided me with the insights, input, silence, solitude, and experience of community that my heart needed. I am grateful for the opportunity to be re-rooted in Gods great love. the letter brings our charism into such deep focus. It is no small thing I carry home with me.

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January 2012 PNN

Fa c e of the Mo the rhou s e

Meet Van Farrington
How long have you worked at the motherhouse and what does your job entail? I am in my fourth month and am responsible for the payment of all motherhouse vendor invoices, billing of hospitality invoices, salary reimbursements, and any other customer billing and management of banking and nancial reporting. I am also responsible for all motherhouse and provincial payroll and benets administration. Tell us about your family. Ive been widowed for four years after 25 years of marriage. I live with my daughter and best friend, Sydney, her husband, Carvon, and kids RaSchae and Rayvon. I lost my son to violence 16 years ago. His children, Gerica and Richard, add to my pleasure of being Nana. I also have a canine companion, Lexi. My hobbies are... Hard work. I am an accomplished seamstress and have been sewing as far back as I can remember. My mom was a seamstress and I was always glued to her elbow. I had the best dressed Barbie doll on the block. My second passion is gardening. I praise the Lord out in the yard.

Bookkeeper/Personnel Administrator
I love what I call, becoming one with nature. If I could have my way, Id be in my garden from sun up to sun down and beyond. It would surprise people to learn... I wanted to be nun. When I was a senior in high school I met my rst husband and told him this was my aspiration. He said, You can be my nun. That was the end of that. I enjoy working for/with the CSJs because Working at the motherhouse makes me feel as if my life has come full circle. Having attended Catholic schools and churches all my life I feel a reverence and comfort that I cant quite articulate. I feel an unexplainable peace here that Ive never felt at any other job. My fondest memory of working at the motherhouse is... I dont know if I have a fondest memory yet because Im still making new ones. I look forward to coming to work each and every day. The sisters, sta and all my co-workers have and continue to make me feel so welcomed. This is so much more than just a job to me, it is a prayer answered, a spiritual awakening, a remarkable and historic atmosphere to work in and the opportunity to be part of a loving and servicing community.

Rest in Peace
December 2 3 7 9 S. Claire Frances Fitzgerald, (A) Cliord Sassenrath, father of Associate Sharon Sassenrath Mary Alice Rogers, sister of S. Rita McCormick Helen Anne Walterscheid, sister of S. Eleanor OHearn

17 Leonard Aubuchon, brother of S. Mary Loran Aubuchon 18 S. Patrick Nichols (SP) S. Loretta Maloof (A) 19 S. Mary Anne Smith 22 S. Kathleen Marie Shields (SP) 23 S. Mary Denis Curran S. Philip Maria Coey (A) S. Patricia Coyne (A) 24 S. Helen Lentz (member of new Congregation of St. Joseph) S. Ann Irene Wackenheim, CPPS, sister of the late S. Anne Bernadine Wackenheim 25 S. Joseph Adele Edwards (LA) 26 S. Colette Marie Doering 29 Ida Massman, sister-in-law of S. Christine Massman

Pictured: Van with her grandbabies (l-r, clockwise) RaSchae, Van, Rayvon, Gerica and Richard.
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LEADERSHIP CALENDAR
January 5 Ecological Committee (HF) 6-7 Leadership Meetings (PL) 9 Agenda Committee Meeting(HF) 10 Fontbonne Committee Mtg. (SW) 11 NLC Membership Mtg. (SW) 11 NLC Meeting w/ Sisters (PC, PG, HF, JM, SW) 12 SJI Board Mtg. (JM) 12 Marian Middle School Board Mtg. (PC) 13 Retreat at Carondelet (PC, PG, HF) 14 Kansas City CSJ/A Retreat, St. Teresas Academy (PC) 15-20 LCWR Retreat (JM) 16 Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday-Ofce Closed 18 STA Board Meeting (PC) 18 NLC Meeting w/ Sisters (SW) 18-19 STA Open House, KC (PC, PG, HF) 19 Women in Transition Board Mtg. (SW) 19 NLC Public Mtg. (SW) 20 Fontbonne Committee Mtg. (HF) 21 Feuerbacher Grant Selection Mtg. (PC) 21 Fontbonne University Board Mtg. (HF, SW) 23 SJA Board Mtg. (PG) 28 English Tutoring Project Long-Range Planning (PC, HF) 29 Kingsbury Ensemble Concert at Carondelet (PC, PG, HF, JM, SW) February 2 Ecological Committee Mtg. (HF) 2 Dedication, St. Teresas Chapel, KC (PC) 9 Avila Board Dinner (PC) 10 Avila Board Mtg. (PC) 12-13 Spirituality Mtg. (PG) 15 ETP Mtg. (HF) 16-20 CLG Mtg., Los Angeles (PC, PG, HF) 19 Associate Commitment Ceremony (JM) 20 Presidents Day Holiday-Ofce Closed 22 Investment Mngrs. Mtg.(PC, PG, HF, JM, SW) 22 Dept. Head Mtg. (PC, PG, HF) 24-25 Leadership Mtgs. (PL)

PROVINCE CALENDAR
All events are at the Carondelet Motherhouse unless otherwise noted January 27-28 Fontbonne University Alumni Spirituality Event 29 Kingsbury Ensemble Concert February 19 Mardi Gras and Associate Commitments March 3-4 Spring Sectionals 4 Kansas City Society of Benefactors Reception, Kansas City, MO 10-11 Spring Sectionals 17 60th Jubilee Celebration 25 175th Anniversary Closing Mass April 21 Linger Over Breakfast 27 Generosity of Joseph Honors Gala
For more event listings and details, visit our Members Only Calendar of Events at www.csjsl.org.

175th Anniversary Closing Mass

Join us as we bring our 175th anniversary celebration to a close with Mass, music and prayer. Sunday, March 25 2:00 p.m. Carondelet Motherhouse Reception to follow
RSVP by March 15 to 314-481-8800 or motherhousersvp@csjsl.org
To subscribe to the e-mail version of PNN, contact Sue Narrow at 314-678-0333 or snarrow@csjsl.org.

NEXT ISSUE: February/March PNN

Submission Deadline: February 15 Publication Date: March 1
For a complete PNN schedule, visit Members Only at www.csjsl.org. Page 16 January 2012 PNN

Questions? Comments? We want your feedback!

E-mail questions, comments and/or suggestions about the PNN to Sarah Baker at sbaker@csjsl.org.