Common Threads October 2014

5/19/2018 Common Threads October 2014

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Common Threads WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY

October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1

1. Live and let live. Everyone should live by this principle. The more we try toarrange other peoples lives, the more trouble we get into. Dont judge, lestwe be judged ourselves.

2. Be giving of yourself to others. Be generous with our gifts. The more generouswe are in sharing our gifts and talents, the less stagnant we will become. Self-centeredness leads to stagnation.

3. Proceed calmly. Too much anxiety is created by moving too quickly throughlife. Life is much less stressful if we move with kindness, humility and sense ofcalm.

4. A healthy sense of leisure. We are too caught up in consumerism and thestress that is created by working too many hours. We need to take time to

relax and enjoy lifeand if you are married, spend more time with yourfamily. Play with themcommunicate with themspend less time in front ofthe TV.

5. Sundays should be holidays. Keeping holy the Sabbath is one of the TenCommandments. We need to take that seriously. Sunday is for family. If weare an employer, we need to respect the Sabbath for employees and notrequire they work on that day.

6. Find Innovative ways to create dignified jobs for young people. Our youngpeople are suffering from a crisis of unemployment. They have much to giveand they need to work. We must do what we can to help them findemployment.

7. Respect and take care of nature. We need to do a much better job of

respecting our environment. We are in a relationship with nature and we aredoing poorly in that relationship. One of the biggest challenges we face as asociety is the degradation of our environment. What are we going to do for thefuture of our planet?

8. Stop being negative. Knocking others down is a sign of low self-esteem.Having positive thoughts is a sign of good health.

9. Dont proselytize, respect others beliefs. Proselytizing indicates a lack ofrespect for someone elses beliefs. We draw others to us through attraction.Always be kind and respectful towards others.

10.Work for peace. Peace is not something that happens when we do nothing.Peace is work and we need to work hard to do what we can to achieve peace.

Ten Tips for Bringing Greater Joy to Life from Pope Francis

Submitted by Sr. Doris Ann Samens, OSM

What a wonderful issue of Common Threads this is because of all of you who

contributed articles! As you will see, there are a variety of items in this edition. Nomatter what the article, it is wonderful to have so many of your sharings!

We are entering the season of Thanksgiving for family, friends and community. I

think you all share my gratefulness for the blessings we are to each other. May you

enjoy the blessings of the season!

Cheryl Nordby


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On a beautiful fall day in Ladysmith, we had acelebration at the Sisters Residence tocommemorate twenty years of service to thepeople of our area at the Servite Center forLife. The day included historical displays ofphotos and printed materials, books of eventshappenings throughout the twenty years, aslide show featuring pictures of the grounds(which includes the Labyrinth, the HealingGarden, the Medicine Wheel, and the Peace

Pole), Board members and Volunteers,Workshops and programs, Prayer ShawlMinistry, and Creative Community. Self-tourswere guided by printed brochures and theassistance of Sr. Cecilia. Refreshments includedan eye-pleasing decorated cake, cheese andcrackers, and beverages.

Great visiting with wonderful memories filledthe afternoon. We are encouraged by thesupport received as we continue to servethrough this local ministry.

A short history of the Center recalls the past as

we look forward to the future.In 1994, The Servite Center for Life wasdeveloped under the sponsorship of the Sisters,Servants of Mary, Ladysmith, where thecharism, ministry, and mission of the Servantsof Mary would be on-going. In 1998, thecorporate sponsorship was transferred to alocal group of Servite Sisters in NorthernWisconsin. In 2002, Articles of Incorporationand By-Laws were drawn up, approved by theState of Wisconsin, and The Servite Center forLife became a separate 501(3) tax exemptorganization.

During these years a full time Administratorcarried on the mission of the Center with theassistance of the local Servite Sisters andnumerous volunteers. A variety of programswere offered to the people of the area foreducational and spiritualdevelopment. Additions to the Servants of Marygrounds through the Center included aLabyrinth, Healing Garden, Medicine Wheel,Peace Pole, and wild scape.

(continued on page 3)

Anniversary Cake

Dorothy Volkman and Anne Howard

enjoy the day

Sr. DeLourdes greets Pam from ICAA

who brings flowers

Servite Center for Life - 20th Anniversary Celebration

by Sr. Marguerite Samz, OSM


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(continued from page 2)

In 2003, the Center continued through the volunteerwork of a Program Director and the Board ofDirectors.

Carrying on the mission "The Servite Center for Life,an interfaith ministry rooted in the Servite tradition,presents spiritual, religious, and educationalprograms."

A very inclusive article was published in the October9thissue of the Ladysmith News following an

interview by Luke Klink, Assistant Editor, with SCLHonorary Board members Nancy Wheeler and SisterLucy Daniels, and Board members, SistersMarguerite Samz, Geraldine Schulte, and Mary JohnVanderLoop.

A couple of quotes in this article say much about theServite Center for Life.

It is a wonderful resource that has been given toour community by the sisters. I have alwaysadmired them for that and appreciated the types ofprogram they have allowed me to do and kept up allthis time, said Nancy Wheeler, the former Outreach

Coordinator for the Servite Center for Life.Sr. Mary Lucy Daniels touted the variety ofpresenters from as far away as Brazil and fromother denominations like Islam and Muslim faiths.It is kind of amazing to go back and look at themall. You may not know the influence this has had onpeople, she said.

Mary and Gary admire the new

memorial bench in honor of Srs.

Bernice Vanderloop and Casimira

Benbenek, former SCL Board

Members

Enjoying the displays

Sr. Bonnie enjoys visiting with her

schoolmate, Karen

Servite Center for Life - 20th Anniversary Celebration - continued

by Sr. Marguerite Samz, OSM


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Almighty and merciful God, I commend toyou all our deceased family, friends, andthose who have no one to pray for them.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and

let perpetual light shine upon them.May the angels lead them into heaven.

May the splendid company of the saintssurround them.

May Mary their mother lovingly look onthem.

May they rejoice in your loving presencefor all eternity.

May they see Jesus face-to-face, andstanding always in his presence,

experience with happy hearts His great

love for them.And may they rest in the eternal peace of

the contemplation of you,

their heavenly Father, in the presence ofthe Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE FAITHFULDEPARTED

Submitted by Margaret Fandel Ferry

Lord, send the gift of your Spirit to fillthis place,

and myself and the world.

Touch me with truth

that burns like fire,

with beauty that moves me

like the wind;

And set me free, Lord,

Free to try new ways of living;

Free to forgive myself and others;

Free to love and laugh and sing;

Free to lay aside my burden

of security;

free to join the battle for

Justice and peace;

free to see and listen and to wonder

again at thegracious mystery of things and

persons;

Free to be,

to give,

to receive,

to rejoice as a child of your Spirit.

And Lord, teach me how to dance,

to turn around and come down whereI want to be,

in the arms and hearts

of your people and in you,

that I may praise

and enjoy you forever.

Ted Lodes

Touch Me with Truth

Submitted by Sr. Doris Ann Samens, OSM


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This fall, I traveled to Milwaukee for a meeting of the Mary Alphonse Bradley Fund Committee,of which I am a member. After our work was completed, I joined Sister Sandy and Sister Seanand traveled to Cable, WI for a meeting of The Weavers Intentional Group.

In the 1980s when the sisters were now scattered in their ministries and were no longer livingtogether as much, something was needed to keep the sisters connected. Small IntentionalGroups were formed consisting of 3 8 members who meet regularly for support andenrichment. There are eight of these groups in the Community today.

One of the groups is the Weavers who meet twice a year in the Winter in Florida and in theFall in Cable. I was fortunate enough to have been invited, several years ago, to be a part ofthis group, where I would enjoy spiritual enrichment and continuing community with the

Servites.

We have been using the booklets Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton forour prayer and discussion time each day. Some of the fun things we have done togetherinclude: Paint Your Own Pottery; tour to St. Johns in Collegeville, MN to view the New St.Johns Bible; tours of local churches, including the newly renovated Cathedral in Superior; andalso apple and strawberry picking.

This year we visited the Cable Natural History Museum, the local library and most of the localgift shops and art galleries. Sister Ginny arranged for us to visit the home and property ofScott Hughes, a local artis/miniaturist who is also building a Buddhist Temple on his property.It was a unique ecumenical experience. In these get togethers there is no lack of epicureandelights and of course the obligatory evening game of cards.

For me these get-togethers are spiritually enriching and joy filled times. Being together with,and welcomed by the Servites, is a loving lift in my life and a great opportunity for Seamus, athome, to further develop his cooking and house-keeping skills - and of course get out golfingwith the guys.

Weavers Intentional Group

By Joan Benzschawel Clarke


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The Haasls lived in the western sectionof Bohemia bordering Germany andworked the land as serfs and guardedthe borders for the nobles/castle ofHorsovsky Tyn. In 1861, our great-greatgrandparents, Joseph and DorotheaHaasl, emigrated to America with their 6children: Anna, Joseph (SisterRosemary's and Dorothy Ann's line),

John (Sister Cecilia's and my familyline), James, Katharine, and Adam. Fourmore children were born in America:George, Frank, Theresa and Charles.

Cecilia spent almost 14 yearsresearching every member from eachfamily line down to the fifth generation.To celebrate its completion, everyonewas invited to travel to the CzechRepublic and see for themselves whothese ancestors were and where theylived. Eighteen new found cousins

from four of the family lines answeredthe call and spent September 19-29 inthe Czech Republic.

Our adventure began in Pilsen and visitsto the surrounding villages of ourancestors; continuing with thecathedrals; museums; a bus trip toBremen and Bremenhaven, Germany(our ancestors left from there); thePilsner Urquell Brewery; the castles; theCharles Bridge over the Vltava River;Mozart's opera, Dom Giovanni; shops;the Czech Dancers; a Jazz/Swing band;

a pipe organ recital; Terezin-a WWIIconcentration camp; a welcome toHorsovsky Tyn as honored guests by themayor; good, hearty food; excellentbeer; town square activities; streetmusicians; and mimes. Our trip finallyended with a two day stay in Prague, acity of a hundred spires and one of themost beautiful cities in the world! Whata wonderful experience! We havememories that will last a life time!

Our Ancestry Trip to the Czech Republic

By Margaret Fandel Ferry


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I heard someone once say that interruptions" are what make up our jobs. So it is true fordaily life no matter what plans we make. And sometimes they are the best kind ofsurprises. I had been experiencing some grief over several close friends who died and so Imade plans to go home for a reunion with family. It was wonderful as I got to see most ofthem in a party-like atmosphere. We always plan it during Milwaukee's "Irish Fest" whichis held along Lake Michigan in the downtown area. It has been going for some 30+ years,started by then Mayor Meir. Each weekend is also for various ethnic festivals. It is awonderful time that included authentic music, food, and crafts. My sister, Mary, and somecousins volunteer at ticket booths, security beer tents and the like so I got in free the firstday, reduced the second, went for a third, but, too tired for the fourth when many family

members were there. In between I strolled downtown along the riverwalk which is veryscenic.

Of course, I also had lunch with friends, went to an outdoor band concert, toured a newboat launching pad at my sister's area, visited a nephew's home and visited with SisterDoris Ann. "Home" is always good and I miss the area but not the cold winter! Back in LasVegas, I go to a writing group at the senior center, walks in beautiful parks (especially inthis weather) bingo and game night here at the housing. I will soon be part of a foodpantry group if all goes well. Now I have finger prints and a DNA lock of hair in the citysystem because we work with kids, too. So I had better be good!

Interrupting Life

By Noreen McCormick

Linda Cupertino, me and

Sr. Doris Ann

Lorenzi Park, a small lak

about 5 blocks from

where I live

Ducks an art piece along Riverwalk in

Milwaukee


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It has been a while since I wrote anything for COMMON THREADS but I have always read

it to see what is happening to other Cojourners. Now I feel that it is my turn again.

Much has happened in my life in the past few years. Fin and I had a great little home at

the foot of the mountains in Albuquerque and loved it there. As the years passed and

each new birthday added years to our lives, we had to consider the future. We lived

outside the city limits with no bus service and no stores or offices around us. The doctors

and health professionals were a distance. Fin was still driving but what would happen

when he couldnt drive anymore? Well the Lord intervened. We knew we had to do

something but dragged our feet. Within a week, we found a wonderful Senior Living Place

called Palmilla Senior Living and signed a lease for an apartment.It is like a luxury hotel with all the amenities we could want. A four star restaurant,

utilities provided, great apartments, a gym, a theater, library and many more things. We

have our apartment cleaned every two weeks and our bed linens and towels washed at

the same time. Many trips are made to doctors etc as well on outings for every week. All

of this is done with no tipping. In fact if any staff member takes any money or item from

us they will be terminated immediately. All the staff are recognized with something during

the holidays from all the residents together.

I cannot say enough about the staff. They are always pleasant, smiling and stop what

they are doing to get whatever we want. The wait staff in the dining room know us so well

that they will bring our drinks before we even sit down. In addition we are close to a mall

with every store we will ever need. By now you must realize that we love the place and

are very happy here.One thing that we wondered about before coming here was about the residents. What

would they be like? Would they all be old and sickly? We found out that they are one of

the best thing about the place. People are here from all over the country and are very

pleasant and helpful. They take care of one another. We have made many wonderful

friends.

Selling our townhouse was a different story. It took us a year to get the place ready and

put it on the market. Finally on August 1, 2014 we signed the papers and were free from

that worry.

Fin has arranged to have a communion service every Sunday for the residents that cannot

go out to Mass. These people are very appreciative for this. Fin finally quit working for

Social Security in June, doing evaluations for people seeking disability payments.My legs are still reminding me that I am 83. The doctors cannot decide what the problem

is or how to deal with it. I imagine that pain is a part of all of our lives. Arthritis is a pretty

good guess. While in the hospital one time, a sister dying of cancer told me that Pain is a

directive straight from God because no one can tell you to go to bed and suffer. Please

keep both Fin and I in your prayers and we will pray for all of you.

With Advent and Christmas not too far away, let us ask for the peace of the Infant to

bless all of us.

Peace, Joy and Love, Donna

Our Life in 2014

By Donna Rudolph Murphy


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Women, whose husbands were attending the Soo Line Convention in Ladysmith, came tothe Sisters' Residence as part of their tour. They were anxious to hear about the ServiteSisters and their impact on Rusk County. Sister DeLourdes gave the women a grand tour ofour Servite residence. They were amazed at the beauty of the property. I told them of thethousands of children, who were given a good Christian education by the Sisters, fromelementary school through college. Also of the thousands who received health care in ourhospital, nursing home and home health care.

The Ladysmith Servite Sisters' presence was felt in the church and civic community and hada notable part in the history of Rusk County. The women enjoyed the stories of the Sisterscoming to Ladysmith on the Soo Line and then on many trips to Chicago until the last SooLine passenger car came to Ladysmith. Sister Mary John told all of us an interesting storyabout her Grandpa giving her Father and Mother a cow for a wedding present. The cow rodein the cattle car with Sr. Mary John's Dad. The new bride rode in the coach ALONE fromDePere to Ladysmith on their wedding night! When they got to Ladysmith, all three walked4 miles to the farm!!!

The women left and were on their way to the next stop of their tour.

Six Sisters arrived in Ladysmith on theSoo Line Train: September 1912By Sr. Mary Lucy Daniels, OSM

On June 8th, 2014 Bruce and Lillian Almerothmade their Promises in the Servite Lay Diakonia.Fr. John Fontana, OSM, Prior Provincial presidedat the beautiful ceremony, which took place atOur Lady of Sorrows Basilica in Chicago.

Bruce and Lillians entire family wereparticipants in the liturgical service. In theceremony, Bruce and Lillian also proclaimed aServite Creed, which gave witness to all of theirlove for Christ and Mary, the Church and theServite Order.

The Secular Servite Community of Sts. Alexisand Juliana from Hillside, IL prepared a deliciousluncheon, which followed the Promise Dayceremony.

The Servite Lay Diakonia lifestyle is a movementmade up of lay people who have taken on andshare the love and responsibility of the Servantsof Mary. Diakonia, meaning servant, live theirlives in a special way, as a family (DomesticChurch) praying the Lectio Divina (listening tothe Word of God) and praying the Divine Office.

New Servite Lay Diakonia Couple Make Promises

Submitted by Sr. Margaret Valois, OSM

As their daily life enfolds, the Diakonia

family strive to share their treasure offaith with their children and extendedfamily. With Sr. Margaret Valois, OSM,as their Formation Director, Bruce andLillian met once a month to betterunderstand the obligations and lifestyleof a Diakonia Family.

In a world where many families havelost the importance of faith and prayer,may there soon be other families whowill follow in the way of a Diakoniacommunity.


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One of my favorite poems written inthe 19th century is very much in tunewith our call today to become moreaware of the need and to take actionto preserve and restore the many giftsof our earth and its resources that Godhas given us.

To me the poem Gods Grandeur byGerard Manley Hopkins speaks of whatwe have done to the earth in misuse

and also gives hope for the futurethrough the caring presence of theSpirit to inspire us to action.

Recently, I obtained a DVD lectureseries entitled Gerard ManleyHopkins: Magician of Words,Sounds, Images, and Insights byJoseph J. Feeney, SJ. I will be happyto share this DVD with anyone whoenjoys this poet and would like tolearn more or refresh your knowledgeand enjoyment.

This program year at our ServiteCenter for Life in Ladysmith, we arefeaturing some programs anddiscussion on the topic of the care forthe earth. In preparation I am readingElizabeth Johnsons book Ask theBeasts: Darwin and the God ofLove This book is recommended byone of our program presenters, LucySlinger, FSPA, whose presentation, Bein the Becoming: A CosmologicalPerspective of Theology and Ecologyis scheduled for October 29. Thispromises to be filled with informationand challenges in our call to care forthe earth. You are invited to join us!

I am finding the reading of Johnsonsbook to be filled with information anda deepening of the experience offinding God in all things. It hasincreased my awe and wonder atGods Grandeur and the wonderful

ift of all life.

Caring for the Earth

By Sr. Marguerite Samz

The World is charged with the grandeur of God.

It will flame out, like shining from school foil;It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil

Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod

Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;

And all is seared with trade; bleared, smearedwith toil;

And wears mans smudge and shares manssmell: the soil

Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.

And for all this, nature is never spent;

There lives the dearest freshness deep downthings;

And though the last lights off the black West we

Oh, morning at the brown brink eastward ,springs

Because the Holy Ghost over the bent

World broods with warm breast and with ah!bright wings.

Gods Grandeur

By Gerard Manley Hopkins

"Ordinary Grace" by William Kent Kruegeris a great book! It is a novel, kind-ofmystery, about a 13 year-old boy and hislearnings about life and death. I read it withother book club members; one of the clubmembers knows the author and he came toour discussion in July. We asked if thecharacters are based on people in his ownlife; he said Yes. He is a "preacher's kid" asis the main character in the book.

Book Recommendation

By Sr. Barbara Thomalla, OSM


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Killing Jesusby Bill O'Reilly (a history)

I am Malalaby Malala Yousafzair

The Purpose Driven Lifeby Rick Warren(what on earth am I here for?)

Face of Betrayalby Lis Wiehl (a triplethreat novel)

Drivenby Donald Driver (from homeless,to hero, my journey on and off LambeauField)

Rediscover Catholicismby MatthewKelly (a spiritual guide to living withpassion & purpose)

Book Recommendations

By Margaret Fandel Ferry

Books that have impressed me:

AN ALTAR IN THE WORLD(a geographyof faith) by Barbara Brown Taylor. To quotefrom the introduction "I have no idea whatyou will see when you look at your life - butif you are tired of arguing about religion,tired of reading about spirituality, tired oftalk-talk-talking about things that matterwithout doing a single thing that mattersyourself, then the pages that follow are

dedicated to you. My hope is that readingthem will help you recognize...some of thealtars in this world."

I've passed this book on and have had ravesfrom a number of folks including some whoare reading this now.

Another book I adored was THIS WILL BEREMEMBERED OF HER(stories of womenreshaping the world) by Megan McKenna.Megan weaves together three strands -stories from scripture, stories of select

women from around the globe, and storiesfrom religious folk and wisdom traditionsworldwide - into one strong braid showinghow life can be made more compelling,more communal, and more just for allpeople. She juxtaposes biblical women andcontemporary women, exploring thereasons why each woman has beenremembered. (Taken from the back cover -couldn't have said it better myself.)

Id also recommend books from thefollowing mystery authors: Donna Leon,

Louise Penny and Jacqueline Winspear.


By Geri Jwanouskos

I love the books of William KentKrueger. He is a local author, writingmost of his books at the St. Clair Dinernear Macalaster College.

His newest fictional book, is WindigoIsland with thesetting in northernMinnesota and Wisconsin.

Overview

Cork OConnor battles vicious villains,both mythical and modern, to rescue ayoung girl in the latest nail-bitingmystery from New York Timesbestsellingauthor William Kent Krueger. When thebody of a teenage Ojibwe girl washes upon the shore of an island in Lake

Superior, the residents of the nearby BadBluff reservation whisper that it was thework of a deadly mythical beast, theWindigo, or a vengeful spirit called MichiPeshu. Such stories have been told bythe Ojibwe people for generations, butthey dont explain how the girl and herfriend, Mariah Arceneaux, disappeared ayear ago. At the request of theArceneaux family, Cork OConnor, formersheriff turned private investigator, takeson the case.


By Ruth (Langer) Maynard


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MABF 2013 Grants Awarded

Submitted by: Cheryl Nordby

The Mary Alphonse Bradley Fund Committeemembers met October 5thto review the 2014grant proposals. The Committee received 24proposals of which 23 were awarded grants. total amount given was $380,000. The followare a few of the projects funded this year.

Grandmothers Beyond Borders was awarda grant to expand their projects (e.., buy apickup truck to use in both the gardening and

catering projects) for grandmothers raising tgrandchildren in Uganda. Sr. Bonnie Alhosponsored this project.

Indianhead Community Action Agencyreceived a grant to support continuation of frlegal services for women who are victims ofabuse. Sr. Cecilia Fandel sponsored this proje

Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the

Americaswas awarded a grant to purchaseburn therapy dressing materials and expandavailable burn treatment services in NicaraguSr. Virginia Schwartz was the sponsor for thi

project.These are just a few of the wonderful projectthat will benefit from Mary Alphonse BradleyFund grants this year!

If you know of any agencies that would

candidates for a MAB grant, please contaany of the Committee membersand they put you in touch with a Ladysmith Servite forsponsorship. Contact Sandy DeGidio([email protected]) if you need any MaryAlphonse Bradley Fund brochures.

MABF Celebrates 15 Years of Giving

This year, the Mary Alphonse Bradley Fundcelebrates 15 years of giving. The Ladysmith

Servites established the MABF in 1998 with

income derived from the transfer of

Addolorata Villa in Wheeling IL to the

Franciscan Sisters of Chicago Service

Corporation. Over the years, 223 MABF

grants have been awarded to 31 countries

around the world totaling almost $3.8

million. The purpose of the fund is to

provide assistance for human and societal

needs, continuing the vision and ministry of

the Servite founders. Mother Mary Alphonse,after whom the fund is named, was one of

the original six founders of the Ladysmith

community. Addolorata Villa was a ministry

especially dear to her heart.

MABF Committee

members:

Sr. Sandra DeGidio

Geri Jwanouskos

Cheryl Nordby

Sr. Dolores Henke

Joan Clarke

Sr. Sean Fox

Stewardship Gift PrayerLord, you alone are the source of everygood gift,

of the vast array of our universe,

and the mystery of each human life.

We praise you and we thank youfor your great power and your tenderfaithful LOVE.

Everything we are and everything we haveis your gift,

and after having created us,

You have given us the greatest of all gifts,your son, JESUS CHRIST.

Fill our minds with His truth and our heartswith His love,

that in His Spirit

we may continue to be bonded together ina community

of faithful, caring people.

In the name and spirit of Jesus,

we commit ourselves to be good stewards

of the gifts entrusted to us,

to share our time, our talent

and our material gifts as an outward sign

of the treasure we hold in Jesus.

Amen


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Sr. Dolores Henke, OSM

A special note of appreciation is extended to Sr.Dolores Henke. After serving on the MABFCommittee and Board since its inception, Sr.Dolores made the decision not to renew foranother term. In Sr. Dolores own words: TheMABF does marvelous things to make our worlda better place. I am grateful to Mother MaryAlphonse for her insight in building the Villa - itstransition to the Franciscan Sisters of Chicagoprovided the funds we give away. How blessedwe are!

I have been on the Committee since its first

meeting on July 10-12, 1998. So, sadly I say myfarewell.

All the MABF Committee and Board members wilmiss Sr. Dolores contributions to the work of theMABF especially her thoughtful insights andcompassion for those in need!

In 2013, the MABF awarded a grant to Give Us Wings for

the construction of water kiosks in Nyaoga, Africa. The

following is from the Ocotber 2014 Give Us Wingsnewsletter about this project.

Give Us Wings, in partnership with the Kakoth-Kataa Clean

Water Project and funded with a grant from the Mary

Alphonse Bradley Fund, completed construction of 11

permanent water kiosks earlier this year. The kiosks are

conveniently located throughout Nyaoga. Now, over 8,000

people have easy access to clean water!

These water kiosks have already changed the daily lives of

thousands of women and children. They no longer must

spend hundreds of hours each week fetching contaminated

water from Lake Victoria. They now can invest their time inproductive activities such as school, working in the fields

and working in their small businesses.

Access to clean water means the prevalence of water-borne

diseases will decrease. Also, since the kiosks are located

close to their homes, young girls and women will be less

likely to be assaulted on their way to collect water.

Community members are receiving training in managing

and maintaining the kiosks and water pipes and they well

eventually take over operation of the project.

Completion of Water Kiosks funded by a MABF Grant in 2013

Submitted by Cheryl Nordby

Documents

Common Threads October 2014