mages Fall/Winter

2OO9

A Newsletter for friends of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine

We Never Do It Alone

The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine(CSA) are comfortable gathering aroundtables to tell stories. We often recall"the good old days" and relate talesfrom the Novitiate or places where wehave ministered. When we think of ourfounding story, four young French womeninvited by Bishop Amadeus Rappe tobegin a health care ministry in Cleveland,we are apt to break into song: "We areproud of our heritage..."

We suspect that deep in the call ofthe sisters from France was the Gospelimperative: "Go out to all the worldand tell the good news." (Mark 16)How adventuresome, generous andcourageous they were! Twenty-four yearold Louise Brulois, later known as MotherAugustine, wrote: "Surely I can do thisfor God. No earthly tie binds me."Bringing with them an array of life

experiences, talents, and dreams, ourFounding Sisters worked with BishopRappe and laymen to finance both thefirst organized healthcare outreach inthe area and an orphanage to care forchildren left behind in a raging choleraepidemic. St. Vincent Charity Hospital,established in 1865, has operated onits original site in Cleveland for 144years. We know that collaboration andinterdependence is vital to our mission.It's CSA's heritage. It's in our blood.This issue of Images focuses on how

we continue to live our founding story,with the assistance of our co-ministers,using our varied gifts and talents, givingfree and generousresponse to the call of ^^^^^^^^^God's Spirit to assistpersons in need.

As Sr. Mary PatriciaBarrett often says,"We have never doneit alone." ea

ortraitSr. Mary Patricia Barrett

The oldest of four, Mary Patricia Barrett's parents immigrated to Cleveland from CountyMayo, Ireland. The family lived in St. Colman Parish. She graduated from West High School andwent on to Notre Dame College. It was during her time at college that she acknowledged aninner longing to become a religious. When she told her family her desire to leave school andenter the convent, her father said, "Finish what you started first and then you can decide." MaryPatricia finished school, graduating in 1948 with a degree in sociology.

She went to work for Catholic Charities, and later accepted a Catholic Charities' scholarshipto attend Boston College for her master's degree. When she returned to Catholic Charities,she was assigned to work with children needing a home, and often placed them in Parmadale.Founded and run by the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine (CSA), Parmadale was the nation'sfirst cottage plan home for dependent children, including orphans. Mary Patricia's collaborationwith the sisters reignited her desire to enter religious life. In 1957 Mary Patricia received herhabit and was given the name Sr. M. Marguerite. She returned to her baptismal name later,becoming Sr. Mary Patricia, but most everyone knows her as Sr. Mary Pat.

Her first assignment was at St. Vincent Charity Hospital. Sister has a very vivid memory of the day President JohnF. Kennedy died: a television was moved into the clinic so everyone, patients and staff, could watch the tragic eventsof the day.

From St. Vincent's, Sr. Mary Pat returned to Parmadale where she worked collaboratively with Catholic Charitiesand Cuyahoga County Welfare Services. She represented the youngsters while the two agencies worked with theparents.

Sister's election to CSA Congregational Leadership and participation with the Health Care Planning Committeeenabled her to meet wonderful, competent, and dedicated laity. Hospital presidents, civil and canon lawyers, andother experts as needed, served on the committee. She felt strongly that their participation was essential. She said,"Those who are affected by the decisions should be involved in the decision making." The Committee recommended theformation of CSA Health & Human Services, Inc. Begun in 1982, it is now known as Sisters of Charity Health System.She served as President of the Health System and is still involved with it currently as Special Assistant to the President.Sister believes that "we have never done it alone;" every "it" has been accomplished in collaboration with others. Thehealth system is just one example.

Sr. Mary Pat formed many close friendships due to her work on various Boards. She said, "The laity have challengedme, affirmed me and supported the difficult decisions that were often made at the Board level." She stays in touch withthese friends along with her family.

As Sr. Mary Pat reflects upon her years of ministry, she feels she gave her co-workers the freedom to execute theirresponsibilities in a style meaningful to them. She is also grateful for the many professional and spiritual opportunities

Sr. Eileen Keating and Sr, Mary Patricia at their JubileeCelebration in September 2006.

that CSA has granted to her."My favorite pastime is spending time at

Morning Star Cottage on Sullivan's Island inSouth Carolina. I am always refreshed andgain renewed energy during those preciousweeks. During my retirement, I hope tolive at Mt. Augustine and take time to relaxand enjoy all the beauty that surrounds ourhome in Richfield."

Sr. Mary Patricia has advice for youngwomen today: "All of life has ups anddowns; most often more ups than downs.Use your talents to serve God. You haveGod-given gifts - use them for others andyour life will be enriched." os

is a newsletter published by

The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustin

Staff for this issue:Sr. Miriam Erb

Sr. Regina FiermanSr. Joan GallagherSr. Cheryl Keehner

Editor: Mrs. Caryn Kish

Visit our website:

www.srsofcharity.org

Associates - Partners in Ministry

After 7 years under the guidance of Jeanne Burrige, the Associate Program has a new director, Margaret AnnJablonski. Ms. Jablonski and her two Coordinating Team Members, Elizabeth Wendling and Susan Carey, were formallyinstalled at the September 13 Associate Renewal Liturgy held at the Mt. Augustine Chapel.

Margaret Ann has only been in the Associate Program since September 2005 but her relationship with the congregationstarted at St. John Hospital, where she was born. Margaret Ann's mother, who worked in the laundry at St. John's,

often spoke about the sisters and the good they did. The oldest oftwo children, Margaret Ann and her brother Steven, grew up in theOld Brooklyn area, south of Cleveland. She attended James RhodesHigh School and upon graduation, went to St. John Hospital School ofNursing.

She felt that she might have a calling to religious life and thoughtfor a while about becoming a nun, but in 1983 the deaths of both herfather and uncle prevented pursuing that call. Instead, she continuedin nursing and became the primary caregiver for both her mother and

- aunt.* f Margaret Ann has been a nurse for 38 years. She received her

Bachelor's in Nursing degree from the State University of New York atAlbany. She has worked at several hospitals including the now closedSt. John's Hospital. She was the chairman of the alumni association

Margaret Ann Jablonski and Jeanne Burrige Qf gt john,s Hospita| and jt was through that Organization that she

became reacquainted with the Sisters of Charity. One of the attendees at the reunion was a Sister of Charity who toldMargaret Ann about the associate program. After completing orientation, she joined.

Margaret Ann attended several congregational meetings held this past spring. What she heard excited her to thepoint that she wanted to participate on a higher level with the program. She volunteered to fill the leadership position.She also formulated plans for the direction she would like to program to take. Margaret Ann is hoping that the Associatesbecome more involved with the sisters and the different ministries. She is planning on visiting each of the ministries andis hopeful that the Associates will be able to volunteer with them. She is also focusing on a closer relationship betweenthe Ohio and the out of state Associates. Through the magic of technology and teleconferencing, she plans on jointmeetings between Richfield and South Carolina.

With the other members of the Associate leadership team, Susan Carey and Elizabeth Wending, Margaret Ann isplanning on the Associates moving in the same direction and with the Sisters of Charity, wherever and in whateverdirection that may lead, vs

Sr. Mary Denis Maher in frontoftheSr. Ignatia exhibit. Sr.Mary Denis was instrumentalin obtaining the Conrad N.Hilton Fund for Sisters grantwhich was used project.

WOMEN & spirit: CATHOLIC SISTERS IN AMERICA

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR)gathered artifacts, documents and pictures from over400 religious communities compiling them into an exhibitentitled, "Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America."The exhibit tells how sisters played a vital role in shapingAmerican life from before the earliest days of the republicand throughout its history. It opened in Spring 2009 at theCincinnati Museum Center and will travel nationwide forthree years. Several CSA sisters traveled to Cincinnati forthe opening. Sr. Ignatia Gavin's story with AA is included inthe exhibit. Information on the travel schedule is availableonline at www.womenandspirit.org ca

r) Sr. Miriam Erb and Sr. Cabrini Ferritto

potlight

Praise God, whose glory fills the Universe

As we remember our Jubilarians this year and look back on their day of celebration, it is very evident that"we have never done it alone." Every year at each Jubilee celebration, we come in contact with, and see the

many, many people connected with CSA and the lives of our Sisters. This year was no exception. Family members,friends, former Sisters of Charity, Associates, and connections from past and present ministries, all came together

to celebrate the years of dedication and service that our 2009 Jubilarians represent.

In preparing for this article, our Sister Jubilarians were asked the following question:"How do you see God working in your life today."

Their responses were as follows:

70 Years

Sr. M. Xavier Gorman: Entered religious lifeon July 2, 1939. "My prayer is that I will growold quietly, and that I am able to give kindnessto all. I also pray to be aware of God's love forme each day."

Sr. M. Laurentine Loftus: Entered religiouslife February 2, 1939. "Religious life is muchdifferent than what it used to be, but in someways, is much the same. I am much more freetoday. If you are not enjoying religious life,nobody is."

(I to r) Sr. Laurentine Loftus, Sr. Justine Sendelbach, and Sr. Xavier Gorman

Sr. M. Justine Sendelbach: Entered religiouslife July 16, 1939. "Physically I am no longerable to do the things that I used to do. I havealways enjoyed gardening, and now I haveto depend on the help of others to get thingsdone. Prayer and God's presence sustain me inthe necessary letting go that is a part of theaging process."

Guest priests at the Jubilee Mass.

50 Years

(I to r) Sr. Carol Kandiko, Sr. Mary Jean Eucker, Sr. Loretta Spotila,and Sr. Mary Lois Phillipp

Sr. Mary Jean Eucker: Entered religious life August 28, 1959."Reflecting back upon the joyous celebration of Jubilee, I amsharing the memories and renewing the gratitude I have to bea Sister of Charity of St. Augustine for fifty years. I am alsograteful for a supportive family and an abundance of friends whojoined to celebrate with us. As I live in the present moment, Ihope to grow in wisdom and inner peace and be able to sharethese gifts, as God directs, with others."

Sr. Carol Kandiko: Entered religious life August 28, 1959."After fifty years of dedicated service to God's people throughthe encouragement and support of the Sisters of Charity of St.Augustine, I find myself in the ministry that I believe I've beenmeant for. God is so tangible here at Centering Space in thewhole atmosphere of peace and hospitality. The gift of beingable to share my prayer and spiritual experience with others isawesome. God is present in my life today as One who Loves andLaughs and Invites and Dances."

Rev. Ralph Wialrowski, celebrant of the Jubilee Mass, acceptingflowers from Vincent Bailey as Sr. Mary Grace Betzler looks on.

Sr. Mary Lois Phillipp: Entered religious life August 28, 1959."God continues to enrich my life daily. I bring the gifts I havebeen given to all those I come in contact with each day, such asan ability to listen and show compassion; His insight to focus onthe goodness in people; a "FUN" loving attitude, etc. In return,the appreciation, love, and concern of the employees and othersI meet each day helps me continue with whatever comes intomy day."

Sr. Loretta Spotila: Entered religious life August 28, 1959."I have always prayed that I will know what God is asking ofme. Now, when I pray, when I talk with God, I relax and trust.I focus on here and now and know that God will lead me. And,with this guidance I know when to say 'yes' and 'no' to variousopportunities and situations. Because of God's influence andpresence within me, I know the outcomes will be right for meand I feel peace!"

With these words, our Jubilarians have shown howGod's presence is at the heart of their lives as women religious. Currently

Sr. Xavier, Sr. Laurentine, and Sr. Justine reside at Mt. Augustine/Regina HealthCenter, where they are involved in prayer ministry and provide assistance to the sisters and

residents who live there. Sr. Mary Jean and Sr. Carol are in ministry at Centering Space, which isa ministry of prayer, listening and discernment, located in Lakewood, Ohio. Sr. Mary Lois is the

Ambassador for Patient Satisfaction at Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio. Sr. Lorettais the Director of the Interfaith Wellness Ministry in Irvine, Kentucky. We

congratulate them as they continue their journey in CSA. w

eptember 20, 2009

limpsesSr. Cabrini Ferritto was one of five people honoredduring the 4th Annual City of Cleveland Italian AmericanHeritage Month opening ceremony on October 5, 2009.The Italian American Heritage Month is a nationalrecognition of the culture, contributions, and heritage ofItalian Americans. Locally, the Italian Heritage Committeerecognizes Italian Americans for their outstanding effortsin the following categories: corporate, small business,individual, public service, and city employee. Sr. Cabrini'srecognition was in the category of "Individual" andhighlighted her contributions to education and religiouscommunities. In her acceptance, Sr. Cabrini cited thehard work of her father, the place of education in herhome, and the sharing of diversity with CSA. eg

Sr. Nancy Hendershot

On Sunday September 20 in St. Peter's Catholic Church,Columbia SC, Sr. Nancy Hendershot presided atthe American Guild of Organist Fall Convocation. Thisinterdenominational worship service was attended bynumerous organists, and an 80 plus member choirassembled from Washington Street United MethodistChurch, Eastminster Presbyterian Church, St. Peter'sCatholic Church, and the Columbia Choral Society. Sr.Nancy was joined by preachers and lectors from variousdenominations. The service was beautiful in meaningand uplifting in song, as

On October 28, 2009, Sr. Justine Sendelbach wasinducted into the "Heritage Society" of ProvidenceHospitals. The Heritage Society was established in 2003to recognize the hospitals' most committed supporters,especially those who have generously given their time,talent and knowledge over the years to further thehospitals' mission. Sr. Justine was recognized for herwork as hospital administrator in the 1960's. Duringthat time, Providence Hospital celebrated its' 25thanniversary with the dedication of the newly-renovatedmain building, which included new east and west wings,along with the addition of a chapel. Following this, sheachieved the goal of making the hospital an integratedfacility - open to and caring for all people. <&

At the National Black Sisters' Conference, Sr. RosellaHolloman received a special awar-d for being a"Compassionate Presence." This award was presentedin July 2009 at the conference held in Philadelphia, PA.We all know this description of Sr. Rosella is right ontarget, 03

The Emmaus Retreat, a retreat that reaches out to theGay and Lesbian Catholics and their parents, celebratedits 10th Anniversary this year with a special retreat at theJesuit Retreat House in September. Sr. Marian Durkinhelped chair the retreat committee. She has beenministering within this group and its retreat programssince its inception. 03

"The Amadeus Award" is given by Ursuline Collegeevery year to an alumna who has made significantcontributions to the church, school and society. On June27, 2009 Sr. Joan Gallagher received the award forthe many projects she hasbeen involved with in thecity of Cleveland, such asher work with FAMICOSFoundation, and especiallyfor the restoration ofthe former Notre DameMotherhouse into safehousing for elderly withlow income. In addition,she was one of the drivingforces and first director ofJoseph's Home, a placefor homeless men in needof healthcare. Sr. Joanwas alSO recognized for Sr. Joan Gallagher

the collaborative work she did with various religiouscommunities in establishing Regina Health Center, eg

The Northern Ohio Lebanese American Association(NOLAA) had their annual Heritage Ball in November atLa Centre in Westlake, Ohio. Sr. Judith Ann Karam,President and CEO of the Sisters of Charity HealthSystem, was one of the two recipients of the NOLAA'sOutstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, presented inrecognition of her significant contributions to the City ofCleveland. Her family, our sisters and friends were thereto see the presentation, w

During her time of transition from congregationalleadership to another ministry, Sr. Cheryl Keehnerwent on a two-week pilgrimage to the "Lands of St.Paul." She invited Sr. Joan Gallagher to accompanyher. They spent time in Athens and Istanbul and visitedholy sites in Corinth, Philippi, Thessaloniki, Ephesus,and on the island of Patmos. Although not a retreat,their spirits were enriched greatly, eg

Sr. Marian Durkin participated in the week long BusyStudent Retreat at Oberlin College this September. Inher role as Spiritual Director, she met with four womenas they prayed about their life and goals. For both thedirector and students, the time was very holy, eg

During the autumnal equinox celebration at Mt.Augustine / Regina Health Center (RHC), Sr. EvelynFlowers presented 'Friends of Earth' certificatesto several RHC employees who had significantlycontributed to reducing, reusing and recycling intheir work areas. The employees were thrilled to berecognized for their efforts and display their certificatesin their departments. The prayer service was topped offwith green cake and green punch which was enjoyedby all. c#

Joan Ross, Providence Hospitals'Senior Vice Presidentand Chief Nursing Officer, was transitioned to a new rolewithin the Sisters of Charity Health System. Joan, whois a CSA Associate, relocated to Cleveland where she isnow the Chief Operating Officer for St. Vincent CharityHospital. Her skills in demonstrating a strong andunique dedication to patient care, a culture of safetyand enhanced communications as well as collaborationare among the gifts she brings to this new position. v$

Each year many of the residents from Regina HealthCenter participate in the AOPHA (Association of OhioPhilanthropic Homes, Housing and Services for theAging), art contest. Several CSA sisters receivedawards in July.Sr. Ruth Ann Patrick was one of the first placewinners in the cooperative prose and poetry categoryfor her story "Grandpa George's Amazing Adventure."Sr. Coletta McNamee received second place in thesame category for her story entitled "More TreasuredMemories of the Outhouse."In the area of three dimensional art, Sr. Ruth AnnPatrick placed third for her "Goddess of Fire" mask.In the category of cooperative art, both Sr. Ruth AnnPatrick and Sr. Petrina Scelfo helped their group wina first place recognition for the "Recycled ChristmasTree." The tree was made from every kind of recycledmaterial you could imagine! o#

CSA Associate, Marian Rubin is the new Director ofCatholic Charities Board of Directors, Cleveland, Ohio.During the board meeting held at St. Augustine Manor,Marian received a special recognition for making over200 thank you calls as part of the stewardship effortfor Catholic Charities Organization 2009 annual appeal.The requirement is 10 calls, ea

Sr. Catherine Walsh's oratory skills have been indemand this fall. She had the privilege of speaking tothe Serra Club of Akron on behalf of Women Religious,the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Akron invitedher to direct their annual Retreat Day in October, andin early November, she directrd a Retreat Day for thewomen of Sacred Heart Parish in Wadsworth. As arepresentative of the Catholic Worker, Sr. Catherinespoke at St. Paul Church, Akron, St. Elia OrthodoxParish in Akron, and the Presbyterian Church inFirestone Park. os

In 2001 Sr. Carole DeCrane joined the staff of St.John West Shore Hospital in Westlake, Ohio, as one thechaplains. The death of a pre-term baby, a fetus, is aheartbreaking occurrence. While a full-term baby isdelivered around 40 weeks, these little ones don't make itpast 20 weeks. It was their burial that caught her attention.While the fetuses had always been handled with the careand reverence due all human life, she felt that burial in acemetery would be comforting to the families, and wouldgive those families a place to visit, should they choose todo so. After obtaining the permission and support of thehospital administration she worked to put it in place.

St. Joseph Cemetery in Avon, Ohio is the closestCatholic Cemetery to the hospital. She contacted Mr.Chris Chinchar, the Administrator, who was very happy tohelp with the project. Together they worked out a plan forburial of the "little ones" at the cemetery.

While the fetuses have had a place of rest in a cemeterysince 2006, there was no marker to commemorate theirshort existence. In September 2009, Sr. Carole celebratedher 50th Jubilee. Several of her family members, knowingof .her project for the little ones, presented her with astatue of a sleeping angel for the cemetery. The cemeterydonated the granite base and engraved the inscription Sr.Carole requested.

"'Let the little children come to me.'In loving memory of our littlest ones -

from St. John West Shore Hospital."

Mr. Chinchar is most compassionate in welcoming anyparent who wants to "see" where their little one is buried.Although there are no individual headstones, the familiescan see the angel and know that their baby is buried inthis blessed area, cs

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Photos on the cover are from the FoundationMinistry Conference, courtesy of Wendy Hoke.

left to right:1 Dennis Beatrice, Jo Pauling-Jones, Joni Close2 Randell McShepard3 Adrian Stover Jill Sommers4 Ralph Smith, Nan Roman, Sharon Lynn Kagan,

5 Yvonne Tolley Orr, Sr. Judy Weirick, IHM6 Roy Tucker, Jr, Kim Frohnappel7 Opening prayer with Cleveland Foundation Staff8 Tom Keith9 Robin Bachman, Georgette Jackson,

Kim Frohnappel

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of St. Augus t ine5232 Broadview RoadRichfield, OH 44286

Address service requested.

°TFiis newsCetter is printed on recycCedpaper.

Sr. Miriam Erb, CSA

The staff and Board Members from the Sisters of Charity Foundations of Canton, Cleveland, andSouth Carolina convened in October at Myrtle Beach, SC for our Foundation Ministry Conference.Wrapped in the theme of "light" with the goal of exploring future directions, we were all challengedto become "Beacons of Light to Individuals, Families and Communities."

A 30-minute film, "In Their Words: Reflections on the History of the Sisters of Charity of St.Augustine (CSA)," premiered the first evening. The history of CSA, its risk taking decisions, andcollaborative work with great men and women as partners in ministry, was told through sisterstelling their own life stories to an interviewer.

Stories continued the next 3 days as we delved deeper into our Foundation Initiatives: EarlyChildhood Education, Affordable Housing, and our Fatherhood Programs. The speakers gaveoutstanding presentations, and recognized the impact that the Sisters of Charity Foundations have made on the peoplewe serve, not only helping individuals to have a better life, but also advocating for the poor and working towardseradicating the root cause of poverty. The speakers then challenged us to focus on what we do and to make our dreamsa reality.

Nationally known early childhood expert, Sharon Lynn Kagan, EdD, told a story that still replays in my heart. Ashy, little kindergarten girl was invited to paint. The thought of getting messy stopped her. Finally, after several dayswatching the others painting and having a good time, she approached the easel, and with some trepidation, picked upthe brush. Her teacher could hear her mumbling; the little girl was saying "Paint Your Think."...And she finally did. Whata great line!

The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine have been trying to "paint our think" for 158 years. Our "think" alwaysincluded women and men willing to embrace our vision and add their dreams, hopes, and expertise so that together wemake a difference in this world.

Today, as Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, we continue to "paint our think" as we unfold the future for ourcongregation and work with you as part of our next generation of co-ministers. As our CSA Constitution says: "Ourcharism of charity - namely - love of God, particularly as we find God in our neighbor, motivates us. We seek to loveone another and each person we encounter." Thank you for the wisdom and faith, the vision and challenge you havebrought to us. Together, we are Beacons of Light and Hope to the world as we carry out God's mission.

eflection