November 2010, Vol. XXX, No. 9

Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters

Convent of the Holy Spirit – Techny, Illinois

EAR JESUS, help me to

spread Thy fragrance

everywhere I go. Flood

my soul with Thy spirit

and love. Penetrate and possess my

whole being so utterly that all my life

may only be a radiance of Thine. Shine

through me and be so in me that every

soul I come in contact with may feel

Thy presence in my soul. Let them look

up and see no longer me but only Je-

sus. Stay with me and then I shall be-

gin to shine as you shine, so to shine

as to be a light to others.

“If we judge people we have no time

to love them.”

Mother Teresa

DDDD r. Ira Byock, when speaking of embodied Compassion, says the four things that matter most

are: Please forgive me, I forgive you, Thank you,

I love you.

Compassion is the underlying theme of our

forthcoming Assembly and Chapter: Compassion in

Leadership, Compassion in Community and

Compassion in Ministry.

As I was musing on this, it struck me that

maybe the greatest way we can be compassionate is

to understand that “you can’t force the heart.” We

don’t wake up one morning and decide from now on

I will be compassionate. Being compassionate

evolves within our hearts as we go through the daily

conversions of thinking, feeling and choosing we instead of me and I. We see and look at ourselves

as brothers and sisters, one in the family of God.

And our hearts stretch and stretch until we include

more and more into this family, even those who

disagree with us, those who harm us, those who

believe differently from us and those who speak,

eat, dress and live differently from that to which we

are accustomed.

Fortunately, we belong to a missionary

family and so our education and experiences already

stretch our hearts to include the whole world.

However, that doesn’t negate the personal work we

need to do in order “to put on the mind and heart of

Christ,” who emptied himself and included saints

and sinners, apostles and tax collectors, pious

women and prostitutes into his circle of family, of

disciples. A great way to stretch our heart and mind

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(continued from page 1)

in community a bit more would be to have a cup of coffee or tea, or go for a walk or a ride

with someone who thinks differently from me and to get to know and understand this

person’s way of thinking a bit more. We can learn a lot that way. In fact, we learn a lot more

from those who disagree with us than from those who think the same as we do. In mission

we also need to stretch out our hearts to those we don’t appreciate or understand. For some

of us it may be inviting an immigrant family over and learning about their situation before

taking a stand on the immigration issues. For others it might be befriending a gay or lesbian

person and learning how they feel, their hopes, dreams and disappointments. For others,

having a conversation with someone of a different religion and finding out about their search

for God. And if we can’t get out anymore at least we could read what they themselves are

saying about their struggles, their situation. We can’t force the heart, but we can educate our

hearts and minds. When we really understand someone, respect and compassion grow in our

hearts.

Perhaps all of us could prepare personally for the Assembly/Chapter by asking our-

selves as leaders, as community members and as missionaries: What blocks compassion in

me? What can I do to stretch my heart and grow in compassion? How can I grow in love?

Sr. Carol Welp, SSpS

On October 16, Srs. Carol Welp, Marie

Sheehy and Anita Marie Gutierrez attended a day’s workshop entitled Compassion: One-

ness with All, given by Sr. Kathleen Bohn,

OP. The day was a watering of the roots of compassion with the universe story, with the

earth story, with one’s own story. Stillness,

deep listening and pondering bring about

change, growth and transformation that lead to

being, being human, being compassionate.

Compassion seems to be the greatest power

that healthily embraces systemic change and

enhancement in relationships, community,

communion, Gospel living and the kin-dom of

God.

Sr. Anita Marie Gutierrez

On October 9, Srs. Monica Darrichon and

Rose Martin Glenn attended the Silver

Jubilee celebration of Fr. Tony Clark's Ordination at St Joseph's Parish. Visitors

came from all corners of the USA, and

included past and present classmates of

Fr. Tony's. Sr. Monica, along with several

parishioners, was instrumental in

preparing a most inspiring liturgy with the

theme of Mission based on the Mission

Rosary. Fr. Melvin James, SVD, made Fr. Tony's vestment with matching

stoles for the priests who concelebrated

the Mass and there were many.

Fr. Chester and Fr. Charles Smith,

SVD, gave the homily with Alleluias and Amens! Since Fr. Tony is noted for his

laughter and joy, this occasion was none

other than that, yet everyone told also of

his deep spiritual insights which lift up so

many.

Other noteworthy events: Sr. Monica will

again make catechetical presentations to

the Hispanic Community here in the

Memphis Diocese… and … As Sr. Rose

Martin entered the classroom of three-

year-olds one little girl with eyes

sparkling like diamonds ran toward her

and said, "I saw you on TV!" Immediately

Sister knew it was Whoopie Goldberg in

"Sister Act”!

Sr. Rose Martin Glenn

Compassion Workshop

News from Memphis

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Project IRENE is a program supported by

women religious leaders in Illinois, including

the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters; it is aimed

at promoting legislation that supports vulner-

able women and children. On October 23,

2010, Sr. Rose Therese Nolta attended the

Project IRENE Liaisons’ Annual Gathering at

the Sisters of the Living Word, Arlington

Heights, IL. After a ritual prayer, we shared

about the Project IRENE Vision and Mission,

had feedback from the evaluation forms, went

through a day at the Capitol with Sr. Rose

Mary Myers and received a number of up-

dates on tasks as liaisons, poverty in Illinois,

immigration, child trafficking, etc.

Sr. Elwira Dziuk took part in a Busy Person Retreat at the University of Chicago. Sixteen

students and four spiritual companions registered.

She reports: I met daily with three young people

from October 17-21. They shared their spiritual

journey with me. It was a treasure to be with them

and listen to their discoveries of God in their daily

activities! Let us pray that young people will be

inspired by the Holy Spirit to pursue the challenge

of religious life!

SSpS have been actively involved for several years

in Aid for Women, a mission helping pregnant

women who did not feel they could support a

child. Recently, Aid for Women held a fundraiser

and invited some of our Sisters. Encouraged by the

atmosphere in the room, the inspiring talks and

the possibilities for helping that were presented,

Sr. Margaret Hansen decided to host a baby shower in the Convent. Baby items were collected

to be given to Aid for Women. This was preceded

by 40 Days for Life, which involved praying for

life in all its forms. 40 Days for Life tries to have

someone outside praying at the Albany Medical

Surgical Center/Family Planning Associates in

Chicago at all times. Srs. Mary Jane Lusson and

Marie Louise Jilk took part in this vigil. While they were there, one couple came who already had

three children and were expecting their fourth.

They felt they could not afford another child, but

one of the counselors who comes every Friday to

this abortion clinic took them to a Women’s Cen-

ter nearby so they could receive the help they need.

Sr. Margaret Hansen blesses the fish.

The last week in October brought additions to

the pond in front of the main Convent in the

form of many fish. One hundred bluegill, 25

large mouth bass and 15 lbs. of fathead

minnows were placed in the water. The fish are

good for the pond’s ecosystem and it is hoped

the Sisters will enjoy watching them as they

walk around the grounds.

New Pond Residents

40 Days for Life and Aid for Women

Srs. Mary Jane and Marie Louise at a prayer vigil for life

outside a clinic in Chicago.

Project IRENE

Busy Person Retreat

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Sr. Miryan Inés Céspedes Cañete

decided during her time in Tertianship to

transfer back to her home Province in

Paraguay. Sr. Helena Kujur, her Provincial, had been asking for two

years for her to come back and help in

their schools. She has decided to answer

this call. She will be coming to Techny

on December 18 and will return to

Paraguay on December 22. Miryan, we

thank you for your time with us and

wish you every blessing as you serve in

another part of the Lord’s vineyard.

Sr. Therese Mary Martinez and Little Mexico were featured in the Daily

Harold newspaper and in a Waukegan

Spanish paper. Sister was designated “a

saint!”

For Your Prayerful

Remembrance

Please pray for our sick:

Charles Regensburger, 75, brother of Sr.

Maryann, who had a stroke on October 20 and is hospitalized.

Jerry Miller, brother of Sr. Mary Miller, who is hospitalized in Florida with emphysema.

They have now discovered a larger tumor in or

on his lung. He and his wife, Marilyn, are in Florida away from the family.

Stanley Kielar, husband of Josephine Kielar, nurse in Maria Hall, who fell down the stairs at

home and broke his pelvis.

Luckily, at present, we have no Sisters in the

hospital, but our elderly and weak Sisters all

appreciate your prayers.

Please pray for our deceased:

Dennis McDermitt, brother of Mickey

Bachara, former Director of Nursing, who died on October 9.

We are preparing visas for three Sisters who we

expect to arrive in December:

Sr. Rosalia Service Galmin, from Flores West, who will come for three years,

and Srs. Philippa, Chen Jin Xiu and Monica,

Zhang Yan Ling, from China, who are also appointed for three years.

Sr. Petra Bigge, our Mission Secretary, will be visiting us February 12-24, 2011. She will then

go to New York for an internship with VIVAT

until April 1. Welcome, Sr. Petra!

Comings and Goings

Sr. Miryan

Kudos!

Sr. Therese Mary

ANTIGUA S.SP.S. COMMUNITY IN MISSION

We are a vibrant missionary community here in Antigua, touching the lives of parishioners,

prisoners, students, street people and patients.

Our local community vision/mission statement notes that “our outreach is especially to the

disadvantaged and the marginalized, aiding victims of violence, poverty, abuse and discrimi-

nation with special concern for women and children in pastoral and educational ministries.”

Each of us brings her own gifts to ministry. Srs. AnnIta Walsh, Alexis Tjahjani and Mar-

garet Anne Norris support the educational ministry through their service at the diocesan Catholic Schools. At Christ the King High School, Sr. AnnIta teaches religion and is a mem-

ber of the religion department team that coordinates the school liturgies and retreats. Sr. Mar-

garet Anne teaches Spanish. At St. John’s Catholic pre-school, Sr. Alexis is much appreciated

for her coordination of the arts and crafts program and as a teaching assistant for the class of

two-year-olds. Working with these young people offers many opportunities to call them to

Christian service and to deepen their faith in daily life.

The diocesan Hispanic ministry coordinated by Sr. Miryan Inés Céspedes Cañete and Fr.

Robert Ratajczak SVD, offers retreats, adult evangelization courses and days of recreation. Sr. Miryan and Fr. Robert plan the weekly Sunday liturgy. Sr. Miryan coordinates the choir

activities and the Thursday evening prayer meetings, as well as special times of prayer during

October, Advent, Lent and May. She has two weekly radio programs offering reflections on

the Gospel. Sr. Margaret Anne and Sr. Alexis offer their support in the Hispanic ministry by

accompanying the group on special occasions and collaborating with Sr. Miryan in different

events. For example, Sr. Alexis teaches liturgical and folk dances to the children for religious

and cultural events and Sr. Margaret Anne has given some courses and accompanied the

RCIA group.

As the liaison minister of the Cathedral in a very poor area in Antigua, Sr. Pat Snider encounters many challenges daily. In an effort to complete the building of a church

which can be used for worship, classes and outreach financial problems are sometimes

almost overwhelming.

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Sr. Alexis and the liturgical dancers

Sr. Miryan Ines and Fr. Robert, who

coordinate the Hispanic ministry

Over the next few months, the bulletin will highlight the mission of

individual houses in the U.S. Province.

This month, we begin with the community in Antigua.

Since this is an area where many Catholics are present but most are not active, we try to of-

fer paraliturgies for the children during Sunday Mass which is celebrated in a classroom of a

school where Mass is celebrated twice monthly. Sr. Alexis has been a great help with these

paraliturgies since she is so good with children. The next step is for these children to begin sacra-

mental classes since most have not received First Holy Communion or Confirmation; some still

need to be baptized. Parents are very important in this and sometimes it is difficult to get their

support. We hope to start evangelizing teams that would make contacts in the area.

Sr. Pat coordinates a prison ministry team of which Sr. AnnIta is also a member. At this time there

are 29 male inmates who are participating in our Alpha Course which we offer twice a year for

ten weeks. Since this is both a learning and a sharing experience, our team is often amazed at

what happens in the lives of the inmates during this time. God is quite obviously working during

these sessions.

Another area of ministry for Sr. Pat is collaboration with Street Pastors who minister to street peo-

ple at night. She is a member of the team which meets for prayer while others are on the streets.

In connection with the parish, Sr. Pat does regular hospital ministry and others of our community

collaborate in that and in visiting the elderly. Both Sr. Pat and Sr. Alexis bring communion to the

sick and all of us are lectors and communion ministers or servers for Mass at the Cathedral when

called upon. Sr. Miryan and Sr. Pat both appreciate the opportunities for evangelization offered in

the baptismal preparation sessions they conduct. Sr. Alexis is a valued member of the Holy Fam-

ily Cathedral choir.

Srs. AnnIta, Margaret Anne and Alexis find that participating in the adult evangelization program,

ALPHA, in the parish supports their own faith growth as well. Both Sr. AnnIta and Sr. Margaret

Anne accompany members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as spiritual directors for different

conferences, leading the groups in Scripture reflection. Sr. AnnIta collaborates with the youth

ministry when asked, for example helping with parish youth retreats.

Thus our ministries allow us to truly be an SSpS Community in Mission here in Antigua in the

diocese of St. John’s Basseterre.

Sr. Margaret Anne Norris

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The Prison Ministry Team including Srs.

AnnIta and Pat in the center

Sr. Margaret Anne and students

JPIC

SSpS

USA

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November 2010

We celebrate Halloween this weekend, and

so let’s focus on helping children. This

year we are joining the “Trick or Treating

for UNICEF” to make a difference in the lives of kids around the globe by helping

UNICEF provide lifesaving programs. For

60 years UNICEF has worked in more

than 150 countries and territories in the

following areas:

_ Immunization and Health

_ Education

_ Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

_ Nutrition

_ HIV/AIDS

_ Child Protection

_ Emergencies: complex emergencies and

natural disasters.

The Challenge of Child Survival

The number of children

under the age of five

dying each day has

significantly dropped.

In fact, over the last 50

years, UNICEF

and its partners have helped cut the world-

wide child mortality rate by more than

half. The following chart tells the story of

UNICEF’s progress.

From Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF pg 6.

Children across the world face many

challenges, including: - Malnutrition, which plays a major role

in a third of all child deaths.

- Pneumonia, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and

other diseases.

- Lack of safe drinking water and

sanitation, which can lead to disease,

diarrheal dehydration, and death.

- Poor or unavailable health care. From Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF pg 5.

To learn more about UNICEF see: http://teachunicef.org/sites/default/files/documents/

UNICEF_An_Introduction_Final_0.pdf

Chicago - USA – Children – Poverty

In an article in the Chicago

Tribune entitled “Suburbs

learning the value of pre-

school for at-risk kids” on

October 24, 2010, noted the

following: “Although Chi-

cago’s poverty rate is

higher, the largest 10-year

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relative increases occurred in the suburbs,

where the rate nearly doubled in some

counties.”

The Child Poverty Rates by States in 2007 and 2009, by American Community

Survey noted the following statistics:

Each child is unique and special, so we con-

tinue to work with and for children in our

ministries, in our prayer and in our advo-

cacy work.

Universal Children Day – 2010

Universal Children Day is celebrated on 20 November every year with the purpose

of promoting international togetherness and

awareness among children, or we can also

say that this day is an occasion celebrated to

promote the welfare of children. This day is

declared as a holiday only for children.

Universal Children Day was established in

year 1954. November 20 is also a special

day as this day ‘Declaration of the Rights of

the Children’ was adopted by UN General

Assembly in 1959 and later in 1989,

Convention of the Rights of the Child was adopted by the UN General Assembly.

Since the last decade, this Convention is said

to be an important tool for promoting the

rights of children all over the world.

THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S

CHILDREN 2010: Child Rights

On 20 November 2009, the global commu-

nity celebrated the 20th anniversary of the

Convention on the Rights of the Child. The most widely ratified international human

rights treaty in history, the 54 provisions of

the Convention, and its Optional Protocols,

articulate the full complement of civil,

political, cultural, social and economic rights

for all children, based on four core princi-

ples: non-discrimination; actions

taken in the best interests of the child; the

right to life, survival and development; and

respect for the views of the child in accor-

dance with age and maturity. These princi-

ples guide the actions of all stakeholders,

including children themselves, in realizing

their rights to survival, development, protec-

tion and participation. Signed by every

country in the world, and currently ratified

into law by all but two countries. The USA is

one country which did not ratify it. The

Convention and its principles have taken root

in national and local legislatures, motivating

governments worldwide to place children’s

rights and development at the forefront of

their legislative agendas.

States 2007 2009 %

Child Poverty Rate Change

Illinois 16.3% 18.6% 2.4%

Iowa 13.1% 15.1% 1.9%

New York 19.1% 19.7% 0.6%

Tennessee 22.5% 23.5% 1.0%

The Convention on the

Rights of the Child

stands as a universal standard for building a

better world – a world in which the best

interests of children are a primary concern

of all. The challenge for the next 20 years is

to build on the progress already achieved,

working together to reach those children

who are still being denied their rights to

survival, development, protection and

participation.

— Ann M. Veneman

Executive Director, UNICEFUMMARY