Next Step News

SISTERS of ST. JOSEPH of ST. AUGUSTINE, FL

S. Carolyn Tucker and Grace

May, 2016

S. Josephine

In the silence of the daily routine, Saint Joseph, together with Mary, shares a single common center of attention: Jesus. They accompany and nurture the growth of the Son of God made man for us with commitment and tenderness. —Pope Francis

On April 24th, the Sisters at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent held a simple Remembrance Service for Father Rene Robert. Sister Margaret Jeanne prepared the prayer and reading from the feast of the Franciscan saint. A brief period of reflection was followed by sharing what the Sisters remembered about Father. At the conclusion of the sharing, Sister Mary Esther led the Sisters in singing “Prayer of St. Francis” as Sister Beatrice carried a remembrance picture to the front foyer of the convent. Sister Joan of Arc hung the picture at the entrance to the hallway of the chapel where Father Rene so often celebrated Mass for the Sisters.

Remembering a Priest and Friend

Many of the Sisters were able to attend the Wake and the funeral Mass for Father Rene. Father John Gillespie, pastor at San Sebastian Church, and Father Tim Lindenfelser, pastor at St. Anastasia Church, shared words that so gracefully represented the

life and ministry of Father Rene.

The funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, April 26th. Sister Rita Baum proclaimed the first reading as a member of the deaf community signed at the pulpit. Sisters Joan of Arc and Margaret Jeanne were invited to participate in the Offertory Procession.

The family has asked that Father Rene’s chalice and paten be returned to Our Lady of Lourdes Convent to continue being used for Mass where Father so frequently celebrated.

Sisters Margaret. Jeanne and Joan of Arc

present the gifts

S. Rita reads as deaf friend signs

Sister Mary Kuester held her first Art Show at Holy Family School, North Miami, on April 28th. Each child in the school had a piece of their art work that was proudly presented on display for all to see.

The Art Show was held in conjunction with the Parent Meeting. Sister Stephanie Flynn presented all the improvements that have taken place in the school this past year and the vision for all the great things yet to come.

It was almost one year ago when Holy Family School was in need of leadership in order to keep the school running. Sister Stephanie, principal at St. James School, became Supervising Principal at Holy Family. Mrs. Doreen Roberts, after almost 20 years at St. James, was moved into the position of Principal at Holy Family.

On Monday, April 25th the faculty of Holy Family School, Jacksonville, made a pilgrimage at the Motherhouse. Jeanette Ghioto (Mission Advancement) opened the day by giving the retreatants an overview of the history and ministry of the Sisters. Sister Jane Stoecker welcomed the staff, offered an opening prayer and introduced Sister Ann Raymond. Sister presented “God’s Mercy; God’s Love,” especially adapted for them. Using the Good Shepherd as the main Scripture source, Sister offered the teachers a model and guide for their ministry of education. After some refreshments, the faculty gathered for a tour of the

Archives, hosted by Sister Catherine Bitzer, and a walk-through of the O’Reilly House, where Sister Thomas Joseph related the history and significance of the “first house” in St. Augustine. At noon the retreatants and Sisters at the Motherhouse gathered for lunch, provided by Holy Family School. Delicious!

Holy Family Pilgrimage to the Motherhouse

Holy Family Faculty

Pride Reigns at Holy Family Art Show

Sister Mary with art students

Catholic Campus Ministry at Flagler College, St. Augustine, invited Sister Kathleen Power, SSJ Vocation Directress, and Father David Ruchinski, Diocese of St. Augustine Vocation Director, to meet with Catholic students to address the topic of “vocations.” Students were most interested in prayer and times of desolation. When they heard of Sister St. Margaret’s prayer group, the girls decided to call her and ask if they could come!

What’s YOUR Vocation?

Divine Mercy Sunday On April 3rd, Divine Mercy Sunday, Sister Loyce Newton was invited by Father William Mooney to give a conference on the Divine Mercy at Corpus Christi Church in St. Augustine. The conference included an overview of the life of St. Faustina andthe meaning of the Divine Mercy picture which Jesus asked Faustina to paint. Sister also explained the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and shared some true stories of Divine Mercy which occurred when Sister Loyce was ministering as chaplain at Mercy Hospital, Miami.

The Leadership Roundtable On April 21st, Sister Thomas Joseph spoke at the Leadership Roundtable luncheon for the Enterprising Women’s Leadership Institute (EWLI). Their mission is to identify, support, mentor and promote women’s leadership in communities worldwide. Sister spoke on the “Sisters of St. Joseph

Celebrating 150 Years.” At the end of their meeting, Sister was presented with a scroll “in appreciation for your enterprising spirit and your commitment to enhancing the role of women leaders in Northeast Florida.”

Sister Loyce Newton

Sister Thomas Joseph

F. David, S. Kathleen with students

On April 24th the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine were inducted into the Immaculata -La Salle High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame. The Congregation was recognized as the founding religious congregation of Immaculata Academy, Miami. The Sisters were also commended for their commitment to Catholic education and other ministries where they

serve.

The Sisters of St. Joseph founded Immaculata Academy in 1958 and continued there until 1981. Eventually, the high school would join La Salle High School to become Immaculata-La Salle High School. Sister Rosa Lopez, an alumnus of Immaculata-La Salle, has recently returned to join the staff.

The Salesian Sisters, who presently administer the school, joined in a photo with the Sisters of St. Joseph who are in various ministries in Miami.

Cathedral Parish School Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Cathedral Parish School in St. Augustine is celebrating 100 years serving the children of St. Augustine. The Sisters of St. Joseph opened the school in 1916. CPS is presently under the leadership of Kathy Boice and dedicated lay staff.

On April 3rd, Bishop Felipe Estévez celebrated the Anniversary Mass. Bishop Robert Baker, bishop of the diocese of Birmingham and former pastor of the Cathedral in St. Augustine, presented the homily. A lovely reception was held in the Bishop Baker Center. Many of the Sisters were present at both the Mass and the reception.

On April 23rd, a special Gala Event was celebrated at the Lightner Museum, honoring the

Sisters of St. Joseph and the Legacy of Faith carried on by Cathedral Parish School over the

past 100 years.

Bishop Robert Baker, S. Catherine Bitzer

Honoring the Founding Congregation

Sisters Rosa Lopez, Grace Ford, Clare Kennedy, Stephanie Flynn,

Patricia Roche, Mary Kuester, Carmen Pena, Elizabeth Worley,

Kim Keraitis, Kathleen Carr

On Wednesday, April 27th, Sister Barbara Cekosh was invited by the Theresian Sisters of Jacksonville to lead a day of reflection at St. Joseph’s in Mandarin. The theme was: “Why Do We Need a Merciful God?” The group spent the day exploring the idea of mercy as opposed to justice, legalism and popular social views through the Gospel stories of The Prodigal Son, the Woman Caught in Adultery and the Good Samaritan. Father Luke McLaughlin celebrated Mass and spoke on “Mercy in the writings of St. Therese.” After lunch, the group reflected on the Works of Mercy and concluded with a lively discussion of how each of these

works are and could be lived. The day concluded with the prayer of mercy of Pope Francis.

At the end of your good works, give all the glory to our

dear Savior, who by his death has truly become the inspiration of

your life and of your good works. Maxim 57

On Wednesday, April 27th, Sister Ann Raymond journeyed to San Juan del Rio where she was greeted by Assistant Principal Ashleigh Bradley and Principal Ann Marie Barta. Sister spoke to the eighth graders about the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Using stories and Scripture accounts, she stressed the abundance of God’s Mercy and how they can effectively practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Following a superb lunch, Sister addressed the faculty and presented the Good Shepherd as their model and guide. Preaching,

teaching and healing were modeled by Jesus and all who teach are called to do the same.

“God’s Mercy; God’s Love” at San Juan del Rio School

“Why Do We Need a Merciful God?”

S. Barbara

S. Ann Raymond with 8th grade students

On April 30th, Sister Thomas Joseph attended the rededication and opening-to-the-public of the 126 year-old schoolhouse that the Sisters of St. Joseph built in Mandarin for African-American students in 1889. The schoolhouse is located in the Walter Jones Historical Park on Mandarin Road in Jacksonville. Sister Thomas Joseph recounts, “It is a day in paradise for us, the Sisters of St. Joseph. We saw, clearly, our daily prayer come true, ‘that all may be one.’”

“The park was filled with several hundred people—African-American and white folk– all seated together! There was entertainment by a genuine mix of both groups. Clergy from both groups were there. We prayed together, we sang together and rejoiced in the Lord together. God and his Holy Angels were present!”

The Sisters at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent have expressed their love for prayer and reflection, Holy Hours, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the rosary, examen and communal prayer, and the importance of the Eucharist as the center of their lives along with other spiritual practices. They are aware that during this time of their lives, they are graced to be that living “House of Prayer.” Last month the Sisters worked on forming a Statement that would clearly identify Our Lady of Lourdes Convent as a House of Prayer, a statement specific to THIS convent. Each Sister participated in reflecting and sharing on two questions: “WHY do we exist? What is our Purpose?” and “HOW do we do this?” Their responses were collated and a draft statement was presented. The Sisters then spent time discussing each part of the drafted statement, offering some revisions until they felt the statement identified the mission of the Sisters living at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent. The written Mission Statement of Our Lady of Lourdes Convent can be seen in the front foyer. It reads:

MISSION STATEMENT Our Lady of Lourdes Convent is a House of Prayer

Not built of brick but of living stones. We are attentive to the Voice of God.

Mindful of our limitations, sufferings and giftedness, we continually strive towards sacrificial love and unity

among ourselves and among every neighbor.

Our Lady of Lourdes Convent: A House of Prayer

A Day in Paradise!

S. Thomas Joseph visiting “S. Mary Albert”

On April 30th at the Motherhouse, the Sisters celebrated the recommitment of their Associates and received 9 new members into this Association. After time of study and preparation, the following persons made their commitment and received the SSJ Associate pins: From Sanford—Susan Engel; from Edgewater—Carol Farrar; From St. Augustine—Mary Adams, Rita Burmester, Virginia Rounds; From New Smyrna Beach—Geeta Hyjek, Ruby Jones, Janet Tinoco, David Montgomery.

Sister Rita Baum, Associate Directress, opened the gathering by introducing those who would be making their commitment as SSJ Associates. Sister Jane Stoecker offered a reflection which included Maxim 7, one that expresses the core of our spirituality:

In the very manifestation of zeal characteristic of your very humble vocation, imitate the fervor of the most zealous and embrace in desire the salvation and perfection of a whole world in a spirit replete with a true humility and a generous courage. This will bring you to wish to do everything, to suffer everything, and to undertake everything for the advancement of the glory of God and the salvation of the dear neighbor. Sister then added, “Are you SURE

you want to sign the Commitment Log and wear this Associate pin?” The reflection was followed by Cynthia Sharpe, St. Augustine Associate Directress, leading the group in prayer.

The morning schedule included an opportunity for the group of approximately 35 Associates to see the documentary of the Sisters of St. Joseph, “Legacy of Faith.” After a time of socializing and getting to know one another at lunch, a panel of three shared their stories of how they became drawn to the Sisters of St. Joseph. The panel included Patricia Parmelee (Williston), Carol Baumer (Jacksonville) and Michael Garrido (Miami).

Father Lawrence Peck, Cathedral Associate, celebrated Mass, offered a reflective homily, and presided at our Commitment Ceremony after the homily.

SSJ Associate Commitment Day

Do not be afraid to cast yourselves into the arms of God;

whatever he asks of you he will repay a hundredfold. Pope Francis

Legacy of Faith 1866-2016

Sister Marie Celine Joubert was born in Felinas, France, in 1844, and came to Florida in 1866. In January she began teaching boys and girls in the O’Reilly House. Within a short time, she was sent to Jacksonville to teach African Americans at St. Catherine’s School. This school later became known as St. Pius V School. When the yellow fever epidemic reached Fernandina, Sister went to care for the yellow fever victims. She died of the fever while caring for the dear neighbor. Many years after her death, her body was exhumed and moved to Bosque Bello Cemetery. Her body was found to be incorrupt. She was truly an Angel of Mercy!

On April 28th the Sister Celinie Joubert Award for Formation in the Faith ceremony and reception was held at St. Matthew Parish, Jacksonville. Sister Edith Paschall, along with seven other recipients, proudly received this award. Sister Edith was recognized for her involvement in catechetical ministry for almost 50 years.

After making final vows in the Congregation, Sister taught 2nd grade at St. Agnes School in St. Augustine. The following year she began her long career of teaching ministry alternately at Bishop Kenny High School and St.

Joseph Academy.

Sister served the Diocese as an instructor in the Ministry Formation Program, being an expert on Old Testament. Her annual seder meal at Marywood during Lent enabled many to develop an appreciation of the heritage which is ours through Judaism.

Bishop Felipe Estévez, Erin McGeever and Sister Jane Stoecker were honored to present this award to these 8 recipients.

Sister Edith Paschall Honored for Faith Formation

Rev. William Kelly, Deacon Ken Cochran, Cyril Phillips, Mary B. Finke, Bishop Estevez, S. Jane Stoecker, S. Edith Paschall, Susan Donlon, Rosa Luna, Janet Samson

Bishop Estévez with S. Edith