Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati / In the News

Charity Family News

Week of June 10, 2013

Nuns on the Bus
Visits the Border

Our SC community was an enthusiastic and very visible presence for NETWORK’s Nuns on the Bus during their 24 hours at the border this week. To learn more …

MMH Sisters
Enjoy Annual Dinner

Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall were honored dinner guests on Tuesday, June 11, thanks to grateful benefactors. The Sisters in nursing and assisted living enjoyed a specially catered meal with dinner, music and fresh flowers, served by non-resident SCs and MMH personnel. The annual dinner is given in appreciation for all that the Sisters have contributed through their past active ministries and current ministry of prayer. Edible flowers (mini-orchids) served with the main course became a frequent topic of dinner conversation.

Employees Recognized
for Years of Service

Ruth Dilworth presents a 30-year certificate to Barbara Childs (right).

Rick Heis (left) is congratulated by Jim Franz.

(From left) Ann Ammann with Rebeccca O’Leary
and Kelley Wilms

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati celebrated their employees on June 6 with an Employee Recognition ceremony. Employees were honored for their years of dedication and service to the Community at the Motherhouse and Mother Margaret Hall. Retirees also were recognized. Employees celebrating 30 years of service included Ann Ammann, Rick Heis and Barbara Childs.

Week of June 3, 2013

DPCR Students Say Thanks

Photo Courtesy of DePaul Cristo Rey High School

Motherhouse employees representing departments where the DePaul Cristo Rey High School students (Ashley, Amber and Noah) were employed throughout the school year attended an Appreciation Brunch on Friday, May 31 at the school. Departments represented above include: Archives, Communications, Associates, OPJIC, Nutrition, and Human Resources. The students each worked five days per month as part of the Corporate Work Study program; 35 area corporations participated in this, the second year of the school’s existence.

Visit to Guatemala

Debbie Weber, OPJIC coordinator and SC Associate, and her husband, Jim, recently spent 10 days in Guatemala with S. Sarah Mulligan. From photographing the annual community run or designing certificates and posters to assisting with a dental health training or spending time with S. Sarah, Debbie had a wonderful time reuniting with friends and building new relationships.

Week of May 27, 2013

A Special Visit

S. Alice Ann O’Neill recently visited our Sisters, Affiliates and Associate in Community living at Casa de Caridad in Anthony, N.M. While there she had the opportunity to volunteer at the Santo Nino Project, started by our Sisters in 2003 in Anapra, Mexico, to serve children with special needs and their families.

SCs Host Civil War
Commemoration Service

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati hosted a Civil War commemoration service on Saturday, May 25 to recognize the 42 Sisters of Charity who served as nurses on the battlefields. The event included prayer, poetry, music by the Hills of Kentucky Dulcimers, and the first public screening of Mine Eyes Have Seen, a 32-minute film documenting the Sisters’ service. Written and produced by Michael Turney, this Ken-Burns-style documentary was created to recognize the incredible compassion and care our Sisters gave to the soldiers and how their efforts were a true testament to the Community motto: The Love of Christ Urges Us. To purchase a DVD copy of the documentary …

Honoring Our Veterans

A group of Sisters of Charity performed at the Delhi Veterans Association Memorial Day celebration on May 26. The program included a 21-rifle salute, Taps and a roll call of the 19 Delhi resident killed in action. The Sisters sang patriotic songs to celebrate and give thanks to all our veterans.

St. William Honors SCs

On Wednesday, May 22, the Sisters of Charity were honored at St. William parish and school. S. Helen Attenweiler is retiring after 37 years of ministry there. She is the last of a long line of SCs to minister in the school; we have been there for 102 years – quite a legacy! At the close of Mass Father Umberg announced that a plaque would hang in the school and a flowering tree has been planted on the property in honor of the Sisters’ service. A reception followed in the library where many SCs in attendance were greeted and thanked by grateful parents and students.

Week of May 20, 2013

Sisters Participate in Relay for Life

S. Nancy Bramlage (back, left) was one of many Sisters of Charity participating in the west side Relay for Life May 17-18 at the College of Mount St. Joseph. In addition to walking and raising money, luminarias were placed along the walking path at night to remember loved ones. Sisters Cheryl Ann Grenier, Pat McQuinn and Paula Mary Russell coordinated donations from our Sisters to honor their family members who have battled or are currently battling cancer.

Congratulations

S. Roslyn Hafertepe (front row, left) was honored as a Woman of Compassion at the eighth annual Women of Compassion Luncheon on May 10, 2013, sponsored by the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation. S. Roz was nominated by her niece and nephew, Sharon and Ed Hafertepe. “She is unfailing in compassion for those around her,” her niece said at the luncheon.

Sisters Show Support for
DePaul Cristo Rey High School

Many Sisters of Charity were in attendance for DePaul Cristo Rey High School’s inaugural Rey of Light Scholarship Benefit for Students on April 27. With the support of sponsors, guests and the hard work of a dedicated group of volunteers, the school raised $349,000 for the scholarship fund. As the school’s sole sponsor, the Sisters of Charity are proud of DePaul Cristo Rey’s success and the many students the school will continue to support into the future.

National Nursing Home Week

National Nursing Home Week at Mother Margaret Hall brought Italian flags and Italian good humor all around. Sisters, staff, guests and volunteers all entered into the activities. Chariot races, cake walks, travel slides of Italy and raffle opportunities made for a fun week.

Associates Host Ice Cream Social

The annual Ice Cream Social for the Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall was held on Sunday, May 19. Associates and Candidates invite the Sisters, bake cookies, bring a small gift for each Sister and serve them ice cream. All agree that the best part of the day is their time spent visiting with the Sisters.

Week of May 13, 2013

Welcome Students

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati welcome our College of Mount St. Joseph Summer Co-op students. Pictured above are (from left) Jacob Richardson, Jonathon Laverty, Matthew Maurer, Vince Evans and Tyler Klopfstein (Grounds); Hannah Kilburn (Environmental Service); and Carrie Sayers (Activities/Social Work). The “summer students” will be with us until mid-August. The Summer Employment Program, of which so many area agencies and students benefit, is sponsored by the SC Ministry Foundation.

Week of May 6, 2013

World Labyrinth Day

A group arrived at the Motherhouse labyrinth on Saturday, May 4 to “Walk as One at 1” in celebration of World Labyrinth Day. The global event brought people from all over the planet together in celebration of the labyrinth and to create a rolling wave of labyrinth walking as the earth turns.

Suzuki Cello Students Perform

S. Alice Ann O'Neill's Suzuki cello students held their spring concert Saturday, May 4 in the Motherhouse chapel. The youngest students, under 2, are seen above singing their cello song before taking a bow.

Week of April 27, 2013

Congratulations

S. Carol Bauer (left) was honored with the Community Leader of the Year Award on April 18. S. Carol was honored at this year’s Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley Annual Leadership Luncheon. She graciously accepted the award, and challenged attendees with her words of advice: “Find something that matters to you and share your time, talent, and treasure.” S. Carol has served the Dayton community for more than 35 years. She has been involved with the leadership of Catholic Social Services for more than 20 years, serving on the Board for three terms - two of those terms as president.

S. Mary Dugan Receives Honor

S. Mary Dugan (second from right) with fellow honorees of the Exceptional Achievement Award on April 24.

S. Mary Dugan received the Exceptional Achievement Award (Highland County) from the Regional Advisory Council and the Parent Council of Ohio Region 14-Hopewell Center (Hillsboro, Ohio) at a ceremony April 24. Sister was recognized her efforts “above and beyond the call of duty that have resulted in excellence in educational experiences for students with special needs. The award represents not only an acknowledgement from educators, but also from parents of Sister’s unique contribution and dedication.”

Garlic Mustard Pull

The Sisters of Charity were joined by students from DePaul Cristo Rey High School and Seton High School on April 27 for the annual garlic mustard pull in the Mount’s old growth forest. The invasive weed crowds out spring flowers, and also releases an enzyme that kills baby trees. Following students and Sisters enjoyed lunch in the Motherhouse Dining Room.

Celebrating Milestones:
Past, Present and Future

Sisters Jean Patrice Harrington and Sally Duffy (on behalf of SC Ministry Foundation) were among those honored at the College of Mount St. Joseph’s annual scholarship benefit April 24 for their contributions to the school’s history. The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati were also recognized for their vision, leadership and support to help advance the College’s mission of educating students.

Week of April 22, 2013

S. Sheila Gallagher Honored

(From left) Sisters Mary Barbara Philippart, Sheila Gallagher, Marie Tessmer and Diana Durling

Holy Name High School, opened by the Sisters of Charity in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914, recognized S. Sheila Gallagher on April 20 at the Holy Name Auction and Gala for her demonstration of Holy Name’s life creed - to succeed in mind, body and spirit – throughout her life and to the success of Holy Name throughout the years. S. Sheila came to Holy Name in 1974 as a math teacher and department chair when the number of Sisters on the faculty was decreasing. Sister said she wanted to do her part to continue the Charity tradition, to bring Elizabeth Seton’s spirit to those she taught. “I hope that I have succeeded at least some in this,” she said in her acceptance. “I, too, am grateful for these years that I have been a part of Holy Name and have shared in the lives of so many Namers. I accept this honor in the memory and name of the 265 Sisters of Charity who have given 1,268 Sister years to Holy Name High School.” S. Sheila is the last SC on the faculty and will be retiring in June.

CCFP Annual Meeting

The 2013 annual meeting of the Company of Charity Formation Personnel (CCFP) was hosted by the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill (Greensburg, Pa.) April 3-7. Associate directors and Vocation, Affiliate, Novice and Temporary Professed directors from SC Federation congregations heard and discussed presentations around the theme “Blessings of Vatican II: Moving Forward in Hope.”

Week of April 15, 2013

Sowing the Seeds of
Environmental Awareness

S. Winnie Brubach (right) and June Greensmith deliver produce from the organic garden at EarthConnection to St. Leo’s Food Pantry.

Four Sisters of Charity environmental activists have led the way within the community and among those with whom they’ve ministered. To learn more …

Week of April 8, 2013

Voice of the Voiceless

On April 13, Annunciation House, a shelter for migrants and refugees in El Paso, Texas, presented its 2013 “Voice of the Voiceless” award to women religious of the U.S. and Mexico. New Mexico Sisters of Charity, Affiliates and Associate in Community participated with a display celebrating the ways that we have been “Weaving a Welcome since 1852.” They were also involved as volunteers for the solidarity dinner. S. Janet Gildea and Yessenia Vasquez presented a "StoryCorps-like" interview at the immigration forum that preceded the dinner and also participated in the opening and closing prayer rituals.

Earth Day Prayer

On Monday, April 22 more than 192 countries across the world came together to celebrate Earth Day. Across the globe, individuals, communities, organizations, and governments will acknowledge this amazing planet we call home and take action to protect it. What might you do this week to celebrate Earth? To view a prayer for the Earth…

Motherhouse Sisters, Employees
Embrace the Mission

Mother Margaret Hall RN Jodi Foppe recycles a newspaper in one of the many recycling bins located around the campus.

This month we celebrate Earth Day on April 22. For the last decade many actions have been taken at the Motherhouse to conserve energy and to ensure that all those living and working on the grounds assist in the SC mission to care for all creation. To learn more…

Artist at Work

Mother Margaret Hall resident, S. Miriam Thomas Busch is intent on her watercolor project.

Week of April 1, 2013

Welcome Spring!

The springtime reminds us that God's creative breath is still alive and active, sustaining this world, God's garden. (Faith and Worship, John Birch) Reflect in the new life springing up around us!

Week of March 25, 2013

Sisters of Charity
Host Gathering

“The Future of Charity is Now” gathering held at Mount St. Joseph March 23, 2013, was attended by more than 80 Sisters and Associates from Cincinnati, Nazareth, Ky., and Seton Hill, Pa. Organized by the Grass Roots Committee of the Sisters of Charity Federation and hosted in Cincinnati by Sisters Joan Cook and Alice Ann O’Neill, it was a spirited meeting that included presentations, reflection, discussion, and a panel presentation by newer members on its main theme. This meeting was one of several being held throughout North America by members of the Federation.

The Legend of the Easter Egg

One day a poor peddler went to the marketplace to sell a basket of eggs. He came upon a crowd mocking a man who staggered with a heavy cross on which he was about to be crucified. The peddler ran to his aid, leaving a basket by the roadside. When he returned, he found the eggs transformed into exquisite designs of bright colors.

The man was Christ; the peddler, Simon. And the eggs were to become the symbol of rebirth for all humankind. (Ukrainian Folk Tale)

Associates Host Spring Fling

Sisters, Associates and Candidates in the Greater Cincinnati area braved the cold and light snow on March 24 to attend the annual Spring Fling held in Regina Hall. The afternoon included prayer, lunch and fellowship. To view additional photos visit our photo gallery …

St. Joseph Home Celebrates
Feast Day with SCs

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati joined St. Joseph Home for a special Mass in honor of the Feast Day of St. Joseph on Tuesday, March 19. Sisters Roslyn Hafertepe and Maureen Heverin helped plan the Mass. Following Sisters enjoyed a light lunch and a tour of the Home's History Hall, which documents St. Joseph Home's founding in 1873 by S. Anthony O'Connell.

Week of March 18, 2013

College Dedicates Heritage Wall

A group of Sisters of Charity attended the dedication of the College of Mount St. Joseph’s Heritage Wall on March 19 – the Feast Day of St. Joseph. S. Rita Hawk (front, left) and S. Nancy Bramlage, Director of Mission and Ministry, led the ceremony to bless and dedicate the wall, which focuses on the values that members of the College community embrace: excellence in academic endeavors, integration of life and learning, respect and concern for all persons, diversity of cultures and beliefs, and service to others. The dedication followed a prayer service in honor of St. Joseph in the College’s Mater Dei Chapel.

Week of March 5, 2013

Friendly Sons of St. Patrick

On Tuesday, March 5, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, a popular Westside male choral group, entertained the Sister residents of Mother Margaret Hall and the Motherhouse. This is an annual March event for the Sisters of Charity, celebrating the month of the Irish. A number of the young men have been taught by the Sisters of Charity and are members of the parishes where the Congregation ministered.

Week of February 25, 2013

Charities Renew Acquaintance
with Soccer “Great”

S. Mary Bookser recently renewed contact with soccer great Omar Cummings, a former Colorado Rapids forward. To read more …

Good Samaritan Free Health Center
Dedicated

The new site of the Good Samaritan Free Health Center was dedicated on Feb. 26. Located at 3727 St. Lawrence Avenue in Price Hill (Cincinnati), the center addresses the critical shortage of physicians and clinics in the Price Hill area, where 43 percent of residents are uninsured; they often wait three to six months for an appointment at a health clinic or go to an area emergency department to receive episodic care. This two-year pilot of the new health center has been fully funded through generous donations, including the time and talents of many. Care at the center is of the highest quality, utilizing volunteer physicians and nurses; it incorporates electronic medical records and uses group visits to address the need for education about chronic health conditions such as diabetes. S. Barbara Hagedorn, pictured above, serves as the coordinator of client services for the center. It is the desire of the Good Samaritan Foundation and TriHealth to improve the health status of the people being served at the center by providing a full range of health-related services which include prevention, wellness and education.

Week of January 28, 2013

Pottery Retreat Participants' Create

Those participating in the Spirituality Center Pottery Retreat have completed their creations. They learned to create a vessel of earthen clay while reflecting on the parallel manner in which God interacts with them as ‘vessels of clay.’ To see other retreats and programs offered through the Spirituality Center, click here.

Medical Team Presents
Mission Trip Highlights to MMH

S. Franette Hyc and fellow nurse Jenny Baer shared highlights of their recent trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where they helped to improve medical conditions for families living in a small village 45 minutes outside the city. This was an inter-denominational, medical project of Life Spring Christian Church which has three locations in the Greater Cincinnati area. A slideshow of the highlights is included above.

College Hosts Annual Board Retreat

Participants shown above are (from left) S. Joan Cook, John Trokan and S. Judith Metz

At the annual Board Retreat of the College of Mount St. Joseph, held Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, members reviewed the report on the proposed strategic plan from the Visions 20/20 process. After lengthy discussion the group sent their recommendations back to the College Visions 20/20 Committee for future refinement. A number of Sisters of Charity have been participants in the earlier discussions to help draw up the strategic plan that was presented on Saturday.

Diocese of El Paso Honors
Affiliate Andrea Koverman

Andrea Koverman (left) with S. Elizabeth Ann Swartz, SSND

Affiliate Andrea Koverman was named the Teacher of the Year for Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School at the Diocese of El Paso’s 17th Annual Seed Awards on Thursday, Jan. 24. The event recognizes an outstanding faculty or staff member, a benefactor and a volunteer at each school. Superintendent S. Elizabeth Ann Swartz, SSND, presented the award and thanked Andrea for the many positive contributions she has made to Catholic education in the diocese. She later commented to Andrea that she hopes her experience in El Paso has been beneficial for her and will be something to reflect upon as she moves forward in the discernment process as a canonical novice.

Rally for Life

Affiliate Tracy Kemme (right) was the emcee for the Diocese of El Paso’s annual Rally for Life on Sunday, Jan. 20. Tracy was instrumental in bringing Joe Melendrez, “The Rosary Rapper,” to perform at the event. The two met when they were undergraduate students at the University of Dayton. The rally was held at the El Paso High School Stadium and more than 3,000 youth, young adults, families and youth leaders attended.

Week of January 21, 2013

House of Charity
Welcomes Guests, Blesses New House

A total of 18 SC Federation Sisters and young adults gathered at the House of Charity in New Orleans, La., on New Year’s Day for the annual Charity Federation Service Trip. This was the first group to stay in the new house, which they blessed on the Feast of Elizabeth Seton, Jan. 4. Sisters from Nazareth, Ky., Leavenworth, Kan., Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Seton Hill, Pa., Cincinnati, Ohio, New York and the Daughters of Charity were all present. During the blessing there was a candle lit for each of the congregations in the Federation. Victims of Hurricane Katrina continue to value the service provided by Federation members.

Prayer for the New Term

Panoramic view of the West Front of the U.S. Capitol as President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden take part in the inaugural swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

O God, Strengthen the hearts of our president and vice president.
Make them bold for the work you have set before them.
Grant them wisdom to discern your will.
We ask you to facilitate healthy, honest conversations
That lead to acceptance, unity and freedom.
Give them and us a heart for the disheartened and a voice
For the powerless. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Week of January 14, 2013

Congratulations

S. Margarita Brewer was named a YMCA of Greater Cincinnati “Legend in Education” at the 34th annual Salute Gala on Nov. 16, 2012. The gala honors area professionals for their commitment as YMCA Achievers. Sister recently retired as Cincinnati Public Schools’ educational services coordinator for the Office of Second Language Acquisition where she provided services to students and their families that speak 70 languages other than English. In 2003, she initiated the annual celebration of Children’s Day and the ESL Volunteer Tutors Program. S. Margarita is a founding member and president of the English Language Learning Foundation Inc., which helps English language learners become successful in their academic lives, while fostering their cultural identity.

Welcome New Associates

(From left) Helen Snoha, Romana Grubbe and Kathleen Trubiano made their commitments as Associates in Mission on Jan. 6 at St. Francis Cabrini Church in Spring Hill, Fla. Associates, family members and friends gathered with them for the celebration.

Congregation Bestows
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award

S. Joan Elizabeth Cook (center), president of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, congratulates Elizabeth Ann Seton Award recipients Kathy Baker (left) and Kathryn Preston.

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati awarded the Congregation’s highest honor, the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, to Kathy Baker and Kathryn Preston on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. The award recognizes individuals outside the Congregation for their contributions and service to the mission of the Sisters of Charity. To learn more about the recipients…
To view additional celebration photos, visit our photo gallery...

Honors and Awards
Week of June 6, 2013

Congratulations to S. Barbara Hagedorn, who has been appointed to the CHI Board of Stewardship Trustees. Her three year term begins July 1.

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