Intern Insights

Keeping the Story Alive
By Leslie Bolger

The Sisters of Charity Communications Office is a vital piece to the ongoing work of the SC Congregation. Its mission statement reads: “The Communications Office of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati promotes the charism, mission and ministries of the Sisters of Charity by developing quality communications for the Congregation and beyond. The Communications Office places special emphasis on educating the public about the Sisters of Charity as a vibrant, active community, challenging all to strive for a deeper spirituality, and for justice for the poor and the environment, as servants of the Church and all of God’s people.”

S. Mary Bodde has been volunteering with the Communications Office for more than four years. She brings with her years of experience in the field. Sister taught English and journalism for more than 20 years, and almost always got the job of directing the yearbook staff – which she enjoyed.

S. Mary is given assignments for Intercom, the quarterly magazine of the Sisters of Charity, and then interviews Sisters and Associates to make the stories come to life. When asked what she liked most about the Communications Office, S. Mary said, “I enjoy the camaraderie certainly of all of the staff people. I enjoy conducting interviews and creating a story from those interviews.”

S. Patrice Vales came to the Communications Office in September 2006 after ministering as teacher and then pastoral minister at St. Albert in Kettering, Ohio. “S. Marty Dermody was the first to approach me about helping in the office,” S. Patrice said. “I am committed, and have become a regular in the office. I work here as often as I am needed.”

While in the office S. Patrice’s tasks include filing newspaper and magazine articles about the Sisters of Charity, helping with mailings, and keeping the office and its staff organized.

S. Patrice said she enjoys, “keeping everyone on their toes.”

After teaching elementary students for 25 years, S. Marty Dermody was looking for a ministry where she could use her other skills. She came on part-time to the Communications Office in August 2000. By the turn of the year, she was a full-time staff member.

S. Marty is the official photographer for the Sisters of Charity, and also videotapes programs for the Congregation and for Motherhouse employees on a variety of topics. In addition to those responsibilities, she is in charge of address and mailing lists for various publications, and keeps the Congregation updated, connected throughout the week with a phone chain and electronic messages regarding Sisters and Associates well being, and a variety of news and events that involve Sisters or Associates across the country.

Sister said the variety of tasks, flexible schedule and contact she has with many different individuals is appealing. And, oftentimes, this involves “traveling to different locations or places where our Community members work and serve the people of God.”

“I see my mission as being open and available for the Sisters and Associates who are in need of the services of the Communications Office to keep our story alive and well as a Community of faith,” S. Marty concluded.

As leadership liaison for the Communications Office since 2003, 
S. Georgia Kitt serves as the link between the Communications Office and Congregational Leadership.

“The Communications staff members are very much in tune with the life of the Community and reflect our mission and charism to the general public as well as review the many good things happening for our own Sisters and the Associates internally,” S. Georgia said.

S. Georgia remains in close contact with the Communications Office director and staff, attending staff meetings, offering input regarding ideas for stories to be developed for the various publications and Web site, and providing information about important upcoming Congregational events.

The role that all four Sisters of Charity play in the Communications Office is key to its success.

“Having Sisters as members of the office helps bring out the uniqueness of the gifts and talents of the members,” S. Georgia said. “… We need both the professional communicators and the Sisters of Charity with the member perspective. They complement one another, thus enhancing the quality of the materials produced.”

S. Marty Dermody has been a full-time staff member with the Communications Office since 2001.

 

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Leslie Bolger is a senior at the College of Mount St. Joseph majoring in communications/paralegal. She is a service learning student in the SC Communications Office this fall.

 

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