12/30/08

Experience Ministries That Are Changing the World:
Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Offer Immersion Experience
by Donata Glassmeyer

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati are offering religious and lay people an opportunity to experience local ministries that are changing the world. Participants in the “Immersion Experience” (scheduled for March 25-28, 2009) will visit sites to learn first-hand how people in our community work for peace, justice and the environment. In addition to the site visits, social and environmental issues will be explored through prayer, observation, reflection, analysis and interactive discussion.

Participants will visit the following sites:

• EarthConnection, a 3,900 sq. ft. sustainable environmental center dedicated to Earth-healing programs and volunteer opportunities in Delhi Township, Ohio.

• Peaslee Neighborhood Center, an Over-the-Rhine facility that seeks to welcome and nurture the involvement of neighborhood people in building a stronger, healthier community where education, cultural and political awareness grow.

• Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, Over-the-Rhine, a coalition of faith-based organizations and individuals who work together to address concerns focusing on economic justice, women’s issues, human rights, racial equality, peace and the environment.

• Working in Neighborhoods, where staff and volunteers work side-by-side with low and moderate-income residents helping to shape communities and increase home ownership in the Greater Cincinnati area.

• The Women’s Connection, a Price Hill women’s center that educates, empowers and enriches the lives of women, children and families through programs, personal and professional development, support groups and referral services.

• Price Hill Will, an organization designed to bring about positive change for the area’s 35,000 residents addressing housing, safety, school, businesses, the arts, block clubs and neighborhood beautification.

• Venice on Vine, a pizza restaurant founded by two nuns as part of their Power Inspires Progress (PIP) mission, doubles as a job-training program for inner-city residents struggling to work.

• Holy Family School and Parish, East Price Hill, a Catholic elementary school and church committed to a strong academic program and Christian values, educates a significant number of economically deprived children.

Mary Jo Mersmann, Director of the Associate program with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, said, “The ’Immersion Experience’ is an opportunity for people of any age, race or faith to connect with viable Greater Cincinnati ministries that truly make a difference in the lives of the poor, the underserved, and the marginalized. Our neighbors work hard for peace and justice and a healthy environment.” The cost is $100 per person which includes, room, board and transportation to ministry sites. Scholarships are available. For more information e-mail associates@srcharitycinti.org, call 513-347-5473 or visit www.srcharitycinti.org.

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, whose Motherhouse is located in Delhi Township, a western suburb of Cincinnati, is an apostolic Catholic women’s religious community that exists to carry out the gospel of Jesus Christ through service and prayer in the world. Sisters, using their professional talents as ministers of education, health care, pastoral and social services, currently live and minister in 17 U.S. states and in Guatemala and Mexico. They also sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor. More than 456 Sisters are joined in their mission by 172 Associates. Visit the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Web site at www.srcharitycinti.org.

 

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