“When so rich a
harvest is before
us why do we not 
gather it? All is in
our hands if we
but use it”

Sisters of Charity living in Mother Margaret Hall celebrated the month of July with multiple seasonal activities. Sisters shucked corn to make homemade salsa; residents and employees were able to enjoy the salsa while viewing the dedication of the Sister Blandina Gardens in Trinidad, Colorado. In honor of the 2020 Olympics, Mother Margaret Hall hosted its own MMH Olympic Games, which included activities for everyone and medals.

The Sisters of Charity Spirituality Center welcomed Sisters for a July Retreat with Jan Novotka and Marie Larkin on July 18-24. While the new space is not completely finished, it is slowly beginning to re-open for Sisters and vaccinated individuals with spiritual direction and Centering Prayer returning this month.

On Sunday, July 18, 2021, the people of Trinidad, Colorado celebrated the dedication of the Sister Blandina Wellness Gardens, a community wellness park in tribute to S. Blandina Segale. Created by Pueblo-born sculptor Fred Darpino, a 5-foot, 4-inch life-size statue of S. Blandina is the garden’s focal point. Sisters and Associates were in attendance for the celebration in downtown Trinidad which included Mass, live musical and theatrical performances, trolley tours of Trinidad.

The EarthConnection garden is flourishing! Nearly 78 pounds of produce has been harvested so far this year, including lettuce, squashes, cabbage and garlic. S. Winnie Brubach and her team of garden ladies are looking forward to more as the season continues.

Each year the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati honor employees celebrating special milestone service anniversaries. This week Human Resources hosted three events to celebrate the honorees. All honored employees were invited to a luncheon program where there were individually recognized. Congratulations to those employees and a heartfelt thank you for your dedication and service to the Sisters of Charity!

Over the weekend Sisters of Charity gathered together as a whole for the first time since before the pandemic began more than a year ago. Those living away from the Motherhouse campus or out of state had the opportunity to visit Mount St. Joseph and take part in a number of activities throughout the weekend. Included in the weekend agenda were a Memorial Mass remembering the lives of the Sisters lost since April 2020, a picnic dinner in the Motherhouse dining room, drum circle led by S. Shirley Le Blanc, special Mass to honor the 2020 Jubilarians and an evening of karaoke. A highlight for all was the opportunity to tour the newly renovated spaces in the Motherhouse and Marian Hall where the Congregational offices were relocated following the demolition of Seton Hall.

As ministries gradually begin to hold in-person events, SC EarthConnection recently hosted the Cincinnati Vincentian Volunteers for a morning. The group learned about environmental sustainability and helped in the EC garden with its more than 20 raised beds.

Did you know one of the most popular activities scheduled in Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility is Wii Bowling? A weekly activity for the Sisters, the virtual bowling game has been a hit, enabling residents the opportunity to socialize and have fun together – all in the competitive spirit.

Throughout National Nursing Home Week, Sisters of Charity employees were celebrated for their hard work and dedication to the SC mission and Sisters of Charity. Activities were planned throughout the week, including a blessing of hands, patio grill-out and Bingo.

Throughout National Nursing Home Week, Sisters of Charity employees were celebrated for their hard work and dedication to the SC mission and Sisters of Charity. Activities were planned throughout the week, including a blessing of hands, patio grill-out and Bingo.

An unusual April snow shower blankets the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse. Photos Courtesy S. Marty Dermody, SC.

Sisters Pat Wittberg and Joyce Richter visited the Old Growth Forest on the Motherhouse property on Tuesday, April 20 to pull garlic mustard. The two removed the invasive species that crowds and kills off flowers from the area and then enjoyed the beautiful spring weather with a hike to view the wildflowers.

Associates in the Spring Hill, Florida, area gathered in person on April 10 for fellowship, a meal and prayer. During the gathering they also celebrated the lives of the 20 Sisters and Associates lost in 2020.

The SC Community gathered on Saturday, April 10 via Zoom (in person and through closed-circuit television) for the Spring Forum. The day’s theme was Meeting Our Grace: Right Here, Right Now. In the morning session, S. Janet Mock, CSJ, was the guide for considering the emerging future, following the Fall Congregational conversations. The Leadership Team led the afternoon presentation and conversation regarding sponsorship. The day concluded with a special prayer service to present S. Janet Mock with the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award.

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati awarded the Congregation’s highest honor, the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, on Saturday, April 10, 2021, to Sister Janet Mock, CSJ.

On March 9, Sisters of Charity Peggy Deneweth, Andrea Koverman, Romina Sapinoso and Carol Wirtz hosted special visitors to Proyecto Santo Niño in Anapra, Mexico. Steve Fox became a friend and supporter of the Sisters and their work across the border more than 15 years ago. He and the late S. Janet Gildea had a special connection in part because of their shared experience with cancer. After she passed, Steve contacted the Sisters and said he wanted to do something special to honor S. Janet’s memory. Education has been presenting itself as a critical need for the community in Anapra, especially for the children with special needs. It was determined they would reconfigure the existing space to create two designated learning areas (classrooms) and a community room/kitchen that is hoped to serve as a learning hub in the future.

It has been five weeks since the ceremonial first swing was taken to begin the demolition process of Seton Hall. The building has been completely razed and debris and rubble has mostly been removed. Workers continue to level the area with fill dirt and prepare it for future use.

EarthConnection now has two lovely benches made of recycled plastic caps and lids at the building’s front entrance as well as a large picnic table. Caps continue to arrive daily from across the country. S. Winnie Brubach and service learning students from Mount St. Joseph University (MSJU) sorted, cleaned, weighed and prepared the caps for transport. S. Winnie and Administrative Assistant Sue DiTullio drove to Evansville, Indiana to pick up the new bench (185 pounds) and table (550 pounds).

Sisters of Charity employees collected more than 725 nonperishable and personal hygiene items for Community Matters Food Pantry last week. The collection was initiated in celebration of Catholic Sisters Week as a way to honor the Sisters long-standing service to the poor and hungry. The donations were delivered on Thursday, March 18 to a grateful staff at Community Matters. A heartfelt thank you to the Sisters of Charity employees for their donations; your kindness and generosity is a testament to your commitment to the mission and spirit of the Community.

Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility enjoyed St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on Wednesday, March 17. Two parties were hosted to ensure proper distancing took place; Sisters enjoyed soda bread, coffee, and Irish music playing in the background.