Sisters, Associates and friends from near and far tuned in by way of livestream on Saturday, July 25 to witness Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Tracy Kemme profess perpetual vows. In the presence of a small group at the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse chapel, S. Tracy vowed to “freely and whole-heartedly commit myself for life to the service of God, God’s people, and all of Creation as a member of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.”

In June, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati celebrated employee milestone anniversaries, recognizing those who have served the Congregation for five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years! Due to the restrictions on campus, Human Resources developed creative and new ways to honor the employees. Congratulations to all employees celebrating anniversaries and a huge thank you to each of you for your dedication and service to the SC Mission.

Nature’s beauty is on display at Mount St. Joseph! And while visitors are not permitted on campus just yet, we hope you enjoy these beautiful, vibrant images from around the grounds.

Sisters of Charity joined members of St. James Episcopal Church on the Westside of Cincinnati this weekend showing support for “STAND FOR JUSTICE.” They joined Hamilton County Adult Probation Officer Kevin Bonecutter in his one man protest in support of all people who face injustice and inequality in America. Kevin completed his 48 hour hunger strike and stand Sunday evening at 6 p.m., supported by peaceful persons of all ages throughout the weekend. Kevin is the nephew of Sisters of Charity Mary Ann and Esther Marie Humbert.

“To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.” – French poet and journalist Anatole France
Congratulations to Mount St. Joseph University’s Class of 2020. The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati are especially grateful for graduate and former Communications Office intern AJ Keith. Throughout his two years with the office, AJ worked diligently to provide our readership with articles that capture the spirit and heart of the SC Mission. The Sisters of Charity offer AJ and all MSJU graduates these words of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton as you begin your next chapter: “May God’s protecting wing be over you through all of life’s storms.”

“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” ~American journalist Nora Ephron
Congratulations to DePaul Cristo Rey High School’s Class of 2020. Graduates had an unforgettable drive-through graduation ceremony this week complete with a walk down the red carpet. The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati offer these words of St. Vincent de Paul as you begin your next chapter: “Make your prayer on what you must do to fulfill God’s plan for you.”

The gorgeous spring weather was perfect on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, for many Sisters to participate in a 5k (more or less) walk around the Motherhouse grounds. An idea of S. Peggy Rein, the walk included approximately 60 SCs participating or cheering their Sisters on. In addition, Sisters from Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility watched and waved from their patios and the MMH porch.

The gorgeous spring weather was perfect on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, for many Sisters to participate in a 5k (more or less) walk around the Motherhouse grounds. An idea of S. Peggy Rein, the walk included approximately 60 SCs participating or cheering their Sisters on. In addition, Sisters from Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility watched and waved from their patios and the MMH porch.

Sisters of Charity in Assisted Living enjoyed a pizza lunch, delivered in on Tuesday. Some SCs chose to enjoy it together with their floor-mates in the hall while maintaining physical distancing; others chose to have it as a treat in their rooms.

On Sunday, April 19, 2020, Jean Simpson, a resident of Montana, became an Associate in Mission with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. Due to the current pandemic, the commitment ceremony was held through Zoom technology. Sixteen Sisters and Associates were present from Montana, Colorado, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Welcome Jean!

Activities Coordinator Nancy Witschger brought smiles to nursing and Mother Margret Hall staff members on Easter Sunday. Each employee had the opportunity to pick a plastic egg from a basket, some including a number with a corresponding prize. The kind gesture brought smiles to those beginning their shift.

Spring has sprung on the grounds of the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse. Many thanks to S. Marty Dermody for photographing the campus for all of us unable to enjoy the grounds at this time.

Throughout the past few weeks, we have heard the stories of communities, organizations and individuals coming together to support each another amid the outbreak of COVID-19. Employees, Sisters and volunteers of Mother Margaret Hall (MMH) are embracing that spirit to keep MMH staff members safe and healthy. With the help of a mobile sewing machine, a handy seamstress, fabric, a pattern, a cutter and willing hands, nursing and non-nursing staff are now serving our Sisters wearing colorful cloth masks. The smiles may be hidden, but each continues to speak their care and skill with their eyes. With special thanks to Nancy Witschinger, MMH activity coordinator, Sister residents, employees, volunteers and even nurse retirees, all in MMH now have the masks needed to continue ministering to our Sister residents in these uncharted days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their masks speak of love.

Sisters of Charity and employees came together on Tuesday, March 10 to celebrate Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14). Human Resources and the SC Communications Office collaborated to plan the afternoon celebration, which included root beer floats and a friendly quiz about the history of the Sisters of Charity. In addition, hearts were distributed throughout the Motherhouse for employees to write special notes to the Sisters.

Company of Charity Formation Personnel (CCFP) met in New York this week to continue to deepen our connection as Federation members and discuss ways in which we can share formation programs and discernment materials as well as develop common experiences. The CCFP includes Sisters Formation personnel and Associate leaders.

St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, dedicated a memorial garden on its campus in honor of Servant of God S. Blandina Segale. The high school shares the campus with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe’s administrative center; S. Blandina ministered to the people of the Archdiocese for many years, where she came to be known in every level of society from members of the state legislature to the indigent. Sisters and Associates in the area, SC president S. Patricia Hayden, as well as past and present board members of St. Joseph’s Children, were in attendance.

The Bottle Caps to Benches project at EarthConnection is making strides! Local Girl Scouts stopped by in February to help sort the 115 pounds of caps and lids that will be recycled and made into a bench and hopefully table for EarthConnection.

Those celebrating Leap Year birthdays this past February found the day marked with extra attention and celebration. Sister of Charity Ramona Chisholm is the only SC or Associate in the Community with the special birthday and claims most years, “You make it fun and celebrate two dates.” Born at 1:10 a.m. in Leap Year in Washington D.C., S. Ramona says the maternity ward collected all the birth certificates at midnight so her birth was recorded on Feb. 28. She happily goes with her mother’s first-hand knowledge which made her 19 this year on Feb. 29. With the help of creative and thoughtful friends, S. Ramona has enjoyed many special celebrations. A few years back her friends held a surprise ‘Sweet 16’ party for her. Another year Elvis was a surprise guest at the party.

Sisters, Associates and employees gathered in the Motherhouse Dining Room on Tuesday, Feb. 25 for a Mardi Gras celebration. Complete with New Orleans-themed appetizers and refreshments, guests were treated to a parade, music and dancing to mark the coming of Lent.

Sisters Donna Steffen (front row, third from left) and Jackie Leech (front row, third from right) are taking part in a six-week sabbatical program at Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem, Israel, along with other participants from the U.S., England, Bangkok, Ireland, India, Australia and Uganda. The program introduces participants to many fascinating and unique aspects of the Holy Land while also offering time for personal reflection, rest and spiritual renewal.