“Friendship has the skill and
observation of the best physician,
the diligence and vigilance of the
best nurse and the tenderness
and patience of the best mother.”

Congratulations to S. Barbara Busch, who is a recipietn of the 2023 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keep the Dream Alive Award, presented on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 at the Church of the Resurrection. The award honors individuals within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky who exhibit the principles of Dr. King and “Keep the Dream Alive” through their social justice efforts and commitment to serve.

S. Louise Lears joined thousands of people – from all ages and backgrounds – on Monday, Jan. 16 in Washington, D.C. to march in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She remarked, “I was blessed to be in DC, joining people across the nation, for this march – on your behalf.” 

In celebration of Elizabeth Seton’s Feast Day (January 4), the Sisters of Charity took part in and planned numerous activities around the campus and community to honor the Sisters of Charity founder. In addition to S. Judith Metz hosting a talk on Elizabeth for Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall and being invited guests at Seton’s High School’s Mass and luncheon, the Community, with Associates, gathered on Sunday, Jan. 8 at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse for Mass and dinner.  

Sisters living in Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility enjoyed a Christmas party on Christmas Eve complete with dessert, gifts and the sounds of the season. Each Sister was gifted with a Sisters of Charity fleece; the annual gathering is a time for Sisters to enjoy each other’s company while celebrating Jesus’ birth together.

As we continue to celebrate the Christmas season, we share the following photos from Proyecto Santo Niño in Anapra, Mexico. Sisters, volunteers, families and the children came together last week to celebrate the Posada. The program included singing and dancing and concluded with the sharing of a meal and the celebration of friendship.

Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility were treated to the beautiful melodies of Christmas carols on Sunday, Dec. 18. Sisters, Associates and family members traveled the floors singing their favorite holiday tunes, and bringing holiday cheer and greetings to the Sisters living in MMH.

Sisters of Charity were invited to the home of Mrs. Carole Williams, wife of Mount St. Joseph University President H. James Williams, for a pre-Christmas celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Mrs. Williams and MSJU staff members hosted two groups: one for a luncheon and a second gathering in the late afternoon/early evening. Mrs. Williams started the tradition a few years ago after Dr. Williams became the university’s president. After a brief pause due to the pandemic, the tradition was brought back to the joy of all attending.

Mother Margaret Hall residents embraced the Christmas spirit this past week decorating for the holiday and making Christmas cookies to share on their floors.

Sisters and Associates gathered on Sunday, Dec. 11 for an Advent/Christmas Reception in the Art Room at the Motherhouse. The occasion provided Community members with an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company (and heavy appetizers) while also sharing time together during this season of hope.

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati honored Santa Maria Community Services and its 125 years of service to families in Cincinnati. Sisters living at Mount St. Joseph gathered in the Motherhouse Dining Room for cake and ice cream and to learn more about the organization’s 125 years through a presentation by Santa Maria’s Christy Cauley, marketing and communications specialist.

Nuns Build 2022 concludes today in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 14th annual rebuilding project brings Sisters and volunteers from across the country together to work with the St. Bernard Project (SBP) to repair homes and hearts of those who have suffered losses due to damaging storms in the Greater New Orleans area. The volunteers worked on houses in Houma and New Orleans during the four-day project. Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Monica Gundler and members of the House of Charity are hosting a group of Sister volunteers, which includes S. Sally Duffy.

Sisters in Mother Margaret Hall enjoyed a little fun and games before this weekend’s football matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs. Sisters played ring toss with Cincinnati QB “Joe Burrow” while getting themselves in the spirit for Sunday’s game.

On Nov. 22, 2022, representatives from the SC Community delivered a van load of donated items to the Community Matters choice pantry. The donations were collected the week of November 13 by employees and Sisters. In addition a monetary donation was made to the organization from the proceeds of the Community-wide basket raffles and the October Split-the-Pot.

Once again Sisters living at the Motherhouse participated in an action to help end the death penalty. The Sisters wrote postcards to their Ohio congressional representative and senator, which will be delivered by the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center. We hear Pope Francis’ call  to “all people of good will to mobilize for the abolition of the death penalty throughout the world.” Renewed action seems in order and overdue.

Cincinnati Associates hosted the annual Fall Soup Social for Sisters and Associates on Sunday, Nov. 13 in the Cedars Auditorium on the Motherhouse campus. The gathering is a time of fellowship and thanksgiving for the relationships built through the years.

Mount St. Joseph University honored S. Mary Ann Flannery on Oct. 26, 2022, with the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal. The award presentation was followed by an address from S. Mary Ann. The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal is named in honor of St. Elizabeth Seton, foundress of the Sisters of Charity. The University established the Seton Medal in 1966 in honor of the Mount’s 75th anniversary and to recognize distinguished women in theology. Congratulations, S. Mary Ann, on your tremendous contributions and gifts of spirituality, wit and wisdom!

Sisters Lois Jean Goettke, Monica Gundler and Tracy Kemme attended the 2022 National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) Convocation in Spokane, Washington, held Nov. 3-6, 2022. With a theme of “Call Beyond Borders,” the conference provides the opportunity to engage in professional development and ongoing formation. In reflection S. Tracy wrote, “How are we called beyond borders individually? Communally? Congregationally? As Church? In vocation ministry? The God of ever-bigger dreams beckons, and I long to respond with great love!”

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati welcomed Karina Montes Ayala as an Affiliate during a vespers prayer service on Sunday, Oct. 30 in the Motherhouse chapel. The Affiliate Rite of Welcome marks a woman’s official entrance into the congregation and is a one-to-two-year period of gradual involvement in the Congregation’s life and ministries and a gradual transition from lay life to religious life. Karina will continue to live in community at Visitation House, engage in ministry, and have experiences that immerse her more fully into the communal life and into intercongregational religious life. We are excited to bless Karina for this next step on the journey!

S. Mary Ann Flannery presented the annual fall retreat for Sisters living in Mother Margaret Hall nursing facility from Oct. 24-25. The two-day program was coordinated by the MMH Spiritual Life Team.

Sisters and Associates were invited to a Halloween party on Monday, Oct. 31 at the Motherhouse. Games, prizes and festive snacks were included in the fun.