April 15 PNN

News Notes
PROVINCE

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET AND ASSOCIATES • ST. LOUIS PROVINCE • APRIL 2015

The faith I have in Him
is a beacon of light ever glowing.

Inside this Issue
Step by Step
Pages 10-12
The St. Louis Sisters of St. Joseph continue walking with the
dear neighbor at the 50th anniversary of the Selma marches
for civil rights.

2015 Jubilee

Province News Notes is a publication of
the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet,
St. Louis Province. Its purpose is to
promote dialogue and unity within the
St. Louis province and to keep members
informed on those subjects that promote
community and ministry.

Pages 14-16
View photos from the Reception of 1965’s Golden Jubilee
Celebration at the motherhouse on March 15.

We welcome your submissions!
Submit articles and photos to Sarah Baker
(e-mail preferred to [email protected]).
**Materials are subject to editing and
will be published at the discretion of the
editor.
• STAFF •
Jenny Beatrice
Editor
Sarah Baker
Jenny Beatrice
Graphic Design
Susan Narrow &
Print Shop Volunteers
Production, printing and mailing
Jenny Beatrice
Jane Behlmann, CSJ
Jeanne Barnes
Proofreading

Contents
Province Leadership News ......................................................................................... 3-5
Congregation News ..................................................................................................... 6-9
Selma: 50th Anniversary .......................................................................................... 10-12
Vocation Ministry ............................................................................................................13
2015 Jubilee ............................................................................................................... 14-16
Liturgy................................................................................................................................17
Development Office .......................................................................................................18
Senior Ministry ................................................................................................................19
Association ................................................................................................................ 20-21
Sharing of the Heart. ......................................................................................................22
CSJ News ..........................................................................................................................23
Archives .............................................................................................................................24
Necrology: Sister Anne Carlos Souto.........................................................................25
Carondelet Chronicles ..................................................................................................26
CSJ Reviews ......................................................................................................................27
Calendars ..........................................................................................................................28

On the Cover: My Amazing God
“The faith I have in Him is a beacon of light ever glowing...” is a line from the
poem, “My Amazing God,” composed by Associate Dorothy Demspey. To read
the complete verse, see page 21.

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April 2015 PNN

Province Leadership
Spring

by Sister Maureen Freeman
It’s springtime! How do I know, you ask? Well, three things
happened this week that proved me correct. One, the
crocuses are up by the gazebo at Carondelet. Second, when
I went out to the cemetery this week, I opened the car door
and got that wonderful smell of fresh mulch. And, third, I
received an email this week with my personalized planting
reminder from the old Farmers’ Almanac. I know, I have
a garden angel to tell me when to plant, where to plant,
when to plant in the ground or when to sow undercover.
This is such an exciting time here! “Gardening is an active
participation in the deepest mysteries of the universe.”
(Thomas Berry)
For all you gardeners like myself, it’s the time to choose
the seeds for your garden or maybe you’ve already started
plants inside. What kind of seeds to pick—open pollinated,
hybrid or heirloom. Hopefully, you’re not picking genetically
modified. All this gardening excitement made me think of
Nancy Schreck’s talk about how we struggle with the chaos
of the middle space. After all, we’re talking about planting
the future.
So what kind of seeds do we need to choose for our future?
We could choose the open pollinated. This means the
pollination process occurs by an insect, a bird, the wind or
other natural mechanisms. In other words, it just happens.
These plants of course are more genetically diverse.
Or, we could choose hybrid seeds. Hybridization is a
controlled method of pollination in which the pollen of
two different species or varieties is crossed by human
intervention. The first generation of this kind of plant is
very strong but can’t reproduce itself as strong in the second
generation, so it’s not really worth saving the seed. It flowers,
it gives its fruit and then it’s finished.
Finally, there is the old faithful and true heirloom seed,
which gets its name from having been around for a long
time. It is a treasure. It is open pollinated and has been
handed down from generation to generation. This is the seed
that has adapted to climate, to soil types, to diseases and still
produces good fruit not only in this generation but in the
next also.

Back: Sisters Moe Freeman, Rita Marie Schmitz and Mary
Margaret Lazio. Front: Sisters Marilyn Lott and Linda Straub.

What does all of this have to do with where our community
might be going in the future? While this is not a scientific
approach but more of an amateur gardener approach, allow
me to share my musings. As a community we can rush into
the hybrid approach, figure out what we need for the future,
quickly put something together and have it ready for the
next growing season. We can be the open pollinated. That
means let’s just see what happens; what’s blowing in the
wind or what’s the “in” thinking right now?
Or we can choose the heirloom seed that is true to form, the
one whose history we can trace. The one that has adapted
to whatever has come its way. The funny thing about the
heirloom seed is that those plants usually take longer and
might not grow as big but they adapt to all the changes and
produce good fruit.
So when you walk out tomorrow and enjoy that spring
shower or smell that spring in the air, remember we’re in a
time of change. We may move slowly or we may not know
where we’re going but we will be faithful and go together.
Happy spring to all you seed seekers!
The video of S. Nancy Schreck’s talk on March 7 is now
available in Members Only..
Fun reading: The Everything Seed: A Story of Beginnings,
written by Carole Martignacco and illustrated by Joy
Troyer.

April 2015 PNN

Page 3

Province Leadership
Radical Nature Weekend Returns CSJs to Their Roots
by Sister Mary Flick

“The Radical Nature of Our Consecrated Life” weekend
held March 20-22 at the motherhouse was true to its name.
It returned us to our CSJ roots. The 60 sisters who attended
became better acquainted with Mother St. John Fontbonne
and the mission that sends us into the future.
The weekend opened with a presentation and prayer by
Sister Marian Cowan. She walked participants through the
350-year history of the Sisters of St. Joseph, noting times
of great change that led to transformation when the sisters
journeyed through the darkness of loss and letting go and
into the light of possibility and delight. Then with a mix of
bold colors, she created a work of art that represented the
growth that comes in the space that follows times of chaos.
The weekend also provided input by Sister Janet Gagnon
of the Maine Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon.
S. Janet, who has done considerable research on Mother St.
John, reminded us that “We are the holders of the patrimony.
We need to know her.” She encouraged us with insights into
Mother St. John’s life, noting that, while Mother was not a
visionary, “she knew what was needed and how to let go.”

RETREAT SCHEDULE
Nazareth Living Center
April 15-16
Carondelet Motherhouse
May 15-17 • May 19-21
Questions?
Contact Carol Underhill:
Province Office
6400 Minnesota Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63111
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 314-678-0344
FAX: 314-351-3111

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April 2015 PNN

Later, S. Janet
shared how the
Congregation
of Lyon became
a community
for the world
when they
confronted the
chaos of France
in the early 20th
century. Today’s
times, she said,
call all Sisters
of St. Joseph to
circle the world
and know that
we are one.

In the closing session, Associate Michelle Piranio shared
with participants how CSJ spirituality and its understanding
of the interconnectedness of all life is becoming mainstream
in the world. Borrowing from current trends in business,
she spoke of how the emerging future is being sensed: by
connecting with the deep source within; through staying in
the present moment; with deep listening; and by connecting
with those who support you. These are practices that all
CSJs know and practice. So maybe there is much we can
offer our world today as we pass through our own chaotic
times into future space and growth.
Throughout the weekend, we were surrounded by photos
of more than a dozen of our deceased sisters. Sister Linda
Straub invited us to see our foremothers as mirrors, models
and metaphors for ourselves as we reflect on how we are
called to live our consecrated lives today and into the future.
There was also time for personal reflection and “thick”
conversation as sisters gathered in small groups and for
one-on-one conversation throughout the weekend.
Sisters noted their appreciation of the global perspective the
talks provided. “We don’t even think about the American
congregations, let alone the global picture,” one sister
commented. “When we get into a funk about dying, we
need to remember that we are world-wide, doing all sorts of
ministries!”
Another invited her small group to “look around and see the
power and wealth we have in this room.” Then she asked,
“What are we going to give?”
Three additional gatherings are scheduled this spring:
April 15-16 at Nazareth Living Center and May 15-17 and
May 19-21 at the motherhouse, and Province leadership
encourages all vowed members to attend one of the sessions.
To register, contact Carol Underhill.

Corporation & Council Minutes
December Meeting

January Meeting

CORPORATION

CORPORATION

Accepted
• Minutes of Board of Directors of the Corporation
Meeting held November 18, 2014

Accepted
• Minutes of Board of Directors of the Corporation
Meeting held December 9, 2014
• November 2014 Financial Statements

Approved
• St. Charles Lwanga Center Gala—$600
• Religious Life Project
• Nazareth Living Center Matching Gift—$250,000
COUNCIL
Accepted
• Minutes of the Province Council Meetings held
November 17-18, 2014
Approved
• Travel Requests (2)
• Patrimony Requests (2)
• Transition Plan for Justice Ministry Task Force
• Congregational Design Team Nominees

Approved
• English Tutoring Project Donation—$10,000
• Marian Middle School Gala—$5,000
• The Walker Scottish Rite Clinic Trivia Night—$200
• FUVERISE—$25,000
• Ministry Building & Carriage House Contractor
COUNCIL
Accepted
• Minutes of the Province Council Meetings held
December 9, 2014
Approved
• Travel Requests (3)
• Patrimony Requests (1)
Discussed
• Plans for the February 2015 CLG Meeting

2015 PROVINCE ASSEMBLY
WHEN: July 31 - August 2
WHERE: St. Joseph’s Academy

Assembly Schedule
Thursday, July 30: Finance meeting for sisters, 4 p.m.,
followed by dinner for sisters only.

This year the assembly will be held at St. Joseph’s
Academy, July 31 thru August 2, as announced previously.
The only assembly event being held at the motherhouse is
the annual Finance Report for sisters only on Thursday,
July 30 at 4 p.m., followed by dinner.

Friday, July 31: Concurrent business assemblies held
Two meetings held simultaneously but separately: one for
sisters and one for associates.
Saturday, August 1: Keynote speaker and reflection
Sisters and associates come together for keynote speaker,
S. Barbara Fiand, S.N.D. de N.
Sunday, August 2: Joint session
Sisters and associates meet together until noon.
April 2015 PNN

Page 5

Congregation News

Sisters Madeleine Lyons, CSJ, left, and Esperance Finn, CSJ stand near the plaque commemorating
the first meeting of the Catholic Health Association.This picture was taken around 1930.

One Hundred Years of Continuing
Jesus’ Mission of Love and Healing
by Mary Kraft, archivist for St. Paul province

This June Catholic Health Association (CHA) will
celebrate its 100th anniversary. The Sisters of St. Joseph of
Carondelet had an important role in the founding of this
prominent national organization.

Fr. Moulinier her concern about keeping Catholic hospitals
among the best in the country. The sisters brought that
concern along with the immediate issue of attracting interns
to CSJ hospitals to Rev. Moulinier’s attention.

It was the summer of 1914 when a group of 10 Sisters of
St. Joseph of Carondelet from the St. Paul province met
with the regent of the Marquette University Medical
School, Rev. Charles Moulinier, SJ, at St. Mary’s Hospital,
Minneapolis. The sisters, administrators or registered nurses
and one pharmacist, served at four of the five hospitals
owned and operated by the province. They included
S. Leocadia Hayes from St. Michael’s Hospital in Grand
Forks, North Dakota, and S. Madeleine Lyons from St.
John’s Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota; Srs. Esperance
Finn, Leo Carroll, St. Thomas Lindberg, Vitaline La Joie,
Bartholomew Schwab and Salome Barry, all from St. Mary’s
Hospital; and Srs. Elizabeth McGolrick and Vida Hopkins
from St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul.

As conversation on these and other issues ensued, it
was obvious that Catholic hospitals needed to form an
association to work together to achieve common goals.
Fr. Moulinier strongly supported and promoted this idea.
Hospitals across the United States were increasingly facing
challenges to modernize health care from what some called
“custodial care” to the more highly scientific and specialized
care that continues to characterize hospitals today.

Sister Esperance, administrator at St. Mary’s Hospital,
was recognized as being a progressive and forward looking
health care professional. Earlier, she had communicated to
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April 2015 PNN

The first official meeting of the Catholic Hospital
Association was held the next year in 1915 on the
Marquette University campus with invitations extended to
Catholic health care administrators from across the United
States and Canada, the large majority of whom were sisters.
The business of this meeting was focused on conversation
about the new organization and the need to develop a
constitution. Among the newly elected officers were the
following sisters: Mary Joseph Dempsey, a Franciscan

sister, at Mayo Brothers’ Clinic, St. Mary’s Hospital, in
Rochester, Minnesota; Mary Richard, another Franciscan,
at St. Francis Hospital, LaCrosse, Wisconsin; and M.
Immaculate Conception, a Mercy sister, at Misericordia
Hospital, Milwaukee. CHA co-founders Srs. Esperance
Finn, CSJ and Madeleine Lyons, CSJ both from St. Mary’s
Hospital, Minneapolis, were elected to the executive board
in subsequent years.
Professional enrichment sessions were also part of the first
meeting as physicians presented papers on the educational
functions of hospitals, a topic directly related to the concerns
of the Sisters of St. Joseph who had met a year earlier in
Minneapolis.
Members of the Catholic Hospital Association continued
to meet over the years always focusing on professional and
challenging issues as reflected in the sisters’ commitment to
Jesus’ mission of love and healing in the world.

CLT Announces New Congregational
Coordinator of Communications
The Congregational Leadership Team is pleased to
welcome Kim Westerman as the first congregational
coordinator of communications. Kim comes to us with
a background in communications and fundraising, most
recently with the Boy Scouts of America, Greater St.
Louis Area Council. Kim began her position at the
Congregational Center on April 6.

Now known as the Catholic Health Association, the
organization celebrates its centennial this year. Today,
the association of over 2000 members, focuses on issues
ranging from the continuing roll out of the Affordable
Care Act to addressing poverty and oppression issues
like human trafficking to new models of sponsorship in
a rapidly changing health care environment. All of these
expanded ministry directions are directly related to the early
foundations established by the pioneering work of Catholic
sisters, which laid the foundation for the Catholic Health
Association’s ongoing development and success.
Today, several of our sisters involved in the health care
ministry are proud members and supporters of CHA.
S. Carol Keehan, DC, is the organization’s current president
that has offices in Washington, D.C., and St. Louis.
(Information for this article was retrieved from the
St. Paul Province Archive and from the CHA website.)

Hawaii Elects New Leadership
The newly elected Hawaii Vice Province Leadership are
(pictured l-r), Sisters Sara Sanders, Patty Chang and
Brenda Lau. They will begin their role on August 1.

April 2015 PNN

Page 7

Congregation News
African-American CSJs Gather in St. Louis
Reflection on Racism

by Sister Ingrid Honore-Lallande (LA)
Last October, a group of Sisters of St.
Joseph of African-American descent met
in St. Louis at the Motherhouse to pray,
to share stories and to imagine the future.
Sisters Angela Faustina (LA), Sharon
Howell (S), Ingrid Honoré-Lallande
(LA), Mary Clementine Lynch (A),
Barbara Moore (SL) and Gail Trippett
(SL) agreed to share reflections with us
throughout the year. In the February
issue of Carondelet East, we featured a
general article in which each of the sisters
commented on the meeting. In this issue,
we are please to include the thoughts of
Sister Ingrid on the difficult challenge of
dismantling racism in our world today.
March 21-25, 2015 marks the 50th
anniversary of the march from Selma
to Montgomery as Black Americans,
in defiance of segregational repression,
exercised their constitutional right
to vote. Although we had not
anticipated this historic event prior
to our gathering in St. Louis last
October, Sister Barbara Moore
shared a bit about her experience in
Selma between the infamous "Bloody
Sunday" encounter and the march to
Montgomery led by Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. While racism was addressed by
the passage of Civil Rights legislation,
laws are only as good as is their level of
enforcement. Where that enforcement
has not taken place or where the
legislation has not yet been enacted,
racism continues to abound. Our
reflection on the issue of racism was so
timely, especially in light of the Michael
Brown protests that were going on in
St. Louis and other areas around the
country. Today we continue to face
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April 2015 PNN

the difficult challenge of dismantling
the racism that is alive and well in
the United States of America and the
world in which we live. While overt
racism is easily condemned, the sin of
racism is often with us in more subtle
forms. The face of racism doesn’t look
much different today from the way it
looked 50 years ago.
During our time together, we had one
session that focused specifically on the
issue of racism. We began our prayer
reflection with the song, You’ve Got to
Be Carefully Taught, a show tune from
the 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein
musical South Pacific. The song is
preceded by a lyric stating that racism
is "not born in you! It happens after
you’re born."
You've got to be taught to hate and fear;
You've got to be taught from year to year.
It's got to be drummed in your dear little
ear.
You've got to be carefully taught.
You've got to be taught to be afraid
of people whose eyes are oddly made,
And people whose skin is a diff 'rent
shade,
you've got to be carefully taught.
You've got to be taught before it's too late,
before you are six or seven or eight,
To hate all the people your relatives hate,
you've got to be carefully taught.
While writing this reflection, I’m
reminded of the little four-year old
girl who, after Sunday morning Mass,
said to me, “Don’t touch me. You’re too
black!” and another little girl I taught in

second grade
who said to
me, “Sister
Ingrid, you’re
the only
black person
I’ll ever love.”
This little
girl’s father
replied,
S. Ingrid Honore-Lallande
“Honey,
you can’t say that because you don’t
know any other black people.” Racist
thoughts and attitudes are steeped
in us at a very young age. All of us in
some way are taught to be afraid of
people different from ourselves, “to hate
all the people [our] relatives hate.”
Created in God’s Image: a Pastoral
Letter on the Sin of Racism and a Call to
Conversion, by the Most Reverend Dale
J. Melczek, bishop of Gary, Indiana,
was one of the documents we used for
our reflection. Cultural racism and white
privilege are two realities that continue
to contribute to the complexity of
racism.
Cultural racism affects the identity of
every American. Our culture assigns
each of us a place in society by virtue of
where we stand in relationship to the
dominant cultural group, which happens
to be “White” in the U.S. ... For Whites,
the image assigned by culture makes
possible full membership and affords the
rights and privileges which flow from
that membership. It also reinforces a
positive self-image. For People of Color,
the image assigned allows for a more
restricted membership and access to the

same rights and privileges, privileges
which are not automatically guaranteed
and are often denied. A negative selfimage is reinforced. When our culture
assigns inequitable identities and roles to
Whites and People of Color, it creates and
reinforces a tension between these groups
as well as subgroups of People of Color.
White Privilege refers to what
constitutes membership in the
dominant culture. Originally, since
English settlers were the dominant
group in the land, they were considered
to be the purest form of “White.” To be
English and Christian was to be at the
pinnacle of the racial pyramid. To be
African-American or Native American
and non-Christian was to be at the
base of the pyramid.
Other groups from Europe were
slowly assimilated into the dominant
group and given the status of “White.”
The French, German, Irish, Spanish,
etc., slowly made their way into the
dominant group. Later the Italians,
Hungarians, Polish, Lithuanians,
Slovaks, Czechs, Russians, Croatians,
Greeks and others made their way into
the mainstream. It is interesting to note
that when each new ethnic group first
arrived in the U.S. they were NOT
considered “White.” Only with the
passage of time and their acceptance of
the culture of the dominant group did
they eventually gain “White status.”
Cultural racism at its core is a defense
of racially based white social privilege.
Another resource used in preparation
for our gathering was Fr. Bryan
Massingale’s book, Racial Justice and
the Catholic Church, which examines
the presence of racism in this country
from its early history through the Civil
Rights Movement and the election of
President Barack Obama.

As a nation, we are still plagued with
wary coexistence, latent suspicions,
subtle exclusions, covert tensions
and barely concealed resentments, all
rooted in an often unacknowledged but
entrenched network of racial privilege
and dominance. The next frontier of
racial justice is the task of dismantling
the edifice of white privilege, which
demands confronting and naming the
“non-rational” set of meanings and
values—the white cultural identity and
symbol system—that sustains it.
Fr. Massingale further describes
the movement from “empathy”
and “sympathy” to “compassion.”
Compassion, he says, “is an essential
dimension of racial reconciliation
and justice-making. [Compassion]
is the counterpart of racism...
Genuine compassion manifests itself
in action for the sake of another’s
dignity, respect, and social worth...
[Compassion] is a decisive Christian
attitude. Without it, the Jesus story is
incoherent, and a life inspired by the
Gospels is impossible... [Without] a
prior stirring of compassion, without
a deeply felt response to the agony of
agony of racial crucifixions and the
scandal of social ostracism, we will not
be moved to justice and the repair of
social divisions. We must act justly, not
because we are intellectually convinced,
but because we are passionately moved.
Compassion moves the will to justice.”
People of Color and many Whites
are impatient to see the mechanisms
of racism dismantled. Together we
wonder what it will take to convince
others to join ranks with us to build a
new “pluriculture society” where there
is no longer room for racism.

The 1949 musical South Pacific received
scrutiny for its commentary regarding
relationships between different races
and ethnic groups. I think Rodgers and
Hammerstein got it right. Racism is
not born in us. It happens after we are
born. We can, however, learn to sing
“We’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught”
with new lyrics:
We’ve got to be taught to love.
We’ve got to be taught to NOT be
afraid,
Of people whose eyes are oddly made,
And people whose skin is a diff 'rent
shade,
We’ve got to be carefully taught.
We’ve got to be taught before it's too
late,
Before we are six or seven or eight,
To love the people our relatives hate,
We've got to be carefully taught.
Wake me up Lord, so that the evil of
racism finds no home within me. Keep
watch over my heart, Lord, and remove
from me any barriers to your grace that
may oppress and offend my brothers
and sisters. Fill my voice Lord, with the
strength to cry freedom. Free my spirit
Lord, so that I may give services of
justice and peace. Clear my mind Lord,
and use it for your glory. And finally,
remind me Lord that you said “Blessed
are the peacemakers, for they shall be
called children of God.”
A Question for Further
Consideration
“In order to witness what we ask of the
world” (2007 Congregational Act of
Chapter), how might we begin to
dismantle racism and work toward
an anti-racist transformation process
among ourselves, our provinces and our
congregation?

April 2015 PNN

Page 9

Selma: 50th Anniversary
Step by Step

The St. Louis Sisters of St. Joseph continue walking with the dear neighbor
at the 50th anniversary of the Selma marches for civil rights
by Jenny Beatrice, communications director
A Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis contingent
made the pilgrimage to Selma, Alabama, March 5-9 for
the 50th anniversary commemoration of the marches for
African American voting rights.
The group included Sisters Anne Kelly, Jane Kelly and
Barbara Moore, as well as Associate/Province Liturgist
Mary Kay Christian and Director of Communications Jenny
Beatrice.
The gathering commemorated the 600 protestors who
peacefully marched over the Edmund Pettus Bridge on
March 7, 1965.
Now known as Bloody Sunday, many were beaten but not
beaten down. Several others then traveled to Selma to be a
part of the movement, including Catholic priests and nuns
who joined clergy from all denominations.

St. Louis and Kansas City. They marched from Brown
Chapel to the courthouse for days to voice their support,
step by step.
Fifty years later, CSJs were some of the 70,000 people at
the commemoration who made the pilgrimage to walk in
solidarity with those first marchers, once again bringing
their voices to the streets.
“We felt it was important to celebrate and commemorate
this day,” says Sister Barbara, “and the diversity among us
was very wonderful and very reassuring. So many people and
their families came. I was just amazed by the people pushed
in wheelchairs, the babies pushed in strollers and held in
arms. But, it was important for the family members to be
there.”

Three of those marchers in 1965 included members of
the St. Louis province, Sisters Barbara Moore, Rosemary
Flanigan and Roberta Schmidt. Supported by the CSJs and
Missouri dioceses, they traveled in delegations from

The CSJs attended Mass and a reception to honor the
Sisters of Rochester, New York, whose presence in Selma
for 75 years was of great importance to the community.
Because their bishop forbid them to march, they treated the
wounded at Good Samaritan Hospital, the only facility that
would accept blacks. It was their way of participating in a

Jenny Beatrice and S. Barbara Moore. Back Row:
S. Jane Kelly and Associate Mary Kay Christian.

Kansas City Delegation with S. Barbara Moore, pictured fifth
from left.

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April 2015 PNN

Dr. Clarence Jones with Sisters Barbara Moore, Roseanne Cook, Jane Kelly and Anne Kelly.
revolution that echoes through to today. Read their blog of
their experiences at keepingupwithalabama.blogspot.com.
On the day of the presidential rally, the CSJ group and the
Rochester sisters left early to wait in winding lines to get
into the rally.
Sister Jane Kelly, who’s been a part of the Selma community
since 1972, knew many of the families in the long lines.
A nurse practitioner, she works at the Grace Busse Clinic
in Pine Apple, Alabama, with Dr. Rosanne Cook, CSJ
providing health care for the poor.
People recognized her and came up to her with hugs and
thanks for the care she provides them. “Jane is a wonderful
presence,” says Sister Barbara. “She knows no stranger.
Jane and Roseanne not only serve people in health care
but they’re there for the birthdays, the weddings and the
funerals. They’re very much a part of the community.”
In the midst of these massive crowds, a friendliness and a
unity grew—a hopeful example of how things could be.
After hours of waiting in the hot sun, President Obama’s
speech did not disappoint, inspiring the crowds who
watched from the Jumbotrons. He spoke of unity coming to
fruition in our country one day.

One of the most profound speakers was not a dignitary
but a Selma African-American high school student. She
told of how she let her grandparents know that she would
be speaking at the rally. Her grandparents were not only
proud, but astounded that a black woman would have such
an opportunity, let alone their granddaughter. It was a
reminder that much has changed since the days of separate
water fountains and lunch counters, thanks to many people
like the marchers who stand up for racial equality.
Many modern-day history changers, such as President
Obama, Martin Luther King III, Rev. Al Sharpton, Jesse
Jackson, and Lucy Baines Johnson emphasized that they
marched with the people in hopes of writing a new story.
However, one of the most influential changers in the
movement that the sisters met was not on the street but at
the dinner table.
Dr. Clarence Jones, Martin Luther King Jr.’s attorney, stayed
at Sister Jane’s convent as even he could not even find
accommodations in the crowded area. This unassuming
man, with an underlying air of dignity, sat at the head of the
dinner table. “Let me tell you why being here is so important
to me.” And he did.
continued on page 12
April 2015 PNN

Page 11

Selma: 50th Anniversary
Selma: cont’d
He was a child of domestic servants who sent him to a
Catholic boarding school in Pennsylvania. After law school
and service in the Korean War, a judge recommended that
Dr. King ask him be his lawyer. At first Dr. Jones refused.
But, when King mentioned in a sermon that more black
professionals were needed in the movement, Dr. Jones
agreed.
Dr. Jones was grateful to be with the women religious he
respected and loved once again during his stay. Sister Anne
Kelly graciously expressed the CSJ charism of hospitality,
acting as Dr. Jones’ escort to his engagements. He also shared
his stories at a dinner party hosted by Sister Anne, honoring
the Vatterott family from St. Louis. Their patriarch provided
the funding to send the religious to Selma in 1965.
Dr. Jones told about how Dr. King wrote his historic letter
from the Birmingham Jail on napkins and toilet paper.
Every day as Dr. Jones came to visit the jail, Dr. King took
the “papers” for transcription. Soon, Dr. Jones slipped a few
fresh sheets of actual paper inside his suit coat, trading the
papers to and fro every day. In three days, step by step, the
letter from the Birmingham Jail came to be.
Sister Barbara says, “It was an honor to meet Dr. Jones and
to realize how active he had been and what a major part he
played in relationship to Dr. King and the legal battles…
But one of the things that impressed me the most is his
involvement in creating Dr. King’s letter.”
Sister Barbara also notes, “Dr. Jones says that Dr. King
always referred to himself as ‘Reverend Doctor’…and I
realized that many of the leaders in the movement were
ministers and continued to be. That was very profound for
me because that’s what people of faith and justice should be
about.”
“The presence of priests, religious and the laity impacted
the peaceful march for voting rights positively,” says Sister
Roberta Schmidt, who was unable to attend the march.
“We gave Christian witness to the dignity of our AfricanAmerican brothers and sisters in Selma.”

walked across the street. We felt so as one that I remember
thinking, racism is dying in the United States. I wish I had
been correct in that assumption.”
With the events in Ferguson, Missouri, and other conflicts
that are revealing themselves across the country, Sister
Rosemary says, “It seems that racism is hidden in pockets
of our society and sits in darkness until something happens,
emerges into light, and then goes back to hiding. Anytime
anyone organizes people to demonstrate that injustice
will not be tolerated, we add another niche in our effort to
eliminate racism.”
Sister Barbara reflects, “Sometimes I wonder where are the
voices, where are the people? What is really consoling for me
to realize is the number of people who do believe that things
need to change and that they need to stand up for what they
believe in.”
Sisters Barbara, Anne and Jane witnessed people standing
up for what they believe in on their march from Brown
Chapel across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. They were some
of the relative “few” who made it across the re-creation of the
original march that began at Brown Chapel. Despite being
among more than 70k strong, they did not feel like strangers.
“There was a young group drumming,” says Sister Barbara.
“Lots of times when you are ‘marching’ it’s helpful to have
music and keep in step. I was trying to keep in touch with
the beat. I was even dancing a little bit. It felt real good when
I put my foot on the bridge.”
Sister Rosemary says, “I’m always happy to see our sisters
out in front when it is a matter of social justice. I applaud
our CSJ presence at the commemoration.”
“The two generations since March 1965 only know about
Bloody Sunday and the voting act from the movies,” says
Sister Roberta. “Memory of the lived experience must be
kept alive. Participating in the Selma 50thanniversary is a
perfect example of the CSJ charism and mission of being
with and serving the dear neighbor.”
See the local and national coverage of the CSJs at csjsl.org.

Sister Rosemary Flanigan, who was also unable to attend,
says, “I remember the feeling of solidarity with everyone that
day, from people who came from the north to neighbors who
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April 2015 PNN

Vocation Ministry
CSJ Mission & Service Project
June 22-26 • Carondelet Neighborhood
by Sister Linda Markway

During this Year of Consecrated Life, Pope Francis asked
that the goal be to make a “grateful remembrance” of the past,
to “embrace the future with hope,” while living passionately
in the present. The United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops (USCCB) invited congregations to consider
activities and resources that might help religious women and
men as well as all of God’s faithful to attain this goal.

These programs were selected because of a strong
relationship with our province. The Mission and Service
Project will take place during the week of June 22. You are
asked to mark your calendars and if possible offer your time
to participate in the projects once they have been named and
defined. You will receive more information regarding this
event as the pieces fall into place.

One of the activities suggested was to create a Mission and
Service Project. The event could include religious joining
with “the faithful” in special service projects, such as assisting
the elderly, ministering to the poor and homeless, caring for
the less fortunate and responding to neighborhood needs.

If you have any questions or if you want to volunteer your
time, contact S. Linda Markwayy at [email protected]

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis province
will work with both the CWIT (Center for Women in
Transition) and CCBF (Carondelet Community Betterment
Foundation) as a focus for our Mission and Service Project.

WAKE UP THE WORLD !
2015 Year of Consecrated Life

Come Catch the Fire
Young adults talking to young adults (18-35) about their
faith journeys while giving praise and worship to God.

Third Session:
“Loveworks...Service”
with Kirsten & Adam Hall
Thursday, June 11
8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Holy Family Chapel
Admission:
Free! Bring a canned good for the Carondelet Community
Betterment Federation food pantry.
Learn more: Visit www.csjsl.org
April 2015 PNN

Page 13

2015

Jubilee

On March 14, the Reception of 1965 reaffirmed their “Yes!” with family, friends and the CSJ community at their Golden Jubilee
celebration in Holy Family Chapel. Pictured, clockwise from left to right, are Sisters Maria Jeanne Tipton, Linda Straub, Joan
Kaucher, Janet Kuciejczyk, Laura Gruber, Rita Moriarty, Rosemary Render and Pat Gloriod.

S. Pat Gloriod awaits her procession into Holy Family Chapel.

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April 2015 PNN

Associate Maggie Mitchell walks S. Laura Gruber reads the
in honor of the late S. Kathleen
liturgy of the word.
Mitchell, her sister, who was a
member of the Reception of 1965.

75 Years
Sister Loretta Costa

70 Years
Sister Roberta Houlihan
Sister Anne Christine Looze
Sister Mary Pauline Oetgen
Sister Virginia Ross
Sister Michael White
Sister Helen Louise Williams

60 Years
The jubilarians stand with their fellow Sisters of St. Joseph to renew their vows.

Co-celebrants Rev. Barry Moriary, CM
and Rev. Pat Render, CSV lead the Mass.

Sisters Joan Kaucher and Pat Gloriod go in
for a hug as a sign of peace.

Sister Mary Christopher
Brockman
Sister Elizabeth Conrad
Sister Joan Dacey
Sister Frances Dillman
Sister Mary Sharon Jones
Sister Jane Ellen Kelly
Sister Mary Ellen Jones
Sister Joan Lacey
Sister Sarah Ann Mitra
Sister Marilyn Peot
Sister Ann Schorfheide
Sister Mary Annette Schorman
Sister Catherine Ann
Schuermann
Sister Ruth Stuckel
Sister Joan Elizabeth Tolle

50 Years

The ceremony was full of great music
from CSJ sisters and members of the St.
Margaret of Scotland Choir.

Sister Patricia Gloriod
Sister Laura Ann Gruber
Sister Joan Kaucher
Sister Janet Kuciejczyk
Sister Rita Moriarty
Sister Rosemary Render
Sister Linda Marie Straub
Sister Maria Jeanne Tipton
The jubilarians are ready to celebrate!
Congratulations!!
April 2015 PNN

Page 15

Honorary Contributions
The names listed are those who made contributions in
honor of the 2015 jubilarians.
S. Mary Louise Basler
S. Michael Therese Bauer
A. Santa M. Cuddihee
S. Margaret Alice Daues
S. Rebecca Eichhorn
S. Rita Flaherty
William G. and Doris Frede, CSJA
S. Paulette Gladis
S. Suzanne Giblin
A. Carolyn Henry
S. Roberta Houlihan
S. Joan Kaucher
A. Peggy Maguire
S. Rita McGovern
Bernard Meyer and Barbara Meyer, CSJA
S. Mary Catherine O’Gorman
S. Jean Paul Selissen
S. Clara Vincent Slatinsky
S. Barbara Louise Volk
Our Lady’s Community: Srs. Lillian Baumann,
Mary Ann Hilgeman and Ann Pace
St. Therese Little Flower Community: Srs. Ann
Landers, Rose McLarney, Martha Niemann,
Gabrielle Smits and Joan Elizabeth Tolle

60th Jubilee
Celebration
Reception of 
Saturday, May 2
11 a.m. Mass, followed by lunch
RSVP by April 24 to 314-481-8800
or [email protected].

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April 2015 PNN

Thank You
From S. Linda Straub: It is with a heart overflowing that
I thank you all for such a memorable jubilee celebration.
Beginning with the lovely dinner for the eight of us on Thursday
night. And, the beautiful liturgy and luncheon on Saturday. All
who helped with music, printing, ushering, serving, food prep,
clean up, etc. Thank you for all the cards, gifts, masses and the
donations given to the community, specifically, to our mission
in Gulu and the I-hear program. Words cannot express how
grateful I am to all of you.
From S. Roberta Houlihan: I want to express to each of you
my heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love I have received
during these days of celebration for my 70th jubilee. There are
no words to match the love in my heart for each of you. My
prayers continue for you daily, with love.
From S. Anne Christine Looze: Many thanks for your
thoughtful notes, cards, prayers and Mass remembrances that
made my 70th Jubilee such a happy occasion.
From S. Joan Kaucher: To the community of the Great Love
of God, many thanks for all the loving ways: prayers, Masses,
cards, greetings, gifts and donations to charitable causes
that helped to make the celebration of my Golden Jubilee so
memorable.
From S. Michael White: I wish to express my deepest gratitude
to the many members of the province who made donations to
the Development Office for Gulu or the mission in general.
My unfounded gratitude also for the many Masses that will be
offered for my intentions during this jubilee year. God bless each
of you.
From S. Loretta Costa: Many thanks to all who made my
Jubilee such a momentous occasion. Thanks for your presence,
your gifts, your cards, but most of all, for the love I felt from
everyone who was there.
From S. Janet Kuciejczyk: I am most grateful for the cards,
donations to Gulu, Peru, to the Development Office, and,
most of all, for your presence in celebrating 50 years of the
Lord’s graces and fidelity in this community of St. Joseph. Your
expressions of congratulations and shared commitment have
touched me deeply as I continue to celebrate this year of Jubilee.

Liturgy
Source and Summit

by Associate Mary Kay Christian, liturgist

Liturgy Calendar

Throughout the season of Lent, our prayer blog, togetherwepray.org,
offered Lenten reflections reached hundreds of people daily on the CSJ
website, Facebook, Twitter and by subscriptions. This has been a great way
to share CSJ prayer and spirituality with sisters and associates across the
province. But we have also been reaching CSJs across the country, friends
of the Sisters of St. Joseph and new visistors as well.

April
15 Easter Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.
17 Earth Mama Concert 7 p.m.
18 Earth Mama Retreat 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
22 Easter Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.
25 Missouri Choral Society
in Concert 2:30 p.m.

Holy Family Chapel was filled with prayer events in the month of
March. First the 50th Jubilarians celebrated on March 14th with Mass
in the chapel. We celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19th
with a blessing of St. Joseph’s Day bread for all those who work at the
Motherhouse during Midday Prayer. Then the Sisters and Associates
gathered for Mass that evening. On March 21 there was a Mass for the
first Sisters’ Retreat. As always, the feast day of our Patron St. Joseph kept
everyone busy celebrating all month.

May
1 Midday Prayer for the Feast of
St. Joseph the Worker 11:45 a.m.
2 60th Jubilee Mass 11:00 a.m.
6 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.
11 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.
16 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.
20 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.

We begin spring with a concert hosted by Earth Mama on April 17. We
will host the Missouri Choral Society for an afternoon concert on April
25 for a wonderful afternoon of music. The month of May will be busy too
beginning with a celebration of the 60th Jubilarians on May 2. The third
sisters’ retreat will celebrate Mass together on May 16.

Missouri Choral Society
i n c o n c e rt

The Gift of Music

An afternoon with the music of John Rutter

Saturday, April 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Motherhouse
6400 Minnesota Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111
Free Admission
RSVP to 314-481-8800 or [email protected]

27 Midday Prayer 11:45 a.m.

I can be reached best by phone from 9 a.m.
to noon, Monday through Friday. If I do
not answer, please leave a voice mail message
or send an e-mail. Calls and e-mails will
be returned within 24 hours. If you need
immediate attention, you can contact me on my
cell phone at 314-497-0640. MKC

Sister Mythbusters
Celebrate the
Year of Consecrated Life
with the Sisters of St. Joseph
as we dispel common myths
about religious life.
Visit our Facebook and Twitter
pages for a new myth
put to rest.
facebook.com/csjsl
twitter.com/CSJsl

April 2015 PNN

Page 17

Development Office
Generosity of Joseph Awards Honor Selfless Giving
The Sisters of St. Joseph proudly announce this year's recipients of the Generosity of Joseph award. This award
celebrates individuals who positively influence society and encourage others by their example of life-altering
generosity in the spirit of St. Joseph, our patron. The awards will be presented during the annual Generosity of
Joseph Honors Gala on April 24 at the St. Louis motherhouse. Meet our honorees:

Carmele Hall

Saint Louis
Heals and reconciles.
Carmele served for nearly 40 years
in education as a teacher, principal,
dean of students and president at
institutions directly serving the poor
and underserved. Carmele is known
for working through matters requiring
healing or reconciliation by building
bridges and bringing about a sense of
unity. She has an innate desire to serve
others and her actions are guided by
principles of our Catholic faith. Carmele
worked tirelessly to provide the best
educational opportunity for the children
in the north side community often
serving as mentor and role model. She
was instrumental in keeping the north
side schools on the mind and in the
heart of the hierarchy of the Catholic
Church as well as the Archdiocesan
school leadership. Carmele constantly
promoted the need for quality education
as a resource for lifting individuals out of
the chains of poverty.

Chris Krehmeyer

President & CEO,
Beyond Housing
Saint Louis
Promotes justice with a particular
concern for the poor.
Chris has stewarded Beyond Housing
(a NeighborWorks America
organization in St. Louis) through a
name change, helped found a not-forprofit property management company,
guided it through a successful merger,
and a recent rebranding effort. Beyond
Housing focuses on improving people’s
lives in a holistic manner and in helping
entire communities become better
places to live. Chris is able to bring
civic leaders, nonprofits and corporate
partners together to accomplish more
for their communities than they could
alone. Chris’ passionate commitment to
the services offered by Beyond Housing
allows him to promote justice directed
to the poor, serve others without
distinction or exclusion and not only
recognize the human dignity of all, but
promote it.

You are invited! Join us in honoring Carmele, Chris and Mary Kay.
RSVP by April 17. Register online at www.csjsl.org or call 314-678-0328.
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April 2015 PNN

Mary Kay Wagner

Green Bay, Wisconsin
Recognizes and defends the human
dignity of all.
Mary Kay Wagner grew up in a strict
Catholic home and her father did not
allow her to bring anyone home of
Jewish or African American origin.
College allowed Mary Kay to meet
others of color and different faiths. This
opened up her world as she in turn
would open the world to others who
were excluded. In November 1995, her
35-year-old gay cousin took his own
life because he could no longer take
the abuse and prejudice. She decided
to do something and joined a social
group, Positive Voice. This followed
with the Teen Partnership supported by
Goodwill Industries. For years, Mary
Kay was there welcoming teens and
young adults of LBGT orientation.
Since her retirement she helps at her
parish church. But she does not forget
her work with Green Bay’s LGBT teens
and young adults of the Green Bay
community. Mary Kay recently became
an associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Senior Ministry
2015 Annual Senior Ministry Gathering
by Sister Bonnie Murray

Spring Cleaning
As we find ourselves in the midst of the spring season, it
may be time again to survey our belongings and see what
clutter has accumulated since the last time we broached
this subject. It is much easier to do this periodically than to
wait until we come to a decision to move again. Changing
seasonal wardrobe is a great opportunity for down-sizing
clothes. Discover what other forgotten items are stashed
away in closets or drawers.
Take stock of furnishings in living room, kitchen/dining
area, bedroom, bathroom and storage areas. St. Vincent de
Paul, Salvation Army and Goodwill are always grateful to
receive small household items for families that are in need of
setting up their living spaces.
File Papers
This would be a good time for us to check our personal
information papers to see if they need any major updating
(deceased family members, changes in allergies, medications,
primary physician information, burial preferences, etc.)
If anyone needs new forms, please contact the Senior
Ministry Office. Have you had recent conversations with our
health care power of attorney agent about our wishes if and
when we find ourselves in a health crisis? Is the agent capable
and still willing to function in that capacity? Hopefully we
haven’t discovered that our agent is deceased!

Message of Pope Francis to
Senior Sisters and Associates
Did anyone catch the Pope’s recent message given at his
weekly general audience on March 11? He told the audience
not to pack it in or shift into cruise control. “It’s still not time
to rest on one’s oars and just coast along. It’s true that society
tends to discard us, but the Lord definitely doesn’t. The Lord
never rejects us,” he said.
Our world, especially young people and families, need our
prayers, wisdom and gifts in order to give them faith, hope
and encouragement. We need to remind young people that
life without love is barren.
The Pope went on to say that there is a true vocation and
mission set aside for older people, who have a lot more
free time at their disposal now than before. Being older
is certainly different; when it comes to finding one’s new
purpose in the world we need to sort of “make it up” as we
go along “because our societies are not ready, spiritually and
morally, to give this period of life its full worth.”
Our prayers are “a great gift for the Church” and they offer
“a great infusion of wisdom for all of society, especially for
those who are too busy, too occupied, too distracted.”

EARTH MAMA

Helping Heal the Planet One Song at a Time
An environmental
entertainer and motivational
speaker, Earth Mama
uses song and humor to
teach ecospirituality and
sustainable living.

CONCERT: FRIDAY, APRIL 17
7:00 p.m.
Cost: $10

RETREAT: SATURDAY, APRIL 18
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $50

Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet Motherhouse
RSVP to 314-481-8800 or [email protected]

Learn more: togetherinfaithseries.com
April 2015 PNN

Page 19

Association
Associate Volunteer Spotlight
Associate Gen Eiler
by Gen Eiler

For a long time I have been interested in alternative, holistic
methods of healing. One that is spreading throughout the
nation and the world is the Emotional Freedom Technique
(EFT). It is also known as “tapping.”
EFT is a healing technique that can be done simply,
gently and quickly, and is easy to learn. It is referred to as
emotional acupuncture. It involves tapping on the body’s
energy meridians. There is no pain or needles involved. You
can learn to relieve or heal yourself of many emotional and
physical problems in minutes. The suggestion is to “try it
on everything.” There are reports of cures from long-term
conditions such as asthma, addictions, phobias, back pain,
depression and fibromyalgia.
It has proven to be very effective, especially for those
suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. The Tapping
Solution Foundation was established shortly after the Sandy
Hook Elementary School shooting tragedy in 2012 to
provide trauma relief for those so deeply affected. It provides
vital support to mental-health givers and others in the
Newtown, Connecticut community. Programs for military
veterans have been established throughout the country and
are yielding great benefits to them.

A second focus of my energy is concern for the
environment—communion with the earth. I am particularly
eager to minimize what goes to landfills. I do this by talking
about the environment to the dear neighbor individually
and in groups about the importance of recycling and the
resources available to help them do that. For some, this is the
needed nudge to clean out the closet, basement or garage.
The trunk of my car is a recycling center for the egg cartons,
medicine bottles, styrofoam and other designated items that
are brought to me. I deliver them to the various destinations
who welcome them.
Below is a list of places and websites where donations are
welcome in St. Louis and beyond:

• Earth Day Recycling Extravaganza: stlouisearthday.org
April 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Louis Community College
• Leftovers, etc: www.leftoversetc.com
• St. Louis Teachers Recycle Center: sltrc.com
• Missouri Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal:
missouriP2D2.org
• Midwest Recycling Center: midwrc.net

Through classes, DVDs, CDs, books and the Internet, I
have become familiar with the technique. When someone
mentions an issue such as a headache, stomach ache,
insomnia, anger, fear, sadness, I offer a couple of sheets of
information, including a list of resources. It is enough to get
them started in the technique.
I have had the opportunity to teach the EFT to several small
groups. It is my hope to present it to more small groups. It is
a wonderful tool to offer relief and hope to the suffering dear
neighbor wherever and whenever I meet him or her.
Good sources for learning more about EFT are:
emofree.com, eftuniverse.com, thetappingsolution.com and
YouTube. Also available are a book and a film entitled, The
Tapping Solution. The film Operation: Emotional Freedom The
Answer is a documentary for veterans and their families.
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April 2015 PNN

• EPC Secure IT Asset Recover: epcusa.com
• Batteries Plus Bulbs: batteriesplus.com
• Best Buy: bestbuy.com
• Lens Masters: thelensmasters.com

Associates to Meet at
Assembly in St. Louis

by Associates Peggy Baker and Clara Uhlrich
The Sister/Associate Task Force, appointed by Province
Leadership, met in December, January and February to explore
questions and share priorities regarding the CSJ sister/associate
relationship. We asked ourselves what was needed to have
a meaningful conversation about how to live as part of the
Community of the Great Love of God with renewed energy.

My Amazing God

As associates on the Task Force, we have had the opportunity to
recall and share the excitement of the Associate Assembly held
in June 2014. On that spirit-filled Pentecost weekend, associates
came together and took ownership of what we collectively
identified as our collective desire as a community of men and
women committed and connected by the charism of loving unity.
Associate Michelle Piranio led the associates in developing a
directional document asking for a space in which associates and
sisters could partner for the sake of our common mission.

The faith I have in Him
is a beacon of light ever glowing,
It gives me strength and balance
to walk this trodden path
of living.

It is exciting for the two of us, as associates on the Task Force
and the Associate Leadership Board, to see the unfolding of the
sisters’ agenda and learn from their example. Strengthened by
their prayer and by each other in community, Province Leadership
listened deeply and trusted the Spirit to lead them. They
committed, yet again, to explore together how to authentically
live their vowed lives. In the coming months, the sisters have been
invited by their leadership to participate in one of three weekends
of reflection with other sisters, and to listen for what emerges.
As a member of the Sister/Associate Task Force and of the
Associate Leadership Board, we invite all associates to pray for the
sisters participating in these reflective weekends.
Summer will bring sunny days and warmer temperatures. It will
also bring quality time together for sisters and associates. At
assembly, associates we will have the opportunity to spend quality
time with other associates on Friday, July 31; pray and grow
spiritually with the sisters on Saturday, August 1; and participate
in a joint session with the sisters to listen for what is emerging
among us on Sunday, August 2.

My God is so amazing
the center of my universe.
and a daily presence in my life.

The path we all must travel
in this daily quest of life.
It makes me smile when I think of Him,
and how truly blessed I am,
to have this amazing God in my life;
filled with tribulations, worry and strife.
I give Him the honor, all the glory and praise
for every day He sends my way;
that allows me to trust in Him.
And strive to live a better life.
My amazing God, when you really think of Him;
only asks of us the tiny little things,
like love and forgiveness;
and to cherish all living beings.
No matter what their status in life.
Because of God’s love for us
I lay claim to eternal life.
All because of the awesome gift
and most precious treasure of
My Amazing God’s life.

Mark your calendars now. You don’t want to miss this opportunity.
Written by Dorothy Dempsey
February 2, 2015
April 2015 PNN

Page 21

Sharing of the Heart
Share Your Story of the Heart
by Sister Lisa Lazio

As I pull together the latest input from heart-sharing groups
I am mindful of the effort so many have given to committing
to this practice. This is not about any one of us or any
particular group. It is about all of us. I appreciate what each
person has given to this. It is my hope that we can continue
to find new ways to share our lives with one another.
The first group I’d like to share is one that meets at Nazareth
the first Monday of each month. Some of the group began
about a year ago, while others joined in the fall. Members
are comfortable in taking turns leading the group. After
some quiet time, each shares a word or two about herself.
S. Aline Mohrhaus remarked, “We love the group and the
sharing. We are careful to keep the stories with the group.” S.
Roberta Houlihan commented, “There is a growing bond in
our group and a great support for each other.”
Members in the group include Srs. Agnes Marie Baer,
Ann Chamblin, Loretta Costa, Roberta Houlihan, Joyce
Landreman and Aline Mohrhaus.

The second group is one that has been together for almost
five years. This group meets monthly for about three hours
including a potluck supper. The host prepares the prayer by
choosing some reading either from scripture or a spiritual
writer. After a period of quiet, the members share how we
have been experiencing God since our last meeting. Often
they have tried to enter into an Order of the House as well.
Members of this group include Srs. Monica Klefner,
Helen Oates, Kathleen Eiler, Jean Paul Selissen and Linda
Markway.
It is not uncommon for someone to belong to more than one
group at a time. Some do sharing of the heart in associate
groups; some with other area religious; and some with those
with whom they work. There are still groups forming. If you
are interested in becoming a part of a group, please feel free
to contact me, Lisa Lazio, at 314-200-8727.

SUMMER RETREAT

Opening Our Heritage, Envisioning Our Future
Saturday, July 12 - Friday, July 17 • Presented by Sister Lisa Lazio, CSJ, PhD
This July we are offering a community retreat for those
who wish the opportunity to explore the themes and
wisdom of CSJ Spirituality. We will consider our Acts
of Chapter along with spiritual practices from our
earliest foundations. The retreat will be held at the
Carondelet motherhouse and will begin on Sunday with
dinner and conclude with lunch on Friday.
There will be opportunities for spiritual direction and
conversation, as well as time for personal prayer. There
will be optional times for conversation with one another
for those who want to take advantage of time together.

Cost:
• Staying at Carondelet with meals - $285*

• Commuters (meals included) - $150*
*If you need financial assistance for the retreat,
contact S. Lisa at [email protected].
Reservations: Contact S. Betty Leiwe at
[email protected] by May 15. Include name, address,
telephone, email, province and preferred method of
payment.
See the weekly CSJ Messages email for the event flyer.

This retreat is open to both sisters and associates.
Both commuters and on-site participation is welcome.
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April 2015 PNN

CSJ News
Reflections on Contemplative Prayer with Icons Retreat
by Sister Ida Berresheim

Exposure to a new culture both exposes and opens us to a
new way of questioning and thinking. Through the riches
of “A Retreat with Icons,” Retreat Director Sister Barbara
Jean Mihalchick, OSBM (Basilian Sister) did just that. She
introduced 15 of us to much of the history of the Eastern
Catholic Churches and the Orthodox Churches. As she
elaborated on the history, she explained the creation and use
of icons and their importance to prayer and worship in these
two traditions.
The Carondelet motherhouse offered the perfect setting
for the February 27-March 1 retreat that began with each
of us receiving a framed icon depicting one of the feasts
celebrated in the Eastern Church. A display of icons in the
Celestine Room continuously invited us into broadening
our experience of icons, their history and importance.
Throughout the retreat, S. Barbara Jean, a member of
the Ruthenian (Slovak) Catholic tradition, never tired
of relating elements of the long history and traditions of
the Eastern churches. These included the violence of the
iconoclastic era and exposure to the stories of many saints
of these traditions with whom we of the Latin rite are not
generally familiar. In lively fashion, she told of numerous
customs of the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic
churches, often throughout history very much at odds
with each other. She highlighted the work of our three
recent popes and their successful work in drawing the two
traditions ever closer to each other throughout the world.
The ritual of the enthronement of an icon in a community
setting introduced us to solemn preparation for quiet prayer.

As the retreat unfolded, praying with a particular icon
became increasingly significant and continued to call us into
deeper union with God.
On the snowy Saturday afternoon of the retreat, we went
to the 85-year-old St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
in mid-town St. Louis. There, S. Barbara Jean continued
to share both her personal experience as an Eastern
rite Catholic and that of her religious community. She
elaborated on many elements of the Eastern rites of the
Orthodox church and explained the importance of many of
the symbols in the architecture with a special focus on the
icon screen.
Holy Family Chapel at Carondelet was the setting for
Sunday Mass attended by many who live at Carondelet
in addition to the retreat participants. Two Eastern rite
practices were incorporated into this liturgy of the Second
Sunday in Lent and Feast of the Transfiguration. The Mass
began with the solemn procession and enthronement of
a large Transfiguration icon. Then, instead of reading the
second reading, S. Barbara chanted it.
At the final meeting of the retreat group S. Barbara
presented each with a lovely greeting card adorned with an
icon of St. Joseph. She asked that we write how the retreat
may have changed our prayer. Retreatants then offered
special thanks to Srs. Barbara Jean and Mary McGlone,
whose work in Romania was the backdrop for this rich
experience, and S. Jean Paul Selissen, who tended to
numerous logistics of the weekend.

Support the Mission and Ministry
of the Sisters of St. Joseph
Tuesday, May 5
24 hours of giving.
Visit givestlday.org on May 5 and donate!
Spread the word to family and friends!
April 2015 PNN

Page 23

Archives
Meeting Our Ancestors
Profile of an Early Sister Who
Died in the Month of February
Sister Clarissa Aurelius Kolb
Rest in Peace
February
23 Frances Behlmann, mother of S.
Jane Behlmann
24 Elizabeth Ward Baker, mother-inlaw of Associate Peggy Baker
26 Bernice Rake, mother of
Associate Barb Kamp
28 S. Kathleen Foley (SP)
S. Maggie Kvasnicka (SP)
March
4

S. Mary Lucille Grouchy (A)

6

S. Jeanne Anne Collis (A)

7

June Robinette, mother of
S. Mary Hugh McGowen

11 Associate Anne Clifford
19 Eileen Koch, sister of
S. Carol Olson
20 S. Kathleen Mahony (LA)
21 S. Mary Ann Wolter (SP)
22 S. Bette Mosslander, CSJ,
Concordia
23 Gilbert Smits, brother of
S. Gabrielle Smits
Barbara Breheny, mother of
Associate Hannah Breheny
24 Lenard Lacy, son of
Associate Ann Lacy
28 Bill Raupp, brother of
S. Ruth Margaret
April
6 S. Loretta Hennekes
9

Sister Clarissa Aurelius Kolb died at our House of Retreat, Nazareth,
Missouri, on April 22, 1913, in the 77th year of her age and the 35th of her
religious life.
Called to the service of God late in life, this dear Sister, in gratitude for the
privilege accorded her, had no other desire than "To spend and be spent" for
the greater honor and glory of God and the welfare of the Community.
Faithful to Holy Rule, childlike in obedience, gentle and self-sacrificing at all
times, this good Sister endeared herself to all with whom she came in contact.
Though never strong, she kept at her post as long as physical health held out,
and when unable to fulfill her duties, she willingly resigned herself to God's
Holy Will. Her death, though sudden, was beautiful. Fortified by all the
help of Holy Mother Church, she sweetly passed to our Lord. [From the
Necrology Book]
Sister Clarissa Aurelius (Frances) [married name Frommhold] was born in
Stunpals, Germany on June 16, 1836 to Mary Anne Schuefp and Aloysius Kolb
of Werttenberg, Germany. Sister Clarissa entered in Troy New York on February
2, 1878, was received there on August 15, 1878, and made her vows on August
15, 1880, also in Troy. Before she entered, she was married and widowed. Her
cottage in Indianapolis was given as the residence for the first four sisters who went
to Sacred Heart Parish. She did domestic work at all of her missions – Sacred
Heart Convent,
Indianapolis
from 18911911, and the
Carondelet
Motherhouse
from 19111912. She retired
to Nazareth
Convent in St.
Louis in 1912
and died there in
1913.

S. Cecilia Sullivan

10 S. Margaret Alice Daues
Page 24

April 2015 PNN

Sister Clarissa Aurelius Kolb is the lay sister seated on the left.

The Hand of God Shall Hold You

Sister Anne Carlos Souto, CSJ
May 17, 1927 - February 18, 2015

Compassionate, hard-working yet ready to enjoy life

In Mobile, Alabama, May 17, 1927, a fourth child,
Gwendolyn Elizabeth, was born to Manuel and Viola
(Fullerton) Souto. Siblings Frank, Manuel and Magdalene
proceeded her and Carlos followed. Her parents also raised
her cousin Jack who simply became another brother in the
family. Her mother was from Alabama, but her father came
to the United States from La Corona, Spain when he was
nine years of age. Arriving in New Orleans, Louisiana, where
her father was to meet up with his father, he received the
news that his father had died. He learned the shoemaking
trade to support himself.
Gwendolyn began her education in the local public school.
When her parents decided to move the girls to the Catholic
school, testing put both herself and her older sister into the
same grade. They spent grades 5-8 at St. Matthew’s where
they were taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph.
After their graduation from Bishop Toolen High School,
her sister Magdalene (Sister Manuela) entered the Sisters
of St. Joseph. Gwendolyn recalled that her sister’s last words
to her as the train pulled out were, “I’m praying you in.” She
replied, “Not me.” Two years later, she told her parents that
she wanted to be a Sister of St. Joseph.
So my dad wasn’t happy [about entering]. If he was under
the house fixing a water pipe, I was there with him. If he
was up on the roof, putting on roofing, I was with him. He
told me, ‘Think about it for six months and if you still want
to go then I’m okay with it.’ So I worked for an insurance
company for six months. I went back to him and said that I
really wanted to go. So he said, ‘Okay, but I won’t be happy.’
[Five years later] “Manuela and I both went home at the
same time. Well you couldn’t have seen a prouder man
walking down the street with his two girls... just swinging
his arms and telling everybody, ‘These are my daughters.’
He was very thrilled.”

S. Anne entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, September 15,
1947, and received the habit and the name, Sister Anne
Carlos, March 19, 1948. S. Anne was after her favorite
sister-in-law and Carlos was for her favorite uncle. S.
Anne received a degree in education from Fontbonne
College (1956) and a master’s in special education from the
University of South Alabama (1975).
In 1950, S. Anne began ten years of teaching in Missouri,
first at St. Cecilia and then St. Margaret of Scotland in
St. Louis. Next, she taught at St. Joseph Girls Home and
Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Kansas City. The year 1960
brought her to St. Joseph Grade School, Marietta, Georgia.
In 1967 she returned to Kansas City as Principal at Our
Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School.
Beginning in 1973, S. Anne spent 28 years serving in various
capacities in the south. She was principal at Little Flower in
Mobile; taught at the Village of St. Joseph, Atlanta (1977);
substituted as supervisor at Marian Manor in Atlanta; was
a maintenance assistant for the Knights of Columbus in
Atlanta; and an instructional aide at the DeKalb County
Mental Retardation Service Center.
In about 1960, S. Anne had found out that she had diabetes.
By 1997 the disease interfered with her continuing an active
ministry and she retired, spending time in Georgia and then
St. Louis before moving to Nazareth Living Center in 2003.
Talking about her retirement, S. Anne said:
The most fun I’ve had is here at Nazareth. Yes, because I
love to fish. That’s one of my hobbies. Gretchen [Wagner]
has taken me several places. [Once] we caught good-sized
bass and she cleaned them and fried them at her house and
then brought them here for me to eat. They were so good.
S. Helen Oates
Excerpts from S. Anne’s Oral History
April 2015 PNN

Page 25

Carondelet Chronicles
Renovations in Progress
CSJ Ministry Center
Sister Marian Cowan’s art studio in the CSJ Ministry Center is being converted into two
offices for spiritual direction and a conference room. Two additional offices for spiritual
direction will be added on the second floor of the Carriage House as well.

Original Art Studio Space

New
Office
Space

Above and right: Two new offices
on east side of studio.

Page 26

April 2015 PNN

Above: Doorway cut out on
south studio wall leading to
new hallway.

CSJ Reviews
MOVIE REVIEW
Food Chains

Reviewed by S. Clare Bass
The plight of the farm worker is well
documented in the documentary Food
Chains. It highlights the Coalition
of Immokalee Workers (CIW) and
their mission to establish a Fair Food
Program. Their success has been
called “one of the great human rights
success stories of our day.”
The CIW is a coalition of tomato
pickers that began in Immokalee,
Florida. They rallied together in order to get better working
conditions and wages. The Fair Food Program is a unique
partnership of workers, farmers and food retailers that was
generated by and for the workers. Through the program,
major food retailers sign a fair food agreement that is a
legally binding document that says they will follow the fair
food code of conduct. The main stipulations of the code of
conduct include: paying $.01 more per pound of tomatoes,
establishing fair working conditions, and having audits to
remain accountable. Yes, you read that right, just one more
penny per pound of tomatoes gives the workers a decent
living wage.

Another huge change was the workers used to get on a bus
at 5 a.m., then taken to the fields in order to wait three
hours for dew to dry on the tomatoes, while not being paid.
They now can get to the field at a decent hour after the
dew has dried. To date, these major retailers have signed
Fair Food Agreements: Fresh Market (2015), Walmart
(2014), Chipotle Mexican Grill (2012), Trader Joe’s (2012),
Sodexo (2010), Aramark (2010), Compass Group (2009),
Bon Appetit Management Company (2009), Subway
(2008), Whole Foods Market (2008), Burger King (2008),
McDonald’s (2007), Yum Brands (2005).
These retailers have not signed the agreement and public
pressure is currently being put on them too: Publix,
Kroger, Safeway and Wendy’s. Visit foodchainsfilm.com
for more information on the movie. You can also visit
fairfoodprogram.org for more information on the Fair Food
Program. The movie was shown as a fundraiser for this
ongoing Fair Food project and for the St. Louis Interfaith
Committee on Latin America (IFLCA).

BOOK REVIEW
What Alice Forgot by Laine Moriarty
Reviewed by Madeleine Reilly, database coordinator

What Alice Forgot is a fun and
thought-provoking read. Alice
has a head injury and blacks out.
Returning to consciousness, she has
forgotten the last ten years of her life.
Alice believes she is still 29, expecting
her first child and happily in love. The
story deals with how she handles that
she's actually 39, has three children,
and is in the middle of a bitter
divorce. As she learns more about her
current life, Alice isn't sure she likes who she's become.

While there are occasional sad moments and family issues
such as infertility, therapy, and divorce, I found it humorous
and uplifting. It caused me to ponder on my life. If I lost ten
years of memory, what would I think of myself now? Am I
the person I thought I would be?
This novel reminds us that time is precious and that it is
never too late to change who we are for who we want to be.
It turns out that forgetting might be the most memorable
thing that has ever happened to Alice. What Alice Forgot
could be one of the most memorable books you will read.

April 2015 PNN

Page 27

LEADERSHIP Calendar
April
14-18
16
17-19
17
18
18
20-21
22
24
25
27
28
30
30
May
2
3
5
9
11-12
13
15-17

Spiritual Directors International Conference (LS)
LePuy Associate Group (RS)
Tabitha Committee Mtg. (MF)
Mission Integration Committee (MML)
Fontbonne Board Mtg. (MML)
Marian Middle School Gala (ML)
Leadership Team Mtgs. (All)
Assembly 2015 Planning (All)
Generosity of Joseph Gala (All)
Sponsorship Task Force (MML, RS)
Board Mtg., St. Joseph’s Academy (RS)
Spring Party at Nazareth (All)
Fontbonne Associate Group Mtg. (RS)
NLC Joint Ministry Committee (LS)

22
27-29
29-6/6

60th Jubilee Celebration (MML, ML, RS, LS)
Grandma’s Grace, The Village at Nazareth (MML)
Facilitation of Franciscan Leadership (ML)
Government Committee Mtg. (ML, LS)
Investors Mtg. (All)
STA Board Mtg., KC (ML)
“Radical Nature of our Consecrated Life”
Retreat (ML, LS)
Sponsorship Task Force (MML, RS)
Council/Corp Mtgs. (All)
“Radical Nature of our Consecrated Life” Retreat
(MF, RS)
Federation Conference Call (ML)
Facilitators Mtg., St. Paul (All)
Retreat (RS)

June
1
6-7
11
22-23

Associate Task Force (ML, LS)
Associate Leadership Board Retreat & Mtg. (ML, LS)
LCWR Breakfast (ML, RS, LS)
Council/Corporation Mtg. (All)

16
18-19
19-21

July
9
20-21
30
31-8/2

LCWR Breakfast (ML, RS)
Council/Corporation Mtg. (All)
Finance Report, Motherhouse (All)
2015 Assembly, St. Joseph’s Academy (All)

PROVINCE Calendar
April
17-18 Earth Mama Concert & Retreat
24
Generosity of Joseph Gala
25
Missouri Choral Society in Concert
May
2
60th Jubilee Celebration
9
Linger Over Breakfast with Sister Paul
Bernadette Bounk
15-17 “Radical Nature of our Consecrated Life,”
Sisters Retreat
19-21 “Radical Nature of our Consecrated Life,”
Sisters Retreat
June
11
Come Catch the Fire
21
Order of the House
July
12-17 Opening Our Heritage, Envisioning Our Future
Retreat, presented by S. Lisa Lazio
30
Sisters Finance Report
31
Province Assembly, St. Joseph’s Academy
August
1-2 Province Assembly, St. Joseph’s Academy
*All events at Carondelet Motherhouse unless otherwise noted.
For more event listings and details, visit our
Members Only Calendar of Events at csjsl.org.

St. Louis: May 9
Come and See Your Brothers and Sisters
with Paul Bernadette Bounk, CSJ
Join S. Paul Bernadette as she explores mystical thinkers
St. Francis, Mary Oliver and Elizabeth Johnson in making
the acquaintance of our Cosmic Family.
Offering is $16, includes a full breakfast.
RSVP by May 4 to 314-678-0307 or [email protected].

NEXT ISSUE: May/June PNN & Directory Changes
Submission Deadline: May 15 • Publication Date: June 1
For a complete PNN schedule, visit Members Only at www.csjsl.org.
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April 2015 PNN