HOPE Magazine Winter 2014

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This issue's theme is "Technology: Tools for the Mission." Learn how Sisters of Providence use technology to forward their mission of love, mercy and justice.HOPE is a quarterly magazine from the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. The congregation was founded in 1840 by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Learn more at www.SistersofProvidence.org.

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Content

www.SistersofProvidence.org

Did you know?
By Christina Blust, website manager

technology for the mission

The Sisters of Providence website, www.SistersofProvidence.org, is a wealth of information! Here are just a few of its features that you might not know about. • Our blog is always brimming with updates, pictures and stories. Direct link: blog.SistersofProvidence.org • The SP website actually has sixteen parts! We call them sub-sites, and you can get to them easily by clicking the colored boxes on the bottom of every page. Each ministry has a sub-site, and then there are special sub-sites for Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Peace & Justice, and Spirituality & Prayer. • Our news centers offer up-to-the-minute news releases, links to where we’ve been mentioned in the press, a social media directory and more. The main news center is at news.SistersofProvidence.org, and you’ll find links there to each ministry’s news center as well. • The Prayer section offers some prayers for your personal use. It’s a great resource for you and your family. There’s also a prayer request form. If you’d like to submit your prayer request to the Sisters of Providence, go to prayers.SistersofProvidence.org. • You can sign up on our site for e-newsletters (emailed highlights sent regularly, such as Providence Partners and EChOes Online) and for new post notifications (emails sent whenever new content is added to a certain area, such as the blog, Sister Denise’s reflections, obituaries and more). To start receiving any of these, head to signup.SistersofProvidence.org. You can choose any combination that you’re interested in, and you can unsubscribe at any time. • Our website is designed responsively, which means you can view it well on any size screen. You can stop by the site on your computer, your tablet or your phone and still access any information you may need.

HOPE
within Cover section
Technology timeline
SP tools for the mission

Volume 9 • No. 2 winter 2014
Executive Editor: Sister Suzanne Dailey Editors: Sister Ann Casper and Diane Weidenbenner Publication Manager/Designer: Amy Miranda Cover Designer: Pam Lynch Editorial Board: Paul Beel, Rosie Blankenship, Christina Blust, Sister Cathy Campbell, Cheryl Casselman, Sister Jan Craven, Ariane Detamore, Connie Gualano, Sue Heck, Bill Hughes, Sandy Scroggins, Sister Lisa Stallings Contact Information: Mission Advancement, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876 For change of address: [email protected] or 812-535-2804 Website: www.SistersofProvidence.org Children’s website: www.WoodsUp.com Printed on recycled paper



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Spirituality & technology
God’s creative presence
Page 4

Life-changing inventions
Sisters of different eras share

Opening worlds
Technology in SP classrooms

Community via Skype
Sisters pray from a distance
Page 10

Technology walk-through
SP convent full of old and new

News and more
Newsnotes 19 Obituaries 20 Alumnae news
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Join our online community

The Mission Advancement office dedicates this issue to the memory of former editorial board members who died in 2013. We thank God for the wisdom, insights and writing skills of Dave Cox, Becky Igo, Sister Jeanne Knoerle and Sister Bernice Kuper.

The Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin
For information about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, contact Sister Jan Craven, director of shrines and tours, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-ofthe-Woods, IN 47876-1007 or 812-535-2925 or [email protected].

Mission Statement:
The purpose of HOPE is to extend the energy and power of Providence to our friends by sharing information about the mission, spirituality and ministries of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

On the cover: This issue of HOPE explores Sisters of Providence use of technology as tools for the mission of love, mercy and justice. Learn about how the sisters shown here and others incorporate technology into their lives and ministries.

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March 22, 1892 May 25, 1844 A pharmacy opens at Saint Mary-of-theWoods with the cutting edge remedies, tisanes and herbs of the day. April 1, 1855 Mother Theodore gets her picture taken in the form of a daguerreotype. Coal is discovered at the Woods. By 1894, the sisters are operating Saint Mary’s Coal Mine, allowing the Congregation to provide its own fuel for the boilers.

November 1912 The first automobile at the Woods replaces the “carriage.”

Dec. 25, 1921 A paved road from Terre Haute to Saint Mary’s opens to traffic.

Oct. 8, 1854 Railroad cars pass through Saint Maryof-the-Woods for the first time, inaugurating a new era of travel for the Community.

Sept. 22, 1882 A brand new telephone is installed in the business office. Sister Mary Bernard Buchanan is the first sister to use it.

Sept. 8, 1890 Electric lights are installed by the Edison Company at Saint Mary’s resulting in the “Grand Illumination” of Providence Convent.

1898 The first printing establishment at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods is begun by Sister Basilissa Heiner.

1907 A mangle is purchased for the laundry building. This big machine helps wring and press large items like sheets and blankets.

1926 A radio is placed in the community room. Sisters can take vicarious part in events such as the International Eucharistic Congress held in Chicago.

Cover section

Technology: tools for the mission
Technology and convent life may not seem to go together. Yet since their founding by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her companions in 1840, the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods have utilized tools of the day to advance their mission. Perhaps not always on the cutting edge, the sisters use technology in each era to help bring God’s love, mercy and justice into the lives of others. This timeline shows some highlights of the sisters use of innovation. By Christina Blust

Technology Timeline
1984 October 1997 The Sisters of Providence computer network first accesses the Internet, and the first Sisters of Providence website is launched. It is one page, with only a photo of the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the email address of the Vocations Director. By the mid 1980s the development department is using computers to help with day-today operations. 1990 Sisters of Providence staff begin using the first SP computer network. Self-contained, it originally links 10 users in the Office of Development, but it grows rapidly.
www.SistersofProvidence.org

June 29, 1948 A new Executone communication system is installed connecting the Conservatory with the Infirmary. Mother Mary Bernard, who is ill in her Infirmary bed, is able to address the full assembly of Sisters.

1941 An expansion of the Infirmary adds a dental office and physical therapy room. May 9, 1952 A Public Address (PA) system is installed for the Church, crypt and infirmary.

1960 The Owens Hall chapel and auditorium get air conditioning.

Nov. 14, 2008 The Congregation joins Facebook, starting its journey in social media. Now the Sisters can be found on Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, Pinterest and YouTube as well.

September 2012 The Mission Advancement office launches a new responsively designed website that can be viewed on any size screen including smart-phones and tablets.

Find a more detailed timeline on our website at HOPE.SistersofProvidence.org
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Do

spirituality and
By Cathy Campbell, SP

into meaning…. The word denotes human experiences of loss/gain … abandonment/care, disorder/order, … and allows the blending of one motion into another in creating the whole of life.” As we process the abundance of information that flows into our lives each day, sometimes right through the iPhones in our hand, our roots in Providence spirituality provide us a lens for slowing down and valuing relationships. This can enable us to discern “what it all means” as we respond to life’s unfolding. As residents in a digital universe who embrace Providence, we have a unique call to witness to God’s creative, redeeming presence amid varied artificial intelligences. As persons of hope we hold what it means to be human in creative tension with technological ad-

vancements that serve and challenge us daily. We can work to assure that all citizens of Earth have access to technologies essential for them to thrive. We can strive to counter technologies that might dehumanize. God offers us the wonders of technology as both gift and challenge. Will we use technology to evolve gracefully as a species? Or will we, as the futurist predicted, allow its potentialities to deceive us into believing that we can be God? The choice is ours. About the author: Sister Cathy Campbell, an educator and consultant for more than 40 years, enjoys delving into the links between Providence spirituality and evolving dynamics in the world around her. She holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spirituality from Catholic Theological Union/Chicago.

technology connect?
who generate 65 million new ‘tweets’ each day and the Internet features 200 million+ blogs.” Finding meaning in such a world can be a significant task. It is in the work of doing this task that I perceive technology and spirituality intersect, especially for one rooted in Providence. Sister Barbara Doherty, in the New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality, writes: “Providence is that name of God which brings the motions of human existence

Google the topics “spirituality and technology.” 54,700,000 hits will pop up on your screen in less than half a minute. Pick up the Sept.-Oct. 2013 issue of The Saturday Evening Post. The lead article reports on a futurist/scientist’s vision that by 2045 humanity likely will achieve digital immortality. Catch the evening NBC World News report on breakthroughs teachers are making in reaching autistic children through computer programs that increase their ability to concentrate. Now consider that on Oct. 3, Sisters of Providence from Boston to Taiwan all shared in Mass for the Feast of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin via Livestream from the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. That experience stirred one sister on mission far from Saint Mary’s to email joyously: “Today, the Reunion Prayer took on new meaning.” Feel the wonder, mixed with concern. Technology has many faces. It affects the human spirit in a variety of ways. We live in a world and a universe that is interconnected in amazing ways. Sisters of Providence educate in classrooms where children can take virtual tours of the places about which they are studying. They interact with lessons drawn on smart boards. SPs serve in parishes where adult faith formation is influenced as much by blogs on the Internet as it is by materials distributed at a study session. We minister in health-care environments where consultation with doctors and specialists at a distance can occur instantaneously. Communications from cyberspace saturate us and our world daily. Carrying wireless phones addicts millions to the notion that humans have to be connected 24/7. In The Church and New Media (Our Sunday Visitor,18), Brandon Vogt reports that YouTube “receives two billion views per day. Twitter has 190 million users [including Pope Francis]
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SistersofProvidence.org
By Amy Miranda

Seek prayer @
Could you really use some prayers right now? Help is just a click away. The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-theWoods have been offering prayer support via their website at www.SistersofProvidence.org for more than a decade. Currently Sister Nancy Nolan (formerly Sister Jean Paula) is the sister on the other end of the computer. She responds to prayer requests sent via the SP website or Facebook page. As a former general superior, teacher and school administrator, she is well-connected to SP friends. She has responded to 945 website requests in the last year and a half. That’s an average of two or three prayer requests a day. Sister Nancy receives prayer requests for people who are ill or are having surgery. Requests regarding family conflict or a loved one’s death. Requests from people who have lost a job or are struggling. She replies to each personally. She then takes the intentions and hand writes them in the memorial books at the shrines of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin or Our Lady of Providence. Sisters pray daily for these intentions. From the responses she gets, Sister Nancy thinks the prayers mean a lot to people. Sister Nancy Nolan “I think people trust the sisters. They trust in their prayer and in the lives they lead and the mission they are trying to carry out, and they feel that they have some power with God. That’s not to say they don’t have it themselves, but they are not alone in whatever they’re coping with,” Sister Nancy said. As for technology, Sister Nancy says “I’m not really proficient in it, but certainly I can handle it. And I think it’s wonderful — as long as it works.” Her favorite part of the ministry is contact with people. “When you talk about technology, you don’t really think of personal contact. But it is. I find that rewarding,” she said.

Wisdom Prayer
Spirit of love and connectivity, originator of emerging technologies, and ever evolving intelligences, you give me both a gift and challenge. Help me choose wisely amid the endless tweets and plethora of knowledge that daily saturate my consciousness. Immerse me in the power of your Providence. Let it always be the well of wisdom from which I can draw meaning to make sense of the madness of my life. That’s enough for me.

by Sister Cathy Campbell, SP

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Sister Marceline Mattingly Cover section: Tools for the mission
“Of all of the inventions, I thank God every day for air conditioning. I am an active person and I am always hot!” 97-year-old Sister Marceline said. She remembers as a child chasing the ice delivery wagon. “I think I remember that so well because I like being cool.”

Life-changing
By Rosie Blankenship Photos by Paul Beel

technology
The Sisters of Providence as a group have witnessed a lot of technological growth over the years. Sister Rosalie Marie Weller, the oldest SP, was born in 1911— the year before traffic lights were invented. Sister Arrianne Whitaker, the youngest SP, appeared in this world the same year disposable contact lenses became available — 1987. With this wealth and range of experience, we decided to ask a few sisters what was the most important piece of technology they have experienced so far in their lifetimes.

Sister Dina Bato Sister Ann Kevin O’Connor
At 88 and with a degenerative eye problem, Sister Ann Kevin cites the Kindle as her favorite technology. “I am having so much trouble reading, this is my lifeline,” she said. “I can read this book. I can get email. I can review books and get free books. And, of course, I can get games. … The print is dark and large. I can’t read other documents, but I can read this — and I read it joyfully! I am lost without it.” It makes sense that Sister Dina Bato, 36, would give “the Internet” as her answer, since GenX – her generation – is credited with inventing it. “In addition to helping you stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues all over the world, it broadens your ability to learn a wide variety of things, given the wide array of resources at your disposal,” she said.

Sister Denise Wilkinson, general superior
Kicking off the Boomer generation at age 68, Sister Denise Wilkinson’s response declares an end to an invention from her childhood: correction fluid. “I’d have to say it is Microsoft Word software,” she said. “I am a terrible typist and the software saves my sanity — no more Wite-Out™!”

Sister Su-Hsin Huang
Sister Su-Hsin, age 48, values relationships. (She is shown at left with Sister Rosalie Marie Weller, age 102) A native of Taiwan, Sister Su-Hsin is glad computer technology exists to help her stay in touch with loved ones. “It really helps me to connect with my family,” she said. “I have used Skype to talk to my family in Taiwan since I entered the community in 2004. I talk to my friends in Japan, Malaysia, Italy, Ireland, Korea and Taiwan using Skype and Facebook.”
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Cover section: Technology

Deliver will drive home the point better,” she said. Sister Terri Boland administers the Pre-K to Sixth Grade program at Aquin School in Freeport, Ill. All students in grades 4 to 12 are required to bring their own electronic devices. In the elementary grades that means students are to have an Android or iPad tablet to use. In the high school, students may have tablets, laptops, iPods or Smartphones. Rentals and classroom banks are available to provide devices to those who do not have their own. At the elementary level, technology aids the teacher through access of the Internet and smartboards in her/ his presentations. Teachers also use programs to offer extra help to students. High school teachers use electronic assignments for blogs, web quests, e-books, and personal websites where they post folders where students deposit homework electronically. Programs such as Teacherease, accessible to teachers, students, and parents, increase communication between classroom and home. An environmentalist, Sister Terri firmly believes now is the time for ecology and technology to walk handin-hand in every school to help youth learn about the natural world. For example, she used YouTube postings to prepare students for planting their own outdoor gardens and working on a compost project. At the Woods Day Care/Preschool at Saint Mary-ofthe-Woods, Ind., director Sister Judy Cervizzi, enjoys watching early childhood educator, Jodie Oliver Evo, engage 5-year-olds with varied technologies. “The children grow with technology through Internet resources that allow them to take virtual tours when they are studying a faraway place like Washington, D.C., and to see the endangered Indri species in its native Madagascar,” Jodie said. Using computers, the children also develop stronger eye-hand coordination and increase fine motor skills. They learn to identify numbers, simple words and how to follow instructions and methods for scoring. “Technology not only opens a door to learning, but

Opening minds to greater worlds
Story and photos by Sister Cathy Campbell From assisting 5-year-olds to sharpen eye-hand coordination to administering a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) school to creating curriculum for a new doctoral program, Sister of Providence educators and their colleagues are integrating into their ministries newer technologies as they evolve. Historically, Sisters of Providence have been known for excellence as cutting edge educators. Today, that tradition continues with contributions to the digital age of teaching and learning. Saint Mary-of-theWoods College, founded by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, recently celebrated 40 years in distance education, offering online 22 undergraduate majors and Master of Arts programs in Art Therapy, Music Therapy and Leadership Development. At Marian University, Indianapolis, Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp, associate professor of leadership, draws on her experience as a secondary school teacher, administrator and technology enthusiast as she creates a curriculum for a new doctoral level leadership program. “The evolution and availability of technology have enabled me to be a life-long teacher and learner. No longer are we geographically confined by our access to materials or to others who may be studying similar concepts. The world is now our classroom in a very real sense,” she said. Sister Jeanne notes that she has used all the basics – computers, LCD projects, academic course manage-

Opposite page: Four-year-old Ethan Christian plays a game on the computer at Woods Day Care/Pre-school. Clockwise from bottom left: Sister Jeanne Hagelskamp in her ministry at Marian University; Sister Terri Boland helps students plant raised-bed gardens at Aquin School; Teacher Jodie Oliver Evo assists Brock Thralls on the computer at Woods Day Care/Pre-school.

in the mind of a child . . . a window to the world,” Jodie said. About the author: Sister Cathy Campbell has evolved her use of technology in education and ministry from the days of pencils and pads in 1960 to hosting meetings via Skype just a few months ago. She now is exploring emerging uses of technology and social media for evangelization and the endless possibilities that her iPhone offers her.

SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS COLLEGE

ment systems, video-conferencing, and many more technologies. She also enjoys dabbling in newer ones as they emerge. “One of my favorites is virtual library, a tool that enables us to access soooo many different libraries. In preparing students to write dissertations, no longer do we have to carry around 400-page documents to show them how to do research. Now they can access them through our huge shared library system,” she said. Technology also provides students direct auditory and visual glimpses of concepts. “I could talk ad nauseam about leadership styles, but a few clips from Stand and

ASPIRE HIGHER
Earn Your Degree Through Woods Online

www.smwc.edu/online

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Cover section: Tools for the mission

Community prayer via

Skype



SPs staying
By Cheryl Casselman

social

SP General Officer Sister Lisa Stallings uses her smart phone for many tasks, including staying on top of current events.

After Sister Regina Gallo went skydiving, she posted exciting pictures on Facebook. While waiting for an early morning flight at the Indianapolis airport, Sister Lisa Stallings found out through Twitter about Pope Benedict’s resignation. Sister Barbara Battista shares about community life and justice issues on her Facebook page. Sister Rosalie Marie Weller welcomed her 101st birthday with red fingernails in 2012. One party photo on Facebook was so popular it received 363 likes, 52 comments (“Good for her!, I think the nails say it all!, God bless her and her red fingernails!”), and 25 shares. Sister Jenny Howard’s blog post on Oct. 7 about the blessing for Sister Arrianne Whittaker as she transitioned into her mission novice year received many encouraging comments. Updating statuses, pinning to boards, checking in and hashtags might be Greek to some, but the Sisters of Providence have had a presence in social media since 2008. By Sister Ann Casper No bell summons to prayer and no chapel awaits. Sisters Brigid Ann and Eileen Bonner are in Louisville and Sister Mary Morley (formerly Sister David Mary) is in Cincinnati. The time to pray is marked on the computer monitor. They gather “face to face” by way of Skype. You’ll find them there weekdays at 4 p.m. and weekends at 10 a.m. “We begin by sharing with each other about our day and what is going on in our lives. This is a time of spiritual and social renewal for us,” commented Sister Mary. Sister Eileen explains, “Our prayer includes the necrology (a listing of sisters and Providence Associates who died on that date) and then we pray for all the Sisters of Providence, our associates, benefactors, and all who have asked for our prayers.
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photo by Christina Blust

The Sisters of Providence have tried to keep up with online technology trends as a way to connect with people and generate awareness about the mission. Through Twitter, Pinterest, Flickr, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube accounts, a Facebook page and a blog, the sisters continue to share photos and information with their social media followers. It’s an easy way for people to share prayer requests, ask about a former teacher, share an inspiring story, share photos from and stories about their visits to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and hopefully get inspiration from Saint Mother Theodore Guerin quotes and updates on current ministries, events and activities. Where else can you have real-time worldwide conversations? If you haven’t followed us yet, we hope you will today! We look forward to what’s ahead with this amazing technology.

From left, Sisters Eileen and Brigid Ann Bonner in Louisville join Sister Mary Morley in Cincinnati, inset, for daily prayer via Skype.

We say Morning or Evening Prayer together from the Liturgy of the Hours, ending with the SP Reunion and the SP Litany of Non-Violence.” Sister Mary’s recently deceased sister, Judy Barrett, sent her old Skype camera to Sister Mary. That was five years ago. It’s been going strong every day since. The trio also uses Skype to discuss Congregation materials. “It’s rare that we miss a day,” adds Sister Brigid. “If we have a schedule conflict, we simply change the time of our prayer. This has been a wonderful way to build community among us, enabling us to be supportive and accountable to one another. It is a time that we look forward to each day.”
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A walk
convent
By Christina Blust The Sisters of Providence buildings are a technological hodgepodge. New computers sit next to typewriters, old table-based sewing machines next to electronic ones, and giant dictionaries next to compact discs. It is certainly a study in contrasts, where decades of technology sit comfortably side by side. 01 - The Providence Hall resource center still utilizes its carefully sorted card catalog. 02 – Amanda Maher uses the PA system in Providence Hall.

Cover section: Technology

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09 – This fancy new sewing machine was donated to the SP sewing room. The sisters are impressed by all the buttons and stitch variety. 10&11 – Two of the many old sewing machines still in use at the convent. About the author: Christina Blust is a designer, musician, reader and curious person. As a 2006-07 volunteer at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, she lived in Owens Hall and learned the unique joys of exploring the convent. Now employed as the digital media and website manager for the Sisters of Providence, she gets to delve daily into the historical (and often humorous) wonders of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

03 – A small library nook has full bookshelves of VHS tapes. 04 – These old gauges are deep in the tunnels of Owens Hall, a whole slew of decades-old technology is still in use. 05 – This typewriter is also in the computer room, for sisters wanting to type something up the old-fashioned way. 06 – Sister Noralee Keefe works on a Word document in her office. 07 – Sister Kay Kelly gets around well in her motorized wheelchair. 08 – This box controls the chimes in the tower of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Whereas the bells used to be rung by hand, now the chimes ring electronically.

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Tried and true farming techniques benefit Earth
Story and photos by Cheryl Casselman The best technology for the job isn’t always something from The Jetsons. Sometimes Little House on the Prairie methods still work best. White Violet Center for EcoJustice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, uses technology to grow vegetables, fruit and flowers offered in a Community Supported Agriculture program and for the Sisters of Providence kitchens at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. These efforts prevent the need to have the produce trucked as much as 2,500 miles and provides safe, organically grown vegetables, herbs and fruit for the sisters and to those in the surrounding community.

time when planting in the field. “Because you’re not trying to wriggle plants out of trays and pots,” she explained.

Soil blockers
Earlier in the growing season, handheld soil blocker tools are used while planting in the greenhouse. Potting mix is compacted into the soil blockers to create cubes of soil. The filled soil block maker is set into

High tunnels
Rather than a greenhouse, which utilizes a heating element, high tunnels are heated by the sun. This is called passive solar. White Violet Center has two high tunnels. Candace said it’s 5 to 8 degrees warmer inside the high tunnel on a cold day. But if it’s a sunny day there could be a 10 to 20 degrees difference. Crops are grown directly in the ground beneath the high tunnel that is made out of a layer of thick plastic. Row covers placed on the plants act like a blanket that

Soil blocker tools, at bottom left, are used to compact soil into cubes, upper left, for planting seedlings.

roughly adds about three more degrees of warmth. “This allows us to grow all winter long,” Candace said. “In the dead of winter we’re growing things like spinach, beats, kale, turnips, carrots and bok choy.” So, as you can see, some of the technology used at White Violet Center has been working well for gardeners for many years. Using the appropriate technology for the job doesn’t always mean big, shiny and expensive. It can also be simple and smart. About the author: Cheryl Casselman is marketing manager for White Violet Center. In the past 16 years she’s enjoyed learning and writing about organic gardening, alpaca ownership, ecological spirituality and more.

Saving water
The staff, interns and volunteers are excited about the new water station they will begin using this summer. Already in the garden, a used restaurant sink connected to a tank allows the water used to wash vegetables to be reused when watering the plants. “So the sink looks like any other sink, but the piping underneath goes over to a holding tank that has a sump pump in it,” explained Candace Minster, garden manager. “When we need to water we turn on the pump. It’s kind of like a rain barrel.” Candace said it’s especially nice for vegetables like turnips, carrots, and beets that are pulled from the ground and very dirty. They will be cleaned first at the wash station in the garden and then go through a more refined wash back at the center.
White Violet Center for Eco-Justice Garden Manager Candace Minster works in the high tunnel. The use of solar heat in the high tunnel allows carrots, greens and more to be grown all winter long.

a tray before squeezing and releasing the cubes. There are small depressions in the tops of the soil blocks for seeds. About 90 percent of the vegetables and flowers grown at White Violet Center are planted with soil blockers. “You end up getting a stronger root system,” Candace said. “And you don’t have the same transplant shock when moving them to the garden in the spring.” She said using the soil blockers also saves a little

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Newsnotes

Virtual circles offer real relationship
By Diane Weidenbenner Providence Associates (PA) are people of all faith traditions who wish to have a closer relationship with the Sisters of Providence. Today 193 Associates are in the United States and Taiwan. Providence Associate Monica Hayden coordinates one of the virtual circles which meets monthly. She says that their circle’s purpose is “to further the mission and vision of the Congregation by living the SP principles on a daily basis, sharing with one another and providing support for one another.”

When interested candidates are accepted, they are Initially, the group spent time sharing how each bepaired with a sister or an associate. They meet with came a Providence Asthis companion over the sociate. Some common span of a year to read and threads among stories discuss ideas related to the were: acceptance, the Congregation’s foundress, intelligence of the SPs Saint Mother Theodore and how incredible they Guerin, its life and misare, their mission and sion and its expressions of charism, their focus on We welcome you to partner with us in love, mercy and justice in social justice, prayer our mission of love, mercy and justice. various ministries. and liturgy. The group now has 17 members The next open enrollment runs March 1, Recently “Providence and continues to grow. 2014 to June 30, 2014. Circles” were formed based on geographic area. Contact Sister Diane Mason, director of Sister Diane explained Twelve are now operating Providence Associates, at 708-364-7917 or how the Providence across the U.S. Because [email protected] Circles got started alnot all Associates live near most two years ago. or to each other, two “virtual” Providence Circles “The circles were ofDebbie Dillow, PA, assistant director of were also established. fered at the request of Providence Associates at 317-994-6821 or These groups meet via associates, who over the [email protected] conference call. Any asyears expressed a strong sociate, candidate-associate desire to continue the or sister is welcome to richness they felt they attend any of the circles. received during their first year of formation. They found meeting with Whether “real” or “virtual” the benefits of the their companion and sharing the various Spiritual Providence Circles seem the same, said director Integration Units very enriching, and once that year Sister Diane Mason. “One of the greatest benefits was finished they felt a letdown. Providence Circles of the Providence Circles is deepening the relawere the answer to their desire to seek ways to tionship among the associates and the sisters. The deepen their own spiritual lives and their relationship ripple effect of these relationships will help further with Sisters of Providence.” the mission of the Sisters of Providence,” she said. PA Judy Coulup-Hund advises those considering the Another benefit is offering a time for associates to Providence Associate relationship, “Do it and do it share their joy and happiness with one another. “It now. The SPs are so caring and their spirituality is is a time for them to find a safe place where they so transparent that it rubs off on anyone near them. can express their personal concerns, their struggles Their sense of the world, peace and justice is so and truly a time to learn to pray in a way they alive and needs to be shared continually and more never thought was possible,” Sister Diane said. globally.” 

Providence Associate?

Interested in becoming a

New Providence Associates!
In 2013, 22 new Providence Associates committed to collaborate with the Sisters of Providence in the mission of love, mercy and justice. Providence Associates who made first commitments Nov. 9 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods were from front left: Michelle Davis, Sheila Galvin, Dottie L. King, Joan Townsend, Felisa Javier-Holt, Bettie Thorne, Jennifer Odle and Lee Crislip. Second row from left: Karen Sagraves, Mary Pat Dailey-Cross, Pat Bowen, Maria Wang Fan Li-Chih, Jude Majors with Sister Diane Mason (director of Providence Associates.) Third row from left: April Bradley, Judy Coulup-Hund, Kaitlyn Willy with Debbie Dillow (assistant director of Providence Associates.) Fourth row: Sister Dawn Tomaszewski (Sisters of Providence general officer) and Paula Thompson. Additionally, 28 new Candidate-Associates began in October to begin preparing and discerning toward commitment in 2014.

Baby alpaca fun
How cute are these Sisters of Providence alpaca crias? We haven’t had any alpaca babies in a couple of years as the center works towards selling many of them. However, when a family requested to buy some, White Violet Farm Alpacas was back into breeding in 2013. It was fun having the little ones around last year! They moved to their new home in December. For more information on alpaca sales, go to www.WhiteVioletAlpacas.com or contact Tracy Wilson at 812-535-2934 or [email protected].

Sister Jody O’Neil’s art on display
Sister Jody O’Neil, an artist-inresidence at Saint Mary-of-theWoods, Ind., is one of a group of juried artists whose individual piece of art was selected to be part of a large mosaic of Hoosier visual art that now adorns the south wall of the Clowes Memorial Hall main lobby at Butler University in Indianapolis. The large mosaic is part of Clowes Memorial Hall’s 50th anniversary celebration and will be on display throughout the 2013-2014 season. Sister Jody’s work, a four-foot by four-foot white-on-white textured piece, is in the center of the third row from the bottom. With the artist’s permission, each piece is priced for sale even though the exhibit will stay intact during the anniversary year. More information is available at Sister Jody’s website, www.creationsights.org.

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Obituaries

“I sleep, but my heart watches … ” — Song of Songs
Find full commentaries at HOPE.SistersofProvidence.org

I


Sister Bernice Kuper
(formerly Sister Ann Bernice)





Aug. 22, 1922 – Nov. 26, 2013

Sister Mary Margaret Quinn
(formerly Sister Charles Agnes)





n memory
Sister Frances Joan Baker
(formerly Sister Constance Mary)

“One of Bernice’s mantras was ‘freedom with responsibility.’”

May 27, 1935 – Nov. 29, 2013 “Her personality melded with their culture—their music and their spirituality became her own.” Sister Mary Margaret entered the Congregation in 1953 from Indianapolis, Ind. For 17 years she taught music at schools in Illinois, Indiana and Texas. She then served as parish assistant to the African-American community at Holy Angels Parish in Indianapolis for 36 years. Sister Mary dearly loved the people and the community there. She lived a passion for the poor, a passion for justice issues, and a passion for the needs of children. She retired to Saint Mary-ofthe-Woods in 2006 where she served six years as a receptionist for Woods Day Care/Preschool.

Sister Catherine Livers
(formerly Sister Agatha)

May 23, 1921 – Oct. 20, 2013 “She made you believe in yourself even when you did not. She was kindness without bounds.” Sister Catherine entered the Sisters of Providence in 1937 at age 16 from Loogootee, Ind. She ministered for nearly 30 years in elementary education in Indiana, Illinois, Maryland and North Carolina. She then went on to touch the lives of many as a pastoral associate, chaplain, consultant, vicar for religious, retreat director and spiritual director in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and New York. She was well known for her wonderful truffles and baked goods which she prepared and shared so generously.



Feb. 23, 1916 – Oct. 26, 2013 “I have loved everything about being a Sister of Providence. I have had a wonderful life!” Sister Frances Joan entered the Congregation in 1932 from Washington, Ind. She taught elementary education for 52 years in Massachusetts, Indiana, Illinois and North Carolina. After returning to Saint Maryof-the-Woods at age 70, she volunteered at Woods Day Care/Pre-School, visited sisters in healthcare, visited prisoners at the federal prison in Terre Haute, worked in SP phone rooms, tutored children, monitored bluebird houses, grew African Violets, created crafts and prepared children for first communion.

Sister Bernice entered the Sisters of Providence in 1940 from Jasper, Ind. She taught at schools in Illinois, Indiana and Oregon. She made a profound impact on the Congregation as director of postulants and then novices in the 1960s during the Second Vatican Council changes. From there Sister Bernice served as a high school guidance counselor before being elected a provincial counselor for the Congregation. She then spent 13 years as pastoral associate at St. John Parish in Newburgh, Ind., before returning to formation ministry with the Sisters of Providence. She remained in this ministry for 18 years. She served as a spiritual director up until the time of her death.

Sister Mary Eymard Campeggio
May 21, 1912 – Nov. 19, 2013 “When Notre Dame played, Sister Mary Eymard’s voice carried down the hall as she cheered them on.” Sister Mary Eymard entered the Congregation in 1931 from Chicago, Ill. In her 82 years as a Sister of Providence, she served at sacristan, housekeeper, cook, dietitian, Food Service Director, receptionist, and in community service in Indiana, Illinois, California, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. She spent 32 years ministering at Providence Retirement Home in New Albany, Ind.

Sister Eleanor Pierce
(formerly Sister Reparata Marie)



Aug. 29, 1923 – Nov. 23, 2013 “Some words that describe Sister Eleanor are prayerful, loyal, fun-loving, excellent teacher and administrator, a good friend and generous.” Sister Eleanor entered the Sisters of Providence in 1942 from Chelsea, Mass. Her 71 years as a Sister of Providence were marked by her devotion to the Eucharist and to Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. She ministered as a teacher, principal and finally in volunteer service at schools in Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire and Washington, D.C. She returned to Saint Mary-of-theWoods in 2009.

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Alumnae news

Reunion recaps
The Sisters of Providence have many former schools across the country with active alumnae/i associations. These are just a few of the schools who celebrated reunions recently. More photos and more reunions are available on the website at alumni.sistersofprovidence.org. Top right, Marywood High School, Orange, Calif.— Sister Florence Hund, a Sister of St. Joseph, Orange, ’39, and Jean Heying Rusmore, ’38, celebrated their 75th anniversaries of graduation from Marywood High School in Orange, Calif. This was the first reunion for Marywood in three years. Alumnae are tentatively planning the next reunion in 2015. Middle right, Immaculata and Dunblane, Washington, D.C. — Lynette Seraile Conrad ‘82, Jana Koeppl Ritter ‘83 and Alanna Wilkinson Dennis ‘83, at the 2013 Immaculata All-Schools Reunion. Celebrated each October, the Immaculata reunion welcomes all alumnae of the former SP schools of Immaculata Junior College, Immaculata High School and Dunblane School. Bottom right, St. Rose Academy, Vincennes, Ind. — Sister Gloria Memering (at left) celebrates the annual St. Rose Reunion in September with her sisters: Mary Memering Hatcher ’63 (center) and Kathleen Memering Brown ’59.

Upcoming events
January
14 Taizé Prayer, 7-8 p.m. (EST), Church of the Immaculate Conception, SMW 23 Winter Night of Prayer, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (EST), all faith traditions invited for an evening of prayer in candlelight, Church of the Immaculate Conception, SMW 24-26 Fiber Frolic (beginning spinning, weaving and water felting), White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, SMW, $300

Calendar

Learn more:
For Providence Associates events, contact:
Sister Diane Mason, director, at 708-3647917 or dmason @spsmw.org

February
1 Alpaca 101 workshop, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (EST), at White Violet Farm Alpacas, SMW,
$85/ person or $110 for two from same farm or family 5 Personal Day of Prayer, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (EST), reflect and enjoy a quiet day in God’s presence, Providence Center, $25 (lunch included) 11 Taizé Prayer, 7-8 p.m. (EST), Church of the Immaculate Conception, SMW 21-22 Nun Run in Indianapolis, with a visit to SP residence 22 Spinning 101, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (EST), White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, SMW, $100

For Providence Spirituality and Conference Center events, contact:
Sister Paula Damiano at 812-535-2926 or pdamiano@ spsmw.org.

March
6, 13, 20, 27 Lenten Book Study Series, 6:30-8 p.m. (EST), “What Happened at Vatican II,” by John W. O’Malley, $30 11 Taizé Prayer, 7-8 p.m. (EST), Church of the Immaculate Conception, SMW 13 Youth Art Contest Reception, 6-7:30 p.m. (EST), celebrate art pieces by area youth, O’Shaughnessy Dining Room at Providence Center 13-15 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, visit us at booth #376/378 21 Spring Equinox Celebration, 6:30 p.m. (EST), White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, SMW, free 22 Beginning Weaving, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (EST), White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, SMW, $100 28-30 Beauty and Justice: Nourishing Your Heart’s Commitments, 6 p.m. Friday to noon Sunday, Reilly Auditorium, Owens Hall, SMW, $250 commuter, $350 resident

For special events, contact:
Diane Weidenbenner at 812-535-2802 or dweidenb@ spsmw.org.

Save the date!
Are you an alumna of any of these schools? Save the date for your upcoming reunion. Additional reunion dates will be added to our website as they become available. April 6, 2014 St. Columbkille, Chicago June 1, 2014 St. Agnes Academy, Indianapolis June 27, 2014 Juniorate/Aspirancy, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. Sept. 27, 2014 St. Rose Academy, Vincennes, Ind. Oct. 4, 2014 Marywood, Evanston, Ill. Oct. 26, 2014 Providence High School, Chicago Do you have a reunion or gathering of a former SP school to share? Submit it to Rosie Blankenship, alumnae/i relations manager, at [email protected] or call 812-535-2817.

For New membership events, contact:
Sister Editha Ben, director, at 800-8601840 ext. 2895 or [email protected].

April
5 The Basics of Vegetable Fermentation, 1-3 p.m. (EDT), Clabber Girl Kitchen, Ninth and Wabash, Terre Haute, $45 11-13 Spring Come & See Weekend, SMW, for women considering religious life 11-12 Nun Run in Chicago, with a visit to the SPs at Maternity BVM Convent 12 Come & See, San Bernardino, Calif., for women considering religious life 26 Annual Earth Day Celebration, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (EDT), SMW, free-will donation

For White Violet Center for Eco-Justice events, contact:
Robyn Morton at 812-535-2932 or [email protected].

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Mission Advancement 1 Sisters of Providence Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Moment

Work has begun on the new shrine for Saint Mother Theodore Guerin at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. A blessing
on Nov. 8, 2013, served as a kick-off to the construction, expected to be complete in the fall of 2014. At upper left, Sister Ann Casper, executive director of Mission Advancement and Sister Denise Wilkinson, general superior, hold up plans for the planned shrine as Sister Jan Craven, director of shrines and tours, speaks. The plans show some of the shrine’s areas, including a French room, a ship passage, an Indiana woods room and a chapel.

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