HOPE Vol. 6 No. 2 winter 2011
winter 2011 HOPE
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A magazine dedicated to sharing the mission, spirituality and ministries of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana 2 HOPE // WINTER 2011The Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore GuerinFor information about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, contact Sister BarbaraDoherty, coordinator of the Office of the Shrine of Saint Mother TheodoreGuerin, Providence Hall, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN47876-1007 or 812-535-2925 or bdoherty@spsmw.org.More than a jobMark Ross (left) and Carl Dougherty are just two of the many construction workers who have helped to renovateProvidence Hall. Both men indicated that all the workers felt that this renovation was so much more than a job. Readmore about their experience on page 6. Mark is the Garmong Construction job site supervisor, and Carl is theSycamore Engineering mechanical general foreman. (Photo by Cheryl Casselman)www.SistersofProvidence.org 3HOwithinPEFeaturesCover story 4Our homeConstruction 6Workers proud of their laborThank you 7In their own wordsChapel and spiritualityA place for prayerConstruction progress 23Snapshots of the renovationDepartmentsHer-story 12Sustainable living 13Partners in our mission 14Alumnae/i news 16Newsnotes 18Obituaries 20Upcoming events 22Mission Statement:The purpose of HOPE is to extend the energy and powerof Providence to our friends by sharing information aboutthe mission, spirituality and ministries of the Sisters ofProvidence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.Volume 6 • No. 2winter 2011Executive Editor:Sister Rosemary SchmalzEditors:Sister Ann Casper andDiane WeidenbennerCopy Editor:Sister Cordelia MoranPublicationManager/Designer:Connie McCammonCover Photos:Archives, Connie McCammonCover Designer:Pam LynchEditorial Board:Rosie Blankenship, Christina Blust,Cheryl Casselman, Dave Cox,Sue Heck, Becky Igo,Sister Jeanne Knoerle,Sister Bernice Kuper,Sandy Scroggins, Sister Joan ZlogarContact Information:Office of CongregationalAdvancement,1 Sisters of Providence,Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876For change of address:cdavis@spsmw.org or 812-535-2804Website:www.SistersofProvidence.orgChildren’s website:www.WoodsUp.comPrinted on recycled paperSee us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube!Follow our blogs!Page 14Page 7Page 18On the cover:The cornerstone of Providence Hallwas laid July 26, 1889, during theadministration of Mother MaryEuphrasie Hinkle. The stone withthe word “home” on it came fromthe foundation of the convent SaintMother Theodore Guerin built in 1853.104 HOPE // WINTER 2011Cover storyOur homeuick! What image comes to mind when you hear the word “home?”Ask a Sister of Providence and she will most likely reply “Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.” Since 1851, when Saint Mother Theodore Guerin wroteto her sisters, “Once more I have the pleasure of calling you home for ourretreat,” we have called these hallowed grounds home.In addition to the Woods itself, however, Sisters of Providence living today have home-likeroots in a building that has stood at the heart of our motherhouse since 1890 — ProvidenceHall. Its imposing three-story brick structure with its interior of wrought iron balustrades,QStory by Sister Ann Casper, graphics by Pam LynchContinued on page 5www.SistersofProvidence.org 5H original tile floors, etched windows and massive,built-in wooden cupboards almost belies the usualimage of home.What a challenge, then, when it became obvious tothe General Council that thishuge home needed to be totallyrenovated to accommodate theneeds of sisters who are now re-tired,many with limited mobil-ity,but still wanting to be activeand independent. After Congre-gationmembers fully endorsedthe project, a capital campaigneffort — Providence Hall:Preserving Life and Mission —began in May of 2009. To date,$5,206,047.52 has been raisedtoward meeting the $6,000,000capital campaign goal.The capital campaign is morethan raising money to renovatebrick and mortar. It’s about making an investmentfor our sisters who are retired and directing resourcesto make their lives a bit easier and their surround-ingsmore home-like. Providing a safe, secure andcomfortable home seems a worthy enterprise, giveneach sister’s 50 and 60 years or more of ministryand service.Consider what you enjoy and do in your own home— these are the same hopes we have in renovatingour Providence Hall home.Cooking. Although all the sisters’ meals are servedin a common dining room, the renovation plansinclude two kitchenettes on each floor. Oh, andhow these spacious kitchenettes will be buzzingwhen sister-bakers and jelly-makers prepare theirhome-cooked specialties for our annual bake sale inNovember and for Earth Day in April, or when theyconcoct birthday or holiday treats during the year.Sleeping and personal care. Ask the sisters whoawait moving back to Providence Hall and they’llprobably tell you that the thing they are mostexcited about is the reconfigured bedroom spacethat now includes a private bathroom. Gone willbe the nights when an elder sister has to traverselong corridors aided by a walker or a cane or has to“fire up” her motorized scooter, hoping the batterydoesn’t die on the way.Relaxing and enjoying leisure. In your home, youmay do this in a family or living room. We sistersrefer to the places we are most likely to gather ascommunity rooms. The plansinclude one large one on the mainfloor of Providence Hall and afew smaller ones on the residentfloors. These community roomsare places where some sisters willgather to watch TV, while oth-erswill play cards or engage in ahighly-contested game of Scrab-ble®, put together one of those1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles or justsit and chat.Praying. One room that mostpeople do not have in their ownhomes, but that you will find inthe renovated Providence Hallhome, is a chapel. When thesisters were consulted about their needs they madeit very clear that they wanted the chapel to remain.And remain it will — enhanced with stronger light-ing,new carpet and a fresh coat of paint. When thesisters return to their home, I suspect they will firstwant to visit the chapel and, as Saint Mother Theo-doreGuerin did when she arrived at the Woods in1840, “pray and thank God for past favors and forall our benefactors” who will make the renovationpossible.Continued from page 4How you can helpPlease use the envelope provided if you wouldlike to assist the Sisters of Providence in provid-ingthis home for our sisters who are retired.Keep updatedFor more about the renovation of ProvidenceHall and to keep up to date on progresswith the capital campaign, subscribe to oure-newsletter Providence Partners on our web-site.Visit SistersofProvidence.org and look forthe e-newsletter signup box on the right sideof the page.6 HOPE // WINTER 2011ConstructionWorkers proud of their laborNot just another project …Story and photos by Cheryl Casselman“It’s a neat old building,” Mark Ross said aboutProvidence Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. “Thecustomer just makes it a little more special.”The customer is the Sisters ofProvidence and Mark is theGarmong Construction jobsite supervisor overseeing therenovation of this historic build-ingand home for many retiredSisters of Providence.“What’s been surprising is howmuch they’ve been involved.”Mark said. “It’s not like acustomer you never see or speakto. That’s been a pleasant sur-prise.”Mark, of Terre Haute, saidthere have been about 40 con-structionworkers involved in theproject that began in November2009.“I think when you tell them howold the building is, who ownsthe building and who it’s for,surely that has a tendency totake on a little more meaningthan just another building we’reremodeling,” he said.Carl Dougherty, of Terre Haute,is the project’s mechanicalgeneral foreman with SycamoreEngineering.“Knowing who is going to live there and the envi-ronmentit’s in makes you a little more consciousof the job you’re doing,” he said.Carl’s wife, Mary Beth, attends St. Joseph Catho-licChurch in Terre Haute and occasionally attendsLiturgy at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. She went toSt. Margaret Mary Grade School and Shulte HighSchool in Terre Haute.“We come out here with our dog [Hoosier] and walkaround to see the alpacas and stuff,” Carl said. “Sheasks how the nuns are doing andwe talk about this place all thetime. She wants to see the build-ing;so I’ll bring her out here tosee it when it’s done.”Mark’s wife, Marsha, joined himfor Garmong Construction’s vol-unteerday in August. Employeesand their families planted flowersand plants in the Providence Hallcourtyard.“We’ll have to bring the grand-daughterout and let her see thealpacas,” Mark added.Carl said it’s been a nice place towork.“I think all the contractors gotalong really well. If we have aproblem we put our heads togeth-erto figure out where everybodyneeds to be and what needs to bedone. I think that’s gone well. Ithink profanity was way down fora construction site,” Carl joked.Mark said he’s more than pleasedwith this project.“I have a list of the jobs that I’mmost proud of in my career and this one took overthe number one spot,” Mark said.Top photo: Mark Ross is the Garmong Construction jobsite supervisor. Bottom photo: Carl Dougherty is theSycamore Engineering mechanical general foreman.Hwww.SistersofProvidence.org 7In their own wordsThank youInterviews by Rosie BlankenshipNote: Sisters Ruth Johnson, Anita Bechert, RichardBussing and Louise Schroeder were recently inter-viewedabout their memories of Providence Hall.All four expressed gratitude to the many donors whoare making their “new” home a reality.Sister Ruth JohnsonSister Ruth Johnson has been a Sister of Providencefor 61 years. She has lived in Providence Hall sincethe 1990s.What is your favorite memory of living in Provi-denceHall?“When we left our own homes and came to Indiana— to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods — Providence Hallbecame our community home. We were connectedto it with that kind ofa spirit of: this is theplace where I stay,where I learn andwhere I become ac-quaintedwith what myCongregation is goingto tell me about itself.It was very special. Ican say that my expe-riencewith Providencewas a changing one. Itwas always different.It provided differentkinds of experiences, each with its own memory,”she said.“You connect in a special way to the people, learndifferent personalities. You come up against somany different people than you would have in yourdaily life at home. There are just a lot of things toencounter.”What are you excited about in your new home?“I’m excited because the very thought of peoplethat have become our friends and were our friends tobegin with have come to support us and to providenot only better circumstances for us, but also goodliving arrangements for people who will come afterus, so that it will be a lasting place to stay. Fromtime to time, these buildings do have to be renovatedand made secure and safe. Our friends are doingthat for us. There is a lot of energy put into Provi-dence,I believe, from the builders to the contribu-tors.That energy is not going to go away. It is goingto stay. We are going to be part of that. In turn, weare going to be able to reach out spirit-wise to thosepeople who have helped us, and hopefully make theirlives a little better and closer to us through our con-tactand our care for them. Our prayers always willgo with those people who have touched our lives ina special way. I am excited about that.”What does the renovation of Providence Hallmean to you?“It means that we are not coming to a standstill.The building that has been so historic for us andso memorable is not going to be left to waste awayon its own, but that other people have a say in this.They really do want to see it be a lasting thing, notonly for our community, but for the world commu-nityas a whole. As any historic building, they aregoing to restore it and keep it because of all of theenergy that has been put into it from Mother Theo-dore’stime up to this time.”What would you like to say to the donors andpeople who have supported in other ways therenovation of Providence Hall?“Not only is this our home, but it belongs to people,too. It belongs to them in the way that they alwayshave a place to come, to meet us, to perhaps have ameal with us, to come and share the grounds withus, to be reflective in their own lives, to have a placeof solace — whatever they need at that time. We arehere for them and we offer our hospitality and ourgrounds and personal attention.”Continued on page 88 HOPE // WINTER 2011Continued from page 7Sister Anita BechertSister Anita has been a Sister of Providence for 64years. She has been a resident of Providence Hallfor the last 18 years and for 25 years total in herlife.What is your favorite memory of living in Provi-denceHall?“I think really my best one is that the Blessed Sacra-mentChapel is closer there [than from my room inOwens Hall]. That ismy favorite place togo because I feel theseyears are my years oflife with God.”During a retreat severalyears ago, Sister Anitamade a promise to Godthat she would keepdaily prayer to him.“Towards the end ofmy retreat, I was sittingupstairs in the BlessedSacrament Chapel. All of a sudden, coming acrossmy little head was, ‘and what have you done sinceyou have been home?’ The next day, I got the samemessage. The next day, I got the third message.When the third message comes, you decipher it! Isaid, ‘OK, I will be here every day for 15 minutes,if not more. I don’t know when or how, but I willget here.’ I have been able to do that, even when Iwent to California to visit my sister.”What are you excited about in your new home?“I am excited about a new and larger bedroom anda full bath!”What does the renovation of Providence Hallmean to you?“It means I will have more space, even to sit andpray. … My room there was small. My room here[in Owens Hall] is even smaller! … This room, Iguess you could say, should bring peace.”What would you like to say to the donors andpeople who have supported in other ways therenovation of Providence Hall?“I would like to thank them for their generosity —their great generosity — and they will continuallybe in my prayers at Mass, the Blessed SacramentChapel and Mother Theodore’s Shrine.”Sister Richard BussingSister Richard has been a Sister of Providence for70 years. She has most recently lived in ProvidenceHall since 2004, but also lived there during the late1970s and early ’80s when she worked as a nurse’saide.What is your favorite memory of living in Provi-denceHall?“I love the dining room because it was like a gather-ingplace for the people from the Infirmary andeven north, south, east and west. We always metthere and told stories. I miss that here [in OwensHall].“It was always close to everything. If you wantedto be near someone, you could go downstairs to thefirst floor. And thechapel. It was alwaysaccessible to the out-side,the nurses if youneeded help, and thepeople in the Infir-mary.”What are you excitedabout in your newhome?“It will just be won-derfulto get back andto live there. … I didn’t want it at first — to moveout for construction — but now you see how it isdone — nice and quiet and fast. … I think this is theneatest and quietest job I’ve ever seen,” she said.“It will be nice to have bathrooms and phone lines!”What would you like to say to the donors andpeople who have supported in other ways therenovation of Providence Hall?“We are all so grateful for what they have done andthe sacrifices they have made to give it to us. Weappreciate everything that is being done and we willpray constantly, I’m sure, for their welfare and theirhealth.”See OWN WORDS on page 9www.SistersofProvidence.org 9Sister Louise SchroederSister Louise has been a Sister of Providence for 67years. She has lived in Providence Hall since 1991.What is your favorite memory of living in Provi-denceHall?“The beautiful scenery we could get, no matterwhich way we looked outdoors. Also, the uniquearchitecture of thebuilding, which theyreally have preserved.At the time when theybuilt the building, theydid not have machin-eryand lifts and youwonder how theyever made those thickwalls — and three orfour stories of them!I am very happy asthis renovation goeson, they are going topreserve some of the unique things. For instance,the Tile Hall was always Tile Hall on all threefloors. Then we had the unique woodworking, notjust around the windows and the doors, but even onthe stairways, the little railings, very delicate, veryartistic. They are going to preserve them, and weare very happy about that. It will keep the name ofProvidence Hall as it was. A lot of the atmosphere,the peaceful atmosphere and the “home sweethome” atmosphere, included the older sisters, thesisters that were there before we were. You just feltwelcome there and it was home.”What you are excited about in your new home?“I’m anxious to see the changes and what theykept. They have told us about it, but it is differentwhen you see it. I am sure the changes that theymade were for our good — more space and moremodern things that we are used to, which theydidn’t have in the olden days.”What would you say to the supporters who arehelping to make this renovation possible?“I would say a great big THANK YOU in capitalletters. Tell them to come and see, so we can givethem a grand tour!”Own wordsContinued from page 8HProvidence Associates make commitmentsProvidence Associate Jennifer Drake (right)of Hamilton, Ohio, and her companion,Sister Mary Morley of Cincinnati, pres-entthe gifts during the Eucharistic Liturgyat the Rite of Commitment and Renewal onNov. 13 in the Church of the ImmaculateConception. On this day of celebration, 20Providence Candidate-Associates made theirfirst commitments while 60 Providence As-sociatesrenewed their commitments. Duringthe fall, there were also renewal ceremoniesin California, Kentucky, Minnesota, NewMexico, Oregon, Chicago, Indianapolis andFort Wayne, Ind. In October, Lilia SamsonHuang became the third Providence Associatein Taiwan. (Photo by Connie McCammon)Chapel and spiritualityA place for prayer10 HOPE // WINTER 2011By Becky IgoThe sisters who will be returning “home” to Provi-denceHall once the renovation is complete will alsoreturn home to a small, renovated chapel located onthe second floor.Although months of effort to rethink, rewire and re-habilitateProvidence Hall will one day come to anend, the sisters know well what occurs within theProvidence Hall chapel is never-ending. Just likefaith and hope and love.The Providence Hall chapel serves as a place thatbrings the sisters — individually and in groups —together for special devotions, prayer or meditation.“The chapel was set up when access to the Churchof the Immaculate Conception was restricted,” saidSister Ann Stephen Stouffer, director of ResidentialLife and administrator of Providence Hall at SaintMary-of-the-Woods.In 1986, the Church of the Immaculate Conceptionunderwent restoration not only to conform with theliturgical norms of the Second Vatican Council, butalso to strengthen the floor joists.Research by Sister Marie Esther Sivertsen, anArchives assistant, reveals records noting “a chapelwas set up in Room 223 [of Providence Hall]” dur-ingthe time of the church’s renovation. The originalpurpose of the chapel was to “replace (temporarily)the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, presumably becausethe hallway was filled with pews from the church.”The Providence Hall chapel, according to SisterMarie Esther’s research, “opened” July 7, 1986.The sisters loved the little chapel and its locationmade it convenient for frequent visits. When thechurch and the original Blessed Sacrament Chapelwere reopened, it was decided to retain the smallchapel on Providence Hall’s second floor. “They[the sisters] had to petition to keep the chapelthere,” Sister Ann Stephen said.Prior to the current Providence Hall renovation,Sister Ann Stephen said she would see sisters at thechapel. “I would see sisters there or together as agroup for morning and evening prayers,” she said.“One group met here and another would meet onthe sun porches [of Providence Hall]. [The chapel]was used on a daily basis,” Sister Ann Stephen said.“It was used for small, personal reflections or shar-ingor gathering together to pray the Rosary. It madeit inviting because everyone could take part.”Dimensions of the chapel will remain the same afterThis Archives photo shows sisters in prayer in the chapelin Providence Hall.See PRAYER on page 11www.SistersofProvidence.org 11renovation, although it will be “a little bit wider,”Sister Ann Stephen said, looking over copies ofblueprints. The chapel’s room size makes it “moreintimate,” she explained.There will also be lighter,brighter renovated ProvidenceHall sun porches — one abovethe east door on the third floorand another above the east dooron the second floor.“There will also be a gatheringplace on the second floor in acorner section of the building,and updated kitchenettes, wheresisters can ‘share time,’” according to Sister AnnStephen. There will also be a first floor conferenceroom and an activities room, the latter designatedas space where sisters can do arts and crafts, amongother things.Although there will be new paint, along with newpieces of furniture and fixtures, the renovatedProvidence Hall will have many pieces of the samefurnishings found at various locations on the moth-erhousegrounds. Shannan Spence, an interior deco-rator,worked with the sisters to ensure that, SisterAnn Stephen said. A ProvidenceAssociate, Camille Snyder, willalso help to reassemble therooms.With the renovation, it wasimportant that Providence Hall,including the chapel, retain aconnection as “home.”“One of the things that we hearfrom the sisters, who movedfrom Providence Hall during therenovation, is when they do moveback they want it to be like home,” Sister AnnStephen said. “I think they will be happy with whatit will look like. I feel like we did preserve theatmosphere of home.”The Providence Hallchapel serves as a placethat brings the sisters… together for specialdevotions, prayer ormeditation.“”PrayersContinued from page 10HPhonathon just around the cornerChristmas is over; no more thinking about gifts!But, wait, that is just what the Sisters of Provi-dencewant you to do — think about making agift to support our Annual Fund and saying yes tothe volunteer who calls you during our 2011 An-nualPhonathon.Volunteers will be making calls from their homes,as well as from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods andIndianapolis from Feb. 20-March 6.Remember, the phonathon is conducted withvolunteers — not paid callers — so your gift goesdirectly to support the life and ministries of theSisters of Providence. Volunteers include sisters,Providence Associates and Candidate-Associates,alumnae, staff and friends, many of whom will becalling from their homes. So don’t be too hasty toignore that unfamiliar number on your caller ID.Thank you in advance for answering the phonewhen our volunteer calls!You can volunteer as a caller, too, by contactingRuth Hallam at (812) 535-2806 or by e-mail atrhallam@spsmw.org.We are not-for-profitIn 2010, news reports indicated that manynon-profits would lose their non-profit statusin 2011 for failure to submit proper requireddocumentation. We want to assure our read-ersthat this does not affect the Sisters ofProvidence. We are in good standing with allfederal, state and local regulations regardingour not-for-profit status. Gifts made to theSisters of Providence are tax deductible.12 HOPE // WINTER 2011Her-storyA grandSTRUCTURErovidence Hall, like the phoenix rising from the ashes, rose from the ashesof the convent built by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin after a horrific fire onFeb. 7, 1889.The annals of the Sisters of Providence describe the start of this inferno:“The bell rings in its clear tones the hour of nine which notifies the sisters that it is thetime for the Reunion Prayer to which all respond. Ten minutes pass, the deep familiartones of the bell are again heard. What can mean this untimely peal? Every face wears ananxious look and all hasten to ascertain the cause of this second call, when lo! From theroof of the little infirmary are seen issuing forth little puffs of smoke which presently be-comeimmense black volumes, succeeded by giant flames, which spread so rapidly that inless time than it takes to tell the story the roof is all ablaze and the ceilings have fallen.”Plans for replacing the ruined edifice immediately began under Mother Mary EuphrasieStory and photos by Connie McCammonPhoto above: ThisArchives photoshows ProvidenceHall in 1904.Backgroundimage: This is astone that wassaved from thefoundation of SaintMother Theodore’s1853 convent.PSee STRUCTURE on page 13www.SistersofProvidence.org 13Hinkle (1883-1889). The cornerstone was laid July26, 1889. The beautiful brick three-story structurewith modern amenities was finished under the lead-ershipof Mother Mary Cleophas Foley (1890-1926).Bohlen Architects of Indianapolis, a firm first usedby the Congregation in 1860, wasemployed to oversee construction.To link the new hall to the past,a stone from Mother Theodore’sconvent built in 1853 was insertedinto the foundation outside the diningroom near the west wall. The stone isstill visible today because it is darkerthan the other stones.In the files of Archives, there areseveral bid sheets and copies ofbills from many contractors. Theplumbing bid from W.R. ThompsonPlumber & Gas Fitter & Dealer inGas Fixtures in Chicago assured thesisters theirs would be “a strictly first class job.”Frederick Noelke of the Architectural Iron Works ofIndianapolis, Manufacturers of Jail and Court HouseWork, submitted a bid of $4,684 for the first to thirdfloor rear and main slate stairs as well as the cellarstairs underneath these staircases.Providence Hall was blessed Sept. 8, 1890, by theMost Rev. Francis Silas Chatard, bishop of the then-Diocese of Vincennes. Following the day of blessingwas a great spectacle that attracted crowds of peoplefrom surrounding communities. Illumination Daywas when all the electric lights in the building weretested for the very first time. The “Souvenir of theGolden Anniversary of St. Mary’s Academic Insti-tute,”published in 1891, states, “The fine struc-ture,rendered brilliant by six hundred lights, wascertainly a most imposing scene. …”Throughout the 20th century, the Congregationimproved and renovated Providence Hall. But in the21st century, the Congregation leadership realizedthat a more extensive remodeling was needed, and acapital campaign for the renovation ofProvidence Hall was initiated. Whilemost of the interior of the buildinghas been gutted, Sister Rose AnnEaton, associate director of Facili-tiesManagement, notes that much inthe stately old structure was saved,starting with the bricks on the out-sidewhich were tuck-pointed whereneeded.On the first floor, baseboard, trimand doors have been left unless some-thingwas damaged beyond repair.The tile floors on First, Second andThird South halls have been saved.The slate stairs along with the banis-tershave been kept, and the east wooden stairs arealso original. Even the statue of St. Joseph in thecourtyard is staying put (pictured this page).Amazingly, the drainage for Providence Hall was“green” long, long before being green was abuzzword. In the courtyard is a large cistern wheresome of the drains empty and then seep out fromdrainage pipes to the sewage system. Of courserainwater is also removed by downspouts.Indeed, what a grand structure to save!StructureContinued from page 12One way to live more sustainably is to buy locally. Local foods are thosegrown as close to your home as possible. This is a good time of year tosearch out options to buy food produced in your area this spring andsummer. It can be as close as your neighbor’s backyard, a CommunitySupported Agriculture (CSA) program, or a farmers’ market in yourcommunity. Focusing on locally-grown vegetables is a good start. Seek-ingout local meat and dairy could be a next step.Enter your zip code at www.LocalHarvest.org to find farms in your areaand reserve your share in a CSA now.H14 HOPE // WINTER 2011Partners in our missionMusic in her soulStory and photo by Connie McCammon“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good worksand give glory to your Father in heaven.”This quote from the fifth chapter of Matthew is a favorite of Mary Ellen Fox, a Provi-denceAssociate from Tulsa, Okla., and a generous donor to the Congregation. Yes, MaryEllen’s exuberance for life definitely shines before others, but she also gives glory to Godthrough her voice.“I was told I began singing when I was 14 months old,” shared Mary Ellen. “My motherwas a wonderful singer, and I swear she taught me before I was born.”Mary Ellen grew up in Tulsa and attended Immaculate Conception Grade School. The Ur-sulinesadministered this school until the Sisters of Providence assumed leadership in 1946when Mary Ellen was in seventh grade. The late Sister Clare Therese Bullock, who wasMary Ellen’s teacher, made a lasting impression on her.“She represented to me all the wonderful things about religious life. I was teacher’s pet, too!”said Mary Ellen, who received a few music lessons from Sister Marie Brendan Harvey.Although she was taught by several religious congregations in her early life, it was theSisters of Providence who won her heart. In 1949, Mary Ellen left her parents’ home inPhoto above:Sister Mary Mo-loneychecks outthe ProvidenceAssociate pin ofMary Ellen Fox(left). Sister Marywas Mary Ellen’scompanion. Continued on page 15www.SistersofProvidence.org 15Tulsa and entered the Juniorate, a secondary schoolfor girls at the Woods. At the end of her junior yearin 1951, Mary Ellen left the Woods and graduatedfrom Monte Cassino High Schoolin Tulsa. In January of 1952, sheentered the University of Tulsawhere she studied business anddiscovered a new world in music.“The chorus at [the Universityof] Tulsa was considered at thetime the best one in the UnitedStates,” said Mary Ellen, who isvery Irish, including her birthdayon St. Patrick’s Day.The chorus in which Mary Ellen sang was directedby Arthur Hestwood. A mezzo-soprano, Mary Ellenwas a member of the Arthur Hestwood Radio Choir(later Chorus). “We broadcast every week on theuniversity’s radio station,” said Mary Ellen, refer-ringto FM station KWGS.For several summers, Mary Ellen was soloist withthe Starlight Concert Band that presented free con-certsin the university’s stadium. The concerts wereall Broadway shows such as “South Pacific,” “Briga-doon”and “Oklahoma.” She had all nine soloswhen “The Sound of Music” was presented in 1960.“Oh, that was a thrill to sing before 6,000 people,”said Mary Ellen, who has a recording of “A Memo-ryAway” available on iTunes.In 1955, Mary Ellen took a job in district sales withU.S. Steel. She worked there the next 29 years. Inthe 1980s and ’90s, to supplement her pension, sheworked as a travel agent. However, Mary Ellen con-tinuedto pursue her first passion — music.In the 1950s, she was a member of the highlyregarded Tulsa Opera. In the 1960s, she studied insummer workshops with Russian-born conductorand opera producer Boris Goldovsky. She was theprincipal soloist for 28 years at a Protestant churchin Tulsa, and for 15 years, she was the cantor at theChurch of the Madalene, her parish church. In her“spare time,” Mary Ellen taught voice lessons.“I think I’ve earned a little bit of retirement,” saidMary Ellen, referring to her singing in church.However, she stays very active. She leads the Rosaryafter Mass on Wednesday evenings at her church,and each week she hosts a meal followed by areligious-themed movie and discussion. Mary El-lenstill loves to travel, having visited Ireland oftenwhere she entertained at Ashford Castle, CountyMayo. She also visits family inSt. Louis and tries to visit theWoods as often as possible.The firm foundation in life thatMary Ellen received from theSisters of Providence has in-spiredher to share financiallywith the Congregation. “Theytook care of me for two years— educated me, clothed me, fedme, housed me — and I thinkit’s payback time,” said Mary Ellen, who has re-memberedthe sisters in her will.Indeed, Mary Ellen gives glory to God throughher voice and helps bring light to so many othersthrough her gifts to the Congregation.For more information on planned giving, contactSister Joan Zlogar at jzlogar@spsmw.org or812-535-2811.www.smwc.edugo to college ...going to class!withoutSaint Mary-of-the-Woods College1-800-499-0373• An interactiveonline degree program• Accelerated 8 week courses• Earn your degree in 4 years• Earn Credit for Life Experiences• Financial Aid AvailableWOODS ONLINEintroducing ...Continued from page 14I was told I begansinging when I was 14months old. My motherwas a wonderful singer,and I swear she taughtme before I was born.“”H16 HOPE // WINTER 2011Alumnae newsAlums support Providence Hall renovationThank you to all our alums who have answeredthe call to help support the Providence Hall reno-vation!Several of the alumnaeassociations have donated theirreunion raffle proceeds to therenovation. Many others have con-tributedindividually to the capitalcampaign. What a wonderful trib-uteto our sisters and to each andevery one of our alumnae/i whocontinue to help foster the min-istriesand life of our ProvidenceFamily.I am shining a spotlight on tworeunions of the many that tookplace in these past months. TheMarywood Anaheim/Orange alum-naecelebrated with a reunionweekend at the Doubletree Suitesin Anaheim, Calif. We had a greattime preparing for the event andall the planning paid off with 125very happy women in attendance.We began Friday night with aSaint Mother Theodore Guerin presentation (akaSister Sue Paweski) followed by a social. Saturday’sluncheon was filled with balloons,raffles and smiling and teary faces.Sister Carol Nolan and MarthaLangarcia shared the Providence inthe Desert story. Sunday was a dayto enjoy the sights. Plan for thenext all-school reunion in threeyears!The Providence High Schoolall-school reunion had morealumnae than expected with 260in attendance. A very special guestalumna was Sister EdwardineMcNulty, class of 1936. SisterEdwardine accepted the gift of$50,000 from the alumnae as-sociationtoward Providence Hallrenovation. She explained howshe and the other sisters at theWoods have benefitted from thegenerosity of our alumnae/i. SisterEdwardine’s energy is contagious!The donations and prayerful support of ouralumnae/i from St. John Academy, Indianapolis;Marywood, Evanston, Ill.; St. Columbkille, Chicago;Immaculata, Washington, D.C. (IPS, IJC, Dunblane);St. Rose, Vincennes, Ind.; St. Rose, Chelsea, Mass.;and St. Agnes, Indianapolis, are gratefully ac-cepted.Several other alumnae associations areplanning reunions. Contact me at 773-463-2478 orspaweski@spsmw.org for more information. Don’tforget to mark your calendars for the Heart-to-Heart fund raiser on Feb. 13, 2011!Sister Sue PaweskiTop photo: Sister Edwardine McNulty (front, right)accepts a check for the renovation of Providence Hall.Also pictured with her are (front, left): Sister MarieBrendan Harvey and (back, left to right): ThereseDonatello and Sister Sue Paweski.Bottom photo: Posing for a photo from the Marywood,Orange, Calif., reunion are (left to right): MoiraNiehaus Fisher (’79), Terry McDonell Winkler (’79),Helen Mae Almas (faculty) and Mary Waters Nicoll(’79). (Submitted photos)www.SistersofProvidence.org 172011 golf scramble date set: Sept. 16 at Hulman LinksThirty-six teams participated in the 2010Hole-y-One Golf Scramble tournamentheld Sept. 17 at Hulman Links GolfCourse in Terre Haute, Ind. This wasa record number for this event. Therewere two flights and participants enjoyeda beautiful, sunny day. Three divi-sions(women’s, men’s and mixed) wereawarded prizes. A tasty lunch and greatcamaraderie rounded out the day for par-ticipants,with proceeds going to supportmany Wabash Valley ministries sponsoredby the Sisters of Providence. Save thedate — next year’s event will be Sept.16, 2011, at Hulman Links Golf Course.For information, visit www.spsmw.org orcontact Diane Weidenbenner at 812-535-2802 or dweidenb@spsmw.org. Right,the afternoon flight of golfers get readyto tee off. (Photo by Christina Blust)18 HOPE // WINTER 2011NewsnotesChampion trees adorn WoodsThousands of trees adorn the landscape on andaround the motherhouse grounds at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, but one tree stands alone as a cham-pion.A tamarack tree near Corbe House recentlywas named as a Big Tree State Champion, the firsttree at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to be selected forthat honor.The tamarack (larix laricina) stands at a height of78 feet with a circumference of 102.50 inches and acrown spread of 12.62 feetIn April 1999, an Eastern Hemlock (tsuga canaden-sis)was named a Vigo County Big Tree Championwith measurements of 50.60 feet in height, 82.00inches in circumference and 19.35 in crown spread.A tamarack tree also was selected as Vigo CountyBig Tree Champion in 1999 with a height of 46.50feet, circumference of 97.50 inches and a crownspread of 26.50 feet.One year later, another tree was named VigoCounty Big Tree Champion. A Kentucky coffeetree (gymnocladus dioicus) was measured at 83.40feet tall, 135.00 inches in circumference and crownspread of 18.90 feet.About 70 different species of trees can be found atSaint Mary-of-the-Woods, many of which are na-tiveto the region. The Indiana Big Tree programis sponsored by the Indiana Department of NaturalResources Division of Forestry. Trees Inc. of TerreHaute presented the award.Saint Mother Theodore honoredAnother honor was bestowed recently on SaintMother Theodore Guerin, adding to the long listof accolades that call attention to her contributionsto society and her devotion to God.The Society of Indiana Pioneers recently designatedher as a Pioneer Founder of Indiana. One personfrom each Indiana county will receive that distinc-tionduring the next five years as Indiana preparesfor its Bicentennial in 2016.Her contributions were recognized at the 95th annualmeeting of the Society of Indiana Pioneers on Nov.6. The organization identified her advancementof education by establishing a number of schoolsthroughout the state and in other states. Honor alsowas given to her canonization in 2006.In 2007 the organization honored her as a HoosierPioneer. The Society of Indiana Pioneers wasestablished in 1916 in conjunction with the state’scentennial celebration with the intention to honorthe memory and work of the early settlers whoopened the state to exploration and continued itsdevelopment.From left, Sister Denise Wilkinson, general superior,Sister Ann Casper, executive director of the Office ofCongregational Advancement (OCA), and Ruth Hallam,associate director, lead the dedication ceremony forthe Providence Paver memorial brick program on Oct.2. The bricks at the fountain at the end of The Avenuewere blessed with an Evergreen bough dipped in holywater prior to a Eucharistic Liturgy held in the Churchof the Immaculate Conception. Providence Pavers maystill be purchased and engraved to memorialize orhonor a loved one. For more information, contact Ruthat rhallam@spsmw.org or 812-535-2806. (Photo byDiane Weidenbenner)Pavers dedicatedwww.SistersofProvidence.org 19SP social media recognizedThe Sisters of Providence were recognized for a“best practice” for social media marketing by theNational Communicators Network for WomenReligious (NCNWR) at their annual conferenceSept. 22-24 in Denver.The best practices portion of the conference wasdesigned to showcase the best work amongNCNWR members during the last year. A presenta-tionabout the Sisters of Providence social mediawork was given by Rosie Blankenship, websitemanager, and Christina Blust, graphic designer/pho-tographycoordinator.The Sisters of Providence use various forms ofsocial media, including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr,YouTube and more, to help share the mission andministry of the Congregation.In the last year, the Sisters of Providence have seena growth in interest in vocations, as well as otheractivities, which is believed to be directly related tosocial media and website work.Congregation hosts conventionNASPA (National Association of Shrines and Pil-grimageApostolate) held its 2010 Convention Nov.8-11 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. NASPA chosethe Woods as its convention site since the nationalShrine of Saint MotherTheodore Guerin is locatedhere.Sister Barbara Doherty,a NASPA member, helpedto host the group’s visit towest-central Indiana. SisterBarbara serves as coordina-torof Saint Mother Theo-dore’sShrine located in theChurch of the ImmaculateConception.Convention highlightsincluded a tour of themotherhouse grounds ledby Sister Nancy Nolan, aformer general superior ofthe Congregation, and a talkby Sister Denise Wilkinson,general superior, who shared her thoughts aboutSaint Mother Theodore.The NASPA group attended Eucharistic Liturgyin the Church of the Immaculate Conception, inaddition to Mass in St. Joseph University Parish inTerre Haute and Mass at the Basilica of St. FrancisXavier during a visit to Vincennes, Ind.To read more about the NASPA Convention, pleasevisit www.SistersofProvidence.org and look forthe “As seen in HOPE” link.It’s all about alpacas!White Violet Farm Alpacas at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence,participated in National Farm Alpaca Days inSeptember with an open house where interestedpersons could meet the alpacas up close and talkwith those who care for them.Since the herd is raised for sales, breeding servicesand fiber production it was the perfect opportunityfor those who were interested in starting an alpacafarm to visit and ask questions about everythingfrom daily care to what is done with their fiber.Learn more about the Sisters of Providence alpacasat www.WhiteViolet.org.(Photo by Cheryl Casselman)Obituaries20 HOPE // WINTER 2011Sister Jean Patrice Keenon April 2, 1920-Aug. 6, 2010“Sister Jean Patrice was effective as a teacher because of her infinite patience.”Entering the Congregation Feb. 2, 1939, Sister Jean Patrice ministered in education inIndiana, Illinois and North Carolina. She also served as activity director at ProvidenceRetirement Home, New Albany, Ind.Sister Ann Miriam Zell Dec. 4, 1913-Aug. 11, 2010“Sister Ann Miriam prayed a lot. And if you asked her to pray for something, she did.”Sister Ann Miriam entered the Congregation on Aug. 20, 1932. For nearly five decadesshe ministered as an educator in schools in Illinois and California. She returned to theWoods in 2000.Sister Marie Eleanor Shaw Feb. 27, 1916-Aug. 27, 2010“Sister Marie Eleanor was an excellent primary teacher and a fine principal.”Sister Marie Eleanor Shaw entered the Congregation Aug. 22, 1933, and spent more thanfive decades in education. She ministered in Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Californiaand Illinois. She returned to the Woods in 1993.Sister Grace Stewart Feb. 20, 1914-Sept. 1, 2010“At the age of 90, Sister Grace learned to use the computer and the Internet to expand herknowledge and to keep in touch with the times.”Entering the Congregation Aug. 20, 1929, Sister Grace ministered in education more thanthree decades. Her pedagogical missions were located in Illinois, Indiana, New Hampshireand Washington, D.C. For several years, she served as a nurses’ aide in health care at theWoods. She returned to the Woods in 1994.Sister Margaret Ann McNamara (formerly Sister Marie Nicholas) Aug. 5, 1935-Sept. 1, 2010“A genuine spirit of joy and laughter were signatures of Sister Margaret Ann’s interactionwith others.”Sister Margaret Ann entered the Congregation July 22, 1955. She ministered in educa-tionin Indiana and Illinois. She served many years at the American Society of ClinicalIn memory“I sleep, but my heart watches … ” — Song of SongsContinued on page 21www.SistersofProvidence.org 21Pathologists, Chicago. She also ministered at Wheaton Franciscan Services as well as theArchdiocese of Chicago in the Permanent Deacon Program. Sister Margaret Ann served onthe Congregation’s General Council from 1996 to 2001.Sister Ann Renee Maxwell June 8, 1929-Sept. 6, 2010“Sister Ann Renee’s kindness, compassion and concern for her patients were well knownand appreciated.”Sister Ann Renee entered the Congregation July 22, 1948. For more than two decades sheministered in education in Illinois, Maryland, Indiana and Missouri. After earning herLPN, Sister Ann Renee ministered in health-care facilities at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods andChicago. She returned to the Woods in 2000.Sister Gertrude Eileen Getrey Sept. 7, 1908-Oct. 2, 2010“Sister Gertrude Eileen had qualities of total understanding and compassion in her teaching.”At her death at the age of 102, Sister Gertrude Eileen lived through 10 popes, from PopeLeo XIII to Pope Benedict XVI, and 11 general superiors of the Sisters of Providence,from Mother Mary Cleophas Foley to Sister Denise Wilkinson. She entered the Congrega-tionJune 5, 1925. For more than five decades, Sister Gertrude Eileen taught elementaryschool in Indiana, Illinois and Massachusetts. Sisters and nurses who cared for Sister Ger-trudeEileen remembered her as clear, right up to the end, and as concerned about others.Sister Thomasine Griffin Aug. 30, 1925-Oct. 23, 2010“Sister Thomasine was a great teacher because, like Saint Mother Theodore, she loved herstudents first and then taught them.”Sister Thomasine entered the Congregation July 20, 1942. She spent more than four de-cadesas either a teacher or principal in schools in Indiana, Illinois, Texas and Massachu-setts.Sister Thomasine also spent several years in provincial leadership for the Congrega-tion.Sister Thomasine returned to the Woods in 2000.Sister Marianne McGriffin (formerly Sister Trinita Marie) May 5, 1926-Oct. 24, 2010“As strong as her beloved icons and as malleable as her first love, clay, Sister Mariannerevealed God and reveled in God’s creation in ways large and small.”Entering the Congregation on Feb. 2, 1944, Sister Marianne ministered in education inIllinois, Indiana and Maryland for more than 20 years. She spent another two decades inreligious education in Indiana and Kentucky. For many years she operated Open SPaces,a center where body, mind and spirit could come together in creativity, reflection, prayerand praise. Upon returning to the Woods in 2006 until her death, she was an iconographer.To read the entire obituary for a sister, visit www.SistersofProvidence.org and look for the“As seen in HOPE” link.Providence Associate Diane Stephens, Midlothian, Ill., died Nov. 24, 2010.Continued from page 2022 HOPE // WINTER 2011Upcoming eventsCalendarSee “Upcoming events” at www.SistersofProvidence.org for more information.February12 Fun with Brioche Cooking Class at Clabber Girl kitchen, Terre Haute, Ind., 10 a.m.-noon (EST). Learn a few basic recipes with instructor Candace Minster of White VioletCenter for Eco-Justice. Cost is $20. Contact Clabber Girl’s April Osburn at 812-478-7113or aosburn@clabbergirl.com.18-19 Nun Run, Indianapolis. Visit various religious congregations over the two days.Contact Sister Jenny Howard at 1-800-860-1840, ext. 2897, or jhoward@spsmw.org.19 Felted Slippers at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. Turn alpaca fleece into warmslippers with instructor Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ. Cost is $50. Registration deadline:Feb. 16. Contact Robyn Morton at 812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.20-March 6 2011 Annual Phonathon26 Come and See Day, Boston, for women ages 18-42 who may be considering religiouslife, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (EST), St. John the Evangelist Parish, Winthrop, Mass. ContactSister Jenny Howard at 1-800-860-1840, ext. 2897, or jhoward@spsmw.org.26 Alpaca 102 at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (EST). This is ahands-on approach to learning about skirting, carding, washing and felting alpaca fiber.Cost is $35 (includes lunch). Registration deadline is Feb. 26. Contact Robyn Morton at812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.March12 Alpaca 101 at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EST). One-dayworkshop on the fundamentals of raising alpacas. Cost is $50 per person or $75 for twofrom the same family or farm (includes lunch). Registration deadline: March 4. ContactRobyn Morton at 812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.17-20 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Anaheim, Calif. Visit us at our booth.18-19 Beginning Spinning at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. Class is designed forbeginners. Cost is $50. Begins at 6 p.m. (EDT) on Friday, 9 a.m. on Saturday. Registrationdeadline is March 11. Contact Robyn Morton at 812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.Did you know that a majority of adult Americans do not have wills? Are you one of them?Making out a will could be the most important document you will prepare in your lifetimeIf you die suddenly, and have no will, the state in which you live will appoint a guard-ianfor any minor children involved and an executor to manage how your assets will bedistributed.For a complimentary copy of our booklet, Planning Your Will: Charitable Insights andOptions, contact Sister Joan Zlogar, planned giving manager, at jzlogar@spsmw.org or812-535-2811. Visit www.SistersofProvidence.org for more information about wills.One of the most important documents? A willwww.SistersofProvidence.org 23Construction progressSSnnaappsshhoottss ooff PPrroovviiddeennccee Haallll rreennoovvaattiioonnNon-ProfitOrganizationU.S. POSTAGE PAIDIndianapolisIndianaPermit No. 593Office of Congregational Advancement1 Sisters of ProvidenceSaint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTEDPrroviidence Hallll:: ssttiillll goiing ssttrrong |
|---|---|
| Origin: | 2011-01-12 |
| Publisher: |
Sisters of Providence Office of Congregational Advancement |
| Source: |
http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/sisters/id/1341 |
| Collection: |
Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana |
| Rights: | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/ |
| Copyright: |
Copyright Undetermined |
| Subjects: |
Architecture Archives Alumni & alumnae Construction Buildings Building, Brick Building materials Building stones Alpacas Guerin, Theodore, Saint, 1798-1856 Historic buildings History Music Musicians Spiritual life Women Womens education social media Architecture Famous Hoosiers Religion People Education |
Further information on this record can be found at its source.
This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library.