HOPE Vol. 7 No. 1 fall 2011
fall 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 // FALL 2011 www.SistersofProvidence.org 3HOwithinPEFeaturesCover story 4Spirituality of acceptanceCancer center chaplain 6A beacon of hopeNurse and chaplain 8It’s all about the journeyA Caring PlaceCreating hope for the elderlyDepartmentsPhoto album 12Her-story 14Partners in our mission 16Alumnae/i news 18Obituaries 20My heart watches … 21Upcoming events 23Mission 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 7 • No. 1fall 2011Executive Editor:Sister Rosemary SchmalzEditors:Sister Ann Casper andDiane WeidenbennerPublicationManager/Designer:Connie McCammonCover Photo:Rosie BlankenshipCover Designer:Pam LynchEditorial Board:Rosie Blankenship, Christina Blust,Cheryl Casselman, Dave Cox,Sister Jan Craven, 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 16On the cover:Carl, A Caring Place participant, workswith physical therapist Jeanne Riteris.A Caring Place is an adult day servicein Indianapolis. Sister Susan Dinninministers as the program director. Tolearn more, turn to page 10 and read“Creating hope for the elderly.”10The Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore GuerinFor information about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, contact Sister JanCraven, coordinator of the Office of the Shrine of Saint Mother TheodoreGuerin and interim director of Programming and Hospitality, ProvidenceHall, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876-1007 or812-535-2925 or jcraven@spsmw.org.Family Day fun!Photo above: Hundreds of families enjoyed an afternoon of fun,food, music and plenty of sunshine during the fourth annual FamilyDay at the Woods on June 12. The day was sponsored by the Sistersof Providence. The Sugar Creek Fire Department is always a favor-itewith their high-rise ladder truck, Sparky the Fire Dog, tours ofthe fire truck cab and free fire department hats for children. Inset:Two entry-level firemen hug the stuffed animals they saved from arecent “emergency.” (Photos by Diane Weidenbenner)Page 10Page 194 HOPE // FALL 2011 www.SistersofProvidence.org 5Cover storySpiritualityofaceptanceaccepting diminishment,illness and lossBy Sister Jan Craven, photo by Christina Blust“You just get up and go and keep living. … It’s the best thing to do!”“There’s only one way: take each day as it comes!”One might think I just finished walking through the corporate headquar-tersof Nike, but no, I was sauntering through Lourdes Hall, our assistedliving area at the motherhouse of the Sisters of Providence. After visitingfour sisters and asking them how they cope with their own aging and healthissues, how they cope with all the losses in their lives, the words abovepretty well summed up their spirit: just do it, but do it with the grace ofGod!What is the connection between one’s own spirituality and one’s abilityto accept the inevitability of poor health and diminishment? When talkingabout this article exploring how people’s spirituality assists them in accept-ingdiminishment, illness and loss in their lives, Sister Jeanne Knoerle,HOPE editorial board member, referenced our foundress, Saint MotherTheodore Guerin: “In Mother Theodore’s life the spirituality of love andthe spirituality of acceptance seemed closely intertwined.” Each sister Ivisited said the same thing, using different words: only love transforms!Each sister I talked to said that her own personal relationship with God andher on-going dialogue with God throughout the day are vital to her life asshe walks, hobbles or scooters toward her day. “Iget out of bed and the first words out of my mouthare, ‘What are you, O God, going to give me today’and I start my day and before you know it, I havemy answer,” said Sister Mildred “Millie” Giesler.On all four floors I walked that day, only a handfulof sisters were in their rooms, which led me to be-lievethat being out and about, being involved in lifein any way they can, is part of their own spiritualityof acceptance.Some people believe that life is simply a pilgrimageand journey towards death. From the very momentof our birth, the process of dying starts; alreadywe are moving towards death. If we are in denialabout the reality of death we will miss life’s great-estmystery. We will have missed the whole point ofhaving lived. We will live into the “true” meaningand purpose of life itself, because life and deathare deeply involved with each other; they are nottwo separate phenomena. The journey and the goalare not separate — the journey has meaning only inrelationship to the goal. Inside the mystery of eachof us are holy sparks that need our permission to bereleased each moment of our lives.Our sisters live a reflective life, and they know thattheir lives have been filled with miniature dimin-ishmentseach day, from birth to death. How theyhandle the smaller diminishments all throughouttheir lives is a sure indicator of how they handlethem in later life. To fully live their vocation andcall to diminishment and energy, to loss and gift isto live their authentic story, the only one they have,to the best of their ability.How do we practice faithful and creative livingin the face of these diminishments that will in allprobability be part of our life? How do we allow thereality of loss to be in a way that holds its complex-ityand challenges, not just the sadness, not just thepain, not just the suffering, but also the glory andthe radiance, the love and the beauty of our lives?We do it with the invitation of the Providence ofGod. The Rev. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, says “it isno easy task to walk this earth and find peace.” Allthe more do I admire these women who have beensuch models to me of being in touch with their ownpassion for living their lives to their dying breath.They do not count the days, they make the dayscount. They do it well and with the grace of Godright beside them. Sometimes, I think, even God hastrouble keeping up with our Wisdom Sisters!Sister Jan’s recommended resource: “Still Alice”by Lisa Genova is available in The Gift Shop atProvidence Center and online at 1-866-996-2947 orgiftshop@spsmw.org.See ACCEPTANCE on page 5Continued from page 4Acceptance“All the more do I admire these women who have been suchmodels to me of being in touch with their own pass ion forliving their lives to their dying breath. They do not countthe days, they make the days count.” — Sister jan cravenSister Mildred “Millie” GieslerH6 HOPE // FALL 2011Caancceerr cceentteerr cchaapllaaiinA beacon of hopeStory and photos by Becky IgoShannon Turner walked into the Hux Cancer Center in Terre Haute, Ind., as a breastcancer patient to undergo radiation treatments. Six weeks later, on July 18, 2011, Shannonwas celebrating her last treatment of radiation. One of the people she wanted to share thatmilestone with was Sister Betty Hopf, the cancer center’s chaplain.Before Shannon exited the cancer center’s doors to continue her journey of healing, shestopped by Sister Betty’s office because she had asked the Sister of Providence to pray forher. Sister Betty placed her left hand on Shannon’s shoulder, her right hand held Shan-non’sand, as Sister Betty has done for thousands of others, she asked for God’s blessing.It was a beautiful tribute to hope.Hope is what Sister Betty brings to the patients of Hux Cancer Center (HCC) whether itis via prayer, or conversation or sitting together in silence. Sometimes the greatest gift onecan give others is simply being with them during their most fragile times.“I think I ‘do’ very little, and so it’s hard to describe what I do,” Sister Betty notes. “Pas-toralpresence for me means being there for the person in whatever way they need me tobe.” She emphasizes it is “God’s work,” not her work, that meets people’s needs.Sister Betty has been chaplain at HCC for the past3½ years. Prior to that, she served as a chaplainat St. Joseph Medical Center in South Bend, Ind.She obtained a bachelor’s degree in education fromSaint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a master’s inelementary education from Indiana University and amaster’s degree in pastoral theology from SMWC.She is certified to work as a chaplain.Her HCC chaplain duties involve pastoral ministryto patients and hospital visits, too. She has donememorial, funeral and graveside services, but hascelebrated with many cancer patients who have hada good outcome following treatment. She also doesa great deal to help patients’ family members andloved ones.“I get attached,” Sister Betty says. Those she comesinto contact with get attached, too. As people cameinto HCC and left on July 18, Sister Betty wouldcall to each one by name and they returned thegreeting. All expressed joy to see her.Dr. Robert Haerr, M.D., a radiation oncologistwith HCC and Union Hospital in Terre Haute, saidSister Betty has a “very calming” influence. “Topeople, the word ‘cancer’ is a bad word, but shereminds people they can get well.” She does notgive false hope, but Dr. Haerr said she “reassures”people of all faiths and also those who follow noparticular faith.“I believe that all have a spirituality,” Sister Bettypoints out, “but maybe not a religious affiliation.When asked, I let them know that I follow theCatholic faith, but that we all have the same God,and at HCC I approach God and faith in a non-denominationalmanner. When they ask if I havea church, as do most ministers, I say, ‘This is mychurch.’ They seem to appreciate the fact that Idon’t teach or preach about Jesus as much as I tryto witness by word and example.”What Sister Betty does apparently works well.While talking with people whose lives she hastouched, there is no doubt she has made a positiveimpact. That is definitely the case for Audrey andLarry Goodman of Linton, Ind.Photo above: SisterBetty Hopf (left)prays with ShannonTurner on the lastday of her radia-tiontreatments atthe Hux CancerCenter. Continued on page 7Larry is pastor of the Howesville Church of Godof Prophecy located 18 miles north of Linton. Hecame into contact with Sister Betty while visitingsome of his parishioners in the hospital, the samepeople Sister Betty was ministering to. His wife,Audrey, also knew of Sister Betty via their parish-ioners,but has her own deep love and respect forSister Betty which has grown strong as a result ofAudrey’s current cancer treatment at HCC.“[Sister Betty] is an amazing woman,” Larry said,noting that HCC is an outpatient facility and suchfacilities often do not have their own chaplains onstaff. “She’s always sweet and wonderful and she’sa blessing … just a blessing. Whatever your need,she will do.”Audrey has the same high praise for Sister Bettyand is also thankful for her family and church fam-ily’ssupport. “[Sister Betty] will talk with you andtake it to the Father to talk about [your needs],”Continued from page 6Photo at right: Sister Betty Hopf stands by a statue inthe Hux Cancer Center titled “Light of Hope and Heal-ing”created by Kentucky artist Meg White.See SISTER BETTY on page 9www.SistersofProvidence.org 77www.SistersofProvidence.org 9their ‘rock’ and sign of God’s love.”Editor’s note: To read more about Sister Betty, visitwww.SistersofProvidence.org and look for the “Asseen in HOPE” link.Nurse and chaplainHsaid Audrey, who has been through chemotherapyand radiation and will face more treatments.“It’s a journey we don’t take alone,” Audrey said ofcancer. “I hope she keeps doing what she’s doingbecause she’s just a blessing.”Sister Betty says she enjoys her work as chaplainand hopes to continue it for a long time. And, aschaplain, what brings her the most joy and peace?“Knowing that I have been able to lighten patients’burdens just a little,” she said, “and that I can beSister BettyContinued from page 7Sister Betty Hopf wrote the Elf-Help book,“Healing Touch Therapy,” which is availablein The Gift Shop at Providence Center. See TheGift Shop’s ad on page 17 of this issue of HOPEor call 1-866-996-2947 for more details.Sister Betty: author8 HOPE // FALL 2011It’s all about the journeyome of the most meaningful andhope-filled advice Sister Mary JoPiccione has received during her healthcare ministry came early on from SisterClement Cecile Jackson (RIP) in the Sistersof Providence Infirmary.“Be a companion to your patients, walk with themwhere they are,” Sister Clem told Sister Mary Jo.“It is their way home to God.”Sister Mary Jo said her journey began with thewise and faith-filled sisters she had the privilege ofserving for 10 years in the Infirmary when she wasa young sister.She then moved to California to minister at a freeclinic for Hispanic women and children and at St.Joseph’s Adult Day Health Care Center for theelderly. She was blessed to “walk” with her niecein the Midwest during her struggle with cancer, aswell as being present when her parents were ill anddying.She was then called to ministry in Washington,D.C., working with health care for the homeless.This ministry brought Sister Mary Jo to an evendeeper sense of her journey. She recalls the manytimes the oppressed shared that they were home-less,not hopeless. She came to a strong realizationthat we need each other as wounded healers to walkthrough this world. The homeless taught her thathaving very little in the sense of things oftenallows us to search for a deeper relationship withour neighbors and our God, she said.Sister Mary Jo recalls the homeless man in Califor-niawho was searching for cans in a dumpster. Asshe walked by, she turned to see a man with a beau-tifulcountenance. When she offered him a small giftto provide nourishment she asked if he would prayfor her father who had just been diagnosed with can-cer.The gentle man stood up in the dumpster, pulleda small Bible from his pocket in which he placed thegift and said he would pray for her dad daily.“I met Jesus in that sacred encounter,” she said. “Ithought I was providing food for him, yet, in reality,he fed me.”It was an invitation from The Rev. Joe after her ownScancer surgery that brought her back to Californiainto the chaplaincy ministry at St. Jude’s, minister-ingto other cancer survivors,while continuing her nursingministry in the TuberculosisProgram in East L.A. with newimmigrants.This Sister of Providence be-lievesshe can identify betterwith people because of her ownexperiences with medical chal-lenges;working with the dying,both in her ministry and her family; and listening tothe countless people who share their stories of hopefor healing.Photo at right: Sister Mary Jo Piccione says that nursingand chaplaincy have been blessings in her life. (Photo byCheryl Casselman)“God gives you a gift and the good people youmeet daily enrich it,” she said. “It has been bothnursing and chaplaincy that have brought everythingin my life together as a gift and a blessing.”She continues to serve as a chaplain at St. Mary’sin the High Desert in California,where she just received an awardfor dignity.“I received that award in thename of everyone I meet dailywho reflects life and dignity tome. After 38 years in the heal-ingministry, I am so gratefulto my compassionate God, myloving family, friends and my supportive and caringcommunity for guiding me along this providentialjourney.”See SISTER MARY JO on page 9Sister Mary JoContinued from page 8God gives you a giftand the good people youmeet daily enrich it.— Sister Mary Jo Piccione“”HSister Denise honored by SMWCGeneral Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson waschosen by Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College to re-ceivethe prestigious Saint Mother Theodore GuerinAward during the 2011 annual Reunion Weekend.In making the presentation, the college said SisterDenise’s leadership “encourages and inspires othersto work together for the common good. No matterthe circumstances, she always displays courageousempathy, patience and grace. Because of these quali-ties,she has left a profound mark on the Congrega-tion,many SMWC students as the vice presidentfor student affairs and countless others who haveencountered her compassion in their daily lives.”Sister Denise is a native of Chicago and is a 1968graduate of SMWC.“The gifts that have been given to me are mani-festedthrough the love, care and support of all ofthe sisters,” she said. “To receive this honor in thelast year of this administrative term generated greatgratitude on my part for the people who believe Iam worthy of receiving it.”10 HOPE // FALL 2011 www.SistersofProvidence.org 11A Caarriing PpllaacceeSister Susan Dinnin and A Caring Place participant Stan join in the fun of armchair exercises to the tune of Tina Turn-er’s“Proud Mary” (“Rolling on the river”).ister Susan Dinnin provides hope every day in her work as program director for ACaring Place. It’s part of its mission.“We are an adult day services program which provides hope for families by enabling fami-liesto keep their loved ones at home,” she said.A Caring Place Adult Day Services, a program of Catholic Charities Indianapolis, was found-edin 1990. It was an ecumenical venture of four neighborhood churches who sought a way toserve the large elderly population of their neighborhood. They sought out Catholic Charities tostaff and manage the center. The churches envisioned A Caring Place as a center where theirchurch members could be involved as volunteers.“These volunteers have truly enhanced our program throughout the years,” said Sister Susan.“It is here at A Caring Place that I see the face ofGod on every face. I experience God’s presence inthe laughter of our participants, in their courage inthe face of adversity, in their spirited singing of thespirituals and in the sharing of their life stories. Ihave learned so much from our participants. I havealso been privileged to work with a wonderful, car-ingteam of persons,” she said.A Caring Place is located in three large rooms inFairview Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. Withan enrollment of 25, about 16-21 participants joinin daily activities, meals and prayer at the brightlylit facility. The atmosphere is that of a community,with programming that inludesdoing chair exercises, read-ingaloud of the newspaper anddiscussing current events, enjoy-ingmusic and art, and constantinteracting with others.Participants are taken for walksin the beautiful neighborhood andenjoy outings together. A recentmonth included such specialevents as a holiday celebration, atrip to an Indiana Fever game, anice cream outing and a carnivalday. An on-site early childhood program allows in-tergenerationalprogramming throughout the schoolyear which the participants truly enjoy.The benefits of this activity level for these partici-pantsare easy to see, Sister Susan said. Friendshipsform. They are happy to see one another each day.Family members state that their loved ones are moreconversant on their return home in the evening dueto the stimulation and socialization received at ACaring Place.Funding is available to assist families. While somefamilies are private pay, others have become eligiblefor funding through Medicaid Waiver, CHOICE, theVeteran’s Administration, or scholarships through agrant from CICOA (Central Indiana Council on Ag-ing)or through the center’s fundraiser.A physical therapist directs the Fall PreventionProgram at A Caring Place. Emphasis is placedupon lower and upper body strengthening. A Car-ingPlace is the only adult day program in centralIndiana to offer this program at no additional costto the family as expenses are covered by a grant.While A Caring Place is a safe environment foran elderly person to be cared for during the day,Sister Susan sees the ministry beyond that goal.“Our ministry is as much to the caregiver as it is tothe participants,” she said. “We provide CaregiverSupport Services and offer a support group, homemodification and national resources for those tak-ingcare of older adults. It is also important to taketime to listen to the caregiver whose role can bestressful.”The program has the unique ability to create un-likelyfriends. Many see aging people as “set intheir ways,” but A Caring Placebrings people from all walksof life together in a very socialenvironment. Sister Susan sharedthe story of a participant fromScotland who had initial reser-vationsabout the program dueto the diversity of the group —something she hadn’t experiencedin her home country. However,she formed a fast friendship withan African American woman,who ended up being the onefriend she requested to sit beside her at the funeralof her only child.“My own faith grows in what I see in these rela-tionships.I think God has a way of surprising usup until the last moment of our lives,” Sister Susansaid.Dealing with death and loss is an ongoing reality ofthe program. When a participant dies, a memorialservice is held. Stories of the deceased participantare shared. These memorial services are an exten-sionof the every day mission of A Caring Place.“It’s very important to be there with them and tobe able to be an instrument of Providence,” SisterSusan said. “So frequently in our society the el-derlyare our forgotten ones. At A Caring Place ourpeople know that they are loved. It is a home awayfrom home for them.”Creating hope for the elderlyStory and photo by Rosie Blankenship SSee CREATING HOPE on page 11Creating hopeContinued from page 10At A Caring Place ourpeople know that theyare loved. It is a homeaway from home forthem.— Sister Susan Dinnin ”“H12 HOPE // FALL 2011 www.SistersofProvidence.org 13Photo albumNew General Council to be installed Sept. 10The new General Council poses for an informal photograph immediately after the General Chapter of Elections onWednesday, July 6, in O’Shaughnessy Dining Room. Elected as general superior for a second term was Sister DeniseWilkinson (far right). Other sisters elected to leadership are (left to right): Sister Dawn Tomaszewski, 3rd councilor; Sis-terJeneen “Jenny” Howard, 2nd councilor; Sister Mary Beth Klingel, 4th councilor; and Sister Lisa Stallings, vicar/1stcouncilor. The newly-elected sisters will be installed Saturday, Sept. 10, at a Eucharistic Liturgy in the Church of theImmaculate Conception. (Photo by Christina Blust)Providence Associates attend opening of 2011 General ChapterProvidence Associate Sue Thomas (center) of Chicago and Sister Paula Modaff lift their voices in song during the morningprayer and Eucharistic Liturgy on the opening day of the 2011 General Chapter of the Congregation on June 27. Nearly 60Providence Associates from all over the country came to the Woods for their Annual Gathering June 26 and then partici-patedin the first day-and-a-half of activities at chapter. On the first day of their gathering, Providence Associates attendedthe presentation, “Hands of Providence, Hearts of Faith,” by Sister Catherine “Cathy” Schwemer, PHJC, former executivedirector of the North American Conference of Associates and Religious (NACAR). (Photo by Connie McCammon)Honoring those who journey with the CongregationMargaret “Peg” Monahan, 2011 recipientof the Queen Amelia Award, expressesher gratitude to the sisters and the near-ly400 guests assembled in the Church ofthe Immaculate Conception for the SaintMother Theodore Guerin Evening, June4. Peg’s relationship with the sisters hasspanned more than seven decades, goingback to her grade school days at OurLady of Mercy, Chicago. Behind Peg are(left to right) General Superior SisterDenise Wilkinson, Executive Directorof Congregational Advancement SisterAnn Casper and Peg’s long-time friendsLynne Kutlyo and Sisters Nancy Nolanand Dawn Tomaszewski.Susan “Sue” Weber (right) listens intently to GeneralSuperior Sister Denise Wilkinson as she honors Sue withthe presentation of the 2011 Sarah and Joseph ThrallsAward. Sister Denise acknowledged Sue’s significant andconsistent contributions of time, talent and treasure tothe Sisters of Providence for more than 30 years. Sueis a Providence Associate and a member of the Mis-sionAdvisory Board. Through the years she has been aconsultant and facilitator for many Sisters of Providenceprojects. Not pictured, but with her for the evening wereher daughter, Annemarie Bennett, and her grandson,Andrew. Sue’s husband, Gary, was unable to attend.(Photos by Pam Lynch)Golden jubilarians celebrateThe Church of the Immaculate Conceptionwas filled to the gallery with sisters, familyand friends on Saturday, June 25, for thegolden jubilee Eucharistic Liturgy. ThirteenSisters of Providence celebrated their 50thanniversary of entering the Congregation.Pictured are, front row, left to right: SistersMargaret “Peggy” Lynch, Mary JeanineSchubert, Lawrence Ann Liston and ReginaNorris; second row: Sisters Camille Neubau-er,Betty Hopf, Mary Catherine Guiler andSusan Dinnin; third row: Sisters Laura AnnMcLaughlin, Diane Mason, Maria Saracco,Mary Morley and Margaret “Peggy” Nau.(Photo by Christina Blust)14 HOPE // FALL 2011 www.SistersofProvidence.org 15Providence Center‘Angels of mercy’HHeerr--ssttoorryyThe service of sisters during the Civil WarBy Connie McCammon“Cloistered by the majestic forest, the Convent andthe Academy at St. Mary-of-the-Woods in 1860would seem to have been too remote, too securelyenclosed, to hear the rumblings of the approachingnational disturbance. Echoes of trouble, however,reached even to this secluded spot,” wrote SisterMary Theodosia Mug in her 1931 monograph of theCivil War, “Lest We Forget: The Sisters of Provi-denceof St. Mary-of-the-Woods in Civil War Ser-vice.”Those rumblings came in the form of letters fromthe families of students and sisters who lived on bothsides of the Mason-Dixon Line. The fear of war wasbrought even closer when, according to the Commu-nityDiary, on April 8, 1861, a Mr. Dodds came tothe Woods to pick up five young ladies with South-ernroots to take them home before the possibility ofwar would make it too dangerous to return.Four days later, on April 12, war erupted whenFort Sumter was attacked. Shortly after this firsttaste of battle, President Lincoln called men toarms and governors scrambled to get their statesready for war. Part of those plans included federal-izinghospitals into military hospitals. One suchhospital was the disorganized and filthy City Hos-pital(later known as Military Hospital) in India-napolis.Indiana Gov. Oliver Perry Morton knewwho could whip the hospital into shape in a timelymanner — the Sisters of Providence. Less than amonth after Fort Sumter, Gov. Morton, throughMonsignor Bessonies, asked the Congregation forassistance.Mother Mary Cecilia Bailly, general superior uponthe death of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin in1856 and serving until 1868, penned in the Com-This photograph from Archives shows City Hospital in Indianapolis,which was known as Military Hospital during the Civil War.See CIVIL WAR on page 2216 HOPE // FALL 2011 www.SistersofProvidence.org 17Partners in our mission‘An ordinary person’By Connie McCammonAge quod agis. Several years ago a Jesuit priest atFairfield University in Connecticut introduced thisLatin phrase to Dr. Bernard Casey, and it’s beenhis philosophy of life ever since. What exactly doesthis phrase mean?“‘Do what you are doing,’ so that when you’reworking, work hard; whenyou’re playing, play hard;when you’re laughing,laugh hard; when you’recrying, cry hard. Do ev-erythingto the fullest andenjoy life to the fullest.Life is short, and we’vegot to take advantage ofit,” said Bernard, whoresides in Durham, N.H.,with his wife, Kathleen,“Kathy.”Bernard likes to describehimself as “an ordinaryperson, who’s been verylucky, very fortunate.” Hesays that he met the rightpeople at the right time,including the Sisters ofProvidence.“I grew up in Rochester,N.H. I was a parishionerof St. Mary’s School andSt. Mary’s Church, whichwas, when I was a littleboy, across the street frommy house. It was a two-roomschoolhouse. Sister Agnes Rita [Lyons, RIP,]was my first teacher. I was there about five years,and then we moved to a new [facility] and therewere two grades per classroom, as I recall,” saidBernard, who turned 68 in August.Bernard also has warm memories of the late SisterAdrian Hickey. “Sister Adrian was just one of myall-time favorites. She was the principal and the sev-enth-and eighth-grade teacher. I can see her smilingface as I sit here. She was just a wonderful sister,”continued Bernard.After eight years ofelementary school withthe Sisters of Providence,Bernard continued hiseducation at a public highschool in Rochester. Hethen went to Fairfield Uni-versityand later the Uni-versityof Vermont Medi-calSchool in Burlington,graduating in 1969.Bernard was able toachieve so much academi-callybecause of the strongfoundation he receivedfrom the Sisters of Provi-dence,his Catholic faith,his parents and his broth-ers,John, who is a re-tireddentist, and the lateGerard.“My father was a butcher,and my mom stoppedschool in eighth-grade.They were not educatedin an advanced way, butthey were very interestedin education. My brother [John] was very interestedthat I get a good education. He guided me along theway. He guided me to go to a Catholic university.And my parents were all for that also,” said Ber-nard.John was influential in Bernard’s life in anotherway. John’s father-in-law, Albert Barcomb, RIP, wasa physician.“He was like Mr. Rochester. He was beloved in ourtown. He was most generous, just a great doctor, agreat man. … I wanted to be like Dr. Barcomb be-causehe was so nice to people. That got me startedin medicine,” said Bernard, who retired last March.After medical school, Bernard, who by this timehad married Kathy, joined the U.S. Army. Hisresidency was spent in diagnostic radiology at Let-termanArmy Medical Center in San Francisco. In1973 Bernard joined the staff at Walter Reed ArmyMedical Center in Washington, D.C., where he dida year’s fellowship in angiography and special pro-cedures.This study of blood vessels eventually ledto angioplasty and the use of stents. Bernard and hisfamily then moved to Honolulu where he worked atTripler Army Medical Center. In late 1976, Ber-nardreturned to his home area, settling his familyin Durham and working at two hospitals — FrisbieMemorial in Rochester and Wentworth-DouglassHospital in Dover, N.H.“I brought angiography and those special proce-duresto that area,” said Bernard, who has threechildren and six grandchildren.For 35 years, the Casey family have been parishio-nersat St. Thomas More in Durham. Once again,the Sisters of Providence touched the lives ofBernard and Kathy as well as a second generationof Casey children. Sister Shawn Marie McDermottwas the head of religious education at St. ThomasMore when Bernard’s first two children wereyoung. Sister Shawn Marie now lives in Malden,Mass., but Bernard and Kathy maintain close con-tactwith her.Bernard calls his gratitude to the sisters “eternal.”Because of this thankfulness to the sisters, Bernardand Kathy financially support the Congregation.“I couldn’t thank them enough for what they’vedone. I love them. They are great.”This “ordinary person” has taken what has beengiven to him and lived his life to the fullest. Andalong the way, Bernard has been a blessing to hisfamily, his patients, his church and to the Sisters ofProvidence.Photo above: Bernard and Kathleen “Kathy” Caseyreside in Durham, N.H. Bernard has had a connectionto the Congregation since he was a small boy. (Submit-tedphoto) See BERNARD CASEY on page 17Bernard CaseyContinued from page 16H18 HOPE // FALL 2011 www.SistersofProvidence.org 19Alumnae news Development updateStory and photo by Connie McCammonMeeting people and developing relationships —that’s what being a planned giving manager is allabout. And Sister Marianne Ridgell (above left),who started this position on Sept. 1, is the perfectperson to fill this role with the retirement of SisterJoan Zlogar (above right).“It is important to thank and keep in contact withour benefactors and to identify other potential do-norsto help us to continue to spread the mission ofthe Sisters of Providence. I like to meet people andto develop relationships. I have the energy to do thetravel required in this ministry, and I look forwardto the opportunity to represent the Congregation,”said Sister Marianne, who has ministered for thelast 16 years in Florida.Sister Marianne has been developing relationshipssince she entered the Congregation in 1968. Whetheras a theology or Spanish teacher, nurse’s aide, pas-toralassociate, director of Hispanic ministry, drugcounselor, Catholic Charities caseworker or HomeInstead Senior Care quality care coordinator, SisterMarianne knows the importance of not only listeningto others, but working as a team with others.“I started in Catholic Charities in Arcadia, Fla., onAug. 16, 2004. Hurricane Charley devastated thattown on Aug. 13, 2004. So, my first day on site,I worked immediately with Red Cross, FEMA andChurch volunteers as First Responders to providewhatever the people needed. I witnessed loss, suf-feringand much devastation. I did meet many greatvolunteers during the aftermath of this storm andwas in charge of organizing the parish workers whocame from many parts of the diocese to help,” saidSister Marianne, who serves on the ProvidenceAssociates Advisory Board.Sister Marianne is leaving a ministry that she hasenjoyed for the last two years. She ministered asthe quality care coordinator for Home Instead Se-niorCare in Bradenton, Fla. “I would have stayedif not for taking this ministry [as planned givingmanager],” she said.Sister Joan, who is retiring after 14 years of ser-vicein the Office of Congregational Advancement,is looking forward to her retirement. She’ll makeher annual retreat later in September and then takea little time for herself. But like other sisters, Sis-terJoan will find a volunteer position either at theWoods or in Terre Haute, Ind.Sister Marianne knows she can’t replace SisterJoan. “I don’t think people are replaceable in ajob. However, I will strive to continue the excellentwork Sister Joan has done in all these years in herministry. I am grateful she has served so faithfullyin this ministry and laid such a good foundationin building and maintaining contacts and relation-ships,”said Sister Marianne.Meet Sister MarianneHDates set for Women & Philanthropy ForumDear Alums,Did you know that women are now leading phil-anthropicwork globally? Women are contributingto charitable organizations in record numbers, sur-passingmen in sharing their financial resources.You may think that these women are indepen-dentlywealthy and can easily write a check to afavorite charity. In fact, women of all means arestepping up, working together, and pooling theirfinancial resources to improve the lives of womenand children around the world. I believe that, aswomen of Providence, we want to learn how wecan change the lives of women and children in lo-caland global communities.The Women and Philanthropy Forum is your invi-tationto make a difference. Check your alumnaenewsletters for registration information.The program will feature Angela White, CEO ofJohnson, Grossnickle & Associates in Indianapolisand a Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College alumna,who will present groundbreaking research onwomen’s philanthropy and how women are chang-ingthe world. There will be conversation aboutthe role of the Sisters of Providence and how youcan participate at any level to help those whoneed it the most. Two presentations are scheduled:The Women and Philanthropy Forum, Feb. 12,2012, at Marywood Diocesan Center in Anaheim,Calif., and Sept. 16, 2012, at Guerin Prep HighSchool in River Grove, Ill.I hope to offer presentations in Washington, D.C.,and in Indianapolis.Continued blessings!Sister Sue Paweski,Alumnae/i Relations ManagerPhoto above: Members of the St. Columbkille, Chicago, alumnae boardare (front row, left to right): Eleanor Jandrisitz Rizzo, ’36; Charlene Bec-ciSwintek, ’61; Regina Wagner Nowotarski, ’38; and Sister Joan Zlogar,coordinator. Back row: Diane Maslanka Suwanski, ’63; Dorothy Suwan-skiRadosta, ’62; Kathleen Weil, ’66; Diane Pendzimaz Supella, ’66; andJanet Bottigliero Lisanti, ’57. Inset photo: Enjoying their all-school St.Agnes Academy, Indianapolis, reunion are (left to right): Pat Cronin, ’44; Mary Alice Grande Boarini, ’47; and Mary JoHelmer Becker, ’46. (Submitted photos)www.SistersofProvidence.org 21Obituaries20 HOPE // FALL 2011Sister Mary Stella Morrissey May 11, 1931-May 12, 2011“All her life Sister Mary Stella was an ardent sports fan, especially of basketball andfootball.”Sister Mary Stella entered the Congregation July 22, 1949. For nearly 20 years, she min-isteredas an educator in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland and California. She later earned herLPN and served as a nurse at the Woods.Sister Anne Marita Wynne April 1, 1916-May 27, 2011“Sitting on a bench in the mall, in a doctor’s office or at a performance, people alwaysinitiated conversations with Sister Anne Marita.”Sister Anne Marita entered the Congregation July 15, 1934. She ministered in educa-tionin Indiana and Illinois. She also briefly served at a community mental health clinicin Cambridge, Ill. Sister Anne Marita ministered five years as a faculty secretary at SaintMary-of-the-Woods College.Sister Ellen Catherine Conroy Oct. 15, 1913-June 4, 2011“Sister Ellen Catherine’s graciousness, kindness and compassion were apparent to many.”Sister Ellen Catherine entered the Congregation Feb. 11, 1930. She spent more than fivedecades ministering in education in Illinois, Indiana and North Carolina. She returned tothe Woods in 2002.Sister Florence Marie Maxwell Feb. 11, 1928-June 30, 2011“Sister Florence Marie was a loving and compassionate woman who would light upwhen she heard of someone’s accomplishments and tear up when she heard of people’stroubles.”Sister Florence Marie entered the Congregation July 21, 1946. She taught more than fourdecades in Indiana, California and Illinois. She returned to the Woods in 2010.In memory“I sleep, but my heart watches … ” — Song of SongsSister Rosemary Kluesner (formerly Sister Norbert Ann) Aug. 20, 1928-July 3, 2011“As a teacher and principal she was so kind and understanding to the children, teachersand parents.”Sister Rosemary entered the Congregation Jan. 9, 1946. For nearly four decades she min-isteredin education in Illinois, California and Indiana. In the mid-1980s and throughoutthe 1990s, Sister Rosemary turned her attention to the elderly with ministries at SimeonHouse, Catholic Charities and St. Patrick Parish all in Terre Haute, Ind. She retired in1998.Sister David Ellen Van Dyke March 12, 1929-July 9, 2011“She began her long love affair with Sacred Heart Parish in Terre Haute in 1962.”Sister David Ellen entered the Congregation on July 22, 1947. The majority of her peda-gogicalmissions were served in Indiana with a two-year stint in North Carolina. SisterDavid Ellen ministered at the Woods in the Congregation’s print shop and served in lead-ershipand administrative positions at the motherhouse.To read the entire obituary for a sister, visit www.SistersofProvidence.org and look for the“As seen in HOPE” link.Providence Associate Suzanne Kalinowski, Crawfordsville, Ind., died June 4, 2011.Continued from page 20Continued on page 21By Sister Jan Craven, coordinator of the Saint Mother TheodoreGuerin Shrine and interim director of Programming and HospitalitySeveral weeks ago, there was a group of people from all over theworld who came to Saint Mary-of-the-Wood, Ind., for a Tai Chiworkshop. They had been to the Woods before for a similar workshopand enjoyed the experience so much that they all wanted to return.While I was walking down the hall toward the Church of the Immacu-lateConception and was about to give a brief tour to a small groupof pilgrims, who had come to visit Saint Mother Theodore’s Shrine, Iheard this exquisite singing coming from the church. Immediately, Ithought it was the Sisters of Providence Schola practicing for a futureevent.As I entered the back of church, I saw a lone young woman sittingin the center front pew, holding a Gather book in her hands, pour-ingout a heartfelt song titled: “How Can I Keep From Singing.” Heroperatic voice filled every corner of the church as if an entire choirwere singing in perfect pitch. All of us stopped, mesmerized by herprayerful voice. When she finished, I approached her and thankedher for her gift to us. I will never forget her response, when she said:“As soon as I entered this church, I could not help but feel the powerof God and had to express my thankfulness in singing. I couldn’t helpmyself!”Myheartwatches …22 HOPE // FALL 2011 www.SistersofProvidence.org 23Upcoming eventsFor all events, please see “Upcoming events” at www.SistersofProvidence.org for moreinformation.September10 Installation of General Officers, Church of the Immaculate Conception, 1:30 p.m. (EDT)16 9th annual Hole-y-One Golf Scramble, Hulman Links Golf Course, Terre Haute. ContactDiane Weidenbenner for team registration at 812-535-2802 or dweidenb@spsmw.org.17 Fiber Frolic Alum Reunion at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. This dinner is forpeople who have attended previous Fiber Frolics to get together, socialize and showand tell. Bring portable weaving, spinning and knitting projects to work on with others.Registration deadline: Sept. 9. Contact Robyn Morton at 812-535-2932 orrmorton@spsmw.org.25 National Alpaca Farm Days at White Violet Farm Alpacas, 1 to 3 p.m. (EDT). Visitorscan see the alpacas up close and talk with staff members. See fiber demonstrations andpurchase alpaca items. Contact Robyn Morton at 812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.27-30 National Communicators Network for Women Religious (NCNWR) 17th AnnualConference, New Orleans, La. Congregation will have a presence at this event.October8 Harvest Dinner fundraiser celebrating the 15th anniversary of White Violet Center forEco-Justice. Details at www.WhiteViolet.org.15 5th Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Church of theImmaculate Conception.21-22 Halloween Fiber Frolic at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, 6 p.m. (EDT) Fridayand 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EDT) Saturday. Enjoy weaving, felting, knitting and spinning proj-ectswith a fall and Halloween theme. There will be fun Halloween activities. Registra-tiondeadline: Oct. 14. Contact Robyn Morton at 812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.21-23 Fall Discernment Retreat Weekend, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, for women consid-eringreligious life, in conjunction with the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Fest at SaintMary-of-the-Woods, Ind. Contact Sister Bernice Kuper, vocation minister, atmoreinfo@spsmw.org or call 1-800-860-1840, ext. 2895.21-23 Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Fest “Living the Legacy Now!” Learn more aboutSaint Mother Theodore at this weekend event, which will feature workshops focusingon her life, spirituality, art, music, sustainability and more. All faith traditions welcome!Contact Sister Jan Craven, coordinator of the SMTG Shrine Office, at 812-535-2925 orjcraven@spsmw.org.November12 Providence Associates Commitment Ceremony, Church of the Immaculate Concep-tion,1:30 p.m. (EST) Eucharistic Liturgy.17 National Catholic Youth Conference 2011 at the Indiana Convention Center in India-napolis.Visit us at booth #247-250.Calendarmunity Diary on May 15, 1861: “I go to India-napolisto see about the offer we have to take careof the soldiers in the hospital.” The sisters tookcharge on May 17, giving comfort to Union andConfederate soldiers.The Community Diary continued, “They [thesisters] found the new hospital in a miserable stateof filth and disorder, and the sick in a wretchedcondition. The Sisters labored very hard to put thehospital in a proper condition; their exertions werecrowned with the greatest success. The change theysoon effected in making it a clean, comfortablehouse for the sick soldiers, filled the people withadmiration and inspired great confidence in them.”As study of the Civil War reveals, the majority ofdeaths during the war were caused by disease andinfection, not necessarily gunshot wounds. A reportby Dr. John M. Kitchen and Dr. Patrick H. Jame-son,surgeons at Military Hospital, bears this out.Of the 640 patients registered between April toAugust 1861, 430 were hospitalized due to measleswhile only eight were receiving care for gunshotwounds or “other injuries.” At the end of theirreport, the doctors praised the sisters: “In conclu-sion,we feel that we have performed only a plain,straight-forward duty, and that whatever successmay have attended the management of the Hospitalis due in a great degree to the noble and self-sacri-ficingefforts of the those meek and worthy women— the Sisters of Providence.”The sister most closely associated with the CivilWar was Sister Athanasius Fogarty, the directressof the hospital. Sister Mary Theodosia wrote abouther: “She was noted for her cheerfulness, charityand tact. The physicians who attended the hospitalsaid that the success of the institution was due toher ability alone, not to their management.”While the Congregation considers 11 sisters as serv-ingin hospitals during the Civil War, the federalgovernment recognized only seven sister-nurses withcemetery monuments indicating U.S. Army Nurse,Civil War. The original headstones were blessedin the convent cemetery on July 31, 1923. Thesestones of the sister-nurses were replaced by theCongregation in 1980.The Sisters of Providence were one of several con-gregationsthat ministered as sister-nurses duringthe Civil War. One of the greatest tributes to thesebrave women came from President Lincoln: “Asthey [sister-nurses] went from cot to cot, distribut-ingthe medicines prescribed, administering thecooling, refreshing, strengthening draughts as di-rected,they were veritable Angels of Mercy. …”Civil WarContinued from page 15OTHER SERVI CE: Sisters of Providence also servedat an emergency hospital during two brief peri-odsin Vincennes, Ind.REMEMBERING THEIR NAMES: Sisters of Provi-dencewho served as sister-nurses during theCivil War include Sister St. Felix Buchanan*, SisterHelena Burns, Sister Frances Ann Carney, SisterAthanasius Fogarty*, Sister Sophie Glenn*, SisterEugenia Gorman*, Sister Mary Francis Guthneck*,Sister Henrietta MacKenzie, Sister Louise Malone,Sister Mary Rose O’Donaghue* and Sister MatildaSwinley*. (*Honored with special sister-nursecemetery markers)WEBSITES OF INTEREST: Check out the CivilWar section under the history tab atwww.SistersofProvidence.org. Be sure to alsoINFO ON THE GOHvisit our Civil War section on www.WoodsUp.com,our website for children in fourth- through eighth-grades.Visit the Wabash Valley Visions & Voices websiteat http://visions.indstate.edu under Vigo CountyIndiana Civil War Sesquicentennial Project to viewthe Congregation’s artifacts and documentsrelated to the Civil War.Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. POSTAGE PAIDIndianapolisIndianaPermit No. 593Office of Congregational Advancement1 Sisters of ProvidenceSaint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDProfession of vowsSunday, June 26, was a joyous day of celebration for the Congregation. On that day Sister Regina Gallo (left)professed perpetual vows and Sister Dina Bato professed first vows during a Eucharistic Liturgy in the Church of theImmaculate Conception. A large crowd of well-wishers filled the church to capacity for this jubilant occasion. (Photoby Christina Blust) |
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| Origin: | 2011-09-08 |
| Publisher: |
Sisters of Providence Office of Congregational Advancement |
| Source: |
http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/sisters/id/1342 |
| Collection: |
Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana |
| Rights: | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/ |
| Copyright: |
Copyright Undetermined |
| Subjects: |
Church & education Churches Church buildings Aged persons Families Family Health Healing Healers Health care Health & welfare Health care personnel People associated with religion Religion Religious communities Religious education Religious facilities Religious orders Religious services Spiritual life Women Guerin, Theodore, Saint, 1798-1856 Chaplains Religion Famous Hoosiers Social Life Civil War -- Artifact Civil War -- Document Civil War -- Image Civil War -- Diary Civil War -- Book |
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.