HOPE Vol. 7, No. 2 winter 2012

winter 2012 HOPE

Description:	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 2012The 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, Providence Hall, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN47876-1007 or 812-535-2925 or jcraven@spsmw.org.Urgent global issuesDuring General Chapter 2011, the Sisters of Providence adopted severaldirections primarily concentrated on how to move into a future better ableto respond to ministry needs. (A full text is available on our website atwww.SistersofProvidence.org.) The commitments included the following:Refounding the Congregation by facing the futureand by responding to the call to action in ministry“Perfect abandonment of ourselves in all things for the futurerequires great courage, but we ought to aspire to it.”— Saint Mother Theodore GuerinTo free ourselves to better respond to urgent global issues, especially thoseimpacting women and Earth:• We will engage in a Congregation-wide assessment of all of ourministries to determine their sustainability and effectiveness aslived expressions of love, mercy and justice.• We will create new forms of collaboration with ProvidenceAssociates and other partners for the mission.• We will commit to those ministries which best respond to thesigns of the times and can be realistically sustained.• We will support one another as we implement the difficultdecisions ahead in a just and loving way.As daughters of Mother Theodore, we do all of this grounded in theGospel, our vows, prayer and contemplative dialogue.www.SistersofProvidence.org 3HOwithinPEFeaturesCover story 4The future of religious lifeProvidence spirituality 6Religious life — a future full of hopeOur partners 8Our collaboratorsHer-storyA beautiful timePartners in our mission 16Dancing for joyDepartmentsPhoto album 12Alumnae/i news 18My heart watches … 19Newsnotes 21Obituaries 22Upcoming 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 7 • No. 2winter 2012Executive Editor:Sister Rosemary SchmalzEditors:Sister Ann Casper andDiane WeidenbennerPublicationManager/Designer:Connie McCammonCover Photo:Christina BlustCover 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 ScrogginsContact 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 paperJoin our online communityPage 11Page 7On the cover:General Officers — Sisters DawnTomaszewski , Denise Wilkinson,Lisa Stallings, Mary Beth Klingel andJenny Howard — share with theHOPE editorial boardtheir thoughts aboutthe future of religiouslife. See page 4.14Page 144 HOPE // WINTER 2012Cover storyThe future of religious lifeInterview by Rosie Blankenship, photos by Christina BlustEditor’s note: Every five years, the Sisters of Providence meet at Saint Mary-of-the-Woodsfor the General Chapter. This 10-day assembly includes the election of the new GeneralSuperior and General Councilors and a period of goal-setting for the Congregation’s nextfive years.We sat down with the council (pictured above) — Sister Denise Wilkinson (SDW), SisterLisa Stallings (SLS), Sister Jenny Howard (SJH), Sister Dawn Tomaszewski (SDT) andSister Mary Beth Klingel (SMBK) — to discuss their experiences from the Chapter andhow Chapter 2011 will shape religious life for the Sisters of Providence. The following is anabbreviated version of the conversation; a full version of the interview is available on ourwebsite at www.SistersofProvidence.org.Coming out of Chapter, can you summarize where you think the Congregation isheading for the next five years?SLS: I kept focusing on that song, “Heaven Knows Where We Are Going.” But we willget there and we will get there together. I think we have made an absolute commitment todoing whatever it is that we need to do for the sake of the mission. We have pledged thatwe will do it together and bear the cost together. For me, that was the challenge, but alsothe hope.SDT: We put that whole notion of assessment and where we are going in the context ofmeeting global needs — meeting the greatest global needs. We set a focus around womenand Earth. (See page 2.) That was really very important to me, so that what we are doingis in the context of “what does the world need us to do? What does God need us to do?”Continued on page 5www.SistersofProvidence.org 5SDW: I think we are headed once again for trans-formingourselves, for remaking ourselves. I woulduse the word urgency for it. I feel like we under-standthe urgency of the times — not driven by ourage or our lacks or anything else — but that thetimes call for urgent Gospel responses. I want togo back to a really old-fashioned word: sacrificial.There was a sense of whatever it costs — whateverit takes — we are going to do it and we are going todo it together.SMBK: I think we also will be seeking input andassistance from others who have partnered withus — certainly our Providence Associates, but alsomany who are here as co-laborers day in and dayout. We really will draw upon the gifts and exper-tisethat others have to offer in moving our Chaptercommitments forward.SJH: One concrete action that we have alreadytaken is changing the wording of the Prayer ofReunion: “We unite with all our sisters and ALLwho share the charism of Pro videncewherever they may be. …” Our present realityis inclusive of our Providence Associates, ourco-workers as partners in mission, and many, manyothers who share in the gift and spirit of Providence.We desire to reflect the connectedness we feel as wejourney together for the sake of God’s mission.How does a Congregation of women religiousfrom Indiana “meet global needs?”SDT: I think the “buzzword” right now is sustain-abilityand we use it sometimes just to talk aboutWhite Violet Center for Eco-Justice, but how doessustainability drip into every portion of our be-ing?How do we model sustainability, taking justwhat we need? How does that play into the spiritualrealm? Our sponsored institutions? How can wemodel that here?Where do you believe religious life is heading inthe next 10 years?SLS: I think that we will move more intentionallyinto collaboration. And choose it, not out of desper-ationbut because of the value of the collaborationitself. For me, that feels like a little bit of a shift.It’s not because we have to, but because we areenriched by the persons with whom we collaboratefor the mission.SMBK: I really thought of collaboration as a bigpiece among religious. I think we’ll do it in termsof focusing our efforts to really make an impact. Ithink we are aware that systemic change is reallyimportant if our planet is to survive.SDW: So much of what we are up against — whatthe world is up against — are very powerful systems.How we are going to move in that realm of directservice and systemic change? I think that’s goingto get messier, to tell you the truth. Some of thesystems we will be up against are the hierarchicalChurch and the government. If we are going to servethe unmet needs, we are going to be up against alot of powerful persons. I think that’s going to be amessy time. I think it’s going to call forth new thingsfrom us because I think we are going to be movinginto places for which we don’t have the training. I’mnot sure what the training is, whether it is thinkingor processing or systems or what.SDT: Well, we learned how to shear alpacas!SDW: Absolutely. And how to keep their numbersdown!(laughter)SJH: Even in Mother Theodore’s time, the urgencywas to respond to the signs of the times. One of thesigns of the times today is dealing with systems. Iam particularly mindful of people who are on theedges of society, who don’t have the kinds of sup-portsthat we have with one another, who have tostand up to the systems, to understand systems sothat they might receive what is just. Our missioncalls us to love, mercy and justice. ... I believe thataddressing injustice is one way of responding to thesigns of the time today.SDW: One of the big signs of the times is that thebiggest numbers of believers are former Catholics.The largest group of Christians is the people whoused to be Catholics. So, to be a religious order ofCatholic women — what does that sign of the timehave to do with us? That is big.On our website, www.SistersofProvidence.org, youcan read more responses to the questions above, aswell as see what the council has to say about whysomeone would choose a leadership role in tumul-tuoustimes, what religious life might be like in 30years and what gives them hope.Continued from page 4H6 HOPE // WINTER 2012Providence spiritualityReligious life —a future full of hopen recent months three separate eventsoccurred, totally unrelated as far as place,audience and speaker, yet profoundly thesame in their outcomes — a gathering at SaintMary-of-the-Woods in July; an August assemblyin San Antonio, Texas, and a meeting in Septemberin South Bend, Ind.Gathering at Saint Mary-of-the-WoodsAs they do every five years, the Sisters of Provi-dencemet for their General Chapter for 10 daysin early July. More than 200 sisters gathered toponder their future life and mission and to electleaders for the next five-years. (See separatearticle, page 4.)For months prior to the meeting the sisters in theirlocal areas had been reading articles about aspectsof religious life and its future, reflecting and com-munallysharing their insights, concerns and hopes.The first day or two of the Chapter, reports ondemographics and finances were presented. Thepresentation shared figures about the decrease inthe number of active ministers with its attendantnegative effect on finances, the increasing costs ofhealth care and retirement, the small number ofwomen entering, and the death on average of 20 sis-terseach year. Any other group hearing these factsmay have ended the assembly right then and there!On the contrary, the sisters moved into prayer andsessions of contemplative listening and dialogueabout the future — their future. From those meet-ingsthey adopted as their mantra for the daysand years ahead a saying of Saint Mother TheodoreGuerin, “Perfect abandonment of ourselves in allthings for the future requires great courage, but weought to aspire to it.” They determined to engagein a Congregation-wide assessment of all of theirministries to determine their sustainability and ef-fectivenessas lived expressions of love, mercy andjustice and to commit to those ministries which bestrespond to the needs of the time. They further vowedto create new forms of collaboration with our Provi-denceAssociates and other partners in mission. Andto do all of this grounded in the Gospel, their vows,prayer and contemplative dialogue. The tenor of thesegatherings was marked by great hope, celebration,joy and a strong sense of community. (See page 2.)Assembly in San AntonioThe Leadership Conference of Women Religious(LCWR), with 1,500 leader-members representingnearly 60,000 women religious in the United States,met for four days in San Antonio “to explore thenews that God is calling us to in religious life.” Thismeeting, too, was characterized by prayer, contem-plativelistening and dialogue.Two sister-participants, asked to reflect back to thegroup what they were hearing as table groups report-edto the whole assembly, identified three movementsor centers of energy evident within the group:• A sense of the Paschal mystery being livedamong them and their membership, i.e., a senseof letting go to let come; of embracing change inorder to be changed; and of diminishing numbersoffering opportunities for a new freedom and a newgrowth.• A renewed conviction that religious life is for theBy Sister Ann Casper, photo by Cheryl Casselman ISee FUTURE on page 7www.SistersofProvidence.org 7world and that their lifestyle is one of contempla-tiveactivists; that everything can be re-thoughtand re-done as we live God’s mission in theworld.• A palpable energy within the group, coupledwith a sense of fearlessness, lightheartedness andabandonment as regards the future.Meeting in South BendIn September Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM)theologian and noted speaker Sister Sandra Schnei-derswas welcomed to Saint Mary’s College for herlecture, open to the public, titled “The Future ofReligious Life.” She tipped her hand immediatelyby paraphrasing Mark Twain in her opening state-ment:“Reports of the demise of religious life aregreatly exaggerated. I come to praise this life, notbury it.”Nor was Sister Sandra discouraged by the realitiesof age and numbers. Religious will continue tominister as they age, she observed, mirroring thelarger American culture where the most productiveyears of adulthood are now 50 to 75, rather than 34to 45. As is well known, many women religious,Sisters of Providence among them, give service wellinto their 80s and 90s.Regarding numbers, Sister Sandra gives an inter-estingperspective. True, she says, the number ofreligious is not what it was in the boom-years of the1950s. Still there are nearly 60,000 women religiousin the United States today, about 10,000 more thanthere were at any point between 1720 and 1900, atime comparable to our own, when fewer religiouswomen, “in small, widely dispersed groups didwhatever needed to be done, for whomever neededit and with whoever wanted to help them.”Yes, three seemingly isolated events, yet hope-filledmessages in terms of the future of religious life.The Sisters of Providence move into the futureknowing that the future is God’s and they are avail-ablefor it.FutureContinued from page 6HSister Barbara Ann Zeller,president and CEO of Provi-denceSelf Sufficiency Min-istries(PSSM), is shownblessing a statue of SaintMother Theodore Guerin atthe Providence House/GuerinWoods Campus in Georgetown,Ind., during an Oct. 1, 2011,ceremony. The celebrationwas arranged for the officialcampus dedication of the in-tergenerationalliving complex,as well as the statue, which issimilar to the one on the Sis-tersof Providence motherhousegrounds at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Msgr. Joseph Schaedel (standing behind Sister Barbara Ann) was the presider for the Eucharistic Liturgy. Morethan 300 people attended the dedication. Since August of 1994, PSSM has served more than 17,000 individuals, childrenand families in Southern Indiana. (Photo by Sister Dawn Tomaszewski)Georgetown, Ind., intergenerational living complex dedicated8 HOPE // WINTER 2012Our partnersOur collaboratorsStory by Narie Suh, photo by Becky IgoWhen you think about “volunteers,” you mayconsider them giving up and sacrificing their time,talent and some of their way of life. Well, I agreealmost all do — but not me!I started working as a volunteer with the Sisters ofProvidence four years ago soon after my husbandand I moved from Nashville, Tenn., to Terre Haute,Ind. With my current visa status, I am not allowedto be paid a salary in the United States. Still, I waslooking for something to do.While in Korea, I always worked in school-related,educational environments; so I thought I could dooffice work such as making copies and shreddingpapers. How easy would that be as I could avoidmaking communication errors or switch someone’sphone call to the wrong person?Luckily, Sister Rebecca “Becky” Keller, coordinatorof the Sisters of Providence Volunteer Services pro-gram,had posted an “office work available” noticeon a volunteer website. Sister Becky was so excitedwhen I emailed her and asked if I could come to themotherhouse grounds at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods tobe a volunteer. Sister Becky placed me as a volunteerin two different offices: the Ministry of Care and theOffice of Congregational Advancement (OCA).Sister Betty Hopf, the past director of Ministry ofCare, and Diane Weidenbenner, director of Market-ingand Communications in OCA, welcomed mewarmly, and my new adventure of being a two-day-aweek volunteer began.During all of my first year of volunteering, I was sonervous when I came to work because I wasn’t justmaking copies and shredding papers. I was givenmore job responsibilities and more challenging du-ties,which has kept me coming to “work.” Fromfilling out paperwork for sisters who transferred toHealth Care, helping them with their address booksfor Christmas card lists, posting articles on theSisters of Providence websites and making Excelspreadsheets to analyze our website’s data, my workresponsibilities broadened each week. As I have con-tinuedto learn a lot to fulfill my job duties, I findNarie Suh, volunteer residing in Terre Haute, Ind.Narie Suh rests for a moment while volunteering in theOffice of Congregational Advancement.See NARIE on page 9www.SistersofProvidence.org 9my memo folders get thicker and my email inbox isalways full.Sister Ann Matilda Holloran, the current directorof Ministry of Care and a person who also mademe feel very welcome, often jokes with me, saying,“Narie, you deserve a raise!”Although I am not allowed to get paid, my “raise”comes in different forms.On my birthday, lovely cards are put on my desk,along with presents and ice cream! Whenever I amin need of extra help, prayers are said for me. Sis-ters,whom I don’t know, will recognize me in thehallway and thank me for my work. Last summer, Ihad to take a long break from work due to personalreasons. When I returned, there was a “breakfasttable” to welcome me back to OCA. Everyonethinks of me as not just a volunteer, but a colleagueand I am invited to office functions.I don’t give up anything from my life to be a vol-unteerhere. It is just the opposite. I learn a lot, Ireceive a lot, and I am loved a lot.I am so honored when people who have more ex-periencetell me: “Narie, I don’t know what to dowithout you!”NarieContinued from page 8What I seeStory by Tracy Schier, Ph.D., PA, Hudson, N.H.,photo by Connie McCammonWhy have I chosen to collaborate with the Sisters ofProvidence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods as a Provi-denceAssociate? Here are some of those reasons:I see in them love, mercy and justice in action: inthe work they choose to do; in their courage as theyface adversity and uncertainty; in their ability toraise up and offer to many peoples the importanceof the life of the mind and the spirit.I see integrity, a noun that becomes a verb as I wit-nesstheir modes of leadership, their reading of thesigns of the times, and their refusal to let their owncollective conscience bend unthinkingly to self-indulgentdemands.I see maturity in the way they emulate MotherTheodore in her acceptance of change. As she waswilling, in 1840, to build a foundation for a futureshe could not truly envision, her sisters and theirassociates also cannot comprehend what the futurewill bring — and yet, faithful to the heritage ofMother Theodore, build in hope, simultaneouslyfaithful to the needs of the present and future.Providence Associate Tracy Schier (center) joins in aconversation with Providence Associates Earle Harvey,Terre Haute, Ind., and Megan O’Donnell Patton, Fair-viewPark, Ohio, during a retreat at the Woods in 2010.HSee WHAT I SEE on page 1110 HOPE // WINTER 2012Our collaborators, continued from page 9Collaborating with internsStory and photo by Cheryl CasselmanAn internship at White Violet Center for Eco-Jus-tice,a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, allowsmen and women from all over the United States tolearn about the Sisters of Providence’s spirituality,charism and daily life while living and workingwith the sisters and their staff.The most recent intern to complete his internshipat the sisters’ home was Matthew Bush. For eightmonths he worked in the organically grown gar-denand with the herd of more than 60 alpacas.This Montgomery, Ala., native graduated from theUniversity of Alabama at Tuscaloosa with a degreein environmental science. He said his internshipexperience was vastly different from anything he’dever done.“It’s been good being a part of that culture ofmindfulness,” he said. “Not just ecology, but alsospirituality.”Matthew was one of six interns at White VioletCenter in 2011. They each say how welcomed theyfeel and express surprise to find out how genuinelyinterested the sisters are in their lives and how car-ingthey are.Madeleine Little, of Kansas City, Mo., is a recentgraduate of Kansas State University in Manhatten,Kan., with a degree in animal science and pre-veter-inarymedicine. She spent the summer working withthe alpacas.“Spiritually, I grew most from the inspiration Ireceived from the people I was working with. Tospend hours raking a field with a spiritual director,live with sisters, and work with a phenomenally edu-catedand informed staff was an exceptional gift,”Madeleine said.“I also feel closer to God when I am outdoors andappreciating living things; so my walk around thecampus and on the nature trails, afternoons at St.Joe’s Lake, and being close to the alpacas made mefeel more appreciative of the creative wonder andjoys found in all living things.”Interns living and working with the Sisters of Providencein 2011, below from left, are Sister Kara McKenney, rc,Texas; Helen Angell, Washington; Devon Arndt,Minnesota; Madeleine Little, Missouri; and MatthewBush, Alabama. Not pictured is Sharon Roberts, Alabama.Hwww.SistersofProvidence.org 11I see an awareness of what Thomas Berry describesas living “in between stories.” Certainly MotherTheodore recognized “in-betweenness” when shewrote to the sisters in Jasper, Ind., in 1842,“Have confidence in that Providence that so far hasnever failed us. The way is not yet clear. Gropealong slowly. Do not press matters; be patient, betrustful.”And perhaps most importantly I see trust in God asWhat I seeContinued from page 9H“holy mystery.” I see women open to the new cos-mology,who understand that good theology changesas the cultural context evolves. And I see trust inanother context, evidenced at the General Chapteras respectful listening, openness to uncertainty, wel-comingacceptance of each sister and associate.In all of this I see power — not “power over” thatcauses suffering, but rather “power with” those whofollow the truths of Jesus — power with the under-served,the disenfranchised, those desiring the lifeof the mind and spirit. In other words, power withthose who also revere love, mercy and justice.Participants enjoy activities during The FestTop: Sister Jody O’Neil (standing) answersa question during the “Art Reflecting Prov-idence”session conducted in the RoetheleStudio Oct. 22 during the Saint MotherTheodore Guerin Fest. The Fest honoredthe life and legacy of the eighth U.S. saintand foundress of the Sisters of Providenceof Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Bottom right:Constance Neeson (left) and Megan Bowenperformed during the morning prayer con-ductedOct. 23 in the Church of the Im-maculateConception. Bottom left: SisterMarie McCarthy (standing) leads a prayerduring The Fest Oct. 22 in St. JosephChapel in Owens Hall. The title of SisterMarie’s session was “Labyrinthian Living:Saint Mother Theodore and Prayer.”(Photos by Becky Igo)12 HOPE // WINTER 2012Photo albumCongregation helps sponsor first Green Town Terre HauteThe Sisters of Providence were one of severalsponsors of a unique event called Green TownTerre Haute in November. The first GreenTown to take place in Indiana brought busi-nessleaders, educators and other individualstogether to discuss green business and greenliving ideas in the Wabash Valley.Speakers included Mayor Bob Dixson ofGreensburg, Kan.; Richard Jackson, M.D.,professor of health at UCLA and author of“Urban Sprawl and Public Health;” andScott Russell Sanders, distinguished professoremeritus at Indiana Univeristy and author of“A Conservationist Manifesto.”Sister Jeanne Knoerle, pictured at right,gives welcoming remarks to the 250 attendeesin University Hall at Indiana State Univer-sity.She is the president of Our Green ValleyAlliance for Sustainability, a new nonprofitorganization which hosted Green Town TerreHaute. (Photo by ISU Photography Services)Saint Mother Theodore ‘introduces’ herself to a new generationSaint Mother Theodore Guerin(aka Sister Ann Casper),foundress of the Sisters ofProvidence, makes an “ap-pearance”at the Congrega-tion’sbooth at the NationalCatholic Youth Conference inIndianapolis on Nov. 18. Sheeducated Catholic high schoolyoung adults, their chaperonesand youth ministers about herjourney from France to Indianain 1840, her establishment ofthe Academy (known today asSaint Mary-of-the-Woods Col-lege)and various ministriesthat carry her legacy forwardto today. The bi-annual, high-energyevent attracted 23,000attendees. (Photo by DianeWeidenbenner)www.SistersofProvidence.org 13To view more photo albums, visit www.SistersofProvidence.org and lookfor the “As seen in HOPE” link.A big welcome to our newest Providence AssociatesThen-Providence Candidate-AssociateGeraldine “Gerri” Baum of Cary, Ill.,carries the Word to the altar duringthe processional of the Rite of Commit-mentand Renewal on Nov. 12 in theChurch of the Immaculate Conceptionat Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Gerri wasone of 15 women and men who madetheir first commitments as ProvidenceAssociates. In addition, nearly 40Providence Associates renewed theircommitments. Pictured behind Gerriis Sister Diane Mason, director of theProvidence Associate Relationship.(Photo by Connie McCammon)White Violet Center for Eco-Justice celebrates 15th anniversaryThe Sisters of Providence celebrated the 15th anniversary of White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (WVC) with a harvestdinner fundraiser on Oct. 8 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Sister Nancy Nolan, pictured center, receives the microphonefrom Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, WVC director. Sister Nancy was the Sisters of Providence General Superior whenWVC opened its doors. She briefly spoke before a dinner using locally grown foods was served. Seated at the table areSisters Dawn Tomaszewski, general officer liaison to WVC; Marie McCarthy, former general officer liaison to the min-istry;and Denise Wilkinson, general superior. A special thank you goes out to everyone who supported this successfulevent. (Photo by Cheryl Casselman)Her-storyA beautiful timeBy Christina Blust, photos courtesy of Sisters of Providence ArchivesThey left Indiana in a snowstorm. A day later, Sisters Kathleen Therese O’Connor (RIP),Monica Withem (RIP) (formerly Sister Patricia Ann) and Agnes Veronica Hester (RIP)arrived in a sunny city a hemisphere away. It was March 1963, and the threemissionary Sisters of Providence had landed in Arequipa, Peru.These first three adventurers were sent in response to a Papal call. In Sep-tember1960, Mother Rose Angela Horan (RIP) had learned that all UnitedStates religious congregations were asked by the Holy Father to take mis-sionsin Latin America beginning as soon as possible. The Vatican requestedthat by 1970 at least 10 percent of the U.S. religious personnel were to beengaged in this work.Despite running an already busy Congregation, Mother Rose Angela beganestablishing Latin American connections, including a visit to Peru in Decem-ber1961. It was decided that the sisters would minister in Arequipa, a cityin the Andes Mountains of southern Peru with Incan roots and a Spanishcolonial past. The Sisters of Providence community buzzed with excitement.Once they were selected, this first group of sistersset to work diligently learning the Spanish language,reading up on the country’s culture, getting vaccina-tionsand visas in order, and developing a specialgray habit to accommodate the dusty climate. Aftera special missionary blessing from then-ArchbishopPaul Schulte, they were off.Over the next 12 years, 12 sisters in total wouldminister at the all-boys Colegio de San José, run-ningthe elementary school and teaching the pri-marygrades. They worked in collaboration withpriests from the Chicago Province of the Societyof Jesus (Jesuits), who had founded the Arequipamission.One of these sister-missionaries was Sister Flor-enceNorton (formerly Sister Thomas Ann).Top photo: Sister Florence Norton. Bottom photo:Left to right, Sisters Kathleen Therese O’Connor(RIP), Monica Withem (RIP) (Sister Patricia Ann)and Agnes Veronica Hester (RIP) prepare to leavefor Peru in March 1963.Continued on page 1514 HOPE // WINTER 2012As a child, Sister Florence was taught in Sistersof Providence schools and grew up reading vibrantstories in the SP missionary publication “The BugleCall.” When, years later, Sister Florence herselflanded to minister in a foreign land, she found her-selfsurrounded by new animals (alpacas and vicu-ñas),a new climate (“It was sunny every day!”), andpeople with big hearts, big hugs, and nothing butlove for their Hermana (Sister).Sister Florence, who taught second grade in Arequipafrom 1969 to 1975, was there during a dynamic timein both the Church and Latin America. Religiouscommunities were restructuring and rediscover-ingthemselves in the wake of the Second VaticanCouncil, which ended in 1965. Peru was in flux aswell, with economic upheaval and surges of commu-nistmovements inspired by the Cuban Revolution. In1968, a military coup led by General Juan VelascoAlvarado took over the country’s government.Internal political struggles and increasingly nation-alisticpolicies continued for decades, includingregulations on education that made running privateschools exceedingly difficult.In the midst of this change, the Sisters of Provi-dencebegan to evaluate their presence in Peru.After much discussion, painful decisions, and aspirit of doing “only that which we can do,” thesisters decided to withdraw from Arequipa after the1975 school year. Sister Florence was in the lastgroup of sisters to leave that December, along withSisters Betty Smigla (formerly Sister Ann Mar-tin)and Patty Fillenwarth (formerly Sister JosephMonica). In the SP Newsletter of March 1976,these sisters reflected on their experience, saying,“Our whole feeling is this: Because we have beengifted with this experience in Peru (a gift is alwayssomething you appreciate and share), what can wedo now with that gift, and where can we best use itwww.SistersofProvidence.org 15Left photo: Sisters Agnes Veronica Hester (RIP)(left) and Kathleen Therese O’Connor (RIP) enjoyministering with the people of Arequipa. Rightphoto: Left to right, Sisters Patty Fillenwarth,Betty Smigla and Florence Norton pose for aphoto on their last day in Arequipa on Jan. 26,1976.Continued from page 14See BEAUTIFUL on page 2016 HOPE // WINTER 2012Partners in our missionDancingforjoy“Praise him with tambourine and dancing.” (Psalm 150:4)By Connie McCammonFrom the age of 5, Mary Carroll Blocher has praised God through dance, just as thepsalmist says. And through the years, she has shared this love of dance with countlessstudents.When Mary Carroll [Schindler] was a small girl growing up in Memphis, Tenn., her par-entstold her and her sisters that they could choose one extracurricular activity in which toparticipate. Mary Carroll decided upon dance.In the middle of her eighth grade year, Mary Carroll’s family returned to their roots inEvansville, Ind. When she entered high school at Reitz Memorial, she began a lifelongrelationship with the Sisters of Providence.“I loved the sisters [who taught there] and all the classes I took,” said Mary Carroll, whowas tapped to choreograph several high school musicals and to create a dance troupe thatperformed during half-time of sports events. Away from school she ran her own danceschool in the basement of a neighbor’s home.By the time she graduated in 1955, Mary Carroll felt God’s call to religious life.“I was still 17. I had my last dance recital with my students in June, and I entered [theCongregation] in July. I felt, ‘OK, God, I’ll give this up.’ But of course I got it back later.That’s how Providence works!” said Mary Carroll.Mary Carroll received the religious name Sister Marie Carol, and she taught primary stu-dentsin Indiana and Illinois. When she could, she would “sneak” in movements in rhythmband classes and she choreographed musical programs. For a couple of summers she had awonderful experience at Providence High School, Chicago, where reading, math and finearts courses were offered to inner-city students.“The story goes, and I don’t know the whole picture, they [administrators] were going tohire a dance teacher. Somebody said, ‘Why are we hiring a dance teacher when we haveSister Marie Carol who loves to dance?’ And so I got to do this,” said Mary Carroll.Continued on page 17Photo above: MaryCarroll performs aMexican folk dancein Evansville, Ind.,in 1974. (Submittedphoto)www.SistersofProvidence.org 17She taught ballet in a downstairs hallway using clas-sicalmusic. She also taught tap.“The kids loved it. Oh, I had somuch fun! It was so exciting tobe dancing again,” she contin-ued.“Semi-habited,” Mary Carrollfelt constricted. “Every weekI took another piece off. Icouldn’t move! Off came thecape, off came this, off camethat!”Congregation leadership, recog-nizingMary Carroll’s passionfor dance, allowed her to pursuedancing at Indiana University.This created quite a stir on theBloomington, Ind., campus.Soon her story was told by a lo-calnews reporter, and eventuallythe story was picked up by TheAssociated Press.“You should have seen the let-tersI got. I got wonderful letters and I got hateletters [like] ‘Why aren’t you home saying therosary?’” After four summers, Mary Carroll earnedher master’s degree in educa-tionwith a minor in dance.“I really felt as if I was trulyqualified to work in schoolswith the arts at that point,” shesaid.Eventually, Mary Carroll wasmissioned in southern Indiana,teaching school by day anddance in the evenings and onSaturdays. Finally she realizedshe couldn’t do both, so shewrote a proposition paper forthe superintendent of Catholicschools to teach dance. SheContinued from page 16Photo at left: Mary Carroll, PA,poses for a photo prior torenewing her commitment as aProvidence Associate last Novem-ber.(Photo by Debbie Dillow, PA)See MARY CARROLL on page 1918 HOPE // WINTER 2012Alumnae newsSaint Mother Theodore ‘visits’ reunionsDear Alums,Is it my imagination or are the reunions andalumnae/i gatherings becoming more and morefun? I am receiving photos, booklets, announce-mentson Facebook and emails about class gath-eringsthat are happening all over the country.Many have a new spin on what a reunion is. Socialnetworking isbringing morealumnae/i togeth-er.We are postingphotos on ouralumnae/i websiteat www.spsmw.org. I would loveto see photosfrom every asso-ciationand groupthat we have onour school list.Several reunionswere visited bySaint MotherTheodore Guerin(aka yours truly).The all-schools’ reunion of St. Rose, Vincennes,Ind., and Immaculata Prep, Immaculata Collegeand Dunblane School for Girls, Washington, D.C.,invited Saint Mother Theodore to their festivities.Associations are discovering new ways to gather.Some reunions are held in restaurants and ban-quetrooms and some take place during an after-noonat a dinner/theater performance. These newvenues can often bring alumnae to gatheringsthey may otherwise miss. You might want to trysomething new!The first annual Family Day Pig Roast held atGuerin Prep in River Grove, Ill., was a great suc-cess.The only one not enjoying the games, racesand great food was the pig! The committee did anoutstanding job of creating a fun-filled afternoon.Many thanks to the River Grove Fire and Policedepartments that allowed the kids to sound thesirens and climb the rigs.Please contact me with any information aboutclassmates who are not receiving newsletters. Weare always looking for alumnae/i who have lostcontact with their classmates. A special appealPictured are FamilyDay Committeemembers: (left toright) Nora Abboreno,Marcy Krupicka,Sister Sue Paweski,Reneta Iversen, andIrma and Wes Bueno.(Submitted photo)goes out to Immaculata College, Washington,D.C., alumnae. We are missing contact informa-tionfor many of you. You may reach me atspaweski@spsmw.org or 773-463-2478.Sister Sue Paweski,Alumnae/i Relations Managerwww.SistersofProvidence.org 19By Sister Jan Craven, coordinator of the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin ShrineRay and his wife were traveling from the heart of Illinois to southern Indiana tospend a quiet Sunday afternoon. He knew the drive would take his mind off alung biopsy he was scheduled to have the next day at the hospital. Ray plannedto sit on benches outside the quaint boutiques and craft shops in Nashville, Ind.,while his wife shopped. On the way to Nashville, the couple stopped to eat ata Terre Haute, Ind., restaurant, picked up a magazine there and read an itemabout the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore. They decided to stop for a quickvisit. Although the couple had never been to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, theyhad heard of it from friends and neighbors.As Providence would have it, this fine couple never made it to Nashville. Bothwere so enamored with the peace and beauty of the shrine and the Churchof the Immaculate Conception that they stayed most of the afternoon explor-ingthe Woods. The next day, as soon as Ray arrived home from the hospital,he called me. “Sister,” he said, “I have to tell someone what just happened tome.” Ray’s doctors took a second look at his test results, did another scan of hislungs, and said he did not need a biopsy because “whatever was there is gone.”As you can imagine, Ray and his wife were thrilled with the news. Ray wantedme to let the sisters know about the couple’s experience at the Woods. He alsoasked me to send anything and everything so that the couple could learn moreabout Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.was persuasive. Soon she was teaching dance in sixschools in Evansville and one in Newburgh, Ind.While Mary Carroll enjoyed teaching dance andbeing with other sisters, she felt called to start afamily of her own. In 1974, after 19 years in theCongregation, she left. The sisters who lived withher supported her, only wanting her to do what Godcalled her to do.“My best friends in the world are still the sisters,”continued Mary Carroll, who has remembered theCongregation in her will.Mary Carroll landed in Ohio, teaching in parochialschools and later public schools. By 1989 she mar-riedJohn Blocher, who has a degree in biochem-istryand is a fourth-generation farmer. They havethree children and five grandchildren. Today, afterone knee and two hip replacements, the only danc-ingshe does is with John.While Mary Carroll will be “a Catholic until Idie,” she does attend Sunday service at the OaklandChurch of the Brethren where her husband has beena lifelong member. An associate member of theBrethren church, Mary Carroll visits the sick andhomebound. During the week, she is sustained bythe Eucharist she receives at St. Mary’s CatholicChurch in Greenville. Mary Carroll feels comfort-ablein both worlds because of each church’s stanceon social justice.A Providence Associate since 2010, Mary Carrollsaid, “I feel like I’m part of the family of Provi-dence.It renews my strength and commitment toserve others. Being ‘officially’ back in makes mefeel full of joy.”Joy, no doubt, that could make her dance.Mary CarrollContinued from page 17Myheartwatches …We’re excited to announce that one of ourGeneral Officers will be blogging weekly, givingyou a more personal look into Providence spiritu-ality,thoughts and insights.Sign up today at blog.sistersofprovidence.org toreceive email updates when new blogs are post-ed.We also encourage feedback, so feel free toshare your comments with us.HGeneral officers to blog20 HOPE // WINTER 2012for the needs of the Church right here and in ourown Community?”They didn’t know it at that time, but these sis-terswould go on to meet the needs of the Churchsplendidly. Many of the sisters who served in Peruwent to Latin American-related ministries, fromteaching English as a Second Language to assist-ingimmigrants with paperwork to running Rite ofBeautifulContinued from page 15Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) programs forSpanish-speaking candidates. Says Sister Florence,“It’s taking the missionary spirit and bringing itback to our own country.”Though leaving Peru was bittersweet, the “end of abeautiful time,” the Sisters of Providence continueto be blessed by this gift they were given: growthearned from a decade of wonderful collaboration,a new skillset and language for the sisters to carryforward, and a spirit of simplicity and communityfrom the people of Arequipa.Dr. Dottie King installed as 16th college presidentHDr. Dottie King was installed as the 16thpresident of Saint Mary-of-the-WoodsCollege on Oct. 21. The day-long celebra-tionbegan with Eucharistic Liturgy in theChurch of the Immaculate Conception.The afternoon installation ceremony wasin the Conservatory of Music and wasattended by more than 250 guests, includ-ingdignitaries from numerous other col-leges,organizations and by Sister DeniseWilkinson, general superior. A receptionfollowed in O’Shaughnessy Dining Room.In her reflections during the liturgy, SisterDenise said to Dr. King, “Yours is theministry of leadership — a ministry asdemanding as it is rewarding, a minis-trythat has called and will call on yourpower and your tenderness, a ministrythat will tempt you to worry and anxiety.“But yours is a life rooted in faith; yoursis a life built upon an authentic belief inand experience of God; yours is the life ofa woman of Providence.”Photo at right: Sister Denise Wilkinson (atright) presents Dr. Dottie King with a person-alizedgift to honor her installation as the 16thpresident of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Collegein October. The framed print features a quotefrom Corrie ten Boom that says, “Perhapsonly when human effort has done its best andfailed, would God’s power alone be free towork.” (Submitted photo)www.SistersofProvidence.org 21NewsnotesProviding farmworkers a safe homeThe Casa San Juan Bosco (CSJB) development inArcadia, DeSoto County, Fla., has become a realitythanks in part to the determination and dedicationof Sister Cathy Buster. Sister Cathy ministers asthe vice president of Catholic Charities Housing,Diocese of Venice (Fla.) Inc. and as the vice presi-dentof CSJB Inc. The development, slated to becompleted in the fall of 2012, will consist of 53hurricane-proof homes and a community center aswell as play areas for children. The funding for the$10 million project was secured through grants andlow-interest loans from the United States Depart-mentof Agriculture and the Florida Housing Fi-nanceCorporation.What does this development provide for farmworkersand their families? Sister Cathy says, “It will givethem an opportunity to live in a decent, safe, af-fordablerental home with all the modern appliancesand a safe place for their children to play. Over andabove their physical living conditions, it will improvetheir quality of life, self-esteem and peace of mind.”Sister Martha featured in paperSister Martha Rojo was featured in a recent is-sueof The Tidings, the Los Angeles archdiocesannewspaper, giving the opening prayer at an Educa-tionDay hosted by St. Francis Medical Center inLynwood, Calif., where Sister Martha is a chaplain.The day was held in celebration of National PastoralCare Week and more than 35 chaplains of the arch-dioceseattended.Congregation honoredThe Sisters of Providence were recently honored fortheir long-time commitment to promoting an anti-racismculture.The Terre Haute Human Relations Commission hon-oredthe Congregation’s Anti-Racism Team duringits annual Celebration of Diversity Recognition Ban-quetin September 2011. The team was honored forbeing entrusted with broadening the Congregation’sknowledge on issues of racism, and for working asan outreach resource for other groups. The Anti-Racism Team was commissioned in 2001. The teamincludes more than 40 individuals who are Sis-tersof Providence, SP staff members, ProvidenceAssociates, and other companions and friends.Most members reside in Terre Haute, Chicago andIndianapolis.Earlier in 2011, the Congregation received a Cham-pionof Diversity award from the Indiana MinorityBusiness Magazine.Congregation receives awardGenerations United, an international organizationthat focuses on improving the lives of children,youth and older people through intergenerationalcollaboration, public policies and programs for thebenefit of all, recently recognized the Sisters ofProvidence for their intergenerational ministries.The award, presented in September 2011, said,“Generations United presents this certificate ofrecognition to the Sisters of Providence of SaintMary-of-the-Woods for innovative commitment tointergenerational service and ministry.”The Congregation offers intergenerational opportu-nitiesand experiences through numerous programsin a variety of different ministries.Saint Mary-of-the-WoodsC o l l e g e• Small class sizes promote richdiscussions, hands-on learning,and in-depth interactions withprofessors• Leadership opportunities abound• A women’s college can provideconfidence and strength ofcharacter.Office of Admission800-926-SMWCwww.smwc.eduHelp a high school student find hervoice by referring her to SMWC!Share the SMWC Tuition Promise.Tuition for incoming campus students willremain the same for four years.Stephanie Runyon22 HOPE // WINTER 2012Upcoming eventsFor all events, please see “Upcoming events” at www.SistersofProvidence.org.January4 Entrance for new members into the postulancy for the Sisters of Providence.10 Mother Theodore Guerin 101: Humor, first of a monthly Tuesday series on the found-ressof the Sisters of Providence. Other programs: Feb. 28: Health and Work; March 27:Green Saint; April 24: Conflict. 6:30 to 8 p.m., Providence Center. Free will donation.Contact Sister Jan Craven at 812-535-2925 or jcraven@spsmw.org.ObituariesSister Anne Scott (formerly Sister Anne Loyola) March 2, 1929-Sept. 5, 2011“Sister Anne practiced Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s directive to ‘love the children firstand then teach them.’”Sister Anne entered the Congregation July 20, 1947. She ministered nearly three decadesin schools in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina and California. When she re-turnedto the motherhouse in the mid-1980s, she ministered in a variety of offices.Sister Ruth Eileen Dwyer Oct. 19, 1925-Oct. 7, 2011“Sister Ruth Eileen was an institution. She had a distinct personality and unique ways ofgetting things done.”Sister Ruth Eileen entered the Congregation Feb. 2, 1944. She taught in schools in Wash-ington,D.C., Illinois, Indiana and California. From 1967 to 2004, Sister Ruth Eileenministered as a theology professor and/or an administrator at Saint Mary-of-the-WoodsCollege.Sister Charlotte Bruck (formerly Sister Charlotte Marie) Sept. 30, 1917-Oct. 28, 2011“As a pioneer in the field of elementary guidance, Sister Charlotte developed a widelyused series of books, ‘Discovery through Guidance.’”Sister Charlotte entered the Congregation July 22, 1937. She taught junior high-agestudents in Illinois and Indiana. She spent several years in guidance counseling for theDiocese of Orlando, Fla., as well as ministering in private practice. She returned to theWoods in 1986.To read the entire obituary for a sister, visit www.SistersofProvidence.org and look for the“As seen in HOPE” link.In memory“I sleep, but my heart watches … ” — Song of SongsContinued on page 23www.SistersofProvidence.org 23Calendar27-29 Fiber Frolic at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, cost $200. Beginning levels ofspinning, weaving and felting instruction. No prior experience needed. 6:30 p.m. (EST)Friday to 11 a.m. Sunday. Register by Jan. 13. Contact Robyn Morton at 812-535-2932 orrmorton@spsmw.org.February11 Alpaca 101: Fundamentals of Alpaca Farming at White Violet Farm Alpacas, cost $75per person, $100 for two people from the same farm or family. For those thinking aboutbecoming alpaca farmers or very new in the business. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EST). Registerby Feb. 2. Contact Robyn Morton at 812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.12 Women and Philanthropy Forum with Angela White, CEO of Johnson, Grossnickle &Associates in Indianapolis and a Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College alumna. MarywoodDiocesan Center in Anaheim, Calif., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (PST). Contact Sister Sue Paweski at773-463-2478 or spaweski@spsmw.org.25 Beginning Spinning at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, cost $60. Learn how tomake your own yarn with John Salamone. Spinning wheel and fiber provided. 9:30 a.m.to 4 p.m. (EST). Register by Feb. 16. Contact Robyn Morton at 812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.19-21 and 26-28 2012 Annual Phonathon from Saint Mary-of-the-WoodsMarch4 2012 Annual Phonathon from Indianapolis10 Advanced Spinning at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, cost $60. For spinners withprior experience. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EST). Register by Feb. 24. Contact Robyn Morton at812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.17 Women’s Day of Spirituality focuses on the life of Anne Therese Guerin, aka SaintMother Theodore Guerin, as she lived, ministered and died. O’Shaughnessy Dining Roomat Providence Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (EDT), $25 includes lunch. Contact Sister JanCraven at 812-535-2925 or jcraven@spsmw.org.23-25 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Anaheim, Calif. Visit us at our booth.24 Caring for Earth: Climate Change as Moral Choice at White Violet Center forEco-Justice, cost $35. Explore our values about the environment with Sister Mary LouDolan, CSJ. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EST). Register by March 20. Contact Robyn Morton at812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.31 Prepare to Shear! Workshop at White Violet Farm Alpacas, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EST),cost $60. Shearing and collection of fiber education. Register by March 16. ContactRobyn Morton at 812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.April13-15 Spring “Come and See” weekend, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Women ages 18-42are invited to learn more about what it means to be a Sister of Providence. Free. ContactSister Editha Ben, 1-800-860-1840, ext 2895, eben@spsmw.org21 14th Annual Earth Day Celebration, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (EDT) at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Live entertainment, local food, activities for children, educational and informa-tionalbooths, handmade wares from local artists for sale. Free-will donation.Continued from page 22Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. POSTAGE PAIDIndianapolisIndianaPermit No. 593Office of Congregational Advancement1 Sisters of ProvidenceSaint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTEDReplica of first log cabin chapel is now a realityA replica of the first log cabin chapel, similar to the one that Saint Mother Theodore Guerin saw on her arrival in 1840, has beenconstructed at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The cabin is located adjacent to the memorial stone marking the cabin’s site. Most of the logscame from a mid-1850s cabin donated by David Masterson and his wife, Faye, of Owensville, Ind. Volunteers, led by Keith Ruble, super-intendentof the Vigo County Parksand Recreation Department, and TerreHaute resident Max Miller, did the re-construction.The Terre Haute Conven-tionand Visitors Bureau is a financialpartner, helping to bring the project toreality. (Photo by Pam Lynch)Use our QR code to donatenow to the Sisters of Providencewith your mobile phone.Donate now!
Origin:	2011-12-09
Publisher:	Sisters of Providence Office of Congregational Advancement
Source:	http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/sisters/id/1344
Collection:	Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/
Copyright:	Copyright Undetermined
Subjects:	Religion Rites & ceremonies Religious processions Religious communities Religious education Religious facilities Religious dwellings Religious orders Religious books Religious articles Religious services Women Womens education Guerin, Theodore, Saint, 1798-1856 Sisters of Providence (Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.) Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College College presidents Peru Missions Mission churches Education Dancers Dance Log cabins Conservation of natural resources Environmental policy Community service Famous Hoosiers Education Religion People

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