HOPE Vol. 4 No. 3 summer 2009

summer 2009 HOPE

Description:	A magazine dedicated to sharing the mission, spirituality and ministries of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. The Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore GuerinFor information about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, contact Sister Barbara Doherty, coordinator of the Office of the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, Providence Hall, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary- of- the- Woods, IN 47876- 1007 or 812- 535- 2925 or bdoherty@ spsmw. org.2 HOPE // SUMMER 2009Young Rembrandts in the makingThe third annual Sisters of Providence Youth Art Contest was held this spring with 62 young people in the Wabash Valley submitting entries. Pictured above is AlisonNesbit’s drawing of one of the Stations of the Cross on the motherhouse grounds. Alison received third place for 14 to 18 year olds. See the award recipients on page 12. ( Photo by Christina Blust) www. SistersofProvidence. org 3HOwithinPEFeaturesMusic and liturgy 8Building community through liturgyMusic in the desert 10Giving her whole self to musicCover story 14Pianos and DinaProvidence spirituality 17Music and spiritualityWays to help 18An invitation to partner with usDepartmentsHer- story 4Partners in our mission 6My heart watches … 11Photo album 12Alumnae/ i news 13Newsnotes 19Obituaries 20Upcoming events 22Mission Statement:The purpose of HOPE is to extend the energy and powerof Providence to our friends by sharing information aboutthe mission, spirituality and ministries of the Sisters ofProvidence of Saint Mary- of- the- Woods, Indiana.Volume 4 • No. 3summer 2009Executive Editor:Sister Rosemary SchmalzEditors:Sister Ann Casper andDiane WeidenbennerCopy Editor:Sister Cordelia MoranPublicationManager/ Designer:Connie McCammonCover Designer:Pam LynchCover Photo:Christina BlustEditorial Board:Rosie Blankenship, Christina Blust,Cheryl Casselman, Dave Cox,Brother Barry Donaghue, cfc,Sue Heck, Becky Igo,Sister Jeanne Knoerle,Sister Bernice Kuper,Sister Peggy Lynch,Sandy Scroggins andSister 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- 2804Web address:www. SistersofProvidence. orgPrinted on recycled paperPage 8Page 4On the cover: Dina Bato, a postulant,is excited about the possibilities offurthering her education in music.See her story on page 14.On the back: Sister Sue Pietrus( 1951- 2008) directs the choir duringthe vigil in the Church of the Gesù,Rome, during the canonization cel-ebrationsof Saint Mother Theodore.PPaaggee 11334 HOPE // SUMMER 2009Her- storyContinued on page 5Bringing beautyinto the worldBy Connie McCammon“ We are all aware, I am sure, that music, as a fine art, involves the creation of beauty. Now we know that beauty is an attribute of God. … Music then is a part of the very beauty of God. When we, as musicians, bring this beauty to the world, we are bringing God to the world,” said master musician and composer Sister Cecilia Clare Bocard ( RIP) in a 1962 lecture to music majors at Saint Mary- of- the- Woods College.Often referred to as “ the sister with the dancing feet,” Sister Cecilia Clare began taking piano lessons in first grade and organ lessons in third. By the tender age of 9, Sister CeciliaClare, born Frances Ada, was the New Albany, Ind., parish organist for the weekday composer of sacred choral works and piano compositions.One of Sister Cecilia Clare’s most sacred choral works was “ A Cycle of Psalms.” It was originally performed in 1956 for the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Providence of Ruillé, France, and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. In 1965, the Sisters of Providence Choir, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Congregation, performed the work in front of two sold- out audiences in a commemorative concert at the Chicago Civic Opera House.When the new Casavant organ in the gallery of the church was installed in 1953, a short organ recital was presented on Dec. 8 to bless the new organ and to officially open the Marian Year. Sister Cecilia Clare played her “ Te Deum Laudamus,” which was “ dedicated in gratitude to all who have helped to make the new organ a reality.”The reforms of the Second Vatican Council also fueledSister Cecilia Clare’s creative spirit. With the opportunity to use the vernacular during Mass, she composed “ Propers for the Mass for Sundays and Feast Days.” Once published, this five- volume work was highly sought after by parishes.Sister Cecilia Clare’s talent can still be felt today in the Church of the Immaculate Conception where Sister Camille Neubauer ministers as the coordinator of liturgical music. Sister Camille studied with Sister Cecilia Clare for four years as a student at the college.When Sister Camille entered the Congregation after graduation she continued her study with this music maestro for five more years. Sister Camille remembers that Sister Cecilia Clare prepared her studentsas if they were to play at the Kennedy Center.Sister Cecilia Clare, like so many other Sisters of Providence before and after her, certainly brought great beauty — and God — into this world. And her legacy lives on in the musical notations of her compositions and the voices that make a joyful sound from those notes.and Sunday Masses. Too small to reach the organ’s pedals, little Frances would have to partner with anotheryoung girl. One would play the keyboard and the other would play the pedals and later they would switch. Now that was teamwork!In 1916, Sister Cecilia Clare entered the Congregationat the age of 17. She began her studies at the Bush Conservatory in Chicago in 1917. This talentedmusician earned her master’s degree from Bush Conservatory with a major in composition and a minor in piano. Over the years Sister Cecilia Clare studied with respected musicians in Europe and the United States.In addition to her studies, Sister Cecilia Clare taught at the Conservatory of Music at Saint Mary- of- the- Woods College. Her tenure there as a teacher of piano, organ and composition was 47 years.Sister Cecilia Clare was well aware of the opportunitiesthat were provided to her because she was a Sister of Providence. In an article in a local newspaperin 1990, she said, “‘ At home, I could not have possibly afforded the teachers and wonderful educationprovided here. … It has been a very fulfilling life.’”With the knowledge and training she received through the years, Sister Cecilia Clare certainly gave back to the Congregation many times over. She played the organ for Mass and other celebrationsat the Church of the Immaculate Conception from 1929 until her death in 1994. Her musical compositions are a living tribute to her talent and creativity. During many special liturgies voices unite in the singing of Sister Cecilia Clare’s Our Lady of Providence.”Brides who are college graduates walk down the aisle of the church to her “ The Woods Wedding March.” Indeed, this musicalwoman was a prolific and award- winningwww. SistersofProvidence. org 5Continued from page 4HPhoto page 4: Sister Cecilia Clare composes music in this 1959 photograph. Photo page 5: Sister Cecilia Clare sits at one of her favorite places — the organ in the Church of the Immaculate Conception. ( Photos courtesy of Sisters of Providence Archives) 6 HOPE // SUMMER 2009Partners in our missionSee BLOSSOMING on page 7Blossomingintogreat beauty“… now Ireally believe in the sisters’ mission.”By Connie McCammonAs educators, the Sisters of Providencehave been planting seeds in fertile minds for nearly 170 years. Sometimes those seeds have taken root quickly. Other seeds have lain dormant, needinga little more cultivation from caring teachers before they took root. Some teachers have had the opportunity to see the fruits of their labor while othersmay never see how their years of nurturing have blossomed.Melissa “ Kobie” ( Thompson) Pierce is definitely one of those former students whose mind and life were tenderly cultivated by the Sisters of Providence.Kobie grew up with her four siblings in Germantown, Md. Her parents divorced when she was 5 years old. Finances were tight, but her mother somehow found the money to send Kobie to Immaculata Preparatory School ( IPS), a Sisters of Providence high school in Washington, D. C.“ I was part of the last graduating class from Immaculata,but chose to attend what we called ‘ the new school,’ Immaculata College High School, for my senior year,” said Kobie, who graduatedfrom high school in 1986.“ We were pretty poor when I was a kid, but I knew I couldn’t stay in my local public high school and get the education I needed. Immaculataprovided me with that education, as well as a view of the world outside of Germantown,”continued Kobie, who has been married to Scott for almost 16 years.One particular sister who had a great influence on Kobie was Sister Petra Daschbach, her Latin teacher. “ I had her each year at IPS, and she made a big impression on me. I’m still so glad that I have the Latin background, but also still rememberher telling me I did not need to be famous. She was right — I would have been a terrible famous person! Think Britney Spears’ problems with JaneaneGarofalo’s disposition,” joked Kobie.That seed that was planted at Immaculata found deeper roots when Kobie went to the University of Florida for her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in www. SistersofProvidence. org 7Photo above: Kobie says her son, Zeke, is “ a super cool kid.” ( Photo by Sister Joan Zlogar)BlossomingContinued from page 6accounting. A CPA in the state of Florida, Kobie started working at a large accounting firm in Tampa,where she met Scott. Today, Scott is the vice president of finance for The Melting Pot, the largest fondue restaurant franchise in the country.The couple resides in Tampa with their soon- to- be 4- year- old, Zeke. Kobie is a full- time mom, who volunteers her time as a treasurer for two organizations and keeps in shape by participatingin half- marathons and triathlons.While Kobie and Scott are busy plantingseeds for Zeke, it’s amazing how much little Zeke has to give to his parents. First and foremost, Kobie and Scott had to learn that events don’t always occur on their time schedule. Zeke’s arrival into their lives was a case in point.Jesus’ words in Gethsemane, “ not my will, but thine,” helped Kobie during this anxious time. “ I am a control freak, and I found it really hard to turn that aspect of my life over,” said Kobie, who attends Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa.“ Zeke was something that I wanted so badly in my life. He’s a super cool kid, but I’ve found that parenting really reminds me of my faults. A simple example of this is that he’s so good at remembering names and I am terrible at it. So he’s a big help to me!” continued Kobie.While Kobie tends the seeds of the future, she never forgets the Congregation that helped to nurture her. She generously contributes to the Congregation,most especiallyin honor of Sister Petra.“ That’s why I initially started giving, but now I really believe in the sisters’ mission. Their dedication to social justice and environmentalsustainability is impressive and much needed in our society,” said Kobie.The seeds planted in Kobie several years ago have certainly blossomed into great beauty.HRetirement and estate planning are not activities women put high on their to- do lists — they are too busy taking care of today’s demands to worry about the future. Why should women plan for retirement? Because statistics and personal experiencetell us that women live longer than men and they may find it necessary to provide for their own care. Planning their lives now leaves them time and energy to enjoy their golden years.It is important to do something now — no matter what phase of life they’re in. Visit our Web site at www. SistersofProvidence. org under the “ As seen in HOPE” link to learn more about this topic. We also invite you to contact Sister Joan Zlogar at 812- 535- 2811 or jzlogar@ spsmw. org for a complimentarycopy of our booklet, “ Estate and CharitablePlanning for Today’s Woman.”Financial security for women 8 HOPE // SUMMER 2009Music and liturgyBuildingcommunitythrough liturgyBy Diane WeidenbennerSister Lisa Stallings’ official title is director of worship at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Louisville, Ky. However, she thinks of herself as a “ utility infielder.” Whether she and the pastoral staff are collaborating on episcopal events officiated by the Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz, archbishop of Louisville, or planningweddings, confirmations, ordinations and other events, no two days are alike. The cathedral is the host home of every Catholic in the archdiocese.Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s quote “ We are not called upon to do all the good possible, but only that which we can do” encourages Sister Lisa. She coordinates the worship and music staff for a parish of 1,300 households representing 67 zip codes. Many of her parishioners drive 30 to 40 minutes to worship on Sunday. They are an “ intentionalcommunity, not necessarily a neighborhood community” because the cathedral is situated in a downtown business district.Sister Lisa has been a Sister of Providence for 33 years. She was taught by the sisters in high school and at Saint Mary- of- the- Woods College ( SMWC) where she was impressed by the sisters’ “ leadership and groundedness.” Young Lisa enjoyed singing in the SMWC Chorale and Madrigals under the direction of Sister Marie Brendan Harvey while earning her bachelor’s degree in English. She and two other college students, Sue Pietrus ( RIP) and Dawn Tomaszewski, became quick friends because of their love of music and admirationfor the sisters.After college, Lisa was teaching in Evansville, Ind., when Sue and Dawn contacted herContinued on page 9 www. SistersofProvidence. org 9Continued from page 8and told her they were going to become Sisters of Providence. They invited her to join them. “ We didn’t want to be old ladies who still wondered what would have happened if we had tried it. We also wondered how long it would take for the sisters to figure out we weren’t suitable,” said Sister Lisa. Sisters Lisa and Dawn are still serving in ministry today. Sister Dawn is director of advancementat Guerin College PreparatoryHigh School in River Grove, Ill. Sister Sue Pietrus died last September while serving as a member of the SMWC faculty.Sister Lisa earned a master’s degree from St. Joseph College, Rensselaer, Ind., in church music and liturgy, with an emphasis in choir conducting. She studied piano, voice and organ and continuedto study the organ privately after graduation.“ It’s a mystery to me that the same mouth that can eat mashed potatoes and yell at basketball games can also sing and be uplifting. With the same hands, you can bake bread and play an organ sonata,” added Sister Lisa. She points out that there are many levels of creativityin playing an organ but also levels of creativity in music composition and in the creation of the instrument itself. “ As a musician, you want to be able to play the instrument to let the sounds out and express the soul of the music.”In her current role as director of worshipat the Cathedral of the Assumption,Sister Lisa’s goal is to “ do all I can do to facilitate prayer and worship and then get out of the way.” To her, the administrative part is importantSee SISTER LISA on page 16Photo at right: Sister Lisa ministers as the director of worship at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville, Ky. She has been a Sister of Providence for 33 years. ( Submitted photo) 10 HOPE // SUMMER 2009Giving hermusicMusic in the desertwhole self toStory and photo by Cheryl CasselmanA Sister of Providence since 1951, Sister Carol Nolan has been teaching music since 1953. She was the first music teacher at Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove, Ill., taught at Saint Mary- of- the- Woods College for 29 years and in elementary schools for 12 years.“ One thing that has kept me energized is having been able to teach at several levels,” she said. “ This is very enriching and has helped me see how music is entwined with everything— history, language, math and science — every aspect of culture.”However, she is surprised to be teaching musicin her current ministry, Providence in the Desert in the Coachella Valley, Calif. As she talked with people in this Hispanic community while she was building the ministry the parents requested music lessons for their children. “ I surely didn’t expect to teach it here! I think they understand that music and the arts give children something that they can’t get any other way.”Sister Carol teaches three small instrumental classes a week. She also teaches music to more than 100 third- grade students each week.“ Listening to music is like praying: you have to give your whole self to it,” said Sister Carol. She thinks teaching music gives an awareness of beauty, especially aural beauty.“ Children like to hear a good sound,” she said. “ And they like to know they are making one.”Sister Carol assists a student with the proper fingeringtechnique forplaying the violin.See WHOLE SELF on page 11 www. SistersofProvidence. org 11Pilgrims from junior high to retirement ages and from all faith traditions are invited to the Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Fest 2009 Oct. 23 to 25 at Saint Mary- of- the- Woods, Ind. The theme for the weekend is “ Live with Purpose! Energize your Faith!” and the time will include quiet reflection, multiple types of prayer, spiritual presentations, worship, music and great companionship.There will also be opportunities to get to know Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, a courageous and prayerful woman and the eighth saint who worked and lived in the United States.Questions? Contact Sister Barbara Doherty, coordinatorof the Office of the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, at bdoherty@ spsmw. org or 812- 535- 2925. Visit www. SistersofProvidence. org for more information.Mark your calendars for Oct. 23- 25!Developing a relationship with everyone in her life, especially students and family, is important to her. This is evident as one energetic fifth- grade violin student shows Sister Carol photos of her infant siblingas she pulls out her notebook for music class.Continued from page 10Whole selfThe student talks about how she’s worried about her mother and father who had not returned from a trip to Mexico. Sister Carol offers comfort to the young violinist and then it’s off to tuning instrumentsand leading the class in practicing the notes.“ To me, children are like budding flowers, beautiful and fragile. It is a great honor and a responsibility to work with them.”HSince Saint Mother Theodore’s canonization Oct. 15, 2006, a steady stream of favors attributed to her intercession have been sent to theOffice of the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.Saint Mother Theodore Guerin has friends across the world. A gentlemanfrom Cairo, Egypt, Alexander Barnoti, who watches the Nile River from his window, has felt his life threatened from leukemia.“ I suffer from a mild type of leukemia and I had placed myself under the protection of Saint Mother Theodore. … Some days ago I went to consultmy doctor. I was really full of fear but, thank God and thank Mother Theodore, the result is good. The disease has not progressed.” 12 HOPE // SUMMER 2009Photo albumWinners and all entrants of the third annual Sisters of Providence Youth Art Contest were recently honored. Pictured are ( seated, from left) ages 5- 7: Claire Lueking, first, Celine Mitchell, second, Zachary Klug, third, and A. J. Strange, honorablemention; ages 8- 10: Camden Roembke, first, Adin Shepherd, second, Kaylen Woodard, third, and Lydia Delich, honorable mention; and ( standing, from left) ages 11- 13: Sarah Horstman, first, Karah Ellis, second, Tina Hiatt, third, and Charlie Taylor, honorable mention; and ages 14- 18: Jon Drobny, first, Kalea Ellis, second, Alison Nesbit, third, and Nicole Richey, honorable mention. ( Photo by Christina Blust)Youth art contest winners make a splashJuniors from Guerin College Preparatory High School, River Grove, Ill., pause for a moment of prayer at the end of the “ Taste of the Woods” retreat March 26 and 27, sponsored by the New Membership Team and facilitated by Sister Jenny Howard, vocationsdirector. Students were accompanied by theology teachers Sister Kay Manley and Gene Majewski, Providence Associate. Sister Noralee Keefe also accompanied the group. The weekend included fireside story- telling, a tour of the motherhouse grounds, information about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and visits to White Violet Center for Eco- Justice and Saint Mary- of- the- Woods College. ( Photo by Diane Weidenbenner).Students get a ‘ taste’ of the WoodsSisters of Providence reached out to more than 38,000 attendeesat the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in Anaheim,Calif., Feb. 26 to March 1. The Congregation debuted a new, open booth concept, allowing religious educators to enter at either end and travel the length of the booth to review information on vocations, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, ministries and programs and sale items from The Gift Shop at Providence Center. Congregation personnel were kept extremelybusy during the three- day event. Br. Barry Donaghue, cfc, director of Providence Center, ( seated to the left) and Sister Jenny Howard, vocations director, ( seated to the right) talk with attendees. ( Photo by Diane Weidenbenner)Check out our new look! www. SistersofProvidence. org 13Alumnae/ iThank you to our Chicago- area alums!The last time I wrote to you, we highlighted the reunions in the Boston area. In this issue I want to share the events that happened recently in Chicago.Thanks to the efforts of alumnae from ProvidenceHigh School and St. Columbkille schools, Chicago; Marywood, Evanston; Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove; Providence High School, New Lenox; and our Providence Associates, we had 27 people who contacted our donors duringthe 2009 Phonathon and helped raise pledges of more than $ 10,000!Our sisters continue to make up the majority of callers but there is a trend of many more alumnaeand associates offering their time and energy. Some reactions included, “ This was fun!” “ Sign me up for next year.” “ It’s the least I can do to support the sisters.”The Mardi Gras fund raiser on Feb. 21 was a great success! Even though there was snow on the ground, the spicy jambalaya and rousing music warmed the halls of Guerin College Preparatory High School, River Grove, Ill. More than 80 people enjoyed themselves and met new friends.Next year our Mardi Gras theme will be devoted to the whole family. Dancing, face- painting, Twister,drumming and juggling are just a few of the Mardi Gras “ floats” we will offer for our guests. Admission is free for children 12 and under.Check out our Web site for information about reunions and gatherings. Questions? Concerns? Contact me at 773- 463- 2478 or spaweski@ spsmw. org.Many blessings to all!Sister Sue PaweskiFamily Mardi GrasSaturday Feb. 13, 2010Noon to 4 p. m. ( CST)Guerin College Preparatory High SchoolRiver Grove, Ill.Far left photo: Sylvia Chen, Alice Liu, a Providece Volunteer Minister,and Kim Yeongmi ( left to right) enjoy Mardi Gras night.Immediate left photo: Stany and Sushila D’Souza enjoy the Mardi Gras with their sons, Jason and Javin.Above photo: Alumnae, Providence Associates and sisters gather for a photo during the 2009 Phonathon in Chicago. ( Submitted photos) 14 HOPE // SUMMER 2009Cover storyPianos and DinaStory and photos by Christina BlustDina Bato has quite a handshake. One wouldn’t expect it from the friendly, quick to smile 32- year- old, but with one shake of that right hand, there is no doubt that this woman does not need help opening jars.Her impressive hand strength is no fluke. When Dina was 3 years old, a serious car accidentcaused her to lose much of the strength in her right hand. To counteract this loss, she began classical piano lessons at age 10 and has been playing ever since. From performingduets with her sister at youth recitals to learning jazz improvisation skills at summer camp, Dina and pianos have forged quite a friendship.In fact, the challenge now is keeping Dina away from them! Put her in a room, chapel or cathedral with a piano and soon enough, like a moth to flame, she’ll be sitting at it, filling the space with inspired renditions of old favorites, hymns and original compositions. Dina laughs when she recalls her first trip to Saint Mary- of- the- Woods. Her spiritual director at that time, Sister Carolyn Bouchard, brought her to the Woods, and Dina found herself near the piano in the Owens Hall Chapel.“ Sister, may I?” she asked.Sister Carolyn, who knew Dina loved and studied music but had never heard her strike a note, was blown away by Dina’s ability and exclaimed, “ Oh my gosh! I knew you played, but I didn’t know you played!”Continued on page 15 www. SistersofProvidence. org 15An accountant by training, Dina has consistently felt this pull to music. A particular experience made quite an impression on her. One night, while attemptingto study for the CPA exam but wishing she could be playing music instead, Dina opened a textbook to find that she had a very difficult time focusing and literally couldn’t read it.“ God doesn’t have to talk to you through words,” she says, remembering this night. She scrapped her studying and turned to music for the evening, playingnonstop for about two hours.Also skilled at guitar, Dina has been able to share her talents with many people by providing music for a wide range of events such as retreats, various liturgiesand faith- sharing gatherings. In fact, her love of music used in these ways is one of the main points that drew Dina to the Sisters of Providence.“ Music’s pretty big here,” she says. “ It seems like there’s always access to a piano, and nothing beats playing the real thing.”Through Sister Carolyn, Dina met more Sisters of Providence. Attending Sister Susan Paweski’s final vows in 2005, Dina remembers thinking to herself, “ These Masses totally rock!”A few years later, after attending Come & See and Fall Discernment weekends and being drawn by the “ diversity in thought, but oneness in heart” of the community, Dina made the decision to apply for entrance into the postulancy program for the Sisters of Providence. In May of 2008, her application was accepted, but prior to entering, she began musicallyparticipating in Congregation celebrations, providing musical accompaniment for the jubilee and final vow celebrations that summer. Then on Sept. 22, 2008, Dina officially became a postulant.Fewer than two weeks later, Sister Ann Michele Kiefer died, and Sister Carolyn, a good friend of Sister Ann Michele, asked Dina to play at her wake service. More specifically, the piece Dina was asked to play was one of her original compositions titled “ Dreams.”When she talks about her original music, Dina’s enthusiasm is nearly palpable. Her hands stay onContinued from page 14Dina’s love of music is one of the main points that drew her to the Congregation. Dina became a postulant last September.See PIANOS AND DINA on page 19 16 HOPE // SUMMER 2009and she’s learned over the past 10 years to prepare for everything possible. However, while during the liturgy she wants to be transparentto allow for the Holy Spirit and worship, she also feels that a pastoral musician and liturgist should be present in people’s lives.“ It’s not a desk job,” said Sister Lisa. “ You can’t plan an effectiveliturgy for people in the abstract. You have to be aware of who’s sick and who’s having a baby. You have to be in the center of parish life.”Liturgy speaks to Catholics today and she has noticed an increase in attendance. “ People can have a relationshipwith God individually but there is some way that the community mediates the presence of God that doesn’t happen individually,” said Sister Lisa. “ When the community is gathered in prayer, there is a different quality to God’s presence that speaks to people,” she added.Sister Lisa feels that the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist play important roles in people’s lives. “ Hearing the Gospel explicated feeds people and gives them something that they can hold on to; they can grow personally because of what they have heard,” said Sister Lisa.The charism of Providence has been active in Sister Lisa’s life. “ Things have always happened in such a way that if I’d have been on my own, I would have screwed it up. There has been a direction in my life that has led me places that I wouldn’t have gone on my own. This direction has been God at work in my life. For me, Providence has been working in my life for good, always providing for what I lack. God has allowed me to take my personal disposition and attributes and my professional training and put them at the service of people.”Sister LisaContinued from page 9You can’t plan an effective liturgy for people in the abstract. You have to be aware of who’s sick and who’s having a baby. You have to be in the center of parish life.— SISTER LISA STALLINGS“”H Providence spiritualityMusic and spiritualityBy Sister Jeanne KnoerleAs this issue of HOPE illustrates, music is integral to the Sisters of Providence. Even those sisters who are truly “ tone deaf” or personally cannot sing share the experiences and the gifts that music brings whenever we gather, with one another or with others. The first sound of the organ in the church re- organizes the congregation from a group of persons enjoying the gift of one another’s friendship in God’s presence, to a single congregation focused on honoring the gift of God’s friendship with each of us and with all of us gatheredtogether.There is a quality in music that touches a place in everyone that may be otherwise untouchable.Have you ever known a time when you were unable to express a deep emotion that you were feeling and music became the enabler for you? It touched the place you yourself were unable to touch — or perhaps were afraid of touching — and brought your tears or your joy to the surface in an unexpected way.It is hard to imagine any spirituality that does not include music as an integral component. Organ music is almost immediately associated with church, its full- throated sound filling those who listen with the memories it brings of many and varied religious experiences. The clarity of simple chant brings the beauty of single- mindedness, especially the single- mindedness of love. The rich sound of a full choir surrounds us, encompassing us and overwhelming us with warmth and excitement. A quiet time of prayer with no music can sometimes bring the sound of remembered music that has a special meaning, even perhaps a special message that otherwise would not be heard. Spirituality and music, it seems, are close cousins, perhaps even siblings.And that is the reason that music has always been so important at the Woods. Music expresseswhat cannot be expressed otherwise. Music enhances what is otherwise simple or ordinary. Music is beautiful, sad, lovely, expressive, quieting, exciting. It brings us close to God and close to one another.For more insight into music and Providence spirituality, please see “ Love, Mercy, Justice: A Book of Practices of the Sisters of Providence.” It is available at The Gift Shop at ProvidenceCenter or online at www. ProvCenter. org.Hwww. SistersofProvidence. org 17 18 HOPE // SUMMER 2009If you know someone who should receive information about SMWC, please contact us: smwcadms@ smwc. edu800- 926- SMWCwww. smwc. eduDr. Susan Pietrus, SP, ’ 72 ( 1951- 2008), whose inspiration and contributions to this College will never be forgotten. In Loving Memory of . . . “ We miss you, Sister Sue.”Ways to helpAn invitation to partner with usMusic has always been an integral part of the Sisters of Providence life and mission. This is never more evident than in the Church of the Immaculate Conception when sisters, relatives, alumnae, friends and guests gather for celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy, especially on major feast days, vow ceremoniesand jubilees. The celebrations in this sacred space have for more than 50 years been exquisitely complimented by the resonating sounds of a Casavant Freres Opus 2194 organ.Despite scrupulous care, time and wear have taken their toll on the instrument. A major renovation was undertaken in 1997. Now further maintenance is needed to keep the instrument in peak condition. One pouch block was removed and sent to Casavant Freres in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, in 2004. These large pouches, which connect the organ pipes to the wind chests, are made of leather which deteriorates over time. Six pouch blocks remain to be repaired at a cost of $ 5,000 to $ 7,500 each. These repairs will ideally be made over a two- year period, as it is desirableto send only one or two sectionsat a time so that the organ may still be used.If you would like to partner with the Sisters of Providence in preserving this magnificent musical instrument, please use the enclosed envelope and write on it the words “ organ repair.” If a gift is not possible at this time, please pray that a grant application requesting funding assistance with the project will be approved.Photo above: Sister Regina Marie McIntyre plays the organ in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.A big thank you!A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who helped make the 2009 Phonathon a success — sisters, alumnae/ i, Providence Associates and Candidates, staff members and friends who volunteeredtheir time to make calls and process the papers; Guerin College Preparatory High School, River Grove, Ill., for the use of its facilities to hold calling sessions; Kevin Kirkpatrick for the use of his Century 21 building to make calls from Indianapolis;and all who prayed for the success of the phonathon. More than 2,900 constituents were contacted, with more than $ 98,000 raised at the time of publication.If you were not contacted during the phonathon or have not received a pledge form and would like to make a gift to the Sisters of Providence, you can do so through our online donation form or by sending your gift to: Office of Congregational Advancement, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary- of- the- Woods, IN 47876. Newsnoteswww. SistersofProvidence. org 19In April, Sister Norene Wu, an assistant professorat Providence University in Shalu, Taichung County, Taiwan, was recognized in absentia during the Honor’s Day program at Indiana State University,Terre Haute, Ind. Sister Norene’s dissertation was selected as the Adams Outstanding Doctoral Thesis for 2009. Her dissertation was titled “ The Experiences and the Coping Among Caseworkers at Women’s Shelters.” Sister Norene received her doctorate in counseling psychology last summer.Hymn honors Mother TheodoreSaint Mother Theodore Guerin was remembered in a special hymn commemorating the 175th anniversaryof the Archdiocese of Indianapolis on May 3. Father Harry Hagan, OSB, composed the text of “ Come and See the Many Wonders” which is set to the hymn tune of “ Beach Spring” by B. F. White. In the hymn, Father Harry focuses on Mother Theodore’scourage.Father Harry, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, St. Meinrad, Ind., provided Congregation Archivist Sister Mary Ryan with a signed copy of the hymn. In his letter to her, Father Harry wrote:“ Mr. Charles Gardiner who heads the Office of Worship [ for the archdiocese] asked me to write the words for the hymn. I wanted to include as many people as possible, but as I tried to name various individuals, it became clear that I could not include everyone. Therefore, rather than run the risk of leaving people out, I chose the two people that no one could argue about: Bishop [ Simon] Bruté and St. Theodora. I felt that in their different ways they embraced so much of the ministry that has been done in the diocese over the last one hundred and seventy- five years.”Father Harry acknowledged the assistance of Sister Regina Marie McIntyre, who provided informationon Mother Theodore and the Congregation. Sister Regina Marie is the organist at St. Meinrad Archabbey.Sister Barbara shares her insightsAn article written by Sister Barbara Sheehan was recently published in the CareGuides for the Care Team Series published by One Caring Place, Abbey Press, St. Meinrad, Ind. Sister Barbara’s article was “ Honoring Cultural Diversity as You Accompanythe Sick and the Grieving.” CareGuides is a publication for professionals and volunteers who counsel and comfort.Another article by Sister Barbara was published in the March/ April 2009 issue of Vision, a publication of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. Her article was titled “ Justice- oriented urban CPE results in relational transformation.” Sister Barbara is the executive director of Urban CPE Consortium Inc. in Chicago.Sister Norene honoredPianos and DinaContinued from page 15Hthe piano even as she talks, playing little riffs or running through parts of the composition to illustrate her points.“‘ Dreams’ doesn’t have much of a resolution,” she explains. “ The story’s not over yet. You fall into the story and then make it your own.”Wisely, the Sisters of Providence have recognized Dina’s talent and have put it to work, at least for now. So far, Dina has spent some time giving servicein the Liturgy Office, where she has been able to reconnect with some of the technical aspects of piano, such as sight- reading and accompanying a congregation.Dina doesn’t know what the future holds for her or what her ministry will be, but she’s excited about the possibilities of furthering her education in music. She’s also excited about other opportunitiesopen to her with the Sisters of Providence, who dedicate their lives to breaking boundaries and creating hope.She smiles. “ Music helps you transcend the boundariesof what you know.” 20 HOPE // SUMMER 2009ObituariesIn memory“ I sleep, but my heart watches … ” — Song of SongsSister Serena Ziolkowski April 13, 1918- Dec. 13, 2008“ Sister Serena spent many hours with the God she loved and served so well.”Sister Serena entered the Congregation July 16, 1936. She ministered for more than four decades in education in Indiana, Illinois, California and New Hampshire. When she returnedto the Woods in 1987, Sister Serena volunteered in many areas.Sister Gertrude Marian Bauer Sept. 3, 1912- Jan. 24, 2009“ Sister Gertrude Marian was a very intelligent woman and a good teacher. She had a wonderful sense of humor.”Entering the Congregation Sept. 7, 1927, Sister Gertrude Marian spent more than five decadesministering in education. Her pedagogical ministries were located in Illinois, Indiana and Massachusetts.Sister Mary Rosita Thewes May 5, 1922- Feb. 25, 2009“ For 24 years, Sister Mary Rosita managed the food service for the residence of the Archbishop of Indianapolis, providing hidden service to the clergy and the hierarchy and indirectly to the people of the archdiocese.”Sister Mary Rosita entered the Congregation Feb. 1, 1943. She ministered in food service for convents in Illinois, California, Indiana and the motherhouse. She spent more than two decades providing food service at the residence of the Archbishop of Indianapolis. Sister Mary Rosita returned to the Woods in 1997.Sister Jean Karier Sept. 16, 1914- March 7, 2009“ I often ponder over the goodness God has shown me in my life. It has been a beautiful and blessed life.” — Sister Jean KarierEntering the Congregation Feb. 11, 1932, Sister Jean ministered as a teacher in Indiana and Illinois. She also was a pioneer in the Catholic school system’s ministry to special needs students. As a special education teacher she was instrumental in creating programs in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis as well as one school in Chicago. Sister Jean also ministeredthree years as a special education teacher at Saint Mary- of- the- Woods College.Sister Jean Arkenberg ( formerly Sister Marian Jean) Nov. 22, 1923- March 8, 2009“ Sister Jean’s quiet, humble, prayerful demeanor and service were a gift to all who knew her.”Sister Jean Arkenberg entered the Congregation Jan. 5, 1941. She ministered to elementaryand junior high students in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, Maryland, Missouri andContinued on page 21 www. SistersofProvidence. org 21Washington, D. C. She returned to the Woods in 1998 where her seamstress skills were in great demand. In addition to clothing that was made or mended by her, Sister Jean helped with the creation of many of the banners used in the Church of the Immaculate Conceptionas well as the scarves worn during the beatification and canonization of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin.Sister Dorothy Evelyn Laughlin March 6, 1922- March 17, 2009“ Sister Dorothy Evelyn was a wonderful example to all of us of how it is possible to go through life with a smile on your face and give that gift to everyone you greet.”Entering the Congregation July 19, 1942, Sister Dorothy Evelyn spent five decades in education.She ministered in Indiana, Illinois, California and Washington, D. C. She returned to the Woods in 2001.Sister Helene Marie Kelly Dec. 13, 1919- March 25, 2009“ Music had a special place in Sister Helene Marie’s life. As a teacher she tried to instill not only the appreciation and perfection of the performing arts, but a life- time application to the discipline of daily living.”Sister Helene Marie entered the Congregation July 22, 1937. For most of her nearly six decades as a teacher, she ministered as a music teacher. She taught in Maryland, Texas, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Illinois and Washington, D. C.Sister Marie Ellen Sullivan Aug. 21, 1926- March 29, 2009“ How could you not have a good time with this woman whose laugh, whose Irish gift of gab made her a delight to be around?”Sister Marie Ellen entered the Congregation Feb. 2, 1945. She spent nearly four decades in education as a teacher or principal in Indiana, Illinois, Maryland and Washington, D. C. She also ministered as a pastoral associate for 15 years at St. Constance Parish, Chicago. She returned to the Woods in 2004 and volunteered as a tutor.To read the entire obituary for a sister, please visit www. SistersofProvidence. org and look for “ As seen in HOPE” link.Continued from page 20The 7th annual Hole- y- One Golf Scramble ™ , will be held Friday, Sept. 18, at Hulman Links Golf Course in Terre Haute. This year will feature a morning and afternoon shotgun start. Costs are $ 300 for a foursome or $ 75 for an individual, which include carts, green fees, lunch and beverages. Hole sponsorships are $ 150.Proceeds from this event go to support the mission and ministries of the Congregation.If you would like to register a team or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Diane Weidenbenner at dweidenb@ spsmw. org or 812- 535- 2802.Fore! It’s time to register for our annual golf scramble 22 HOPE // SUMMER 2009CalendarUpcoming eventsMay29- 31 Life Awareness Weekend, Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio. Sponsoredby the Vocation Committee of San Antonio for men and women ages 18- 50.Vocations staff members will be attending and presenting.30 Fiber Day, White Violet Center for Eco- Justice, Saint Mary- of- the- Woods, 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. ( EDT). What to do with your alpaca fiber — from animal to finished product. Cost $ 75. Contact Sister Jean Fuqua at jfuqua@ spsmw. org or 812- 535- 2932.June3 Picnic with the Bishop, Evansville ( Ind.) Diocese. Contact Sister Jenny Howard at 812- 535- 2897 or jhoward@ spsmw. org.11- 14 Fiber Frolic, Thursday 7 p. m. to Sunday 11 a. m. ( EDT), White Violet Center for Eco- Justice, Saint Mary- of- the- Woods. Weaving Patterns — for those with some experience;Spinning — beginning and brushing up; Felting — beginning and brushing up; Water and Needle Felting. Cost $ 200. Contact Sister Jean Fuqua at jfuqua@ spsmw. org or 812- 535- 2932.12- 13 Eucharistic Congress sponsored by the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Vocations staff members will have a presence at this event.14 2009 Family Day at the Woods sponsored by the Sisters of Providence and Saint Mary- of- the- Woods College, 1 to 5 p. m. ( EDT).27 Golden/ Silver Jubilee Celebration, 1: 30 p. m. ( EDT), Church of the Immaculate Conception,Saint Mary- of- the- Woods.July12- 18 Earth Plunge, White Violet Center for Eco- Justice, Saint Mary- of- the- Woods. Open to the public. A week of immersion into Earth to contemplate its impact on your own spirituality. Cost $ 600 ( includes room and board). Contact Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, at 812- 535- 2930 or mfreeman@ spsmw. org.18 Summer Nature Walk, 10 to 11 a. m. ( EDT), White Violet Center for Eco- Justice, Saint Mary- of- the- Woods. Free- will donation. Contact Candace Hack at 812- 535- 2935 or chack@ spsmw. org.August9 Fest 2009, Wickliffe, Ohio. The Congregation will have a presence at this event.9- 13 Praying with Cosmos, Christ and Consciousness, White Violet Center for Eco- Justice,Saint Mary- of- the- Woods. Workshop presented by Sharon Zayac, OP, and Margaret Galiardi, OP. It is designed for those who have been reflecting on our Christian tradition within the larger context of the Universe Story. Contact Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, at 812- 535- 2930 or mfreeman@ spsmw. org. www. SistersofProvidence. org 23“ As a spiritual practice, singing enables us to draw closer to God, to other people, and to all of creation. When people sing, they become involved; they are engaged in the actual act of praise or of mourning, connecting their feelings, thoughts, and subconscious. Music and lyrics become imbedded in their memory only to be recalled when needed.”— “ Love, Mercy, Justice: A Book of Practices of the Sisters of Providence,” page 92Drawing closer to God Non- ProfitOrganizationU. S. POSTAGE PAIDIndianapolisIndianaPermit No. 593Office of Congregational Advancement1 Sisters of ProvidenceSaint Mary- of- the- Woods, IN 47876RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDDedicated to the memoryof Sister Sue Pietrus ( 1951- 2008)
Origin:	2009-06-04;
Publisher:	Sisters of Providence Office of Congregational Advancement
Source:	http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/sisters/id/643
Collection:	Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/
Copyright:	Copyright Undetermined
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