HOPE Vol. 6 No. 1 fall 2010

fall 2010 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 // FALL 2010 www.SistersofProvidence.org 3HOwithinPEFeaturesToday’s sisters 4Shouldn’t all sisters wear habits?Q & A 6A vocation Q & A with Sister JennyPromoting vocations 8The key to vocations is relationshipsHow you can helpHow can you encourage religiousvocations?Living Providence 12Mother, grandmother and sister?DepartmentsSustainable living 9Alumnae/i news 16Partners in our mission 18My heart watches … 19Obituaries 20Upcoming events 21Photo album 22Mission Statement:The purpose of HOPE is to extend the energy and powerof Providence to our friends by sharing information aboutthe mission, spirituality and ministries of the Sisters ofProvidence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.Volume 6 • No. 1fall 2010Executive Editor:Sister Rosemary SchmalzEditors:Sister Ann Casper andDiane WeidenbennerCopy Editor:Sister Cordelia MoranPublicationManager/Designer:Connie McCammonCover Photo:Diane WeidenbennerCover Designer:Pam LynchEditorial Board:Rosie Blankenship, Christina Blust,Cheryl Casselman, Dave Cox,Brother Barry Donaghue, cfc,Sue Heck, Becky Igo,Sister Jeanne Knoerle,Sister Bernice Kuper,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.orgChildren’s Web site:www.WoodsUp.comPrinted on recycled paperSee us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube!The Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore GuerinFor information about Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, contact Sister BarbaraDoherty, coordinator of the Office of the Shrine of Saint Mother TheodoreGuerin, Providence Hall, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN47876-1007 or 812-535-2925 or bdoherty@spsmw.org.Page 12Page 1810The face-painting booth was again a popular stop for children attending thesecond annual Family Day at the Woods on June 13. A volunteer artist gets“approval” from the young boy on the spaceship painted on his cheek (in-set).It’s hard to tell who is having more fun! Hundreds of families from thesurrounding community attended the event that included choir performances,games, puppet shows and so much more — all free to the public. Mark yourcalendar for next year’s Family Day. It’s Sunday, June 12, 2011. (Photos byDiane Weidenbenner)Family Day fun!Page 14On the cover:Sister Noralee Keefe and youngwomen from Guerin CollegePreparatory High School in RiverGrove, Ill., get ready for the triphome after an overnight experienceknown as “Taste of the Woods.” Thisevent is just one of many ways thatthe Congregation promotes vocations.4 HOPE // FALL 2010 www.SistersofProvidence.org 5Shouldn’t all sisters wear habits?Today��s sisterse can guess that some long-time Catholics, feeling great fondness in theirhearts for the women religious who have graced their lives as teachers andfriends, will respond to this question with a strong “Yes!” They often believe thata return to the habit by all sisters would resolve the current vocation crisis. Perhaps,in light of the many feelings surrounding the habit, it may be helpful to examine thelong history of religious life.Religious life as a vocation choice has been part of the spiritual tradition of every cultureand predates Christianity (e.g. Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, etc.). The oldest and bestknown form of religious life is monasticism, a way of life commonly recognized by char-acteristicssuch as: the wearing of a culturally conspicuous form of dress (habit); a perma-nentdwelling place with restricted access (monastery/enclosure/cloister); a fixed sched-ule(horarium) dictating times when members rise, retire, come together for commonmeals, to chant or recite vocal prayers, to study the scriptures or tospend time in manual labor.Some Christian forms of monasticism began to emerge in thefourth century. In the sixth century St. Benedict wrote his GreatRule which still continues to influence Christian monastic life inthe West. The stability and ever-sameness surrounding monasticismgives witness to the world of God’s abiding presence in our midst.Monasticism remained the predominant form of Christian religious life in theWest until the 16th century when new forms of religious life began to ap-pear.Charismatic leaders emerged and began to attract others to join themin this new form of religious life. These men (and later, women) had thesame desire as monastics to live a life totally consecrated to God, but theyalso felt called to express their commitment to God in a life of service totheir neighbor. As a result they began to modify the monastic lifestyle toaccommodate it to their needs. They wanted to live near the people theyserved rather than in enclosed monasteries. Sometimes, so as not to beset apart from the people to whom they ministered, they opted to wearthe clothing of the people rather than a uniformhabit. In order to be more available to the needsof the people, they were allowed greater freedomin choosing times for personal prayer (rather thanobserving a fixed, common schedule). It is in thesesmall beginnings that we find the origins of whatwe now call apostolic or ministerial religious life.Over the years this form of religious life hasevolved as an alternative to, not as a replacementfor, monastic religious life. The apostolic/ministe-riallifestyle is modeled on the life of the itiner-antpreacher, Jesus. It gives witness to God’s lovewhich we share by loving others and serving theirneeds.The Catholic Church was slowto officially recognize this ap-ostoliclifestyle as an authenticform of religious life, but in1900 Pope Leo XIII gave the of-ficialapprobation of the Churchto this non-cloistered, apos-tolicform of religious life. Itneeds to be said, however, thateven after giving approval, theChurch, through its 1917 Codeof Canon Law, still requiredmembers of apostolic congrega-tionsto live a monastic lifestylewithin their convents even as they lived an apostoliclifestyle outside of their convents. This created akind of “hybrid” form of religious life, which pre-vailedin congregations of women religious foundedto be apostolic, until the 1950s. At this time, PopePius XII directed the world’s religious superiors tobegin the modernization of their congregations. Hespecifically urged simplification of habits, layingaside of outmoded customs, and the ongoing educa-tionof members.These beginnings of renewal and adaptation ofreligious life culminated in Vatican Council II,called by Pope John XXIII in 1962. One of the 16documents, Perfectae Caritatis, specifically ad-dressedthe world’s religious congregations. In this1965 document, religious were directed to revisitthe roots of their congregations and to study thecharism (gift) of their founder/foundress in order tobe re-energized for ministry in the modern world.Each congregation of religious was directed tomeet in a General Chapter (an official congregationmeeting) within one year of the Council’s ending toset into motion the Congregation’s plan for adapta-tionand renewal. (Adaptation referred to externalchange; renewal to interior change.)The Council called for a 10-year period of experi-mentationduring which congregations were directedto search for the most appropriate ways to achievetheir goals for renewal and adaptation. In responseto this mandate of the Church, the Sisters of Provi-dencemet in a Special Chapter in 1969 to initiatethe process of adaptation and renewal. In the yearssince, the Congregation has met in a General Chap-terto evaluate progress, set goals and elect newleaders.A congregation’s way of life ispreserved over time through itsConstitutions (Rule of Life).At various times during our170-year history in the UnitedStates, changing circumstanceshave required changes in ourConstitutions in order to adaptthem to life in this culture. Thelatest revision of our Constitu-tionsapproved by the member-shipand by Church authorityin 1995 identifies the Sisters ofProvidence as an apostolic institute with its originalpurpose “to honor Divine Providence and to furtherGod’s loving plans by devoting itself to works oflove, mercy and justice in service among God’s peo-ple.”Its chapter on Common Witness addresses ourmanner of dress and also states, “Signifying theircommon call to share in the work of Jesus Christ inthe world, the distinctive symbol of the Sisters ofProvidence is a white enamel cross with the Greekletters for Christ superimposed upon a circle. Thiscommon sign of their religious witness and conse-crationis worn by the professed members.”As a Congregation the Sisters of Providence con-tinueto walk in the footsteps of our foundress, SaintMother Theodore Guerin, trusting that the God ofProvidence who “thus far has never failed us,” willcontinue to guide our steps as we move into an un-knownfuture.WBy Sister Bernice Kuper Continued on page 5Continued from page 4… the distinctivesymbol of the Sisters ofProvidence is a whiteenamel cross with theGreek letters for Christsuperimposed upon acircle.”H“6 HOPE // FALL 2010 www.SistersofProvidence.org 7Q & AA vocation Q & Awith sister jennySister Jenny Howard is the Sisters of Providence vocation director, a position she has heldfor nine years. She also is on the Congregation’s New Membership Team, which focuseson assisting the Congregation in inviting and welcoming new members and facilitatesthe development of the whole person for those who seek full membership. She serves aschairperson of the Vocations Advisory Team, a group that includes marketing and com-municationsstaff members, and she works with various vocation groups within Indianaand outside the state as well.Sister Jenny is a native of Indianapolis and has been a member of the Congregation for27 years. She loves camping, canoeing and the outdoors.Q. Why are there so few people entering religious life today?A. There is not one easy explanation to that question, but a variety of factors and influ-enceswill shed some light. Some people today picture religious life as we knew it fromthe late 1940s through the mid-1960s when droves of women were joining religiouscongregations. We tend to think of that time period as the “norm.” If we look backthrough Church history, we find that there has been great fluctuation in numbers ofnew members. The influence of society in general, as well as current world needs, oftenhas a significant role. Some young people today have never met a sister. For most of us,we cannot imagine such a scenario. But that is why it is so important for us to connectand share with others about our life and mission.In the last five years or so, I have seen a noticeableincrease in young people exploring the possibility ofreligious life. It appears that there has been a shiftin the perception of its value. In the past, I noticedthat young people have been somewhat hesitantto mention they were exploring religious life, but itseems now they are more willing to say that’s whatthey are thinking about. We’ve been very fortunateto have women enter our Congregation fairly con-sistentlythroughout this period of time.Q. From the research and reading you have done,and the workshops in which you have participated,what do you believe young people are looking fortoday?A. Young people today are searching for deepermeaning in their lives, and a way to live out theirCatholic identity more fully. Several women withwhom I am in conversation have shared that theyare seeking a deeper spirituality and a sense ofcommunity. Today’s generations are very service-orientedand very generous. Young people todayenjoy doing things together, and for many ofthem, they desire to do that out of their faith andas a way of living out the Gospel message.There are so many options in life for them. Forsome making a permanent commitment is verychallenging and fearful. If they make a commit-mentto one thing, that might rule out many oftheir other options.Q. How can the Sisters of Providence positionthemselves to take advantage of renewed interestin a life of service to God and to society, and toreligious life?A. Much of what we already dohas helped us to stay connectedwith a large group of women.We have more than 300 womenin our e-mail database or ourregular monthly mail database.These are women whom wehave met through our variousvocation events, and who haveasked to stay connected and toreceive monthly communicationsfrom us. We have increasedour visibility about who we areas Sisters of Providence in waysthat young people can connect with us, certainlythrough our marketing abilities and contacts.However, personal contact a woman has with aSister of Providence remains most important. It isthrough that personal interaction, by our presence,by our witness, that women really come to knowus. Each Sister of Providence is actively engaged inpraying, fasting and inviting women she knows toconsider religious life. We believe that each Sisterof Providence is a “vocation director” and that it’snot just the job of the New Membership Team. Af-terall, most sisters joined the Congregation afterhaving personally known a Sister of Providence.Q. Would you describe the recruitment of womento religious life, or the invitation to answer thecall, as a competitive environment among congre-gations?A. Competition doesn’t come into it. The desirethat we have as vocation directors is to help wom-enexplore possibilities of religious life and to finda community where their spirit is most alive andwhere they feel “at home.” Each community hasits own personality. Women today have so manyoptions in how they choose to live their lives, letalone a variety of religious communities fromwhich to choose if they feel called to religious life.Web sites have made it more possible to explorereligious communities without ever personallycontacting anyone. Hundreds of congregations areonly a click away.Q. What is the actual discernment process like fora woman who is considering religious life?A. For a woman exploring religious life, it wouldbe helpful for her to participate in our “Come andSee” and discernment weekends, and to spendsome time getting to know the Sisters of Provi-dence,and allowing us time toget to know her. We encourageyoung women to complete col-lege,or to work a few years, inorder to gain some life experi-encebefore engaging in a moreformal discernment process.Keeping in mind that our dis-cernmentis a “mutual process”between the woman and theCongregation, when the timeseems appropriate she mayrequest a discernment guide.During these next months, shewalks with a Sister of Providence appointed as herdiscernment guide, usually meeting monthly todiscuss various topics to assist in her discernment.At some point in her journey, through prayer andmutual discernment, she may feel ready to beginthe application process. The time from the initialcontact to the point of actual entrance into theCongregation may be several years. Women whoare interested in discerning with us seem to trulyappreciate that the process is not rushed, but isrespectful of their needs to explore their many lifeoptions, and honors the time needed for prayer,reflection and discernment.Q. What gives you hope?A. Several things. I think back to the early days ofthis community and to the challenges endured byMother Theodore and our early sisters. Their faith,their love and care for one another, and their trustin the God of Providence sustained them, andI trust it will continue to sustain us in this timeand into the future. I believe that religious life isContinued on page 7Continued from page 6I believe thatreligious life is aviable and importantway of life today forour Church and for ourworld.— Sister Jenny Howard“”See SISTER JENNY on page 9(Photo by Connie McCammon)8 HOPE // FALL 2010 www.SistersofProvidence.org 9Promoting vocationsContinued from page 7Sister Jennya viable and important way of life today for ourChurch and for our world. It may look differentthan it has in the past, but I trust that this way oflife will fulfill the need of God’s design.The Sisters of Providence recently came togetherStudents from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College visit the Sisters of Providence Archives to learn more about Saint MotherTheodore Guerin during Women’s History Month in March. This is just one event planned during the year to educate andfamiliarize young women with the Congregation. (Photo by Diane Weidenbenner)The key to vocations is relationshipBy Diane WeidenbennerSince Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s time, the Sisters of Providence have been educa-tors.It is often the relationship with a sister that begins a young woman thinking aboutjoining a religious congregation. While some sisters are still teachers, the sisters’ apostolicoutreach now includes health care, social services, eco-justice, and less traditional forms ofeducation. So, how do the Sisters of Providence reach young women today?The Sisters of Providence cultivate new relationships in many ways. “Our methods havechanged over time but our message is still one initiated by our foundress, Saint MotherTheodore. We hope to bring the Gospel message to God’s people through works of love,mercy and justice,” said Sister Jenny Howard, vocation director for the Sisters of Provi-dence.The Congregation has a New Membership Team of five sisters, that journeys withwomen from their first inquiry about religious life through their profession of perpetualvows.The community begins building relationships with children in grade school throughWoodsUp.com, a Web site for fourth- through eighth-graders who are interested in art,music, the environment, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, history and faith and values. It’sa way for people to experience the Sisters of Providence in a new, yet ever present way.Lesson plans are available on the Web site; so it is a valuable tool to public and privateschools, home-schoolers, parents and teachers.“The ‘Taste of the Woods’ overnight experiencebuilds relationships between high school girls andthe Sisters of Providence. Girls visit the mother-house,meet the sisters, tour the beautiful grounds,learn about Saint Mother Theodore and leave witha better understanding of the mission and ministriesof the sisters today,” said Sister Jenny.For women ages 18-42 who are considering reli-giouslife the community offers “Come and See”days and discernment weekends. “Participants enjoyan opportunity to meet the sisters and learn aboutour charism (spiritual gifts), prayer life and min-istries.These events are spirit-filled experiencesthat include time for small group sharing, Eucha-risticAdoration and Liturgy. They are held at SaintMary-of-the-Woods and other areas,” said SisterJenny.The Sisters of Providence are also involved in areaNun Runs where young women visit several con-See RELATIONSHIP on page 9Continued from page 8Relationship gregations’ motherhouses or ministry sites and havetime to talk with sisters and learn more about them-selvesin the process. Sister Jenny exhibits at annualCatholic conferences like the Los Angeles ReligiousEducation Congress to talk with religious educators,youth ministers and parish coordinators, helpingthem answer tough vocation questions. The sistersalso reach high school-age girls who attend youthdays and conferences such as the National CatholicYouth Conference.Ongoing communication includes opt-in e-newslettersrelated to the Congregation, eco-justice and voca-tion’s“Note from Sister Jenny.” The Web site, www.SistersofProvidence.org, offers more than 1,000pages about the Congregation, social justice andpeace issues, Saint Mother Theodore, vocations,volunteering, the Providence Associate Relationship,etc. The sisters also have a presence on Facebook,Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and offer several blogs.Relationship building is still the cornerstone in help-ingwomen discern what vocation is right for them.There are just more tools available to build strongerbridges with today’s young women. Hfor our Annual Meeting to prepare for our Gen-eralChapter next summer. The passion and energyin the room for our future together was literallytangible. The purpose of this Congregation isnot to exist for ourselves, but to exist in order tohonor Divine Providence through works of love,mercy and justice in service among God’s people,to be a sign of hope for others. That gives me thegreatest hope. HCaring for each otherThe Sisters of Providence were recently recognized by The National Committee for EmployerSupport of the Guard and Reserve as a Patriotic Employer by supporting employeeparticipation in the National Guard and Reserve Force. While it is not a reflection onthe Sisters of Providence stance on war, it is a testament to the support they extend toGod’s people. The Sisters of Providence and White Violet Center for Eco-Justice staffwere nominated by Tracy Wilson, who has been deployed three times in the 10 yearsshe has been employed by the Sisters of Providence. “I want them to know how muchI appreciate their support and love through these crazy times,” Tracy wrote on hernomination application.To see the full story, go to www.WhiteViolet.org and click on the Sustainable Living icon.10 HOPE // FALL 2010 www.SistersofProvidence.org 11How you can helpreligious vocations?How can you encourageBy Sister Jenny Howard, vocation directorThere are opportunities all around us to talk withpeople about vocations. In Pope John Paul II’smessage at the 30th World Day of Prayer for Voca-tions,he said, “It is necessary, therefore, to pro-motea culture of vocation. … This culture of voca-tionis at the base of a culture of new life, whichis a life of gratitude and of gratuity, of trust andof responsibility; at its roots, it is a culture of thedesire for God. …”Parents and teachers can make vocations a part ofthe conversation with young women and men. AsChristians, we’re called to live out the Gospel mes-sagein an individual way based on our specific giftsand talents. By helping people explore these areas,you can encourage them to consider which vocationmight be best for them: living as a single person,a married couple or as a vowed religious person.Just as a person chooses a career, it’s important thatone understands that we all have a “call” to growand deepen our relationship with God and others inservice of the Gospel.Friends, neighbors, co-workers, parishioners andProvidence Associates may also notice qualities ina person that are indicative of a person called toreligious life (i.e., generosity of heart, a desire todeepen one’s own spirituality, a call to be of serviceto others). Many times young people are just look-ingfor an invitation to consider religious life andyou could help plant the seed.This is an exciting time to be a Catholic sister. Asan apostolic community, the Sisters of Providenceoffer women many avenues for personal and spiri-tualgrowth, ministry and service to others and lifewithin a warm, supportive community. Women reli-giousnot only give of themselves but richly receivemany gifts and blessings as well.Some women have the idea that you have to be anextraordinary person to become a sister. You reallyjust need to be yourself and allow God to work inyou and have a desire to become more fully whatGod has called you to be.If you’re not aroundyoung women andmen, why not serveon your parish’s vo-cationcommittee? Ifthere isn’t one, whynot initiate the idea?You can also join thesisters in praying thePrayer for Vocations(see the back cover ofHOPE).The Sisters ofProvidence offermany resources tohelp you introducethe question, “Have you ever thought about becom-inga sister?” Visit www.SistersofProvidence.organd click on “Become a sister,” then “Discernmentresources” for helpful tools. Contact me atjhoward@spsmw.org or 812-535-2897 if you’dlike hard copies of any items or need additionalassistance.Photo at right: Members of the New Membership Teamand the women in initial formation annually gather forprayer and a retreat. Here, Sister Laura Parker, a tempo-raryprofessed sister, is seen in reflective prayer. (Photoby Christina Blust)See VOCATIONS on page 11Continued from page 10HLet’s keep Sister Jenny busy!We can keep Sister Jenny Howard, vocation direc-tor,busy promoting vocations for the Sisters ofProvidence with your help. Please use the en-closedenvelope in this issue of HOPE to supportvocations. Just note on it that you want your giftto be used for vocations.If you have questions, feel free to contact SisterJenny at (812) 535-2897, by e-mail at jhoward@spwmw.org or join her on Facebook.Vocationswww.smwc.edugo to college ...going to class!withoutSaint Mary-of-the-Woods College1-800-499-0373• An interactiveonline degree program• Accelerated 8 week courses• Earn your degree in 4 years• Earn Credit for Life Experiences• Financial Aid AvailableWOODS ONLINEintroducing ...Fast fact:According to a recentstudy on religiousvocations completed in2009, 34 percent of reli-giouscommunities haveno women in initial for-mation.The Sisters ofProvidence have eight,ranking them in the top8 percent of womenreligious communitiesnationwide.The Sisters of Providence recently embarked on anew landscape project at the motherhouse at SaintMary-of-the-Woods. The project is two-fold: itprovides a great place for individuals to honor ormemorialize a loved one, and it reduces the main-tenanceneeded around two important areas of themotherhouse grounds — the fountain at the end ofThe Avenue and the area around the Our Lady ofCampus statue.Most of you have received the brochure explain-ingthe new project, and many of you have alreadygifted the Congregation with funds to help get theproject off the ground. Plenty of space remains foranyone who is interested in having a ProvidencePaver (brick) placed in one of these areas.If you haven’t received a brochure and would likemore information, please contact Ruth Hallam at(812) 535-2806 or by e-mail at rhallam@spsmw.orgfor a brochure or more information.Honor a loved one with a Providence Paver12 HOPE // FALL 2010 www.SistersofProvidence.org 13Living ProvidenceMother, grandmother andSister?By Rosie BlankenshipA woman can only become a Sister of Providence if she is young, has never been marriedand is generally willing to cut ties with her family, right?Not so fast!Sister Marilú Covani is one of several SPs who have joined the Congregation after havingbeen married. When she entered in 1987, her son Rick had recently married and had adaughter.She said she felt called to religious life from an early age and had been “in ministry sincemy early teens in one way or another.” But when she met her husband, “I just forgotabout the special call to community and went along with marriage, a career, moving to theUnited States, being a disciple, wife and mother.”After her husband died in 1977, she was devastated. Alone to raise a 9-year-old boy, sherelied on the support of her parish. She began developing friendships with different sisters,including Sister Susan Dinnin, who was ministering in a church in Detroit. Marilú wouldhelp out sometimes.“We became very good friends. I ministered with her and invited her to my house,” shesaid. “When sisters would come to visit, I was often invited. I liked what I saw and re-spectedtheir relationships, their faith and commitment to discipleship, their wisdom andkindness toward me.”Photo above: SisterMarilú Covani(right) and hergranddaughterCecillia Covani-Jones kiss SisterMarilú’s great-grandson,CastorCovani-Jones.(Submitted photo)As her son Rick grew up, she continued to feeldrawn to religious life. “I knew Rick was very closeto me and at the same time had a strong and inde-pendentspirit and soon would need to start his ownadult life,” she said. “I myself felt a strong calland desire to walk and serve the Hispanic Catholicpeople in this country.”When Rick was 19 and starting his family, she tookthe plunge. Her entrance in the community didn’tcreate an immediate “stir” among loved ones.“My son and his wife were very young to be mar-riedand have a baby. There was much turmoil aboutthis that year,” she said. “It took a little longer,around a year, for us all to startto deepen into the new reality. Myfirst two years in community werea time for discernment and prayerfor me. I wrestled with God, tryingto understand how and why I wasbeing called to be a religious sisterin our community and also feelinga responsibility toward my youngson. I was enthused and attracted,but felt withdrawn at times.”She said the support of her forma-tionteam was crucial. She was sur-roundedby the love and friendshipof many sister-friends during thosefirst two years. Then, it was timefor her to move to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to begin her novitiate (aperiod of time focusing on spiritual growth and study-ingCongregation history, while living at the mother-house).Sister Marilú and her son had a heart-to-heartconversation.“I would ask every time we talked how he feltabout me being a sister and he would say, ‘It’s OK,Mom. I want you to be happy.’ He didn’t want tohurt my feelings, even though we both knew therewas much more that could be said. But that night,it was a Providential moment. I asked again and hesaid crying, ‘How do you want me to feel? You aregone and I do not have anymore a house to comeback to,’” she said, retelling this painful story. “Oh,how did our hearts ache! I cried, too. From somedeep instinct, a gut feeling within me, I said to him:‘Hijo querido.’ It means ‘Dear son, home is theperson, not the building, and you always will have ahome in my heart.’ It was a long talk and it starteda new journey, a mutual understanding and learningthat have continued along my 23 years as a Sister ofProvidence. I am very happy today as a sister andso is Rick that I am one. He often says it to me.”Sister Marilú remains very close to her family andis grateful that her ministry has allowed her to staynearby her growing family. Her son had three chil-drenin his first marriage. They are young adultsnow and live in Las Vegas, and Sister Marilú is agreat-grandmother to a one-year-old boy. Her sonhas remarried and they have four younger children;they live in southern California about 90 minutesfrom Sister Marilú, who ministers as the directorof the Office of Worship for theDiocese of San Bernardino.She doesn’t feel different as aSister of Providence, who happensalso to be a mother and widow, be-cause,as she says, “everyone comesfrom and has a family.” And whileshe thinks that being a mother andhaving the experience of marriagemay help her relate well with oth-ers,she also sees many other sisterswho haven’t had the same experi-encesdoing excellent work withchildren, couples and families.While not the most common path toreligious life, she has taken a paththat works. So, what would SisterMarilú tell a woman who has been married and hasa child about entering the Congregation?“Put yourself into the hands of Providence. Trust inthe Lord,” she said. “Share your concerns and yourinner treasure with others while you keep your ownintegrity. Get to know us. I am not the only onewho was previously married and is a mother in ourcommunity. If it fits, it is a wonderful gift. Oth-ershave done it; there are founders of communi-tieswho show us the unlimited possibilities of thisjourney. And feel free to give me a call, I would behappy to be one of your sister-friends.”You can reach Sister Marilú at 909-475-5336 or bye-mail at marilucsp@yahoo.com.Continued on page 13Continued from page 12H(Photo by Christina Blust)14 HOPE // FALL 2010 www.SistersofProvidence.org 15Providence Associate RelationshipLiving anauthe ntic faithStory and photo by Connie McCammon“You can’t imagine the joy I felt when the Provi-denceAssociate Relationship was finally launched,and I was one of the first to sign up,” said JeannieSmith, a Providence Associate and former Sister ofProvidence from Solana Beach, Calif.Jeannie’s roots with the Congregation are verydeep. She and her olderbrother and sister attendedSt. Charles BorromeoSchool in Bloomington,Ind. “I always loved thesisters and was one ofthose little girls whostayed after the schoolyear was over to clean upclassrooms and came backearly to help get themready in September,” saidJeannie.When her father, DonaldSmith, died when Jean-niewas finishing sixthgrade, that bond withthe Sisters of Providencebecame even stronger. Hermother, Mary Virginia(RIP), began working as aregistered nurse at IndianaUniversity after the sud-dendeath of her husband.These major life changes,Jeannie’s love of the sisters and her strong desirefor community led her in 1959 to the Aspirancy, ahigh school for girls interested in religious life thatwas once located at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.In September 1963, Jeannie entered the Congrega-tionand received the religious name Sister DonnaMary. As a young novice, Jeannie studied art atSaint Mary-of-the-Woods College with the ultimategoal of teaching high school. However, the SecondVatican Council (1962-1965) and the a-changin’times of that decade modified Jeannie’s life plans.“I left [as a junior sister] just before my temporaryvows expired,” shared Jeannie. “Our wonderfulleaders in initial formation — Sisters Barbara Do-herty,Bernice Kuper, Alexa Suelzer and Ruth EileenDwyer — talked a lot about being authentic infaith. By that, I understoodthem to mean that one mustactively choose to live afaithful life. I saw myself asa person who could so easily‘go with the flow’ and let thesuperiors tell me everythingI must do. And at that time,it seemed to me that wouldbe easy to do. So I chose toleave the community and putmyself in a position where Ihad to guide my own life. Itwas perhaps the most diffi-cultthing I ever did. I can’tsay I regret it, but I do say itcaused me much grief overmany years.”With great inner strengthJeannie left the Congregationand returned to Blooming-ton.She enrolled at IndianaUniversity and majored inbiology. This detour led herto a new life and new career.Upon graduating from IU, Jeannie packed her bagsand headed for California where she had severalresearch jobs in genetics, immunology and lipidchemistry. Then she was employed by Scripps Insti-tutionof Oceanography as a technician aboard theGlomar Challenger, a research ship in the waters ofthe Antarctic.“A rather momentous effect of this adventure wasmeeting my husband, George Schneider, who was athird mate on that ship when I first met him,” saidJeannie. The couple has been married 27 years.Eventually Jeannie left Scripps, earned a degreein computer science and spent 15 years develop-ingsoftware for medical and scientific purposes.George spent most of his career at sea, making “foran unusual marriage, but a comfortable one for us,”said Jeannie, who is now retired and volunteers byteaching art classes at several Alzheimer’s facilities.Even through all of these adventures on land andsea, Jeannie’s love for the Congregation neverdiminished. She continued to keep in contact withvarious sisters and made visits to the Woods. In1990, she was one of the founders of Women inProvidence, (WIP) a group of former Sisters ofProvidence who desired to reconnect with the Con-gregation.It was the Providence Associate Relationship thattruly healed Jeannie. “For so many years it alwaysjust wrenched my heart every time I drove out thosegates after a visit And now all that grief is gone,and I rest happily in that relationship spoken aloudand acknowledged by both myself and the Con-gregation.As a bonus, I have two dear associate-friends— Linda McMahon and Pat Ruck — wholive within 50 miles of my home, and we gettogether as often as we can,” continued Jeannie.Another “bonus” is when the three associates meetwith Sisters Mary Concetta Bañez, Carol Nolanand Loretta Picucci who minister at Providence inthe Desert in Coachella, Calif. Jeannie also returnsto the Woods about twice a year for retreats, meet-ingsand/or Rites of Commitment for ProvidenceAssociates.Jeannie continued, “I can’t separate who I’ve cometo be from the formation I received from Sistersof Providence from grade school through my yearsin the community and my continuing connec-tionthrough WIP and Providence Associates. Thevalues and traditions that are the core of my be-ingall come from the Sisters of Providence. Thestory of Mother Theodore and the lives and worksof the sisters past and present, these examples areingrained so deep in me that if there were a way toexcise those influences, there would be little left ofJeannie!”Jeannie Smith says, “The values and traditions thatare the core of my being all come from the Sisters ofProvidence.”HContinued on page 15Continued from page 1416 HOPE // FALL 2010 www.SistersofProvidence.org 17Alumnae newsDear Alums,The two featured photos are of alumnae fromSt. Columbkille, Chicago, and St. Agnes Acad-emy,Indianapolis, school reunions. You’ll notethat I am not in either photo, not because I don’twant to be presentbut simply becausescheduling can be verychallenging. SistersAnn Casper, JoanZlogar, St. ColumbkilleAlumni coordinator,and I try to plan thereunion schedules sothat one of us is pres-entfor these specialdays. While we do tryto attend, sometimesour best intentions arenot realized. The firstweekend in June is theannual Saint MotherTheodore Guerin Dinner at the Woods whichconflicts with some reunion dates. Yet, we are allaware of your dedication to our Providence heri-tage,and we keep our alumnae/i intentions in ourthoughts and prayers.We are making every attempt to keep the Webpages up to date with information about reunionsThe St. Agnes Acad-emyClass of 1960celebrated its 50thanniversary. Pic-turedfront row, leftto right, are: BabsDouglass, HanneloreMakutenas Hinch-manand Sister SusanDinnin; back row:Louise Kay MorrisonKavanaugh, Bar-baraMadden Clark,Gretchen Stipher Cain, Valerie Miller Fillenwarth, LindaFendel Linder and Barbara Hunt Stout. (Submitted photo)School and class reunions keep us on our toesSt. Columbkille officers andboard members are: frontrow, left to right: MarthaDeSaga Babolcsay, ’69;Eleanor Jandrisitz Rizzo,’36; Margaret ConwayVilliger, ’38; CharleneBecci Swintek, ’61; andRegina Wagner Nowotar-ski,’38. Back row: DianeMaslanka Suwanski, ’63;Janet Bottigliero Lisanti,’57; Patricia AssenzaBudzban,’60; Sister Joan Zlogar, coordinator; KathleenWeil, ’66; Diane Pendzimax Supella, ’66; and DorothySuwanski Radosta, ’62. (Submitted photo)and events from your schools. Most of our activealumnae/i groupshave a Web pagethat can be accessedfrom the home pageof the Sisters ofProvidence. (www.SistersofProvidence.org). Reunionsscheduled for Sep-temberand October2010 are:Sept. 12 St. JohnAcademy, India-napolis,Annual ReunionOct. 1-3 Marywood,Orange, Calif.,All-School ReunionWeekendOct. 9 Marywood, Evanston, Ill., Alumnae Associa-tionAnnual LuncheonOct. 9 Immaculata, Washington, D.C., AnnualReunionSee ALUMNAE on page 17Continued from page 16Alumnae Oct. 30 Providence High School, Chicago, ReunionIf you wish to add photos and information aboutpast, present and future events, contact me atspaweski@spsmw.org or at 773-463-2478. I wish allof you happy andhealthy fall days.Sister Sue Paweski18 HOPE // FALL 2010 www.SistersofProvidence.org 19Partners in our missionThe pivotal role ofProvidence By Connie McCammon“My Catholic faith is central to my life. It is a precious gift that was nurtured by theSisters of Providence and a gift which continues to be enriched by my experiences withthem,” said Rosemary “Dee” Coyne of Naples, Fla.Growing up in Syracuse, N.Y., Dee didn’t have any connection to the Congregation untilshe decided to attend Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. The only daughter of the lateDominic and Mary Cirando, Dee attended a Franciscan school from grade school to highschool.“My parents had a very deep faith and wanted their only child to be educated in thatfaith,” said Dee.“In the course of looking at potential colleges, I requested a catalogue for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and was attracted to its beauty,” said Dee. “My parents and I visitedthe campus on a trip to inspect several colleges, and I was impressed by the sisters I metand by other prospective students. I met Agnes Piszczek and others from the Chicago areaand felt at home from the moment my parents and I set foot on the campus,” continuedDee, whose father worked for the New York Cen-tralRailroad, making it quite convenient for Dee’stravelsWhen the freshman class of 1955 arrived at theWoods in September, it was quickly discovered therewere eight Rosemarys. “The first night at dinner,we decided to go by other names. Since my middlename is Dolores, I was called Dee,” she said.As Providence would have it, Dee graduated with abusiness major and English minor in June 1959, andone week later she met her future husband, John“Mike” Coyne, when a mutual friend arranged ablind date. Mike graduated with an English degreefrom Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y. In Sep-tember1960, Dee and Mike married and in Januarythe couple moved to Alexandria, Va., where Mikeworked for the federal government and attendedevening classes at Georgetown Law School. Upongraduating in 1964, Mike served as a Marine Corpsofficer. Four years later, he practiced law in Wash-ington,D.C., and Virginia while remaining in theMarine Corps Reserve.Dee kept busy in her own right, working 27 yearsas a primary teacher in Fairfax County, Va. She stillkeeps in contact with many of her former charges.“Following Saint Mother Theodore Guerin’s ad-vice,I ‘loved the children first, then taught them,’”quoted Dee. “I was truly blessed with a fulfillingcareer as an educator of young children.”When Mike was promoted to major general in 1994,he decided to retire from his law firm and returnto active duty in the Marines. In January 1998,Mike retired from the military. During these yearsof Mike’s military service, Dee, in addition to herteaching, volunteered countless hours to the MarineCorps Museum, then located in Washington, D.C.,and the Home of the Commandant also in Wash-ington,D.C.In 2000, Dee and Mike left the hustle and bustle ofthe Washington, D.C., area and moved to Naples,Fla. There, Dee keeps busy volunteering at the AveMaria University and the Ave Maria Law School.She also belongs to a local chapter of Ikebana In-ternational,the Japanese art of flower arrangement.Dee and Mike are within walking distance of theirparish church, Saint William.“I believe that Providence has played and continuesto play a pivotal role in my life — from choosingSaint Mary-of-the-Woods College over all the otherCatholic women’s colleges that were available inthe 1950s, to meeting my husband and for all theblessings I have had in my life. I feel all is due toDivine Providence,” said Dee, who attended the2006 canonization of Saint Mother Theodore inRome.And Dee graciously shares the many blessings shehas received with the Sisters of Providence. “I havesupported the Congregation through annual con-tributionsand in response to special appeals, andI have put them in my will,” said Dee. “I supportthem out of a sense of gratitude for what I receivedfrom them and my belief that they continue tofaithfully carry out the mission of Saint MotherTheodore.”Photo above: Mikeand Dee Coynepose before theparlor at LeFerHall. They wereattending Dee’s50th class reunionin 2009. (Submittedphoto) Continued on page 19Continued from page 18HSince Saint Mother Theodore’s canonization, a steady stream of favors attributedto her intercession have been sent to the office of the Shrine of Saint MotherTheodore Guerin.Several years ago, Kelly Wise, from Iowa, sent us a prayer request. She was carryinga baby with a genetic illness; sadly the baby died. Following this sorrow were sixmiscarriages. At pregnancy number eight, Kelly wore a relic of Saint Mother Theo-doreGuerin, which we [the Sisters of Providence] had sent. Just after her 43rd birth-day,she gave birth to a healthy little boy. Without our prayers and our great saint,Kelly believes she would not be a mother today. She is not a Catholic but one daywill visit Indiana to meet and thank us. You are welcome, daughter of Providence!20 HOPE // FALL 2010 www.SistersofProvidence.org 21ObituariesSister Maureen Loonam June 1, 1916-May 21, 2010“Sister Maureen was a kind and understanding principal, but she demanded excellencefrom those under her care.”Entering the Congregation Feb. 10, 1934, Sister Maureen spent four decades as a teacheror principal in Indiana and Illinois. For several years she directed the Summer Instituteand the Sports Camp for children at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Sister Maureenlater ministered in the college library and served as the coordinator of the Sisters of Provi-denceResource Center. She also volunteered in prison ministry.Sister Rita Lechner (formerly Sister Veronica) Jan. 18, 1937-May 24, 2010“The testimony of students, coworkers and parishioners over the years gives evidence thatSister Rita was for them … a compassionate and joyful presence, a loyal and true friend.”Sister Rita entered the Congregation Jan. 5, 1955. She ministered as a teacher and/orprincipal in Indiana and Illinois. For 25 years, she served as a pastoral associate in Indianaand Kentucky. Sister Rita was also involved in prison ministry.Sister Alma Louise Mescher Jan. 6, 1915-June 9, 2010“Sister Alma Louise was primarily a teacher, whether in or out of a classroom.”Sister Alma Louise entered the Congregation Aug. 9, 1937. She taught in schools inCalifornia, Indiana and Illinois. For 19 years, she was a beloved biology professor at SaintMary-of-the-Woods College. Sister Alma Louise also ministered as a pastoral associate inCalifornia and Illinois. Prison ministry was just one of her many areas of volunteering.Sister Leona Walsh (formerly Sister Mary Charlene) Sept. 21, 1930-June 10, 2010“Sister Leona was a woman of faith and a witness of her trust in her loving ProvidentGod.”Entering the Congregation Feb. 14, 1953, Sister Leona ministered as a teacher or librarianin Indiana and Illinois. For 26 years, Sister Leona served as a librarian at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College where she was awarded Faculty Emerita Status. In her retirement, shevolunteered in a variety of departments at the motherhouse.In memory“I sleep, but my heart watches … ” — Song of SongsSister Rita Ann Roethele Sept. 25, 1926-June 12, 2010“Sister Rita Ann has added to the beauty of the Woods through her art.”Sister Rita Ann entered the Congregation July 21, 1946. She taught in schools in Washing-ton,D.C., and Indiana. In 1970, she began a long tenure at Saint Mary-of-the-WoodsCollege and the motherhouse where she served in many roles including art professor,chairperson of the art department and artist-in-residence. Sister Rita Ann was the firstdirector of Providence Center, the welcoming center of the Congregation.To read the entire obituary for a sister, please visit www.SistersofProvidence.org and lookfor the “As seen in HOPE” link.Continued on page 21Continued from page 20Upcoming eventsSeptemberSee “Upcoming events” at www.SistersofProvidence.org for more information.18 Come and See Day, Chicago, for women ages 18-42 who may be considering religiouslife, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (CDT). Contact Sister Jenny Howard at 812-535-2897 or jhoward@spsmw.org21-24 National Communicators Network for Women Religious (NCNWR) Conference2010, Denver. The Congregation will have a presence at this event.26 National Alpaca Farm Day Open House at White Violet Farm Alpacas, 1 to 3 p.m.(EDT). Visitors can see the alpacas up close and talk with staff members. See fiberdemonstrations and purchase alpaca items. Contact Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, at812-535-2930 or mfreeman@spsmw.org.October6 97th Annual Meeting of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, Hulman Center, TerreHaute, Ind., 5:15 to 9 p.m. (EDT). The Congregation will have a booth and table at thedinner.15-16 Chicago Nun-Run. Contact Sister Jenny Howard at 812-535-2897 or jhoward@spsmw.org for information.15-17 Fall Discernment Retreat Weekend, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, for women consider-ingreligious life. Contact Sister Jenny Howard at 812-535-2897 or jhoward@spsmw.org.28-29 Indiana Non-Public Education Conference, Indianapolis. Visit our booth.November5-7 Call to Action 2010 Conference, Milwaukee, Wis. Visit the White Violet Center forEco-Justice/Sisters of Providence booth.13 Providence Associates Commitment Ceremony, Church of the ImmaculateConception, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, 1:30 p.m. (EST) Eucharistic Liturgy.22 HOPE // FALL 2010 www.SistersofProvidence.org 23Yummy summer foodsTo view more photo albums, visit www.SistersofProvidence.org and look for the “As seen in HOPE” link.Photo albumWhite Violet Center for Eco-JusticeCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA)shareholder Roxanne Harris, of Clinton,Ind., picks up her box of fresh organicallygrown produce and flowers at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in July. Garden volunteerJenny Jeck, at right, Providence VolunteerMinister (PVM), keeps track of shareholderpick-ups.This ministry of the Sisters of Providencehas 26 CSA subscribers who pay up front,pick up their fresh shares weekly, and havethe luxury of knowing who grows theirfood. “I like the variety, the fact that it’sorganic and that it’s locally grown,” Rox-annesaid. She also enjoys having vegeta-blesand fruit she can’t find in the grocerystore. (Photo by Cheryl Casselman)Providence Associates from all over the countrygathered at the Woods June 27 and 28 for their firstAnnual Gathering which corresponded with the sisters’Annual Meeting. This Annual Meeting was a historicone because it was the first time associates attendedsuch a meeting. In the afternoon on June 28, Provi-denceAssociates held their own meeting in a WorldCafé-style in LeFer Ballroom. In the photo at right,several Providence Associates get into an animatedconversation. Pictured from left, clockwise, are PatRuck, Aliso Viejo, Calif.; Gene Majewski, Lombard,Ill.; Carol Passmore, Skokie, Ill.; Barbara Cottrell,Chicago; Millie Brady, Indianapolis; and AnnmariePortela, St. John, Ind. (Photo by Connie McCammon)A historic gatheringProvidence Cristo Rey High School in Indianapolisgraduated its first senior class June 9. Pictured (left toright) are Simon Arteaga, Quincy Bryant, Jude Okpalan-naka,Janata Williams, Shatera Madding and AngietoriaLynem. Providence Cristo Rey, a sponsored institutionof the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods,Ind., opened in August 2007. (Submitted photo)Congratulations, graduates!Celebrating our jubilarians“‘The church is full as an egg,’” General Superior Sister Denise Willkinson quoted Saint Mother Theodore Guerin at thebeginning of the Eucharistic Liturgy and jubilee celebration in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on June 26.Sisters, family and friends gathered to celebrate the golden and silver jubilees of 18 Sisters of Providence. Pictured at leftare golden jubilarians: (front) Sisters Mary Concetta Bañez, Pauline Brockelsby, Kathleen Desautels and Andre Panepin-to;(second row) Sisters Thomas Jeanne Doriot, Teresina Grasso, Ann Stephen Stouffer and Shawn Marie McDermott;(third row) Sisters Barbara Sheehan, Marie McCarthy and Mary Grace Pesavento; (fourth row) Sisters Maureen Sheahan,Nancy Reynolds, Rose Ann Eaton and Mary Moloney. Pictured at right are silver jubilarians and General Officers: (front)Sister Jane Iannaccone; (second row) Sister Barbara Battista, Sister Denise, General Officer Sister Paula Damiano andSister Rosa Pan; (third row) General Officers Sisters Marie McCarthy, Nancy Reynolds, Marsha Speth and Jane MarieOsterholt. (Photos by Christina Blust)During the 2010 Saint Mother TheodoreGuerin Dinner June 5, awards werebestowed on two special donors. John“Jack” Griffin of Potomac, Md., receivedthe Queen Amelia Award, which recognizesthose donors who have made significantcontributions to the Congregation. In thephoto at right, Sister Denise (left) presentsthe award to his sister, Sister Mary RitaGriffin, who accepts the honor on Jack’sbehalf. John Perry of Terre Haute, Ind.,was recognized with this year’s Sarah andJoseph Thralls Award, which recognizesa donor’s time and talent given to theCongregation. At far right, John poses fora photo with Sister Denise (left) and hiswife, Karen. (Photos by Becky Igo)Honoring two special donorsNon-ProfitOrganizationU.S. POSTAGE PAIDIndianapolisIndianaPermit No. 593Office of Congregational Advancement1 Sisters of ProvidenceSaint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDPrayer for Vocations by Sister Nancy NolanProvident God,Your loving designs have shaped our universe. Your loving care continues to sustain alllife. Your plans call each of us to participation in the ongoing work of creation. Help usto be your love and to release your transforming energy in our world. Touch the heartsof those searching for a way to respond in love to your call. Gather those seeking othercompanions with whom they can make a difference in our world. Plant in the hearts offaith-filled women the seeds of the possibility of a life as a Sister of Providence. Help usto create together a new generation of people willing to be your loving Providence in ourworld. We ask these blessings with confidence in that Providence that so far has neverfailed us. Amen.
Origin:	2010-09-07
Publisher:	Sisters of Providence Office of Congregational Advancement
Source:	http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/sisters/id/670
Collection:	Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/
Copyright:	Copyright Undetermined
Subjects:	Religion Religious communities Religious education Religious facilities Religious groups Religious orders Sisters of Providence (Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.) Single women Women Women college students Womens education Feminism Guerin, Theodore, Saint, 1798-1856 Nuns Grandparents Mothers Mothers & children Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Biology Oceanography Art Alumni & alumnae Marines (Military personnel) Teaching Prayer Education Famous Hoosiers People Religion Social Life

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