page 1JourneyFall 2010

Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA Vol. 28, No. 2 Fall 2010

or hundreds of years people have used the ring as a symbol of love and fidelity in their relationships. Pictured above is an IHM Sister’s ring which is inscribed “Ego Te Sponsabo,” meaning I espouse you. The ring is symbolic of a sister’s

commitment of love and fidelity to Jesus Christ.

In this issue of Journey the writers explore the meaning of commitment in their lives and a variety of variables that inform and nurture their commitments. You are invited to reflect on the stories that follow and to allow them to influence your understanding of your own commitments to significant persons and important

issues in your life.

Commitment

F

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Standing Togetherby Sister Terry O’Rourke, IHM

Our mission as Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Scranton, Pennsylvania, is to follow Jesus as a community of disciples, aware that we are sent to be a clear and understandable prophetic witness to the presence of God in the world. - from the IHM Mission Statement

Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, Pennsylvania Journey is published by the IHM Congregation for its members, friends, donors, sponsored institutions and supporters of the IHM Sisters and their ministries. Opinions expressed by authors published in Journey do not necessarily reflect those of the IHM Congregation. Correspondence should be addressed to the editor at: IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509 E-mail: communications@sistersofihm.org Journey is online at: http://ihmnew.marywood.edu/1.WhoWeAre/1IHMJourney.html

Proofreader: Sister St. Anthony Radzikowski, IHM

Advisory Board: Sister Gilmary Beagle, IHM Sister Benedicta Berendes, IHM Sister Suzanne Delaney, IHM Sister Ann Barbara DeSiano, IHM

Sister Lillian Marie Farrell, IHMSister Chris Koellhoffer, IHM Sister Annmarie Sanders, IHM

Editor: Sister Fran Fasolka, IHM Copyeditor: Sister Kathleen McNulty, IHM

Our shared commitment has no other destination than at the

heart of suffering

humanity, because that is where we find

Jesushimself.

There is something special about standing together. It

is a sign of unity, courage, and determination. As Chapter 2010 came to a close we promised one another that, as IHM Sisters, we would do just that as we entered into the joys, hopes, griefs, and anxieties of the people of this world. We are inviting you, our co-workers and friends, to continue to stand with us. Our shared commitment has no other destination than at the heart of suffering humanity, because that is where we find Jesus himself. He made no pretense about his purpose on earth. The Gospel makes it clear: he came that all might have life, and his ministry took him directly to the poor, the hungry, the social outcasts and those who were overwhelmed with sorrow. Our commitment is to his mission, and when we journey with the hurting people of this world we stand together in solidarity with him. Where else would we choose to be? This commitment is not an easy one. The word of God makes demands on those who carry it in their hearts. It will challenge us as we challenge others. Our contemplative Chapter set the stage, drew us together and galvanized our determination. It is only in this contemplative spirit that we can dare to continue to live our prophetic call as consecrated

women religious. Throughout history, the prophets demanded justice for all. Our call and our shared commitment are to do the same. Much has been written about the power of intention. At the conclusion of Chapter 2010 the congregation made an intentional commitment to participate in the transformation of the world wherever we live and work.As witnesses to the presence of God, we recognize some urgent issues that have a claim on us, our energy, our time and our collaborative, public response. We have chosen to be agents of healing and encouragement in our chaotic, broken, and darkened world. We intend to stand together and speak Gospel truth. Many of you, the readers of Journey, know us well. You may ask, “Is this anything new?Have you not always prayed and lived from a Gospel base?” The answer is yes, of course we have and you have supported our efforts. What we are experiencing today is a unity of purpose that feels new. What we embraced at Chapter 2010 is a new awareness that the world is in a state of distress. Many of our brothers and sisters with whom we share this planet are deprived of basic necessities and an opportunity to live a life that reflects the dignity they deserve. Greed and abuse of

power fill our daily news and destroy life-giving opportunities for millions. The increase of violence both locally and globally is staggering. The world is in distress. We have chosen to have our very lives address that reality. We are well aware that we will need to be a contemplative presence if we are to have any impact in a world that appears to have lost its balance. The Source of our intention and hope is also the spark that enflames our commitment. Our call is to point to a preferred and hoped for future for all of our sisters and brothers. It is nothing less than the liberating mission of Jesus. It is a responsibility we have chosen to call our own today in 2010. We are standing together, knowing that God will complete what we begin. We delight in knowing that you share our commitment and that you stand with us.

References:Chittister, J. 2009. The cry of the prophet: a call to fullness of life.Erie, PA: Benetvision.

O’Donohue, J. 2008. To bless the space between us. New York: Doubleday.

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continued on page 7

Creating real and living StorieSby Sister Rachel Terry, IHM

When I was contemplating the topic of commitment,

it occurred to me that in the past several years my life and the lives of those close to me have been filled with commitments. My peers and I have embarked on new careers, entered religious life, become married, and become parents. I thought it would be a help to me in writing this article to gather their wisdom, so I called for a little back up. I called two women on whom I could rely, who I know are conscientious, faithful, and loving and who make choices out of integrity. I called on my own two sisters, Alissa West and Laura Farley, who have both recently begun new lives as married women. We had great conversations about commitments in general and about each of our own unique commitments in particular. We shared the stories which we knew so well about one another but had never really voiced in this way, and so I hope to share with you a bit of the wisdom of the “Terry Girls.” My sisters and I, not surprisingly, have similar views about commitment. We came from a family

where my parents are still married in an age where divorce is very common. My father has been working with the same agency for more than twenty-five years, and we witnessed my mother’s commitment to her family as well as recently committing herself to going back to school and finishing her bachelor’s degree. They are good examples of fidelity and integrity. As we spoke, we realized just how strongly our views were shaped by our upbringing and to our parents we are most grateful! As we continued to speak we took a look at the different ways people in our peer group have witnessed to commitment in their lives. We noticed that the things that are usually named as “life commitments” such as careers and relationships are lived out in our age bracket, but perhaps in a way different from the generations before us. Our generation witnessed our parents live through massive corporate lay offs, a 40-50 percent divorce rate, and great fluctuation in

economic stability. It stands to reason that when young adults are making choices, they are not necessarily imaging that things are going to last forever. I began to revision the phrase “yes for life.” It seems more common that rather than thinking of “yes for life” as meaning a lifetime commitment, many young people choose to make commitments that bring us to live life more fully, to the abundant life, to saying yes to that which gives life. My sisters and I noticed that our peers have a strong desire to be of service and to be involved, to belong to something bigger than ourselves. This may appear to some, especially in the workplace, as self centered and demanding, but we felt that most of our friends want to work for more than just a paycheck (although the paychecks do remain important!) and that if something isn’t meeting our expectations, we feel free to move on and find that which will. This can appear to be self-indulgent, but if the roots

are examined, one will see that it is not always that we young adults are trying to escape from commitment, it is rather that we are trying to find a way that will lead not just to success, but fulfillment. We were told we could have both, we believed it, and now we seek it. Next, we spoke about what was exciting about making a commitment and what might have produced some fear or anxiety about that same commitment. We were specifically talking about our vocational commitments to marriage and religious life. My sisters expressed that for them marriage was exciting because they would have a person to grow and change with. They both noticed that even in the short spans of their marriage the way they love their husbands is different somehow, and they felt excited to know that they will have a life filled with new ways to love. They felt secure in knowing that they will be with someone who has similar attitudes toward life and the

world as they do, and they can contribute to society by being faithful to their shared vision. Both of my sisters are excited to begin a family and help shape a new generation. We summed up that what was most exciting about their marriages was that they could create real and living stories out of shared dreams and ideas. My own excitement about religious life has very similar undertones to their motivations, just manifested differently. The anxiety produced around commitment was intertwined with the excitement we shared. This photo was taken at my sister Laura’s wedding in April 2010. Pictured are

L-R Nathan Terry (brother), me, Laura Farley (sister) and her husband Michael, Alissa West (sister) and her husband Paul.

Journeypage Fall 20104

by Sister Christine Koellhoffer, IHM

Committing Ourselves to StillnessA Justice and Peace Perspective

Standing still. A friend of mine, also a writer, related how one day, facing a major freelance deadline, she had taken an entire day out of the office to stay at home and work on her article. “How did that go?” I asked. “Were you able to accomplish much?” She shook her head, gave me a knowing smile, and replied, “I didn’t write a single word. I spent the entire day staring out the window.” We both laughed. Inspiration, after all, can’t be summoned on command, and often when we need it most, it seems to elude our grasp. But my friend and I both instinctively knew—probably from many years of wrestling with words—that her day wasn’t wasted. Standing in stillness and staring out the window contemplating might look like a lost day, but it can be enormously fruitful. The proof of this: two days later, my friend related that her entire essay came together almost effortlessly and seemed to write itself. You already know this if you come from a long line of people practiced in the art of “wasting” time. My father not only passed this trait on to us; he also modeled for us how to while away the hours daydreaming, imagining, listening—and then creating. He used to shake us awake at night so that we could go out to our deck and look up at a sky alive with stars. Fishing pole in hand, he would stand alone in the ocean surf for hours. He fell in love with nature in

suburban New Jersey, becoming friends with the willow tree, the black-eyed Susan, the fox, and the bee. No word was spoken; none was needed. In just such a contemplative space, God is present and wisdom is born. Out of this same wisdom, our IHM Congregation chose to enter into a contemplative process for the next four years, engaging in deep prayer and profound conversation with one another. We chose to pray, as Wendell Berry notes, “not for new earth or heaven, but to be quiet in heart, and in eye clear.” With all of the crying human needs of our wounded world, we put aside the compulsion to act hastily and made the very counter-cultural choice to stand still and to stand together in prayer. We chose to enter into the Jubilee practice of letting the land lie fallow, entering into a time of stillness, resting the land of our personal and corporate souls. Why did we commit to such a “foolish” choice, and what are its implications for justice? In gardening or farming, we easily understand the importance of letting the land renew and refresh itself; this concept is also critical to the work of justice. We pause in order to listen. We pause in order to be open to the transformation to which God calls us. We pause so that God at work in us can reveal the most graced way to move forward for the life of the world. Thirteen years ago, Anne Munley, IHM noted in an IHM Pre-Chapter meeting, “It is only rootedness in contemplation that

will allow us to see injustice, to confront our own need for conversion, to lament, to see through situations and to name new possibilities as we engage with the world and attempt to live the Gospel.” In her groundbreaking work, Proclaim Jubilee!, Maria Harris comments that embracing this sense of Sabbath, of letting the land lie fallow, challenges us to new understandings of time that are rooted in justice for all. Sabbath, she notes, “describes a discipline of being in time that enables us to listen for what we are called to do in time. As such, Sabbath acts as the reminder of the deeper dimension of all our time, the dimension of depth, when at every moment our choice as human beings is to live either superficially in time or profoundly in time. Sabbath acts as the religious summons to be present.” Where we “waste” our time and on whom and what we waste it is revelatory of how we are present to our world, of what we value and cherish most. We chose to waste ours leading to a statement and question that will focus our contemplation and our energies for the next four years:

We, Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, rooted in God and in the Gospel, stand together and courageously commit ourselves to enter into the joys, hopes, griefs, and anxieties of the people of this world.

We choose to be transformed by these questions:

How do the choices I make today/we make today affect persons who are in need in our time? What choices must we make as we live out our commitment to God and God’s people?

So here we are, standing together in the stillness. Come and join us as we stare out the window and are transformed by this extravagant waste of time.

Sister Chris serves as the Councilor for Spiritual Development for the IHM Congregation.

Where we

“waste” our time

and on whom and

what we waste

it is revelatory

of how we are

present to our

world, of what we

value and cherish

most.

page 5JourneyFall 2010

A smile, a thank you and an “I love you.”

Coming Full Circle to Self-Understandingby Sister Kathryn Kurdziel, IHM

continued on page 7

The new member begins to claim her imperfect sisters even as she also begins

to claim her own imperfect

self, even as she, almost

simultaneously perceives that she and all the others are on

the same quest, all involved in the very

same struggle for wholeness

and self understanding.

My mother, now ninety, squints as she senses the

movement of someone coming into her room at St. Mary’s Villa Nursing Home. “Hi, Mom,” I say and that perpetually wonderful smile spreads across her still beautiful face. Her dementia has not dimmed the radiance of the heartwarming smile that has attracted people to her all of her life. Her smile says: welcome, I like you. It is an absolutely unconditional smile and it dispenses any self doubt I carry and brings me to the present moment where Mom lives in an all pervasive awareness of God who carries her and is “her best friend.” Not much meaningful conversation is possible any more but the best sentences in the world punctuate our conversation at three minute intervals. “Thank you” for being here; for opening my milk; for finding my tissues; thank you for the smallest things. Mom, always keenly observant, still notices the minutest detail and is genuinely grateful. The second sentence is utterly spontaneous and unsolicited, “I love you!” Sometimes it comes in mime, sometimes in a whisper, sometimes loudly repeated if I do not respond after the tenth such declaration. No matter what else happens during my daily visit, “Thank you and I love you” hover in my being as I humbly drive the lush rural road leading away from the Villa. Often tearfully I resolve to be a better, kinder, more patient, more loving person, yet know I have a long way to go to be grateful or loving enough to be my mother’s daughter. This is not an article about my mother. It is, however, my growing realization of the utterly

simple answer to the questions I have been asked to address. How do I help new members come to self-understanding and contemplation? What I do is invite and witness to the ongoing desire and effort of new members to engage in the God-quest all of us have vowed to pursue first as humans, then as Christians, and then as vowed religious. All sincere believers are on this quest but those who enter a formation process commit themselves to this mission in a very intense manner, and God literally turns their lives upside down. Each encounters her quest for self understanding in a completely unique and surprising adventure in grace. I am only a humble witness. However, there is a general pattern that emerges over time which begins with pre-entrance and lasts until final profession and for the rest of life. It is the process of total transformation and I shall try to describe what I witness. The new member usually arrives with wonderfully altruistic ideas about community and even higher expectations of herself. Most of these begin crumbling about Thanksgiving of her first year. All illusions are usually pretty deconstructed by the middle of her canonical year (year of formation) because the intense prayer and silence that year accelerate the demolition and invite the demons of self doubt and self criticism, as she enters the desert experience of total transformation. She feels as if she is literally starving and thirsting to death in the desert. At this point, the novice has a choice to make. She can curl up, resist, and move into survival mode and just jump through the hoops. At this point her progress

is arrested or suspended. On the other hand, the woman hopefully embraces the painful journey of learning how to thrive in the desert. Like the Israelites of old, those who learned to face themselves and brace the rigors of the desert became leaner, tougher, more disciplined human beings ready to lead the transformed community into the Promised Land. And so it is with the new member as she begins to thrive, as she begins to negotiate the perceived terrors, obstacles, and demons in her own mysterious self. I stand as an accompanying observer looking for certain signs and marking certain benchmarks. This is what I see. The finger pointing, measuring, and critical judgments of others begin to ease, and appreciation, compassion and even tenderness begin to set in. The new member begins to claim her imperfect sisters even as she also begins to claim her own imperfect self, even as she, almost simultaneously perceives that she and all the others are on the same quest, all involved in the very same struggle for wholeness and self understanding. Slowly she eases up on herself, taking responsibility for her growth, fearing less to delve into her blind and vulnerable spots, and resisting less the companionship of guides, mentors, and truth-tellers. She relinquishes the “perfectionist novice.” The blame game phase fades as the woman realizes she is loved and accepted in spite of failures, early arrogance, harsh misjudgments and all the things that make her human and vulnerable like the rest of us. Her soul seems to settle

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A Union Most Sacred and Most SeriousOnly Love Can Make It Easy

“With this ring, I thee wed and I pledge unto you my fidelity.” Thus, the ring be-comes the symbol and the cor-nerstone of the marriage and the young couple put their hearts, their hopes and dreams into the hands of the other. The words that have remained with me from the exhortation the priest gave at our wedding (pre-Vatican Coun-cil II) were, “You are about to enter into a union which is most sacred and most serious…” and “Only love can make it easy….” I had never really thought of marriage as a commitment because it was what I wanted to do. Looking back, I realize we are committing our entire self, emotionally, physically and spiritually to this union. With open hearts, we give our imper-fect selves to the other fearlessly, armed with hope and naively seeking the “happy-ever-after.” As I recently watched my first grandson and his fiancée walk innocently down the aisle, with hope and trust in each other, I prayed that their marriage would steadily maneuver the storms that will inevita-bly rock their little boat. Trust and re-spect are two of the most important components of a happy life together. They are not just words or ideals; you must earn them as you walk togeth-er hand-in-hand, day by day.

by Marie V. Harkins

In the beginning, we merely merge our habits and idiosyn-crasies. We bring together a lifetime of family traditions, peer pressures, and careers. Our judgments and our skills will be questioned (out of fear and love for us) and conflicts will arise. When this happens with one you love (i.e. parents, friends, etc.) it can be very difficult. This is where your commitment comes at a price—but your partner’s feelings must always be your primary concern. Commitments in our relationships are perceived subjectively, formed by our backgrounds and experience. Before marriage, our perceptions are distorted because we see with the eyes of love. Everyday living entails sacrifices, compro-mise, and acceptance. Only love can make it easy because when our loved one is happy, we are happy. Each of us is born seeking nourishment and acceptance. That never changes. If we are blessed by a loving family, God’s most precious gift, the ability to love, will enrich our lives.

The more we love, the greater their capacity for loving and as we grow and flourish, that love encircles all those who bring meaning to our lives. When your first child is placed in your arms, you are filled with awe and wonder. How can this be? This child is truly ours; she even has his crooked toe. Rather than feel-ings of overwhelming love (which you anticipated), you are struck with fear. If you do not care for her every need, she will die. This beautiful child with a mind and soul of her own is totally dependent on you. By the time you are expecting your second child, you worry that you could not possibly love another child as much as you love the first. The birth of the third child dispels all those myths; you can finally relax and enjoy his baby-hood. The fourth was an angel and I hardly had a chance to hold the fifth. His two older sisters, then ten and eleven, took turns spoiling the baby. Each child occupies a very special place in your heart at the

moment of birth. That special place is all his or her own and it will be there forever. I do not wish to portray parenthood as easy, because you will make mistakes. Ideally, you are united in your parenting. When there are differences in approaches, those differences should be settled privately so you can sup-port each other in your decisions. The most important thing is that they know they are loved no matter what they do or what hap-pens. Convincing a headstrong young person of that is not easy. However, despite our mistakes, they all grew up to be loving and caring adults. The two that chose marriage are blessed with loving partners and we are so proud of the parents they have become. One chose to serve God in reli-gious life and the other cares for the sick and the challenged. When we were preparing for marriage, the priest told us our children would never be any bet-ter than we are. I am happy to say he was wrong. Our children never cease to amaze us. Now, we watch from the wings as our

grandchil-dren blos-som into adulthood. Every family experiences joys and sorrows, some more profound than others. The loss of a child—really a very loving and tal-ented young man—was devastating.

Marie Harkins, center, with beloved members of her family

continued on page 7

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into a more hopeful, confident space in spite of the rigors of the desert. She continues to find contemplative moments. She learns to feel her way gently through the dark passages; she finds just enough water in the limestone crevices; she trusts that the little manna can sustain if she accepts it gracefully. Most of all she begins to find surprising companions among the thrivers. They are not close friends but others making their way toward the same contemplative awareness. Gradually, the old false, critical, perfectionist self begins to surrender to the most difficult dying to self, that false

illusive self that took so long to craft. She begins to die to the judgments and expectations of others, to the deadly drives of the professional climb, to false, rigid religious ideas and to personal prides and accomplishments that lie to her that they are the ultimate measure of her worth and most especially die to the real demon of despair that whispers that she will never, ever be good enough. Indeed, I witness a very sincere and rigorous journey into the depth of contemplation and into the heart of God with all of its pain and glory. I listen to hear indications of a woman at the mouth of a cave catching the still small voice

of her God whispering more deeply than despair, “I love you; I made the real and wonderful you which you sometimes have loathed and sometimes have worked so hard to make over away from my image. Go entwine your one and only life, your love, your passion, your pain in service of your sisters and brothers. Claim your sisters as your own as you live and work together in community.” When I sense a serene sense of self understanding begin to dawn and hear humble gratitude replace harsh criticism, I know the woman is on her way to real self understanding. If she continues her discipline of deep contemplative living, it will

inevitably lead her to oneness with all humanity and the universe. She will lean into the truth of human self identity. She is a creature, dependent for every breath on the Divine, and all is gift! Then, like my mom, she will bow her head, surrendering in a smile and whispering to her God for a lifetime, “Thank you and I love you.”

Sister Kathy serves as the director for candidates and novices for the IHM Congregation. She resides in Scranton.

N.B. Sister Kathy’s mother died on October 8, 2010.

Coming Full Circle to Self Under-standing – continued from page 5

Many marriages do not survive a serious illness or death of a child. Sometimes we are afraid if we share our feelings, it will make our partner feel worse. It was important to cling to each other during the difficult times and not grieve alone. Our son will always have his special place in our hearts, at times more tender than others, as memo-

A Union Most Sacred and Most Serious – continued from page 6

Marie and Bill Harkins

While it is exciting that life with another person or group of people will evolve and change, it can be scary to have to face and accept those changes. Another anxiety was the notion that you are joining your life to another person or group of people and that you are no longer making decisions autonomously. That is a big adjustment for a generation that was raised with a focus on the individual. Although making a commitment did produce some

fear, we agreed that it did not outweigh the joy and possibilities of choosing fidelity. Finally, we listed some of the things that we are committed to that bring us to more abundant life and hopefully will be life for the world. Our lives lie in commitment to our family, our faith, our careers/ministry, our relationships with others, nurturing our creativity, and living out who we were born and raised to be with integrity

Creating Real and Living Stories - continued from page 3

ries surface of the wonderful and proud years we shared. Perhaps the time will come when we can be grateful for the gift of his life without a tinge of sadness. As your future time together diminishes, you learn the true meaning of the word “cher-ish.” Everyone who has shared your life becomes ever so dear and that partner you thought you loved on your wedding day becomes a part of you, filling your heart to overflowing. I am not sure human love can ever be perfect, but the journey has been an amazing grace. You cherish your husband, your family, your friends and all of God’s cre-

ation. Whether or not our love is perfect, our marriage is a joy and love truly is a many-splendored thing.

Marie is married to her best-friend and soulmate, Bill, for fifty-four years. She is the mother of three daughters, Kim, Sis-ter Ruth and Marie; and two sons, Tom and the late Bill. She cherishes her son-in-law John and daughter-in-law Francine. Marie enjoys her four grandchil-dren, John, Mark, Stephen and Jaclyn. Marie is an IHM Associ-ate. She and her husband reside in Wilmington, DE.

and authenticity. However those commitments might be realized, it is for us to discern and discover as we go into our futures together continuing to say “Yes” for life. I would like to leave you with a scripture passage that my sister Laura said spoke to her about the commitments she has made and will make in her life. I think Saint Paul expresses succinctly what the three of us were trying to articulate.

Be careful how you live. Don’t live like ignorant people, but

like wise people. Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are trying times. Don’t be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants

you to do.

Ephesians 5:15-16

Sister Rachel serves as a music teacher at Little Flower School in Bethesda, Maryland.

Journeypage Fall 20108

Covenant and Commitment Chosen, chosen, God’s beloved,

Happy, blessed is thy lot.Earth forgetting, joys renounced, by the world unknown, forgot.

Pure the heart that answers Jesus, “Take thy cross and follow Me.”Happy soul that hears Him say, “Daughter, I have chosen thee!”(IHM traditional hymn sung on

Profession Day)

One hundred three years ago, on the holy ground of Marywood, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the treasured words and melody of the above hymn forever echoed in the hearts of Sister Maria Kaupas, now Venerable Servant of God, and her two companions, Sister Immaculata and Sister Concepta, as they pronounced their vows in the Motherhouse of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Thus was born a new congregation in the Church: the Sisters of St. Casimir. Thus, Mother Maria, with her heart filled with love and compassion, responded to God’s call in total commitment of her life to foster the faith of the Lithuanian immigrants in their time of struggle and homesickness in this new land. Forever the strains of this hymn echoes in our hearts too, interweaving the deep story of our call and the bond between our congregations. “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant...” (Jeremiah 31:31). As seen in the lives of so many of God’s chosen people in the Old Testament—Abraham, Moses, David, the Israelites, Esther, and Ruth— they were called in the hope of forming a deep relationship between God and his people. Gradually God’s love for them and God’s deep desire for their eternal salvation was recognized through the many promises and signs that

affirmed and deepened each Old Covenant bond: bread and wine, anointings, laying of hands, sacrifices, and above all the Passover Meal. “Likewise Jesus also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you’” (Luke 22:20). In the New Covenant, Jesus gives new meaning to the deeds and signs of the Old Covenant relationship. He himself is the meaning of all these signs: the miracles, forgiveness and compassion, the revelation of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, the Eucharist. In the New Testament God again calls his chosen ones, Mary, John the Baptist, the Apostles, Mary Magdalen, and Paul to lead God’s people to deepen this New and Redeeming Covenant. And God continues to call people into a covenant relationship in new ways, times, and places. He chose Alphonsus, Rev. Louis Florent Gillet, C.Ss.R., Mother Theresa Maxis Duchemin, IHM, Mother Cyril Conway, IHM, and Bishop J. W. Shanahan of Harrisburg. Each responded to God’s call and became part of a long line of faithful followers whose influence flowed into the life of a young woman from Lithuania, Maria Kaupas. In 1905, at the request of Bishop Shanahan,

Mother Cryil Conway, IHM warmly welcomed Maria Kaupas and her two companions into the IHM family, marking the beginning of a lasting covenant and a strong bond of sisterly love and friendship between the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sisters of St. Casimir. The bonds of this relationship remained constant throughout the years as each congregation flourished and expanded its ministries in response to the needs of the times. Today, truly inspired by the Holy Spirit and motivated by a desire to deepen the relationship between the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sisters of St. Casimir, we answer God’s call entering into a new and deeper covenant, a pledge that we believe will be solemn, lasting, and life-giving for both of our congregations. By this covenant, we respect each other’s autonomy and unique identity while at the same time we seek ways of coming to know one another, collaborating with one another, supporting one another as we live our mission and as we fulfill our commitment to the vision of our founders long into the future. We firmly believe, as we have already warmly experienced, that this is a life-giving and sacred journey

upon which we have embarked toward a future that we cannot even imagine. The relationship between the members of our congregations will deepen as we grow in knowledge and appreciation of one another, as we share our individual and communal stories, and as together we look to the future with hope and conviction that it will be enriched by a diversity of ideas, an expansion of vision, and an extension of our individual founding mission into new and uncharted areas. A beautiful and meaningful ritual took place on July 23, 2010, celebrating this historic and emotional

Covenant prayer card

Sisters Immacula and Terry sprinkle salt as a sign of the covenant relationship between the Sisteres of St. Casimir and Sisters of IHM

Sisters Margaret Zalot, SSC, Susan Hadzima, IHM, Mary Persico, IHM, Immacula Wendt, SSC and Ellen Maroney, IHM, share a festive meal following the assembly.

page 9JourneyFall 2010

Covenant and Commitment

The relationship between the members of our congregations

will deepen as we grow in knowledge and

appreciation of one another, as we share our individual and

communal stories, and as together we look to

the future with hope and conviction that it will be enriched by a diversity

of ideas, an expansion of vision, and an extension

of our individual founding mission into

new and uncharted areas.

by Sister Immacula Wendt, SSC

promulgation of the covenant between the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate of Mary and the Sisters of St. Casimir. The powerful symbolism of salt, found in scripture to symbolize a reciprocal

agreement, was used as we reflected on our covenant with God and one another as we promise to preserve, enhance, flavor, heal, and stay with the process of the covenant. It was a profound moment as the president of each congregation and their respective leadership teams along with the former IHM leadership team who helped initiate this process sprinkled salt into two small boxes. These boxes will be kept by each congregation as a sign of our enduring and deepening covenant relationship. The

Covenant prayer card

Sisters Immacula and Terry sprinkle salt as a sign of the covenant relationship between the Sisteres of St. Casimir and Sisters of IHM

inscription on the covers of the boxes reminds us of our hope in God who journeys with us: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you” (Jeremiah 29:11). The sisters of both congregations, gathered together in prayer, were also invited to remember the “salty”ones in our histories: the wisdom figures; those who have endured; those who have learned courage; those who show staying power and are faithful to the struggle; those who have kept the covenant. In memory of these sisters and as a sign of preserving our rekindled covenant today, the leadership teams dipped bread into salt and consumed it as the Sisters assembled consumed pretzels as a way of taking salt into themselves and preserving this covenant relationship. God began this good work more than one hundred years ago and the vision still has its time. What mystery there is in the history we share! Let our hearts, filled with remembrance and gratitude, hear the words of the hymn of our profession day in a new way, for we are truly blessed to hear God say, “I have chosen you.” For this Covenant! This time! This moment! Come, thou chosen of the Lord, You who seek to live His word,

From His life now come and learn That your love for Him

might burn.You have answered Jesus’call:

“Take thy cross and give Me all.”Deep within you hear Him say:

“Daughter, you are Mine today.” (SSC traditional hymn, received

from the IHMs, sung on each Profession Day since 1907)

Sister Immacula serves as general superior of the Sisters of Saint Casimir in Chicago, IL.

Sisters Jane Mary Duke, IHM and Barbara Jablonski, IHM share pretzels as symbol of the covenant relationship.

Journeypage Fall 201010

Committment to HopeAs IHM sisters we proudly

trace our roots and con-nection to the people of Haiti through our foundress, Theresa Maxis Duchemin, who was of Haitian descent. Theresa and her friend and mentor, Mary Lange, a refugee from Haiti, cofounded the Oblate Sisters of Providence in 1829, in Baltimore Maryland, the first con-gregation of women of color in the United States. In 1845 Theresa left the Oblates and Baltimore for Monroe, Michigan at the invitation of Father Louis Gillet, a French-speaking Redemptorist who wanted to establish a new community of Sisters to teach the French speak-ing young women of his parish. This new com-munity became known as the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. One hundred and fifty years and three different branches of the IHM sisters later, Monroe, Immaculata and Scran-ton, the Tri IHM Haiti Outreach Project was established in 1995. Its goal was to acknowledge our Haitian roots, raise aware-ness about the critical economic situation in Haiti and support the people of Haiti through a twin-ning relationship with the Little Sisters of Sainte Therese, the first indigenous congregation of sis-ters in Haiti who have forty-two missions throughout the country, ministering to the poorest of the poor. Through this project thou-sands of dollars in grant monies, financial contributions and dona-tions of school supplies, medical supplies and clothing have been sent to the poor of Haiti and distributed through the work and ministry of the Little Sisters. Re-

cently, the Haiti Outreach Proj-ect evolved to include all three branches of the IHM Congrega-tions as well as the Oblate Sisters of Providence and presently is represented by twelve commit-tee members, three from each of the four communities. The scope of the project has also expanded and includes continuing the partnership with the Little Sisters of Sainte Therese, educating our sisters about the needs of Haiti, communicating opportunities for advocacy for Haiti, and encour-aging participation in projects for Haiti. While not to minimize the importance and impact of the financial and material sup-port that has been generated over the years through this project, what seems to have affected the

Little Sisters and those to whom they minister most profoundly is our willingness to be present to and among them. I recall hear-ing that the shortest distance to another person’s heart is through a story. So I share this one with you. On one of my visits to Haiti I traveled to Baraderes, a small village about eighty miles from the capitol of Port-au-Prince. The Little Sisters run a clinic there for pre- and postnatal care for women and children. They asked me to speak about the twinning relationship our com-munities have with the Little Sisters of Sainte Therese through our Haiti Outreach Project to a group of men and women who were training to be midwives.

by Sister Eileen Coleman, IHM

Afterward, Joseph, a young man of about thirty, expressed his gratitude to me and our con-gregation for all we have done to help the sisters and his people. He shared many aspects of his life as if we had been friends for years—his relationship and faith in God and his dreams and hopes

for the future. He told me of his dream of build-ing a house for his wife and three children who were now living with her parents. His goal: to become a teacher so he could improve the qual-ity of his own life and perhaps more important-ly, change the quality of life for all his people. I asked where he lived. He told me Les Cayes. I was a bit surprised since it is quite a long and difficult journey over the moun-tains. I also knew that some peasants had set up a road block on the only route over the mountains because we had tried to travel there earlier that

day. Naively, I asked him how he got to Baraderes. He hesitat-ed just a moment and responded simply: “I walked.” This journey over the mountains would have taken us three hours by truck—yet he had done it by foot under the hot Haitian sun—all for the few dollars he would receive for participating in the program. Suddenly overwhelmed by the harsh and heart-breaking realities of Haiti’s impoverished situa-tion, and humbled by this young man’s sincerity and hopefulness, I tried to express my frustration at not being able to do more, bring more, help more. His response to my frustration held no judgment, but his words went straight to my heart: “Your pres-

“In spite of all that has happened, somehow the Haitian people continue to go on, clinging to the

hope that help will come, that aid will reach them, that God will help them make it through just one

more day, as they struggle not for just a better life, but for life itself.”

continued on page 15

L-R Sisters Susan Hadzima, Eileen Coleman, Anne Wisda (Monroe) with some members of the Little Sisters of Sainte Therese

page 11JourneyFall 2010

continued on page 15

A Spiritual Journey to Healing and Healthby Sister Denise Lyon, IHM

As a professional person and religious congregation

member with forty-one years experience in the work/ministry milieu, I have been part of many staffs, faculties, committees, and other groups. But it is just within the past five years that I have come to understand what creating and participating on a team truly means. As the leader of a team in a university setting, I have come to realize that forming a genuine team requires a commitment with all the energy, time obligations and even suffering that are the essence of such an intention. I would even claim that creating and participating authentically on a team requires a “commitment to the commitment of forming a team.” I believe this because it is so very easy to lose the momentum and focus and put the hard work of team building on a back burner, giving into the temptation of the immediate issues facing the group because they appear more important and press the group for priority attention. Although my experience of initiating and leading team building is within a university residential situation, I consider this process to be applicable to any group—from a married couple to a parish staff to an executive body within a corporation. I offer here a glimpse into a systems approach transformation of a hall staff of individuals into a highly effective hall leadership team: my design of a year-long personal journey, creating a team environment which maximizes each staff member’s intellectual capital while creating a culture that values diversity and builds

a relationship of trust. The systems approach transformation process also focuses on the interconnection between the multiple aspects of university life, hall life, and the individual; how they influence each other, and how an effective hall leadership team creates a healthy, safe, and trusting environment for student residents where they can grow socially, spiritually, and emotionally. The process of and commitment to team building begins in the interview process. Every time a new member applies to join my staff, he or she is informed of the expectations of team building participation before ever being hired and signing the contract. As the leader of the team, I expect, at the time of the acceptance of the position, a commitment to the group goals, a 100 percent buy-in to team building. In preparation for membership and in order to partake in the team-building activities, the new member must take the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Inventory and also read the book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. They are

then ready to join the staff and enter into the following process. The Badin Hall Staff Team Development Program has three main parts that are each cyclic, on-going, and intertwining: (a) Spiritual/Ministerial: the Spirituality of Presence, (b) Personal Development: Self-Integration; (c) Professional Development: Cohesive Teamwork. Spiritual/Ministerial: The Spirituality of Presence is the essence of being a resident assistant and an assistant rector at the University of Notre Dame. Key to being present to others is the care of self: “Presence is the essence of caring—caring, in fact, is presencing. To care [for the self] is holy because it’s an intentional imitation of divine Presencing. To care is to make oneself available, as God makes Godself available, in a meaningful, intimate and creative way, to one’s deepest nature, to other humans, and ultimately to Godself. To care is to embrace and celebrate the Presence that percolates throughout existence, and in doing so to assent to be.

To care is to become fully human . . . like Jesus” (adapted from pp. 20-21 from Practicing Presence). The staff members are given the main example of using oxygen masks in air flights: to put on your own mask before assisting others. In order to be present to others, they must be attentive to caring for the self: physically, emotionally, spiritually, academically, socially and psychologically. Besides being given the books: Practicing Presence: The Spirituality of Caring in Everyday Life by Kerry Walters, and Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh, they are taught the spiritual practice of consciousness examen and given a journal in which they may keep note of their progress in pursuing self-care. Bi-monthly meetings with the leader are focused on how they are caring for self in order to care for others.

Personal Development: Self-Integration is essential for leadership and successful teaming. “Working together well as a team can sometimes be a

challenge. The personality of each member contributes to the identity of the team and influences the way the team operates. Effective teamwork, whether amid diversity or homogeneity, requires effective communication making space for the contributions of others and shifting behavior to meet others at their view of the world. Effective communication involves self-knowledge and self-awareness—knowing our own perspectives, needs, values, and talents, and knowing

Sister Denise Lyon, far right, with the Badin Hall staff team members.

Journeypage Fall 201012

by Barbara Giovagnoli

Making a CoMMitMent to Care for the earth

Perhaps committing to the care of our Earth is simply a way

of thinking. Who was it who said, “As you think so you are?” Thinking about God our Creator is an avenue that assists in all of our paths in life. We were made in his image, so thinking as he thinks helps in our own creative actions. Our commitment to care for our Earth, our Eden, comes from the first book of the Bible. It is there in the story of creation that we discover light (energy), air, and water for the replenishment of vegetation to feed the creatures of earth: fish and fowl, animals and humankind. Our Creator gave specific instructions to follow. In Genesis 2:8, “The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there he put the man whom he had formed.” In Genesis 1:27, we read “...God created man in his own image, male and female.” And then in Genesis 2:15, he commanded: “…dress it and … keep it.” Only those created in his image were commanded and given dominion over the Earth. Here is the firm foundation for our commitment to care for our Earth. To follow these commands, we should first respect the gifts of the Earth and strive to make a difference in taking care of them. Energy, its generation, conservation, and costs is a timely topic. Thinking we have no affect on the generation of energy we often misuse it. This is where we can make a difference. When we turn on the lights for any reason, we might remember that the electricity was probably generated by the burning of coal. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas produce most of the energy consumed by Americans. The consequence of the misuse of fossil fueled energy has contributed to references of greenhouse gas emissions and a change in our climate. It has spurred increases in gas and oil explorations and research in damages to our environment. It

has also contributed to renewed interest in the use of alternative energy sources such as the sun, wind, and water. We can save energy, protect our air, and save money if we start with the following steps:

Replace frequently used light • bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.Turn off lights when leaving • a room; invest in motion activated sensors.Unplug unused electronics • such as cell phone chargers, computers, and TVs.Insulate water heaters, walls, • ceilings, and outside wall light plates.Carpool, and refrain from idling • car engines.Replace old appliances and cars • with energy efficient models as needed.Recycle or reuse as many • items as possible. Make a few phone calls in order to discover all that is currently available in your area, including scrap yards.

Air is wonderful when fresh and clean. Keeping it that way is easier when you follow the same tips as saving energy. But in addition consider these:

Avoid unnecessary burning.• Plant trees, evergreen bushes and perennial flowers at every opportunity. Buy products locally grown • and produced to reduce transportation emissions.Use fans instead of air • conditioners.Plant a green roof, if • circumstances allow.

Some plants reflect more light such as those with waxy leaves and are believed to have a positive climate impact. Water covers most of our Earth’s surface and

is crucial to survival. Conserving and preserving drinking water, and keeping our rivers, lakes and oceans viable to sustain life are becoming challenges for humankind. Respecting this all important gift is worth the following considerations:

Running water unnecessarily is • wasteful. Shorten shower time.Fix leaky pipes and fixtures • and utilize toilet tank water savers such as plastic bottles filled with large pebbles, tops screwed on tightly.Wash only full loads of clothes • and dishware.Think more than twice before • using chemicals on lawns or for cleaning.Do not flush medications down • the drains.

Vegetation is so often taken for granted, yet typically contributes to serene and positive meditative environments. The fragrances and visual beauty of a flower garden or medicinal and culinary aspects of an herb garden are worthy of pursuit. Consider the following with regard to God’s gift of vegetation:

Human health is enhanced by • the consumption of a diet rich in vegetables.Plant foods contain vitamins, • minerals and fiber. Berries, cherries and grapes are nutrient dense. Sustainable food supply is •

typically grown locally and with little to no use of chemicals.Backyard gardening is on the increase in the United States, with neighborhood gardens springing up in larger urban areas.

Green spaces in urban areas and planned developments are on the rise. Orchards not only provide fruit for humankind but also for the insects and birds that frequent them. Perhaps you can plant a fruit tree. Maintaining greenbelts and forests provides habitat and food sources for animals. Protect these areas whenever possible. Humankind made in God’s image is an awesome privilege. It also comes with a unique set of responsibilities for it is humankind who is given dominion over the Earth and its resources. Changing habits is never easy. Changing social behavior is a creative endeavor. But it is in our ongoing creativity that a commitment is made to care for our Earth. We all teach by example. With thoughtful consideration, let us show in action:

Respect for our Earth by • conserving and preserving its resources.Respect for our Community • by not littering our shared environment.Respect for our Environment • by less wasteful practices, recycling, reusing and reducing unnecessary items.Respect for Mankind by • remaining faithful to the belief that we are all made in God’s image.

We can allow ourselves to be reminded that this seemingly everlasting present is the ever present Now. Perhaps that alone will allow us to commit to our own care and the care of our Earth. It is after all, a gift. Barbara Giovagnoli serves as the community outreach coordinator and education specialist for the Lackawanna County Office of Environmental Sustainability.

page 13JourneyFall 2010

In MemoriamFriends of God and lovers of the dream

Magdalene Bubenko, IHM April 2, 1926

February 6, 2010 by Jane Mary Duke, IHM

M. Basil McLane, IHM October 2, 1906 March 22, 2010

by Sisters Ann Walsh, Jean Louise Bachetti and Amanda DelValle

M. Edmunda McAndrew, IHM January 22, 1914

June 23, 2010 by Harriet Jackson, IHM

When I was asked to write a reflection about Sister Magdalene I was surprised and I don’t know why. I lived with Sister for two years at Sacred Heart Convent in LaPlata, MD. I frequently spent summer months with her, as she returned to Archbishop Neale School to tutor or assist the staff and the principal in preparing for the next school year. After thinking about what I could share with you, I realized that I had many stories to tell. However, my real reflection on Sister was that she was a faithful spouse of Christ. She was dedi-cated to the ministry of teaching children. Some of her students, who are adults today, knew her better than a lot of us and remain faithful to her memory. Truly she was a Sister, Servant of the Im-maculate Heart of Mary. Magdalene was a powerful force in her own quiet way. She was unassuming and dependable. She was very prayerful. When Sister first went to the IHM Center to live she was con-cerned about having something to do. She was never idle but knew when to relax and take a break. Whenever I would visit her at the IHM Center I knew the first place I should look was the Chapel. She was usually there in the afternoon straight and tall kneeling, praying the rosary or sit-ting quietly in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Her physical decline was sud-den and shocking for those of us

who knew her. It all seemed to happen so quickly. The night before she died, Sister Helene and I were with her. Sister Helene was holding Magdalene’s left hand with her left hand. I was sitting on the other side of the bed. Sister didn’t seem to be aware that we were present. At one point Sister Magdalene lifted her hand, now holding He-lene’s and reached across the bed to hold my hand. We prayed there, the three of us holding hands. God was there! We were saying good-bye to one another. Helene and I said one Hail Mary together. Sister Magdalene passed into the hands of God the next day. The fourth verse of the hymn, “O God of Loveliness” tells me of Sister’s relationship with God: “O loveliness supreme, and beauty infinite; O ever flowing stream, and ocean of delight; O life by which I live, my truest life above, To Thee alone I give my undivided love.”

The deep, raspy message of the voicemail played back, “Maria House, how can I ever thank you? I love you. I pray for you every day.” That is the Sister Basil we knew and loved. We, her Sisters at Maria House, had the honor of being in a special relationship with Sister Basil. She was our adopted Sister at Our Lady of Peace Resi-dence, and what a mutual blessing it was!

From her we learned that the most important thing in life is to rely on Divine Providence and to embrace Mary as our model of a life rooted in God. Sister Basil lived a simple lifestyle and drew her strength and determination from her prayer and fidelity to God. Profound gratitude was at the heart of Sister Basil’s life. No matter how great or small the fa-vor we did for her, she always had to thank us more than once with an added promise to keep us in her prayers. Although physically fragile, Sister Basil enjoyed celebrat-ing her birthdays with us and her local community at Our Lady of Peace. Other guests, who always brought the cake and ice cream, included students she had taught, now in their seventies. On her one hundredth birthday, Sister Basil delighted in receiving a manicure as one of her gifts. To her amaze-ment, she could not believe that she had to be one hundred to receive her first manicure. Her longevity surprised her and with the passing of her last few birth-days she expressed her readiness to return to God. Because we have the example of her life of faith, we are ever more convinced that, as she promised us in life, her prayers for us continue through the communion of saints.

I knew Sister Edmunda for only the last years of her life. During those ten years or so, we became good friends as well as Sisters in

community. Very evident was her love for God, for the congregation, for her family and for the ministry which was closest to her heart, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Carbondale. Yes, her heart was with the sick and the poor as director of medical records for thirty-five years. Imagine the importance of that work in the days before modern technology and the changes taking place in healthcare. This was also a time when women religious were building hospitals with a strong Catholic presence. Sister Edmunda was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania of Elizabeth and Timothy McAndrew, one of eight children. She was ninety-six years of age when she entered eternal life. Her love for God led her to spend seventy-six years in the IHM Congregation, studying, teaching and working in the office at St. Joseph’s. These are the facts in numbers, but it is by her spirit that the world is touched. The last twenty years of Sis-ter’s life were in prayer ministry at the Marian Convent and Our Lady of Peace. As I delivered her mail or a newspaper, she would share something of her day, a visit or phone call from her friend or family member. Sometimes Sister could be seen riding her motor-ized wheelchair on Marywood Campus, and always into chapel for Mass. Then came the day when giving up was necessary, and I never heard her complain. Sending greetings for impor-tant occasions was very important and, most of all, sending thank you notes. Sister took nothing for granted. Often it was my privilege to write these for her, but it had to be difficult for this competent business person to allow someone else to do it. Sister lost three of her sisters and her brother Ray in recent years. Deep faith and acceptance of God’s will sustained her in grief. Both her hearing and sight were impairments accepted in the same good faith and trust in God. As Sister was placed in the LIFE

Journeypage Fall 201014

In MemoriamInspire us to lives of meaning

Carolyn Mullen, IHMFebruary 11, 1935

September 22, 2010by Mary Kay Faliskie

M. Albrette Rouleau, IHMMarch 11, 1920October 1, 2010

by Marionette Coll, IHM

M. Emerita Gasper, IHMMarch 27, 1903August 9, 2010

by Kathryn Clauss, IHM

program, communication was limited to an occasional greeting as we passed in the hall. All these transitions were made with grace. Our Chapter 2010 Direction Statement invites us to enter into the “joys, hopes, griefs and anxiet-ies of the people of our world.” I am grateful for having done that with our Sister Edmunda. As we celebrate the Commu-nion of Saints in November, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, I pray: May Sister Edmunda live in the House of the Lord forever.

Sister Emerita and a baker’s dozen… is there a connection? Of course there is! Sister Emerita started life as part of what would become a baker’s dozen—thirteen children born of George and Kath-erine Gasper. Within the context of her family she learned and developed many of the “fortifying and enriching” skills that blessed us over the years. As a cook, she did not limit herself to providing food for those she served. Her presence could be a feast for one who engaged her. Any conversa-tion could result in experiencing Sister in one of the numerous roles she played in the lives of young sisters, sisters in community, and those who labored with her in the kitchens in which she selflessly ministered. Sister Emerita was a philosopher, a “chief cook and bottle washer, a manager, a teach-er, an advisor, and a wisdom figure par excellence, all within the con-fines of her kitchen, convents, and

later on in her rooms at the Marian Convent and Our Lady of Peace Residence. There were some predictable components of conversations with Sister Emerita. You could count on hearing about some facet of St. Gertrude’s life and mystical spiri-tuality, perhaps a nugget or two from Thomas Aquinas or some deeply spiritual thought springing up from the issues du jour. She was keenly aware of what was happening in the lives of sisters at Our Lady of Peace Residence, and would often express concern for one of the sisters who had just returned from the hospital or for one who had been experiencing some difficulty. Sister Emerita knew who they were and asked for them by name. Each visit with Sister Emerita was an opportunity to learn some-thing from a woman who lived life much like the mystics, with a moment by moment awareness of God’s loving presence. Her words were a source of practical informa-tion (“If the squirrels get in, pray to the Principalities.”), an oasis of inspiration (“If you have God, you have everything.”), and a clarifica-tion of what was really important (When Sister’s grandniece told her that she was working on her Ph.D., Sister reminded her that she should be working on praying for a happy death!). The elegance of Sister Emerita’s rootedness in God, humility and wisdom are an ongoing reminder of the clar-ity with which God speaks when using the presence of one whose love is great.

Sister Carolyn Mullen, IHM entered into eternal life on September 22, 2010. She chose to live life right up until the end, in spite of her terminal diagnosis. This was consistent with her outlook on life. She always chose to overcome life’s obstacles with a positive outlook and a deep sense of faith. Her unassuming and quiet presence was an example to her family whom she treasured dearly. Family was of utmost importance to her. Carolyn was the eighth child of eleven. She was taught early on that the support of one another was most important. She carried this value with her when she entered religious life. Having spent more than 50 years in the field of education, both in teaching and in guidance counseling, she assisted students very quietly, in her own way without any fanfare. Many stories were told of the times she assisted students and the impact she had on their lives and that of the families. As one of her nieces, I can attest to the fact that she was an example of faith. Carolyn taught me that in life there are hardships; however, it is with faith that we can live life to the fullest. Her deep faith enabled her to endure her last challenge, her terminal illness, with acceptance and peace. She will be missed by our family but her legacy of faith and her resilient spirit will live on in each of us.

A sharp mind and a steadfast, courageous spirit were only two of the gifts which Claire Rouleau brought to the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1939. Her French-Canadian heri-tage had already given her a strong faith and a deep desire to serve God with her very life. Through the rigors of early train-ing in the novitiate and mission life, I don’t think Sister Albrette ever wavered from her resolve to give her all to God. She faced squarely the demands of teaching, from primary to secondary classes in many locations over a span of almost thirty years. She also served as principal of a high school in New York. The most chal-lenging call, however, came when she was assigned to the congregation’s Business Office in 1972. During Sister’s tenure in the Business Office, the congregation was taking on many earth-shattering ventures, like health insurance and Social Security. Many Sisters have said that you could call Sister Albrette at any hour with a question about health insurance and she would give you the answer immediately. Her work became her life and, ultimately, the life of the congregation. When Sister Albrette’s niece, Karen Rouleau, came to Scranton for her funeral, she explained that her husband, Greg, wanted to be there, but he couldn’t take a day off from his job—how like his aunt, Sister Albrette! Our prayers and sympathy go out to Sister’s brother, Albert, her sister, Sister Marie Marguerite, RSM, and to all her nieces and nephews. May she rest in peace!

Obituaries for IHM Sisters may be found on the

Sisters of IHM webpage:

www.sistersofihm.orgGo to Who We Are and

click on Obituaries

page 15JourneyFall 2010

Commitment to Hope – continued from page 10

ence here is much more impor-tant to us than what you can give us. You bring us hope!” Accord-ing to Saint Paul this is not the greatest of the three, but to this young man, in a situation that most of us would call hopeless, it certainly seemed to be the most important. Reaching beyond our bor-ders to the once beautiful island of Haiti, we continue to reach out to all whose pleas for help remind us of the deep sorrow and extreme devastation that has enveloped that nation. But we also stand in awe and admiration at the almost defiant resiliency and profound faith of her people. In spite of all that has happened, somehow the Haitian people continue to go on, clinging to the hope that help will come, that aid will reach them, that God will help them make it through just one more day, as they struggle not for just a better life, but for life itself. Hope seems to be the

our own biases and potential shortcomings. It is essential that each type contribute to the team, lead others, and express their blind spots in order for the team to be at its best!” (Quick Guide to the 16 Personality Types in Organizations: Understanding Personality Differences in the Workplace, ed. Berens, et al. p.2). Team members are provided with myriad forms of information to help them understand how they solve problems, what they bring to a team, teamwork style, dealing with stress, learning styles and personal growth suggestions according to their individual type. This information is shared regularly through the use of worksheets and discussions during the team building portion of the weekly staff meeting. It is essential that each staff member

come to know and understand the type styles of the other members of the team. Professional Development: Cohesive Teamwork is understanding and intentionally and consistently overcoming the five natural but dangerous pitfalls that cause most teams to be dysfunctional as described in the book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. Once the theory of this book has been digested by each member, they understand how these dysfunctions are replaced and even bypassed with five positive behaviors, so that eventually the group becomes a team. Monitoring their interaction and behaviors through honest assessment is an on-going

necessity. The members of a truly cohesive team must trust one another, engage in unfiltered conflict around ideas, commit to decisions and plans of action, hold one another accountable for delivering those plans, and focus on the achievement of collective results. All of the above must be derived from the mission and goals of the organization for which the staff exists. There must be a common understanding of the one vision, so that all actions and decisions of the team support, reflect, and empower the mission of that organization. This is the systems approach: the transformation of the staff into a mature and highly effective leadership team (in this case, the leadership team of a university residential hall) by learning to work together,

depending on each other, owning the vision, and understanding the real power of teamwork. Finally, the commitment to team building lies initially and finds it continuity in the commitment of the leader to the ongoing process of system transformation. The creativity and ingenuity of the leader’s dedication to the team building process becomes the reservoir for the members’ commitment. It is more likely that the team’s raison d’etre will remain strong and life-giving for each member if they know their potential is realized, maximized, and appreciated in this team building culture.

Sister Denise serves as resident rector of Badin Hall at the Uni-versity of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN.

A Spiritual Journey to Healing and Health – continued from page 11

middle name of many Haitians. Bringing hope to the people of Haiti is an essential element in the OSP IHM Haiti Outreach Project’s definition of commit-ment.

Sister Eileen serves as a French teacher at Holy Cross High School in Dunmore, Pa.

Haitian school children taught by the Little Sisters of Sainte Therese

The Presidential Palace in Port-au-Prince was severely damaged by the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

The Little Sisters of Sainte Therese live in tents since the earthquake severely damaged the structure of their convent.

Journeypage Fall 201016

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nd R

ache

l Ter

ry

Comm

itmen

t

I n

this

issu

e of

Jou

rney

the

wri

ters

exp

lore

the

mea

ning

of

com

mitm

ent i

n th

eir l

ives

and

a v

arie

ty o

f

vari

able

s tha

t inf

orm

and

nur

ture

thei

r com

mitm

ents

.

You

are

invi

ted

to re

flect

on

the

stor

ies t

hat f

ollo

w a

nd

to a

llow

them

to in

fluen

ce y

our u

nder

stan

ding

of

your

own

com

mitm

ents

to si

gnifi

cant

per

sons

and

impo

rtan

t

issu

es in

you

r life

.