A newsletter published by the Sisters of Notre Dame | Toledo Province | Spring 2011

Spiritual nourishment at Lial Renewal Center. . . page 4.

page 8.

Empowered by Grace. . . catalysts for Growth

Ministering among women worldwide . . . page 3

Spiritual enrichment at Lial Renewal Center . . . page 4

�

Vol. 21, No. 4, Spring 2011

CrossRoads is published quarter-ly by the Partnership for Mission Office of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Toledo, Ohio. Its purpose is to create a sense of shared mission among members, family and friends.

The title CrossRoads refers to the crossing of paths of our congre-gation and our friends in the communities where we serve. The “cross” in CrossRoads has special significance in our con-gregation’s history.

Editorial BoardDenis EbleSr. Marilyn Marie EllerbrockGeorge MezinkoSr. Jennifer Marie Zimmerman

EditorTeri Bockstahler

Correspondence may be sent to:CrossRoadsSisters of Notre Dame3837 Secor RoadToledo, OH 436�3Phone: 419-479-3093

email: tbockstahler@toledosnd.org

Visit us on the web:www.toledosnd.org

Contributors:

Sr. Mary DeepikaSr. Mary Rashmi

Our Mission:Sisters of Notre Dame proclaim God’s goodness and provident care. As disciples of Jesus, we:Create community for missionNurture faith through educationStand in solidarity with those in need.

Dear Friends:

Sr. Mary Delores Gatliff

A newsletter published by the Sisters of Notre Dame | Toledo Province | Fall 2009

EMPOWERED BY GRACE. . . page 3

DISCERNING GOD’S CALL. . . page 4

ANNUAL REPORT. . . page 10

Inside:

It seems fitting during this Easter season of resurrection and hope, as we begin to enjoy springtime and the rebirth of all creation, that the theme for this issue of CrossRoads is Catalysts for Growth.

Jesus gathered his disciples around him to share his way of life, reveal his Father’s love and send them forth to continue his mission. As followers of Christ we too are sent to share this mission of proclaiming God’s goodness and provident care to all.

One way we do this is by inviting others to spiritual and intellectual growth at Lial Renewal Center, a wonderful setting for personal renewal. We are pleased to offer programs in this beautiful space to many groups and individuals.

Sisters of Notre Dame are also encouraging women locally and world-wide to grow as persons toward independence. In the process of assisting these individuals in their need and supporting them to attempt life changes, we too are renewed.

As donors you make our ministry efforts possible. We are grateful to you for your generosity and your willingness to share in our efforts to continue the mission of Jesus.

In Notre Dame,

Provincial Superior

Sr. Mary Deepika (far right) meets with women from a Self-Help Group in India. Read more beginning on page 3.

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Lial Renewal Center offers many opportunities for spiritual growth and direction. See page 4.

What’s New in the Toledo Province is on page 11.

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•

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Sr. Anne Mary Molyet, (front, center) directed a retreat for 14 Aurora House residents at Lial Renewal Center in January. The retreat was made possible by an anonymous donor to Lial Renewal Center for the women at Aurora House (a hous-ing and life skills program empow-ering homeless women and their children).

Sr. Anne Mary, along with several Sisters of Notre Dame, also volunteer at additional social agencies including the Sparrows Nest (emergency shelter for single women), and Bethany House (domestic violence shelter). The sisters are developing more programming to further empower women who are making life changes.Em

pow

er i

ng

wom

en

Human trafficking is the buying and selling of

persons for labor and/or sex. Women and children are the key target group for traffickers because of their marginalization and limited economic resources. In August of 2008, four Toledo communities of women religious announced their stance against Human Trafficking.

After the stance was taken, Ursuline Sister Sandy Sherman, Sr. Geraldine Nowark, OSF/S and Sister of Notre Dame, Ann-Marie Borgess wondered, “What action can we take to change the human trafficking that is going on right here in Toledo?”

It didn’t take too long before the sisters were able to begin a monthly spiritual sharing at Second Chance, a Toledo social service program which provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic sex trafficking and prostitution. “Sr. Sandy and I have been going to Second Chance for more than a

year so we can help women in the healing process,” said Sr. Ann-Marie in a recent interview.

“We have found the women who attend the spiritual sharing to be very down to earth. They recognize their own need for God in their healing and personal growth. Many were forced out on the streets at age 11 or 1�. They have been affected by generational poverty, lack of education, violence in their own homes and on the streets, and addiction. Despite the odds, they are digging deep within and finding resiliency and hope.

“The staff and volunteers at Second Chance accept and support the women as they attempt change in their lives,” Sr. Ann-Marie explained.

One day a woman at Second Chance asked Sr. Ann-Marie why nuns were hanging out with prostitutes. Sister explained that she too had experienced suffering in her life. According to Sr. Ann-Marie, the woman proceeded to

say, “I always thought God played favorites and blessed some people and not others. But now I know that I am no different from you.”

Trafficking is having a grave impact on women and children in Toledo and is now considered the third-largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world. “Supporting women in these circumstances gives them hope to change and they then become inspired to help others,” Sr. Ann-Marie related.

Beyond Toledo, SNDs in India work with the women of the lower strata of their society in India.

According to Sr. Mary Deepika who began working with women of rural villages in the State of Bihar, India in the year �001 and was appointed to her current mission in the State of Assam in 2006, most of these women have never been to a school. “They started their lives as agricultural laborers at a very early age.

continued on page 9

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Guided by theSpirit Lial Renewal Center

Coming to Lial Renewal Center is a new experience for many

people. “I never knew this was here,” is a comment Sr. Mary Dean Pfahler often hears when talking with individuals visiting Lial Renewal Center for the first time.

The 94 wooded acres where Lial Renewal Center is located was acquired by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1971, but it wasn’t until 1991 that the center was open for use by outside groups. Since the 2009 renovation, the sisters began offering special programs and can accommodate larger groups.

“Our space here is really flexible, and we can adjust to the size of the group. One day we had 45 people on site: a church group meeting, two sisters making retreat and others coming for a personal renewal day or for spiritual direction. As many as 100 people can be accommodated for a day.

“We have also been having a lot of programs that are open to the public,” explained Sr. Mary Dean.

Women from St. Michael’s in the Hills Episcopal Church make Anglican prayer beads while at Lial Renewal Center.

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What is spiritual direction?Looking for a tranquil setting where you can surround yourself with nature and explore a closer relationship with God? Lial Renewal Center in Whitehouse, Ohio, might be just the place.“So many people today live a very fast-paced life and want to learn how to become more aware of how God is speaking to them every day. Spiritual direction nourishes a deeper prayer life. It also identifies key issues and thought patterns that lead to inner peace knowing that God cares and is present always,” said Sr. Joanne Mary Frania, SND. “Sometimes a person is trying to sort through a confusing time and might want to gain a faith perspective on life issues,” she added.Christians of all denominations are availing themselves of on-going spiritual direction and retreats and several Sisters of Notre Dame have the ministry of spiritual direction. The Sisters offer the service of spiritual direction at Lial Renewal Center and at other locations too. The director usually meets with the person for about one hour every four to six weeks to process what God seems to be revealing in ordinary life events.“On other occasions individuals seek the faith value of their grief or sadness resulting from a loss or disappointment. Spiritual direction shouldn’t be confused with counseling or therapy, but it does not interfere with it either. “Talking with someone who will listen to your life experiences reverently and respectfully can be an enriching experience,” Sr. Joanne Mary concluded.Those interested in spiritual direction may contact Lial Renewal Center at 419-877-0432.

A few of the recent topics include: an Awareness Meditative Relaxation series for Advent; a program on Spirituality which examined the many pathways to God and various prayer styles; “Picturing God” which explored the significance and evolution of the image in the religious imagination; and “John’s Lenten Gospels. “The programs have been well attended, and we hope people will continue to look to Lial Renewal Center for spiritual programming in the future,” she added.Programming plans for Spring and Fall include:

t Contemplative Photography on May 14 t An afternoon of Eucharistic Adoration on June 26, the Feast of Corpus Christi, and t ‘Who Do You Say I Am?’ a September series that explores how recent theologians and social activists identify Christ.

Lial Renewal Center staff welcome individuals or groups for private or directed retreats. “We would like to assist those who have a hunger for God and would like to foster their spirituality,” said Sr. Mary Dean.

To find out more about programs and retreat possibilities at Lial Renewal Center, you may contact Sr. Mary Dean by phone at 419-877-043� or by email: mdpfahler@toledosnd.org. You may also request to be placed on the Lial Renewal Center mailing list, or visit our website, toledosnd.org/lial_renewal.html.

“Many thanks for the opportunity to stay at Lial. This is truly a place filled with God’s presence. It is wonderful knowing this life-giving place exists and I will return in the future. I appreciate your gracious hospitality.” Connie Adams

Spiritual directors at Lial Renewal Center: Sr. Rita Marie Schroeder Sr. Jan Marie Lonsway Sr. Joanne Mary FraniaSr. Marilyn Ann Angel

Sr. Constance Marie SuchalaSr. Sally Marie Bohnett Sr. Anne Mary MolyetSr. Mary Dean Pfahler

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Dear Partners in Mission,

Welcome to the Spring issue of CrossRoads. I wish each of you could see the grounds at the Provincial Center. Everything is in bloom and the colors are amazing!

As this Easter season comes to a close and Pentecost approaches, it is a time the church celebrates the

Holy Spirit dwelling in each of us. If you would, please take just a few minutes of your time, right now, and think about how the Holy Spirit actually works to find a place in your heart. You will be amazed how easy these signs are to recognize. The Spirit is manifest through your generosity, through the joy you feel each day, through the peace the Spirit brings into your life, and through the courage you have to do “whatever it takes” to get the job done. The Spirit’s presence is your inspiration. It is that little nudge you feel to step up and help those who do not have the ability or the resources to survive life’s daily struggles.

As we enter the last two months of our administrative year, I must thank you for all of your support. As the Spirit is manifest through you, your partnership with the Sisters of Notre Dame continues to enable the sisters to move forward in all of their ministries while proclaiming God’s goodness and provident care.

May the joy of the Spirit truly be yours! May your heart overflow with gratitude for the many blessings you receive.

Respectfully,

George MezinkoPartnership for Mission Director

Partnership for

Mission

IN HONOR OF:

Carolyn Baker’s 80th birthdayMary M. Droll

Mary EvansMr. & Mrs. Robert Gorman

Shirley Mesker’s 75th birthdayElizabeth Elwer

Pope Benedict XVIElizabeth Heitz Grace

Reverend Monsignor Charles E. SinglerJeff & Lisa Baier

Rita StieberMary Lou Hohler

Sr. Carol Mary BognerAgnes E. Bogner

Sr. M. Claver PollaufAnn T. Alexander

Sr. M. Dean PfahlerLinda D. Stemen

Sr. M. Dianne RumschlagGerard & Mary Jane Rumschlag

Sr. Elaine Marie Clement

Roger & Kathleen Holman

Sr. M. Gertrude Ann MuellerClyde & Peggy Rector

Sr. M. Immaculee HeinlMary BunceLucie Heinl-LukasikMr. & Mrs. James E. Roberts

Sr. Janet Marie SmithDenise M. McHue

Sr. Jean Marie Walczak

Kathy Stofka

Sr. M. Jean Francis BoesRichard W. BoesMary Ann DudderarBarbara WernimontVirginia Wernimont

Sr. M. Magdalen WestrickMr. & Mrs. Robert Gorman

Sr. Mary de Porres WestrickMr. & Mrs. Robert Gorman

Sr. Mary del Ray BognerAgnes E. Bogner

Sr. M. Michaelyn HempflingTom & Agnes Wheeler

Sr. M. Michel SchmittHugh & Michelle O’Brien

Sr. M. Mona KromerCarole Kromer

Sr. M. Susanne WenningerMr. & Mrs. Robert Gorman

Sr. M. Virginia WenningerMr. & Mrs. Robert Gorman

Sr. Virginia Marie MyersDenise M. McHue

Children that the Sisters educatedJoseph J. Patay

Retired Sister of Notre DameHerbert & Carol Foos

Sisters who taught at St. Michael’s School in ToledoMary Ann Arquette

IN MEMORY OF:Paul BaierJeff & Lisa BaierAnn BallCraig & Julie CoughlinBob & Mitzi GradJack & Mary Ann GrathwolLou & Mary GrathwolThe Harvey FamilyElmer & Mary KromerFaber and Kay McKennaJohanna & Jim PowersNed & Gail RiedyChuck & Sue RiestererRoger & Mary Russell

Lyle BarnumJoe & Kim Faggionato

Tracy L. BashawDennis & JoAnne Bashaw

Luella K. BihnRobert & Marjorie Stoma

Roger BissonLouise Collins

Alma & Leo BlaserRuth Bundy

Wm. K. BornCarol A. Born

Cynthia BosioDavid Bosio

Haydee Foos BradnerAnnabelle BouillonMary Lou DrollJoella FeaselConnie HoeningWayne & Sandy KingeryRich Koenig FamilyMr. & Mrs. Lyle E. LahmanJane C. LonswayBarbara L. MarleyJane MungerEric & Carrie NyeLaszlo & Piroska Papp

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Thank you!The honorariums and memorials are listed for donations to the Sisters of Notre Dame received from January 1, 2011, through March 31, 2011. Please notify the CrossRoads office at 419-479-3093 should you find an error of omission or spelling.

In SympathyTim Destatte, brother of Sr. Marcia Marie Destatte

Haydee Foos Bradner, mother of Sr. Christine Marie Foos

Marie Schroeder, mother of Sr. Rita Marie Schroeder

Eric & Louise Wentz

Joe BuettnerDarren SiefkerDeb & Dennis Siefker

William BuettnerDeb & Dennis Siefker

Frank & Mary BugnerEd & Diane Bugner

Richard BunceMary Bunce

Todd CarderJim & Lois Carder

Ken ChristyElaine Christy

Nando ConteMichelina Macioce

Mary Ann Moyer CroninJack Cronin

Grace & Gerald DarrMr. & Mrs. Robert M. Nicklay

Donald DettingerSr. Marie Joyce Dettinger, SND

Marianne L. DucatElizabeth Ducat

Paul M. EvansLeah M. Evans

Carol FavoriteGeorge & Edith Pollauf

Rosemary GuillenSam A. Guillen

Richard HalbeisenKathy McCartney

Neva HermillerWilliam & Nancy Recker

Gilbert HesselingMargaret Hesseling

Vern HortonGeraldine Szkatulski

Bob HuebnerTeri & Paul Bockstahler

Eileen Flynn HurleyBernie Hurley

Raymond R. JankowskiAdrianne Kolebuck

Thomas J. KirkRae M. Kirk

Mike & Honey KnorekMargaret Mary Collins, SND

Pauline E. KoenigNancy FisherJim & Carol KoenigFrank & Ruth PetersbergerCaroline Tscherne

Patrick KohlerMary E. Kohler

Donald J. KoontzErnestine Koehn Koontz

Janice D. KundertKenneth C. Kundert

Rosemary LaVoyRobert Lavoy

Ron LumbrezerDavid Brick

Robert MackDolores Mack

Maryann MartinJeffrey D. Long

James McGurlThe Cornell Family

Margorie J. McLaughlinJohn McLaughlin

Mary Jo MonakCarl & Dorene Harden

Sharon MooreCarol Fleitz

Anna MorrinHazel Pollauf

Lula MosleySharon (Mosley) Bartels

Maureen PatayJoseph J. Patay

Forest & Elizabeth PaulsenJudy M. Paulsen

Eli Alex PerestaJames Peresta

Olliver J. PhillipsMargaret M. Phillips

Harry PhlipotDoris Phlipot

Dr. RaineriSteve & Barb Dean

Donald ReardonKathy McCartneyTom & Marlene Wolf

Dr. Marian RejentVivian Reardon

Jack RichMary Gutschalk

Agnes C. RichardJames J. Richard

Bill RowMary Ellen Row

Betty Charlotte RumschlagFloyd Rumschlag

Rita SchergerElmer Helmkamp

Viola M. SchmidtMr. & Mrs. Paul BaumgarteEileen BonifasRosella BonifasMr. & Mrs. George ErvinMartha FlanaganMr. & Mrs. Dick GibsonLou Anna HanshumakerKenneth & Betty KillKenneth C. KundertMr. & Mrs. Bill MassaMr. & Mrs. James MeierMrs. Ronald PattonAlfred SchmitAlice SchmitDr. & Mrs. Art SchmitEloise V. ShumakerMr. & Mrs. Ron WagnerMr. & Mrs. Larry Webb

Cy SchroederMary & Orville Ellerbrock

Marcela Yap SimRowena Sim

Windsor J. SmithJaneearlene Smith

Eddie SpieldennerAlan & Kathy Szucs

Shukri SpitanCharlene Spitan

Barbara StegerGeraldine Szkatulski

Dennis StemenLinda D. Stemen

Char Stober

Linda D. Stemen

Jo SwanbrowDiane Swanbrow

Loretta M. SzymanskiKathy McCartney

Elizabeth (Betty) ThompsonAnne Kumor

Lois Jean TrauneroRobert J. Traunero

Milton & Lucille TrubeySusan Trubey Bahl

Harold VonderembseNorma Vonderembse

Ambrose & Coletta WannemacherGreg & Donna Wannemacher

Margaret Pollauf-WeisMargie & Danny Knopp

Neal WhittCarol Kirkbride

Janet WilhelmRoger D. Wilhelm

John & Lawrence WenzlickGertrude Wenzlick

Sr. M. Agnes LinkBettie & Dick AlgeEd & Rosie BartlDavid, Robin & Jessi BleileMary BollenbacherAgnes & Paul BurgessMr. & Mrs. Timothy CardwellBarbara DoughtyFlorence & Barbara DoughtyMr. & Mrs. Edward J. EberlyKen & Carol FriesDenny & Samantha FurlongMrs. James L. FurlongMartha & Dan GeroldJim & Kathy GoostreeRuth GuendelsbergerMartin Hanke

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In prayer

we honor and

remember

Memorial Recognition

When a memorial gift or culmination of gifts in the name of one person totals $250 in a year, that individual’s name is permanently placed on a special

memorial plaque displayed in the Sisters of Notre Dame Provincial Center Chapel.

Steve & Darlene HartEsther HaulerDena HeymanGene & Sharma HeymanConnie HippJohn & Therese HofackerMary Lou HohlerLois HugRay & Bernadette KellerRegine KreimMargaret KromerCarl & Nancy LafaceKen & Brenda LandollJuanita LinkRandy & Lis LinkRobert & Erma LinkRon & Jane LinkDave & Melissa McElwainRita McFaddenThomas & Maureen MenacherJohn & Kathy MillerRyan & Amber MisslerEdward & Marilyn MooreMary C. NickellRobert & Marlene ObringerDave & Michelle PfliegerDean & Denise PfliegerAnn PfliegerThomas PfliegerTeresa A. PhillipsTerri PorterBarbara ReinhartSharon RenneckarJohn & Suzanne RileyMr. & Mrs. Bernard RospertDonn & Terry

RospertMary Ann & Gene RospertMr. & Mrs. Richard RospertSteve & Lori RospertTom & Joan RospertBud & Dorothy Rospert

Bill & Michelle RospertGerald & Dorothy RothCarolyn RugePaul & Dorothy SchafferDelbert & Christine

SchankDuane & Ann SchankLeonard & Jean SchankBarb & Frank SchnellingerSteve & Ann SchummMary SimonWilliam PifherRuthann StockerJohn & Pat StofiraThe Truchon Family

The Walton FamilyJohn & Ruth WeisenberberAnna WilliamsTom WylieEldon & Norma Young

Sr. M. Alexia KochanskiRick Michalak

Sr. M. Dalene WassermanJaneearlene Smith

Sr. M. Gabrille PriebeMr. & Mrs. Thomas Badik

Marcia DeebRev. Joseph JarosRay & Bernadette KellerAgnes & Vince

LangevinSue LeverenzCharles & Jeri MachalaJanet MillerRose PawliskiNancy & Ed PriebeJohn PriebeRichard & Mary PriebeCharles & Carol ShipleyRev. Msgr. Charles E. SinglerLiz StoverLarry & Martha Tremsky

Sr. M. Gregory WeltinMr. & Mrs. Robert L. Koehl

Sr. M. Johnene WellmannKitty & Scott Wellmann

Sr. M. Rosarita PoormanBernard & Ruth Molyet

Family membersGene & Mary AshbyDenny & Rose BeuchelErnestine Koehn Koontz

Women donors attended “A Day of Grace” retreat at Lial Renewal Center in April.

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They were married before they attained puberty. They do their household duties and work in fields to supplement the family income. Though they bear and rear the children, do all the house work and contribute to the income of the family, they are never respected. Their health care is the last to be met. They have only duties, never rights. They are always tied to the house, and their circle of friends is limited. Years of such domestication make them vulnerable, ignorant and ‘a use and throw’ object,” she says.

“My encounter with the reality of these women challenged me to ask ‘Where is fullness of life for them? What can I do to help them recognize their potential and exclaim, Oh, how good is the good God.’ Forming women into Self Help Groups (Group) was being advocated as the best tool for their empowerment, and I too started doing

it. Group attempts to empower women economically as well as to help them discover their hidden potentials through capacity building training,” she continued.

“A Group usually has 10 to 20 members of the same economic background. They elect officers and hold meetings regularly to discuss issues and problems in the village. To meet the economic needs of Group, members contribute a small sum which they use to lend to the members at a low rate of interest. Each Group opens a savings account in a bank and occasionally receives subsidized loans from the Government.

“These women can now make informed

decisions, become self-confident, and challenge the corrupt officials and oppressive structures in the traditional society and family.

“As they grew strong in their inner selves they also started sending their children to schools. Health in the villages improved as they understood the importance of cleanliness at home and in the village. A significant achievement is the fact that hundreds of women who were giving thumb impressions

as signatures have now learned to write their names. With the strength they have found in unity, they have started addressing social issues like alcoholism, trafficking of girls, illegal migrations, marital abuses and so on,” Sr. Mary Deepika further explained.

She also reports that there are many success stories, yet there are challenges. Oftentimes, the women are stuck on getting more economic gain. It is very hard to get them for regular meetings and trainings, and the villages are very far with very bad roads making it difficult for us to reach them. “But these challenges make us ever alert and active to find ways and means to attain our aim,” she said.

A Women’s Self Help Group in the State of Assam, India.

continued from page 3

PILGRIMAGE WITH JESUS IN TANZANIA, AFRICA By Sr. Mary Rashmi, SND Yes, Jesus brought me to Africa when I had resisted, saying to myself, there is enough to be done in India! He has journeyed with me ever since, manifesting

Himself in and through our people and through varied events. When I faced challenges, He strengthened me.

When I discerned, He enlightened me. He is my ‘Mission and my Vision’ as I move ahead with Him as a woman disciple! I began my mission by organizing rural, marginalized women into Self

Help Groups with an aim of empowering them towards self-reliance and leadership. The women have shown steady growth by taking new initiatives and steps to bring about transformation in the society. As I look back I have much to be grateful for. Motivating the rural women to be ‘agents of transformation’ in the society, we have been able to move ahead.

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Have our paths ever crossed?

hSr. Mary Camilla Lochotzki, Health Care Center Admin. Asst.

hSr. Mary Bonita Sniegowski, aka Sr. Mary Bennett, GED Coordinator, St. Vincent de Paul Adult Learning, New Orleans

hSr. Mary Susanna WeaverHome Health care, Sacristan, Sacred Heart Parish, Bethlehem, OH

Have you ever wondered what happened to the sister who taught you in elementary or high school? What is she doing now? Does she go by a different name? We continue to devote a page in CrossRoads to update you about our sisters and their current ministries. Thank you for your inquiries and interest!

hSr. Mary Suzette Fisher, FASD Education Specialist, Double ARC, Toledo

hSr. Mary Rose Moser, Postulant Director & Teacher at Lial Cathloic School

fSr. Mary Lynda Snyder, Principal, Holy Cross Catholic School, Defiance

fSr. Mary Patricia Dorobek, aka Sr. Mary Nathan, Campus Minister, Thomas More College, Crestview Hills, KY

Rest in Peace, Sr. Mary AnnunciataSr. Mary Annunciata Sutter died on Monday, April 18, 2011, at the age of 87.

She was born near Bethlehem, Ohio, and loved the farm where she grew up. She learned at an early age that teamwork and service was the recipe for a productive and happy life. She was a member of a little country parish known as Shelby Settlement (Bethlehem) Sacred Heart Church. She also attended Sacred Heart parish school, which was a two-room wood frame building near Shelby, Ohio. Sacred Heart is the oldest Catholic school in Ohio. Sisters of Notre Dame were her teachers and she enjoyed helping them after school and on the weekend when she could.

She entered the community in 1941 and received degrees from

the former DeSales College and Mary Manse College in Toledo and Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Sister was known as an excellent teacher and for her love of children. She spent 45 years in elementary education as a teacher or principal at many schools, including: St. Paul, Norwalk, Ohio; St. Mary, Sandusky; St. John’s, Delphos; St. Jude, Fort Wayne, Ind.; St. Joseph, Monroeville, Ohio; and St. Ann, St. Mary, Holy Rosary, Ladyfield, and Mary Immaculate, Toledo. She later was principal of St. Paul High School in Norwalk, and worked for a couple of years at Notre Dame Academy. Sister also spent five years in the

Diocesan Schools Office. Even in retirement, she worked as a part-time aide in schools so she could be around children.

According to her nephew, Msgr. Michael Hohenbrink, she had a remarkable ability to know every kid at St. John’s in Delphos during her time there. While she was principal at St. John’s, there were about 2,000 children in first through eighth grades!

In addition to her love for young people, Sr. Mary Annunciata loved the Cleveland Indians. Because she knew all of the players, she could easily relate to her junior high students by talking with them about baseball.

In 1996, Sister Mary Annunciata was inducted into St. Mary’s Hall of Fame at St. Mary’s School in Toledo. She celebrated her 65th Jubilee as a Sister of Notre Dame in 2009.

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What’s New?SND Community welcomes Postulant!Jayme Fronk (center), poses with (from left) Srs. Alice Marie Willman, Joella Marie Ruffing, Mary Rose Moser, postulant director, and Mary Ralph Gerdeman. Jayme is a new candidate for the Sisters of Notre Dame and entered the community on February 23, 2011. She is living at Emmaus Convent with the sisters shown above.

Sr. Mary Kent Burgard is a 2010-2011 recipient of the Golden Apple Award given by the Diocese of Toledo for excellence in teaching. A banquet celebrating Golden Apple winners will take place at the Toledo Club on May 17, �011.

Sr. Mary Kent is one of three teachers from Lial Catholic School to be named a Golden Apple Award winner.

Sr. Carolyn Marie Schaffer received the 2011 Golden Apple Award sponsored by the Fostoria Rotary Club. Sister was one of 45 nominees from Fostoria City Schools and St. Wendelin School and then was chosen as the winner from the three St. Wendelin finalists. The awards ceremony was held at the Indianbrook Golf Club at a dinner held on April 13, 2011.

Walking for Wellness 2011

Wellness Walk set for June 4, 2011The Second Annual “Walking for Wellness” with the Sisters of Notre Dame is scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2011. Sisters and friends are breaking in their walking shoes to get moving together, promoting healthy, balanced living!!

The walk course will cover a ten mile course, but walkers may opt for a five mile walk and return to the Provincial Center by van if they prefer a shorter walk.

Registration and check-in is from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in the Provincial Center Conference Room. Walkers are welcome to attend Mass in the Chapel at 8:00 a.m. The walk begins at 9:00 a.m., and lunch will follow the walk.

For more information contact Sr. Jennifer Marie Zimmerman by email at jennyzimmerman@yahoo.com, or call the Toledo Provincial Center at 419-474-5485. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of exercise equipment for Queen of Apostles School and the PC Fitness Center.

Sistersreceive awards

Sr. Mary Kent Burgard (above), Sr. Mary Carolyn Schaffer (left)

Sr. Mary Clarone Lucius, SND, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 23, 2011! Sister was Aspirant and Junior Directress from 1941-1964 and Provincial Assistant from 1964-1976. God Bless you Sister!

Thank you for your support of the Sisters of Notre Dame!You and your intentions are in our prayers.

Non-profit org.

U.S. PostagePAID

Toledo, Ohio

Permit No. 741

3837 Secor RoadToledo, OH 43623

EMPOWERED BY GRACE

Back in Toledo after 12 years in Rome!Ministries in Rome for the Sisters of Notre Dame Congregation have come to a close for Srs. Joan Marie Recker and Mary Stephan Kreinbrink.

Sr. Joan Marie served as a member of the General Council, assisting the Superior General in the administrative and pastoral work of the Congregation in 18 countries. She was the contact person for the Chardon, Ohio Province; Covington, Kentucky Province; the Papua New Guinea (PNG) delegation and the Uganda Mission. “During the last 1� years it was a joy to experience the growth of our mission countries in Africa, and Asia and the PNG delegation,” she said.

“Working with the congregational leadership, and being part of the vision and decisions for our 2000+ sisters was truly a privilege

and responsibility,” said Sr. Joan Marie. “I was thrilled to experience the culture, the arts and the historical roots of the Church. Living in Rome gave me the chance to see the human side of significant persons who continue to have hope in the impact of the Gospel,” she continued.

Now Sr. Joan Marie says it’s a pleasure to be back in her home country and home province to reconnect with her sisters, family and friends.

Sr. Mary Stephan spent time in Rome working at the Vatican in a temporary assignment before serving as the personal secretary to Superior General, Sr. Mary Sujita for 12 years. She says living in Rome was fascinating. “Being in Rome and meeting SNDs from different parts of the world was a great opportunity. Sisters from

many countries and cultures were constantly at the Mother House and I found that to be very enriching,” she said. On any given day, our dinner conversation might be about Germany, sisters in Africa, or just about anywhere!” she added.

Now that she is back in the Toledo Province, Sr. Mary Stephan says she is eager to connect with the sisters in the Province and to know more about their ministries.

Srs. Mary Stephan Kreinbrink and Joan Marie Recker pose at the Toledo Provincial Center.