holy child annual appeal

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LIGHTING THE WAY THROUGH EDUCATION, LEGAL, & SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSFORMING LIVES ANNUAL APPEAL 2012–2013

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Our 2012-2013 Annual Appeal

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Page 1: Holy Child Annual Appeal

LIGHTING THE WAYTHROUGH EDUCATION, LEGAL, & SOCIAL SERVICES

TRANSFORMING LIVES

AnnuAl AppeAl 2012–2013

Page 2: Holy Child Annual Appeal

Lighting the way for students

Anne Phyllis Ryan, SHCJ (Mother Mary Julian)the Pioneers

During her lengthy service in Nigeria, Sr. Anne Phyllis fed her students’ love of learning by applying her musical talents to her lessons. She encouraged her students to reach their full potential by developing their God-given talents and sharing those talents with others.

In the United States, Sr. Anne Phyllis had a profound influence on those she taught, creating a loving environment, yet challenging her students to live morally just, responsible, and “other directed” lives. It comes as no surprise that many of her students became teachers or

missionaries. A torchbearer for a life of service and action, Sr. Anne Phyllis’ students now pass the flame to their children and students.

Sr. Anne Phyllis’ irrepressible spirit is evident today, even in retirement. Always in search of a corner of the world that can benefit from a bit of light, she works on behalf of others through prayer and contemplation. Through her musical contributions to weekly Mass, she touches many and instills in them the spirit of joy and hope, fortifying them to bestow joy on others.

“ This holy, but grounded, woman has helped shape the lives of many as a teacher, a preacher, a missionary, and visionary.” – Lynn Garbarino Gosnell

In 1862, six Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus departed England for the United States, bringing the Holy Child mission and spirit with them. Arriving in Towanda, PA, the early pioneers confronted challenges that tested their faith, fortitude, and courage. But they persevered—with courage, enthusiasm, joy, and good humor.

For more than 150 years, the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus have continued to light the way in the spirit of those first Sisters. In the stories that follow, you will see how Sisters, Associates, and others continue to shine the Holy Child spirit and light the way. Together, they bring a spirit of joy and hope to many, while addressing the educational and social challenges of our world.

With your prayers and support, you join us in keeping the Holy Child spirit bright and lighting the way!

Who lit the way for SHCJ today

Photos not available for two of the SHCJ pioneers.

Page 3: Holy Child Annual Appeal

As the Director of the Holy Child Network of Schools, an association of 10 Catholic independent schools founded by the SHCJ, Sr. Eileen McDevitt helps ensure that the goals for Holy Child schools are known, understood, and lived out in our school communities. As the laity have assumed teaching

and leadership positions in Holy Child schools, the goals ensure the identity and spirituality of the Society remain intact.

A teacher for many years, Sr. Eileen was guided by the philosophy and values of the Society in the classroom. Today, she continues to witness the laity energizing students with the joy, zeal, and trust that are the essence of the Society.

To ensure that Cornelia’s story and teachings are accessible to others, Sr. Eileen and a committee of teachers and administrators from Holy Child Schools are developing the Cornelia Connelly Digital Library, which will be a research and teaching resource

for all ages accessible online.

“When I observe teachers and staff, I see a light go on. The intentionality with which Holy Child educators

impart Cornelia Connelly’s teachings to students is compelling, and the joy of the students and

their acceptance of the message are equally compelling.”

Lighting the way for educators and students aLike

Eileen McDevitt, SHCJ

“ We plant seeds for compassion at an early age and trust they will take root and flourish throughout our students’ lifetimes.” –Anne Wood

“Telling a child to be kind is not as effective as treating a child kindly. Faith lived is most important.” –Sr. Eileen McDevitt

Lighting the way with actions, not words

Anne Wood, Principal

Anne Wood serves as Principal of Holy Child Academy, Drexel Hill. Students there re-cently participated in a new outreach program sponsored by PeaPod, contributing healthy foods to a local food bank through the Community Food Program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The Holy Child spirit shined brightly as students met delivery trucks and helped to stock the shelves of a parish food cupboard. Invigorated by the joyful response of students who were moved to brainstorm and implement supplemental projects, the service project took on a life of its own - a reminder that

the Holy Child Network of Schools is sensitizing and encouraging students to approach global issues with compassion, empathy, joy, and action.

The schools in the Holy Child Network are committed to shedding light on the most critical global issues, and crafting a role for students to increase their awareness and become part of the solution. When the light of understanding goes on in a student, you can be sure that it is a light that will burn brightly and be shared with others.

Educating students to understand and empathize with those who are economically disadvantaged and marginalized and to actively work for equality and justice is an overarching goal of a Holy Child education. Service learning, which underscores Cornelia Connelly’s imperative, “Actions Not Words,” prepares students to value and find joy in helping others.

Page 4: Holy Child Annual Appeal

Through education, faith, and action, the Holy Child community lights the way for others.

Just like Sr. Anne Phyllis, Sr. Eileen, Anne, and Michelle, many have followed in the footsteps of those first pioneer Sisters of the Holy Child who arrived in America 150 years ago.

The Society–and the many who partner with the Sisters–empower all of God’s people to reach their full potential and lead meaningful lives.

With your gift, the light of the Holy Child burns brightly and perpetuates the Society’s mission. Let your light shine!

Michelle Dugan discovered a unique and special gift through her involvement with Holy Child schools. She found the spirit of the Holy Child, a discovery that put her on the path to becoming an SHCJ Associate. On her journey, she realized that as she works toward becoming the person God wants her to be, it is important that her actions were contributing to a just

and kinder world and “meeting the wants of the age.”

Inspired by the life and teachings of Cornelia Connelly, Michelle began to see God in all things, and as she did, her connection with Cornelia deepened. With this commitment came a profound desire to ensure that her spirituality infused her daily actions. If you ask Michelle, she will explain that she is simply applying her religion and spirituality to be a source of good in the world. Despite her humility, Michelle’s expression of her spirituality through her ordinary actions not only has a positive impact on the world, but also creates an example for others.

Michelle serves on the Advocacy Committee of Catholic Relief Services and is committed to advocating for legislation that

will bring about a more just world. Her light is focused on issues such as global poverty, access to clean water,

justice for immigrants, and more. By educating others, sharing the message, and encouraging them to become involved, she is taking steps to heal the environment and eliminate poverty, to remove the darkness of discrimination and ignorance, and to light the way to a better world.

Lighting the way through sociaL Justice

Sustains the innovative and successful complimentary Music Therapy program at Holy Child Center in Rosemont, PA. The music therapy brings joy and improves the quality of life for retired Sisters by increasing their creative, social, and cognitive skills.

Supports the Montessori program at Holy Child Elementary School, Fe y Alegría in the Dominican Republic. The children we serve often have emotional challenges, lack self-discipline, are malnourished, abused, and abandoned. The Montessori approach has proven to be a successful method in teaching and nurturing these children.

Provides funding for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in our ministries. These programs enable those we serve to find better jobs, make it possible for parents to help their children with homework, and empower local bilingual teens to serve as role models for younger children.

Enables our ministries to provide the best possible education for children desperately in need of strong educational opportunities during critical stages of their lives. The Society’s educational ministries provide children from low-income families with a solid and well-rounded educational foundation.

Michelle Dugan (SHCJ Associate)

“Ordinary actions not only have a positive impact on the world, but also create an example for others.” –Michelle Dugan

$50

$150

$250

$1000

Thank You!even the simplest gift will contribute to a bright future. your annual appeal gift makes a world of difference.

Page 5: Holy Child Annual Appeal

1341 Montgomery AvenueRosemont, PA 19010

Phone 610.626.1400, x301 • Fax 610.525.2910www.shcj.org/american • www.facebook.com/HolyChild

holy child MinistriesThe Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus serve in education, health care, law, parish administration, pastoral care, social work, and spiritual direction. In addition, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus sponsors the ministries below.

Casa Cornelia Law Center (San Diego)Cornelia Connelly School of the Holy Child (Anaheim)Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child Jesus (Pasadena)Mayfield Senior School of the Holy Child Jesus (Pasadena)South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project (Los Angeles)

Washington Middle School for Girls

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep (Waukegan)

Connelly School of the Holy Child (Potomac)

Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child (Summit)

Cornelia Connelly Center (New York City)Cristo Rey New York High School (New York City)Holy Child Academy (Old Westbury)School of the Holy Child (Rye)UNANIMA International (NGO, United Nations)

African Sisters Education Collaborative (Philadelphia)Holy Child Academy (Drexel Hill)Hope Partnership for Education (Philadelphia)Providence Center (Philadelphia)Rosemont College (Rosemont)Rosemont School of the Holy Child (Rosemont)

Centro Cornelia Connelly (Santiago)

Holy Child Elementary School, Fe y Alegría (Santo Domingo)Our Lady of Good Counsel Dispensary, Fe y Alegría (Santo Domingo)

California

District of Columbia

Illinois

Maryland

New Jersey

New York

Pennsylvania

Chile

Dominican Republic

Photography by Michael Leslie