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Ursuline Newsletter4045 Indian Road, Toledo, OH • Vol. 39 No. 11• December 2015

“Living in holy relationship, a contemplative presence in an ever changing world.”

Reflections from Sr. SandyI have been reading the memoir of Malala Yousafsi,

the teenage human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban. Even as a small child, one of Malala’s dreams was that the children, who lived and scrounged in the garbage dump at the end of her road, could attend school for free. She had asked her father who was in charge of the school, but he had already gone over the limit for free admittance. Knowing it was useless to appeal to the government, she decided to write a letter to God.

“Dear God,” she wrote, “I know you see everything, but there are so many things that maybe, sometimes, things get missed, particularly now with the bombing of Afghanistan. But I don’t think you would be happy if you saw the children on my road living on a rubbish dump. God, give me strength and courage and make me perfect because I want to make this world perfect.”

Not knowing how to get the letter to God, she first tried burying it deep in the earth, but afraid it would get spoiled, she put it in a plastic bag. When that did not work, she turned to a local custom of placing sacred texts in flowing waters. She rolled it up, tied it to a piece of wood, and placed a dandelion on top. She then floated it in the stream which would take it to the river, where surely God would find it.

Some may ask why, instead of answering Malala’s prayer, God allowed the assassination attempt on her life. I believe Malala would say that God was with her throughout the assassination attempt, and used it to gift her with the strength for which she asked.

As many of us once again watch the Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies with predictable endings over and over again, we will see the innocent wishes of both children and adults answered by Santa Claus in Hollywood fashion. We might even see the classic film Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, which tells the true story of another little girl who wrote to the editor of New York’s The Sun with deep faith.

Dear Editor—

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon 115 West Ninety Fifth Street

The writer assigned to answer the child’s question, Francis Pharcellus Church, was inspired by the little girl’s search for truth, and recognized that the bigger question within her question was one that the child within his own adult heart needed answered. And so he answered it publically for everyone, in the place where everyone looked for the truth, The Sun. It is the second paragraph of his long letter to the child that gives me pause.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.

What if there were no Malalas who believe in God so deeply that they trust their prayers, tied to a stick in a stream, will find its way to him? And what if there were no God to receive it?

Virginia inspired Mr. Church and many who read his response to her. Malala inspires me and many others who

Reflections from Sr. Sandy, continued

The Francis FactorSubmitted by Sister Mary Alice

I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets,

rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own

security. St. Gerard’s Bulletin 10/04/15

sense God’s response to her. As I make my Christmas list, I ask myself, in the letters my heart writes to God, for what do I ask? Do I ask for gifts for only myself, or do I ask for gifts for myself in order that I may give something of greater value to others?

In what I have come to call God-incidences, I have found myself, all within a week’s time in circles and at gatherings, attempting to put a face on our charism for us in our time. It began with the senior students from SUA, who under the direction of Sr. Donna, presented their projects on Angela and often were heard to say, “OUR community.” It was followed by our own discussions, Ursuline Sisters and Associates, separate, but during the same hours, reflecting on our legacy, including what we wish to be remembered for, as well as who we want to be remembered “as.” In the three days that followed, Sisters Margaret, Claudia, and Nelda and I gathered with other Ursuline leaders in Louisville, KY, to begin a contemplative discernment of the greater Ursuline charism and legacy.

In a recent article on charism, Jeanne Connolly defines it as our spiritual essence. “It is,” she says, “how the Spirit works through the congregation in service to God’s creation.” She also quotes a leader from her community who described charism as “The energy by which we have the courage to risk meeting the needs of the times.”

I recently took the risk of forwarding an LCWR social concern letter in support of Syrian immigration. I did so knowing I might receive some criticism in return. But the first reply I received, although the sender’s opinion differed from mine, was sent with the utmost respect. In response I told the sender that I appreciated his honesty given with such respect, and that it was such respectful dialogue that is the essence of holy relationship.

One of the victims of the recent Paris tragedy, who lost his wife and is left with a motherless toddler, wrote a letter to those responsible. Written without hate, his letter spoke of the intention of attitude. To all those who read his words, he advised, “In these times, don’t ask the meaning of life; life is asking the meaning of you.”

Advent seems an appropriate time to intentionally give meaning to our dreams by tying them to the branch of Jesse, decorating them with the flower of a Christmas rose, and floating them in the waters of our waiting, where surely God will find them and answer them in the Son.

Ursuline Convocation Invitation Liturgy/Prayer Committee

The Ursuline Convocation Liturgy/Prayer committee invites creative, talented volunteers to join the committee. If you are interested contact: Ruth Ann Haunz, Louisville Ursulinerahaunz@bellsouth.net or 502-493-8903 by December 15.

If you are a liturgical musician and can participate in providing the instrumental music or volunteer as a cantor, contact: rahaunz@bellsouth.net or 502-493-8903 by December 15.

May Peace and Joy Be Yours at Christmas

Christmas Services

A Gift to our Friends

The “Christ at Emmaus” painting by the late Sr. Jane Catherine Lauer that hung in our hallway to the dining room for many years now has a new home. The painting was gifted on October 29th to the Sisters of Notre Dame to be hung in the Lial Renewal Center. The Notre Dame Sisters are most grateful to receive such a meaningful piece of art from their Ursuline friends.

Looking to the Future

Please add these dates to your calendar.

December 8 - Beginning of the Year of MercyPope Francis will open the Holy Door to the Year of Mercy on December 8th, Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The Toledo Diocese will officially open this year-long examine and celebration of the call to mercy on December 13th. See the flyer insert for times and places.

December 12, 1 to 3 p.m. - Foundation Day Mid-day Prayer & Party on December 12th. Sisters and Associates are invited to join us in the Chapel at 1 p.m. for prayer wrapped around our own stories of Mercy throughout the years. Please bring your stories. At 2 p.m. we will move to the dining room tocontinue the celebration with a party. Please RSVP to Val by Monday, December 7th.

February 13, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Chapel - Community Meeting for Sisters Only

February 20, 1 to 3 p.m. in the Chapel - Community Meeting for Sisters Only

Christmas Eve 4 p.m.Christmas Day 11 a.m.

Please RSVP to Val by Friday, Dec. 18th if you plan to stay for a meal.

Feast of St. AngelaSunday, January 24, 2016

11 a.m. Mass followed by Dinner

NEWS From PEru

Several months ago, I was asked if I would represent our Community in the LCWR and SHARE delegation in honor of the 35th anniversary of the martyrdom of Ita Ford, Maura Clarke, Dorothy Kazel, and Jean Donovan in El Salvador. Together, we will celebrate their lives and see the ongoing struggle for justice in the lives of Salvadoran women today.

This invitation was very important to me. Much of the reason I have spent 25 years in Peru has to do directly with the lives and deaths of these four women in Central America. Since their massacre on December 2, 1980, I followed the events carefully. In the early 80s, I participated in a group that worked to support stability for the ordinary people in the region. I was teaching American Studies at the time. A TV movie called “Choices of the Heart,” starring Melissa Gilbert as Jean Donovan, came out about these women. We and our students were very influenced by it. For three years I was convinced that someone had to go there to convince the military government that simple murder would not make their problems go away. Then a voice said

“How about YOU?” What a different perspective! I began to read, listen, and study carefully. A

fact finding trip in 1989 took us through several countries of Central America. My eyes and heart were wide open. Many of the people I met were in very dangerous situations, convinced that they had to dedicate themselves to protecting their families. I came home more convinced than ever that I was called for something important. Several months later, the Jesuits were killed.

As it turned out, I wasn´t called to Central America, but to South America. Over the years I have learned to understand another culture, to speak their language and to share ideas. Patience, respect, and an open mind are needed on all sides. Blessings abound, friendships turn into love. Family. So I now have the opportunity to visit El Salvador again, seeing through new eyes what drew me there so long ago. Comparing what I have learned and taught in several countries, including my own. God bless ALL of the Americas—North, Central, and South!

December 2nd is the 35th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Four Church Women in El Salvador: Dorothy Kazel, OSU of Cleveland, Maryknoll Sisters Ita Ford and Maura Clark, and lay missionary Jean Donovan. We are in solidarity with all who remember them and their commitment to the people of El Salvador. ~ Sr. Sandy

Stamps...

‘Tis the season when most folks receive greeting cards with postage stamps, so please save them for us.

We are grateful to Jack Thourot and another donor who gave us a donation from their stamp collection.

Recently we were able to purchase a set of table and chairs for our card players - thanks to our stamp revenue.

In this season of giving we want to give all our stamp savers a big “thank you!”

The shepherds brought no gifts, as did the Magi,

or even the imaginary drummer boy who performed for the baby Jesus. They just came to be with

the Lord ... that’s all they were ever asked to do.

- Bishop Ken Untenser (1937-2004)~ submitted by Sr. Regina

AssociateNews

Dear Toledo Ursuline Associates:

Our Director, Kitty Meyers, is at home recuperating after an initial recovery period at the Ursuline Center following surgery. Her good news is reduced pain, but recovery is slow, especially regaining her strength. Please continue to pray for her and Larry as they learn to take care of each other in ways that don’t add stress and physical wear. Kitty hopes to resume full duties as Director in January.

On November 14, twenty-one Associates gathered for reflection and discussion at the Ursuline Center. We reflected on Angela’s charism and the Toledo Ursuline ministries that lead from that. We thought about why each of us became an Associate and how this purpose has changed over the years. We considered the blessings and spiritual growth flowing from our association with the Sisters and how being an Associate has helped us fulfill our baptismal promises and serve the world. If you were not present at the meeting, we hope that you will reflect on these topics, also.

As we looked at the next actions we should take to strengthen the bonds of the Associates and continue the legacy of the Toledo Ursulines, one of the first questions was, “Do we have a date to meet again?” Not yet, but we will soon. We agreed that we need more dialogue with the Sisters on their future and ours. We enjoyed our two hours together and want to meet regularly, but know that is difficult to find a mutually convenient time. Saturday afternoons may work best to include those with jobs and those who don’t drive at night.

Other ideas voiced were that we have to work on ways to include those who don’t drive and those for whom hearing discussions is difficult. We would like to have more communication with prayer Associates. We need to consider changes in how Board members are selected, time of meetings, and what the Board does. In order to add younger Associates, we need to share information about the Associates with SUA students and alumnae, as well as spread news of Toledo Ursuline ministries. Most importantly, we are in awe of what God has done through the Toledo Ursulines, and it is our joy to

continue to minister and pray with them. We trust God is working in the current changes in religious life, our church, and the world.

If you are content to continue to support the Sisters by visits, prayer, and/or gifts and have no interest in meetings or planning for the future of Associates, this is fine, too. We have come to be Associates on many different paths, and have different amounts of time, health, and energy to give at this moment. By God’s grace we will continue to pray together and for each other, accepting the wonders of Angela’s promise to stay with us.

Yours in Christ, Sarah Abts,Director-elect

Welcome New Associates

The Ursuline Sisters welcomed four new Associates during Mass on November 22, 2015: Geri Gray, Richard Hens, Raymond Schneider, and Barb Torio.

Richard Hens, Raymond Schneider, Barb Torio and Geri Gray read their Associate commitment.

Our director, Margaret Pelz, is fighting a valiant fight against cancer. She is doing well but her treatments have left her weak. So I have stepped in to help her until she is better.

My husband, Mike, and I went on our annual Diocesan Deacon & Wives Retreat recently where the theme was “The Gift of Mercy.” Since Pope Francis has declared the year from Dec. 8, 2015, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, to Nov. 24, 2016, the Feast of Christ the King, as the Year of Mercy, I thought I would share a little from our retreat.

The definition of mercy from its root is “having the heart for one who is in pain” (misericordia in Latin). It is a heart-to-heart compassion. Mercy is the definition of God who is at the heart of everything.

Some of the suggestions for entering into this Year of Mercy would include allowing God to “convert” us, letting go of our fears which keep us from responding in mercy and stepping into the unknown. Fear paralyzes us and keeps us from moving forward in the movement of the Holy Spirit. It was also suggested that we go on a pilgrimage, even if it is only within our own heart. Be on a journey with Jesus as an impetus to conversion. We will never be the same. Other suggestions are to avoid negativity in our lives: do not judge others, avoid gossip, and avoid jealousy and envy.

Mercy gives us a heart for the people on the fringes of society. Those who are hardest to love are in most need of mercy. In this Year of Mercy let us be led by St. Angela and the Holy Spirit to a deeper love of Jesus and our sisters and brothers.

Mary Richard

California Connection

Labré Society

Several months ago, Mark Dubielak, theology teacher at SUA, came to talk to the residents at the Ursuline Center about the Labré Society. Students from SUA and St. John’s High School belong to this group, and we were invited to join them.

Every Monday after school, the members meet to make sandwiches and prepare other foods to pack up to feed those in need. With food supplies to feed approximately 200 people, the students and a couple faculty members, set out in two or three vans. There are three food stations where they go, one by one, and park their vans. The people off the street come to the vans to get an evening meal.

Our Spiritual Reading Group, plus several Center residents, have committed to ourselves to join this Society.

Jess, our Activity Director, and Tracy, from the kitchen, meet with us the fourth Monday at 1 p.m. and provide food for us to prepare.

Twice, we have made 40 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches; the last time we bagged chocolate chip cookies. We are happy to help out.

St. Labré was a Saint who walked the streets helping the needy.

~ submitted by Sister Margaret Anne Carstensen

Out with the old, in with the new

With the proceeds from this summer’s Garage Sale, we were able to purchase two new benches for the west side canopy area. Enjoy!

Save the Date

50th Jubilee CelebrationSunday, July 17, 2016

11:00 Liturgy. Luncheon to follow.

Sister Nelda Chafitelli Sister Donna Frey Sister Carol Reamer

With Gratitude

Dear Sister Sandy and the Sisters of Ursuline Center and nurses and aides and other helpers and residents,

God Bless all of you for making my 95 Birthday such a happy one. May God reward you for your kindness and good wishes. I have been praying for you and will continue to do so. Ask God to bless all of you.

Love and Prayers,Sister Mary Magdaleva, SND

Dear Sisters,

You are a hero! Thank you for your continued support of St. Ursula Academy. I am honored to be the recipient of this scholarship. Happy Thankgiving to you. Thank you again.

Rachel Chalupnik, SUA 2017

Dear Sisters,

I am honored to be a recipient of the Ursuline Scholarship. St. Ursula has been my home for four years, and I could not imagine myself at any other high school. Thank you so much for the opportunity to attend St. Ursula. Without the scholarship I received, I would not be able to attend St. Ursula. I am so grateful to be a student here and have all the opportunities that are offered to me. Because of SUA, I feel so prepared for college. Though I will be sad to leave my home at SUA in May, I know I will be prepared to start the next part of my life because SUA has turned me into a confident, strong young woman.

Thank you so much.

Sabrina Coffman, Class of 2016

Rest In Peace

Raymond Rutherford, husband of Kayleen (Katich) Rutherford, SUA ‘78 ~ October 29

Vincent Doniere, brother of Rosemary Dziedzic, SUA ‘60 ~ October 30

Alexander Weiner, son of Melinda (Mercurio) Weiner, SUA ‘68 ~ October 31

California Associate Toni Gallardo ~ October 31

Steven Bainbridge, brother of Jessica, SUA ‘15 ~ October 31

Robert O’Brien, father of Marilyn Montgomery, SUA ‘72 ~ November 1

Alice Dixon, sister of Sr. Kathleen Neely OSU, Callao, Peru ~ November 2

Virginia Krzywiecki, grandmother of Melissa, LPN at Ursuline Center ~ November 2

Sister Jane Katafias, OSF/S ~ November 3

Richard (Ricky) LaValley III, son of Richard (Dick) LaValley, Jr., member of the Ursuline Convent Foundation Board; sister of Elizabeth, SUA ‘02 and Jessica, SUA ‘05 ~ November 3

Kathleen (Kolacki) Scott, sister of Pat Alexander, former employee; and cousin of Associate Bonnie Krochmalny ~ November 6

Cynthia Kobil, daughter of Mary (Zapiecki) Kobil, SUA ‘64 ~ November 7

Wilson Hunter, father of Jerry Hunter, SUA Maintenance ~ November 7

Beulah (Eckhart) Reny, mother of Barbara Lane, MM ‘68, former Principal at Regina Coeli School ~ November 10

Fred Gibbs, father of Mary Anne Wolff, SUA ‘83 ~ November 10

Associate Joan (Dougherty) Bradner, MM ‘53 and resident at the Ursuline Center ~ November 14

Patricia (Pierce) Munger, SUA ‘43, MM ‘47 ~ November 15

Father Terence Tobin, OFM Conv. ~ November 17

James Burlage, brother of Susan Hickle, SUA ‘69 ~ November 18

Johnnie Kimble, brother of Jackie Wright, STNA & Laundry Employee at Ursuline Center ~ November 19

Charles Bollinger, brother of Associate Beulah Horn ~ November 21

James Essex, father of Nathalia Meyers SUA ‘93 ~ November 21

Associate Mary (Tscherne) Apel, Mary taught at Good Shepherd, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Mary’s, St. Theresa’s, and St. Patrick of Heatherdowns ~ November 22

The deadline for the January newsletter is Thursday, December 17.

Please send your stories to Michelle at mscazzero@ursulinecenter.org

Newsletter Deadline

SUA Sophomores Respond to Angela’s Mission

When asked “If you were called by God to start a ‘company’ of women, what important issue would you like to address?” Like St. Angela, the Sophomores are aware of the needs of

the times and the following are areas they see that need attention:

• a company about strength and self-love

• cruelty of people and animals

• children

• discrimination against gays, ethnicity, and people with mental illness

• self-esteem

• a traditional family life portraying and guiding the right way to raise children and protect marriages

• violence

• lack of self-confidence

• equality among races, gender and culture

• education of women

• women being treated with respect

• women being abused at work

• alcoholism and abuse

• help women know that they don’t need men to protect/judge them

• relationships

• respect

• sexism

• depression

• help girls realize that popularity isn’t everything and not a “must”

• cyber-bullying

• quality of education in the public domain

• poverty

SUA Seniors Present on St. Angela

Seniors in SUA’s theology class visited the Ursuline Center on November 10th to present their projects on St. Angela. Some of the topics discussed included St. Angela’s role in empowering women, how St. Angela motivates us today, St. Angela’s travels around the world, and the life of Dorothy Kazel. The inspiring messages by these young women remind us that St. Angela’s legacy is alive at SUA.

Left, SUA seniors Samantha Kohli and Morgan Bodensted present their projects on St. Angela Merici.

Happy Birthday

December4 Pat Cryan Rita Sartor7 Barbara Carter Daley8 Alice Reis10 Mary Obert12 Joan Keavy13 Claudia Uresti15 Ellen Bires17 Mary Johns18 Sr. Claudia Holtz22 Dan Hodnicki Janet Ellzey27 Sr. Angelita Abair Mae Murphy BJ Stevens28 Jovita Harrah29 Sr. Eileen Marie Vogel31 Mary Richard Nancy Turski

Calendar

December 20158 Beginning of the Year of Mercy10-11 Council Meetings11 Advent Penance Service, 1:15 p.m.12 Foundation Day, Mid-day Prayer and Party, 1 - 3 p.m.13 Holy Door at four parishes will be formally opened (see enclosed flyer)19 Elf Party, 2 p.m.24 Christmas Eve Mass, 4 p.m.25 Christmas Day Mass, 11 a.m. 24-25 Convent Offices Closed31 New Year’s Eve Day Mass, 11:15 a.m.31-Jan 1 Convent Offices Closed

January 20161 New Years Day Mass, 11:15 a.m.4 RSVP Deadline for Convocation18 MLK Day, Convent Offices Closed19 4th Annual Human Trafficking Prayer Service, 6:30 p.m. at Ursuline Center21 Council Skype24 Feast of St. Angela - 11 a.m. Mass followed by Dinner February 20166 Closing of the Year of Consecrated Life 11 a.m. Liturgy, reception to follow, Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral10 Ash Wednesday13 Community Meeting for Sisters Only, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Chapel15 President’s Day, Convent Offices closed18-19 Council Meeting20 Community Meeting for Sisters Only, 1 - 3 p.m., Chapel

March 20161 RSVP Deadline for Montana Experience trip16-18 Council Meetings20-27 Holy Week & Easter Liturgies25-28 Easter Break - Convent Offices closed

April 20163 Corpus Christi Student Dinner12-14 NAULC - Louisville21 Council Skype24 Mary Manse Mass & Banquet24-26 LCWR Region 6 - Cincinnati30 Feast of Marie of the Incarnation

May 201611 Maumee Bay Picnic, 5 p.m. Supper, overnight optional

Feast DayDecember

26 Sister Stephanie

January27 Sister Angelita Sister Mary Angela31 Sister Sandy

January1 Chris Soto4 Bill Moore7 Sr. Mary Kay Garvin Catherine Schmutzler14 Sr. Margaret Manion22 Louise Henahan23 Sr. Marie Denise Hoffman27 Sr. M. Louisa Heinl