Ursuline Newsletter4045 Indian Road, Toledo, OH • Vol. 39 No. 10 • November 2015

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

Reflections from Sr. SandyA year ago I penned a parable of seeds sown, but never

grown. Now, as I enter more deeply into autumn on this side of the equator, my recent trip to Peru, where it is the beginning of springtime, gives me some pause to consider what characteristics of new life my present “going to seed” might plant.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). As the children who attend St. Angela Merici School in Callao participated in the 50th anniversary through song and dance, I witnessed the living out of these words from Scripture.

One evening, we attended the school talent show. As talent shows go, some acts showed more talent than others. Yet all of the participants showed enthusiasm, and even when they did not measure up, they were cheered by their classmates. A particularly touching moment came, when a little girl froze in the midst of a beautiful solo. Her big brother, ready to come in at the end and sing with her, stepped in early to help her finish her part. When she reached up with arms opened to him, he lovingly carried her away from her embarrassment. Many of us had tears in our eyes.

One young man whose blindness did not allow him to see that touching moment, provided us with one of his own when he played the keyboard for several of his young female classmates as they performed. At the end, they did not take the applause without first assisting their very own “Stevie Wonder” to the front to take the bow with them and then nearly stumbled over one another for the honor of helping him exit the stage. He also performed fully in the folklorico dance presentation with his class a few days later, with his teacher as guide. She, occasionally and without fuss, simply partnered with him long enough to turn him in the right direction.

Also performing in the folklorico presentations, without assistance and totally confident, was a very young girl who lives with Down’s syndrome. A poised senorita, she danced a perfect solo to the delight and applause of everyone in attendance.

I am sure there are many similar scenarios among our own children, even in the midst of the accounts of bullying we continually hear. My intent here, however, is not to compare children of one culture to another. I wish, rather, to examine my own adult rendering of compassion, inclusion, and empowerment toward those who may need accompaniment, a guiding hand, or simply a little cheering on from me.

When have I been willing to step in and help my sister or brother sing their inner song? When have I trusted someone who is only able to see with the eyes of his or her soul to play the accompaniment of my own inner song? Have I been willing to let him or her dance ideas in a different direction from my own? And when have I encouraged someone to achieve her or his dream, even if my inner judge sees that individual as less-than or not up to the task?

I don’t have to go far to find these persons. They are very close, sometimes so close I miss them. But they are here, asking for my companionship; waiting for me to ask for their accompaniment; waiting to be asked to join in the dance with just enough direction to set them free. And if I don’t respond, or respond in a way that devalues them, then perhaps I am the one who is frozen, sightless, and limited.

We recently said good-bye to some children we dearly love and have been saddened. And yet, when those who bring us joy leave us, should not the joy remain? It is a question I keep hearing: “Where is our joy?” And so it seems that God keeps sending children our way. Perhaps it is because the holy disturbance they bring to our prayer carries a message. Perhaps we need to read the passage from Matthew as a prayer that we may learn from the children whom God sends us.

Yes, let the child I am called to be come and be planted in me, and let not the eyes of my heart hinder the lessons she brings. May what she teaches be grown in me. For to such as her does the kingdom belong.

Fall Retreat

November 6-8, 2015Father John Quigley

Retreat will begin on Friday, November 6 with the 4 p.m. conference and end Sunday with the 4 p.m. conference.

Father John Quigley, our director, needs to make a flight Sunday evening, so he will not be with us on Monday morning. Those making the retreat will be given a copy of the schedule prior to the opening.

The Francis FactorSubmitted by Sister Mary Alice

“Wake up the world! Be witnesses of a different way of doing things, of acting, of living. It is possible to live differently

in this world. It is this witness that I expect of you. Religious should be

women and men who are able to wake up the world.”

“Wake Up the World”

Legacy Committee Meeting(Optional Meeting for Ursuline Sisters)

Saturday, November 14, 1 - 3 p.m., Chapel

If you plan to come for lunch at noon, please call Val at (419) 536-9587 by November 5th.

Join us for Vespers celebrating the

Feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria and the 480th anniversary of St. Angela’s founding of the

Company of St. Ursula in Brescia

Thursday, November 194:00 p.m. followed by Supper

If you wish to stay for supper, please contact Val at the Convent Office, vmyers@ursulinecenter.

org or 419-536-9587, by November 6th.

Save the Date

Montana Ursuline Experience 2016July 18 - 25, 2016

FYI - the North American Ursuline Convocation is the previous week. We will print more information as it becomes available.

California ConnectionGoing to the 11:15 Mass at the Ursuline Center

over the years has been a blessing to me in so many ways. Besides the spiritual advantage of the Eucharist and the excellent homilies, there were other kinds of advantages.

I have met few friends, received physical help in inclement weather and sometimes got a lift from conversations with others when heading to my car. But, I would never have believed that going to that Mass would have solved the battle of trying to open my big bottle of Tide laundry soap!

One day, shortly before leaving for Mass, I put a load of clothes in the washer and then found I absolutely could not open the new bottle. I tried to think of who I could ask. Not my son and son-in-law who were at work. Then, I thought of the hands of Mike Johnson, the new Ursuline organist and I quickly put the bottle in my car.

I’ve known Mike since he was a child. I asked him before Mass if he could stop by my car on his way out and take the top off the bottle. He readily agreed and with a swift twist got it off.

As I drove home I thought of St. Angela who devoted her life to helping women and girls, and wondered what she would think of someone going to her convent for Mass and to get help to open a bottle of soap. I think she would have laughed.

~ submitted by Mary Helen (Sue) Wright

A Little Help in Unexpected Places

We were so excited to have Sr. Claudia with us! She shared her Montana Experience. Highlights including visiting some of the missions Sr. Amadeus established in Montana were discussed. All were encouraged to read Lady Black Robes.

The sharing of Sr. Claudia’s experience lead to a discussion of Pope Francis and his call to love everyone no matter the status or belief and not to judge.

Jovita Harrah was involved in a state-wide activity that an Episcopal Church near her home helped to sponsor: a cycling fundraiser to support the campaign against human trafficking. Over $50,000 was raised and more pledges are still coming in. Jovita surpassed her goal of $300 to over $700. She says it was a lot of fun and the people she met were amazing.

We are excited to announce members who are being mentored as new California Associates:

Rose Alvarez Jo RichardsSave the Date

2016 Ursuline-Sponsored Corpus Christi Student Dinner

Sunday, April 3, 2016

You are always so generous with your donations, homemade cookies / brownies,

willingness to set up, prepare the dinner and serve it! Details will come at a later date. Andrea Schindler

NEWS From PEru

We are almost finished with our 50th celebration of Ursuline presence in Callao and San Miguel, Cajamarca, Peru. Our last visitors will be headed home to Louisville Sunday night after the Alumni Banquet Saturday night.

What a wonderful year of remembering and learning. Students, past and present, contributed in many ways. Many stories were heard and reported about what the Ursulines found when the Sisters first arrived 50 years ago. Even people who never attended St. Angela Merici School became very involved in the celebration. The parishioners of St. Angela Merici Church were just as interested and participative with their perspectives. The stories told by friends in San Miguel of their experiences of the Sisters´ contributions to rural mountain life were also heart-warming.

We are still receiving pictures of the many activities over the years. Those I am including today are a start. Each person has tons of memories. Many have kept a diary. Facebook is full of re- encounters from all over the world. The smiles, laughs, tears, joys, and reunions fill many hearts. Angela is a live person to all of us -- A woman filled with love and faith that she continues to share with us and those around us. This celebration both in Callao and in San Miguel has blessed us each again. Lots of love, Carol

Rural Catechists in San Miguel

Fathers Cayo and Juan, OSUs

Toledo OSUs and Amelia, teacher

OSUs looking at old pictures in school library

Linda, Sister Yuli - kindergarten

Text: Luke 10, 17-24

Good evening brothers and sisters.I want to share some reflections with you in this mass

of Thanksgiving for the 50 years of life, of dedication and witness of the Ursuline Sisters here in our country. They have been celebrating with diverse activities for the 50 years in Carmen de la Legua, Callao, with the Cristian Community and with the school Saint Angela Merici that they founded. According to what we have talked about, there have been days very intense especially of thanksgiving and celebration. Our parish and our people of San Miguel unite with them in their celebration; and we have wanted to unite with them in a small but significant tribute of recognition and gratitude to the Ursuline Sisters, our sisters and friends. I have some ideas and reflections that I share with all of you with joy.

1. Gratitude

I BELIEVE THAT THE FIRST SENTIMENT THAT FLOWERS FROM OUR HEARTS IS THAT OF GRATITUDE. Gratitude to God from whom we receive all of life, gratitude to the family, the friends, the loved ones, and the people of God. Gratitude comforts the spirit and makes the heart happy. We do not stop thanking God because our projects are blessed by God and are part of his projects of love toward us and to all who open the doors of their lives to walk together in life. Thanks for leaving part of your life, of your dreams and of your talents with our people.

Thank you for your witness of religious life to God and to others. I am convinced of the great good that religious life does in the towns of our country. Our Pope Francis reminds us in saying that religious life is the felt and eloquent witness of the nearness of the kindness of our God, of his love, of his great presence for all of us, especially for the sick, the afflicted, and all those who need love.

2. The Mission

I think and I believe it, that the mission of the Ursuline Sisters has been and continues to be very important in Peru, in Callao, and also here in our town with the presence, recently of Sister Kathy. I am convinced that no mission of Evangelization, like that of the priests, of the Sister Catequists and of the Ursuline Sisters is disconnected from the great loving project of God for his people. Besides it is God who accompanies us always, as he led the history of his people, taking them from slavery, toward the conquest of freedom. God never abandons us in the effort to overcome situations of poverty and slavery in which sometimes we find ourselves and not only that, but besides strengthens us to accomplish it.

Homily, Mass of Thanksgiving for the 50 years of the Ursulines in Peru

The mission of the Ursuline Sisters in our country and in the school has been to plant and plant again; a beautiful task but difficult and sometimes not understood, and tiring also. Following by internet their celebrations, it called my attention a beautiful sign located at the front of their school in Callao that said: 50 years planting values in the heart of our people. What a beautiful theme, truly!

This makes me remember the labor of our farmers, who dedicate their lives to preparing the earth, planting seeds, with the hope of a good harvest. But they not only dedicate in placing the seed in the ground, but in addition, water and care for what is planted, giving fertilizer and now and then taking out the weeds. All of this work, difficult and hard for sure, they do with much passion and dedication and above all with the hope that God will give a recompense for their effort. This is the life of missionaries: this is and has been the life of the Ursuline Sisters, who dedicated themselves to planting the love of God in our hearts; leaving it to God that the harvest would be productive and beneficial.

3. THERE IS MORE JOY IN GIVING THAN IN REECEIVING: (AND I FINISH THIS THIRD IDEA SO AS NOT TO TIRE YOU TOO MUCH)

This is a phrase well known to all of us: there is more joy in giving than in receiving” . . .a phrase that POPE Francis, who we love very much, has repeated many times. HE REMINDED US OF THIS RECENTLY IN HIS VISIT TO THE United States. Hopefully, in remembering it tonight, we all leave convinced of the great satisfaction that it produces in us if we practice it. The task and mission of all of us is to give and serve as the example of Jesus, our friend and companion on the journey. Giving and receiving without hoping for anything in return, without hoping for applause of recognition. It is giving of oneself of all that we are, our lives, our time, and our talents. It does not consist in giving things, not even little moments of our time, nor even of giving gifts. It is giving of oneself, and in that self-giving, giving life completely, and even more if we give with joy.

Dear brothers and sisters, I believe that this has been the life of the Ursuline Sisters in our country and in our town of San Miguel and for that we are very grateful. So must also be our lives, that of giving of ourselves. Let’s not be afraid of giving always. Let’s don’t look for applause or compensation. Besides in this giving of life for others, it is much more about what one receives from others, always and whenever one gives of oneself.

P. Juan Ruiz Peño

(Father Juan Ruiz Peño, pastor of San Miguel Arcangel Church, Cajamarca, Peru , Oct. 2015)

STATEWIDE HOLY HOUR OF EXPOSITION FOR VOCATIONSCatholic parishes across the State of Ohio will be united as one voice in prayer for an increase in priestly and religious vocations.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4, 2015, 7– 8 P.M.

In the following parish churches in the Diocese of Toledo

St. Peter Parish, MansfieldMost Blessed Sacrament Parish, ToledoSt. John the Evangelist Parish, DelphosSt. John Parish, DefianceSt. Joseph Parish, TiffinSt. Rose of Lima Parish, PerrysburgHoly Angels Parish, Sandusky

“Behind and before every vocation to the priesthood or to the consecrated life there is always the strong and intense prayer of someone: a grandmother, a grandfather, a mother, a father, a community ... Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; and only through prayer can they persevere and bear fruit.”— Pope Francis

N A T I O N A L V O C A T I O N A W A R E N E S S W E E K * N O V E M B E R 1 - 7 2 0 1 5

Office for Diocesan Priestly VocationsDiocese of Toledo

419-244-6711csingler@toledodiocese.org

J O I N T H E

The Ursuline Sisters will be holding our own Holy Hour for Vocations at 4:00 p.m. in the Ursuline Center Chapel.

Polly Pickwick’sBook Nook

It is good to be home after a busy Friday at the Book Nook. Richard Gaillardetz’s “The Unfinished Council” is in high demand. Another shipment is on the way.

I look forward to the evenings. It is relaxing to spend time with some of the old classics: “Little Women” being one of them. My copy is well worn from use. Its gilt edged pages are yellow with age. But Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy are as alive now as when Louisa May Alcott first created them.

My copy was given to my aunt as a Christmas gift. The bold hand writing on the title page tells the story.

“To Barbara from Uncle Henry. Merry Christmas ! 1907

Polly

Reflection Day

Saturday, November 28, 2015Ursuline Center Chapel10:30 a.m. ReflectionExposition until Noon

Presenter: Sister Mary Lou DeBauche, OSU

Topic:“Mary: model for living in holy

relationship”

With Gratitude

Dear Sisters and Associates,

I am most grateful for your prayers and kind wishes for me during my recent illness. I keep all of you in my prayers and best wishes.

Gratefully,Joan Neuser, Associate

Improvements at the Center with Energy Efficiency in Mind

� New roof � New diesel generator � Light bulbs changed to LED lights in the

Center, Offices and parking lot � Two hybrid cars � New efficiency boilers � Hot H20 tank changed � Fans installed in Chapel ceiling � Recycle paper and cardboard � plastic � glass � aluminum � steel � Use of smaller H20 pitchers and cups/

glasses � New dishwasher

The deadline for the December newsletter is Wednesday, November 18.

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

Newsletter Deadline

Rest In Peace

Josephine (Yoppolo) Strassner, SUA ‘59; sister of Nancy Schonter, SUA ‘59; Janet Plocek, SUA ‘61 ~ September 23

Elizabeth Hanus, sister of Associate Louise (Poch) Henahan, MM ‘53 ~ September 30

Michael Travis, brother of Sister Nancy Mathias ~ October 1

Jane (Daly) Babula, mother of Patricia Babula Garn, USA ‘73; mother-in-law of Judy Billmaier Babula, SUA ‘64 ~ October 6

Paul Williams, father of Sister Mary Paulena, SND, former resident at the Ursuline Center ~ October 7

Jerome Operacz, father of Nichole Flores, SUA ‘89, Principal at SUA and Charissa Marconi, SUA ‘91 ~ October 9

Father Gary Ferguson, Senior Status Priest of the Diocese of Toledo ~ October 11

Howard Riley of Norwalk, OH, brother of Sr. Charlotte Rita (Dec.) ~ October 11

Eileen (Dickman) Tice, mother of Pamela Schoen, SUA ‘68 ~ October 12

Ann Marie Packo, MM ‘76 ~ October 13

Doug Hale, brother-in-law of Liz Hale (Dietary) and uncle of Megan DiCresce (Director of Nursing) ~ October 23

Norb Halbisen, brother-in-law of Associate Fran Benlein ~ recent death

Suggestions for Ways We Can Care for God’s Creation

• Recycle 9 Paper 9 Plastic 9 Glass 9 Bottles 9 Cards 9 Stamps 9 Newspaper/Magazines 9 Unwanted items: clothes, material items,

etc. (Goodwill, etc.)

• Share newspaper • Use cloth bags rather than plastic bags • Car pool • Water - don’t leave water run unnecessarily

• Donate to various causes (time, money, items, etc.)

“The Dahlia Lady”

For many years Peggy and Jerry Gospoderek have brought beautiful dahlias to the residents of the Ursuline Center. The flowers are grown in Peggy’s garden and shared lovingly with all who would like

one. They have indeed brought joy to many.

Peggy worked at Notre Dame, keeping up their grounds and began bringing flowers to them. When the Notre Dame sisters moved into the Center, she added all Center residents to her flower ministry. It is indeed a work of love!

Thank you.

Meggan – “I believe in Angela saying ‘be a watchful shepherd who has a feel for each sheep’ - when I meet new people at a shelter or group home. I like to be aware of others’

feelings and really get to know new people.”

Angie – “My ministry relates to Angela because my service was out of love. Angela’s work showed love, confidence, simplicity, and creativity. I can definitely relate to this because when I am serving others, I feel like I am serving God, and that is my top priority in life; serving God. This gives me confidence because it allows me to realize that serving others is important, and I believe that can make me feel more confident about myself and my purpose in life.”

Maddie – “Serving others is so rewarding. I love making the residents smile and have a fun time with me. My volunteer work is what makes me interested in social work.”

Bri – “Angela believes you should recognize everyone and love them for them. When tutoring or helping people, I don’t single out anyone. She also says ‘do not give up hope.’ When I believe I cannot help someone, I never lose hope. Angela says to be joyful in ministry. I was joyful while helping kids receive Christmas presents at the Noel Project.”

Nurrah – “Nurrah is a junior at St. Ursula that always strives to serve others and lift their spirits! Whether it is volunteering with people who have Alzheimer’s or with Toledo Grows she always strives to be humble and knows what a privilege it is to serve others.”

Kaitlyn – “Being a child of a religious family I’ve always grown up around service. However, it wasn’t till this past year when I experienced how to be a leader as well. Being chosen for a leadership conference was a life changer. I was able to learn how to be a leader as well as being in the community and serving others, like Angela.”

Emma – “I have always approached my ministry experiences with a good attitude; even if after a while I did not like it. I knew the good purpose behind it. St. Angela tells us to love your ministry and to find one that matches with your personality and skills, and I find that most applicable to my various experiences in serving others.”

SUA Juniors Reflect on Ministry and Service

There are 140 convicted killers on Ohio’s death row. The 12 scheduled to die in 2016 have been given a reprieve, at least for now, due to the inability to get the drug used for lethal injection. Recalling that we have taken a corporate stance against the death penalty, we pray that a permanent

Praying for an End to the Death Penaltyend to its usage in our state will one day be a reality. Pope Francis’ recent visit to a U.S. prison put a human face on those who are incarcerated there. We also recall that when the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops speaks of Respect for Life, it means all life, from conception to natural death.

Happy Birthday

November6 Sr. Bernarda Breidenbach Sr. Magdaleva Camp8 Sr. Margaret Ann Babione Carol Pruss12 Dr. Richard O’Reilly Karen (Kitty) Meyers13 Sr. Regina Smith16 Joanne McGinnis20 Hilaire Daly28 Margaret Pelz

December4 Pat Cryan Rita Sartor7 Barbara Carter Daley8 Mary Apel 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

November 20154 Holy Hour of Exposition for Vocations (see newsletter, page 6)6-8 Retreat at Ursuline Center with Fr. John Quigley, “Our Evolving Image of God”12 Anointing, 1:15 p.m.14 Optional Meeting for Ursuline Sisters - Legacy Committee, 1 - 3 p.m., Chapel14 Optional Meeting for Associates, 1 - 3 p.m., Library15-16 NAULC - Louisville18 LCWR Sub-Region at Ursuline Center19 Catherine of Alexandria 480th Anniversary of the Original Company, 4:00 Vespers/Supper, for Sisters and Associates19-20 Council Meetings22 New Associate Commitment28 Reflection Day, 10:30 a.m. Reflection, Exposition until noon29 First Sunday of Advent

December 201510-11 Council Meetings11 Advent Penance Service, 1:15 p.m.12 Foundation Day

February 20166 Closing of the Year of Consecrated Life 11 a.m. Liturgy, reception to follow, Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral

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

Feast DayNovember

4 Sister Carol Kronfield Sister Carol Reamer14 Sister Helaine Ehrman16 Sister Margaret Ann B. Sister Gertrude Marie17 Sister Elizabeth Marie25 Sister Kathleen Padden

December26 Sister Stephanie

If you are interested in joining a group to discuss Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si, please fill out the form and return it to Val by Monday, November 16.

Name Phone

Circle available days and fill in good times for you:

Monday Tuesday

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Friday

Thank you.