ursuline newsletter · in a recent ncr reflection, “a simple story of a life well-lived,”...

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continued on next page Ursuline Newsletter 4045 Indian Road, Toledo, OH • Vol. 43 No. 3 • March 2019 “Living in holy relationship, a contemplative presence in an ever changing world.” Reflections from Sr. Sandy The day of Sr. Gertrude Marie’s funeral, I came home, seled in my chair with my novel, and fell asleep. The nap gave me a rare ability to stay up and watch something that lasted past 9:00 p.m. I had seen “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” - the documentary about Fred Rogers in the theatre and don’t oſten repeat seeing films, but was drawn to see this one again. As he was dying, Fred Rogers asked his wife of 50 years, Joanne, “Do you think I’m a sheep?” It was part of his final, voiced examen. In a recent NCR reflecon, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs nephew, Brian, who died at age 48. “Do you think God will open a door and let me in?” he asked of his parents when he knew the me was drawing near. The quesons are similar. They are not unusual. And they are not because of a lack of faith on the part of those who ask them, but because of an abundance of it. “Who’s he?” my Mom asked a few days before her death. Not privileged to see the one to whom she referred, I asked, “Who?” “Whoever he is,” she replied, poinng to the corner of the ceiling. “Well, Mom – whoever he is, I think he is here to see you and not me,” I replied. “So why don’t I leave the room and leave the two of you alone for awhile.” “Ok,” she said, with no fear whatsoever in her voice. Quesons are asked by those of us who stay behind as well. The film The Tree of Life centers on a man well into adulthood who daydreams away the anniversary of his brother’s death long ago. He goes through his work day with an internal review of his family life and with his mother’s voice asking “Why?” of God. His search for the answer takes him all the way back to the beginning of me and the presence of God in everything and everyone ll the present and beyond. Aſter both our parents had gone to God and we were praying at their graves, I turned to my sister and asked, “Do you think they’re together on different levels or planes?” “I think they are on different planes,” she replied. Ash Wednesday Liturgy March 6, 11:15 a.m. Lenten Penance Service Friday, April 5, 1:15 p.m. Palm Sunday Vigil Saturday, April 13, 4 p.m. Holy Thursday April 18, 4 p.m. Good Friday Stations of the Cross April 19, 11 a.m. Good Friday Services April 19, 1:30 p.m. No Easter Vigil Easter Sunday April 21, 11 a.m. Angela also asked God quesons about death, parcularly that of her sister. And in one of her religious experiences or “visions,” God allowed her to see her sister. It assured her of the reality of the eternal

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Page 1: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs

continued on next page

Ursuline Newsletter4045 Indian Road, Toledo, OH • Vol. 43 No. 3 • March 2019

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

Reflections from Sr. Sandy

The day of Sr. Gertrude Marie’s funeral, I came home, settled in my chair with my novel, and fell asleep. The nap gave me a rare ability to stay up and watch something that lasted past 9:00 p.m. I had seen “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” - the documentary about Fred Rogers in the theatre and don’t often repeat seeing films, but was drawn to see this one again.

As he was dying, Fred Rogers asked his wife of 50 years, Joanne, “Do you think I’m a sheep?” It was part of his final, voiced examen.

In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs nephew, Brian, who died at age 48. “Do you think God will open a door and let me in?” he asked of his parents when he knew the time was drawing near.

The questions are similar. They are not unusual. And they are not because of a lack of faith on the part of those who ask them, but because of an abundance of it. “Who’s he?” my Mom asked a few days before her death. Not privileged to see the one to whom she referred, I asked, “Who?” “Whoever he is,” she replied, pointing to the corner of the ceiling. “Well, Mom – whoever he is, I think he is here to see you and not me,” I replied. “So why don’t I leave the room and leave the two of you alone for awhile.” “Ok,” she said, with no fear whatsoever in her voice.

Questions are asked by those of us who stay behind as well. The film The Tree of Life centers on a man well into adulthood who daydreams away the anniversary of his brother’s death long ago. He goes through his work day with an internal review of his family life and with his mother’s voice asking “Why?” of God. His search for the answer takes him all the way back to the beginning of time and the presence of God in everything and everyone till the present and beyond.

After both our parents had gone to God and we were praying at their graves, I turned to my sister and asked, “Do you think they’re together on different levels or planes?” “I think they are on different planes,” she replied.

Ash Wednesday LiturgyMarch 6, 11:15 a.m.

Lenten Penance ServiceFriday, April 5, 1:15 p.m.

Palm Sunday VigilSaturday, April 13, 4 p.m.

Holy ThursdayApril 18, 4 p.m.

Good Friday Stations of the CrossApril 19, 11 a.m.

Good Friday ServicesApril 19, 1:30 p.m.

No Easter Vigil

Easter SundayApril 21, 11 a.m.

Angela also asked God questions about death, particularly that of her sister. And in one of her religious experiences or “visions,” God allowed her to see her sister. It assured her of the reality of the eternal

Page 2: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs

The Francis FactorSubmitted by Sister Mary Alice

POPE VISITS ARABIAN PENINSULA TO MEND CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM TIES

(headlines)

“I am pleased with this meeting offered by the Lord to write, on your dear land, a

new page in the history of relations among religions and confirm that we are brothers

in spite of our differences.

Quoted in The Blade, February 4, 2019

Reflections from Sr. Sandy, continued

The showing of Toledo Stories’ “Remembering Mary Manse College” on WGTE Channel 30 will be Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 8 p.m.

Mark your calendars!

URSULINE

life in which she already believed and strengthened it to the level that when the time for her own death came near, Angela already knew that she could be of greater assistance to us from the other side of life. “For understand that, now I am more alive than when I lived on earth… and now, even more, I want and am able to help you and do you good in every way.” (Prologue to Counsels)

I had the same experience when early after Mom’s death, in my dreams of her she seemed to be somewhere in the middle of the space between here and there. And then one night, she appeared in a lovely blue gown dancing as she loved to do, with many others behind her, singing, the refrain “Leaping the Mountains, Bounding the hills, See how our God has come to meet us. His voice is lifted, his face is joy. Now is the season to sing our song on high,” from the hymn, “Lord of Glory.”

When the dying ask us questions, we try to reassure them as did Fred Rogers’ wife and Brian’s parents. I think I shared before that Sr. Francis Assisi said to me, “Sandy, I don’t know what to do.” And when I gently told her, “Francis, just let Jesus come,” she said more calmly, “Ok.”

When we ask questions of the dying, they reassure us, as did Angela and as did Sister Gertrude Marie to one of her very special care givers who shared the story with me. Even those who have already journeyed to God are able to reassure us, as did Angela’s Sister and my Mom.

In the dining room, a few hours before we welcomed the body of Sister Gertrude Marie home, some of us shared our own experiences of these stories over dinner. We did so in the presence of one another, of those members of our Communion of Saints whose stories we shared, and in the presence of God who gives credence and sense to our sharing. “Without our faith, none of this would make sense,” said one of our Sisters, and she and another followed the coffin from the chapel to the hearse.

The groundhog predicted an early spring. February 2 was my Mom’s “first” birthday and we used to tell her to hide so she would not see her shadow. But it is also Candlemas Day, the feast of the Presentation, and the Purification of Mary. And I know that because of her faith, Mom did not hide, but let her faith be reflected in the Light of the World.

Like Simeon, those who live in faith feel comfortable in asking God to come and take them home, and like Anna, they tell others about the Light they have been privileged to see.

Easter may be late this year, but our hope for an early spring reflects our faith in the Resurrection, the new life of our loved ones, and the time when it will be our turn to go home to God.

Kindness is like snow... it makes beautiful everything it covers.

Page 3: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs

New Policies regarding Communion Services at Ursuline Center

• On a regular weekday, when weather or other circumstances prevent the priest scheduled for Mass from coming and we are informed in advance, no Communion Service will be held. This will especially apply for Levels 2 and 3 Emergencies.

• If it is a Sunday or other Day of Obligation, we will have a Communion Service.

• If it is the case that a priest scheduled for Mass does not arrive and we are not notified, we will hold the Communion Service since the Residents and Visitors will already be gathered. We have a letter on file authorizing us to do so.

Thank you, Sister Liz!After many years of taking such loving care of the chapel environment and the lobby decor, Sister Liz is “retiring.” That is probably not the word to use because we know she will keep nurturing her God-given gift of tending the beauty of creation and creativity in some way.

She leaves behind her the many helpers whom she taught well who will continue to bring beauty to the seasons of our Church year.

Happy Re-thrive-ment, Sister Liz.

And a BIG THANK YOU!

Ireland: a HomecomIngSr. Maria Goretti Van Ausdale and Sr. Sandy Sherman will share their

experiences of their Ireland trip

Monday, March 182 p.m.

Ursuline Center Dining Room

angela’s VIsIon for Women: THen and noW

Stories from a Pilgrim’s Journey in Europe - 2018

Presented by Associate Sarah AbtsSunday, March 31

1 - 3 p.m.Convent Offices

You’re Invited to Two Presentations ~

March 8 - International Women’s Day

The theme for International Women’s Day 2019 is “Think equal, build smart innovative change.” The theme will focus on innovative ways in which to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.

Page 4: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs

Associate News by Sarah Abts

February’s Associate News talked about how Associates join the Sisters in prayer as we seek to see the world through God’s eyes. This winter’s drastic fluctuations in temperatures have kept us, and even the USPS, inside in sub-zero temperatures and brought us outside to bask in warmth, but the words that have gotten our attention most quickly are “freezing rain.” Fortunately, we can be joined in spirit through prayer wherever we are, but I was especially happy to have weather suitable for biking to “Holding the World in Prayer” on February 4, led by one of our faith-sharing groups, since I have missed many of these prayer services due either to inclement weather or my being away.

Faith-sharing groups are made up of Sisters and Associates, meet regularly, and use a variety of formats to encourage our growth in faith and closeness to each other. When we meet in small groups, usually between 3-10 people, we can share personal concerns more easily and make them part of our conversation with God. For a year, this particular group studied Pope Francis’ second encyclical, Laudato si’, based on St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of the Sun,” a consideration of scientific data on climate and how recent changes have affected the earth, and our relationships with God, other people, and the earth God gave us for sustenance. Deeply affected by what they learned, the group decided to devote one weekly meeting a month to a prayer service open to all to “hold the world in prayer.”

The theme of February 4’s service was Lent, so Nanci Riddle and Kitty Meyers highlighted this with a story from St. Francis and a discussion of Lenten Fasting practices. The group rotates leadership of the prayer service among its members, who also include Jan Helfrich and Sisters Mary Lou, Margaret Anne, Mary Ellen, and Helaine. It sometimes invites speakers who are not part of the group, as was the case in January when Bob Clark-Phelps spoke to a large group gathered in the Convent Offices. Bob’s topic underlined the group’s concern with what humans can do to affect the climate that in turn determines our daily activities and our food and drink and shelter, but the group’s prayers

extend beyond that focus to include prayers for other significant world problems, LCWR intentions, and local and personal issues. Normally, the services include Scripture, thematic reflections, songs, and prayers. See announcements in the newsletter about each month’s prayer service.

We are glad to be welcoming three new Associates soon, and we have three who are beginning the mentoring process. To update our guidelines for the commitment ceremony for new Associates:

1. Candidates and mentors should discuss potential dates at their fifth Reflection meeting and finalize decision at the end of the mentoring process. Ceremonies should not be part of an Ursuline Feast Day or Missioning Day liturgy, but can be included at a daily or ordinary weekend mass.

2. Ceremonies should be announced in the newsletter one month in advance and included on the Communication Tape (and Internet prayer concerns and announcements) as the day draws near.

3. Send RSVPs for meals to Val if the candidate and guests would like to stay for lunch or dinner after the ceremony.

As we gather with Angela at Jesus’ feet during Lent, know that her prayers strengthen us to be faithful disciples. – Sarah Abts

Upcoming Associate Events

TAANG retreat - Saturday, March 2, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sisters of Notre Dame Center

All Associates Meeting - Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. - noon., Convent Offices and Reflection in Chapel

Keep praying for the Ursuline Convocation - registration opens soon - July 25-28, St. Louis, MO

Page 5: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs

March ReflectionAudio Conference on CD

Date: March 9, 2019 Time: 11 a.m. Place: Chapel and TV in Resident Rooms

Topic: “Jesus of Nazareth” - Pattern for Our Living - Part 3

Presenter: Rev. Joseph Tetlow, S.J., Ph.D.

Rev. Tetlow is considered one of the world’s leading experts on Ignation spirituality.

Remembering Your Loved Ones with a Mass Intention

Some are wondering about how to have a loved one remembered at Mass. Many honor their deceased loved ones with a remembrance at Mass. Here at the Ursuline Center we have this process.

The name is recorded in a specialized book in the sacristy. At the General Intercessions of the Mass, the name is read aloud along with prayers for all the deceased. Our priest presiders make a point of checking for the intention of the day, if there is one.

The usual donation is $10 per Mass Intention. Funds are deposited in the Ursuline Convent Office. Should a Mass be cancelled, the stipend will be rescheduled.

Mass intention cards are available for use to mail to others with information about the Mass intention scheduled for your loved one.

Information including the name and the donation can be given to the receptionist or sacristan of the day. Sister Mary Jo Szpila oversees the process.

Ursuline Center Receives Second Liturgical Grant

In December 2018, the Ursuline Center received funds from the Rev. August Schaefer Endowment Fund, administered through St. Joseph Parish, Marblehead, OH. We purchased a paschal candlestick for the chapel sanctuary. A year earlier, we received funds from the same organization and purchased albs, chasubles and altar linens to enhance our celebration of the Liturgy with our many guest presiders. We are grateful for the gifts of these two awards.

URSULINEHolding the World in Prayer

Holding the World in Prayer will take place Monday, March 4, at 1:15 p.m. in the Ursuline Center Chapel. The service will include Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by prayers of the Psalms and petitions for the needs of the world. Sisters M. Helaine Ehrman and Mary Ellen Nagle will guide the service.

Please come pray with us. All are welcome.

March 21 is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, when all eyes should be focused on racism.

Page 6: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs

“Marie of the Incarnation”

ASSOCIATE CORNERBy Sr. Mary Ellen Nagle

French mystic and missionary, Marie Guyart was born in 1599 in Tours, France to parents who operated a bakery. As a young child she loved spending hours talking to God. Marie grew up strong in faith, was adventuresome and self-confident. She wanted to be a nun. Against her will her parents engaged Marie to marry Claude Martin, a silk manufacturer. Two years later she was a widow with a baby son to raise. Marie continued to live with her sister and brother-in-law, managing their shipping business for them.

In 1631 she dedicated her life to God and entered the Ursuline Convent in Tours, professing vows as Marie of the Incarnation. God had a mission for Marie, showing her a vision of vast land of high mountains, valleys and rich forests. This is your mission – Canada – you must go there and convert the natives. Providing care for young Claude, her sister promised to care for him. Marie was heartbroken to separate herself from her son, but she followed the divine command.

Next she wrote to key members of the French clergy who were impressed by her missionary zeal and offered to help fund her mission.

In 1639, she and two other Ursulines and a dedicated lay woman left Dieppe. After a long and difficult three months they disembarked to a site which later became Quebec City.

Next, Marie set to learn the Indian languages. Studying under the Jesuits she wrote dictionaries and catechism for the Algonquin, Huron, and Iroquois tribes. Being a skilled letter writer, Marie wrote scores of letters to friends about spiritual matters and requested alms for her mission.

In 1641 she laid the first stone for a monastery, later a school. The Ursuline sisters not only converted the

natives but cared for their bodily needs. Even with fires and climate handicaps Marie was undaunted. Her strength kept everyone going. Marie loved the natives, holding them in her heart (a phrase she often used).

Back in France Claude entered the Benedictine Order. He kept up a 30-year correspondence with his mother and was the first to write her biography. Marie passed into eternal life in 1672 at age 73. After 33 years Marie of the Incarnation is considered one of the greatest mystics of the Catholic church and foundress of the Ursulines in Canada. Bishop Francois Laval with whom she sparred many times eulogized her in a forward of Claude’s biography of his mother. “Having chosen her to establish the Ursulines of Canada, God gave her the full spirit of her Institute.”

On April 3, 2014, Pope Francis canonized both Marie and Bishop Laval.

Prayer of St. Marie of the Incarnation“O my dearest Jesus, through the holiness

of your actions, sanctify mine. I ardently wish them to depend upon you and to be performed for you alone, O my Jesus.”

St. Marie of the Incarnation, pray for us.

Marie of the Incarnation References:Francois Pineau, Mother of New France ed. by Michael D. Clarke, 1998.Sarah Patterson, Archives for the Ursuline Sisters, Mount Saint Joseph, 2014.“Canonization of Mary the Incarnation,” Guyart, 2014.

Page 7: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs

Continuation from last month’s story by Sr. Mary Ellen Nagle about St. Angela:

After Angela’s death the Ursulines were criticized by Church and civil authorities. Angela’s original lay Company became a monastic order of women. In 1582 Cardinal Charles Borromeo recruited the Ursulines as catechists especially to girls and women. The community spread to France where the Cardinals imposed monastic rules and a fourth vow to educate young women.

Angela Reference:“Follow the Spirit, Angela and the Ursulines,” Editions du Signe, 1998.

Angela did not give the Ursulines a specific role in society. How can Angela’s social role of love and inclusion be lived out in today’s world by people your age?

• Angela’s social role of love and inclusion can be lived out in today’s society by being caring and present in our world. We can put down our phones and be more involved with the people and environment around us.

Mother Amadeus Dunne went out to Montana to work with Native American women and children in 1884. Never having been a missionary, what fears do you think she would have had and how might she have started her work there?

• She was probably afraid of going to a new land with new people. She had to deal with poverty and lack of technology, no air-conditioning, no heaters, only her loving heart. She overcame these obstacles by showing the world how Jesus sacrificed his comfort for the people through her generous service to the Native American people.

Bringing St. Angela into the 21st Century Part ISt. Ursula Academy Juniors responded to the following questions:

What do you see as the “needs of the times” or challenges of society that followers of Angela could address?

• kindness – forgiveness – poverty – violence – world hunger – lack of education – lack of faithfulness/belief in God – stable living conditions

The Girelli Sisters re-founded the Company of St. Ursula in 1866. If you were in a situation to re-found a group that had been “under cover” for 50 years, how would you go about rekindling the original “spirit?”

• I would go about rekindling the original “spirit” by going and learning about the original company and how it was originally run and use some of the techniques they used. I would also go and find out their original mission or mission statement, and to the best of my abilities fulfill and pursue that mission – all with the help of God.

What is your understanding of spirituality and is this something the world is crying out for?

• My understanding of spirituality is being at one with God and accepting him. Spirituality is peace and love. The world is crying out for this because there is so much evil and suffering in the world.

Angela was a woman of hope. How do we remain women of hope for today’s youth?

• We remain women of hope by never stop dreaming. Looking ahead, envisioning a better future and working toward that dream are our biggest symbols of hope. Modern day social movements for reform and change are examples of this. By being women of hope, we emit passion and care for our world. Rather than giving up or being apathetic when it seems all is lost we can remain hopeful by pursuing change.

Page 8: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs

Rest In Peace

Roger Peluso, father of Christine Peluso Johnson, SUA ’82 ~ January 7

Rev. P. Martin “Marty” Donnelly, Senior Status Priest of the Diocese of Toledo ~ January 27

Christopher Bazar, cousin of Sr. Mary Angela Gaietto ~ January 31

Timothy James, husband of Marianne Desmond James, SUA ’73; father of Caitlin James Keller, SUA ’01 ~ February 2

Ruth Wolinski Davis, SUA ’59 ~ February 7

Sr. Mary Madelena Pohlman, SND ~ February 7

Romaine Murd, brother of Rev. Frank Murd, Diocesan priest of Toledo; cousin of Sr. Stephanie Helfrich and Associate Janet Helfrich ~ February 9

Jean Zoeller Reas ~ February 9

Kathleen Schoen Kelly, SUA ’82 ~ February 12

Deacon Jose Romo, Senior Status Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Toledo ~ February 14

Belinda Shiner, cousin of Associate Karole Sigg ~ February 15

Eugene Walliser, brother-in-law of Sr. Regina Smith ~ February 22

Rev. Albert Robert “Bob” DeSloover, Senior Status Priest of the Diocese of Toledo ~ February 23

Ruth Ann, sister-in-law of Paul Cook (Maintenance) ~ February 26

Joyce Tusing, who was secretary for many years at St. Joseph School - Tiffin ~ February 26

Coming this Spring - Recertification for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Appointments as extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, given by Bishop Thomas of the Diocese of Toledo, expire on June 23, 2019, the Feast of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. In the Spring, there will be scheduled opportunities for a refresher on this ministry, as well as the procedures used at the Ursuline Center.

Those wishing to continue as ministers will be asked to attend at least one session. If one wishes to retire from this ministry, this is an option and is up to one’s personal discernment.

More information will be provided here in this newsletter and with announcements at the Center.

Former First Lady’s Autobiography Available for Loan

Becoming, an autobiography by former First Lady Michelle Obama, is available for loan from the Convent Offices. Stop by and request it if interested.

Sr. Regina has new contact information:

Sr. Regina Smith4030 Indian Road #416

Toledo, OH 43606

Phone: 419-534-3285

Page 9: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs

Recycling Update

Thank you to all who have made donations in the mail room toward the Northwest Ohio Kidney Foundation recycling efforts. Below is a list of items that can be recycled.

* Tooth paste tubes and caps, toothbrushes, toothpaste cartons, floss containers

* Energy bar wrappers, any brand, foil lined

* Febreze air care - air freshener cartridge and plugs, air freshener packaging flexible film, air freshener plastic trigger heads, Febreze one bottles with trigger heads, Febreze one refills, laundry detergent caps, cleaning products spray triggers, cleaning product caps, cleaning product pouches

* Cereal bags - any brand, plastic cereal bags and plastic cereal bag liners, cracker bags

* Personal care - shampoo caps and bottles, conditioner caps and bottles, hair spray bottles and triggers. Skin care such as lip balm tubes and caps, soap dispensers and tubes, body wash bottles and caps, lotion dispensers and caps

* Snack bags - multipack snack bags, individual snack bags, family size snack bags

* Mouthwash bottles and caps, deodorant containers and caps, soap packaging

Thank you so much for your contributions to a worthy cause. Items can be placed in the bin in the Center mail room.

Sister Regina

Litany of Gratitude (Please respond: “We thank you, Lord,”)

h For human life from embryo to old age... h For families to nurture our growing up... h For friends to share good times and bad... h For spouses to help us learn how to love... h For children to teach us how to serve...

Catholic Organizations Issue Joint Statement Urging Congress to ‘Face the Crisis’

On January 21, Martin Luther King Day, a group of national and international Catholic social justice organizations, including LCWR, delivered a joint statement to Congress entitled, Facing the Crisis: A Catholic Offer of Wisdom and Courage to Congress. The statement called on members of Congress to courageously take the first steps to end the political polarization that is eroding democracy in the United States. Speaking with one voice, the 11 Catholic organizations affirmed the hope of faithful Catholics, and citizens of every faith tradition, that this nation can turn away from the politics of division and polarization and together address the urgent concerns of these times.

The UN Commission on the Status of Women to meet in NYC

The 63rd session of the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW) will take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York, March 11-22. CSW 63 will consider how social protection systems, access to public services, and sustainable infrastructure can contribute to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. It will also review women’s empowerment and the link to sustainable development detailed in the agreed conclusions of its 60th session.

From the LCWR Update - March 2019

Page 10: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs

With Gratitude

Thank you to all who had a part in making the OMA Art Show a resounding success!

� Tracy and the dietary staff, who prepared a beautiful and tasty appetizer spread

� Val, who handled the accounting for theraffle/salestable,andMichellewho assisted with printed materials

� Set up and tear down helpers � Centerpieces courtesy of Rhonda � Corsages created by Amanda � Our sponsors: Carruth Studios, Gordon

Food Service, Kelly Lowery, Ridner Group, and Sylvania Automotive

� Our artists, who created amazing pieces of art for all to enjoy!

Jess

DearFriendsofGod’sThirstyChildren,

OnbehalfofGod’sThirstyChildrenandalltheir advocates at Water with Blessings, we gratefully acknowledge your generous contribution.

Because of you, somewhere in the world, more ofGod’sthirstychildrenaredrinkingcleanwater.

Blessings for that!Sister Larraine Lauter, OSUExecutive Director

Dear Ursuline Convent of the Sacred Heart Sister Sandra Sherman,

Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley is immensely thankful for your contribution to the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas. With your donation, as well as the kindness of others, we are able to continue assisting many individuals who come through our doors weary and with tears in their eyes.

Please know that upon entering the respite center, all families are treated with dignity and respect. Our volunteers greet the families with a warm welcome. While resting, the families are led to a registration station in our center and offered: a warm meal, shower facilities, clean clothes, toiletries, snacks, and water for the remainder of their long journey. On behalf of all of us at Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley and those we serve, we humbly thank you for your support.

Gratefully Yours in Christ,Sr. Norma Pimentel, Executive Director

Those we love are like snowflakesof life - none are the same, each is beautiful and bring something special to our world!

Page 11: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs
Page 12: Ursuline Newsletter · In a recent NCR reflection, “A Simple Story of a Life Well-Lived,” Sister Mary Elizabeth Burns, a 91-year-old Sister of Mercy tells of her special needs

Happy BirthdayMarch 20192 TAANG Retreat, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sisters of Notre Dame Center4 Holding the World in Prayer, 1:15 p.m., Chapel6 Ash Wednesday9 Associate Meeting, 10 a.m. - noon, Convent Offices 9 Reflection Audio Conference, 11 a.m., Chapel and on Residents’ TV18 Presentation: “Ireland: A Homegoing,” by Sr. Maria and Sr. Sandy, 2 p.m., Ursuline Center21 Bishop’s meeting with Superiors/Presidents22-23 Council Meeting25-26 LCWR Region 628 Toledo Stories’ “Remembering Mary Manse College,” WGTE Channel 30, Toledo Stories, 8 p.m.31 Presentation: “Angela’s Vision for Women: Then and Now,” stories from Sarah Abts’ pilgrim’s journey in Europe, 1 - 3 p.m., Convent Offices

April 20195 Reconciliation Service - Lent theme at 1:15 p.m. followed by private confessions in Chapel/resident rooms13 Palm Sunday Vigil, 4 p.m. 18 Holy Thursday Liturgy, 4 p.m.19 Good Friday, 11 a.m. Stations; 1:30 p.m. Services20 Holy Saturday - no services21 Easter Sunday Liturgy, 11 a.m.24-25 Council Meeting25 Community Input/Update, 2 - 4:30 p.m. with Supper (Sisters Only)27 Secret Pal lunch28 MMC Reunion Mass & Luncheon (SUA)

May 20197 Anointing of the Sick during Weekday Mass15-16 Council Meetings27 Memorial Day - Convent Offices closed31 - June 3 Spring Retreat - Sr. Marie Ellen Kuhel, OSU (Cleveland)

June 201912-13 Council Meeting13-15 Ursuline Assembly

CalendarMarch

7 Therese Thourot9 Elyce Ervin Patricia Torda10 Sr. Mary Jo Szpila, SND13 Rosemary Anspach14 Rose Watt15 Charlotte Mariasy19 Sr. Mary Jo Koudelka23 Sr. Mary Antoni Nadolny, SND24 Sr. Mary Francein Herold, SND26 Mary Ellen Say27 James Grmela31 Mary Ann Montgomery

April4 Mary Camp Karole Sigg7 Sr. Mary Angela Gaietto Joanne Schwind John Myers8 Jan Michalak12 Ethel Hodnicki16 Walter Palicki Nanci Riddle17 Diane Koebnick Janet Helfrich Larry Meyers18 Mary VanderLinde Marcie McCabe19 Mary Simmien21 Lois Manion25 Sr. Mary Ellen Nagle Jane Hagelin Anna Lara27 Carol Ann O’Reilly Rose Alvarez

March17 Sister M. Patricia Snyder, SND17 Sister Pat Grosse19 Sister Mary Jo Koudelka

April26 Sr. Donna Frey29 Sr. Mary Kay Garvin

Feast Day

April DeadlineThe deadline for the April newsletter is Thursday, March 21. Please send your stories to Michelle at [email protected].