2009 Fall Issue - Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the ...

CONNECTIONA publication for the family and friends of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of MaryFall 2009 Volume 17. No. 3 Scranton, PennsylvaniaSister Catherine Sitja y Balbastro(second from left) pauses duringher profession celebration for aphoto with friends and family. Leftto right: Sister Denise Montagne,Luz Maria Cayazzo, and SisterAmanda DelValle.Congregation of the Sisters,Servants of theImmaculate Heart of MaryIHM Center2300 Adams AvenueScranton, PA 18509Development Office(phone): (570) 346-5431E-mail: donate@sistersofihm.orgwww.SistersofIHM.orgAfter completing the IHM formation program, in which shegrew closer to God and the IHM Sisters, Sister CatherineSitja y Balbastro made her final vows as a member of the Congregationof the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Maryat a Mass and ceremony on September 6, 2009.Born and raised in a small town in the country ofArgentina, South America, Sister Catherine didn’t know thatGod’s plan for her would be much bigger than her own. In orderto receive quality higher education, Sister Catherine traveled tothe capital Buenos Aires to study law, then to England to studyEnglish, then to Spain to finish her degree in Political Science andInternational Affairs.Sister Catherine found her first employment at a Universityin Toronto, Canada in 1996. “I just got settled into mynew job and my new apartment. I was getting to know the area there and the people anddecided it was time for a retreat,” Sister Catherine said. “So I saw a flyer, signed up, andwent when the time came. When we all gathered the first night I realized it was a retreatfor women who were interested in religious life.” While this was not what she initiallyexpected, Sister Catherine enjoyed the community so much that she began to attendother events and prayer gatherings and began to feel the call to become a Sister.A year later, Sister Catherine found the IHM Congregation by looking throughthe directory for the Diocese of Toronto. “What really attracted me to this congregationof women religious was the name; ‘Immaculate Heart of Mary,’” she revealed. “I comefrom a culture where the religious icon is very much centered in Mary, so the devotion toMary has always been a part of me.”After learning more about the IHM Congregation through its web site, SisterCatherine moved to the United States in 1999 to start the discernment process. Continuingto follow her call to the congregation and to religious life, Sister Catherine participatedin every aspect of the community, living and working among all persons in a fulltimeministry. “It’s hard to describe how or why I feel at home [here,] but it is somethingI have felt since the beginning,” Sister Catherine said.Sister Catherine served four years at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in ForestHills, before she became coordinator of the Volunteer and Friendly Visiting Program atEncore Community Services in New York, New York. Encore Community Servicesis a nonprofit organization that serves senior citizens living in the theatre district inManhattan. Sister Catherine oversees more than 400 volunteers. “Many of our seniorsworked in theatre, movies, and television…so many of them were once famous in theirrespective industries,” she noted. “So now we take care of them physically and spiritually.We try to make them feel that they are still a part of something great.”As an IHM, Sister Catherine is very much involved in the congregation and thelives of the other Sisters. “As an IHM you get to know so many people and realize thatyou have many connections,” she said. “We share a desire to serve the poor, to empowerwomen, and to grow in faith. This is a journey that involves everyone.” b

People & PlacesHonored for Ministryb On June 14, 2009 the newly installed Bishop of theSyracuse Diocese, Most Reverend Robert J. Cunninghamled a prayer service for the religious of the diocese.Sister Mary Elizabeth Costello, Sister Maria GraceQuartiero, Sister Joan Ottman, Sister Theresa Thayer,and Sister Kathleen Hassett attended the prayerservice and reception that followed.b Sister Maureen Schrimpe has been selected toserve on the University of Maryland’s Senate Staff AffairsCommittee (2009-2010) in a voting capacity. Thiscommittee formulates and continually reviews campuspolicies affecting staff members. Sister Maureen isthe Quality Coordinator/Dietitian at the University ofMaryland at College Park.b Sister Catherine Sitja y Balbastro was one oftwenty-four religious who participated in the 2009Life Commitment Program organized by the ReligiousFormation Conference that took place at the end of June,2009. The conference was held at St. John’s RetreatCenter in Plymouth, Michigan. Sister Catherine is the coordinatorof Volunteer and Friendly Visiting Program forEncore Community Services in New York, New York.b Sister Ann Michael Zaytoun was recognized as adistinguished alumna at the Saint Paul Education Centergraduation liturgy in New Bern, North Carolina. Shewas presented with the Joseph Rachid Alumni Award forher positive impact on the community and her achievements.Sister Ann, while caring for a family member,resides in New Bern.b The African Sisters Education Collaborative(ASEC) Board approved a service trip for collegestudents to visit Bigwa School for Sisters in Morogoro,Tanzania in spring 2010. The Sisters of IHM and MarywoodUniversity are among three other congregationsof women religious who cosponsor ASEC. The programwas founded in 2002 upon receipt of grant money tostudy and address issues of women and education inEast and West Africa. Sister Mary Persico, presidentof the IHM Congregation, Sister Anne Munley, presidentof Marywood University, and Sister MargaretGannon, chair of Social Sciences Department atMarywood, serve on the board of directors.2 Fall 2009On May 23, 2009, Sister Sue Ann Steves receivedthe Seton Legacy of Charity Bicentennial Medal at the Basilicaof the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton inEmmitsburg, Pennsylvania. The medal award ceremony wasone of many events throughout the year celebrating the 200thanniversary of Seton’s arrival in Emmitsburg. Pictured withSister Sue Ann are Cardinal William Keeler (left) and BishopKevin Rhodes (right).Last year, Sister Sue Ann founded Mary’s Helpers atPrince of Peace Roman Catholic Parish in Steelton, Pennsylvania.The ministry provides food and clothing to arearesidents in need.Sisters Participate in Wii-TherapyWith the help of a generous donor, the IHM Congregationwas able to purchase a Nintendo Wii, an extra controller,and a 42” flat screen television for the retired Sisters at OurLady of Peace Residence in Scranton, Pennsylvania. CarolannHazelton, activities director, organizes weekly Wii sportsgames for the sisters as part of a new approach to physicaltherapy. A number of our sisters, regardless of mobility, participatein leisure activities from the comfort of their home.Playing the Wii are Carolann Hazelton (left) and SisterAnn Seguljic (right).

100th Anniversary of St. Raymond’sOn August 23, 2009, “Sister’s Sunday” was held atSt. Raymond of Penyafort Parish in East Rockaway, NewYork to commemorate its 100th Anniversary. The IHM Sistershave been a presence at St. Raymond School and Parish fornearly 60 years. Women who were members of the parish andthen entered religious life, as well as Sisters who served inthe parish or school were invited to attend.Pictured (front row): Sister Lorraine Studley, SisterRuthanne Gypalo, Sister Marilyn Grosselfinger, Sister MargaretMary Caulson. (back row): Sister Teresa Raftery, Sister MaryEdward Loftus, Sister Lilian Marie Farrell. Sister Mary Dawson,and Sister Vincentia Dorsey also attended the event.The IHM Sisters are equally grateful to the parishionersat St. Raymond for their generous support of the ministriesand retirement needs of the Congregation.Order Your Advent Guide Today!Choosing LifeA Daily Reflection Guide for the Advent and Christmas SeasonsJoin the IHM Sisters in prayer with thisinspirational and hope-filled reflection guide.More than 40 IHM Sisters and friends sharetheir reflections on the scripture readings for eachday of the Advent and Christmas Seasons.To reserve your copy of the reflection guide orfor more information, please contact Sister Fran Fasolka(570) 346-5404 or communications@sistersofihm.org.From TheDirector’s DeskDear Friends,In her book New Women of the Old Faith,Kathleen Sprows Cummings features the stories of thepath breaking work of several Catholic women includingreligious sisters. In writing about the undaunted trailblazing works of the sisters, Cummings states, “Whateveropportunities arose for American women in the earlytwentieth century, these Catholics pursued them not as“New Women” but as daughters of the “Old Faith.”Since our founding in 1845, the IHM Sistershave responded in faith to whatever opportunities aroseto spread the good news of Jesus’ redeeming love. In thisissue of IHM Connection, you will read about some ofour “new women” like Sister Catherine Sitya y Balbastrowho is doing path breaking work in the Theatre Districtof Manhattan. You will read about Sister Lisa who isdoing path breaking work among sixth- to eighth gradersin northeast Baltimore. You will also read about our IHMAssociate, Amy Fotta, a young mother, who respondsto the call of God in her life to be a spiritual presenceamong the students at Marywood University. These arejust a few examples of our IHM “new women” of whomwe are most proud.Thank you for your faithful support of our IHMmission. We are all facing the challenges of today’suncertain economy. I appreciate the contributions youcontinue to make, and I know, for many of you, thissacrifice is greater than ever before. As a congregation,we are faithful stewards of our resources and we treasureeach and every donation. Your financial support lifts ourspirits and helps us to continue to send out our “newwomen” to those most in need. You and your specialintentions are remembered daily in our prayers.Gratefully,Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHMDevelopment DirectorP.S. I invite you to visit our website at www.sistersofihm.org for upto-datenews about the IHM Sisters.Fall 2009 3

IHM SpotlightSister Florence Marino, IHMSister Florence Marino faithfully lives out the virtue ofself-emptying service. The most rewarding part of beingan IHM Sister, she says, is the unconditional support of thesisters and the bond of community that she shares with themembers of Holy Family Catholic School and Parish in St.Petersburg, Florida.Born and raised in Long Island, Sister Florence waseducated by the IHM Sisters since the beginning of her education,from St. Peters School in Port Washington to St. Mary’sin Manhassett. As Sister Florence recalled the names of allher past teachers, Sister Genevieve McCloskey (formerly M.Hosina), she decided, was most influential in her decision tobecome an IHM. “She was my mentor,” Sister Florence said.“It was all the circumstances that inspired me, theteachers I had, my family and friends.” Remembering hersenior year of high school, she noted, “My closest friends becameIHM Sisters, Barbara Jablonski and Jeanne Drummond.”After making her first vows in 1965, Sister Florencewent to Archbishop Neale School in La Plata, Maryland,to begin her ministry as an elementary teacher. Since then, shehas gained more than 40 years of experience in education, andleadership training. “I loved the people at every place I served,and I learned a lot from the sisters I lived with.”From an elementary teacher in Maryland to a principalin Florida, Sister Florence says that “One of the joys of workingin education is seeing the students grow and mature as theycome back each year and the sense of community and familywithin the school.”As principal of Holy Family Catholic School for nearly15 years and the only IHM Sister serving in the parish, SisterFlorence continues to share the virtue of self-emptying servicethrough a variety of annual events, service projects, and extracurricular activities, all of which radiate the IHM spirit.Each month during school a “vocation angel” is passedaround to a different classroom. While the students have the“vocation angel,” Sister Florence makes a presentation abouther call to be an IHM Sister and how the charism and missionof the IHM Congregation is carried out in the spiritual life ofthe school and parish.When the Tampa Bay Rays were in the 2008 WorldSeries, the school collected canned goods for each home runscored. “The Rays always pride themselves on service in thecommunity, so filling our pantry was our way of showing support,”Sister Florence said. “And the students were on the newsfor this project.”When school is not in session, Sister Florence enjoysplaying tennis, bowling and cooking. On Sundays, she drivesa bus of elderly adults to Mass at Holy Family Parish. “I feellike [getting the elderly to church] is very important, and theministry is different from my every day routine.”As evident in her interactions with school and parishstaff, Sister Florence has earned the respect of many throughher sincere dedication to serving the people of God. bLeft to right: Sister Jamesann McCue, Michele August, JeannineStorer, an IHM Associate, and Sister Florence Marino.Sister Florence (far right, middle) is a member of the FloridaSunshine IHM Mission Group. Front (left to right): Sisters AnnBerendes, Helene Hicks, Mary Schoberg. Back (left to right): SistersFranziska Laudascher, Dora Maria Vizcarra, Maria Goretti Timperio,Beatrice Caulson, and Nancy Elder.Fall 2009 5

making a donation just got one click easier!IHM Direct is a giving program for friends and benefactorswishing to support the IHM Sisters on a monthlybasis. When you become a monthly donor, you help reduceadministrative costs, allowing your donation to go further.Your consistent, monthly donation is something we can counton, helping us to budget our resources more effectively. IHMDirect is a convenient, cost effective way to make sure yourdonation benefits the IHM Sisters immediately.Sheryl Lynn Sochoka, a new IHM Direct member,stands with one of her past Marywood Universityteachers, Sister Maria Rose Kelly, IHM.Sheryl Lynn Sochoka recently signed up for IHMDirect after receiving an IHM Connection Newsletter thatadvertised a new way to give.Sheryl is the publications director in the Marketing& Communications Department at Marywood University. “Iwas taught by the IHM’s throughout my schooling at Marywoodand have worked among IHM Sisters at Marywood forthe past 16 years,” she said. “One of my teachers was SisterMaria Rose Kelly.”“I find that IHM Direct is easy to use and a way togive more often. I know that the money is going to a goodcause,” Sheryl revealed.The IHM Sisters are grateful to donors like Sheryl,who have chosen IHM Direct to make a monthly gift. Thesedonations are a valuable and dependable source of income thathelps to ensure the consistency of our ministries.Please consider becoming a monthly donor throughautomatic deductions from your checking account or creditcard. For more information on IHM Direct, please send anemail to donate@sistersofihm.org and request a brochure. Orsimply go to www.sistersofihm.org, click on Supporting OurMinistries and click IHM Direct.It is the policy of the IHM Development Office toprotect the privacy of our friends and donors. We do not sharethe names and addresses of our benefactors with other organizations.We value your friendship. bRemembering the IHM Sisters at ChristmasLegal Title and AddressCongregation of the Sisters, Servantsof the Immaculate Heart of MaryIHM Center2300 Adams AvenueScranton, PA 18509At this time of year, it is most important to rememberthose who are most in need and to remember that we allhave much to be thankful for. We are united in the struggleto care for our families and elderly membersWe invite you to remember the IHM Sisters asyear-end approaches. For more information and stocktransfer instructions contact Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, at(570) 346-5431 or e-mail donate@sistersofihm.org.6 Fall 2009

The Annual IHM Service Trip took place inBaltimore, Maryland, the week of July 13, 2009.Six IHM Sisters and nine young women stayed withthe Oblate Sisters of Providence in Baltimore, and forone week the sisters and young women lived in communityby praying, working, and learning together.The Annual Service Trip is just one way thatSister Ruth Harkins, director of Vocations/Affiliates,builds a culture of vocations for the IHM Congregation.The primary service was moving school itemsout of the old Mother Seton Academy building. “Theyouthful energy of both the sisters and young womenwas contagious,” Sister Ruth said. “The volunteersformed a human chain to carry hundreds of boxes, Front (left to right): Sister Doreen Willis (center), and Sister Racheldesks, and filing cabinets down flights of steps.”Terry (center). Back (left to right): Sister Kathleen Lunsman (left),In addition, the group visited the Mother Lange Sister Susan Brown (center), Sister Helene Cooke (right), and SisterCenter and Saint Francis Academy to learn more about Ruth Harkins (right).the Oblate/IHM history. “The goal of the service trip is to allow young women to experience life as an IHM Sister inprayer, community and ministry,” Sister Ruth said. “They are given the opportunity to build community among each otherand to serve others.” Social networks such as Facebook, and the Congregation web site, are other ways young women canlearn about life as an IHM Sister. For more information on activities for young women interested in religious life pleasevisit www.sistersofihm.org and click on Interested In Joining Us? bLiving the Charism as an IHM AssociateAmy Fotta, assistant director of Collegiate Volunteersat Marywood University and a new IHM Associate,first experienced the charism of the IHM Sisters as anundergraduate student.As a student at Marywood, Amy became involvedwith local volunteer projects and national and internationalservice trips through her involvement with Campus Ministry.From her experiences as a student and as a co-worker,Amy felt that she had a strong connection to the mission of theIHM Sisters and was interested in becoming an associate. “Myundergraduate experiences helped shape who I am, and I thinkit was mostly the interaction with the IHM Sisters,” she said.“Even before I went to the information session I knew [that Iwanted to become an associate.]”In 2007, Amy joined two IHM Sisters and three otherwomen in a Circle of Grace. “In the Circle of Grace, welearned more in-depth about the history, mission, and charismof the IHM Sisters,” Amy said. “We were encouraged to makea connection to our own lives and a plan of how we wouldspread the mission, living and working as lay persons. That’swhat I enjoyed the most.”As a new IHM Associate commissioned in May of2009, Amy provides opportunities for Marywood students toconnect with the mission of the IHM Sisters. “We try to domore things with the students related to congregation-sponsoredministries, such as St. Joseph’s Center and Friends ofthe Poor,” Amy said.The Sisters are most welcoming of associates. “Witha husband and two little girls, I find the IHM Sisters are likean extension of my family.” For information about becomingan IHM Associate, contact Sister Jean Louise Bachetti at (570)963-2480 or bachej@sistersofihm.org. bAmy Fotta (right) is pictured with two Marywood University studentsduring a service trip to St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Fall 2009 7

#Become a Member of Our Silver Circle!Yes! I would like to support the retired IHM Sisters.Please send me Silver Circle Membership Forms @ $25 each.Please make checks payable to: Sisters of IHMNameAddressSister Kathleen O’Dea, IHM (left)with Sister Emerita Gasper, IHM (right).CityStateZip CodePhoneE-mailIHM Center Development Office2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509Visit the NEW web site at www.ihmsilvercircle.orgIHM Connection is published by the Development Office of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, IHM Center, 2300Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509. The purpose of the newsletter is to communicate the works and needs of the IHM Congregation.President: Sister Mary Persico; Director of Development: Sister Kathleen Lunsmann; Grant/Publications Writer: Heather M. Gazella.CONNECTIONSisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of MaryIHM Center, Development Office2300 Adams AvenueScranton, PA 18509Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 39Scranton, PA