2014 IHM Chapter Underway - Congregation of the Sisters, Servants ...

March 20132014 IHM Chapter UnderwayThe first gathering of IHM Delegates for Chapter 2014 began with prayer and ritual in the IHM Center Chapelon March 2. Sister Terry O’Rourke welcomed the delegates and participants in her opening remarks. The ritualincluded the laying of a stole on the shoulder of each of the 141 delegates as a commissioning for the work ofChapter. With the chapter candle, Sister Rachel Terry lead the procession of delegates and participants to the TheresaMaxis Conference Center where the meeting began at 10:00 a.m.Following Sister Terry’s welcome to those viewing via closed circuit TV at OLP and the IHM Center, she alsowelcomed sisters viewing via video streaming in Sicuani and Lima, Peru, Florida, North Carolina, and Maryland.Sister Terry then introduced the chapter facilitator, Sister Mary Jo Nelson, OLVM.Sister Mary Jo provided a brief reflection on contemplative dialogue noting that contemplative practices anddialogue can lead to a “way of being” that expands consciousness, decreases dualism and cultivates non-violence.She emphasized, “For dialogue to be effective in a chapter, there needs to be faith sharing and contemplativesilence integrated into the whole process,” and further noted that for dialogue to be most effective there needs tobe “welcome and acceptance” and “diversity” without which there can be no change nor growth. She concludedwith the words of Miriam Therese Larkin, CSJ, former LCWR president, who said, “In the Conference (LCWR)we have often identified dialog as a means to communion. This dialog is not simply a means to be used until weachieve our ends. Dialog is, as Paul VI has said, of the essence of the Church—relationships within the Churchmust have the character of a dialog. To engage in dialog, as we have committed ourselves, is to engage primarilycontinued on page 2Members of the Chapter 2014 Coordinating Committee: L-R Sisters Gail Cabral, Donna Korba, Angela Kim,facilitator Mary Jo Nelson, OLVM, Kathleen Lunsmann, Nancy DeCesare, and Terry O’Rourke.

IHM Newsletter - March 2013 page 2Chapter - continued from page 1in the process of changing relationships.”Following a slideshow of IHM sisters in ministry and the video, We are the oneswe are waiting for, participants were asked to reflect on and share responses to twoquestions, “How do we stand together?” and “How do I experience myself enteringinto the joys and griefs of the people of this world?”After lunch, Sister Mary Jo introduced the process to be used in the afternoonsession which included shared dialogue on images given to each group. Sisters inremote sites connected to circle groups via SKYPE to engage in the shared process.Circle groups were asked to submit a question that needs to be explored to realizethe hopes of the sisters in each group.The Saturday meeting concluded with nominations for members of the ChapterCoordinating Committee and Chapter Tellers.The Sunday, March 3, business meeting began with the election of the ChapterCoordinating Committee. Elected were Sisters Gail Cabral, Nancy DeCesare, AngelaKim, Donna Korba, and Kathleen Lunsmann. Sisters Gail and Kathleen willserve as co-chairs of the committee.Elected as Chapter Tellers were Sisters Susan Brown, Kathleen Clancy, CarrieFlood, Grace Surdovel and Rachel Terry.Elected Secretary of Record was Sister Kathryn Kurdziel.Elected as reviewers of the End Term Report were Sisters Mary Ellen Merrick,Christine Mihelich, and Mary Persico.Following the elections, Sister Terry O’Rourke addressed issues regardinge-delegates and canon law citing responses from canon lawyer Sister SharonHolland, IHM. Sister Ellen Maroney then reviewed the preparations made by thecongregation to accomodate e-delegates citing that the process incorporates thethree technologies of video streaming for presentations, SKYPE for small groupdiscussions, and WebX for open mic sharing. Testimonials by e-delegates and e-participants via WebX in support of the use of technology at Chapter followed.The vote surpassed the two thirds majority needed to affirm the participation ofe-delegates at Chapter. Therefore, ten e-delegates will participate via the Internet atfuture Chapter meetings. All delegates must be physically present at the Chapter ofAffairs and Chapter of Elections.The next Chapter meeting will be April 27 and 28. The Mission Board will meetFriday, April 26 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Theresa Maxis Conference Center.CCC Asks Members to Dialogue on QuestionsIn order to shape the next step in our Chapter process, the Chapter CoordinatingCommittee invites local communities, mission groups, conversation circles, andfriends to review the responses from the March 2-3 Chapter meeting, engage infurther conversation, and provide feedback on these questions:1. Reflect on this brief summary and respond to these two questions:a. What is most important to you from the summary?b. What is the relationship among these questions/ideas?2. Gather with others for a conversation and prepare a group response to the eachof the two questions.3. Submit responses to: chapterfeedback@sistersofihm.org by March 18.or mail to CCC c/o Communications, 2300 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA 185094. Summary and questions may be found on www.sistersofihm.org go to Sisters’login, then to IHM Chapter Documents.Day of Serviceto be Held inNorth Beach,MarylandThe members of theIHM Conversation Circlein the Maryland/DC areahave been brainstormingways to promote religiouslife and the IHM Congregation.The first event washeld on February 23 andthe next will be March 23both at the IHM conventin North Beach, MD.Sister Ruth Harkinshas been approached bysome students at CUAwho are looking at religiouslife and the membersof the conversationcircle thought these eventsmight provide good opportunitiesfor those womenand others to come toknow the IHM Sisters.Please invite womenwho are interested ingiving service with IHMSisters to this March 23gathering in North Beach.Reservations andquestions may be directedto:Sister Ruth Harkins:harkir@sistersofihm.org202-239-1719Sister Ann Parker:srann@stanthonycal.us443-964-8243Sister Eileen Clinton:e70clinton@hotmail.com443-964-8243

page 3Visit to PeruIHM Newsletter - March 2013From February 13 to February19, Sisters Chris Koellhoffer andKathy Kurdziel gathered withIHM sisters who live and ministerin Peru. Sisters Mary ElaineAnderson and Norma Poma Arpihosted the gathering in their newhome in Chorrillos, and werejoined by Sisters Eileen Egan,Tomasa Fernandez, Jeanne MarieKearney, and Ancilla Maloney.During the week, the grouphad the opportunity to experiencethe beginning of Lent, laCuaresma, Peruvian style in aparish community liturgy. SisterKathy led the group in the Keysto the Future: Moving Forward inHope workshop. In addition, SisterNorma shared about her new ministryas a teacher and Sister AncillaL-R front: Sisters Tomasa Fernandez, Norma Poma Arpi, Chris Koellhoffer,Eileen Egan. Back: Mary Elaine Anderson, Jeanne Marie Kearney,Kathryn Kurdziel, Ancilla Maloney.shared about her ministry as a pastoral worker in Sicuani. Time was also given to extended conversation about therealities of vocation and formation work in the context of the Peruvian culture and the diverse ways in which theIHM mission continues to flourish in Peru.IHM Sisters Hold Evening of Prayer for the People of HaitiMore than 100 people gathered February 13 at the IHM Center Chapel forevening prayer to remember the people of Haiti. Sister Susan Hadzima offeredthe following remarks.Thank you for coming to pray together as we begin this Lenten season.This evening we gather to stand in solidarity and prayer for the people ofHaiti; a people who have known poverty and suffering beyond human imagination;a people of special significance to the IHM Congregation, whose ownfoundress, Theresa Maxis Duchemin, was born of a Haitian woman who hadmigrated to Baltimore; a people who three years ago endured an earthquakeof immense proportions that left not a soul untouched by death or disappearance;and a people with whom we share a very special bond dating back to1995 when the Tri IHM Haiti Outreach Project was established to acknowledgeour Haitian roots, raise awareness about the critical economic situationin Haiti and support the people of Haiti through a twinning relationship withthe Little Sisters of Sainte Therese, the first indigenous congregation of womenreligious in HaitiWe stand in solidarity and pray with a people who continue to suffer, whoselives were forever changed on January 12, 2010, when the devastating earthquakeleveled the poorest country in the western hemisphere and where threeSister Susan Hadzimayears later life has not returned to normalcy. Yes, an estimated 80% of all the debris has been cleared, 200 newschools have been built and roughly 3 million children have received vaccines against polio, measles and rubella.continued on page 4

IHM Newsletter - March 2013 page 4North Beach Retreat Day Held for Young WomenThe IHM sisters in Maryland and Washington, DC, invited youngwomen to a day of shared prayer and conversation at St. Anthony’sConvent in North Beach, MD. The first of two scheduled events, thismini retreat day called “Come to the Water” was an effort to connect withcollege age women who seek opportunities for shared prayer and wantto learn about deepening their spiritual lives. The schedule of the dayincluded the viewing of the IHM DVD and conversation about the IHMCore Values, an input session on prayer followed by sharing, lunch, sometime for adoration or a quiet walk. The day ended with more sharing and aclosing prayer. Questions like, “How do you like to pray?” and “How doyou experience God’s call in your life?” were posed to the sisters and theparticipants alike which lead to lively and enriching conversation for all.These young women were invited to this retreat day by sisters whoknew them from their ministry. The sisters who planned the retreat dayfound that the most effective way to invite young women was by sendingan e-mail with the flyer attached and then following up with a phone call.Many of those invited expressed a desire to come and hoped there wouldbe another retreat day scheduled soon. The next event in North Beach is aretreat day with a focus on service on Saturday, March 23, from 8:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m.Pictures Missing from March 2 Chapter ProcessHaiti - continued from page 3But, challenges remain dauntingas 80 percent of the populationstill exists below the poverty lineand the unemployment rate hoversat 40 percent. And sadly, morethan 350,000 Haitians are stillrelegated to living in the 496 tentcamps throughout their country.Many pledges for earthquake aidremain unfulfilled and more andmore the Haitian people have beenleft out of the decision making andactual rebuilding efforts in theirown country.Fittingly we begin this Lentenseason in prayerful solidarity withour Haitian brothers and sisters.We hear the invitation to rememberthe journey to resurrection,to return to God with our wholehearts, to slow down and notice themovements of our hearts and thechoices of our lives. This eveningwe choose to be present to thesuffering of the Haitian people, anenduring suffering that may feellike God’s betrayal, God’s silence,God’s absence. We hold onto ourfaith, faith in a God who desiresgood, who lives in this world inour pain, in our sorrow and in ourjoys. Christ shows us that mercy ismore than compassion or justice.Mercy requires us to become onewith the poor and hurting, to livetheir misery as though it were ourown. In Jesus, we see a God sogenerous he gives himself away outof love. In this Lenten season, mayJesus show us how to love, how tolove unconditionally and withoutlimits.Attention sisters who attended the Chapter meeting March 2-3! Several pictures from the Saturday session aremissing. If sisters found one or more of them among their belongings when they arrived home, please keep themin a safe place and bring them to the next Chapter meeting April 27-28. These pictures belong to the facilitator,Sister Mary Jo Nelson, and are part of an expensive and professionally designed set. Please return. Thank you!

page 5St. Henry, Gresham, OR, 100th Celebrationby Sister Kathleen Lannak, IHMOn January 13, St. Henry Catholic Church in Gresham,Oregon, celebrated its 100th anniversary. From 1951 until1971 our sisters served in the parish school. It was a verysad day for the six sisters who were in Gresham in 1971to realize, or even accept, that there would no longer beIHMs there to serve. While it was so far away from most ofthe sisters’ families, they had built up a community spiritfocused on their prayer life together, the day-in and day-outchallenges and joys of teaching, and the wonderful escapesto Cannon Beach and other awesome spots on the Pacificcoast! They had a second hand, red, four door Ford Galaxywhich they drove not only to these places but on an unforgettabletrip across the United States to visit family andfriends!They held so many special memories, some sad, too, likewhen the pastor, Father Augustine Meyers, was diagnosedwith cancer. It was Father Meyers who built the presentChurch, school and convent. He was determined to havereligious in the school and did convince our congregationto send Sisters to St. Henry. To say that he was devastatedwhen he was told that our sisters were leaving his parishschool was an understatement. He died in the fall of 1971just a few months after our sisters departed.IHM Newsletter - March 2013About nine of the Sisters who were stationed in Gresham returned there some fifteen years ago for a school reunion.The school looked the same but the convent was being used as a second-hand clothes store. Today it housesJesuit volunteers who work with the poor in Gresham and the surrounding areas. The school is divided up intosmaller rooms for the use of the different social outreach programs run by the parish.My memories of Gresham are like they happened yesterday even though it is forty-two years ago. The presidentof the Home and School Association, when the school closed, was Mike McKenzie who is pictured with hiswife, Sue, in the photo above. They have kept in touch with me all these years and share their memories like itwas just yesterday, too. While there is no doubt that our congregation has made an indelible mark on the people ofSt. Henry, they in turn will always have a special place in my heart and prayer!At the anniversary liturgy, a standing ovation was given to the IHM Sisters for their presence and service in St.Henry parish. While it was a bittersweet experience to be there, it was, nonetheless, good for me to be there.Sister Kathleen Lannak (aka Sister St. Bernard) served in Gresham from 1965-1971).Sister Donna KorbaL-R: Mike McKenzie, Sister Kathleen Lannak,and Sue McKenzieIHM Joins LCWR Think Tank for Systemic ChangeSister Donna Korba joined congregational leaders and justice promotersin participating in the fifteenth LCWR Think Tank for Systemic Change,“Between Religion and Revelation: Faithful Discipleship in Today’sChurch,” in February at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, AZ.The presenter, Anthony Gittins, CSSp, led the group in exploring togetherthe power of imagination in breaking open our vision of church. Theyconsidered the way in which asking the questions, “What if?” and “Whynot?” can lead to new frontiers of vision and creativity for mission. Theyreflected on the mystery of Trinity as the source of all mission.Sister Donna Korba served on the planning committee for the program.

IHM Newsletter - March 2013 page 6Keys to the Future Next StepsThe following are the suggestions of fourmore groups of IHMs who participated in theKeys to the Future process:Sisters Gail Cabral, Mary Elizabeth Ehling, Alphonsa Concilio, JoanQuinn, Babette Opferman, Ann Newell recommended: believing in thediversity and depth of the spiritual life within us; seeking life; simplifying;inviting various age groups, former members.Sisters Carol Lubas, Celesta Sinisi, Maryla Farfour, Chris Koellhoffer,Chris Mihelich suggested: inviting former members, one-on-one contact,outreach to youth including junior high students; public renewal of vows;asking more people to participate, using current technology, e.g. Twitter,etc.; being faithful and expecting God’s blessingAlejandra Marroquin and Sisters Jean Louise Bachetti, Dorothy Haney,Kathy Kurdziel proposed: inviting women to our homes and into our IHMministries; using the IHM website, Facebook, and other marketing toolsand keeping them current; organizing something like JVC (Jesuit VolunteerCorps) for a year of service; inviting women to evening prayer; recruitingfrom other countries such as Africa, South America, South Koreaor from those populations here in the US; public renewal of vows usingthe long form; bowling; pizza and prayer; advertising in church bulletins;not shrinking from media coverage.Sisters Elsa Eckenrode, Jean Coughlin, Ann Mary Boslett, Mary EllenMalloy, Grace Campbell, Fran Fasolka, Maryalice Jacquinot encouragedus to: Be the religious we professed to be. Recommit to inviting youngwomen into our homes; live simply, joyfully and with gratitude; invitepeople back who left or were never accepted; explore vocations in Africa,Peru; expand the use of the Internet to assist those searching; includediscernment tools to help women understand our vocation; create drop-inplaces and a discernment house.IHM Service ExperienceServing the People ofCarbondaleJuly 7-13IHM Sisters have been servingthe people of Carbondale, PA,since 1876.A year ago as sisters, staffand friends prayed their farewellat Marian Community Hospital,Sister Terry O’Rourke promisedthe people of Carbondale that theIHM Sisters would not abandonthem.Honoring this promise, theIHM Vocation Team will sponsora week of service to the peopleof Carbondale. The Sisters of St.Joseph Convent have graciouslyextended the hospitality of theirhome and community to the youngadult women who will serve duringthat week. If you know a youngadult woman (ages 14-40) whowould benefit from this experience,please invite her or if you wish toparticipate in the service experienceyourself, please contact SisterKathy Kurdziel 570-346-5414 orkurdzielk@sistersofihm.org formaterials and further information.Catholic Schools Week: An Opportunity to Share the IHM CharismThe students at St. John the Evangelist celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a community outreach day.Each class prayed for a specific group in the community and then representatives from the community groupswent to the school where each was presented with a gift from the class. Groups included the community library, alocal hospital, the police department, Knights of Columbus, a nursing home and the IHM Sisters.The Kindergarten students each purchased one or two skeins of blue or white yarn. The yarn (nearly 60 skeins)was given to Sister Mary Helen for sisters to make afghans to be sold Heartworks.Sister Myra Gilbart and Sister Theresa Frere plan to visit the students in a few months to show them photos ofwhat the IHM sisters made with the yarn.Sister Myra commented that such activities give life to the IHM charism in Catholic schools where IHM sistersminister.

page 7IHM Newsletter - March 2013ASEC Recognized at ACCU Annual Meeting in Washington, DCAt the annual Association of the Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) meetingheld on February 2-4, 2013 in Washington, DC, the African Sisters Education Collaborative(ASEC) was featured as a collaboration that exemplifies the 2013 ACCU theme,Catholic Higher Education and Globalization: Finding Our Place in the New Global Commons.Gathered for this annual ACCU meeting were cardinals, bishops, presidents andexecutives from Catholic colleges and universities. The presidents of the ASEC foundingcolleges and universities together with ASEC’s executive director were represented. Videodocumenting ASEC programs, activities and achievements aired at the opening banquetwith over 400 conference attendees in session:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjsL3SvMv04ASEC was acclaimed for its role in making a difference for sisters in Africa throughempowerment, capacity building, creative use of technology, and training and educationprograms. Through collaboration, ASEC has built global relationships and is deliveringcost-effective education that transforms lives and energizes leadership from within Africansocieties to re-build communities where the best of indigenous traditions meet the best opportunities that globalconnectivity can provide. At the presidents’ meeting, Sister Anne Munley, IHM, president of Marywood Universityshared about ASEC programs. A table with materials on ASEC programs was available all day for the conferenceattendees to learn more about ASEC programs that include the Sisters Leadership Development Initiative;Higher Education for Sisters in Africa; Service Learning Program and ASEC Scholarship Program for BigwaSisters Secondary School in Tanzania. Sister Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, executive director was on hand to answerquestions from the conference attendees. Recognition was given to all ASEC founding member congregations anduniversities, and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation who partners with ASEC to deliver the SLDI program. ASECwas recognized as an initiative that not only provides educational opportunities for women religious in Africa, butalso sharpens global experiences for students from the US colleges and universities.ASEC has expanded educational opportunities and access to education in Africa for large numbers of womenreligious lacking secondary and more advancedlevels of education, enabling themto take critical leadership roles in buildingsocietal infrastructures such as schools, hospitals,and orphanages.Education is essential to resolving crisesin Africa, and that is what ASEC is doing.ASEC sees higher education as the key toempowering self-sufficiency and achievingGod-given potential, much as the sisters didfor the immigrant populations in the UnitedStates more than 100 years ago. Certainlyupon acquiring an education, the sisters inAfrica have become agents of change bymentoring others in their congregations, andexpanding the circle of empowerment to thepeople. Over 8000 sisters, their staff andcolleagues have been mentored individuallyand in groups. Both mentors and menteesserve a total population of 1,436,422 people.Sister Jane Wakahiu,LSOSF, executivedirector ASECSister Anne Munley during a visit to the Bigwa SistersSecondary School in Tanzania

IHM Newsletter - March 2013 page 8IHM Presents atImmaculata UniversityMembers of the Marywood Seminary Alumnae Association held a MardiGras Celebration for the Sisters of Our Lady of Peace Residence onSaturday, February 9. An afternoon of comedy and music was presentedby the following entertainers: Father Joseph Sica, Sister Miriam JosephReinhardt, IHM, Michael O’Malley, Michelle Conaboy, Cathy, Joseph,Kristin and Micah Hardaway. Pictured with Father Sica are Seminaryalumnae and members of the planning committee from left: RosemaryMalloy, Catherine Clarke, Roseann Brutico, JoAnn Ratchford, SisterMaryla Farfour, IHM, Father Joseph Sica, Nan Wandalowski, KathleenO’Hara, Marjorie Barlow, Joyce Welby, Michelle Gerrity Druther andMarie Barrett.Sweet Charity Singing for St. Joe’sSweet Charity, a non-profit performance troupe, recently presented a checkin the amount of $17,500 to Sister Maryalice Jacquinot, director of St. Joseph’sCenter in Scranton, to benefit the many programs the center offers.Shown during the check presentation are, from left, Char Jeffers, foundingmember of Sweet Charity; Sister Maryalice; and founding Sweet Charitymembers Kathy Elgaway and Father James Paisley, who serves as pastorof St. Therese Parish in Shavertown.Sister John Michele Southwickgave a presentation at ImmaculataUniversity on March 5 on the topicof “God’s Love and Sexual Orientation.”Sister has been workingwith the administration at Immaculatafor the past several yearshelping them begin a program toeducate staff and students aboutissues surrounding homosexualityand the Catholic Church. Twoyears ago Immaculata began theirAwake program to train advocates,faculty, students and staff, to besupport persons on campus for theGLBT community.Sister John Michele was instrumentalin starting the MarywoodUniversity Ally program in 1997.The program proposal received theblessing of the MU Board of Trusteesas well as Bishop Timlin.The MU Ally program’sphilosophy is based on CatholicSocial Teaching which holdsevery human being precious. Theprogram’s mission is based on thepastoral letter from the NationalConference of Catholic Bishops,Always Our Children, which states,“One component of our sexualidentity is sexual orientation… Allhomosexual persons have a right tobe welcomed into the community,to hear the word of God, and toreceive pastoral care….”Sister John Michele serves asthe moderator for the The MU Allyprogram. The program has helpedto educate hundreds of staff,faculty, and students over the pastsixteen years and continues to welcomeand support GLBT personsand their allies.

page 9IHM Newsletter - March 2013Jubilarians in Scranton Diocese CelebratedThe Diocese observed the World Day for Consecrated Life with a Mass last Sunday in St. Peter’s Cathedral for66 women and men religious who are celebrating jubilees – 25, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and even 75 years in religious life.Those who were able to attend the liturgy are pictured here with Bishop Bambera. Bishop Bambera offered the followinggreeting: “My dear sisters and brothers in Consecrated Life, we, the People of God thank you for challenging us toput our trust in the same God who has filled your lives with hope. We thank you for inviting us to lift our eyes beyondthe overwhelming events of everyday life to the simple, life giving way of Jesus. And we thank you for reminding us –through the example of your lives – of the treasure that is ours when we live not so much for ourselves, but for Christ– in service of our brothers and sisters.”Pictured Row 1: Sr. Gerard Marie O’Connor, lsp; Sr. Romaine M. Krug, IHM; Sr. Dolorosa Loughney, IHM; Sr. St.Kenneth Polley, IHM; Sr. Ave Maria Foley, IHM; Bishop Bambera; Sr. Franceline M. Krug, IHM; Sr. Editha Fondecchia,IHM; Sr. Mary Edward Loftus, IHM; Sr. Michel Keenan, IHM; Sr. Mary Frances Rassley, IHM; Sr. Gloria Frank,IHM. Row 2: Rev. Philip A. Altavilla, St. Peter’s Cathedral pastor; Rev. Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G., Vicar Generaland Director of Clergy Personnel; Sr. Josita Karnish, OSF; Sr. Doris Burkot, OSF; Sr. Theresa Fitzgerald, IHM; Sr.Janice Berry, IHM; Sr. Maria Voorneveld, IHM; Sr. Jacinta Guinther, IHM; Sr. Immacule Zdanowicz, OSF; Sr. AnnaMae Milus, OSF; Sr. Ann Damian Schwegler, OSF; Sr. Mary Beth Makuch, SS.C.M., Delegate for Consecrated Life.Row 3: Sr. Maria del Rey Shevlin, IHM; Sr. Stephanie Olek, RSM; Sr. Kathleen Mary Smith, RSM; Sr. AnysiaDonohue, IHM; Sr. Mary Ann Adams, IHM; Sr. Maria Rose Kelly, IHM; Sr. Miriam Joseph Reinhardt, IHM; Sr. EileenColeman, IHM; Sr. Lenore M. McAllister, IHM; Sr. Mary Elizabeth Sheffer, O.Carm; Sr. Immacolata Scarogni, SCC;Sr. Carleen Boehlert, IHM; Rev. Edward Buchheit, C.P.; Rev. Brice Edwards, C.P.Legion of MaryMembers of the Legion of Mary in theDiocese of Scranton recently celebratedthe 90th anniversary of the establishmentof the organization of lay faithfulin the Diocese. Sister Rosella Salvato,IHM, serves as the spiritual director forthe organization. The Legion of Maryis active in the Diocese through 13praesidia (small groups), whereby thelegionaries carry out apostolic worksin the spirit of faith and in union withMary.

IHM Newsletter - March 2013 page 10570-595-7548ihmcresco@yahoo.comPrivate or Directed RetreatThese retreats may be scheduled anytime throughout the year at a timeconvenient for you. Please call 570-595-7548 to arrange for the retreat ofyour choice.Lenten Morning of PrayerMondays: March 11 & 18Arrive for Mass and depart 10:00 a.m.Most people want to do somethingextra during the season of Lent. Planto attend the 8:15 a.m. Mass in theIHM Convent Chapel, and then spendan hour in prayer and reflection on thethemes of Lent.Twenty-Four Hour RetreatSaturday, March 9 - Sunday, March 10Arrive: Saturday, 11:00 a.m.Depart: Sunday, 11:00 a.m.Using Anthony de Mello’s themes ofsilence, joy, peace, freedom, life andlove this retreat will include video presentation,prayer experiences, exercisesand sharing. Donation: $60.00. $30 forIHM Sisters. Deadline for registration:March 2Holy Week RetreatSunday, March 24 - Sunday, March 31Arrive: Palm Sunday, 4:00 pmDepart: Easter Sunday 10:00 amThe Holy Week retreat experiencewill be a time of silence and extendedpersonal prayer. Meeting with a directoris an option. The retreat will culminatewith the Triduum Liturgies. Donation:$210.00 for Scranton IHMs. Deadlinefor registration: Sunday, March 17Triduum RetreatThursday, March 28 - Sunday,March 31Arrive: Wed. or Thurs. at a time convenientfor you. Let us know your arrivaltime when you register. These intensedays of silence in preparation for Easterwill be conducive to reflection on themysteries to be celebrated each dayof the Triduum. Retreatants will jointhe Most Holy Trinity Community forTriduum services in Msgr. McHughSchool. Donation: $100 for Wednesdayarrival $90 for Thursday arrival.Deadline for registration: One weekprior to arrival.Grief Support GroupMondays: April 8, 15, 22, 29 andMay 6, 13Arrive: 6:30 pm Depart: 8:00 pmThis six week course is designed tomeet the demands of those who aregrieving, no matter when the lossoccurred. The course will provide anunderstanding of the grieving process,together with techniques, activities andstrategies to assist the participants.Free will donationDeadline for Registration: Monday,April 1Spiritual TeaWednesday, April 10Arrive 1:00 pm Depart: 3:00 pmRenew your acquaintance with friendsfrom previous afternoons of tea or makenew friends as you pray, reflect andrelax.Spring Day of PrayerThursday, April 18Arrive: 10:00 am Depart: 3:00 pmAll creation is renewed at this season ofthe year. That is why it is so appropriateto spend time in reflection, prayer andsharing on how God gifts us with manygraces and blessings.Donation: $25.00Deadline for Registration: Thursday,April 11Our Lady of GraceSpiritual CenterManhasset, New York 11030516-627-9255olgcenter@gmail.comwww.olgmanhasset.comLenten WorkshopMonday, March 119:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Pray, Meditate, ReflectYou’ve told God what’s wrong andwhat needs fixing. Join us as we reflecton improving our contact with Godusing scripture and the 12 steps. Togetherwe can find a gentle approach toseeking God’s will through prayer andmeditation.Karen MusicaroCost: $40 (includes lunch)Health LectureFriday, April 1210:00 am– 12:00 pmWhat’s Sleep Got To Do With It?Why do we sleep? How much sleep dowe need? Separating sleep facts fromfiction; Sleep in different time zones;Sleep hygiene.Dr. Ida MassanoCost: $25 (includes lunch)Refreshing Your SpiritSunday, April 149:30 am-3:30 pmA Day of Spiritual RenewalFor Men and Women in a 12 StepprogramSister Maurice is a highly esteemedretreat leader. She brings humor and anaffable style of presentation as well asan understanding of the daily struggle.Sister Maurice Doody, OPCost: $50 (includes lunch)Yoga RetreatFriday, May 3 (6 pm)Sunday, May 5 (11:30 am)Praying with Body, Mind and SpiritAn introduction to meditative prayerin the Christian tradition and the roleof the body in prayer. A devotionalapproach to meditation and yoga posturesis taught as a way of anchoringone’s practice in the soil of Christianfaith praying through the full expressionof one’s being.Reverend Thomas Ryan, CSPCost: $250

page 11Team of Rivals: The Political Genius ofAbraham Lincolnby Doris Kearns GoodwinReviewed by Sister Mary Joan Kelleher, IHMWhen Lincoln won the Republican nomination for president in1860, each of his rivals felt that the wrong man had been chosen, WhenLincoln won the presidency, he asked his opponents to join his cabinet;William H. Seward became Secretary of State; Salmon P. Chase becameSecretary of the Treasury; Edward Bates became the Attorney General andEdwin Stanton became the Secretary of War. Eventually each man wouldexpress opposition to one or more aspects of Lincoln’s presidential agenda.None, however, were able to dissuade Lincoln from his course.Although all the members of his administration were more experiencedin public life, Lincoln became their undisputed leader. Lincoln’smastery in dealing with the issue of slavery and the possible dissolution ofthe Union showed his political genius. His uncanny understanding of thepower of the presidency enabled him to govern so effectively.Ms Kearns-Goodwin writes, “The rising intensity of the slaveryissue and the threatening dissolution of the nation itself provided Lincolnand his colleagues with the opportunity to save and improve the democracyestablished by Washington, Jefferson and Adams, creating what Lincolnlater called a new birth of freedom.”This review only touches on the political greatness of Lincoln.Only be reading the book can one come to appreciate the complex nature ofAbraham Lincoln’s leadership.IHM Business OfficeReminder from the Driving CommitteeAs of January 1, 2013, all sisters age 75 or older are required to takea “Behind the Wheel” driving test with a qualified state licensed drivinginstructor and submit the Certificate of Completion or report from theinstructor to the Office of Temporal Resources.Thank you to those who have taken the test and submitted the report.Those who have not are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.If you have decided not to drive any more, please send a letter to SisterEllen Carney advising her of this decision.The revised Driving Policy can be found on the web atwww.sistersofihm.org. Go to the Sisters’ login and IHM Documents andForms.IHM Newsletter - March 2013IHM EventsMission Board MeetingFriday, April 26, 2013Chapter MeetingApril 27-28, 2013Assembly and Chapter MeetingJuly 25-27, 2013JubileeJuly 28, 2013Mission Board MeetingNovember 15, 2013Chapter MeetingNovember 16-17, 2013Chapter 2014Discernment DayFebruary 1, 2014Chapter of Affairs/ElectionsMarch 6-9, 2014Chapter of Affairs/ElectionsApril 3-6, 2014OSP IHM 170thAnniversary Gatheringat Marywood UniversityJuly 12-15, 2015IHM CongregationVitae(as of March 7, 2013)Final Profession - 406Temporary Profession - 4

IHM Newsletter - March 2013 page 12IHM DirectoryUpdatewww.sistersofihm.orgOnline directoryMary Elaine AndersonNorma Poma ArpiCalle 7 BaratariaManzana A-3 / Lote 24Cedros de VillaChorrillos011-511-255-5064Rosemarie GregorioSt. Michael Convent46 Midland StreetSimpson, PA 18407570-282-2133Jeanne Marie KearneyApartado 18-0629MirafloresLima 18, PeruMary Denise ThomasSt. Joseph Convent92 Lincoln AvenueCarbondale, PA 18407570-876-4570Angelique VannicolaPax Christi House207 Rear South Irving AvenueScranton, PA 18505570-341-8190I cannot express to you enoughour sincere gratitude for the continuedsuccess of the Silver Circleprogram this year. Not only did wereach our goal of 7,000 subscriptions,but we are continuing tosurpass it. 7,073 memberships havebeen sold as of February 18, 2013.In celebration of reaching ourgoal, the Development Office will behosting a Silver Circle Trivia Challengein which all are welcome toparticipate. Trivia Challenge detailswill be available shortly. In addition,a special party will be held with aspecial treat and an extra seller’sdrawing. Thank you, again, for all ofyour hard work and determination.Please continue to submit additionalSilver Circle memberships bythe third Wednesday of each month,as there are still plenty of chances towin.IHM Connection is now availableonline. If you would like to discontinuereceiving paper copies of IHMConnection and would, instead,prefer to receive electronic copiesvia e-mail, please write toarmbrustl@sistersofihm.orgThank you!- Sister Ann Monica BubserAn Ex c e l l e n t Vo c a t i o n To o l !Lessons from Life1/2 price sale$4.50 until April 15Order now: 570-346-5404communications@sistersofihm.orgAlso available as E-Book atwww.amazon.comwww.barnesandnoble.comSpatial RacismWebinarSaturday, March 99:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Marywood University(and other sites)Presenter: Freda G. SampsonMichigan Roundtablefor Diversity and Inclusionwww.ospihm.org/webinarThe Churchin the Modern World:Doing JusticePresenter:Sister Simone Campbell, SSSExecutive DirectorNETWORKMondayMarch 11, 20137:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Mount St. Joseph ConventAuditorium9701 Germantown AvenuePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaRSVP by February 28, 2013to Kathy Sekula610-664-6650 x564ksekula@mercymidatlantic.org

page 13Notes of GratitudeOn behalf of the Kane and Williams families we would like to thank the sistersfor the many Masses, prayers and cards received for our sister, Margaret Mary.Please continue to pray for us during this very difficult time of loss.- Sisters Margaret Mary and Mary Alice Kane, IHMIHM Newsletter - March 2013God ’s covenant hasbeen fulfilledThe family and friends of Sister Gillet Beach wish to thank all those who of-fered prayers, Masses and condolences upon the death of Sister Gillet.Sister Joel Marie and the Sheehe family are very grateful for your manyexpressions of sympathy. Thank you for your many prayers, Masses, and condolencesfor our sister, Mary Boyle.The family and friends of Sister St. Paul Cafferty wish to thank all those whooffered prayers, Masses and condolences upon the death of Sister St. Paul.The family of Sister Kathryn Rolley would like to extend our sincere thanksand grateful appreciation for all the kindness and care given to her during herillness and to family members during her funeral. Thanks especially to all whocared for Sister Kathryn on a daily basis and tended to her needs; to FatherScott and all those who particpated in and arranged her funeral Mass; to all theIHM Sisters and to everyone who prayed for and visited her, who sent manyprayer rememberances and Masses to be offered, and for the kind expressionsof sympathy; to all those who prepared the delicious luncheon served afterwards;and to anyone we may have missed, please know that we are gratefulfor everything you have done in any way to help Sister Kathryn. She will bemissed by many! - Alice FranekThe family and friends of Sister Laurentia Mayan wish to thank all those whooffered prayers, Masses and condolences upon the death of Sister Laurentia.Dear Sisters,We are most grateful for your love, prayers, cards, enrollments, and Massesgiven us at the time of our sister Helen’s entrance into eternal life. That daywas also Helen’s 101st birthday, Janaury 16. We ask God’s blessings on eachof you and yours. In His holy will,- Sisters Franceline, Romaine and Krug familySister Tomasa Fernandez sends her greetings to the IHM sisters and to thesisters of her Sojourners Mission Group. Sister Tomasa wishes to expressher gratitude for being able to connect via WebX and SKYPE at the March 3Chapter meeting. She sends her prayers for all and for a successful Chapter.Sister M. Greta Collins, IHMFebruary 14, 2013in the 74th yearof her religious professionOSP CoffeeFundraiserEvery purchase of coffee willbenefit the Oblate Sisters ofProvidenceWhat makes Organo Gold’scoffee healthier over normalcoffee is the added GanodermaLucidum that is in every cup.Ganoderma is known to containmany active elements thatsupport good health. Don’tjust take our word for it, placeyour order today at: http://oblatesisters.organogold.com/r/US/index.htmlSister Carlita Bird and family wish to express their gratitude for the outpouringof support, Masses offered, and sympathy cards received at the time of thedeath of Sister Greta Collins, IHM. May God bless you all.New oN the IhM webChapter Documents: http://www.sistersofihm.org/sisters-login-page/ihm-chapter-documents.htmlMass booklet cover art: http://store.ihmheartworks.org/merchant2/