Connections Fall 2017 | St. Louis Province

Published for the friends of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Fall 2017 

Serving the Dear Family 

At Journey House, sisters walk with women 

rebuilding their lives after prison

fromtheleadershipteam 

Connections is published twice a year for the friends 

of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis 

Province. Please send address changes and requests for 

additional copies to Editor, Connections, at the address 

above or to communications@csjsl.org. 

Province Leadership 

Editor 

Contributor 

Proofreaders 

Contributing Writers 

Design 

Photography 

Maureen Freeman, CSJ 

Mary Margaret Lazio, CSJ 

Marilyn Lott, CSJ 

Rita Marie Schmitz, CSJ 

Linda Straub, CSJ 

Jenny Beatrice 

Mission Advancement Office 

Sarah Baker 

Jane Behlmann, CSJ 

Kelly Davis 

Mary Flick, CSJ 

Sarah Baker 


Patty Cassens 

Patti Eischen 

Kathy Futhey 

Barbara K. Roberts 

Barnes and Liston Creative 

Sarah Baker 

Fred Barnes 


Linda Behrens, 

LK Photography+ 

Bernie Elking Photography 

Sisters Mary Margaret Lazio, Linda Straub, Maureen Freeman, Rita Marie Schmitz, Marilyn Lott. 

Dear Friends, 

In the Litany of St. Joseph, Joseph is named the “Glory of Home Life” and 

the “Pillar of Families.” If Joseph were asked, we can only imagine what he would 

say as to how he provided a home for Mary and his foster son, Jesus … 

The first home I provided for Mary and our newborn son, Jesus, was not what 

I had hoped for, but it was the love Mary and I poured forth that gave Jesus a 

real welcome. 

I was excited to return home, but I was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt. 

Harod was going to search for the child and kill him. I was unfamiliar 

with Egypt, but found and fixed a very comfortable home. We lived there 

peacefully for several years until Harod died. 

Then, in another dream, I was told to take the child and his mother to the 

land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life were dead. We went to a 

town called Nazareth where, finally, I could prepare a permanent home for 

Mary and my son. 

This journey taught me to be at home with myself and that I could be a 

provider for both Mary and Jesus, no matter the place. 

We might call the providers featured in this issue of Connections “Glory of 

Home Life” and “Pillars of Families,” too. They are providing women in need 

with shelter, a safe environment and the skills needed to take the next steps in 

their lives. Like Joseph, each of these providers is selfless and at home with 

themselves. 

May each of us reach out to share generously our hearts and homes. 

St. Joseph, Provider of Housing, keep all of us safe on our journeys through life. 

Province Leadership 

Connections is printed on recycled 

paper using earth-friendly, soy-based inks.

contents 

Connections | Fall 2017 


at Journey House in 

Kansas City 

page 14 

Features 

10 Home Sweet Home 

Sister Clare Bass brings hope and 

healing to the women of the Queen 

of Peace Center in St. Louis. 

12 Associate Spotlight 

Associate Nyakio Kaniu-Lake serves 

women of Kenya at the Agatha 

Amani House. 

13 Q & A: Heart of Community 

Sister Liz Brown reflects on 32 years 

of ministry in Okolona, Mississippi. 

Cover story: The road to rebuilding a life after prison is rife with 

hardships and obstacles. At Journey House in Kansas City, Missouri, the 

Sisters of St. Joseph walk that road with women rebuilding their lives, and 

in the process, help them create the family they’ve always wanted. 

On the cover, from left to right: Sister Gabrielle Smits, Martha Niemann and Rose McLarney 

Departments 

2 Around the Province News 

4 ACOF Convocation 

6 2017 Jubilarians 

18 Tributes and Memorials 

22 Generosity of Joseph 

At our 11th annual gala, we honored 

Angie O’Gorman, Marcellina Otti 

and David Armstrong—three 

individuals whose lives honor the 

mission of serving the dear neighbor. 

24 Donor Spotlight: Dr. Mara Baun 

25 Save the Dates 

Meet Our Newest 

Members 

Three women advance 

in their commitment 

to the CSJs 

page 8 

Follow Us: 

Visit www.csjsl.org 

for links to our social media sites. 

Connections | Fall 2017 1

aroundtheprovince 

SPONSORED INSTITUTIONS 

St. Teresa’s Academy Hosts Leadership Camp 

St. Teresa’s Academy students in Holy Family Chapel at the motherhouse. 

ST. LOUIS: CSJ-sponsored St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas 

City, Missouri, hosted its third summer CSJ Leadership 

Camp in which 22 young women immersed themselves 

in the tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph while learning 

leadership skills. During this time, the students stayed at 

and toured the province motherhouse as well as visited the 

retired sisters at Nazareth Living Center. One camper says 

of the experience, “In the motherhouse we have felt closer 

to each other and closer in faith. From wandering about 

this beautiful chapel to growing in our self-awareness, we 

discovered the benefits of furthering our spirituality.” 

St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf 

Expands Facility 

ST. LOUIS: CSJ-sponsored St. Joseph Institute for the 

Deaf (SJI) expanded its facility to allow the school to better 

serve its families both onsite in the classroom and online 

through its innovative iHear program. 

“We needed a space that reflected what we do, whom we 

serve and how the families want to receive services,” says 

Zareena Koch, SJI development director. 

With a clean look, integrated technologies and family 

spaces, SJI is better able to build relationships and promote 

learning for both children and parents. 

Fontbonne University to Make 

Debt-Free Private Education Possible 

for Low-Income Students 

ST. LOUIS: Fontbonne University has launched “The 

Fontbonne Promise,” a new program that makes the dream 

of a debt-free, private college education a reality for 

low-income students. “The Fontbonne Promise” is a unique 

opportunity for first-time, first-year Missouri residents who 

meet Fontbonne’s admission requirements and are calculated 

with an expected family contribution of zero on the Free 

Application for Federal Student Aid. The private university 

expects to award full tuition and fees for up to five years to 

at least 30 fall 2018 freshmen. 

“We want to change the paradigm. The neediest students 

who demonstrate academic ability deserve an opportunity to 

earn a college degree,” says Dr. J. Michael Pressimone, 

Fontbonne president. “By creating positive change in 

individual families, we are delivering on our promise to the 

community and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, our 

founders, to serve the dear neighbor without distinction, 

something that benefits the entire St. Louis region.” 

New Construction Replaces Nazareth 

Living Center’s Gleason Hall 

ST. LOUIS: Gleason Hall at CSJ co-sponsored Nazareth 

Living Center housed our aging sisters for more than 50 

years and welcomed lay residents in 1992. This summer, 

Gleason Hall began coming down to make room for 

something new—a 60-unit assisted living facility that is 

positioned to meet residents’ needs today and into the future. 

The new facility is expected to be completed in late 2018. 

More than bricks and mortar, Gleason Hall was holy ground, 

full of memories for sisters, residents, staff and volunteers. 

In May, the CSJ community honored its legacy with a Mass 

and reception. The building was blessed as were the sisters 

who moved to temporary destinations. Sister Donna Gunn, 

mission advisor for the Mission Advancement Office says, 

that open to the Spirit, the sisters who have had to undergo 

the challenge of relocation “continue to respond with a full 

heart as they are sent forth for the sake of the Gospel.” 

AWARDS 

Sisters of St. Joseph receive honor from 

The Center for Women in Transition 

ST. LOUIS: The Center for Women in Transition (CWIT) 

gave their Legacy Award to the Sisters of St. Joseph of 

Carondelet, recognizing the sisters’ 20 years of support to 

the organization. To date, CWIT has helped more than 

2,000 previously incarcerated women transition to a new life. 

Kellie Roberts, development director of CWIT, says, “The 

sisters have been with us through all our growing pains. It is 

astounding to see the life changes in so many women. The 

CSJs believe in us so we can help other people.” 

2 Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

KANSAS CITY: Sister Mary Kay 

Liston received the Neddine Parker 

Award of Excellence from the Truman 

Medical Center-Hospital Hill for her 

commitment to serving the health care 

provider’s mission as center archivist. 

She began volunteering there seven 

years ago when no archive existed at 

the medical center. 

Lisa Martin, director of volunteer 

services for the hospital, says, “Her commitment to 

chronicling the history of this hospital means a great deal 

to the clinicians, their families and the greater Kansas City 

community.” 

KANSAS CITY: The University of 

Missouri-Kansas City inducted Sister 

Rosemary Flanigan, teacher, ethicist and 

activist, into their Starr Women’s Hall 

of Fame for her leadership in education, 

health care and social justice. 

Her long-standing career in education 

includes teaching at Fontbonne, Avila and Rockhurst 

universities, as well as at her alma mater St. Teresa’s Academy. 

She served as the director of the Ethics Committee 

Development and Education at the Center for Practical 

Bioethics, which created an endowed chair in her name. 

She is known for being one of the “Sisters of Selma,” 

participating in the historic 1965 marches in Alabama 

for African-American voting rights. 

ST. LOUIS: The 

St. Charles Lwanga 

Center in St. Louis 

honored both Sister 

Barbara Moore and 

Associate Corliss Cox 

with Lifetime 

Achievement Awards for promoting Christian spiritual 

formation and leadership development within the African- 

American Catholic community. 

“Both women have been trailblazers in their fields. Both are 

inspirations to their community,” says Rev. Arthur Cavitt, 

executive director of the Lwanga Center. 

ST. LOUIS: Sister Teresa Maria 

Eagan was recognized by Cardinal 

Ritter Senior Services (CRSS) for 

her 25 years of residence at the Holy 

Infant Apartments in St. Louis, which 

celebrated its 25th anniversary. Sister 

Suzanne Wesley, CEO at CRSS, says, 

“Teresa has many, many friends at Holy 

Infant and always works to keep everything 

in proper order for all to enjoy.” 

TRANSITIONS 

Sister Marion Renkens retired after 

17 years of serving as motherhouse 

administrator. A familiar presence to 

so many visitors over the years, Sister 

Marion made the motherhouse a place 

of beauty and welcome for all who have 

walked through its doors. “It has been 

my privilege to offer hospitality and to have empowered 

others to provide this same gift to each other and to those 

who come to the motherhouse,” Sister Marion says. Joseph 

Wingbermuehle, former director of maintenance at the 

motherhouse, took over the administrator role this past winter. 

Sister Mary Ann Donovan retired after 

25 years of service in Kansas City’s 

Regional Mission Advancement. From 

1992 to 2002, she served as director, 

followed by 15 years as director emerita, 

providing a steady presence, raising funds, 

maintaining friendships and providing 

a wealth of wisdom to all. This spring, Sister Mary Ann 

moved to the motherhouse in St. Louis. She was recognized 

with a Mass and reception upon her Kansas City departure 

in March. 

In June, Associate Peggy Maguire 

retiried as director/co-director of CSJ 

Association after 11 years of service. 

One of the first four members to join the 

associate program in 1974, Peggy was 

an integral part of moving the program 

forward—a program that now includes 

337 associates. Peggy says of this success, “I just brought 

my love for the community.” Peggy’s former co-director, 

Associate Kay Komotos, will continue to lead the associate 

program as director. 



ACOF CONVOCATION 

First-ever congregational associate gathering 

focuses on relationships and future 

By Jenny Beatrice 

It was a historic moment when, in 

1974, six risk takers met at the Sisters 

of St. Joseph of Carondelet motherhouse 

in St. Louis to talk about forming a lay 

associate program. More than 40 years 

and 800-plus associates, consociates, 

‘Ohana and Familia de San José (ACOF) 

later, another historic moment for the 

Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet 

transpired—the first-ever ACOF Convocation. 

The convocation was held June 22 to 25 at CSJ-sponsored 

Fontbonne University in St. Louis with 70 participants— 

both sisters and ACOF—representing the Albany, Los 

Angeles, St. Louis and St. Paul provinces as well as the 

regions of Hawaii and Chilé. 

Two and a half years in the making, the event was the 

inspiration of the ACOF directors who were called by the 

2013 Acts of Chapter directives to deepen communion by 

being and acting in new ways as one congregation. 

“We reach out to one 

another because we 

speak the same 

language of love.” 

Carolina Rodriguez 

Familia de San José 

The convocation was designed to 

help ACOF develop relationships with 

one another, strengthen commitment to 

mission and deepen the desire to live out 

the CSJ charism of loving unity. Dianne 

Nelson, former director of Association 

from the Los Angeles province says, “We 

envisioned a gathering that would inspire, 

energize and unite ACOF from every province. And from 

the beginning of the convocation, we knew that this vision 

became a reality.” 

The weekend was the first opportunity for many 

participants to make connections beyond the boundaries 

of region. Cheryl Behrent, a consociate from St. Paul says, 

“It’s really life giving to be around this number of other 

people that are steeped in mission.” 

Although ACOF may have different names, geographies 

and cultures, participants found unity in diversity. Associate 

Gerry Rauch from St. Louis says, “I really appreciate that 


Let Us Remember... 

Visit www.csjsl.org to read the life stories of our faithful sisters who have died. 

Sister Teresa Lawrence DeRoche 

November 10, 1932 - October 30, 2016 

A woman of gratitude, generosity and kindness 

Sister Olive Louis Dallavis 

January 25, 1921 - December 1, 2016 

A woman with an unfailing smile, foresight, 

simplicity and humility 

Sister Kathleen Kevin Ryan 

July 10, 1928 - December 20, 2016 

Overflowing with generosity, a great sense of humor 

and the gift of hospitality 

Sister Andrea Marie Rentmeester 

November 30, 1925 - December 21, 2016 

A grounded, peaceful woman who was deeply spiritual 

Sister Martha Ritter 

September 14, 1922 - January 22, 2017 

A grateful woman who was kind, humble and 

lived a life of service 

Sister Edith Vogel 

February 15, 1923 - February 6, 2017 

A loving, hopeful woman with a listening ear 

Sister Sarah Ann Mitra 

August 30, 1936 - February 8, 2017 

A humble, grateful woman of faith who loved life 

Sister Clairerita Atha 

November 16, 1932 - March 28, 2017 

A caring, gentle, generous and loving woman 

Sister Ruth Butler 

March 12, 1923 - June 1, 2017 

A kind, loving woman, spirit-filled and joyful 

Sister Mary Ann Lavin 

January 21, 1932 - June 19, 2017 

Joy-filled, compassionate and generous 

Sister Catherine Ann Gleason 

February 15, 1924 - June 23, 2017 

Cheerful, friendly and helpful 

Sister Rita Flaherty 

December 23, 1919 - July 19, 2017 

Kind, thoughtful and gracious 

Associate Catie Shinn 

May 30, 1955 - August 1, 2017 

A passionate, unwavering heart for the mission of Jesus 

Sister Jane Edward Schilling 

October 8, 1930 – September 13, 2017 

A witness of service to our brothers and sisters 

cultural diversity, the cultural respect for different traditions 

and how different provinces make that operational.” 

“I learned more about working together as ACOF— 

both the spiritual and the human aspects,” says Carolina 

Rodríguez, Familia de San José of Chilé. “We reach out to 

one another because we speak the same language of love.” 

“We came together as diverse units; we left knowing 

our strength is in our oneness and our commitment to 

grow in that oneness,” says Anne Harpham, co-director of 

the Ohana in Hawaii. “Our challenge now is to build our 

relationship further and to envision our ACOF future as we 

read the signs of the times and live the charism within our 

communities.” 

The convocation may have lasted only a few days, but 

it’s only the beginning for ACOF expressing the desire to 

carry the experience into the future —together. 



The 60th Jubilarians celebrated in Holy Family Chapel on March 18. 

Golden Jubilarian S. Lisa Lazio 

60th Jubilarian S. Rosemary O’Malley 

2017 Jubilarians 

W 

e are honored to present to you the 2017 sister 

jubilarians whose faithful service to God, their 

community and the dear neighbor represent 

1,755 years of ministry. Spring and summer celebrations at 

the motherhouse and Nazareth Living Center marked the 

occasions for the jubilarians, surrounded by members of the 

CSJ community, family and friends. 

Read about the lives of these holy women in their online 

bios at www.csjsl.org. 

60th Jubilarian S. Donna Gunn. 

The 50th Jubilarians celebrated in Holy Family Chapel on August 5. 


80 Years 

75 Years 

S. Teresa Shea S. Winifred Adelsberger S. Alice Hein S. Charlotte Smith 

70 Years 

S. Ida Robertine 

Berresheim 

S. Marie Charles Buford S. Mary Rebecca 

Campbell 

S. James Patrick 

Corbett 

S. Audrey Olson S. Ruth Margaret Raupp 

S. Mary Shyrock S. Clara Vincent 

Slatinsky 

60 Years 

S. Charline Sullivan S. Teresa John Zilch 

50 Years 

S. Laverne Mary 

Aufmuth 

S. Camille Collini S. Catherine Durr S. Donna Loretto Gunn 

S. Regina Bartman S. Barbara Jean 

Jennings 

S. Teresa Horn-Bostel S. Kathleen Ann 

O’Malley 

S. John Kenneth Scott S. Jeanene Yackey 

S. Lisa Ann Lazio S. Mary Johanna 

Logan 


ournewestmembers 

Sister Mary Flick with her family after her vows ceremony. 

In a culmination of her life-long 

desire, Sister Mary Flick made 

her profession of perpetual vows 

with the Sisters of St. Joseph of 

Carondelet on September 9 at 

the motherhouse, surrounded by 

family, friends and members of 

the CSJ community. 

“The world hungers for 

meaning and longs for spirituality. 

My commitment to Christ and 

to this community gives me the 

freedom to offer both through 

my presence and my ministry,” 

she says. 

A native St. Louisan, Sister 

Mary entered the Sisters of 

St. Joseph in 2009. She brings to the community her love 

for Ignatian spirituality, having spent 25 years working at 

Saint Louis University, a Jesuit school. 

Her background also includes a bachelor’s degree in 

communications from Maryville University in St. Louis, 

Sister Mary Flick 

Makes Profession of Final Vows 

Sisters Becky Holley and Mary Flick. 

Sister Mary Flick signs her commitment with 

Province Leader Sister Marilyn Lott by her side. 

a master’s in religious studies 

from Saint Louis University and 

a certificate in spiritual direction 

from Aquinas Institute of 

Theology in St. Louis. 

She currently serves as the 

justice coordinator and a writer 

for the St. Louis province, works 

in the Office of Mission and 

Identity at Saint Louis University 

and offers spiritual direction. 

She relishes serving the Sisters of 

St. Joseph community and serves 

on a number of committees. 

“The legacy I inherited 

continually leaves me in awe and 

asking how to best live out the 

love of God and dear neighbor without distinction,” Sister 

Mary says. “I’m excited about the future of religious life and 

proud to claim the CSJs as my home, knowing my sisters are 

there to support me and I, them, wherever God leads.” 


On June 18, Sister Clare Bass renewed her 

temporary commitment to the Sisters of 

St. Joseph of Carondelet for two more years. 

Sister Clare joined the CSJs as a candidate in 

2010 and entered the community in 2012. 

Originally from Biloxi, Mississippi, Sister 

Clare holds a bachelor’s degree in political 

science and a master’s degree in public policy 

and administration from Mississippi State. 

She is currently working toward becoming a 

licensed clinical social worker in the master’s 

of social work program at Southern Illinois 

Univeristy-Edwardsville while serving as a 

residential aide with Our Lady Queen of 

Peace Center in St. Louis. 

“Working with people affected by 

addictions and other traumatic experiences 

in their lives or who are considered on the 

margins of society is how I best serve the dear 

neighbor, and it’s what I’m passionate about.” 

Sister Mary Alice Collar was received as 

a novice into the Sisters of St. Joseph 

of Carondelet on July 29 at the St. Louis 

province assembly. In August, she entered the 

federation novitiate program, a common project 

of the Sisters of St. Joseph in the United 

States, currently being held in Concordia, 

Kansas. This 10-month concentration in the 

life, spirituality and mission of the Sisters of 

St. Joseph offers the novices opportunities for 

greater peer interaction and to come to know 

themselves as part of the Sisters of St. Joseph 

nationwide. 

Sister Mary Alice says, “It’s an opportunity 

to deepen my relationship with God, understand 

the charism and mission as it is lived today 

and learn from Sisters of St. Joseph who are 

experts in their field.” 

A native of Pittsburg, Kansas, Sister 

Mary Alice entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of 

Sister Clare Bass 

Renews Temporary Commitment 

Sister Mary Alice Collar 

Enters Federation Novitiate 

She is also passionate about social justice 

issues. In the tradition of the Sisters of 

St. Joseph, Sister Clare serves as an advocate 

for the issues that speak to the dignity of the 

human person. “Just trying to be a person of 

solidarity and compassion is important and 

energizing for me.” 

Sister Clare sees the renewal of her 

temporary vows as giving her the time to 

“really come to grips with commitment. 

Emotionally and spiritually it’s a process. 

The commitment is not just for one day. It’s a 

process for the rest of my life. So committing 

to living out of the vows and community each 

day requires a daily ‘yes.’” 

Top: Sister Clare and Province Leader Sister Mary Margaret 

Lazio at Sister Mary Flick’s vows ceremony. Bottom: Sister 

Clare Bass with her novice director Sister Pat Bober and Sister 

Janet Kuciejczyk. 

Carondelet as a candidate in January 2017 and 

lived in community with the sisters, whom she 

says have offered her a great support system. “I 

always have them to talk things over with, and 

they help me discern what I need to do in any 

situation.” 

A dental hygienist by profession for 31 

years who also has a master’s degree in pastoral 

studies from Aquinas Institute of Theology 

in St. Louis, Sister Mary Alice is discerning 

her next ministry. She says her opportunities 

in the future are many and promising, and, 

supported by the community, she is confident 

the Spirit will reveal her path. “As I’ve grown 

on this labyrinth journey, I realize I have all I 

need to live the mission.” 

Top: Sister Mary Alice Collar. Bottom: Sister Mary Alice Collar 

signs her commitment as witnessed by Province Leader Sister 

Marilyn Lott. 


Home Sweet Home 

Sister Clare Bass brings hope and healing 

to the women of the Queen of Peace Center 

By Patti Eischen 

From the street, it 

looks like any other 

old home, so prolific 

in St. Louis. A big 

front porch. Tall 

windows. A playground and deck 

in the backyard. Once inside the 

back door, it feels like a typical 

home. A stroller and a toddler’s 

push toy are nestled into the corner. 

Monday afternoon television 

drones in the background. Laundry 

is being hoisted downstairs to 

wash, dry and fold. The familiar 

scent of cooked bacon lingers in 

the air. 

But this is no typical home. 

This is a work zone. The work of 

living clean and sober is being 

taught and lived out here. This is 

St. Philippine Home, a substance 

rehabilitation facility. 

One of seven locations of 

the Queen of Peace Center, the 

St. Philippine Home is middle 

ground for the women to press 

pause then restart their lives. 

With work, prayer and love, they 

find success by completing a 

program that helps them 

overcome the disease of addiction and assists them with 

budgeting, education, employment and wellness. 

Sister Clare Bass served as a residential aide at the 

St. Philippine Home for two years and currently continues 

her work at another one of Queen of Peace’s sites, Our Lady 

of Perpetual Help. 

Sister Clare describes her duties as “making sure 

everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing.” 

Others describe Sister Clare as a leader. Karen, a former 

St. Philippine resident who has graduated from the program, 

“The healing of each resident 

is so important. I try to be that 

missing piece for them, 

mostly through example.” 

Sister Clare Bass 

Sister Clare and the Philippine House residents join together in prayer. 

says, “She is so positive. I have 

learned a lot, and I take it with 

me. Because of the programs and 

Sister Clare, I have learned to love 

myself. I hold myself accountable 

now.” 

Hope and Healing 

Sister Clare’s previous 

experience with the homeless 

taught her that the women are in 

need of healing and love. “That’s 

what I’m doing here with them. 

With so many of the residents, 

some have burned so many bridges. 

This place is their last hope.” 

“Society and people say that 

addicts do this to themselves— 

and they do—but it is a bigger 

picture than that,” Sister Clare 

says. “A lot of things lead to 

addictions—many bad choices 

and missing pieces in their lives 

and their upbringing. The healing 

of each resident is so important. 

I try to be that missing piece for 

them—mostly through example.” 

“You can’t leave out the spirit 

that she brings here,” says Karen. “You see it in her character, 

without words.” 

Gwen Donley, program manager at St. Philippine 

Home, says of Sister Clare, “Her ideas spread across this 

house into every corner.” 

At the Philippine Home, one of the few rehabilitation 

centers that allow children to stay with their mothers, 

teaching parenting skills was a big aspect for Sister Clare. 

“I try to teach parenting skills by example,” she says. “When 

moms see this, it might not be obvious, but it does rub off. 

My actions impact mothers.” 


Sister Clare enjoys a snack with a resident. 

Sister Clare recalls one resident that arrived 

with her 2-year-old son. “Because of where she 

was, or wasn’t, in her recovery, she hadn’t really 

bonded with her own child. Soon after getting 

settled in and working her program, we could see 

she was beginning to bond with him.” 

And that’s the message Sister Clare brings to 

the women: “Your life doesn’t have to look like it 

does now. You can make changes in your life.” 

Sister Clare plays with residents’ children. A unique aspect 

of the Philippine House is that it allows children to stay 

with their parents. 

Tools for Success 

Sister Clare says, “The toughest part of this 

job is I can’t work the program for them. 

They have to do the work. But, we give them 

all the tools to succeed. Some choose to use the 

tools. Some don’t,” says Sister Clare. 

One of those tools involve group meetings in three 

different programs: budgeting, gratitude and Living in 

Balance. The curriculum for Living in Balance was 

underwritten by a grant from the Sisters of St. Joseph 

of Carondelet. 

And, the best part of the job for Sister Clare? It’s seeing 

the clients succeed. “They just get it. They come to learn 

Sister Clare checks a resident’s vitals, just one of her varied duties as residential aide. 

their addiction doesn’t define them. They get to move out of 

here and move on with their lives. They become independent,” 

she says. 

“I hope that as a residential aide I can provide them 

with a calm environment, a calm home, because that’s what 

home should be.” 


associatespotlight 

Nyakio Kaniu-Lake, CSJA 

Serving Women of Kenya 

at the Agatha Amani House 

By Barbara Roberts 

It was an email from Sister Ruth 

Stuckel in 2011 that motivated 

Associate Nyakio Kaniu-Lake to 

consider formation in the Sisters of 

St. Joseph of Carondelet’s associate 

program. “I really heard the little voice 

nagging at the back of my head,” Nyakio 

recalls. As a young girl in Naivasha, 

Kenya, she contemplated becoming a 

nun, so Sister Ruth’s invitation was 

inspiring. “The sisters have a comfort 

they bring in their presence that you 

just feel,” she says. “You really know that 

there is something bigger.” 

Ultimately, it was her relationship 

with the CSJ community that called 

her to do more for the marginalized 

women of Kenya by founding two 

organizations, Empowering Minds 

International and the Agatha Amani 

House, both supporting victims of 

sexual and domestic violence. 

Empowering Minds International 

provides mental health services for 

survivors of violence and other people 

in the community, while the Agatha 

Amani House provides comprehensive 

services at the shelter. 

Nyakio and her husband, Joe 

Bob Lake, had participated in K2K 

(Kansas2Kenya) mission trips, but she 

says that her formation in association 

inspired her to do more. “I felt this 

renewed energy to do something,” 

she says. 

So, with her mother’s donation of 

land along with an unfinished building, 

the roots of the Agatha Amani House 

were established. The house was named in 

her mother’s honor. Nyakio and Joe Bob 

then set about renovating and completing 

the building to fit their needs. The first 

residents came in late 2014. 

The house is totally off 

the grid, using solar panels for 

electricity. A biogas digester 

recycles manure, capturing the 

methane gas for cooking and 

providing organic manure for 

fertilizer. In spring 2017, a well 

was drilled to provide water; 

the house formerly relied on 

rainwater collection and 

expensive deliveries by truck 

or donkey. 

Due to lack of skills, many 

women stay at the house for up to 

one year, gaining needed training to 

become self-sufficient. Residents learn 

permaculture techniques; rabbits, 

chickens and cows are raised for meat 

and eggs, while goats and cows produce 

milk and manure. The women are also 

trained to bake bread. Diapers are 

made from used cloths that are cut 

and sewn together. In 2015, the house 

received a Tabitha Grant from the 

Sisters of St. Joseph to buy a machine 

to help produce low-cost sanitary pads, 

a project that is hoped to provide job 

training for the women. 

The house is staffed by two social 

workers who live with the residents, 

as well as volunteers. They also employ 

a community outreach coordinator to 

help spread the word about the shelter. 

The Agatha Amani House compound. 

Nyakio Kaniu-Lake with one of her shelter babies. 

Nyakio travels to Kenya for up to six 

months at a time. Joe Bob stays for 

about a month, then returns to Kansas 

City to find support for their program. 

“It is a life mission,” he says. 

For Nyakio, this life mission of 

serving women in her homeland was 

fortified by the sisters’ charism of 

serving the dear neighbor. “I remember 

the charism talking again and again 

about the dear neighbor. This neighbor 

can be your neighbor next door, but 

it can be your neighbor across waters, 

across the ocean and so stretching 

allowed for me to move farther. It 

really got ingrained in me, spreading 

the love to the dear neighbor we might 

not actually see or meet.” 


& 

Heart of Community: 

Sister Liz Brown Reflects on her Ministry in Okolona, Mississippi 

By Patti Eischen 

It’s been 32 years since 

Sister Liz Brown 

first drove into the 

small town of Okolona, 

Mississippi. As executive 

director of Excel 

Commons, she has 

been at the heart of 

the community, with 

steadfast dedication 

to community building 

and racial inclusiveness. 

What began as a summer youth program in 1988 in three 

borrowed classrooms has grown into Excel’s Main Street 

hub open to all in need, with children’s enrichment, senior 

wellness, GED classes, a resale shop and a coffee shop, just 

to name a few. With programs still going strong, we 

interviewed Sister Liz about her time in Okolona—past, 

present and future. 

What was your initial goal? 

We wanted to set up an organization, an effort that 

would assist people with whatever their needs were in the 

community—to set up an organization that had no racial 

dominance. We knew people from the National Council of 

Negro Women and we asked them to partner with us. We 

didn’t want outsiders doing work for the community that 

they could do for themselves. 

What was Excel’s first program? 

They asked us to start an educational after school-program, 

but they had no space to hold it in. My philosophy is 

different than the normal, “Raise money, then start a 

program.” We do the work first and then the money will 

come. That’s always worked for me. We started with six 

kids. Now we have 48. 

How has Excel developed? 

People in town call it the “Excel Mall” now. We just kept 

acquiring space next to spaces we were already in. As a 

result, we offer several wellness programs, multiple learning 

programs and shared space for the community to use. We 

have developed satellite locations in nearby communities 

that are offering the same services. 

What’s the biggest change you have seen? 

The biggest systemic change is a melting away of racial 

divides. We have seen a comfortable change of whites and 

blacks working together. There is still a lot of racism that 

goes both ways. But I see friendships that have grown across 

racial lines that would have never been had we not come 

here 32 years ago. There is definitely greater ease across the 

racial divide. 

What are some plans for the program’s future? 

We are developing a food pantry that is open once a month, 

creating blessing boxes for those who need food to get them 

through, and we have developed a “Kindness of Strangers” 

fund that helps people with one-time funding. These are 

smaller programs, but they are still important. It’s a beautiful 

thing to see people come together around need. 

And for your future? 

One part of the plan is to share the executive director 

position so that I can go half time and prolong the work 

that I am doing. When I first arrived here, I was 45 years 

old. Something went through my mind, maybe the Holy 

Spirit speaking to me, “This is going to be my last mission.” 

I had a very warm sense of home—that this is where I 

belonged. You just do what needs to be done. I follow the 

need wherever it leads me. 

What’s the “why” of it? 

It’s always been to build the community from within. It 

won’t ever be 100 percent, but to bring people together, to 

build relationships, and to facilitate that, that’s the “why” 

of it. We are a stable organization. People know us, trust us, 

come to us, and they engage and give back to us. 


The women of Journey House say grace before dinner. 


Sisters walk with women rebuilding 

their lives after prison at Journey House 

By Barbara K. Roberts 


For the residents, 

Journey House is 

more like the family 

they wanted rather 

than what they had. 

A 

roller coaster of activity 

surrounds Sister Martha 

Niemann from her 

peaceful perch in the 

living room at Journey 

House, a transitional home in Kansas 

City, Missouri, for women returning 

from prison. She takes it all in: from 

a sister returning from the bus station 

with a new resident, to women off to 

their daily rehab meetings, job training, 

or preparing dinner, then later, group 

circle time. Residents stop by to share 

their ups and downs and to support 

each other. 

While other halfway homes have 

security cameras, on-site parole officers, 

and around-the-clock security, Journey 

House has Sister Martha—greeting, 

hugging and listening to all—who 

helps provide the security these women 

want. She further fosters well-being 

by leading a 12-step program for these 

women and others in the community. 

Fifteen women reside at Journey 

House for up to 90 days. Since its 

opening in September 2015, over 200 

women have called it their home. 

The demand is so great, it’s booked 

six months out. Although it serves 

those most prone to re-incarceration— 

those with mental illness, addiction 

and a history of going in and out of 

prison—less than five percent have 

returned to prison, a remarkable feat, 

considering the national recidivism 

rate is 68 percent. 

What makes Journey House so 

successful that a former resident held 

her wedding reception at the home? 

To the sisters and women, the answer 

is simple—they are a family. 

It was the vision of Georgia Walker, 

executive director at Journey to New 

Life (JTNL), to establish Journey House, 

with the aid of Sister Rose McLarney. 

Sister Rose’s background in restorative 

justice for former inmates made her 

a natural choice to help launch this 

innovative program. Sisters Martha, 

Gabrielle Smits and Patty Clune, all 

enthusiastically joined the call to serve 

their dear neighbor by living and 

Sharing Hugs: Above, Sister Martha Niemann and 

JH resident Melissa. Below, Sister Gabrielle Smits 

and JH resident Teresa. 

JH resident Shelly works with Sher Bialczyk, the 

resident manager. 

Continued next page 


The success is so pervasive that many women come back 

to visit, with a couple even cooking dinner for current 

residents. They consider Journey House their home. 

As one commented, “this is the best place I’ve lived.” 

Sisters Gabrielle Smits, Martha Niemann and Rose McLarney with several Journey House residents. 

ministering with them. For the residents, 

most of whom had never met a nun, 

Sister Martha laughs, “They didn’t know 

what to expect and then they saw we 

were old sisters!” 

For Sister Rose, the value of the 

sisters living with the women are the 

“spontaneous things that happen that 

show we care and support them. It’s 

not having to wait for an appointment 

to talk to someone. It’s the security of 

the sisters always being there for them. 

There is a reason behind their behaviors, 

and addressing their issues is what 

makes a difference.” 

While at Journey House, the 

women receive substance and mental 

health counseling, vocational and 

educational training. After they leave, 

JTNL provides housing assistance. 

The sisters also agree that Sher 

Bialczyk, their house manager, has 

been a “tremendous help” to their 

success. A former inmate with a 

background of substance abuse, “Sher 

understands the women, where there 

may be some instances that we may 

not know what’s going on, and (she) is 

a role model for them. If she can do it, 

they can also. She knows what they are 

going through,” says Sister Rose. 

The women’s self-motivation for 

recovery is another key to their success. 

While still in prison, a phone interview 

is conducted with potential residents. 

They then write a follow-up letter 

stating why they want to come to 

Journey House. Two weeks prior to 

their arrival, Sister Martha writes to 

them. The women then sign a resident 

agreement prior to moving into the 

home. At the end of 30 days, caseworkers 

interview the women to see how they 

are progressing, with the sisters also 

sitting in on these meetings. 

For the residents, Journey House is 

more like the family they wanted rather 

than what they had. One resident 

says, “It’s the freedom, the love. These 

women [the sisters] are heroes. They 

make you want to love them just by 

the things they do, the way they talk to 

you. They are always there. It’s a huge 

difference from prison.” Another says, 

“The sisters know all about us, but that 

doesn’t make a difference.” 

The sisters find that wherever they 

go, there is a sincere interest in Journey 

House, including with their fellow 

sisters who have volunteered at the home. 

“People have been very generous. 

Not only monetarily, but also donating 

household items, clothing, and 

volunteering their time, and that is 

very meaningful for the women. 

It shows them somebody cares about 

them, that these people respect them,” 

Sister Gabrielle shares. 

The success is so pervasive that 

many women come back to visit, with 

some even cooking dinner for current 


esidents. They consider Journey House 

their home. One resident says, “this 

is the best place I’ve lived.” Another 

echoes, “The sisters are heaven sent. 

They do it not because they have to. 

They do it because they want to.” 

To aid in recovery, the sisters and 

women come together for circle time, 

where they listen and talk about issues, 

then come up with a solution. A recent 

session opened with Sister Rose sharing 

that, while shopping, she discovered 

that all of her money had been taken 

out of her wallet. She was “hopping 

mad,” and further shared what the 

experience was like for her. Others then 

shared how the incident impacted them, 

and how they felt about it. Within 

five minutes of the group breaking 

up, a woman came to Sister Rose and 

confessed to taking the money. “She 

told me it was the hardest thing that 

she ever had to do,” she recalls. 

“That is restorative justice,” Sister 

Rose continues. “When they realize the 

implication of their actions on others. 

We take every chance to reinforce that. 

It’s not that you’re a bad person. It’s 

that you did a bad thing and you need 

to consider what you are doing, how 

it impacts others, and look at what is 

going on that makes you act that way. 

Because otherwise they are going to 

continue acting out, doing whatever 

they are doing.” 

For Sister Rose, it’s moments like 

that which inspire her to continue 

what she’s doing. She’s been asked 

countless times when she’s going to 

retire from her numerous ministry 

activities. Her response: “This would be 

the last thing I give up. I love it here.” 

And the Journey House women 

love their sisters—their family. 

Sister Rose McLarney gives a high five to JH resident Teresa. 

JH residents Christy and Shantel have a chat on the porch with Sisters Gabrielle Smits and Martha Niemann. 

Special Recognition: The Johnson County Library System (metro Kansas City 

area) has recognized writer Barbara K. Roberts and the sisters’ work at Journey 

House by selecting a version of this story as the winner of their “Build a Better 

World” contest. The library states, “Roberts’ ability to capture the women of 

Journey House—both those who work there and those who come to stay— 

gives readers a vibrant example of the impact one can have when they try to 

build a better world.” 


tributesandmemorials 

Thank you for the following gifts received between August 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017. 

Tribute donations of $25 or greater will be published. Thank you for your continued generosity 

in paying tribute to your loved ones with a gift to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. 

In Honor of… 

50-year Jubilarians 

Sandra Straub, CSJ 


John Komotos & Kay Komotos, CSJA 





Sisters 150 years of service in 

Kansas City 

Ms. Joan Horan 

Mr. John G. Houlehan 

Mr. & Mrs. Tom McDonnell 

Mr. & Mrs. Leo Corky Stueve 

Jean Abbott, CSJ 

Mrs. Emily Horton 

Angela Abood, CSJ 

Don & Pat Carman 

Mr. Sam D. Dennis 

Mr. Tommy J. Thomas 

Mr. Charles Toney 

Winifred Adelsberger, CSJ 

Ms. Susan Conrad 

Ms. Jennifer Millikan 

Ms. Marianne Petru 

Mrs. Katherine D. Smith 

Ms. Michaela Witcher 

Ann Albrecht, CSJ 


Helen Alder, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth J. Berra 

Sisters of St. Joseph who taught at 

All Saints School 

Ms. Laverne E. Weishaar 

Deana Angotti 

Ms. Elizabeth E. Angotti 

Ruth Baudhuin, CSJ 

Ms. June Stella 

Ida Robertine Berresheim, CSJ 

Miss Mary Ann Collins 

Ms. Rose Mary Green 

Mr. & Mrs. Edwin W. Horn 

Mr. & Mrs. Larry W. King 

Mrs. Beulah C. Loida 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schindler 

Judeth Breslin, CSJ on her 60th Jubilee 

Mr. & Mrs. William D. Kelley 

Leo Ann Bub, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Gorman 

Marie Charles Buford, CSJ 

Mrs. Patricia M. Dean 

Mr. & Mrs. James T. Evans, Sr. 

Mrs. Dorothy Krehbiel 

Patrick K. McDowell, CSJA 

Rev. Msgr. Salvatore E. Polizzi 

Jeanne Urschel, CSJ 

Rebecca Campbell, CSJ 

Mrs. Barbara A. Justice 

Patricia Cassens, CSJA 

Ms. Cheryl Schaefer 

Rose Stephen Cento, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. William A. Skaggs 

Patty Clune, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. John F. Marx, Jr. 

James Patrick Corbett, CSJ 

Ms. Peggy A. Bohn 

Nancy Corcoran, CSJ 

Barcy Fox 

Loretta Costa, CSJ 

Don & Pat Carman 

Marjorie Craig, CSJ 

Ms. Tina Stretch 

Dorothy Daly, CSJ 

Ms. Marjorie McLain 

Frances Dillman, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Tritt 

Dick & Diane Dohack’s 65th 

wedding anniversary 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary S. Gianino 

Mary Ann Donovan, CSJ 

Mr. Paul E. Donovan 

Mrs. Betty Markey 

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Mulloy 

Mr. & Mrs. Steven M. Perry 


Drs. John S. & Linda K. Donovan 

Barbara Dreher, CSJ 

David E. Cassens & 


Mr. & Mrs. John F. Sieckhaus 

Pat Dunphy, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth E. Grugenhoff 

Catherine Durr, CSJ 

Ms. Jacquelyn L. Akins 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael S. Haywood 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert G. O’Blennis 

Wayne Reed & Nancy Reed, CSJA 

Mrs. Sonia M. Tumialan 

Teresa Maria Eagan, CSJ 

Ms. Kathleen T. Eagan 

Mrs. M. Suzanne Eagan 

Mary Rita Essert, CSJ 

Nancy A. Siefker, CSJA 

Arline Eveld, CSJ 

Mrs. Christine E. Soland 

Ann Charles Everett, CSJ 

Mrs. Mary Morrow-Bax 

Virginia Anne Fannin, CSJ 

Mrs. Gloria Bluj 

Mary Ann Figlino, CSJ 

Ms. Bambi F. Dixey 

Kate Filla, CSJ 

Barcy Fox 

Mr. & Mrs. John R. Marino 


Mrs. Christine M. Townsend 

Rosemary Flanigan, CSJ 

Eugene & Patricia Cole, CSJA 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Conklin 

Ms. Teresa J. House 

Mary Flick, CSJ 

Father Scott Sunnenberg 

Jo Ann Geary, CSJ 

Dr. M. Rose Jonas 

Living members of the Grossman 

Family 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel M. Grossman 

Donna Gunn, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Steven M. Brendle 



Mr. & Mrs. Dennis M. Cuddihee 


Mrs. Mary Donovan 

Mr. Eugene C. Eichhorn 

Ms. Dolores Ferrell 

Dr. & Mrs. Dennis C. Golden 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael P. Gunn 

Mrs. Janet R. Jokisch 

Mrs. Jean M. Leonhardt 

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald A. Lux 

Barbara Ann Moore, CSJ 

Ms. Barbara K. Roberts 

Helene Gutchewsky, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Francis J. Schlueter, Jr. 

Sarah Heger, CSJ 

Msgr. Michael E. Turek 

James Lorene Hogan, CSJ† 

Mrs. Christine E. Soland 

Teresa Horn-Bostel, CSJ 



Mrs. Mary L. Hittner 

Ms. Patricia A. Lee 

Roberta Houlihan, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. James E. Konsky 

Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Tallon 

Mary Jacobs, CSJ 

Ms. Maureen J. Kane 

Jeanne Janssen, CSJ 

Mr. Jeffrey Norton 

Barbara Jean Jennings, CSJ 


Mr. & Mrs. John D. Long 

Mrs. Michele Mangnall 

Mrs. Angela F. Ottenlips 

Mary Fran Johnson, CSJ 

Mr. Kerry N. Kearney 

Mr. Steven B. Prickett 

2017 Jubilarians 

Anonymous 

Ms. Toni Jean Bink 


Therese Chaperone, CSJ 

Camille Collini, CSJ 

Glenn Fisher & Kathleen Fisher, CSJA 

Ms. Carolyn Henry, CSJA 

Ms. Laura Rose Huelsing 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald E. Konop 

Ann Landers, CSJ 

Mrs. Patricia L. Lindauer 

Rev. Patrick M. Lyons 

Ms. Peggy M. Maguire, CSJA 

John & Sylvia Morton, CSJA 

Mrs. Beatrice Muraski 

Mr. John T. Ostermeyer, Sr. 

Mr. & Mrs. James R. Raupp 

Jean Paul Selissen, CSJ 

Ms. Patricia Sheridan, CSJA 

Ms. Lisa Simon 

Patricia Lorenz, CSJ & Rosemary 

Flanigan, CSJ 

Sisters of St. Joseph of 

Carondelet-Nazareth 

Joan Spalding, CSJ 

Francis & Ruth Stroble 

Mr. & Mrs. Louis G. Weisenfeld 

Marnee Torchia, CSJA 

Barbara Louise Volk, CSJ 

Jean Junak, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Francis J. Schlueter, Jr. 

Marianne Keena, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. John H. Aughey 

Ms. Kathryn S. Metzinger 

Anne Kelly, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel A. Dykas 

Mr. & Mrs. John C. Glunt 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael S. Haywood 

Pauline Komrska, CSJ 

Mrs. Patricia Black 

Ms. Susan Conrad 


Mr. & Mrs. Steven Dietrich 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel J. Hordesky 

Mr. & Mrs. John C. Lang 

Mr. Joseph A. Massing 


Mr. Christopher J. Schmid 

Ms. Michaela Witcher 

Maureen Kottenstette, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Eugene J. Kottenstette 

Ann Landers, CSJ 

Mrs. Norma Burdis 

In Memory of… 

Patrick Albright 


Wilbur Allaert 

Mrs. Mary Joy Allaert Feeney 

Jim & Betty Alyward 

Mr. & Mrs. Steven W. Fletcher 

Alberta Anderson 

Ms. Emily D. Anderson, CSJA 

JoAnne Anthony 

Mr. Donald W. Anthony 

Clairerita Atha, CSJ 

Ms. Christine M. Gach 

Mr. & Mrs. David A. Gach 

Ms. Dee A. Gach 

Ms. Nina Garofalo 

Mrs. Peggy A. Horrigan 

Lisa Ann Lazio, CSJ 

Ms. Rosanne Petru 

Ms. Mary Ellen Smith 

Betty Leiwe, CSJ 


Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth J. Stern 

Paddy Lorenz, CSJ 


Marilyn Lott, CSJ 



Shawn Madigan, CSJ 


Linda Markway, CSJ 

Ms. Carol Shepard 

Markway Children 

Mr. Larry F. Markway 

Rita McGovern, CSJ 

Mr. Ryan Asmussen & Mrs. Jennifer 

Connelly 

Peggy Maguire, CSJA 

Philip Heagney & 

Barbara Prosser, CSJA 

Rose Marie McKenna, CSJ 

Mr. Ralph Simon 

Rose McLarney, CSJ 

Ms. Joyce Green 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald E. Lirette 

Mrs. Sandra R. McLarney 

Judy Miller, CSJ 


Sarah Ann Mitra, CSJ† 

Mrs. Margo Villar 

Kathleen Mlinar, CSJ 


Barbara Moore, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. J. Duke Niedringhaus 

Pat Murphy, CSJ 

Mrs. Norma J. Greene 

Mary Ann Nestel, CSJ 

Jaymes Dearing 

Barcy Fox 


Martha Niemann, CSJ 


Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie J. Hook 


Pauline Oetgen, CSJ 

Ms. Abbe Bunt 

Ms. Katherine Ratterree 

Dayle A. Savage, Ed.D, 

Mr. & Mrs. Kim R. Jennings 

Ms. Frances Kessler 


Mr. & Mrs. Alfred W. Miller 

Mrs. Julia A. Sanders 

Mr. Kirk A. Shearer 

Frances Aubuchon 

Mrs. Mary D. Mann 

Gertrude R. Autiy 

Mrs. Patricia Ann Dunn 

Carol Bamrick 


John M. Barrett 

Mrs. Geraldine J. Bergman 

Norbert J. & Ann E. Bednarck 

Mrs. Ann E. Bednarck 

Ms. Marsha Scanlin 

Ms. Elizabeth Zabak 

Mary Catherine O’Gorman, CSJ 

Mr. Robert J. Schulze 

Audrey Olson, CSJ 

Mr. Joseph A. Massing 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Yarwood 

Grossman Families 


Carol Jean Peterson, CSJ 


Rosemary Pitlyk 

Ms. Mary Scott 

Marie René Pretti, CSJ 

Chris McGovern 

Ruth Margaret Raupp, CSJ 


Mrs. Mary Connelly 

Ms. Mary Ferguson 

Wilmetta Ann Roth 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas R. Sarmo 

Helen Ryan, CSJ 


Sacred Heart Central Class of 1956 

Mr. Tom Hall 

Roberta Schmidt, CSJ 


Rita Marie Schmitz, CSJ 

Ms. Paula M. Zenker 

Edward Cecilia Schniedermeier, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. William J. Kohlberg 

Teresa Shea, CSJ 


Mary Shryock, CSJ 

Mrs. Regina M. Dunniway 

Mrs. Dorothy W. Smith 

Clara Vincent Slatinsky, CSJ 

Mrs. Jane M. Eubanks 

Joseph & Linda Licata, CSJA 

Charlotte Smith, CSJ 

The Honorable Marcia K. Walsh 

Gabrielle Smits, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie J. Hook 


Louise Michele Sommer CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas R. Daniels 

St. Louis CSJAs 

Christine Holladay, CSJA 

Sisters at St. Theresa Academy 1961-1974 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul H. Silverman 

Donaldson Bernsen 

Mr. & Mrs. John Behl 

Mary Virginia Betz 

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Matheny 

Len Bober 


Dorothy E. Bohning, CSJA 

Janet M. Sullivan, CSJA 

Rose Bokermann 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Liberatore 

Eric Bower 

Mrs. Diane Golniewicz-Bower 

Donald Bowers 

St. Joseph’s Academy Alumnae 

Association 

Linda Straub, CSJ 


Christine Holladay, CSJA 

Mr. Joseph Sheehan 

Sandra Straub, CSJ 

Zareena & Randall Koch 

Ruth Stuckel, CSJ 


Charline Sullivan, CSJ 

Anonymous 

Ms. Barbara A. Peach 

Ms. Karen Sullivan 

Sister Margaret Eugene Tucker’s 

100th birthday 

Patricia Donnelly, CSJ 

Mary Pamela Harding, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. John D. Rushing 

Sisters at Visitation 1961-1974 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul H. Silverman 

Edith Vogel, CSJ† 


Suzanne Wesley, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. John F. Marx, Jr. 

Mr. & Mrs. Gregory J. Mueller 

Josephine Winkeler, CSJ 

Ms. June Stella 

Wisconsin Associates 


Jeanene Yackey, CSJ 


Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Evans 

Rose Zerilli 80yrs 


Teresa John Zilch, CSJ 


Mary Josephine Breiner, CSJ 

Breiner & Breiner, L.L.C. 

Mary Wilma Broughton, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Quinn 

Paul Brueggestrass 


Alice Joseph Brunegraf, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles R. Acosta 

Frankie Brungardt 

Val H. Brungardt 

Mr. Larry L. McDonald 

†Deceased 

Gifts received August 1, 2016 through 

June 30, 2017. 


tributesandmemorials 

Ed Burns 

Mr. & Mrs. William J. Hardebeck 

Anne Ambrose Butkovich, CSJ 

Ms. Barbara E. Laurie 

Ruth Butler, CSJ 

Mrs. Frances D. Barrett 

Butler-Simone Family 

Ms. Nina Garofalo 

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur E. Slack & 

Mr. Andy Slack 

Edward F. Walters 

Mary Grace Campshure 

Joseph Campshure & Terri Lefebvre 

Robert & Ellen Chamblin 

Mr. Thomas W. Chamblin 

Frances Virginia Cholet, CSJ 

Miss Mary Petropoulos 

Brian Joseph Clune 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Clune 

Mary Louise Connaghan 

Ms. Joanne P. Buttice 

Ms. Mary Patricia Campbell 

Mr. & Mrs. Leo V. Garvin 

Ms. Carol Haslag 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard E. Hennicke 

Law Office of James W. Huck 

Mrs. Floyd O. McBride 

Ms. Carolyn S. Meine 

Mr. & Mrs. Dan J. Randant 

Ms. Barbara M. Rombach 

Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sabacky 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel A. Slay 

Joseph & Agnes Connelly 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Giljum 

Lynne Gonyea Cooper 


Blanche Marie Corcoran, CSJ 

Ms. Susan K. Haddock 

Jon Covington 


Patricia Cramer 

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald E. Anderson 


Joseph Crouch 

Mr. & Mrs. Steven A. Meierotto 

Richard L. Cummins 

Mrs. Barbara L. Cummins 

Donald Cussen 


Sylvia F. Czapla 

Mr. Raymond H. Beerman 

Olive Louise Dallavis, CSJ 

Anonymous 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael T. Dallavis 

Mrs. Sheila K. Johnson 

Mr. & Mrs. Scott E. Springman 

Margaret Denise Dalton, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Al J. Garcia 

Rose Alexia Damm, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Haas 

Kenneth N. Daniels 


Lauren Daues 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. Daues 

Margaret Alice Daues, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. Daues 

Terry & Sandra Post 

Mary Lawless Denness 

St. Joseph’s Academy 

Development Office 

Joseph B. Dierker, Sr. 

Mr. Josh Dobrowitsky 

Ms. Michele Scaturro 

Ernest W. Dohack 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard T. Armbruster 

Mr. Scott J. Armbruster 

Mr. & Mrs. F. Roger Dierberg 

Mr. & Mrs. Don Dierker 

Mr. & Mrs. Warren A. Dohack 

Mrs. Virginia R. Eckhardt 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth R. Gapsch 

Ms. Rose M. Hefeley 

Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Heimburger 

Ms. Laura L. Kochan 

Mr. Robert J. Meyer 

Mr. Orville Middendorf 

Dr. & Mrs. Leroy Ortmeyer 

Mr. & Mrs. Vincent E. Shaw 

Mr. & Mrs. John T. Sinclair 

Mr. & Mrs. John Wegener 

Dianna Donnelly 

Ms. Donna A. Conley 

Mimi Donovan 

Ms. Veronica Byrne 

Robert C. Donovan 


Sharon Donovan 


Alan Dorsey 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Taylor 

Andrea Dressel 

Mr. Lucian W. Dressel 

Elinor Van Egeren 

Dr. Alison Van Egeren 

Dorothy Ellison 


Mary Ann Fahey, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Dougherty 

Mr. & Mrs. John P. Fahey 

Kalab Falvey 

Janet Kuciejczyk, CSJ 

Al Farrington 

Mrs. Patricia J. Farrington 

Juliana Marie Feld, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony F. Knapstein 

Elizabeth Joseph Fitzpatrick, CSJ 

Ms. Mary A. O’ Rourke 

Flemington Family Members 

Mr. & Mrs. William M. Tarnow 

Butch Fletcher 

Mr. & Mrs. Steven W. Fletcher 

Nathalie Galle Forstall 

Ms. Barbara C. Clover 

Mr. Jeremy Franklin 

Ms. Carol Robinson 

Mr. & Mrs. Terrel P. Dressel, Jr. 

Ms. Kristen Jones 

Ms. Lee Anne Leopold 

The LoPiccolo Family 

The Lotus Club 

Dr. & Mrs. Stephen M. Person 

Mr. & Mrs. Guy D. Picard 

Mr. David Rinaldi 

Aynsley Spencer 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Wahlen 

Ms. Kathryn Wildgen 

Ms. Kay K. Wittenberg & 

Mr. Billy Kernodle 

Robert & Ruby Fuller 

Steven B. Clark & 

Jessie Fuller Clark, CSJA 

Ann Geraty 

St. Joseph’s Academy 

Mathias Grall, CSJ 

Mr. Steven G. Grall 

Jacob & Bernice Giljum 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Giljum 

Betty Glickert 

Ms. Mary Mann 

Jack Goessling 

Ms. Carrie Wenberg 

Marion Joseph Gerl, CSJ 

Mr. Steven G. Grall 

Theresa Sandweg Gray 

Mrs. Barbara G. Wilson 

Alice Graziani 


Margaret Gregg, CSJ 

Mrs. Carol A. Rotert 

Deceased Members of the 

Grossman Family 


Alice Marie Hall, CSJ 

Rev. Joseph A. Weber, Jr. 

Sacred Heart Hall, CSJ 

Rev. Joseph A. Weber, Jr. 

Doris Hannigan 

Mr. & Mrs. Ron Schlapprizzi 

Rose Daniel Harrington, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. James S. Harrington 

Keith Hasenfratz 


Joan Haas, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Haas 

Pauline Heineck, CSJ 

Ms. Janet P. Heineck 

Elizabeth Higley 

Ms. Laura E. Mogg 

James Lorene Hogan, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick M. Barry 

Norman Horvath 


Mary Ann Huesmann, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. William F. Bullock 

Bruce Humphrey 


Jean Marie Iadevito, CSJ 


Mr. & Mrs. Marvin L. Huffman 

Mrs. Mary M. Simitjis 

Mr. & Mrs. William C. Sturgeon 

Arthur Inez Murphy, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles C. Murphy 

Elinor Ives 

Ms. Patricia Zerega 

Barbara Janicke 

Mr. & Mrs. Carl H. Will 

Hugh Janssen 

Ms. Veronica Dayhuff 

Marjorie Johnson 


Michael Johnson 


Kane Daughters 

Mrs. Marcia E. Bequette 

Kathleen Keegan 

Mr. John T. Keegan 

Julienne Keiley 

Mr. John A. Keiley 

Tom & Bette Kern 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Hesemann 

Betty Keyes 

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Carey 

Rose Augusta Klaas, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Kemper 

Bernard Clare Konrath, CSJ 

Eleanor Konrath 

Anna Rose Kraus, CSJ 

Ms. Norma J. Glassbrenner 

Mary Alexandra Kuhn, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Alexander J. Kuhn 

Joselita Marie Kujak, CSJ 

Mr. Joseph F. Ryan 

Mary Ann Lavin, CSJ 

Mr. Robert Eckart 

Mr. & Mrs. James P. Lavin, Sr. 

Mrs. Mary Jo O’Byrne 

St. Leo School Teachers 

Ms. Patricia M. Quicke 

Christiana Lippert, CSJ 

Mr. Norbert P. Schott 

Tom Liston 

Mr. & Mrs. W. Stephen Ryan 

Anne Christine Looze, CSJ 

Mrs. Sharon T. Dimenna 

Mrs. Ruth Ann Hampton 

John Lukasiewicz 


Joe Lundschen 

Mr. & Mrs. James A. Miller 

Bill Markey 


Ann Hall Marshall 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul D. Finney 

Leona Martens 

Mr. & Mrs. George J. Kuehl 

Rita F. Martine 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas R. Fawcett 

Germaine Matter, CSJ 

Mr. Robert J. Palmer 

Virginia Palmer 

Mr. Robert J. Palmer 

Doris Mattingly, CSJ 

Mr. John A. Mattingly 

Leanna Maytas 

Mrs. Mary Jean Weber 

Linda McCauley 

Ms. Abbe Bunt 

Ms. Katherine Ratterree 

Dayle A. Savage, Ed.D. 

Ms. Marsha Scanlin 

Ms. Elizabeth Zabak 

Winifred McConaughey, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick McConaughey 

Ann McGee, CSJA 

Carol A. Johnson, CSJA 

Mary de la Salle McKeon, CSJ 

Mr. Charles Matthew McKeon 

Shepherd 

Dale A. Mehlhose, Sr. 


Mimi Merrill 


Margaret Ann Mestress 

Dr. Hugh M. Mestres 

Helen Miljour, CSJ 


Richard W. Miller 

Mrs. Bernadette Miller 

Mary Carol Mitchell 

Mrs. Claudine L. Dalton 

Ms. Karen Olson 

Mr. & Mrs. Rod D. Petersen 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Preston 

Mary Kathleen Mitchell, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Don McGinley 

Mrs. Norma L. Mitchell 


Sarah Ann Mitra, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Ballowe 

Mrs. Margaret S. Boveri 

Ms. Linda K. Heimos 



Mr. & Mrs. Frankie Mitra 

Mrs. Margo Villar 

Genevieve Moeller 

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew J. Reilly 

Annette Moran, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas D. Rush 

James E. Mosimann Sr. 

Mrs. Jean Mosimann 

Mary Ursula Mott, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Sidney P. Mott 

Mr. & Mrs. Bernard J. Mulcahy 

Mr. Larry Mulcahy 

Richard J. Muraski 

Ms. Mary Oswald 

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Schemmel 

Ms. Jennifer Smith 

Mr. Leo G. Wetherill I 

A.R. “Bob” Murphy 

Mrs. Frances W. Murphy 

Mary Carol Muster, CSJ 

Mr. Michael McEachin 

Peggy Nester 


Ann T. Niblick 

Mr. Walter P. Niblick 

Rachel O’Meara, CSJ 

Joseph Campshure & Terri Lefebvre 

James E. O’Hara 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Perotti 

Deceased Members of the Onfe Family 


Thomas J. Parchomski 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard M. Reiter 

Stuart B. Phipps 

Mr. Carlos A. Castro 

Donald Piearski 

Mr. & Mrs. Dwight C. Guerrant 

Sherry Pinson 

Anonymous 

Nick Pizzichino 

Mrs. Gloria Pizzichino 

Judith Portell 


Fred Prettwitz 

Ms. Mary Mann 

Michael Quagliata 

Mrs. Geraldine J. Bergman 

Mary Sue Reckamp 


Mary Ruth Regan, CSJ 

Mrs. Marilyn A. Dickman 

Mr. John P. Kemp & Ms. Laurie Ryan 

Placide Regan, CSJ 

Ms. Kathleen T. Eagan 

Rev Msgr. Edward Reilly 

Mr. Dan Harig 

Margaret Reinhart, CSJ 


Syl & Margie Renaud 

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin J. McCarthy 

Andrea Marie Rentmeester, CSJ 

Mrs. Margaret J. Ruscetta 

Martha Ritter, CSJ 

Mrs. Julia A. Belford 

Mrs. Elsie B. Glickert 

Joseph & Linda Licata, CSJA 

Mr. & Mrs. Lucien J. Matter 

Rose Marie McKenna, CSJ 

Mrs. Agnes M. Stuckmeyer 

Ralph Ritter 

Mrs. Melanie Ryan 

Jack Roche 

Mr. Michael R. Roche 

Bernard Rodell 


Robert Rogers 



Rosati-Kain Teachers 

Ms. Patricia M. Quicke 

James V. Rotermund 

Ms. Jody Rotermund 

Ralph Rumpelt 

Mrs. Doris M. Rumpelt 

Kathleen Kevin Ryan, CSJ 

Ms. Ann Bulanda 

Mrs. Mary Ann Egan 

Mr. & Mrs. John L. Huels, Jr. 

Mrs. Mary Ellen Karpinski 

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Palumbo 

Ms. Josephine F. Reidy 

Ms. Rose Marie Ruggiero 

Ms. Jeanne M. Ryan Wanner 

Ms. Michaeleene E. Schweihs 

Mr. Michael J. Sheahan 

Ms. Marguerite A. Smuda 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. Szumski 

Jean Fontbonne Sandweg, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Francis X. Sandweg 

Mrs. Barbara G. Wilson 

Leo William Schmittgens 

Mrs. Mary Carol Schmittgens 

Mary Annette Schorman, CSJ 

Ms. Patricia A. Lee 

Rose Seyfried, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Williamson 

Clare Shewbridge 


Marjorie K. Shine 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Stice 

Mary Consuela Simon, CSJ 

Mr. Joseph F. Ryan 

Vincent Simpher 

Ms. Christine Davis 

Mary Anne Smith, CSJ 

Mrs. M. Bernadette Eisenbarth 

Edward J. & Dorothy Tallon 

Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Tallon 

Deceased Members of the 

Tarnow Family 

Mr. & Mrs. William M. Tarnow 

Teaching Sisters 

Mr. & Mrs. James L. Olshefski 

Jeanne & Byron Thompson 


Jeanne Thompson 

Mr. & Mrs. B. Christopher Thompson 

Elois M. Tlapek 

Mr. Bill Tlapek 

Dan Toohey 

Mr. & Mrs. Claude B. Martin 

Gary Torchia 

Marnee Torchia, CSJA 

Francine Traina 


John & Donna Turek 

Mr. & Mrs. John Turek 

George Antoinette Vander Loop, CSJ 

Chris McGovern 

Joe VanDyke 

Mrs. Karen S. Vandyke 

Victor Van Hee, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. D.J. Soetaert 

Edith Vogel, CSJ 

Anonymous 



Mr. & Mrs. Dennis R. Molner 

Mrs. Janet Moran 

Mr. & Mrs. John J. Spalding 

Ann Agnes von Steiger, CSJ 

Ms. Linda Kurz 

Mary Wagner 

Mrs. Sally W. Schwarz 

Francis Patrick Waldron, CSJ 

Mr. John Waldron III 

Susie Walker 


Richard Walker 


Patricia Walsh 


Patricia M. Waters 

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher G. Waters 

Lisa Wheeler 

Ms. Janet E. Garth 

Michael White, CSJ 

Mr. & Mrs. John T. Donnelly 

Mr. & Mrs. David H. Gelwicks 

Miss Judith L. Gelwicks 


Mrs. Regina C. Lee 

Mrs. Nancy Messer 

Rita White 

Mrs. Lois F. Young 

Gary Wiedemann 

Mr. & Mrs. William J. Hardebeck 

Rose Mary Willett, CSJ 

Ms. Sharon Kaszar 

Herr Christian Witschi 

Mr. Gary R. Krafft 

Alvin Wright 


Clarence & Rosemary M. Wuertz 

Mr. & Mrs. Brad Ogle 

Dorothy Yates 

Mrs. Geraldine F. Stassi 

Mary Catherine Zielinski 

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph W. Mareschal 

The Mission Advancement Office 

has made every effort to ensure the 

tributes are properly recognized and 

correctly spelled. To make a donation, 

request memorial envelopes or 

report a correction on our tributes 

listing, please contact our office at 

314.678.0326. 

†Deceased 

Gifts received August 1, 2016 through 

June 30, 2017. 


advancingthemission 

Sisters of St. Joseph Host 11th Annual Gala 

The Sisters of St. Joseph of 

Carondelet hosted their 11th 

Annual Generosity of Joseph 

Honors Gala on April 28. More than 

125 sisters, patrons, family and friends 

filled the historic motherhouse to 

celebrate honorees Angie O’Gorman, 

Marcellina Otii and Associate David 

Armstrong who spread the charism of 

uniting neighbor with neighbor without 

distinction. 

Each year, the Sisters of St. Joseph 

acknowledge individuals, couples and/ 

or organizations whose lives and service positively influence 

and contribute to the betterment of society. They encourage 

others by example to practice life-altering generosity, just as 

our patron, Joseph, did. 

Honoree Angie O’Gorman of St. Louis has dedicated 

her life to serving the dear neighbor, making the plight of 

immigrants and of the poor her personal mission, assisting 

them in legal matters and providing them with the equal 

and fair services they often require. Most recently, she 

co-founded The Kitchen Table, a restaurant that hires women 

who are outside the labor market. 

“How do you summarize a life that has so consistently 

worked to change systems to make them more just and more 

compassionate, and, at the same time, worked with people 

who are affected by those 

systems?” asked Sister 

Jean Abbott, a long-time 

friend of Angie’s. 

Honoree Marcellina 

Otii of Denver, Colorado, 

works tirelessly for her 

native people in Gulu, 

Uganda, through her 

organization, Team Africa 

Ties That Bind. She 

continues to build the 

capacity of the lay and 

rural catechists in northern 

Uganda by providing 

education essentials 

By Sarah Baker 

2017 HONOREES 

Angie O’Gorman 

Saint Louis, Missouri 

Marcellina Otii 

Denver, Colorado 

David Armstrong 

Kansas City, Missouri 

to children, workshops for victims of 

trauma, leadership development and 

more for the people of Gulu. 

“Marcellina heals and reconciles 

through her persistence in calling for 

growth, respect and accountability even 

when difficulties would cause another 

person to give up,” says Sister Marion 

Weinzapfel, friend and co-worker. 

Honoree and CSJ Associate David 

Armstrong of Kansas City, Missouri, has 

served CSJ-sponsored Avila University, 

the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the charism 

we hold dear as director of Mission Effectiveness and 

Campus Ministry for over 15 years. He serves his community 

and God through many week-long service-immersion trips 

where students travel, serve and live out the charism of the 

CSJs. And to share the CSJ heritage, ministry and charism 

with Avila undergraduates, he founded Jerusalem Farm and 

the 1650 Society. 

“Dave is a humble man, a spiritual man, who acts 

authentically, is fun to be around, and engages others, 

helping them find their way on their spiritual journey,” 

comments Avila President and CSJ Associate Ron Slepitza. 

In their own ways, each of our honorees imitates 

Joseph by protecting those given to their care. Like Joseph, 

each of them believes in “passing it on” and is a remarkable 

individual whose life is 

rooted in gospel values. 

The Sisters of St. Joseph 

are inspired by the ways 

they are committed to 

turning beyond themselves 

to serve a world in need. 

(See pictures, page 23) 

Left, Angie O’Gorman, Marcellina 

Otti and David Armstrong 


Generosity of Joseph Gala 


donorspotlight 

Gratitude for her CSJ Education 

Inspires Charitable Gift 

Dr. Mara Baun 

By Patricia R. Cassens, CFRE, CSJA 

Dr. Mara Baun is a 

distinguished 

healthcare researcher 

and scholar, having devoted 

a 40-year career to research 

related to endotracheal 

suctioning. An expert in the 

field, she was a leader in a 

number of associations, a 

mentor to many and a much 

sought after worldwide 

speaker. 

Like many friends of 

the Sisters of St. Joseph, Dr. Baun’s educational foundation 

was with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. She attended 

St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City; Fontbonne University 

in St. Louis and St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul 

(originally College of St. Catherine). 

One educator of particular influence to her was notable 

philosophy teacher Sister Rosemary Flanigan of St. Teresa’s 

Academy. “She was an inspiration and a mentor,” says 

Dr. Baun. “Her integrity and teaching of ethics became a 

standard I strived to live up to.” 

With many accomplishments to her name over her 

40 years, Dr. Baun was not yet finished striving ahead in the 

field of medicine. As an only child growing up in St. Joseph, 

Missouri, she had developed a strong bond with animals. 

Combining this love with her professional acumen and the 

CSJ call to the CSJ spirit, Dr. Baun was inspired to research 

the relationship between humans and animals 

One of the first scientists to concentrate on physiological 

impact of the relationship between humans and animals, 

Dr. Baun’s work focused on companion animals. According 

to Dr. Baun, therapy dogs can be an excellent source of 

comfort, particularly for patients who may be having extreme 

memory difficulties such as in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s 

or dementia. 

“Dogs are born listeners,” she says, “It matters little to a 

pet if the person’s body has deteriorated and the same stories 

are repeated over and over.” 

Retired in 2015, Dr. Baun 

continues to foster the 

relationships between humans 

and animals as the co-founder 

of the Merrysong Kennel 

in Missouri City, Texas. She 

also is a breeder of beagles, 

finding her puppies loving 

homes at no charge. 

With the same generous 

spirit, Dr. Baun has 

established a bequest in her 

estate plans from the Mara 

M. Baun Charitable Trust for the Sisters of St. Joseph of 

Carondelet, St. Louis Province. She does so with gratitude 

for the strong foundation she received, knowing that by 

building this legacy, she can help continue the mission that 

so profoundly influenced her own life. 

Dr. Mara Baun at a graduation at the University of Texas where she served on the faculty. 

Charitable Bequests 

If you, too, are interested in helping the Sisters of 

St. Joseph of Carondelet with their mission through your 

legacy, one simple way is by a gift in your estate plans called 

a charitable bequest. Your gift also entitles your estate to an 

unlimited federal estate tax charitable deduction. 

If you are thinking about a bequest in your estate plans, 

contact Patricia Cassens, Executive Director of Mission 

Advancement, at 314-678-0329 or pcassens@csjsl.org for 

additional information or to discuss different options for 

including the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in your will 

or estate plan. 

As always, we ask that you seek the advice of your 

financial or legal advisor. If you do include the CSJs in your 

plans, please use our legal name and Federal Tax ID: 

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province 

6400 Minnesota Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63111 

Federal Tax ID Number: 43-6000007 


Save the Dates 

Together We Gather: Events 2017–2018 

These are just some of the upcoming events we have planned for the year ahead. 

Visit www.csjsl.org for our event calendar. 

Treat yourself to an enriching Saturday morning 

to feed your mind, body and spirit with good company, a 

hearty breakfast and a dynamic program presented 

by engaging CSJ sister and associate speakers. 

For more information and to register, 

visit www.csjsl.org. 

For questions, contact Barbara Roberts 

at 816-501-2944 or csjkc@csjsl.org. 

Avila University, Whitfield Center 

Saturday, Oct. 14, 9–11 am 

Who’s Listening? with Sister Marilyn Peot, CSJ 

St. Teresa’s Academy, Windmoor Center 

Saturday, April 7, 9–11 am 

Healing Touch with Jody Hueschen, CSJA 

“A rewarding experience” 

All Souls Mass 

at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Motherhouse 

Thursday, Nov. 2, 11 am 

In celebration of All Souls, the Sisters of St. Joseph of 

Carondelet will remember your deceased loved ones at our 

eucharistic celebration. 

The names of your loved ones will be placed on our altar 

and remembered in prayer. This is our gift to you in return 

for your friendship and your support of our mission and 

ministries. 

Lunch to follow immediately 

If you would like to join us for Eucharist and lunch, RSVP on 

or before Oct. 26 at 314-678-0326 or qkelley@csjsl.org. 

Dining to Donate 

Wednesday, March 21 

Enjoy a delicious meal and help the Sisters of St. Joseph at 

the same time. Each participating restaurant will be donating 

proceeds to benefit the good works of the CSJs. For more 

information, visit www.csjsl.org. 

Honors 

12th AnnualGenerosity 

Gala 

of Joseph 

Friday, April 20, 2018 

St. Louis: Favazza’s on The Hill, 5201 Southwest Ave., 

St. Louis, MO 63139 

Kansas City: Jasper’s, 1201 W. 103rd St., 

Kansas City, MO 64114 


Non-profit Org. 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 

St. Louis, MO 

Permit No. 2829 

together… wearemore 

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