NC - Spring 2018

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example not by words. You have to lead in a way that people are willing to follow.” An organizer and planner at heart, Sr. Teresa found it difficult in the first few months as provincial treasurer to adjust to not knowing how each day would unfold. “I like to plan things, then accomplish and finish them. It’s why I enjoy cooking and cleaning – I can see the immediate results. But, in leadership, many things drag on and we don’t see the end results for years.” She went on to explain, “The biggest challenge for me was to wake up and say, ‘Well, let’s see what God has in store for me on this beautiful day.’ I’m risk averse. I like control. But in this position, I had to reach out and delegate. I had to let go.” And how did she learn to let go? She says life taught her. “It’s like casting your net from a boat. If you keep throwing the net only on one side of the boat, the results will be the same. Sometimes you have to take a different approach and try casting your net on the other side of the boat,” she explained. Her coursework in business law and management helped, too. Though management structures, contract law and balance sheets may seem like odd topics when talking about religious life, Sr. Teresa believes to function in today’s world, even religious communities must understand business models, liability risks and legal issues. “We want to be Sisters,” she said. “We want to hug everyone, but we must understand the business and legal world around us, too.” Through all of her learning experiences as provincial treasurer, one stands out in Sr. Teresa’s memory: the opening of the new Immaculate “It’s like casting your net from a boat. If you keep throwing the net only on one side of the boat, the results will be the same.” Heart of Mary Convent in Monroe, CT in December 2015. Equating the experience to the birth of a baby, she recalls, “It was painful. Sisters had to set aside their grief at moving out of their old convent. There were many challenges and obstacles. But in the end, everyone came together and there was joy and new life. I loved seeing the Sisters’ excitement and gratitude for their new home.” Being a part of these happy moments and getting to know Sisters throughout the province has been Sr. Teresa’s greatest joy. “I value how I’ve really gotten to know the Sisters as individuals. It has been enriching, and I’ve become more vested in what is happening,” she said. Though she initially did not see her leadership position as a blessing, Sr. Teresa now believes she was blessed with the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and become energized by the work she has done with her family of Sisters. MINISTRY WITH SISTERS AND STUDENTS: SR. RITA FANNING, PROVINCIAL COUNCILOR by Tammy Townsend Kise, Communications Director In January 2013, just after she was installed as a provincial councilor, Sr. Rita Fanning shared with our friends of Nazareth her thoughts on how she saw the CSFN charism being lived out in the coming years, especially since Sisters are less visible in Catholic education. At that time, Sr. Rita said, “There’s a real willingness on the part of the Sisters to recognize this change and to being open to bringing new ministries to life for the Church and for Nazareth. This is where the ‘us’ part of our commitment is important. 8
It’s not up to us [the Leadership Team] to say, ‘Sister, please do this,’ but for all of us to talk about the ministry needs we see and ways in which we can meet them.” As a newly elected councilor, Sr. Rita spoke of “remaining open to new ministries that are out there in areas where we have ministered to families over the years.” How true those words would soon become for Sr. Rita as she stepped into the role of not only provincial councilor, but also Nazareth Academy High School principal. While the high school is not a new ministry for the Sisters – CSFNs founded the high school in Philadelphia in 1928 – it was a new ministry for Sr. Rita. As principal, she helped lead NAHS’ rich tradition of providing a rigorous academic curriculum, grounded in Catholic tradition and values for young women. In this dual role, Sr. Rita served the needs of the school’s students and families while also being available to Sisters throughout the province. In 2018, as the province prepares for a change in leadership, Sr. Rita continues to share her commitment to serving Sisters and their ministries. “I am grateful for the blessing to have been readily available to be of service to each Sister and to the province at large. I am also grateful to have met our Sisters and gained an understanding of the ministries we are involved in.” She added, “Thank you for the moments in which you trusted enough to share your personal joys, heartaches and those people and things you hold sacred. I feel very blessed.” LEADERSHIP CONTINUED ON PAGE 12... Sr. Rita observes a Nazareth Academy High School art class Sr. Rita in 2013 helping with a council dinner Sr. Rita willing donned safety goggles to participate in an experiment with the NAHS chemistry class NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2018 9
Page 1 and 2: Nazareth SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Page 3 and 4: Contents LEADERSHIP 4-9 & 12 A fare
Page 5 and 6: know it is very true. So, ministeri
Page 7: term. Those trips helped us to get
Page 11 and 12: advance the mission and ministry of
Page 13 and 14: leadership roles with other religio
Page 15 and 16: school difficulties, Lee blossomed
Page 17 and 18: and at her investiture on August 10
Page 19 and 20: DEVELOPMENT You are invited: CSFN 2

NC - Spring 2018

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