Benedictine Voice - St. Scholastica Monastery - Boerne, Texas
Benedictine Voice - St. Scholastica Monastery - Boerne, Texas
Benedictine Voice - St. Scholastica Monastery - Boerne, Texas
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<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> <strong>St</strong>.Scholas ica <strong>Monastery</strong><br />
Newsletter of the <strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters of <strong>Boerne</strong>, <strong>Texas</strong> • • Summer 2011<br />
2011<br />
Caridad de Corazón, (Charity of the Heart), is a<br />
sponsored ministry of the <strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters. The<br />
roots of this life-changing program first took hold in<br />
Eagle Pass, <strong>Texas</strong> in November, 1997. Sr. Ursula<br />
Herrera, OSB, Director of Caridad and a Registered<br />
Nurse, recalls working at Fort Duncan Medical<br />
Center during that time. She was asked to be<br />
responsible for the Christmas gifts that were being<br />
donated for an orphanage in the border town of<br />
Piedras Negras, Mexico. Sr. Ursula gladly accepted<br />
the responsibility and continued to work directly with<br />
the orphanage the following year by helping supply<br />
the needs for food, clothing, and miscellaneous<br />
provisions.<br />
“In September, 1999 I was approached by Terry Bliquez, founder of Sky Cross Ministries in San Antonio, to assist in<br />
distributing food to needy individuals in Piedras Negras,” remembers Sr. Ursula. “I said yes, and the ministry took on<br />
another direction. I not only assisted the orphanages, but served several colonias as well.” Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Sr.<br />
Ursula’s vision for a new ministry started to become clear. The needs on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border were many,<br />
but the basic human need for food became a priority. (continued on page 15)<br />
Gala co-emcees, William Goertz and Patricia Castillo,<br />
were fantastic hosts of the evening’s celebration.<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters<br />
of <strong>Boerne</strong><br />
Caridad de Corazón Ministry - Deeply Rooted in Charity and <strong>St</strong>ill Growing<br />
Sr. Ursula Herrerra, OSB (center) with staff and children at an<br />
orphanage in Piedras Negras.<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters’ Centennial Gala<br />
Marks Beginning of 100th Year<br />
The official beginning to the Sisters’ Centennial Year, December 2010<br />
- December 2011, was marked by a Gala Celebration held at <strong>St</strong>.<br />
Paul’s Community Center in San Antonio on December 4, 2010.<br />
Co-emcees for the evening’s festivities were William Goertz, brother<br />
of Srs. Mary Rose and Lucille Goertz, and Patricia Castillo, Executive<br />
Director of the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative of San Antonio.<br />
Among those in attendance were Bishop James Tamayo of the Laredo<br />
Diocese, Bishop John Yanta, Diocesan retired, men and women<br />
Religious, family, friends, alumni, co-ministers and benefactors who<br />
have journeyed with the Sisters throughout the years.<br />
The program included a DVD presentation highlighting the Sisters’<br />
(continued on page 5)
2<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
Letter from the Prioress<br />
Reflections During<br />
Our Centennial Year<br />
We are now at the mid-way<br />
point of our Centennial Year.<br />
We began last December<br />
with our opening Gala. This<br />
past April we named,<br />
dedicated and blessed our<br />
House of Prayer, now<br />
known as Lidwina’s<br />
Sr. Bernadine Reyes, OSB Dwelling. We are looking<br />
forward to three activities scheduled during our Centennial.<br />
One of these activities will be a joint Sisters and Oblate<br />
retreat in June. Sr. Laura Swan, OSB, from Lacey,<br />
Washington, will be our retreat director and the theme<br />
will be “Humility and Intimacy with God.” This retreat<br />
will be a blessed and reflective time together. Another<br />
activity will be a reunion with our former Sisters which<br />
will take place on Saturday, September 3rd . A small group<br />
of Sisters and former Community members are<br />
coordinating this gathering. During our planning sessions,<br />
our conversation has surfaced so many memories. Hope<br />
Ponce, formerly Sr. Catherine, said she is looking forward<br />
to visiting and catching up with women she spent<br />
meaningful time with and has not seen in many years. And<br />
our third planned event will be our closing liturgy on<br />
December 4th at <strong>St</strong>. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in<br />
<strong>Boerne</strong>.<br />
As we joyfully go through our celebrations, we are keenly<br />
aware of troubled times in our world. This issue has articles<br />
on two of our Sisters who either work with those who<br />
have so much less or who address issues such as human<br />
trafficking. This year we all saw the terrible pictures of<br />
the tsunami and the aftermath of the fires, tornados, floods<br />
and swelling rivers.<br />
The drug wars are spilling over borders, nations are at<br />
war and our country is integrally involved in some of these<br />
wars.<br />
Reflecting on the year 1911, the year our Community was<br />
founded, and on the years that followed, the world was<br />
not much different. The Mexican Revolution ravaged its<br />
country from 1910 - 1920. World War I began in 1914<br />
and ended in 1918. In 1917, a hurricane hit the Isle of<br />
Pines where the Sisters lived, and it destroyed property<br />
and lives. And in 1918, a large part of our world<br />
experienced the flu epidemic.<br />
We do not know what the next century will bring, but<br />
what we do know is that this steadfast group of faith-filled<br />
women faced what was going on in their time and went<br />
forward, following their call. In our day, our Community<br />
draws strength and courage as we reflect on our faith<br />
history. Like our foremothers, we too will respond to the<br />
call of our day and time and will rest secure in knowing<br />
that the harvest belongs to God.<br />
This summer issue also names our donors who, throughout<br />
the year, bless us with their generosity. We are touched<br />
by their trust and commitment to us and we are truly<br />
grateful to each and every one of them.<br />
As we continue with our Centennial celebrations, we honor<br />
the women who have gone before us and our history built<br />
on faith and <strong>Benedictine</strong> values. We also honor the many<br />
works our Sisters have engaged in and the people whose<br />
lives have been touched.<br />
May your summer bring rest, leisure and renewed spirits.<br />
Peace,<br />
Sr. Bernadine<br />
Mission <strong>St</strong>atement<br />
We, the <strong>Boerne</strong> <strong>Benedictine</strong>s, are called to seek God in community and to respond in ministry through<br />
sharing our spirituality and addressing the needs of the people we serve, especially the poor.
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
Development News<br />
New Website Under Construction<br />
Work has begun on a new website for<br />
the Sisters, so please keep checking<br />
www.boernebenedictines.com for the<br />
new and improved version! Expected<br />
launch date is late summer 2011.<br />
Please Support Our 2011 Raffle<br />
Don’t miss out on your chance to win one of the<br />
great prizes including the<br />
Grand Prize<br />
Circle of Support<br />
Diamond Pendant from<br />
Americus Diamond<br />
Value: $2,500.00<br />
Printed tickets come twelve per sheet and are<br />
priced as follows:<br />
$5 each 6 for $25 12 for $50<br />
The drawing will be held on Tuesday, September 6,<br />
2011. You DO NOT need to be present to win,<br />
but PLEASE print your name and phone number<br />
legibly on tickets. Deadline to submit tickets with<br />
payment is Friday, September 2, 2011. Good luck<br />
to all!<br />
2011 None’s Ball Update<br />
The <strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters wish to thank everyone<br />
who has participated in this year’s None’s Ball.<br />
To date, the 2011 “no show” event has raised<br />
over $18,000 for the Sisters’ retirement fund.<br />
Haven’t sent in your response yet? No problem!<br />
None’s Ball gifts are still being accepted.<br />
Recent Grants<br />
The <strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters wish to express their sincere<br />
appreciation to the following Foundations and Faith<br />
Community for recent grants received:<br />
$2,500 - Marietta K. Randall Foundation -<br />
Broadway Bank, Trustee, in support of office<br />
equipment for the <strong>Monastery</strong><br />
$2,500 - John G. and Marie <strong>St</strong>ella Kenedy Memorial<br />
Foundation in support of 2011 fundraising events<br />
$4,500 - LCWR Region 12, Leadership<br />
Conference of Women Religious, in support of the<br />
Caridad de Corazón Mission House in Eagle Pass,<br />
<strong>Texas</strong><br />
Leaving a Legacy<br />
Have circumstances changed in your life<br />
that necessitate establishing or updating<br />
your will? If so, please consider<br />
remembering the <strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters.<br />
In doing so, your legacy will live on in<br />
the lives of many who benefit from the<br />
Sisters’ programs and outreach work in<br />
the communities of south <strong>Texas</strong>.<br />
Our legal title is Congregation of<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters and we are a 501(c)3<br />
charitable organization.<br />
For more information, please contact<br />
your estate planner, attorney, or Sister<br />
Sylvia Ahr, OSB, Treasurer at:<br />
830-816-8504.<br />
3
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
4<br />
Development News<br />
A Gracious Gift from the S.A. Occupational Health Nurses<br />
The <strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters were presented with a total of $900 in donations from the San Antonio <strong>Texas</strong> Association of<br />
Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (SATAOHN) at their Annual Holiday Banquet on January 8, 2011 held at Bravo at the<br />
Shops at La Cantera. The SATAOHN is a non-profit<br />
organization dedicated to the continuing education and<br />
advancement of its member occupational health nurses. In<br />
addition to education, the association is always interested in<br />
assisting other organizations that help serve humanity for<br />
the greater good.<br />
(l-r) Sr. Antoinette Van Galen, Sr. Bernadine Reyes, Aileen Matos-<br />
Navarro (President of the SATAOHN) and Sr. Susan Mika gather as<br />
the generous donations from the Nurses organization are presented.<br />
A Humble Humanitarian is Honored<br />
There is a sense of peace when one is in the company of Irving<br />
O’Neal. His love for the Lord is evident in both his actions and<br />
words. He makes beautiful crosses and walking sticks from the<br />
stalks of native <strong>Texas</strong> sotol plants and he has given them away to<br />
others, including the <strong>Benedictine</strong> community. Since 1999, he has<br />
called <strong>Boerne</strong> his home. He has a passion for fly-fishing and<br />
gardening, and he loves spending time with his lovely wife, Ethel,<br />
and their family and friends.<br />
What many may not know is that Irving has been a pastoral care<br />
volunteer with the Methodist Healthcare System (MHS) in San<br />
Antonio since 1989. He has touched hundreds of lives, including<br />
some of the <strong>Benedictine</strong>s, during the past 22 years while making<br />
his weekly rounds at the hospital. In addition to bringing<br />
Communion to patients and facilitating services at the hospital<br />
chapel, Irving provides comfort and hope to those who are sick<br />
and dying. His humble service was recently recognized and he<br />
was honored with the MHS’s 2011 Grace Ann Durr Humanitarian<br />
Award. Irving received a certificate indicating that a donation<br />
would be made on his behalf to a charity of his choice. He selected<br />
“After careful assessment, the SATAOHN Board chose the<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters as the recipients of our community<br />
service efforts by way of a monetary donation,” stated the<br />
organization’s president, Aileen Matos-Navarro, RN, BSN,<br />
COHN-S. “They were chosen for their long term efforts to<br />
assist others through their ministries and services.”<br />
The Sisters are very appreciative of the organization’s<br />
generosity and extend their greatest thanks.<br />
Irving O’Neal during a recent visit to the <strong>Monastery</strong>.<br />
the <strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters as one of the beneficiaries of<br />
this gift. We congratulate Irving on this well deserved<br />
award and we thank him for sharing the honor with the<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters!
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
Centennial Gala continued from page 1<br />
extensive extensive history, and heartwarming tributes from school<br />
alumni and co-ministers. Guests were entertained entertained by the<br />
Central Catholic High School Button Button Big Band. It It was a<br />
night to to remember the the Sisters and their robust past, and<br />
to celebrate their many accomplishments over the years.<br />
Special thanks to the planning committee for for helping to<br />
make the event truly memorable for all: Srs. Michael<br />
Brandt, Bernice Lindsey, and Antoinette Van Galen, and<br />
co-ministers Jaime Asbury, Ramona Connell, Mary Anne<br />
Oehler, Nora Schmidt, and Angie Webb.<br />
Sr. Mary Rose Goertz (right) is joined by her siblings (l-r)<br />
Elmer Elmer Goertz, Goertz, Marcella Muehr, and Bernadette Beck for the<br />
Gala event.<br />
(above) Bishop Monsignor John Lawrence Yanta and<strong>St</strong>uebben<br />
and<br />
Sr. Antoinette Van Galen enjoy the festivities.<br />
(right) Co-ministers, Mary and<br />
Andrew Anderson, shared<br />
wonderful tributes about how the<br />
Sisters have touched their lives.<br />
Additional Centennial Events Planned<br />
• Sept. 3rd: Former <strong>Benedictine</strong> Community Members Reunion<br />
• Dec. 4th: Closing Liturgy at <strong>St</strong>. Peter the Apostle Catholic<br />
Church in <strong>Boerne</strong><br />
Centennial News<br />
(l-r) Sr. Sylvia Ahr, Sr. Bernadine Reyes, Sr. Michael Brandt and<br />
Sr. Susan Mika celebrate the 100th (l-r) Sr. Sylvia Ahr, Sr. Bernadine Reyes, Sr. Michael Brandt and<br />
Sr. Susan Mika celebrate the 100 anniversary of their Community’s<br />
founding.<br />
th anniversary of their Community’s<br />
founding.<br />
(above) Alumnus, Oblate, and Board Member, Robert Sosa<br />
shared an unforgettable tribute to the Sisters and attended<br />
the Gala with Janet Herrera.<br />
5
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
Special Events<br />
6<br />
Spaghetti Dinner Builds Community - Raises Funds, Appetites, and Spirits!<br />
The 6 th Annual Feast of <strong>St</strong>. Benedict Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction<br />
was enjoyed by over 600 people on March 23, 2011 at Benedict Hall on<br />
the Sisters’ grounds. Guests enjoyed delicious spaghetti, lively accordion<br />
music provided by John McDonald and Robert Atwood, and a large silent<br />
auction. Many volunteers, including <strong>Benedictine</strong> Oblates, the <strong>St</strong>. Peter’s<br />
Knights of Columbus and Boy Scouts, joined the Sisters and staff and<br />
made sure the evening ran smoothly and that guests were treated with<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> hospitality. The generous donors that gave items for the dinner,<br />
door prizes, and the silent auction also ensured that the event was a great<br />
success. More than $10,000 was raised for the Sisters, which happily<br />
exceeded expectations. Thanks to everyone who helped the Spaghetti<br />
Dinner continue to be a highlight of the year! Rev. Tony Cummins of <strong>St</strong>. Peter’s visits with<br />
Sr. Bernadine Reyes, OSB.<br />
above(l-r) Dorothy Bockholt, Lee Kegley, Verena Mazour, Jo Paxson, Margaret<br />
Peterson and Deanne Beckcom happily gather to share the evening with friends.<br />
above (l-r) Fidencia Herrera, Norma Shinn, Grand Knight - Dr. Joseph<br />
Arrieta, Sr. Antoinette Van Galen, Carrie Zapata and Margaret<br />
Chandler teamed up to help prepare to-go meals.<br />
Oblate and volunteer, Lady Ellen Clark,<br />
bids on Silent Auction items.<br />
Sr. Mary Lou Hernandez and Genevieve Jones<br />
serve one of the delicious cakes from Bear Moon<br />
Bakery & Cafe.
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
Special Events<br />
The <strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters wish to thank ALL of the wonderful volunteers and the<br />
following event sponsors. Together you helped make the 2011 Feast of <strong>St</strong>.<br />
Benedict Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction a great success!<br />
VENEZI<br />
C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc.<br />
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Benson<br />
Rittimann Plumbing, Inc.<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Matthew Catholic Church<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Peter’s Knights of Columbus<br />
Council No. 10940<br />
Aloys & Gertrude Mika<br />
Anita Branch<br />
Barbara Ballard<br />
Bear Moon Bakery<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Oblates<br />
<strong>Boerne</strong> Dental Center<br />
Bonnie Priest<br />
The <strong>Boerne</strong> <strong>St</strong>ar<br />
The Cart Barn of <strong>Texas</strong><br />
Cavender Chevrolet<br />
Cow Creek Taxidermy<br />
Doug & Mary Earle<br />
Flagstop Café<br />
ROMA<br />
The John G. and Marie <strong>St</strong>ella Kenedy Memorial Foundation<br />
NAPOLI<br />
Bob and Anna Elizondo<br />
Casias Construction, LLC<br />
Fred and Mary Lou Valentino<br />
Read All About It Bookstore<br />
Ronald Wilburn<br />
Service Uniform Rental<br />
FRIENDS OF THE BENEDICTINES<br />
The Flower Shop<br />
Frances Sandera<br />
Gerald & Lady Ellen Clark<br />
Hallelujah Jewels<br />
HEB <strong>Boerne</strong><br />
James Chittim<br />
Jerry & Pam Schmidt<br />
Joan Goble<br />
Katherine O’Hanlon<br />
Kiolbassa Provision, Inc.<br />
Kona Grill<br />
Lea Kochanek<br />
The Learning Zone<br />
Marilyn McLean<br />
Mark Lambert<br />
Mayfield Paper Company<br />
McRae Medical Laser Spa<br />
Mike & Donna Brady<br />
Plaza Package <strong>St</strong>ore<br />
The Sisters’ Attic<br />
Solange Designs<br />
<strong>St</strong>arbucks <strong>Boerne</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>ewart & Phyllis Allen<br />
SYSCO San Antonio<br />
Walmart <strong>Boerne</strong><br />
Special thanks to event committee members Sr. Bernadine Reyes, Sr. Kathleen Higgins, Jaime Asbury,<br />
Mary Anne Oehler, Nora Schmidt, Angie Webb, and Carrie Zapata.<br />
SAVE THE DATE<br />
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us next<br />
year for the 7th Annual Feast of <strong>St</strong>. Benedict<br />
Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction<br />
WEDNESDAY - MARCH 21, 2012 4-7 PM<br />
Benedict Hall • 216 W. Highland Dr.<br />
<strong>Boerne</strong>, <strong>Texas</strong> 78006<br />
Proceeds from the 2010 Spaghetti<br />
Dinner and Silent Auction have been<br />
designated for a much needed copier<br />
for the <strong>Monastery</strong> Offices. The new<br />
equipment is expected to arrive in<br />
June!<br />
7
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
Anonymous<br />
James & Heidi Abshire<br />
Sherri Jo Adams<br />
Teresita Aguilar<br />
Homer & Carol Ahr<br />
Joseph & Lori Ann Ahr<br />
Dianne Albrecht<br />
James & Judy Allen<br />
<strong>St</strong>ewart & Phyllis Allen<br />
Jim & Darleen Ammann<br />
Richard & Connie Amparon<br />
Andrew & Mary Anderson<br />
Don & Judith Anderson<br />
Dr. Roberto Aranibar<br />
Kay Arnold<br />
Revs. Homer & Irma Bain<br />
Geri Bannister<br />
Frank & Eileen Barbella<br />
Sandra Barnes<br />
Judith Barnett<br />
Irvin & Jean Barousse<br />
Dan & Jeanne Barry<br />
Dennis Bartsch<br />
Ella Mae Bartsch<br />
Ernest & Ida Bartsch<br />
Marvin Bartsch<br />
Vernon & Minnie Bartsch<br />
Michael Bayliss<br />
Felix & Olga Bazan<br />
Bernadette Beck<br />
James Beck<br />
Melvin & Flora Beck<br />
Darrell Becker<br />
Judith Beeler<br />
John & Jeanette Belter<br />
Yolanda Beltran<br />
Dr. Edward & Twyla Benson<br />
Anna Bibb<br />
Michael & Carol Bidus<br />
Mary Beth Bigger<br />
Irene Bish<br />
Robert & Dorothy Bockholt<br />
Mel & Claudia Boehmer<br />
8<br />
Honor Roll of Donors - 2010<br />
Our sincerest appreciation to the following donors who gave a gift in support of the <strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters through our<br />
Development Office in 2010. Every effort has been made to keep our list accurate. If your name was overlooked or<br />
misprinted, please accept our apology and contact us at (830) 816-8504.<br />
Individuals<br />
Mary Bone<br />
John & Janet Bonnin<br />
Gigi Bormann<br />
Deacon Weldon Bowling<br />
Peter & Karen Braeuler<br />
Anita Branch<br />
Greg Brandt<br />
Melroy & Valeria Brandt<br />
Lee Brandt III<br />
<strong>St</strong>even Bretzer<br />
Lelan Brotherman<br />
Roy & Roberta Brown<br />
William & Anne Brunet<br />
John & Karen Buckelew<br />
Helen Buckley<br />
Helen Burstein<br />
Bettie Burton<br />
Lou & Carol Butaud<br />
Bobby & Peggy Butler<br />
Lana Cade<br />
Dennis Cadena<br />
Eliseo & Dorina Cadena<br />
Virginia Callahan<br />
Joe & Dottie Callaway<br />
Dean & Judy Camarigg<br />
Jose & Mary Cantu<br />
Dick & Eileen Ryan Carbin<br />
Melvin & Connie Carley<br />
Marty & Lori Carroll<br />
Margaret Chandler<br />
Juanita Chipman<br />
Gerald & Lady Ellen Clark<br />
Constance Clarkson<br />
Darlene Clements<br />
Jerald & Nancy Coger<br />
Marianne Conner<br />
Lupita Corbeil<br />
William & Martha Corcoran<br />
Isabell Correa<br />
Wally & Lisa Cox<br />
Corley Cox<br />
Delia Coy<br />
Elizabeth Crismale<br />
William & Darleen Daly<br />
Julius & Yvonne Darilek<br />
Elizabeth Dashiell<br />
Hector Davila<br />
Howard Davis<br />
T.E. Davis<br />
William Howden & Jan Davis<br />
Bradford & LaNell Day<br />
Olga De La Rosa<br />
Rey & Linda Deloera<br />
Richard & Roxanne DeMouy<br />
Marc & Nancy Deschaine<br />
Carl & Diane Devendorf<br />
Rev. Walter D’heedene<br />
Roberto & Robin Ann Dominguez<br />
Paula D’Orsogna<br />
Bryan & Ashlie D’Spain<br />
Douglas Dugosh<br />
Revs. Doug & Mary Earle<br />
Milton & Barbara Edrington<br />
Bob & Anna Elizondo<br />
Robert & Alice Elizondo<br />
Maria Emerson<br />
Mark & Muriel Emerson<br />
Eduardo & Juana Escribano<br />
David & Lucia Esparza<br />
Jean Eyhorn<br />
John Eymann<br />
Robert & Iris Fahy<br />
Christopher & Christine Fashek<br />
Dorothy Ferrell<br />
Diana Ferry<br />
Michael & Isabel Fiebrich<br />
Pat Fietsam<br />
Missy Finck<br />
Gladys Fincke<br />
Patricia Fincke<br />
Jane Flood<br />
Manuel Flores<br />
Polly Ann Fowler<br />
Billy & Katherine Frankum<br />
Philip & Rita Fredericks<br />
Alvin & Charlotte Frerich
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
Verlin & Verena Frerich<br />
Gloria Fritz<br />
Raymond & Evangelina Gamboa<br />
Jimmy & Mary Garcia<br />
Henry & Rose Garcia<br />
Lupe & Irene Garcia<br />
Mike & Joan Garcia<br />
Leroy & Marjorie Garey<br />
Emzy & Joyce Garrett<br />
Joann Garza<br />
Pauline Garza<br />
Mark Giltner<br />
Alois & Sandra Goertz<br />
Rev. Alois Goertz<br />
Anton & Jane Goertz<br />
Arthur Goertz<br />
Rev. Bernard Goertz<br />
Denis & Janell Goertz<br />
Elmer & Edith Goertz<br />
Francis & Gloria Goertz<br />
Irene Goertz<br />
Lester & Paulette Goertz<br />
Mark & Barbara Goertz<br />
Paul Goertz<br />
Richard & Kay Goertz<br />
Thomas & Alberta Goertz<br />
Victor & Donna Goertz<br />
Rev. Victor Goertz<br />
William & Erlene Goertz<br />
William & Patsy Goertz<br />
Dorothy Goldenfarb<br />
Rinaldo Gonzalez<br />
Carol Goulet<br />
Priscilla Grace<br />
Donna Green<br />
Barrie & Mary Greenslade<br />
Richard & Lorraine Griffin<br />
Scott Griffith<br />
Jane Whitehead Griggs<br />
Al Grohman<br />
Margaret Mary Grohman<br />
Cheryl Grossman<br />
Henry Guerrero Jr.<br />
Jane Gutloff<br />
Henry & Nancy Hagen<br />
Katherine Hagler<br />
Jerome & Carol Haider<br />
Marilyn Haider<br />
Glen & Cheryl Hamner<br />
Honor Roll of Donors - 2010<br />
Jerry & Mary Hancock<br />
Oscar & Kathleen Hannig<br />
Barbara Hanson<br />
Linda Hanson<br />
Charles & Deborah Hanus<br />
Marita Hartmann<br />
George & Margaret Harvey<br />
Margie Hassold<br />
Johnnie & Kathy Hawkins<br />
William & Martha Healy<br />
Patrick & Carla Heath<br />
Nancy Heiberg<br />
<strong>St</strong>ephen & Debby Heitzke<br />
Joe & Beth Hemmi<br />
Susanne Henslee<br />
Delia Hernandez<br />
Linda Herr<br />
Carol Hester<br />
Louis & Sandra Hickl<br />
Juan Hidalgo<br />
Roger & Marie Hill<br />
Pamela Hoerster<br />
Clayton & Wanda Hoffman<br />
Richard & Patsy Hoffman<br />
Billie Hollis<br />
Thomas & Helen Holloran<br />
Harry & Barbara Homola<br />
Kari Hoppe<br />
Ray & Colleen Housley<br />
William & Mary Frances<br />
Hovestadt<br />
Ron & Kathy Hubbard<br />
Rev. Albert Hubertus<br />
Charles & Pat Hutzler<br />
Christopher & Gianna Hyland<br />
George & Alice Irving<br />
Dr. Claude Jacobs<br />
Elizabeth Jaimes<br />
Larry James<br />
Kenneth & Bernice Jarzombek<br />
Walter & Sally Johnson<br />
Gerald Jonas<br />
Genevieve Jones<br />
Roger Jones<br />
Carol Jung<br />
Bill & Carol Kadura<br />
Freda Kadura<br />
Glenn & Monica Kadura<br />
Gladys Kallus<br />
Patricia Karam<br />
Kathleen Kean, SSJ<br />
Catherine Kellerman<br />
Olivia Kelly<br />
Betty Kennedy<br />
Kathy Kidd<br />
Kevin & Heather Kidd<br />
Ruby King<br />
David & Marcia Kinsey<br />
Robert & Linda Kiolbassa<br />
Donald & Marilyn Klaus<br />
Mary Kobett<br />
Kenneth & Pixie Koch<br />
Lea Kochanek<br />
Michael & Tracy Krupa<br />
Bobby & Kathy Kunz<br />
Sara Laas<br />
Cecil & Gloria Lamb<br />
Jim & Evelyn Lamb<br />
Gene & Allison Lang<br />
Gilbert & Lydia Larralde<br />
<strong>St</strong>eve & Trisha Lea<br />
Hobson & Dorrece LeBlanc<br />
Robert & Darleen Lee<br />
Guy Lemm<br />
Rudy & Helen Leos<br />
Missy Levy<br />
Jimmie Lee & Cynthia Lewis<br />
Ruth Lofgren<br />
Katherine Long<br />
Joe Lopez<br />
Mary Lopez<br />
Robert & Catherine Lorenz<br />
Zela Lorenz<br />
Beatriz Lozano<br />
Christopher & Donna Luna<br />
Sharon Lux<br />
Dick & Marty Magers<br />
Chris & Pat Maguire<br />
Charlene Mainz<br />
Margaret Malanowski<br />
Mike & Terri Malone<br />
Diana Marmolejo<br />
Kathy Marotta<br />
Jay & Norma Marshall<br />
Sam & Rosalinda Martin<br />
Fred & Judy Martin<br />
Josue & Rosario Martinez<br />
Manuel Martinez<br />
9
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
Wayne & Susan Masur<br />
Kenneth & Madeleine Matocha<br />
Gilbert & Maria Maxwell<br />
Eddie Mazurek<br />
Sharon Mazurek<br />
John & Jane Mcauliffe<br />
Leora McCarthy<br />
Rae McCartney<br />
Rose Marie McClung<br />
James & Kathy McCormick<br />
Gerald & Karen McCormick<br />
Dr. Jim & Irene McCoy<br />
Jerry & Gail McKenna<br />
Michael & Marilyn McLean<br />
Billy & Yvonne McNiel<br />
Gary & Jeri McWilliams<br />
Roberta Merris<br />
Greg & Susan Meserole<br />
Wolf & Marianne Metzner<br />
Thomas & Dorothy Meuth<br />
Evelyn Meuth<br />
<strong>St</strong>eve & Colleen Meuth<br />
Aloys & Gertrude Mika<br />
Marty Mika<br />
<strong>St</strong>even Mika<br />
James & Lisa Mikus<br />
Kevin & Marilyn Miller<br />
Roy & Margaret Miller<br />
Thomas & Rita Minkley<br />
Edward & Lydia Mitchell<br />
Amy Moehnke<br />
Estella Mondini<br />
Dale Monnin<br />
Minnie Montez<br />
Josie Moreno<br />
Joe & Alice Morris<br />
Roger & Marcella Muehr<br />
Mary Murdaugh<br />
Janet Nabb<br />
William & Jody Nash<br />
James & Nanette Neff<br />
Jo Nerlinger<br />
Kenneth & Vickie Nickel<br />
Marcy Niemeier<br />
Ronnie & Janet Nolte<br />
Sean Norris<br />
Wayne & Laverne Norris<br />
Michael & Barbara Nugent<br />
Colleen O’Connor<br />
10<br />
Honor Roll of Donors - 2010<br />
William & Karen O’Connor<br />
Hugh O’Donnell<br />
Michael & Mary Anne Oehler<br />
Cindy Ogle<br />
Bill & Kathy O’Hanlon<br />
Adolfo & Diana Olivares<br />
Irving & Ethel O’Neal<br />
Manuel & Altagracia Ortiz<br />
Jesse & Elsa Oviedo<br />
James & Lourdes Parsons<br />
Elmer & Rose Marie Pavlas<br />
James & Lea Perlitz<br />
Dr. Joseph Peterson<br />
Rev. Joseph Petsch<br />
Hope Ponce<br />
David & Bonnie Priest<br />
Gordon Probst<br />
Maj (Ret.) & Mrs. Lloyd Probst<br />
Jim & Merrilyn Pruske<br />
Joan Pytel<br />
Christine Pytel<br />
Linda Quintero<br />
Bobbie Rabke<br />
Peggy Raley<br />
Tab & Kristie Randolph<br />
Bob & Jamie Rankin<br />
Clifford & Lorene Redus<br />
Fred & Ann Reissig<br />
John & Madeline Rendon<br />
Jodi Riedel<br />
Rev. Roy Rihn<br />
John & Bernie Ristaino<br />
Evelyn Roach<br />
Terren & Karen Roark<br />
Nancy Roberts<br />
Pat Roberts<br />
Marty & Verkis Robinson<br />
Phillip & Jerry Ann Robinson<br />
Bill & Jean Robitaille<br />
Maria Rodriguez<br />
Emilie Rogers<br />
Gary Whiting & Vivian Rule<br />
Gerald & Jackie Rumpf<br />
Diana Ryder<br />
Lawrence & Jo Ann Ryon<br />
Martin & Beverly Sablik<br />
Margaret Sanchez<br />
Robert & Frances Sandera<br />
Paul & Carol Sandor<br />
George & Clara Santos<br />
Dr. John & Toni Saunders<br />
Brent & Janice Schiffer<br />
Albert & Gwendoline Schlachter<br />
Dr. Jerome & Pam Schmidt<br />
Richard & Nora Schmidt<br />
Marvin & Georgia Schreiber<br />
John & Joyce Schuelke<br />
Mark & Rita Schuenemann<br />
Eugenia Schuler<br />
Catharine Schwarz<br />
Raelynn Scott<br />
Marie Seibert<br />
Clayton & Anne Seidel<br />
V.J. Sam & Joan Seidel<br />
Rogelio & Martha Selva<br />
Wilton & Sylvia Shaw<br />
Ileen Shepard<br />
Frank & Ruth Shipman<br />
Preston & Dianne Sides<br />
Deacon Bill & Patti Simmonds<br />
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Simpson<br />
Herbert & Joann Sims<br />
Elizabeth Singleton<br />
Ginny Sledge<br />
Donald & Sandra Smith<br />
Douglas & Lucy Smith<br />
Harvey & Mildred Smith<br />
Jacqueline Smith<br />
Lorraine Smith<br />
Dub & Dolly Smothers<br />
Jeremy Agent & Marie Sonnier<br />
Robert Sosa<br />
Lupe Sotello<br />
Milissa Spain<br />
Mary <strong>St</strong>aub<br />
Frank & Carol <strong>St</strong>ead<br />
Donna Rae <strong>St</strong>eele<br />
Patrick & Marcia <strong>St</strong>ehling<br />
Paul & Beverly <strong>St</strong>einer<br />
Jim & Beth <strong>St</strong>enstrom<br />
Jerry & Mary Louise <strong>St</strong>ewart<br />
Paul & Florence <strong>St</strong>okely<br />
William & Lisa <strong>St</strong>rain<br />
Matthew & Sharon <strong>St</strong>reger<br />
Richard & Lorna <strong>St</strong>rudell<br />
Barbara Sutherland<br />
Evan & Jane Sutton<br />
Thomas & Carol Swiercinsky
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer Summer 2011<br />
Cleo Tamez<br />
Mary Taylor<br />
Sharon Thackston<br />
Roxie Thalman McDonald<br />
Kenneth & Joanne Thompson<br />
Dr. Joe Joe & Laura Thornton<br />
Alfred & Mary Ann Till<br />
Jerry & Jenny Tilley Tilley<br />
Dean & Mary Tisdale<br />
Norbert & Graciela Torline<br />
Frank Frank Torres<br />
Mary Ann Townsend<br />
Helen Travis<br />
Jim Jim Travis Travis<br />
Francisco & Josephine Trevino<br />
Karl Karl & Ofelia Turner<br />
Marcus & Joan Twitty<br />
Cynthia Upchurch<br />
Ken Ken & Jeanette Urbanczyk<br />
Mary Valderaz<br />
Jennifer Valdez<br />
Antonio & Anita Valenciano<br />
Fred & Mary Mary Lou Valentino<br />
Gloria Villanueva<br />
Eugenia Vineys<br />
Rev. John Wagner<br />
Laura Walrond<br />
Thomas & Barbara Walton<br />
Patrick & Mari Webber<br />
Rawley Weber<br />
Bob & Ruth Wehrer<br />
Ann & Kenneth Welch<br />
Barbara Wells<br />
David & Anna Werner<br />
George & Kathy White<br />
Clara White<br />
Richard & Nancy White<br />
Ronald Wilburn<br />
Dale & Cassy Wilhelm<br />
Wilbert Wilhelm<br />
Woodrow & Barbara Wilhelm<br />
Tommy & Diane Williams<br />
Hiawatha & Doris Williams<br />
Harold & Laurel Wolf Wolf<br />
J.W. Mudry & Kristin Kristin Wolff<br />
Jennifer Wood<br />
Most Rev. Rev. John John Yanta<br />
Vernon Yanta<br />
Mary Alice Yelverton<br />
Honor Roll of Donors - 2010<br />
Jay Jay & Carrie Zapata<br />
Arthur & & Virginia Zepeda<br />
Eleanor Marie Zepeda<br />
Nicholas Zinni<br />
Businesses, Foundations<br />
& Faith Communities<br />
Americus Diamond<br />
Art on Porcelain<br />
Bear Moon Bakery & Cafe<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Oblates<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters of Pittsburgh<br />
Benihana<br />
Bill Miller Bar-B-Q<br />
<strong>Boerne</strong> Medical Clinic<br />
<strong>Boerne</strong> Printing<br />
The <strong>Boerne</strong> <strong>St</strong>ar Newspaper<br />
<strong>Boerne</strong> Walmart<br />
<strong>Boerne</strong> WineSeller<br />
Boudro’s on the Riverwalk<br />
Brigidine Sisters<br />
The Cart Barn of <strong>Texas</strong><br />
Casias Construction, LLC<br />
Cavender Chevrolet<br />
Center for Public Policy Priorities<br />
Congregation of Divine Providence<br />
Cow Creek Taxidermy &<br />
Game Processing<br />
Dry Comal Creek Vineyards<br />
El Paso Community Foundation,<br />
Burkitt Foundation Perpetual Fund<br />
Enchanted Springs Ranch<br />
Fair Oaks Golf & Country Club<br />
Felician Sisters<br />
The Flower Shop<br />
Fralo’s Art of Pizza<br />
Grey Moss Inn<br />
Hallelujah Jewels<br />
Hasslocher Enterprises, Inc.<br />
HEB <strong>Boerne</strong><br />
HIS Touch Jewelry<br />
Holy Trinity Church<br />
Information On Call<br />
James Avery Craftsman<br />
John G. and Marie <strong>St</strong>ella Kenedy<br />
Memorial Foundation<br />
Kiolbassa Provision Company<br />
Knights Knights of Columbus Council # 10940<br />
Laserwash of <strong>Boerne</strong><br />
Leadership Conference of Women<br />
Religious, Religious, Region Region 12<br />
The Learning Zone<br />
Louis J. and Millie Matcek Kocurek<br />
Charitable Foundation,<br />
Bank of America, Trustee<br />
Lower Colorado River Authority<br />
Magik Children’s Theater<br />
Marietta K. Randall Foundation,<br />
Broadway Bank, Trustee<br />
Mayfield Paper Company<br />
Missionary Catechists Catechists of<br />
Divine Providence<br />
Missionary Sisters of<br />
Immaculate Conception<br />
Plaza Package <strong>St</strong>ore<br />
Read All About It Bookstore<br />
Salon Infusion<br />
San Antonio Children’s Museum<br />
San Antonio Missions Baseball<br />
San San Antonio Museum of Art<br />
San Antonio Symphony<br />
San Pedro Playhouse<br />
Santikos Theatres<br />
Scanlan Foundation<br />
Sea World San Antonio<br />
Service Service Uniform Rental<br />
Sisters Sisters of the Holy Spirit and<br />
Mary Immaculate<br />
Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus<br />
Solange Designs<br />
<strong>St</strong>. James James Catholic Church<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>St</strong>. Matthew Matthew Catholic Church<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Meinrad Archabbey<br />
<strong>St</strong>arbucks <strong>Boerne</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>ephens Insurance<br />
<strong>Texas</strong> Solar Solutions and Glass<br />
United United Way of Kendall County<br />
Valvoline Express Care Care<br />
The Wash Tub Car Wash<br />
Water 2 Wine<br />
Witte Museum<br />
11
12<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
<strong>St</strong>ewardship ~ Raising Awareness<br />
Human Trafficking Hits Close to Home<br />
Human Trafficking is defined as the illegal trade in human<br />
beings for the purposes of reproductive slavery, commercial<br />
sexual exploitation, forced labor, or a modern-day form of<br />
slavery.<br />
Did You Know?<br />
• An estimated 12.3 million men, women and children are<br />
trafficked for commercial sex or forced labor around the<br />
world today.<br />
• It is estimated that 100,000 children are exploited in the<br />
sex trade in the United <strong>St</strong>ates each year.<br />
• Human trafficking is estimated to be a $32 billion<br />
industry affecting 161 countries worldwide.<br />
Source: polarisproject.org<br />
The statistics regarding human trafficking are disturbing. What<br />
many may not realize is that high-profile sports events are<br />
magnets for human trafficking activities. Take for example,<br />
the NFL Super Bowl XLV game held at the Dallas Cowboy<br />
<strong>St</strong>adium in Arlington, <strong>Texas</strong> on Sunday, February 6, 2011.<br />
Hotels near the event had the potential to become an epicenter<br />
of commercial sexual exploitation.<br />
In order to combat this epidemic that violates human rights,<br />
Sr. Susan Mika, OSB, Executive Director of the Socially<br />
Responsible Investment Coalition, joined efforts with the<br />
Christian Brothers Investment Services. Together, they<br />
organized a group of dedicated volunteers from around the<br />
country to call 38 hotel managers near the Super Bowl site.<br />
The volunteers’ goals were to inform the hotel managers of<br />
the problem and offer proactive steps identified by ECPAT<br />
USA (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and<br />
Trafficking). These steps, adopted from ECPAT USA’s “The<br />
Code”, assist hotel management in facilitating the protection<br />
of human rights. “The vast majority of the hotel managers<br />
were very interested in what they could do to further train<br />
their staff about this important issue,” commented Sr. Susan<br />
Mika.<br />
During the months leading up to the Super Bowl, the <strong>Texas</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>ate Attorney General had assigned a special investigations<br />
unit to work with local north <strong>Texas</strong> law enforcement agencies.<br />
In a report from the <strong>Texas</strong> <strong>St</strong>ate Attorney General’s office,<br />
the undercover operation resulted in 133 arrests.<br />
The Threat of BPA<br />
The <strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters, along with other shareholders<br />
including Domini Social Investments, and the<br />
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, have<br />
filed resolutions requesting Coca-Cola’s Board of<br />
Directors to publish a report by September 1, 2011<br />
updating investors on how the company is responding<br />
to the public policy challenges associated with BPA.<br />
“Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that has been used<br />
for years in the production of polycarbonate plastic<br />
and epoxy resins. It is used in the production of food<br />
and beverage containers, CDs, DVDs, sports<br />
equipment, cars, and thousands of other products.<br />
Epoxy resins are found in paint and in the lining of<br />
canned food and beverage products. Coca-Cola,<br />
the world’s largest beverage company, uses linings<br />
containing BPA in their canned products.<br />
There is a growing controversy about the safety of<br />
BPA. In 2008 the FDA concluded that BPA was<br />
safe for use in all products. This move came despite<br />
warnings from its own scientific counsel that more<br />
studies needed to be considered. Despite what BPA<br />
manufacturers claim about the safety of their product,<br />
there is a large amount of research showing that BPA<br />
is dangerous for humans with fetuses, babies, and<br />
children being most at risk. <strong>St</strong>udies have linked BPA<br />
to breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease,<br />
hyperactivity, and many other negative health<br />
conditions.<br />
Because of more research about the dangers of BPA<br />
and public outrage at its widespread use, the House<br />
of Representatives and the Senate announced<br />
legislation on March 13, 2009 to ban use of BPA in<br />
all food and beverage containers.”<br />
source:http://www.NaturalNews.com/<br />
025879_BPA_food_bisphenol_A.html<br />
Check our winter 2011-2012 issue to learn the<br />
outcome of Coca-Cola’s response.
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Oblates Renew Their Commitment<br />
On May 1, 2011, fifty-three Oblates participated in the Recommitment Ceremony held at <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Scholastica</strong> <strong>Monastery</strong>.<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Oblates are individuals who associate themselves with a <strong>Benedictine</strong> community that provides a spiritual<br />
relationship and offers opportunities for regular meetings to study the Rule of Benedict as it applies to their personal lives.<br />
Msgr. Jim Henke celebrated the Liturgy with the Oblates renewing their promise to live as much as possible according to<br />
the Rule of <strong>St</strong>. Benedict. Oblates are the “spiritual arm” of <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Scholastica</strong> <strong>Monastery</strong> as they live <strong>St</strong>. Benedict’s ideal and<br />
values in their daily life of prayer, work and hospitality. They choose the <strong>Benedictine</strong> family to seek God in whatever path<br />
is before them. Family, friends, and other guests took part in the luncheon following the Liturgical celebration.<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Ministries Upcoming Events<br />
October 5th - The 8th Annual English High Tea<br />
benefiting the Health and Wholeness Center will<br />
be held in Benedict Hall. Tickets are $20 each and<br />
will go on sale mid-August. For more information<br />
call (830) 816-8470.<br />
November 5th - The 3rd Annual Songwriters at<br />
the Ranch dinner, silent auction and concert will<br />
be held at Pedrotti’s Northwind Ranch in San<br />
Antonio. The event benefits the Omega Retreat<br />
Center and the Health and Wholeness Center.<br />
Featured artists include Reneé Coale Willis,<br />
Austin Cunningham, Billy Montana and<br />
Allen Shamblin. Tickets are $50 each, and table<br />
sponsorships are available. For more information<br />
visit www.songwritersattheranch.com or call<br />
(830) 816-8470.<br />
Other News<br />
by Sr. Antoinette Van Galen, OSB<br />
<strong>St</strong>aff Changes on the Hill<br />
(right) Ramona Connell joined the<br />
<strong>Monastery</strong> staff in August 2008 as cook<br />
and housekeeper. In January, 2011 she<br />
said, “good-bye,” to plan her wedding<br />
and set up her new home in San<br />
Antonio. Our thanks to Ramona and<br />
best wishes.<br />
(left) Gwen Zapata, longtime<br />
manager of Hilltop Treasures Books<br />
and Gifts (April 1999), bid us<br />
farewell in January, 2011. We<br />
extend our gratitude to Gwen for her<br />
years of dedicated service and we<br />
wish her continued success.<br />
(left) Nelda Ortiz joined the staff at<br />
the <strong>Monastery</strong> on January 18, 2011.<br />
Her cooking talents in the kitchen are<br />
enjoyed by the Sisters and she keeps<br />
the <strong>Monastery</strong> residence in order. We<br />
welcome Nelda and her many gifts.<br />
13
14<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
Other News<br />
Omega Hosts An Evening of Blessings<br />
An Evening of Blessings was held at the Omega Retreat Center on Sunday,<br />
April 3, 2011. The event, part of the Sisters’ Centennial Year of Celebration,<br />
began with Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller blessing the newly completed<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Francis of Assisi outdoor chapel, followed by Mass concelebrated by the<br />
Archbishop and Monsignor James Henke. The Archbishop then blessed the<br />
newest retreat facility on the grounds, Lidwina’s Dwelling, a house of prayer<br />
designed especially for private retreats and named in honor of the Foundress<br />
of the Sisters’ Community.<br />
Included in the evening’s celebrations was a special blessing of the donors<br />
who contributed to the new projects. The Sisters, staff, and benefactors enjoyed<br />
visiting with the Archbishop during a sunset reception catered by Leave It To<br />
Us of San Antonio. Local musician, David Kauffman, played beautifully during<br />
the Mass and concluded the festivities with a concert performance.<br />
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller and Sr.<br />
Frances Briseño before the Mass and blessings.<br />
Special thanks to the John G. and Marie <strong>St</strong>ella Kenedy Memorial Foundation for helping to underwrite this event and to event<br />
committee members Sr. Frances Briseño, Jody Nash, Ken Koch, Albert Fernandez, Andrew Anderson, and Mary Anne<br />
Oehler for their gifts of time and talent.<br />
(above) Pixie and Ken Koch visit with Sr. Thecla Goertz<br />
at the newly blessed Lidwina’s Dwelling.<br />
(below l-r) Hermann and Cecilia Von Bertrab, Mike<br />
and Carol <strong>St</strong>ehling, and Sr. Mary Agnes Zinni gather<br />
at the reception.<br />
(above l-r) Larry Perry, Bill and Jody Nash, and Monsignor<br />
James Henke enjoy the special occasion.<br />
(below) Musician, David Kauffman shares a moment with Sr.<br />
Bernadine Reyes before his concert performance.
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> Summer 2011<br />
Caridad de Corazón - continued from page 1<br />
With the help of Sky Cross Ministries and Feed My Sheep<br />
(a program founded in 1999 by Deacon Jerry Campa of<br />
<strong>St</strong>. Mary Magdalene parish in San Antonio), the works<br />
of charity increased. Volunteers brought food and clothing<br />
regularly to Eagle Pass. The supplies were packed and<br />
distributed to the needy.<br />
In 2000, Sr. Ursula began discussing a name for the<br />
ministry with Mrs. Altagracia Ortiz, hospital volunteer and<br />
friend of the <strong>Benedictine</strong>s. After coming up with several<br />
names, it was Mrs. Ortiz who thought of the official name<br />
“Caridad de Corazón”.<br />
As the number of volunteers began to grow, Sr. Ursula<br />
realized the great need to provide a permanent space for<br />
them to work and to accommodate<br />
those who came from out of town.<br />
“In 2003, the <strong>Benedictine</strong> Community<br />
was asked to dream about what else<br />
we could do,” said Sr. Ursula, “I<br />
presented the idea of a mission house<br />
to the Sisters. I was given the go<br />
ahead and in 2004 I started looking<br />
for a home that would be large<br />
enough to house 8 -12 individuals<br />
coming on mission trips.”<br />
“I cannot stay within<br />
four walls seeing<br />
the needs<br />
around<br />
me.”<br />
The <strong>Benedictine</strong>s purchased a home in Eagle Pass in 2004<br />
and in April of 2005 Sr. Ursula moved in. Sr. Germaine<br />
Sutton, OSB joined her that August. It has since become<br />
the Caridad Mission House, and with the addition of more<br />
rooms, it can now accommodate 28 individuals.<br />
The mission house is available to church groups, university<br />
students, and volunteers from various regions of the United<br />
<strong>St</strong>ates seeking service work in the area. In addition to<br />
providing accommodations and meals, the Sisters offer<br />
mission training and service opportunities. The Sisters do<br />
not charge a fee but donations are always welcome.<br />
Last year, 15 mission groups stayed at the Caridad Mission<br />
House. To date, thousands of women, men, and children<br />
have been helped through services provided by Caridad,<br />
Other News<br />
including the distribution of food provisions, household<br />
goods, clothing, and medical equipment; educational<br />
scholarships; and prison ministry.<br />
Recently, Sr. Ursula saw a new opportunity for the Caridad<br />
ministry. “My vision is that we continue with all the current<br />
projects and start a program called Who is My Neighbor?”<br />
she explained. “I cannot stay within four walls seeing the<br />
needs around me. We are already assisting the elderly<br />
and needy in Eagle Pass with home improvements and<br />
repairs.”<br />
With the help of the Holy Spirit, nurturing souls and many<br />
worthy hands, the seed of the Caridad ministry that was<br />
planted nearly fourteen years ago has flourished and<br />
continues to grow. If you would like more<br />
information about Caridad de Corazón or<br />
ways you can help this beneficial ministry,<br />
please call (830) 816-8504.<br />
Note: In addition to being Director of<br />
Caridad de Corazón, Sr. Ursula Herrera<br />
continues to work fulltime as a Registered<br />
Nurse. Sr. Germaine Sutton teaches<br />
Religious Education at Our Lady of Refuge<br />
School in Eagle Pass. Both Sisters provide<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> hospitality to mission groups<br />
staying at the Caridad Mission House.<br />
The Sisters’ Attic Thrift and Resale Shop<br />
Needs Volunteers and Donations!<br />
• On the <strong>Benedictine</strong> grounds in the south end of<br />
the Sophia Center at 216 W. Highland Dr.<br />
• Open Tues. thru Sat. from 10 am - 4 pm.<br />
• Volunteers needed as well as donations of good,<br />
clean clothing and household items, including small<br />
appliances in working condition.<br />
For more information<br />
call 830-249-0020.<br />
15
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters of <strong>Boerne</strong><br />
416 West Highland Dr.<br />
<strong>Boerne</strong>, TX 78006-2516<br />
Ph: (830) 816-8504 metro<br />
(830) 249-2645<br />
Fax: (830) 249-1365<br />
www.boernebenedictines.com<br />
Ministries in <strong>Boerne</strong>, Eagle Pass,<br />
and San Antonio - <strong>Texas</strong><br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> <strong>Voice</strong> is designed<br />
especially for our <strong>Benedictine</strong> Family,<br />
Friends, and Benefactors. It is<br />
published biannually by the<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters’ Office of<br />
Development and Communications.<br />
Editor<br />
Mary Anne Oehler<br />
Assistant Editor<br />
Jaime Asbury<br />
Contributing Photographers<br />
Eric Aaron<br />
Sr. Susan Mika, OSB<br />
Mary Anne Oehler<br />
Sr. Bernadine Reyes, OSB<br />
Sisters’ Council<br />
Sr. Bernadine Reyes, OSB<br />
Prioress<br />
Sr. Michael Brandt, OSB<br />
Sub-Prioress<br />
Sr. Sylvia Ahr, OSB<br />
Treasurer<br />
Sr. Susan Mika, OSB<br />
Councilor<br />
<strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters<br />
Office of Development and Communications<br />
416 West Highland Dr.<br />
<strong>Boerne</strong>, TX 78006<br />
Humility and Intimacy with God -<br />
Focus of OSB and Oblate Retreats<br />
Non-Profit<br />
Organization<br />
U.S. Postage<br />
PAID<br />
San Antonio, TX<br />
Permit No. 572<br />
(l-r) Sr. Mary Agnes Zinni meets with visiting <strong>Benedictine</strong>, Sr. Laura<br />
Swan, as she prepares for the Sisters’ and Oblates’ summer retreats.<br />
The <strong>Benedictine</strong> Sisters welcomed Sr. Laura Swan, OSB, from<br />
Lacey, Washington in early June. Sr. Laura is the presenter for both<br />
the Sisters’ retreat and a joint retreat with the Sisters and Oblates.<br />
Keep in Touch<br />
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updating our database. Please send us your updated<br />
information if it is incorrect on the mailing label.
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