Summer 2013 - Sisters of St. Joseph

Focusing
Summer 2013
Vol. 2, No. 2
Mission
Effectiveness
Beyond Our
CSJ Boundaries
A publication of the
Sisters of St. Joseph
Brentwood, New York
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We Believe...
Featured in this issue
that we create the future
As we move with the Spirit
in giving full expression
to our giftedness as women in the Church
Sharing equally in its mission—
In living a life that is simple
prayerful
courageous and
compassionate—
in proclaiming with prophetic voice
the Gospel to all people—
in strengthening our corporateness
as women in community—
in demonstrating our belief
in the dignity of the human person
and the call to secure this dignity
for all women and men—
in expressing our solidarity
with the poor and oppressed.
IN FAITH AND HOPE
WE ACCEPT
THE CHALLENGES
THESE BELIEFS IMPLY.
Sisters of St. Joseph • Brentwood, NY
— Vision Statement
Chapter Directions
As Sisters of St. Joseph living in the 21st Century, we believe in the power, presence and love of God working
through an evolving universe and in God’s self-communication through Jesus Christ. As women of the Church,
we recommit ourselves to Jesus’ mission as we move
with the Spirit to bring about God’s reign and seek to
promote justice, to live lives of non-violence and to
respond to the needs of our time.
F rom the
ser v ice
SPRING/SUMMER 2013
VOL. 2, NO. 2
Focusing is published twice yearly in Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer
by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood NY.
in
el
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nicaragua
hope
in
bold
initiati v e
St. Joseph’s Convent
1725 Brentwood Road
Brentwood, NY 11717
ser v ice
in
puerto
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S al v ador
Focusing
Mission Advancement
Beyond Our CSJ Boundaries
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CENTRAL OFFICE
rico
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the insight campaign
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acting locally 11
“ N ew ” M aria R egina 12
C elebrating O ur S eniors
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LEADERSHIP LIAISON
Kathleen McKinney, CSJ
Patricia Mahoney, CSJ
E D I TO R S
Mary Ryan, CSJ
Patricia Manning, CSJ
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Patricia Manning, CSJ
C O N T R I B U TO R S
Jean Amore, CSJ
Karen Burke, CSJ
Rosalie Carven, CSJ
Maura Costello, CSJ
Gloria Cruz, CSJ
Virginia Dowd, Archivist
Phyllis Esposito, CSJ
Nancy Fackner, CSJ
Annie Fernandez, Co-Minister
Catherine Fitzgibbon, CSJ
Kerry M. Handal, CSJ
Connie Kennedy, CSJ
Janet Kinney, CSJ
Helen Kearney, CSJ
Phil Marinelli, Co-Minister
Jeanne McGorry, CSJ
Eileen Myles, Co-Minister
LIinda Pero, CSJ
Rita Piro, Co-Minister
Jane Reilly, CSJ
Barbara Traola, Co-Minister
Thomas Travis, Co-Minister
Liz Tully, CSJ Associate
Rose Viceconte, CSJ
Mary Walsh, CSJ
Students from CSJ Schools
Mary Casey, TMLA
P H OTO G R A P H E R S
Joan Dawber, SC
Kerry Handal, CSJ
Liz Tully, CSJ Associate
w w w. b re n t wo o d c s j . o r g
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M ission
Being
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president
S T U D E N T S AT
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UN
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B ees . . . B ees
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S omos
MÁS
A ssociates ’
D’ADDARIO
mission
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RESIDENCE
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REFLECTION
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S T. J O S E P H
L I K E A C E LT I C K N OT 20
SISTERS IN THE NEWS
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Photo: PLAYING IT FORWARD—
On May 22, 2013 S. Joanne Forker and Monica Reddy
Wood were awarded Doctoral Degrees from Teachers College at Columbia University. They represent the CSJ Spirit—
Being Mission. Joanne (ASJ ’65) taught and administered
at the Academy of St. Joseph and at present is Principal of
Sacred Heart Academy. Monica (TMLA ’72) taught at the
Academy of St. Joseph and at present is on the Board of
Trustees at The Mary Louis Academy.
As individuals, we strive to be models of our
mission within our very persons. As a Congregation we seek to make all our ministries
reflections of our living Charism and mission. This expectation intensifies our need to
develop comprehensive, practical and consistent Mission Effectiveness Programs for
ourselves, Associates and our Co-Ministers.
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Being Mission
June 15, 2013
Jean Amore, CSJ
Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends,
The mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph is rooted in the gospel
mission of Jesus who came to bring about the reign of God by
revealing God’s love and by healing, redeeming and liberating all
people. We live and work to bring all into union with God and
with one another.
The unique way in which the congregation is called to this mission is through inclusive
love which brings about union and reconciliation. Each one of us is called to look at
our world with compassion and partner with one another to alleviate suffering and
make salvation a real experience for others here and now.
As Sisters of Saint Joseph we have taught and ministered in hospitals, parishes,
prisons and social service agencies. As sisters of the neighborhood we met the
needs before us. In this time we must broaden our view and look at our expanding
global neighborhood to see new needs: to alleviate the suffering of the excluded, the
oppressed and the poor. As you read the pages of this issue of Focusing you will see
how our sisters, associates, co-ministers, students and friends have looked close to
home and around the globe to bring healing and hope where there is great need. They
found new ways to be Christ’s presence, to be endless compassion overflowing to
empower others to be that presence where there is need. We look with compassion
on the immigrant, the impoverished, women and children who need a home, the frail
and elderly and we look at our earth whose resources are depleted for economic
gain while ignoring sustainability.
In a world where individualism, competition and status define the human person we
invite you to reflect on how you can be involved in our mission. We ask you to help us
imagine a life where hunger, political oppression, violence and over-consumption are
no more. We need you to partner with us in seeking solutions to alleviate suffering
wherever it is encountered. Finally we rejoice with you who journey with us in
hope and confidence in the power, presence and love of God working in an evolving
universe.
Sister Helen Kearney, CSJ
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THE
FROM
DENT
I
S
E
R
P
Our mission challenges us to let God’s
compassion, forgiveness, justice and
inclusive and unconditional love move
in and through us
P
erhaps the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph can be
described better as something we strive to be rather than
do. When we say “we live and work to bring all into union
with God and one another,” we mean we let God’s passion for a
world of inclusive love, unity, reconciliation, justice and peace shape
us. Further, our mission, we believe, is particularly relevant for our
times and for all God-seeking people. When economic, social and
gender inequality; violence; polarization; and suspicion are so much
a part of our lives, our mission calls us to deep contemplative
union with God and to openness to love of all people without
distinction.
In a world in desperate need of people to hold it together, we
strive to allow God’s holiness to be in us a dynamic, transformative
uniting love. Our mission challenges us to let God’s compassion,
forgiveness, justice and inclusive and unconditional love move in
and through us. This is reflected in a way of life that calls each
of us to be empowering, reconciling, hospitable and just. As a
Congregation, we use our corporate power to change injustices in
economic, political and social systems, locally and globally and to
advocate for those who are without the voice and resources to
help themselves.
As Sisters of St. Joseph we embrace the God of evolution. The
deeper we come to understanding the creation story, reflecting
interrelatedness, interdependence, diversity and unity, the more
expansively and inclusively we learn to live our mission. Everyone,
everything and every situation reveal something about God and
the way things are in God’s world. The world is our home and
the very place where God is revealed and the reign of God
unfolds. God’s reign unfolds when each of us lives at the level
of consciousness where the Spirit can lead us to erase injustices,
mend our abused Earth, render differences non-divisive, and be
women of unity, reconciliation and God’s inclusive love.
References: The Unbearable Wholeness of Being by Ilia Delio;
Compassionate Awareness by Adolfo Quezada.
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W itnessing H ope in E l S alvador
Jane Reilly, CSJ
A
Faculty and Students at
St. Joseph’s College
Give Service in Nicaragua
delegation of 47 women religious from LCWR were invited by a
non-governmental organization (NGO) called SHARE to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the assassination of the four
North American church women in Dec. 2012. Ita Ford, MM, Maura
Clarke, MM, Dorothy Kazel, OSU and Jean Donovan had accompanied
the Salvadoran people during the civil war and were among the 32,000
who were murdered.
—Representatives from LCWR celebrating the lives of the
Salvadoran Martyrs
A sense of the poverty at Subtiava, Nicaragua
Thomas Travis, Ph.D., St. Joseph’s College, Co-Minister
I
n a small, economically impoverished barrio of Subtiava,
Nicaragua, you will find a one-room building with a sign that
says “Preescolar San Jose” --a preschool that is serving over
forty 3-5 year old children. It opened a few years ago thanks
to the generous support of faculty, staff, students, and friends
of St. Joseph’s College.
Since 2007, students and faculty members have been going to this barrio as a service component to special interdisciplinary courses, the first of which was taught by Drs. Tom
Petriano and Antoinette Hertel. Students bring clothing and
school supplies for the community and while there help with
projects like building simple homes and installing playground
equipment.
St. Joseph’s College students and Professor Maria Montoya
with the teacher and preschoolers at Preescolar San Jose
Scholarship students at the Colegio
The College has also started a scholarship program that
connects individual sponsors with over 50 children who now
attend a well-respected elementary/secondary parochial
school near the barrio. It costs $295 to send a child to the
school for a year, and that includes tuition, books, uniforms,
and a bicycle for getting back and forth to the school. The
College has partnered with Hope for the Children Foundation in the establishment of these scholarships, and is also
supporting the Foundation’s recent implementation of a
microloan program to help local residents start businesses
and improve their dwellings. In August 2013 a group of Nursing faculty and students will be going on their third visit to
determine how best they can help the community.
On December 2 we began our trip to where the women had been
murdered. It was requested that the group keep silence. We were invited to imagine what it was like for them to know the end was near. As
we drew near the site we expected to come upon a deserted field in
a desolate place perhaps with a simple marker. We were appropriately
somber. To our surprise there was a large crowd participating in a fiesta.
—Meditative walk to the site of the assassinations
—Commemorating the lives of Ita, Maura, Dorothy and Jean
Individuals who have generously supported the educational
programs include Sisters Mary Ann Cashin, Agnes Meagher,
Eileen Kelly, Elizabeth Hill, Loretta McGrann, Karen Donohue,
Maureen Skinner, Kerry Handal, Joan Ryan, and Catherine
Fitzgibbon.
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For more information about this Nicaragua project, you can
contact Tom Travis at St. Joseph’s College by emailing him at
ttravis@sjcny.edu.
We visited the chapel where Bishop Oscar Romero had been killed. As
the group entered the simple chapel, we were enveloped in a profound
silence. All listened attentively as a Carmelite Sister recounted the last
moments of Romero’s life. Each one was invited to pass behind the altar and stand where the Bishop had stood at the moment of his death.
As we formed a line to draw near, people started singing, “This is holy
ground. We’re standing on holy ground for the Lord is here and where
he is is holy.” This song became the theme of our pilgrimage.
—Viewing the wall of memory
In the midst of the enthusiastic gathering of men, women, and children
was a simple four sided monument filled with flowers. It was a celebration of the lives of Maura, Ita, Jean and Dorothy. We entered into the
spirit of the day. All were welcomed, embraced, and led to chairs as
guests of honor. There were pictures of the women, as well as banners
from the different communities where they had ministered.
It became clear from testimony of the men and women who had
walked with them that the spirit of these four as well as all the martyrs
lives on in the people and in their hope for a better future. The older
ones who lived through the war, the massacres, and who mourned their
disappeared loved ones, are the memory keepers. The younger ones
are the harvest of hope. They are single-mindedly dedicated to secure
justice and peace for all. There is a national initiative to reduce domestic
violence, to provide alternatives to gangs, to guarantee the opportunity
for education to all. Through dance, drama and stories the old story and
the new story were joined.
On the last day of the journey we visited the wall of memory where
the names of 32,000 victims of the war are listed. Three elderly women
recounted the day their son or daughter disappeared and then showed
us where their names were inscribed. Then we were brought to the
Catholic University to visit the tombs of the priests and the housekeepers who had been assassinated. We learned that they had been
murdered because they wouldn’t stop preaching the gospel message
for preferential option for the poor. As we sat in prayer in the chapel
where they are buried, the university choir, preparing for their Christmas concert, sang the Alleluia chorus from Handel’s Messiah. What a
perfect end to an alleluia experience!
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Twenty years of service and learning with the poor
in Villa España, Puerto Rico
C S J B o l d I ni t i at i v e : B an G kok , T hailand
Karen Burke, CSJ
T
hailand is listed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as both
a top destination for victims of human trafficking and a major source of trafficked
persons. The internal traffic of Thai females consists mostly of 12-16 year olds from
hill tribes of the North/Northeast. Most of the internally trafficked girls are sent to closed
brothels, which operate under prison-like conditions in Bangkok. Thailand’s sex tourism
industry is primarily driven by acute poverty. As a result of the current economic downturn,
hundreds of factories and projects have closed across Thailand, leaving thousands of workers—
both Thai and non-Thai—unemployed.
Gloria Cruz, CSJ
S. Karen Burke with the Good Shepherd
Sisters in Bangkok,Thailand
The Fatima Centre of the Good Shepherd Sisters of Thailand is a non-profit organization
dedicated to developing the quality of life of all those in need regardless of their religious
affiliation. The Fatima Centre provides opportunities for women and young girls to break out
of the unending cycle of poverty and sexual exploitation. The first house of the Good Shepherd
Sisters was established in 1965 in Din Daeng, Bangkok. From the open paddy fields and slum
dwellings, it is now a crowded busy metropolis. The slums have increased in number and the
needs of the people facing unemployment, sickness, and lack of educational opportunities
have escalated. Responding to this need the Good Shepherd Sisters in Din Daeng have very
successfully implemented a number of programs.
The Good Shepherd Sisters programs are directed towards those who are most deprived
and rejected in society, especially women and girls who are victims of sexual exploitation.
The FATIMA SELF-HELP CENTRE provides opportunities for 130-150 girls and women from
nearby slums and government housing to learn basic skills that will enable them to earn a
decent living. Needlework and craft making are taught and the standard of work is high. A
DAY CARE CENTRE services 87 children of the women who work at the Fatima Centre
and other small children from poor families in the neighborhood, who are at risk, providing
education and nutritional needs. BAAN SUKRUTHAI is a mother and baby home providing
services for 30 young women who were rejected by family. The TEENAGE RESIDENTIAL
TRAINING CENTRE provides a residential school for 45-50 young girls aged between 10
years and 18 years, who are at risk in the community. The girls come from very poor families.
Many have a history of sexual abuse or rape. Here they can complete their education while
receiving help and counseling in an atmosphere of love and respect. Practical skills are also
taught including; dressmaking, hairdressing, flower making, handicrafts, and computer. Some
of the girls in residential care have serious medical conditions, including HIV Positive, STD’s,
and depression. They receive professional counseling and medical attention which the sisters
financially support. We CSJs voted at the 2011 Chapter to secure funding of $32,000 from the Bold Initiative for
structural repairs at the Fatima Centre and Baan Sukhruthai. The foundation of a 54 meter
long and 2.8 meter high side wall protecting the Fatima Centre from neighboring sewerage
canal (Klong) waters and potential intruders had been getting washed out for five years. The
wall was in danger of collapsing and taking with it the back walls of two adjoining buildings. The
wall is in close vicinity to the Mother Baby home and the Day Care center. The Mother Baby
Home provides refuge, education, and care for unwed mothers-to-be and mothers with infants,
while the Day Care center prepares children for entry into Thai Government School and Thai
society. In 2008, as the wall was about to fall down, the Good Shepherd Sisters invested Thai
Baht 200,000 (approximately US $6,500) to a local company for temporary repair. The cement
flooring that was poured at that time was not solidified with any strong foundation, and the
cracks moved from the wall to the floor cement slabs to the back walls of the aforementioned
buildings. At a cost of 1 Million Baht (approximately US $32,000), a reputable construction
company was able to drive pylons into the Klong to support the structurally salvageable parts
of the wall and to rebuild the areas that needed complete reconstruction. This successful
reconstruction was financed in total by the CSJ Bold Initiative.
Klong (canal) outside the wall of the
Fatima Centre
T
he Sor Isolina Ferré Center is a non-profit organization
that dedicates efforts to transform and revitalize the Villa
España Public Housing Community through education,
advocacy and leadership training. We provide tools to help the
whole family (parents, grandparents, youth and children) to
achieve their fulfillment as human beings by discovering their
talents.
When I began in 1993, Sister Isolina and I looked for persons
in the Housing Project to train as leaders for the Community.
With our vision based on the integral development of human
beings and our mission to promote this development with
justice, dignity, respect and love, we recognized that we are
children of God and brothers of others responsible for their
spiritual and material growth. Our task was to find people’s
needs and begin to give the attention they deserved in order
to transform, revitalize and educate this community so they
would have a better life. As time has passed and with the help
of generous persons, we have been able to extend our services to our neighboring friends, to our public schools, public
housing and other poor sections in the neighborhood.
Reflecting on my 20 years of work in Villa España, I would say
that these years have been my most wonderful time of service
as a member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Puerto Rico. I
always wanted to work with those less privileged who needed
others to help them. This desire came from watching my Mom
give to the poor who had less than everyone of us and she
always shared with them whatever she could according to her
means.
S. Louise shows where gates were installed
to keep children out of danger areas
Working with the poor has taught me much and every year
the needs are different but very challenging. Their struggles
have been major for such a long time that it is hard for them
to trust anyone as we try to help. The work with the people
in Villa España has not been easy, the same way that their lives
have not been easy. Sometimes people expect more of us
and easily get disappointed when we don’t give them what
they demand. But once you gain their trust it’s a different story
because they feel we love them and accept them the way
they are. One leader we work with told me “life is no joke for
many but having someone walk with and care for us has been
a true blessing.”
We are very grateful to the Department of the Family who
provides federal funds to run the program in Villa España. We
are able to work with the needs of the whole family, providing them with a nurse, librarian, psychologist, work placement
counselor, computer instructor and education teacher. The
participants are active in programs for different groups such
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood continue to strengthen the bond with the Good
Shepherd Sisters of Bangkok through the sale of craft items at community events in Brentwood,
retreats, vacations in Hampton Bays and at our CSJ sponsored ministries. All of these
handicrafts were produced by women and young girls as a means for them to earn a just wage
for their dignified work.
as pregnant girls, arts and crafts, gold age club, sports and
cooking classes. Recently we opened C.A.P.A. a program
for student drop outs to get high school diplomas.
We recognize and thank the different institutions that help
us along the way, such as my Congregation of the Sisters
of Saint Joseph, members of my family, Academia and
Convento María Reina, parishes around us, Sacred Heart
University in Santurce and individual generous persons. We
do the best we can with what we have and get, but the
reality is that we need more help to continue our work,
especially in these days that the economy is so bad and
funds are less and difficult to find. Everywhere you turn
there is a cut of funds!
I have become richer and the people I have served have
become family to me. I’ve seen the growth and development of the children into wonderful persons who are
learning to contribute to a new society. The generous
persons I have encountered along the way have been very
good to us all. Persons continue to help and support me
as I work in this mission, and are apostles who feel part
of us here and are happy to be of some help in whatever
way they can.
As time passes I realize each day, that God’s presence is
here and trust that God will continue to provide tools to
serve those in need. The road is hard and difficulties are
always present, but God gives us the strength to continue
giving of ourselves to our neighbors.
Women making craft items at Fatima Centre
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9
INSIDE THE INSIGHT CAMPAIGN
Connie Kennedy, CSJ
Rosalie Carven, CSJ
F
S
rom its very beginning, Brentwood CSJs have been key
members of NY- CRC- STOP (a Coalition of 34 Religious
Congregations to STOP Human Trafficking). The mission of
the Coalition is to raise awareness of this modern day slavery,
to advocate for legislation to eradicate human trafficking, and to
assist women and children who have been taken for the purposes
of sexual exploitation and forced labor. In this capacity we have
given substantial support to the SAFE HOUSE, which was
founded and is operated by Lifeway Network, under the leadership of Joan Dawber, SC.
oon after the violent deaths of twenty school
children in Newtown, Connecticut, the Sisters of St.
Joseph began a collaboration with Pax Christi Long
Island that aimed at awareness and reduction of the toll
of gun violence in the United States – more than 30,000
deaths each year.
Calling their efforts “The InSight Campaign to End Gun
Violence” twenty-one sponsors from religious, peace and
justice, academic and civic groups took their first public
action on April 15, 2013 as hosts for a conference at
Hofstra University, Uniondale NY.
Speakers for the event included Congresswoman Carolyn
McCarthy who was joined by a panel including a New York
State legislator, a community organizer, a local police chief,
and the Long Island co-chair of New Yorkers Against Gun
Violence.
Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (r.) joined the panel discussion on Gun
Violence at Hofstra University on April 15, 2013.
In preparing for the conference, the Insight Campaign was
struck by statistics on gun violence against children. In one
year, the total of 18,270 children between the age of one
and nineteen were killed by guns. (www.childrensdefense.
org ). Sandy Hook, the most recent, did not stand alone.
The Lifeway Network Safe House offers long term harbor to
women survivors of Human Traffacking. Because of their inhumane experiences there is a need for education, social services,
and community life. In the safe atmosphere of this home, the
women are supported and nurtured by a host community of
volunteers. There is also another group of volunteers who offer
their professional and life experiences to support these women.
Together they provide a special brand of caring in a safe environment to the women they serve. For more information, to make
a donation, or to volunteer for this special work, please go to the
website: www.lifewaynetwork.org
­—Community volunteers at Safe House
Phyllis Esposito, CSJ
M
For that reason, S. Rosalie Carven, the Congregation’s
representative to the Campaign, invited students in CSJsponsored schools on Greater Long Island and Puerto
Rico to make this experience their own through the visual
representation of their feelings or through poetry. An
image is worth a thousand words. Close to one hundred
students submitted art work and poetry that spoke loudly
of their desire for a future free of gun violence.
ary’s Meals is a grassroots organization initiated
by a Scotsman, Magnus, to provide one meal a day in a
school setting for children who would not otherwise have
that one meal. At this point, 755,777 children in countries in
Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and South America
are benefitting from this program – 301 of them because of
the generosity of the Sisters in St. Joseph Convent and the
neighboring communities.
Through collaboration with the Art Department at St.
Joseph’s College, Patchogue, each piece was professionally
photographed so that a slide presentation with the musical
background of “Over the Rainbow” could be shown to the
audience at the conference. The imagery of students’ fearful
awareness and hopeful dreams helped move hearts to join
the campaign to end gun violence in our communities.
Every Advent and Lent, the Sisters choose a charity for which
they pool their resources. Zoe Rae Rote, a 19 year old freshman
at the University of Notre Dame (and S. Phyllis Esposito’s niece)
made a video to explain the project to the Sisters. After listening
to her enthusiasm and dedication, the Sisters made Mary’s Meals
their choice.
With the US Senate’s recent rejection of common
sense gun regulation, the Campaign is still at work. The
conference slide presentation is being shown in more
venues. The PowerPoint presentation and original art work
will be displayed at the Long Island Childrens’ Museum
(Garden City, NY) during July and August 2013. The
campaign will host viewings and discussion of the film
“Trigger – The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence.” In a strong,
but loving way, the Sisters of St. Joseph are continuing to
appeal for reasonable legislation on gun violence.
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Acting Locally...
Student artwork from The Mary Louis Academy, Sacred Heart Academy
and Bishop Kearney HS visualizes the effects of gun violence.
In addition to Zoe herself, they were impressed with the way this
program fits with our Chapter directives. In addition to feeding
the children, it requires the children go to school. School scores
have gone up incredibly in schools where Mary’s Meals is in
place. Prior to this, many parents did not send their daughters to
school but now, because they are receiving this meal, parents are
sending their girls. The program also helps the local economy by
employing local farmers to grow the crops and depends on local
women to prepare and serve. It only costs $11 a year to feed a
child in Malawi and $17 to feed a child in one of the other 15
countries where the program now serves local children! For more
information, please check www.marysmealsusa.org
Nancy Fackner, CSJ
A
bout thirty years ago a dear neighbor in Neponsit
taught S. Grace Keavney how to crochet granny
squares and she hasn’t stopped since. Grace, who
will celebrate her 70th Jubilee in September 2013 has ministered in elementary and high schools, parishes and Maria
Regina Residence. In between she crochets afghans and
baby blankets for family, friends, Maria Regina Gift Shop
and The Bridge of Life. The pastel rainbow
colors of the baby afghans are exquisite. The Bridge of Life
is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering women
the resources they need to choose life rather than an
abortion during a crises pregnancy. Sisters Rosemary Kern
and Peggy O’Donnell volunteer at The Bridge and experience the joy expressed by families when they receive
compassionate care and support for their newborns such
as strollers, car seats, clothing and a beautiful baby blanket
handmade with love from a Sister of St. Joseph rooted in
the mission of Jesus “that all may be one.”
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C ELE B RAT I N G
Excellence in Nursing
and Rehabilitation
Congregational Healthcare Coordinator S. Susan Sabol visits with
S. Pat Seaman.
S. Dorothy Schnell (second from r.) benefits from the Physical
Therapy program. Excellence in Action! Therapists challenge residents with precise skill and cheerful encouragement.
S E N I OR S
Eileen M. Myles, Development Office,
Maria Regina, Co-Minister
F
or 45 years Maria Regina has been a place of outstanding hospitality, compassionate care, and generous ministry for the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sisters have served in
almost every capacity from resident to administrator. Mother
Immaculata Clark envisioned a beautiful residence for Sisters
in their retirement years and for those who would be in need
of skilled nursing care. Little did she think that someday the
doors would open wide to Sisters of other communities,
priests, and lay men and women as well as the Brentwood
Sisters of St. Joseph.
Today Maria Regina is recognized as a 5-Star skilled nursing
facility. This is due in large part to the foundation laid by Sisters
Genevieve Therese Kenny and Miriam Eugene Kenny who
opened Maria Regina and to the outstanding leadership of S.
Helen Clancey who transitioned Maria Regina from a convent
to a New York State approved skilled nursing facility. Now, under the leadership of Ellen Bartoldus, Maria Regina is entering
a new era of excellent compassionate care.
Maria Regina now has a new logo. In addition to the outstanding long term care and adult day health care, Maria Regina
provides excellent short term rehabilitation services. The goal
of this program is to provide the physical, occupational and/or
speech therapy that will allow a person to return to the community after a serious accident, planned orthopedic surgery or
a serious spell of illness. Our skilled nursing services have expanded to include intravenous therapy and specialized treatment for serious wounds. With a commitment to meeting
the needs of both the congregation and the larger community,
Maria Regina is exploring additional, more advanced medical/
nursing services.
The Pastoral Care team of seven Sisters of St. Joseph continues to bring Christ’s healing comfort and power to all. Recreational therapists provide activities that are engaging, fun, and
stimulating. S. Liz Looney and the dietary staff provide meals
that are nourishing and delicious while addressing the needs
of each resident. CSJ Associates volunteer at Maria Regina, as
well as many other volunteers, in a variety of capacities such
as Eucharistic Ministers, working in the Gift Shop, delivering
newspapers, one-on-one visiting, transporting residents to
the beauty salon, chapel, and dining room…and much, much
more!
WISDOM WOMEN
In honor of St. Joseph the Worker, the 23 Sisters of St.
Joseph Convent, Brentwood who are 90 years or older
were celebrated as WISDOM WOMEN. S. Maura Costello
presided at the Ritual of Anointing.
S. Mary Angela Coughlin
S. Ann Dyer
S. Agnes Alphonse Finamore
S. Mary Cecilia Giannitti
S. Margaret de Sales Grob
S. Catherine Anita Kelly
S. Rose Damien Killeen
S. Rita Josephine Lisante
S. James Annette McAuley
S. Mary Theresa McGarrity
S. Mary McKenna
S. Marie Pierre Meyer
“
S. Anne Regis Miller
S. Barbara Monaghan
S. Edward Joseph Murphy
S. Mary Ellen Noone
S. Ann Maureen Oakman
S. Mary O’Brien
S. Margaret Patricia Ryan
S. Maria Stapleton
S. Maureen de Lourdes Stock
S. James Patrice Veale
S. Rosemary Wood
May your heart always be joyful and may
your song always be sung. May you stay
forever young.
“
Regina
OUR
Concluding Hymn from Wisdom Prayer
­—Bob Dylan
S E N I O R S I S T E R S F U N D AY I N B R E N T W O O D
The Regional Superiors arranged a SENIOR SISTERS FUN DAY
on May 8th in the Academy of St. Joseph library. A highlight was
the entertainment provided by the Pre-K children of Shepherd’s
Gate organized by Director Anna Torres.
Throughout its various transitions Maria Regina remains a
place of hope, healing and hospitality as a reflection of the
charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph. When in Brentwood be
sure to visit Maria Regina to see excellence in action!
12
12
Volunteer S. Carmelina Lally escorts S. Frances Hagan.
13
We also attended an event at the UN
in celebration of International Women’s
Day. The Secretary-General, Ban Ki
Moon, gave the opening address, and
Michelle Bachelet, the Under SecretaryGeneral and Executive Director of UN
Women, led a discussion about significant issues facing women around the
world. Just having the chance to hear
such impressive speakers at such an
exciting venue was a great experience.”
TMLA students participate
in UN Commission on the Status of Women
Mary Casey, TMLA ‘14
T
wenty-five TMLA students from service homerooms and five faculty members were invited to attend the Commission on the Status of Women 57
held at the UN March 4 -15, 2013. They joined the approximately 60,000
women from around the world that came together for seminars, discussions, and
workshops devoted to the topic of ending violence against women. The Mary
Louis Academy was the only Catholic high school in Queens to be invited by the
United Nations to attend this event. TMLA members of the Service Homeroom
Program are currently researching the issues of human trafficking, the education of
women, and the power of technology in society. This knowledge enabled students
to add insight into conversations at the conference and to actively participate in
what was truly a global discussion with women from all around the world.
This opportunity to participate in the UN program came from S. Griselda Martinez Morales, CSJ, who is an NGO representative to the United Nations for the
Congregation of Saint Joseph. Griselda worked closely with CSJ students from
Mexico, in planning and facilitating their visit to New York during CSW 57. Through
conversations with assistant principal, S. Filippa Luciano, it was decided that the
students from Mexico would stay with host families from Mary Louis, and that
students from TMLA would also have the opportunity to participate in the Commission on the Status of Women.
A major topic of discussion was the Violence against Women Act signed into law
by President Barack Obama on March 7, 2013. The Violence against Women Act,
or VAWA, strives to prevent violence against women in the form of rape, domestic
violence, and sexual violence. The VAWA enables women to take action against the
injustices of our current society and become a united force in combating the issue
of gender inequality.
Mrs. Allyson Gutierrez, moderator of the Service Homeroom Program, describes
her experience at the United Nations CSW 57: “Some of the highlights for me
were an event about Sports as an innovative strategy to address gender-based
violence during which we heard from women who have dedicated their lives to
empowering young women through involving them in sports, mostly in areas of
the world where girls are not expected to compete. To see the devotion of these
women, and the results that their work was getting—girls going to school, university, going on to become coaches and advocates—was nothing less than inspiring.
14
Catherine Muldoon ’13, a member
of the Service Homeroom Program,
stated: “The first event that I attended
involved a group discussion about the
United Nations’ millennium goals. This
session was intended for participants
under the age of twenty-four, and
really allowed us to engage in great
conversation about these standards
that the UN wishes to achieve. For the
majority of this event, our discussions
took place in a small group setting.
During this time, I was able to speak
with young women from Pakistan, Sri
Lanka, Papa New Guinea, Los Angeles,
and Texas. I felt extremely empowered
to be a part of this pivotal movement
that connects so many areas of the
world. At TMLA we are taught to live
our lives as women of dignity. To me,
part of this responsibility includes doing whatever possible to ensure that
women worldwide are also given the
respect that they deserve. Attending
the CSW 57 conference allowed me
to feel as if I really could help make the
change that our world so desperately
needs.”
S. Griselda Martinez Morales
Somos MÁS
There are more of us
Annie Fernández, Academia María Reina, Co-Minister
L
ast summer I traveled to Brentwood, New York with a
group of high school students. We were to join other
representatives of our sister schools as participants in a
leadership workshop provided by the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Held at the Congregation’s Mother House, the workshop
taught us about the history, values and mission of the Sisters of
Saint Joseph. These visionary women have been evangelizing,
educating and serving women for more than three centuries.
Over a four-day period we heard story after story about what
humans can accomplish when we invest our hearts and our
wills. Those days constituted a memorable interlude of peace,
harmony and hope. We all felt inspired, but then…we were
plunged back into reality! And we were asked to use the tools
we had acquired to share with others what we had learned.
That is how three Academia María Reina students, Camila
Cayere, Camelia Del Valle and Cristina Rivera joined the
CSJ It Forward group, in which three AMR students already
participated: Graciela Arana, Elena Céspedes and Cristina De La
Torre. Even before we returned to Puerto Rico we started to
discuss what we could do to fulfill our promise of “forwarding”
what we had learned. I proposed that we could use art to
convey our message. Puerto Rico is undergoing a serious social
crisis. It is therefore a most appropriate time to rescue and exalt
the Christian values that characterize our people – the values of
justice, generosity and reconciliation that are also the foundation
of the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s mission.
Our project took shape. We would do an exhibition of
collective art in which each artwork would be a cry of hope.
A theme emerged: “There are more of us…” (Somos Más, in
Spanish) as our guiding principle. After all, we strongly believe
that there are more of us who are good of heart.
We rallied the entire student body asking them to participate in
the project. Soon, it was not enough to limit this message to the
confines of Academia María Reina. We wanted to engage more
people. Thanks to student donations we were able to provide
canvas to the social centers we serve through our Christian
Community in Action (CCA) program. We joined efforts with
our PTA and Alumnae Association. We made presentations
about our project to other schools and seven of them joined
in. Through word of mouth the idea caught on and 7 schools,
19 organizations, the municipality of Vieques and individual
supporters also came on board.
The result is an impressive exhibition of 1281 works of art.
It was contagious. Painting one canvas was not enough
–there was so much to say! We fulfilled our promise. The
mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph has again touched
the lives of thousands of people, this time through art.
And, in the process, we learned some very valuable
lessons:
• There are more Picassos out there than we ever
thought was possible.
• Art humanizes us and, when it is given its rightful
place in a curriculum, extraordinary things happen.
• We must dare to dream, and dream big because, as
we have seen, hard work makes dreams come true.
• And last, there are more of us, the good ones are
more. Our values are not lost. We just have to rescue them, one canvas at a time.
15
Bees... Bees
Associates
forward the
CSJ Mission
Last night, as I was sleeping,
I dreamt-marvelous error!that I had a beehive
here inside my heart.
And the golden bees
were making white combs,
and sweet honey
from all my old failures...
Spiritual Direction
The Learning Connection
Hospice Volunteer
Eucharistic Minister
The ceremony of commitment for new Associates was celebrated on April 13, 2013 in Sacred Heart
Chapel. Associates and sponsors were S. Phyllis Esposito, Mary Ann Gassier-Sadler, Carole Perez,
Maureen Clinnin, Carol DeMangin, S. Josephine Olimpieri, Mary Anne Geskie.
Last night, as I slept
I dreamt- marvelous error!that it was God I had
here inside my heart.
—Antonio Machado
Phil Marinelli, Sacred Heart Academy, Co-Minister
O
n April 20 a group of bee lovers gathered in the
Brentwood Ecology Center to listen to master
beekeeper Richie Blohm speak about the life of
honey bees and their vital beauty and importance in the
web of life. From an informative power-point presentation
we learned things trivial, fascinating and disturbing.
We learned how each bee has a role to play in the
construction of a hive, the gathering of pollen, the making
of honey and the care for offspring. Honey bees consist
of drones, workers and the queen. Drones are males and
they are produced if the Queen chooses not to fertilize an
egg. All the workers are female. In light of this fact, Richie
reminded us of a quote from Margaret Thatcher: “If you
want something said, ask a man. If you want something
done, ask a woman.” Queen bees are created by worker
bees deciding to feed the larva only royal jelly throughout
its term, instead of switching to pollen, a source of protein.
Whether Queen, drone or worker, all work for the
common good of the hive and, ultimately the good of the
planet.
To the untrained eye all bees may look the same, but we
saw pictures highlighting how the body of each type of bee
is quite different in length and width.
Bees collect pollen from all sorts of plants and use this
pollen as nutrients in brood-rearing. As is widely known,
bees are responsible for pollinating a host of plants. This
pollination is utterly vital for the reproduction of food
sources, not only for us two-leggeds, but for all animals and
creepy-crawlies. So vital are bees and pollination to ongoing
life and agriculture that pollination services are valued in the
billions of dollars.
16
Catechist
Pastoral Care
Work with Mentally Ill
FORWARDING THE CSJ MISSION
Drive Elderly Shopping
Master beekeeper Rich Blohm presented at the Ecology Center in the
Academy of St. Joseph building.
Food Pantry
Parish and Family Ministry
Disturbing is the recent phenomena called Colony Collapse
Disorder, where 35-70% of hives have died off in North
America; a decline unprecedented in recent history. The
reasons for this phenomena are not entirely known. It
may be related to such factors as climate chaos, but Richie
and many beekeepers are very concerned about the use
of systemic pesticides like neonicotinoids that work their
way in and through the plant and are harming bees’ brains,
interfering with their ability to learn and remember.
Throughout this fascinating presentation the humming of
bees was present in the portable hive that Richie brought
with him. During a break we were able to look inside the
hive and see these beautiful creatures doing what they
do best. The honey bees we were looking at are not
aggressive. Neither are wasps who depend on their size to
ward off aggressors. As most of us know, it’s those yellow
jackets you have to avoid.
Lector
Maria Regina:
Mary Ann Majeski,Vernessa Gomez, Rose Marie Rodda, Marie Gallagher, Audrey Montes, Ann Imperiale
Consolation Ministry
Maria Regina Residence
Stella Maris Convent
St. Joseph’s Convent
CSJ Office of Spirituality
Liturgy Committee
EME Southside Hospital
The Learning Connection: Donna Herrington,Tina Cafaro
By the end of the presentation, we all left well informed
about the life of bees and their importance to all of us. We
also left with a sweet reverence for these little creatures
and a desire to protect them.
Providence House: (c.) Liz Tully
St. Patrick’s, Smithtown:
Florinda Minutoli
As Co-Director of the Associates for the
last seven years, Liz Tully has carried the
work and spirit in a most effective manner,
including a great sense of humor. Now, as
she leaves this position, she also leaves a
legacy of genuine service to and love for
the whole Associate Program. May she
thrive well in her new place of work as
well as in her ongoing Associate life.
St. Joseph’s Convent: (l.) Arleen Brigandi, (r.) Deborah Jean Cheshire
Archives: Mary Anne Geskie
St. Joseph’s Villa, Hampton Bays
Retreat Work
Thrift Shop
Baby Blankets for Anti-Abortion Clinic
Providence House
Fundraiser for HOPE Program
Member Council of Catholic
Women
Webmaster for Parish Website
Parish Music Program
Eucharistic Ministry to Homes
RCIA Team Leader
17
P r o v i d e nc e H o us e
Reflection Presented on
Ribbon Cutting for New Permanent
Supportive Housing Project
St. Joseph’s Day
Barbara Traola, St. Joseph’s College,
Co-Minister
Janet Kinney, CSJ, Executive Director
O
n May 10, 2013 the Providence House community
along with local dignitaries, our benefactors and friends
gathered for the ribbon-cutting for the new 46-unit
permanent supportive housing apartment building located in the
Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. The building is
named the D’Addario Residence for our long-time benefactors,
Jim and Janet D’Addario. It was truly a celebration of the best
of who we are, individuals from many different paths, working
together to make our city a place where all are welcomed and
helped to find a safe and affordable place to live.
The presence of the Sisters of St. Joseph and our sponsored
ministries was very much a part of the day. Students from
Bishop Kearney High School and The Mary Louis Academy
prepared welcome baskets for each new tenant; in addition,
the beautiful photography of S. Pat Manning adorns the public
spaces on the first floor. Members of the Congregation and
sisters who lived in our Providence Houses participated in the
day as well. In addition to the many sisters who attended, S.
Helen Kearney, CSJ President, gave the invocation, and Sisters
Marie Lenihan, Elaine Roulet, and Marion Defeis gave a blessing
to the residence, during which all present joined in singing the
David Haas song “All Are Welcome,” as we welcomed all who
will live in this newest Providence House.
The scarcity of permanent supportive housing for lowincome and special needs individuals and families was touched
upon by all who spoke at the event. We know this challenge
intimately at Providence Houses and so we stand committed
to building more of this much needed housing. Next spring we
will celebrate the opening of a 22-unit permanent supportive
housing building in the Prospect-Lefferts Gardens neighborhood
of Brooklyn.
—Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on May 10, 2013
—Sisters Janet Kinney (Executive Director), Joan Dillon
and Rosemarie Figlia with Kearney HS students
—The D’Addario Residence
CSJ DEVELOPMENT EVENTS
It is the hope of the Providence House community that our
contribution in building these residences will encourage the
construction of additional affordable housing units in NYC so
that our mission “to address the causes of injustice and work
towards the full and fruitful participation in the community of
those with whom we share life” be made a reality.
As the Dalai Lama once said: “You are the people who are
shaping a better world.” The Providence House community is
grateful for the presence and support of so many in helping us
create a more peaceful and equitable community through the
building of the D’Addario Residence. It was indeed, a very
special day.
18
Planned Giving Seminar: Marion Wagner, Elvira and John Reymond, Pamela Hammon, Barbara Townsend
Guild Luncheon: Kay Myles
Hartley who has been active in the Guild for over 50
years with daughters
S. Elizabeth and Eileen
W
e come together to honor Joseph, the patron saint of St.
Joseph’s College and the Congregation of the Sisters of St.
Joseph. In the manner of St. Joseph, these remarkable women
have been models of grace, diligence, courage, and strength. They
have left their indelible marks, particularly on one girl.
I would like to tell you a story of that little girl who was influenced
profoundly by the Sisters of St. Joseph. She grew up in Brooklyn more
than 60 years ago. She lived across the street from a convent in the
parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (fondly referred to as OLPH).
Often, she would watch from her second floor window as these
mysterious women in their unusual costumes (habits) would come
and go in a quiet, prayerful way. She was intrigued as she watched the
sisters hanging their wash on the clothes line, doing chores, sitting and
praying in their garden. As she grew, her admiration and infatuation
for the “sisters of the neighborhood” grew, too.
She would dress up and play school. She even recruited her little
brothers. Tommy, Jimmy, Billy, and Jackie, although reluctant to play,
would be summoned as S. St. Thomas, S. James Edward, S. Willamina
and S. John Michael. As the girl matured, she eventually became more
aware of the apostolic works (ministries) of the sisters. She learned
of the rich and fascinating history of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Through
the historical research and writings of S. Joan Ryan in “A Look Back in
Time…,” she learned that the story of the Sisters of St. Joseph began
in a small village of Le Puy, France in 1650 with six ordinary women,
Barbara Traola with her brother, Billy
two of whom were only 15 years old, when they answered their call.
(“S.Willamina”) at his First Communion
These original six were courageous women who committed their lives
to the service of God and their neighbors. Like Joseph, they were
ready for anything and everything. They staffed orphanages, visited
the sick, worked in parishes, were committed to learning, opened schools, founded convents. They served
as nurses, cooks, and teachers. They were fearless pioneers and missionaries too. Some were imprisoned,
others executed, some even beheaded at the guillotine during the French Revolution. Most importantly,
they all offered their talents and gifts generously to serve all people, particularly the poor and oppressed.
The story of the Sisters of St. Joseph matters today, just as it mattered over 360 years ago. The way in
which the sisters live their lives in community has influenced, inspired, and encouraged so many, particularly
that one little girl from 59th Street. Her admiration and respect for the Sisters of St. Joseph has not waned
from kindergarten to elementary school, through high school, college and beyond, which is why her
commitment to St. Joseph’s College has continued for over 40 years.
Therefore, it is fitting that I (that little girl grown-up) and the community of St. Joseph’s College, which
was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, recognize and celebrate these women. Together,
let us thank all the sisters - past, present and future - for responding to their “Joseph call” to live a life
that is simple, prayerful, courageous, and compassionate. With the grace of God, in the days and years
to come, may the Sisters of St. Joseph continue to be committed to works of mercy in their teaching,
health care ministry, religious education, social service, pastoral care, special education, prison ministry,
counseling, retreat work, and shelters for women. We pray for God’s blessings on the Sisters of St. Joseph
as they continue to go about doing “Whatever is possible for women to do, which we (all) know is simply
everything.” (US Federation Sisters of St. Joseph Blog) http://sistersofsaintjosephfederation.org
19
LIKE A CELTIC KNOT
Virginia Dowd, Archivist
P
did twenty children. A few days after the fire, a newspaper
reporter interviewed Mother de Chantal about the tragedy
and asked her to specify how many boys were in the orphanage at the time of the fire and how many were missing. She
calmly explained why his questions could not be answered:
many of the 800 children were scattered and had been taken
in by kindly neighbors or their extended families, and had not
yet been located. Years later, in response to a question about
the St. John’s Home fire, she acknowledged that she remembered very little of that event because of the enormous
emotional stress she suffered at the time. She recounted the
difficulty of accounting for and gathering the children back to
the Home.
The photo in question is an informal picture of two Sisters
in traditional habit. It is a black-and-white photograph that
would be impossible to date, except for the rear end of
what appears to be a horse-drawn carriage on the right side.
Something above them has their attention, but it is out of
view for us. There seems to be a third Sister on the wooden
walkway behind the taller Sister who is pointing. The hills in
the background and the rectangular structures in the field
behind them offer no clue as to the location. The Sisters are
smiling, and there is something familiar about them—even to
me, who could never have known them.
It was shortly after this fire that Sister Jane Frances, a young
novice, was sent to St. John’s. The conditions were discouraging, with long-ranging after-effects of the fire undermining
the children’s health, and they fell victim to scarlet fever and
diphtheria. Those gifts that Mother de Chantal had early recognized in the young Margaret Dowling helped her address
the situation, and must have brought some comfort to the
grieving Superintendent.
hotographs can be both the blessing and the bane of an
archives. Finding a previously unknown photographic
portrait of someone is a joyful experience. Likewise, a
newly discovered photo of an event adds a richness to our
understanding of it. But when an unidentified, undated photo
is discovered, the guesswork involved in its identification can
be frustrating when we realize there may never be complete
certitude about it. Happily, the research benefits us with
ancillary discoveries made along the way. I recently came
across one such unidentified photo and puzzling it out led to
some interesting insights into two of the most beloved Sisters
of the Congregation.
The Sisters seem familiar because they appear to be Sister
(later Mother) Jane Frances Dowling and Mother de Chantal Keating. Hanging in the archives is a well-known portrait
of them, unusual because it is a double formal portrait, and
touching because it testifies to their unique bond. Sister Mary
Ignatius Meany, in By Railway or Rainbow, noted that Mother
de Chantal knew the young Margaret Dowling from when
she was a “boarder at St. Malachy’s.” Years later, Mother de
Chantal requested of Mother Teresa Mullen that Margaret,
upon entering the Congregation, receive a form of her own
name—a variation of St. Jane Frances de Chantal—and that
she be sent to St. John’s Home to teach the boys. Mother
Teresa obviously consented to both requests and Sister Jane
Frances received her training from Mother de Chantal at St.
John’s Home. She eventually became her Assistant, and, upon
Mother de Chantal’s death in 1917, she assumed her mentor’s mantle as Superintendent of St. John’s.
Ignatian principles and Salesian spirituality inspired their lives,
and were as intertwined as their names. Jane Keating (even
her baptismal name was prophetic!) was originally given Mary
Frances de Chantal as a religious name; in time the Frances
was dropped. When Margaret Dowling became Jane Frances
20
at Mother de Chantal’s request, the link between them
was cemented. A census record from 1880 attests
to the fact that 11-year-old Maggie Dowling was at St.
Malachy’s when Mother de Chantal was Superintendent, for she is listed among the children in residence.
It was not a boarding school, but a home or asylum for
children who had lost one or both parents, or whose
parents were too destitute to care for them. Maggie’s
father, a policeman, had died four years earlier. Quite
likely it was Sister Mary Joseph Flynn, her aunt, who
arranged placement for the young Margaret Dowling
at St. Malachy’s. In this light, their relationship becomes
more poignant: Mother de Chantal not only knew the
future Sister Jane Frances then, but nurtured her as a
mother might.
After the death of Mother Baptista Hanson in February
1883, Mother de Chantal left St. Malachy’s and took her
place as Superintendent of St. John’s Home. Her gifts
of compassion and organization and her experience
with wounded Civil War soldiers in Wheeling, West
Virginia, would more than fully prepare her for dealing
with an orphan asylum of boys. She would spend her
next 34 years ministering there, and Margaret Dowling
would soon join her.
There was a terrible fire at St. John’s Home in Brooklyn in December of 1884, a week before Christmas. It
started in the laundry room of a building that included
the infirmary for children with eye diseases, and the disaster was compounded by the first snowstorm of the
winter which hindered the rescue effort. Sister Mary
Josephine Brady, the infirmarian, perished in the fire, as
Like her mentor, Sister Jane Frances quickly became known
for the talent she had in dealing with the boys. Mary Woodlock, a niece of Mother de Chantal, once wrote to Sister Mary
Ignatius that “she [Sister Jane Frances] was a perfect genius in
dealing with the boys. The Home at its peak was home for
almost a thousand, and with so many to handle some of the
dear Sisters were a bit remote, even austere, in their methods.
Not Mother Jane. She could look at a snivelling youngster just
‘committed,’ and see clear through to his essence, and know
the best way to deal with him and win his confidence.” After
the fire, so an old story goes, the Sisters received all kinds of
donations, including some bolts of fancy fabric out of which
they made ties for the boys. Some wealthy gentlemen sponsored an outing of Home boys and Sisters to Coney Island,
and the orphans were dressed in their best clothes, including the ties and straw hats. The sponsors insisted that they
would mind the boys on the beach, while the Sisters enjoyed
themselves on the boardwalk. Mother Jane, with some misgiving, agreed, but had not gone too far when she was called
back. The boys had immediately, in various stages of dress and
undress, plunged into the water and, to the desperate pleas of
the men to “Come IN!” were shouting back gleefully, “Come
OUT!” However, as soon as Mother Jane appeared on the
beach, there was instant silence, and they all scrambled out
of the water, grabbing whatever clothes they could find. The
last youngster out found that his clothes had been taken by
someone else and was left with only hat and tie.
These boys, who proudly called themselves the “Army of
Jacks,” revered Mother Jane Frances just as their predecessors had Mother de Chantal. Both women were “a
powerful influence for good” in the lives of these boys
and perhaps that is the greatest compliment of all. The
Irish immigrant girl and the half-orphan, an unlikely pair
in terms of age and experience, shared a common bond
expressed in their vocations as Sisters of St. Joseph. One
left a legacy of heroic work in a time of war while the
other became Superior of the Congregation. Both will
be remembered for the motherly concern they lavished
on their “Home Boys.” Was it the inspiration of the great
name they shared that tightened the bond of their friendship?
Mother Jane Frances Dowling and Mother de Chantal Keating
21
Jean Philip Brady, CSJ and Miriam Anna Morgan, CSJ
had a newly renovated Hall named after them in
Epiphany Church in Williamsburg where they had
each served for 40 years. The Hall will be used for a
soup kitchen and a meeting place for CCD classes.
Sisters in the News
The Christine Mulready, CSJ Peacemaker of the Year
Award was given to Janet Kinney, CSJ by the Metro
New York Chapter of Pax Christi for her leadership
and continued expansion of the Providence Houses.
This occurred on Sunday, May 19, 2013. Janet was
also recognized as one of Brooklyn’s Extraordinary
Women by D.A. Charles Hynes.
On April 26, 2013, a Doctorate of Humane Letters
was conferred on Joan Gallagher, CSJ by St. Francis
College, Brooklyn for helping to transform our
educational institutions from knowledge factories
to Wisdom Schools.
—S. Janet Kinney
—S. Phyllis Esposito
—S. Mary Ross
—Sisters Miriam Anna Morgan and Jean Philip Brady
At the NCEA Convention held in Houston, TX,
Roberta Oberle, CSJ received the NY Region 2013
Distinguished Principal Award on April 2, 2013. The
Tablet carried a lengthy article covering the award.
—S. John Raymond McGann
Elizabeth Hill, CSJ received the Rev. Thomas J.
Hartman Award for Life Achievement in the Field
of Higher Education at the 50th Celebration of the
Advancement for Commerce, Industry and Technology.
On Easter Sunday, Helen Kearney, CSJ was interviewed on WABC Radio by host Deacon Kevin McCormack. During this sharing, she was able to give
the history of the Community, praise Pope Francis
for his sense of community and unity and his passion for the earth and its natural resources, share
CSJ Directives and encourage all in the Baptismal
call we all have as Church. She stated that we must
let the desert places in our hearts bloom!
On February 21, 2013,Vice President Joe
Biden spoke at Western Connecticut State
University on issues involving gun control
and mental health. As Coordinator of the
Instructional Leadership Doctoral Program at
the University, Karen Burke, CSJ was invited
to meet with the Vice President and ten family
members of those killed in the Sandy Hook
tragedy to respond to his talk.
—S. Mary Albert Thompson
—S. Elizabeth Hill
—S. Joan Gallagher with family
—S. Pat Chelius (l.) with Sisters Paul Marita
Ducharme and Pat Walsh
—S. Marge Miller (c.) with Sisters
Suzanne Franck and Diane Androvich
Virginia Lake, CSJ was the Grand Marshall of the St.
Patricks Day Parade in Bay Ridge. Kathryn Schlueter,
CSJ received the same distinction in Hampton Bays! —S. Agnes White (r.) with S. Mary Ellen Vesey
Mary Albert Thompson, CSJ was honored by the
Diocese of Rockville Centre at the Annual Vespers
for Religious and later by her Parish, St. Joachim in
Cedarhurst.
Maryann McHugh, CSJ was an Honoree at Fontbonne Hall Academy’s 11th annual Fleur de Lys
Dinner Dance. She was inducted into the Hall of
Fame at the event that took place at Gargiulo’s on
May 1, 2013.
In May, Mary Ross, CSJ was appointed Administrative Judge at the city level on Rikers Island. She will
be handling parole violations.
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—S. Kerry M. Handal
—S. Kathryn
Schlueter
—S.Virginia Lake
with Sisters Rosemarie Baglivio and
Maureen McDermott
Along with eight other Principals from the
Diocese of Brooklyn, the Diocese of Rockville
Centre and the Archdiocese of New York,
Agnes White, CSJ and Patricia A. Chelius, CSJ
were recipients of the Catholic School Education Leadership Award on May 14, 2013.The
award was given by The Fordham University
Graduate School of Education in recognition
of their extraordinary faith-filled leadership
during the crisis and in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
The Brooklyn Diocesan Office of Faith
Formation honored Helene Conway, CSJ and
Dolores Crepeau, CSJ for 40 years and Flora
Marinelli, CSJ for 30 years in service to the
Ministry of Faith Formation. In recognition
of her lifelong contribution to Catholic Faith
and Formation, Angela Gannon, CSJ received
the Faith and Service Award. This occurred on
May 23, 2013 at the Immaculate Conception
Center.
Phyllis Esposito, CSJ was named Woman of the Year
in the Area of Religion by the Town of Islip.
Margaret Mary (Marge) Miller, CSJ received the
prestigious Stewardship Award on March 22, 2013.
It was awarded by St. Martin of Tours School in
Amityville at their Spring Gala.
Maria Pascuzzi, CSJ Dean of the School of
Theology and Ministry at St. Thomas University and Elsie Miranda from Barry University
(both in Florida) were interviewed and participated in discussion on WPBT2’s “Issues”
on March 28, 2013. The topic concerned the
newly elected Pope Francis. Delighted that he
seems to be bringing his community experience of Jesuit life to the pastoral care of the
people, both agreed that the Pope’s merciful
and compassionate demeanor will encourage
on-going dialogue with people of all faiths and
countries.
—S. Roberta Oberle
In March 2013, Kerry M. Handal, CSJ was appointed to the Diocese of Rockville Centre
Bishop’s Advisory Committee for Catholic
Education. In April 2013, she was asked to
serve as the Chair of the Diocese of Rockville
Centre’s Education Commission.
John Raymond McGann, CSJ received an
honorary degree from St. John’s University
on May 31 as a lifetime achievement award
in recognition of all she has done since she
received her “real” doctorate from St. John’s
50 years ago. —S. Maryann
McHugh (l.)
with family
The Haven Society honored Elaine Roulet,
CSJ on May 31 for her 25 years working with
“Our Journey,” the retreat program for exoffenders.
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Non-Profit Organization
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Brentwood, NY
PERMIT NO. 10
St. Joseph’s Convent
1725 Brentwood Rd.
Brentwood, NY 11717
beyond our CSJ Boundaries:
We realize that as we look towards the future, our charism
calls us to engagement in ever wider circles of unioning love.
We celebrate the many “futuring” conversations taking place in our congregation,
conversations that encourage us to look beyond structures so that we might imagine
what is possible for those who love and serve God and the dear neighbor.
Draw us to contemplation and silence so that we might see, in wonder, our lives intertwined
with all of creation. Help us to see the birth, growth, death and rebirth so as to give us courage
in the ongoing creation story.
In the spirit of our patron Joseph, we are called to be dreamers, to envision a world
where peace and unity abide and where we, with all of God’s creation, will live in harmony.
—Linda Pero, CSJ, Assembly Litany, March 16, 2013
Theme Photographs, Niagara Falls, Pat Manning, CSJ
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