News Notes

PROVINCE

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET AND ASSOCIATES ST. LOUIS PROVINCE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

6-7
ANNUAL MEETINGS

Province News Notes is a

publication of the Sisters of
St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis
Province. Its purpose is to promote
dialogue and unity within the
St. Louis province and to keep
members informed on those
subjects that promote community
and ministry.

Several congregational
departments gathered
for their annual meetings,
including ACOF,
retirement directors and
archivists.

8-9
NEW PROVINCE
STAFF
The St. Louis province
welcomed four new staff
members to the Health
and Wellness and IT
Departments.

20
CSJ HOLIDAY EVENTS
This December, the
Holy Family Chapel will
be filled with wonderful
concerts and prayer
services. Check out our
events page to learn
more.

CONTENTS
Province Leadership News............................................................................... 3-4

We welcome your submissions!

Submit articles and photos to
Sarah Baker at sbaker@csjsl.org.

Kansas City: 150th Anniversary............................................................................5

**Materials are subject to editing

and will be published at the
discretion of the editor.

Carondelet Chronicles................................................................................. 10-12

STAFF
Jenny Beatrice
Editor
Sarah Baker
Graphic Design
Madeleine Reilly &
Print Shop Volunteers
Production, printing and mailing

Congregational Meetings................................................................................ 6-7

Association......................................................................................................... 8-9
CSJ Life.................................................................................................................13
Sharing of the Heart............................................................................................14
Archives................................................................................................................15
Necrology: SisterJoan Haas...............................................................................16
Necrology: Sister Michael White........................................................................17
Alternative Christmas Gifts.................................................................................18
CSJ Events & Happenings..................................................................................19
Calendar..............................................................................................................20

Sarah Baker
Jenny Beatrice
Jane Behlmann, CSJ
Mary Flick, CSJ
Jane Gerard, CSJ
Madeleine Reilly
Proofreading

ON THE COVER: CHRISTMAS 2016

Artwork by
Sister Jean
Iadevito, CSJ
(1940-2016)

How do we deepen our love and faith

For Christmas
Theres a Mother Mary
A saint named Joseph
A God who cares about His Sheep
A God who desires forgiveness
A God who is Trinity
And hangs on a cross to say
Father forgive them, They know not
What they do
Who says, As far as the East is from the West ...
Trinity Forgives, teaching Gods sheep to love and forgive
Letting our hearts free to love again
Our best Gift.

Sister Mary Hugh McGowen, CSJ, December 2016

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November/December 2016 PNN

Province Leadership Team

2014-2019 Province Leadership Team: Sisters Rita Marie Schmitz, Marilyn Lott, Mary Margaret Lazio,
Linda Straub and Maureen Freeman.

Metanoia: A Change of Heart

by Sister Linda Straub

November and December mark the seasons of Thanksgiving

and Advent. Every year I wonder at the quick shift: on
Thursday we celebrate the feast of Thanksgiving and by
Sunday we are into the season of Advent. I am somewhat
surprised each year by these two seasons so close together;
the change seems rather abrupt. And yet is it so surprising
that Thanksgiving is followed so closely by Advent?
It is in Advent, our great season of preparation for the
coming of the Christ, that we hear John the Baptists urgent
call, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Mt 3:2)
What kind of repentance is John calling us to in Advent?
In the Greek, it is metanoia. Scripture scholars tell us that
there is no adequate English translation for the Greek word
metanoia. It is usually translated as repent/repentance.
But metanoia is not about feeling remorse for past sins
and confessing. Rather it denotes conversion, change, a
movement forward. Metanoia is a transformative change
of heart; especially a spiritual conversion (Miriam-Webster
dictionary). According to the Oxford dictionary it literally
means to change your mind.
The Greek Orthodox Church in America teaches metanoia,
the Greek term for repentance, denotes a change of mind, a
reorientation, a fundamental transformation of outlook of
mans [ones] vision of the world and of himself [oneself ].

This deeper understanding of metanoia includes a change

of ones mind which leads to a fundamental transformation
of outlook and a new way of loving God. Could this be the
reason that the divine took on a human form, so that we
could see and love God in a new way?
How then are we to enter one of the busiest times of the
year between Thanksgiving and Christmas? What will open
our minds and our hearts to metanoia?
We have a spiritual practice that does just thatit is the
daily examen, a daily practice that begins with gratitude. In
other words metanoia, the process of conversion, begins with
gratitude. How apropos that the season of Advent follow
upon the celebration of Thanksgiving.
Many of us are very familiar with this Ignatian practice of
the daily examen and are faithful to it. But if you are not,
perhaps this Advent you might dedicate a few minutes
each day to this spiritual practice that ultimately leads us to
transformation, a change of vision, a change of heart.
I have learned a simple version that you can use for personal
prayer or with your family/community. It is a simple 5-step
prayer.

1. Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and openness to

new vision.
continued on page 4

November/December 2016 PNN

Page 3

CORPORATION & COUNCIL

AUGUST MINUTES

Education Requests (1)

Corporation
Accepted
Minutes of Board of Directors of the
Corporation Meeting held July 21,
2016

Pride Fest Donation$100

Updated
Apostolic Visitation

Assembly 2016

July 2016 Financial Statements

Contemplative Dialogue Retreats

Approved
St. Therese Senior Center$2,500

Motherhouse Study Task Force

PLT Visits

August 2016 Financial Statements

Approved
SJID Christmas Gala$3,000

Readers Theater, Growing up

Catholic in St. Louis: Whats Race
Got to Do with It$250
National Catholic Reporter$500
Marian Middle School, 2017 Marian
Magic Gala$5,000

MICA Trivia Night$200

Sponsorship Task Force

St. Francis Xavier (College) Church,

75th Anniversary Gala$250

SEPTEMBER MINUTES

SJID Board Nominees Approval

Sept. 6 Meeting

St. Josephs Academy, Baton

Rouge$1,000

Beyond Sunday
Campaign$2,000

CLT, for Louisiana Flood

Victims$3,000

Corporation
Approved
Congregational Archives Project

Council
Accepted
Minutes of the Province Council
Meetings held August 22-23, 2016

Affirmed
St. Louis Province Congregational
Archives Site

Sept. 26-27 Meeting

Updated
Agrges

Council
Accepted
Minutes of the Province Council
Meetings held April 11-12, 2016
Approved
Workshop Request (1)

Corporation
Accepted
Minutes of Board of Directors of the
Corporation Meeting held August
22, 2016

Collaborative Sponsorship

Minutes of Board of Directors of

the Corporation Meeting held
Sept. 6, 2016

PLT continued from page 3

2. Review the last 24 hours. What are you grateful for?

3. Bring to mind one positive thing you heard.
4. Bring to mind one negative thing you heard.
5. Pray for the grace you need today.
Joe Tetlow, SJ commented on the last step: When
identifying the grace you need, ask yourself, What gift of
the Holy Spirit do I need today? Wisdom, understanding,
counsel, courage, knowledge, piety or fear of the Lord.
By praying the examen each day, we notice the gifts in our
lives and we notice what/who disturbs us. This noticing
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November/December 2016 PNN

leads us to deeper questions. How am I responding to

grace? What am I doing well? What is the truth of the
negative voices both from within me and from outside? How
am I generous? Where is my heart closed? How can I be
more loving of God, the dear neighbor and myself? This is
metanoia!
This Advent may each of us, and all our dear neighbors,
awake each day with grateful hearts and a commitment to
conversion. May we see with new eyes the birth of Jesus and
what Christ means for us and for our world today.

Kansas City: 150th Anniversary

KC Profiles

Sister Mary Ann Donovan

by Barbara Roberts, KC Director of Advancement

Whats your current ministry?

Im retired but still work one day a week in our Kansas City
Mission Advancement Office.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, but have lived most of
my life here in Kansas City.
What inspired you to join the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Carondelet? When did you know you had made the right
decision in joining the CSJ community?
In my last two years at St. Teresas Academy, I got to know
some of the sisters on a more personal level as more than
just my teachers, and I enjoyed spending time with them
after school. I saw that they really enjoyed each other. It
wasnt until Christmas of my senior year that I felt I was
being called to join them. I finally spoke about this to one
particular friend who laughed when I told her and said,
Ive been waiting for you to say something. I was shocked
when she said that and thought, Well maybe you were
expecting this, but I never gave it a thought before now! I
was too busy dating and having fun. Being a sister was NOT
number one on my list!
What is the most fulfilling part of being a religious sister?
I know without a doubt that this is where God wants me to
be. It hasnt always been easy. I havent always danced with
joy, but I wouldnt change it for anything else.

Where did you serve in the Kansas City area?

I taught grade school in three parishes, Visitation, Our Lady
of the Americas (a merging of Guadalupe/Sacred Heart/
Cathedral schools), and St. Peters, for a total of 24 years.
I opened a CSJ Development Office in Kansas City (now
Mission Advancement) with the help and guidance of some
wonderful people. For 15 years, we put on St. Joseph Table
with a spaghetti dinner, and served over 1,100 donors each
year. Ive served as sacristan, eucharistic minister and lector
at Sunday Masses, and also once a month at the childrens
Masses. For the past six years, Ive joined with some
Visitation volunteers who bake egg casseroles and serve
breakfast twice a month to 100-plus clients at The Morning
Glory Caf in the old Cathedral School gym. I also bring
communion to a couple of homebound friends. In addition
to my fundraising I do for the Mission Advancement Office,
Sister Ruth Stuckel and I try to call our donors on their
birthdays.
How have you seen your ministry having an impact on
this community?
I think any teacher who is worth her salt has seen so many
of her students become parents of wonderful families,
become leaders in their parishes and in society. I know that I
was just one teacher among many who helped to form these
wonderful adults. But, its a great feeling to know that I am
partially responsible for their success.
Why is the CSJs' presence in Kansas City important?
I think the presence of all religious communities is
important. We remind others that there is more to life than
being a financial success. I think of all the institutions that
have become an important part of our city, inspired perhaps
by religious communities, but built by the donations of
people who believed in the mission. Since we Sisters of St.
Joseph were the first sisters who came to this city, I like to
think that our 150 years of service here has had a profound
presence among the people.

What has been your favorite ministry?

Teaching younger children. I loved teaching children to read.

November/December 2016 PNN

Page 5

Congregational Meetings

ACOF Directors: Standing: Anne Harpham (H), Kay Komotos (SL), Sister Margaret ORourke (LA), Mary Kaye
Medinger (SP), Andrea Pearson Tande (SP), Dianne Nelson (LA), Peggy Maguire (SL), and Sister Peggy Murphy
(Peru). Sitting: Denise Ginty (LA), Marge Mangan (A), Menche Rojas (Chile), Joan Pauly Schneider (SP), and
Kileen Stone (A).

ACOF Directors Meet in Los Angeles

by Associate Dianne Nelson (LA)

The directors of Carondelet Associates, Consociates, Ohana

and Familia de San Jos (ACOF) met at Carondelet Center
in Los Angeles on Oct. 5-9. ACOF leaders came from every
province, the vice province of Peru and Chile. Sister Mary
McKay of the Congregational Leadership Team joined us
as the liaison to the ACOF, and Sisters Margaret ORourke
and Louise Bernstein served as translators.

Emerging ways of living the CSJ charism including

agrges.

On Wednesday evening, we gathered for prayer and sharing

of the heart, followed by a welcome reception featuring
hors doeuvres and beverages. We opened each morning and
afternoon session with a prayer led by one of the units.

Updating the ACOF comparison chart and the results

of congregation-wide discussions related to ACOF
identity and commitment.

During our three-day meeting, each leader shared what is

happening in her unit, and we discussed common themes,
concerns and goals. Some of the issues we discussed
included the following:

The June 22-25 ACOF Convocation in St. Louis:

theme, timeline, content and finances.

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November/December 2016 PNN

International dimensions of ACOF including the

relationship between Chile and Peru.
Implications on ACOF from the Design Group
discussions for Claiming Our Oneness and the
Extraordinary Chapter in April 2017.

The conclusions of the CARA/NACAR Report on

the Updated Profile of Associates and Religious in the
United States and Canada.
The evolving vision of a legacy center for ACOF.
The leaders departed on Sunday enriched by their
discussions and enthusiastic about their shared future in the
Congregation of the Great Love of God.

Retirement DirectorsSt. Louis, Sept. 21-24: First Row (l-r): Sisters Elizabeth Costanzo (A), Joan Henehan (LA), Pat
Dunphy, Mary Louise Basler (SL), and Kathleen Karbowski (SL). Second Row: S. Patty Chang (LA), S. Maureen
Petrone (LA), Sue Jones (SL), and Jackie Scott (SL). Third Row: Renuka Ram (LA), S. Mary Ann Leininger
(congregational liaison), Jeanette Rebote (LA), S. Frances Baker (LA), S. Mary Ann Boes (SL), and S. Joan Kaucher.
Fourth Row: Ray Mattes (LA), S. Kathleen DuRoss (LA), S. Kathleen Connor (A), Julie Holmstrom (SP), Betsy Wild (SP),
S. Kevin Bopp (SP), and Alma Gutierrez (LA). Fifth Row: Patty Lindauer (SL), S. Sharon Margaret Ninteman (LA), Ali
Hetland (SP), and Yardsley Macpherson (A).

Congregational ArchivistsLatham, New York, Oct. 6-9: (From left to right) Sisters Mary Kraft (SP), Phyllis Mauger
(A), Mary Salvaterra (A), Mary Dugar (H), Patricia Rose Shanahan (LA), and Jane Behlmann (SL), Carol Marie
Wildt (congregational archivist) and Danielle Bonetti (congregational liaison).

November/December 2016 PNN

Page 7

Association
The Lace is Not Finished

The Animating Associate Leadership Committee

Debuts CSSJ Federation Workshop
by Associate Kay Komotos, co-director of association

On October 28-30, the Animating Associate Leadership

Committee (AALC) debuted a CSSJ Federation retreat/
workshop, The Lace is Not Finished, for 15 associates
throughout the St. Louis province. The purpose of the
workshop was to present a regrounding of the CSSJs
history, charism and mission that started in LePuy, France.
The participants connected with each other as they
identified and animated their individual leadership skills
with the intent of handing on the heritage, charism and
mission of the sisters to present and future generations of
associates in all the province regions.
The workshop, created by Sister Jane De Lisle, CSJ, from
Orange, California, was adapted by AALC co-chairs
Associate Santa Cuddihee, Sister Suzanne Giblin, Associate
Peggy Maguire, and committee member Associate Kay
Komotos. Associates who represented various regions of
the province included Peg Connolly and Nancy Siefker of
Denver; Dave Armstrong, Jackie Johnson and Julie Cowley
of Kansas City; Colleen Fraaza and Susan Perrault of
Wisconsin; and Cathy Modde, Donna Corno, Christine
Holladay, John and Laura Rossmann, Kathy Fisher, Mary
Lee Doyen and Suellyn Fahey of St. Louis.

The participants made a two-year commitment toward

meeting these goals. They will communicate electronically
every month in smaller groups, and in March all participants
will meet via teleconference to discuss ideas, challenges
and plans for presenting the retreat/workshop in their
own region. Meetings will be scheduled at the Carondelet
Motherhouse in October 2017 with a report on planning
the future. In October 2018, a sharing of the regional
retreat/workshops results will be held.
Highlights from the workshop/retreat include:

Strong sense of relationship and cohesion among the

group.
Positive and heart-felt responses of the participants.
An insightful witness/visit with Sisters Theresa HornBostel, Carolyn Hupperts, Rose Marie McKenna, and
Associate Lori Fick, who recently made this retreat in
LePuy with Sister Jane.
The spiritually-rich appearance of Mother St. John
Fontbonne (portrayed by Sister Donna Gunn)
to commission the 15 associates to go out to the
countryside and spread the CSJ mission.
A wonderful tour of the Carondelet
Motherhouse given by Sister Kate Filla.
The sacred, holy space and warm
hospitality of the St. Louis motherhouse.
The promise of the group to
present the retreat in their respective
areas.
Pictured (l-r): Kneeling: Nancy Siefker,
Laura Rossmann, Julie Cowley,
Colleen Fraaza, S. Suzanne Giblin
and Christine Holladay. Standing:
Donna Corno, Jackie Johnson, Mary
Lee Doyen, Suellyn Fahey, Mother St.
John Flat Fontbonne, Kathy Fisher,
Cathy Modde, Susan Perrault, Kay
Komotos, Santa Cuddihee, John
Rossmann and Dave Armstrong.

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November/December 2016 PNN

Lifelines from God

Associate Allen Grieve shares how the CSJs save his life
by Jenny Beatrice, director of communications

Associate Allen Grieve doesnt remember the day of his car

accident, nor the three days surrounding it. At the scene,
he wasnt expected to survive, his ribs broken, his lungs
punctured, his leg shattered.
But Allen looks at his life in terms of God throwing
lifelines and he believes that God threw him a lifeline
with the support of the Sisters of St. Joseph. More than
nine months and 15 surgeries later (including open heart
surgery), Allen is slowly gaining his normal routine. But he
brings with it a more intense affection for the sisters and
belief in the power of prayer.
Allen became an associate in 2013 through his first lifeline,
his wife, Cindy. She was working as a nurse at Nazareth
Living Center, and when he came to visit, he was struck by
the sisters he encountered. The peace and joy in the eyes of
the people I metI said, I gotta get me some of that.
It was Sister Kathleen Karbowski who invited him to
association, which became his second lifeline. I couldnt pass
up the opportunity as I learned more about the history and
the mission and the charism, he says.

the Fontbonne University Board

and the Nazareth Living Center
Foundation Board. And he has
achieved one of his goals
driving sisters to their doctors
appointments. I feel it is a
privilege to spend that one-on-one
time with them, he says. His next
goal is to be a sitter with the dying,
something he has personally
experienced throughout his ordeal. Associate Allan Grieve
The CSJs saved me, then they
saved me again, Allen says. The sisters did miraculous
things throughout history. I never thought that Id be one of
them.
Allens Ongoing Commitment Statement
November 20, 2016

Throughout the process, he found himself changing and

people at work were telling him, Its a new you!

I wish to make my ongoing, or permanent, commitment

to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet; their mission
and their charism. I have chosen to do this after a period
of discernment, which culminated in the sisters praying
me back to life and renewal.

During his formation, Allen was struck by hearing the CSJs

are the Congregation of the Great Love of God. Is there
anything better than that? he says. Now I know why they
serve others and have never given up on that. I never intend
to give up on that.

From their founding, the Sisters of St. Joseph were known

as the Congregation of the Great Love of God. Their
practice of living His love, and spreading that love to the
dear neighbor, without distinction, is what I want to do,
for the rest of my life.

After his accident in March, the CSJ community offered

their prayers, his third lifeline. He said the connection was
palpable. I would see in my mind the faces of the sisters that
I met. Then the pain would go away.

It is my fervent hope, that I will live in a way that is

witness to Gods great love; through service to others,
through communion with, and love of all of Gods
creation, and sharing of any, and all, gifts I may have,
by Gods grace.

He received more than 400 cards during his stay in the

hospital as well as many visits from sisters and associates.
Allen is ever-thankful to the CSJ community and he wants
to give back. He is thrilled to return to participating on

It is a privilege, an honor, and a blessing from God, to be

an associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and
I will do whatever is needed, by the sisters and associates,
and directed by Gods will.

November/December 2016 PNN

Page 9

Carondelet Chronicles
Meet the New Health & Wellness Team

Patty Lindauer, Kathleen Fisher, CSJA & Rosario Bobadilla, CSJ

Meet the new CSJ Health and Wellness
Team, whose vision is to help all sisters
experience a sense of fullness in mind,
body and spirit as they journey through
life.
The team is comprised of Patty Lindauer,
Associate Kathy Fisher and Sister
Rosario Bobadilla. Patty and Kathy
have a combined 65+ years of nursing
experience in a variety of specialties.
Kathy is also an adult nurse practitioner.
Their focus is primarily on physical
Health and Wellness Team:
Patty Lindauer, Associate Kathleen Fisher health and wellness but will include
and Sister Rosario Bobadilla
components of spiritual wellness as well.
S. Rosario brings a combination of certification in pastoral care and counseling to the
team. Her focus in the Health and Wellness Department will be providing spiritual
support through compassionate listening, reflection and empathy.
Their ministry is to accompany every sister to live healthy and well; full of spirit,
in communion with each other, to maintain a quality of life satisfactory to her. The
team is available to all sisters living outside of Nazareth Living Center. However, at
Nazareth, they will provide support and resources to the Community Life team led
by Sisters Kathleen Karbowski and Pat Dunphy.
For the short term, the team intends to meet the sisters in individual or group
settings to start to build relationships; create and implement policies and procedures
that will ensure safety in living environments and community and establish and
update healthcare directives and emergency contact lists.
In the long term, the team will work to engage each sister into embracing a plan that
fosters responsibility for individual ownership of health and wellness that supports a
whole and balanced continuum of life.
The reasons for dialogue with sisters, individually or in a group, will be varied
depending on the circumstance. At times their help may be in the form of listening,
giving advice, offering options. At other times, they may provide guidance, give
direction, educate or answer questions.
In any situation, our intention is to always interact with sisters with compassionate
presence, says Patty Lindauer, program director. The needs of the individual sister
and/or the community will always be the driving factor.
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November/December 2016 PNN

CONTACT US
The Health and Wellness main
office is on the 2nd floor of
the motherhouse, Carondelet
Ministry Hall. Our normal
business hours are Monday
through Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00
p.m., but may be extended at
times.
We have an open door policy
and welcome anyone to stop
by or call. If we are not in the
office, please leave a message
so we can contact you. If you
prefer, you may send an email
message or text us.
We will be establishing an
on-call protocol and will
communicate that when it is
complete.
Patty Lindauer
Office: 314-678-0382
Cell: 314-295-4133
plindauer@csjsl.org
Kathy Fisher
Office: 314-678-0311
Cell: 314-243-8262
kfisher@csjsl.org
S. Rosario Bobadilla
Cell: 314-458-6757
rbobadilla@csjsl.org
NLC Community
Life Coordinators
314-649-4682

Meet the New IT Director: Jeff Minor

Since Jeff Minor came on staff as the director of Information
Technology in September, many community members have
had the opportunity to interact with him, experiencing his
expertise, responsiveness and patience.
Jeff provides technology guidance for our organization and
is responsible for maintaining and supporting technology
services and has jumped right into the role with some large
projects like managing the technology with the copiers and
the phone system.
Jeff is married with two daughters, ages 22 and 25. He is
one of seven children, number five in a brood that grew up
in South County St. Louis. We are very close and generally
celebrate the holidays together.
Jeff began his career in technology more than 20 years ago
by helping family and friends with their computers and
devices. He then went to a local technical college, officially
beginning his professional career. His most recent position
was working with an educational organization.

In his short time with

us, Jeff is clear about his
mission for his role.
I believe the best way I can
serve the CSJ community
is by utilizing my skills and
knowledge in technology to
help promote and support
the many wonderful
services the CSJs offer the
community.
I am ready and willing to Jeff Minor, director of IT
make myself available to
anyone that requires assistance or guidance, he says. He can
be reached via phone, email or just by dropping by his office.
My door is always open.

CONTACT JEFF
Office: 314-678-0421
Cell: 314-225-8643
jminor@csjsl.org

Jeff says his experiences with the staff and the sisters have
been enjoyable. Everyone has been so helpful and pleasant
to work with, he says.

Associate Commitments

Our newest associates from St. Teresas Academy (lr): Barbara Cusick, Jennifer Petree, Jenny Greene and
Michael Sanem, made their initial commitments on Oct.
12. Read their commitment statements at csjsl.org.

Associates (l-r) Mary Ann Daust-Buehler, Kathy Busam,

Sharon Auer and Allen Grieve made their ongoing
commitment on Nov. 20 during the Associate Thanksgiving
Celebration at the Carondelet Motherhouse. Read their
commitment statements at csjsl.org.

November/December 2016 PNN

Page 11

Carondelet Chronicles
Linger Over Breakfast

Successful series fostered by

Sister Marion Renkens comes to a close
by Sister Kate Filla

In 2004, a program about St. Francis of Assisi sponsored

by the Franciscan Sisters in Frankfurt, Illinois, sparked an
idea that took root when Sister Marion Renkens believed
something similar could be offered at the Carondelet
Motherhouse. S. Marion achieved that goal and for 12 years,
the Linger Over Breakfast program blossomed.
As Sister Marion leaves her 16-year position as
motherhouse administrator at years end, this model
program of CSJ hospitality came to an end with its final
presentation held in October.
S. Marion always considered Linger over Breakfast a
special ministry for our neighbors. Her view is that these
gatherings were opportunities to share the spirituality of
the Sisters of St. Joseph and the hospitality offered at the
motherhouse.
Since 2005, sisters and associates have been invited to
present ideas and insights to attendees. Sister Marianne
Keena was the first of 40 total speakers in the 48 program
series.
In addition to a wonderful brunch, guests were offered
a diversity of topics including: ethics, mindfulness,
relationships, Catholicity, the sacraments, the saints, aging,
healthcare, prayer, digital connections, cynicism, and
resilience. Each session was a boost to living well and helped
form a connection with the sisters.
In addition to spiritual nourishment, breakfast was served
to more than 6,000 visitors. Some attendees came regularly,
some reserved tables for their groups religiously, and even a
few had perfect attendance. Many have voiced their gratitude
for the opportunity. All have taken with them something of
value.

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November/December 2016 PNN

The informal structure

was a great way to get
some good input, says
one visitor. Another says,
The offerings have been
invaluable for the laity
because they serve as a
source of spiritual insight
and practice.
Those who have
participated in the
Linger over Breakfast
series whether as guests,
workers, or presenters are
one in their gratitude for Sister Marion Renkens, CSJ
this work of great love
planted and allowed to grow. The idea has spread and been
developed for other locales: Denver, Kansas City, Albany
and the Congregation of St. Joseph, to name a few.
S. Marion readily admits that it has taken a village to
develop and maintain the high quality that is a hallmark
of these breakfasts. She is quick to credit all those involved
in the success of the programs including the food service,
hospitality, and maintenance and housekeeping departments,
as well as all the volunteers. And she also credits Sister
Maryellen Tierney, who was her assistant at the time the
program was developed.
When asked what she had learned during the 12 years
of these gatherings, Marion says, People have a desire to
be nourished spiritually and emotionally. And the Linger
gatherings have addressed that need.

CSJ Life
Community: Hopes, Expectations, Negotiations
by Sister Sarah Heger

Originally published on the csjlife.org vocations blog

What are our hopes for this year of community together?
If I were to summarize our community conversation, I
What are our expectations? These are the two questions
would say we value and expect time together as a community
that led the first real house meeting for my new housemate
to pray, to work, to play, and we will call each other to that
and me. Discussed in the context of prayer we worked to
time. We want and will work at a depth of sharing that is
define together what this community journey might look
real and vulnerable. We want a community space that is free
like. Two things I have learned in living community are: the
of judgment as people explore the things that touch and
community is new every time a new person moves ineven
tug at their hearts. We are committed to living simply and
if it is one new person moving in with four people who have evaluating our impact on the earth. And we want to explore
been living together already, the community is new and
more deeply and commit ourselves more deeply to what
ought to be treated as such; and hopes and expectations
it means to live in communityour local community, our
ought to be spoken and shared.
neighborhood, our religious community, our city, our world
community.
Its great when peoples understanding of community, their
hopes, and their expectations are relatively similar. It makes
And of course, no community conversation is complete
things easy and allows for a quick sense of comfortable
without a practical conversation about cleaning house,
routine and gratitude. And while it is more difficult
paying bills, taking care of the lawn, etc. While these things
when peoples understanding of day-to-day community
seem much smaller on the scale of importance relative to
expectations are different, if explored, negotiated, and
matters of the heart, it is often in the nitty-gritty details
renegotiated, the learning and gratitude may be even that
where communities experience the most conflict. Many
much deeper in the end.
community conversations have been had about the proper
location of the dishrag when it is not in use.
I remember being very young in religious life and moving
into a house where they didnt regularly have house meetings For me, community is about all of these thingscreating a
or Sharing of the Heart (a personally treasured part of our
space together where everyone feels cherished and invited
community prayer). I shared this with one of my sisters
to grow, where conversations are honest and deep and
in leadership, Well, call a house meeting, she said. I had
sometimes hard to initiate but always blessed, where God is
just moved in and was 40 years younger than the rest of
present in the beautiful, amazing things that we share, and
my sisters. How could I call them to anything?! But I did.
the dishrag conversations. I can see how it would be easy
That year we called each other to lots of things. It was
and sometimes necessary to choose to live singly rather than
a community experience that demanded lots of honest
in community with others. But without people to bump up
conversation. It wasnt an easy community experience, but
against in daily living, my edges would be sharper, my prayer
it was definitely one through which I learned a lot about
shallower, my conversation and conflict management skills
myself and through which I really learned to love and value
less honed. When community is ideal, I am so grateful for all
the sisters with whom I lived.
I am receiving that I cant not give back just as generously.

I think this year will be one of those easier ones. In our

prayer this past week, we voiced pretty similar hopes and
expectations. It is the first time in my experience of religious
life that I am the senior sister in the house (at 35, a rarity).
That being said, I am the only sister in the house. I have the
honor and blessings of living in a discernment houseliving
with women in supportive community as they figure out the
next step to which God is calling them. Through community,
I am always actively exploring that myself as well.

In that ideal, every member of community feels as if she is

receiving more than she is giving. I am grateful, though our
community is just starting, to be in that life-giving, ideal
community right now. Im sure the dishrag conversation will
come up eventually, but hopefully, we will remain true to our
shared hopes and expectations, to honest conversations, and,
as a result, the tough conversations will make community
that much stronger and more beautiful.

November/December 2016 PNN

Page 13

Sharing of the Heart

Deepening Communion with Earth
by Associate Karen Monroe

rsh
Ma

From the beginning, our

sisters listened and prayed
to the Spirit within
and shared the state of
their hearts, revealing
subjectivity, communion
and differentiation and
calling them out to the
Great Love of God.

cy

Pope Francis suggests we

add simple daily gestures to
combat
ecological destruction
te
Sis which break the logic of violence,
by
rk
o
exploitation, and selfishness and
w
A rt
a
l
a
d
consider
these as spiritual works of mercy.
M an
(Laudato Si)
an

We believe that
Creation is a sacred
trust given to
the whole Earth
community.
Therefore, we
commit ourselves
individually and
collectively to ask in
every deliberation,
How does this decision/
action impact the Earth
community? We do this
to raise our awareness and
change our behaviors. Communion
Within the Earth Community, Calls
to Action 2013

Soul gives us our entrancement with the natural

worlds beauty, wonder, and intimacy. It
gives us insight and understanding,
allowing us to behold the divine
in the universe through
creation.

rN

Respect for life and the dignity of the human

person extends to the rest of creation
Not only human life but the
whole of living Earth is Gods
beloved creation deserving of
care. Pope John Paul

Immensely prophetic, our sisters and associates call us

forth to be One in our thoughts and actions with the least
of these. We continue to be impelled to see beauty, to
engage in intimate relationships with all of our human and
Earth communities and to act with new eyes to develop
communities of peace and justice.

What are some simple daily gestures you can offer as

spiritual works of mercy? Be a sympathetic presence of
mutually enhancing relationships by inviting feelings of awe
and compassion into your life. Take part in healing our Ecotrauma (our illusion of separation) through rituals, music,
and dance.

Thomas Berry reminds us that subjectivity helps us

understand that every being has its own interior, its mystery.

Notice and celebrate sunrises and sunsets, bugs, butterflies,

colors, fleeing coyotes, frogs, fish, purring kittens. Talk to
them, pray with them. Tell the sacred story of our common
beginnings. Laugh with our differences.

The term communion is meant to understand the

interrelationship of the universe within itself and the interconnectedness of each part with the whole, the interior
binding facet of the universe.
Differentiation shows the whole coherent universe directed
toward expressing immense variety within unity as the
original primordial energy dispersed itself.
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November/December 2016 PNN

Sources:
Love Burst, Carolyn Toben (2012)
The 14-Billion-Year Love Story (film) by Len Stroka
at seescapes.com

Archives
Meeting Our Ancestors

Profile of an early sister who died

in the month of December
by Sister Jane Behlmann

On December 8, 1854 the first foundation of the

Congregation of Saint Joseph in New York State was made
at Canandaigua, sometimes called Sleeping Beauty. In
response to an appeal made by the right Reverend John
Timon, Bishop of the newly erected See of Buffalo, a band
of four sisters Mother Agnes Spencer, Sister Frances
Joseph Ivory, Sister Petronella Roscoe and Sister Theodosia
Hageman had been sent from Carondelet to make this
new establishment. Early in January 1855, the sisters opened
an academy and free school and took charge of the orphans.
A novitiate was established and postulants were received
into the community. The ceremony of profession took place
in Saint Marys Church until 1858.
In 1857, Bishop Timon asked the community to open an
institution for deaf-mutes in Buffalo, New York. Three
sisters who had studied the most recent methods for this
work in France, were sent from Carondelet. In 1865, the
sisters addressed a petition to the New York Legislature
asking that Le Couteulx Institute might be included among
those to which the state annually made appropriation for
the education of the deaf and dumb. A bill to that effect was
passed on April 28, 1875. The foundation in Buffalo was
under the care of the motherhouse in Canandaigua until
1861, when the administration was transferred to Buffalo.
In 1864, a band of sisters opened an orphanage in Rochester,
New York, primarily to care for those children who had
lost their fathers in the Civil War. In 1868 the Buffalo
diocese was divided. The new Diocese of Rochester was
erected under its first bishop, Right Reverend Bernard J.
McQuaid, and the affiliation of the sisters with Buffalo
was dissolved. The new bishop selected the community as
the teaching congregation of his diocese and established
their motherhouse at Rochester. [From Mother Saint John
Fontbonne: A Biography by a Sister of Saint Joseph of
Brentwood]

Mother Agnes Spencer

Sister Agnes Spencer (Mary) was born in Brindle, Lancashire,

England on August 15, 1823. She was a border at St. Josephs
Academy at Carondelet. She entered the Community in June
of 1846. Her sister, Martha, [Sister Mary Augustine Spencer]
entered two years later.
Sister Agnes was superior at St. Johns Orphanage in
Philadelphia in 1851-53. She opened the hospital in Wheeling,
West Virginia, in 1853. She opened the School for the Deaf
in Buffalo in 1856 and was superior at St. Marys Orphan
Asylum in Dunkirk, New York, from 1858-1860. She went on
to establish the Congregation of St. Joseph in Erie, Pennsylvania
in 1860, where she died on March 22, 1882.

November/December 2016 PNN

Page 15

The Hand of God Shall Hold You

Sister Joan Haas, CSJ

(S. Mary Geraldine)

March 22, 1919 - September 22, 2016
A woman of encouragement,
open to the future, faithful in prayer

On March 22, 1919, Ralph and Anna (Schlink) Haas of

El Paso, Illinois, welcomed their second daughter. Joan was
born at home on the family farm. Religion and prayer were
an important part of her growing up, including nightly
family prayers. Completing her elementary education in
the local public schools, she then boarded at the Academy
of Our Lady in Peoria for her high school years, where she
met the Sisters of St. Joseph. She had decided early on that
she wanted to be a sister. Joan recalled, All the saints I knew
about were sisters. So how could you be a saint if you werent
a sister? I wanted to be a saint. It was that simple.
She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1937,
receiving the habit and the name Sister Mary Geraldine
on March 19, 1938. Sister Joan earned a bachelors degree
in Spanish from Fontbonne College (1951); a masters in
education from St. Louis University (1954) and a doctorate
in educational psychology from Fordham University (1963).
Her teaching ministry began in the elementary schools:
St. Thomas of Aquin, St. Louis, (1940); St. Michaels,
Marquette, Michigan (1942); and back to St. Louis to Most
Holy Rosary (1951) and Our Lady of Lourdes (1957).
In 1958, S. Joan joined the faculty at Fontbonne College,
leaving there in 1960 to pursue her doctorate at Fordham. In
1962, she returned to her faculty position at Fontbonne. She
continued to live at Fontbonne, teaching some classes, while
serving as a provincial councilor from 1963 to 1967.
For the next three years, S. Joan served at St. Joseph
Provincialate as regional superior. Sister Mary Ann
Hilgeman reflects on working with S. Joan.
I fondly remember S. Joan when she was area superior over
an area that included Ste. Genevieve. I was appointed local
superior ... S. Joan was very supportive. Soon after I became
superior, S. Genevieve Marie Okenfuss died and was
waked ... in our convent. Sister Joan braved ice and snow to
drive to our convent in time for the funeral, and was a big
support for me as well as the other sisters.
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November/December 2016 PNN

In 1970, S. Joan returned to Fontbonne College to serve as

director of counseling. This was not a position that S. Joan
felt particularly suited for, so when the Superior General of
the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth, whom S. Joan had met
at Fordham, submitted her name for the position of dean at
Nazareth College, in Nazareth, Michigan, she was delighted
at the chance. Her interview went well resulting in her
appointment as academic dean (1971-1975.)
Then, three years were spent in Kansas City, Missouri, as
director of education for St. Joseph Hospital. After a year of
family care, S. Joan became program director at St. Joseph
Hospital in Kirkwood, Missouri (1979).
In 1983, she served as the province long-range planning
coordinator (St. Joseph Provincialate, St. Louis), and then
was an assistant provincial superior (1984-1988) to Sister
Frances Virginia Cholet.
During the subsequent 11 years, with the exception of a
sabbatical year at Manna House of Prayer in Concordia,
Kansas, S. Joan served in pastoral services at Villa St. Joseph
in Overland Park, Kansas, and then at Nazareth Living
Center in St. Louis.
Sister Ruth Stuckel lived with S. Joan at Fontbonne and in
Kansas City.
I found Joan easy to live with and true blue. She was
prayerful, open and kind. She kept up on recent
developments and had a good mind to see through weak
positions. We enjoyed many a conversation about local and
national news. I am grateful that I shared community
living with her.
Sister Joan retired in 1999, moving into the ministry of
prayer and presence at Nazareth in 2001.
Sister Helen Oates

The Hand of God Shall Hold You

Sister Michael White, CSJ

July 14, 1924 - September 22, 2016

A compassionate woman, an empathetic listener,

keen to learn, prayerful

Reed and Mary Agnes (Burke) White, of St. Louis,

Missouri, welcomed their second daughter, Patricia, July
14, 1924. In time, two more daughters and two sons also
arrived. Needing space, the growing family moved frequently.
In fact, Patricia went to six different grade schoolsfive
staffed by CSJs.
Her maternal grandparents, born in Ireland, greatly
influenced her life, partly because when Patricia was nine,
her mother was killed in a tragic accident. During a rare
trip, her parents traveled to Chicago with friends. Their car
was broadsided by a car of robbers trying to get away. Mrs.
White was badly injured and died 10 days later. Mr. White
was left to raise six children, ranging in age from 12 years
down to 11 months.
Patricia began high school at St. Marks, then switched to
boarding school at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in
St. Charles. When she graduated at age 16, she wanted
to enter the Religious of the Sacred Heart. The postulant
mistress told her she was too young. She went to Maryville
College for a semester before deciding it wasnt for her.
Eventually, she went to secretarial college and found work.
She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph (Sisters Anne Loyola
and Regina Clare were her aunts) on September 15,
1944. She received the habit and the name, Sister Michael
Josephine, on March 19, 1945. Her bachelors degree in
elementary education was from the University of Dayton
(1959) and her masters in elementary education from
St. Louis University (1967).
Sister Michael taught elementary grades at Assumption,
St. Louis and at St. Matthew, Mobile, Alabama, (1947).
In 1953, she went to St. Theresa in Honolulu, Hawaii
and then to Holy Rosary, Paia, Maui (1958). She taught
at St. Elizabeth, Kansas City, Missouri (1959); St. Agnes,
St. Louis (1960); St. Mary on the Hill, Augusta, Georgia
(1962); and St. Philip Neri, St. Louis (1964). Sister Michael
served as principal as well as teaching at St. Edward in

St. Louis (1966) and did the same at St. Louis in

Englewood, Colorado (1968).
In 1973, she ministered as a staff member at the Carondelet
House of Prayer in St. Louis. After that, she served as
administrator at St. Joseph Convent in Marquette (1976).
She was in campus ministry at Michigan Tech University,
Houghton in 1979 and at the Catholic Student Center,
Marquette (1981). Returning to Hawaii in 1983, she was a
pastoral associate at Holy Trinity Parish, Honolulu. After
a brief sabbatical, S. Michael became secretary at St. Cecilia
School, St. Louis (1988). She retired in 1998, but in 1999,
she responded to a need at Nazareth Living Center (NLC)
for a community life bookkeeper. After a bout with cancer,
she moved into the ministry of prayer and presence at
Nazareth Living Center (2005).
Comments:
My mother, Marie McDowell, lived in McGovern
Commons for approximately five years. Mom had
Alzheimers disease and would not wear her shoes ... I was
trying to find the socks with the rubber tread soles so Mom
would not slip. Sister Michael gave me a pair and Mom
wore them constantly ... I also remember Sister Michael
holding my hand as I exited the chapel at the end of Moms
funeral ... Her love touched my moms life and mine.
A. Patrick McDowell
Michael was a great bridge player. She played every
Wednesday afternoon here at NLC. She only stopped
playing just a few months before her death when she could
no longer tell the difference between the diamonds and
hearts or the clubs and spades. She felt she was slowing
down the game too much by having us tell her which card
had been played. S. Audrey Olson
I experienced her as such a gentle and loving person.
S. Ann Pace
Sister Helen Oates

November/December 2016 PNN

Page 17

Alternative Christmas Gifts

Looking for alternative Christmas gifts? Consider donating
to a charity in the name of the person you are gifting. Here
are some suggestions with CSJ connections:
Gulu Water with Blessings Project: Buy a water filter for
the people of Gulu. Sisters Patty Clune and Pat Murphy
instruct the women of Gulu how to use the filters, which
have significantly decreased water-borne diseases. Price: $50
per filter. Donate online via our website csjsl.org and make a
note in the comments.
Gulu Pre-natal Vitamins: Sister JoAnn Geary distributes
these to expectant mothers who come to the newly-built
Maternity Clinic in Gulu. Their use has significantly
increased birth weights and the health of newborns. Price:
$10 per bottle of vitamins. Donate online via our website at
csjsl.org and make a note in the comments.
English Tutoring Project: Purchase a bilingual book for
children in the English Tutoring Project (ETP), St. Louis.
This enables them to read with their parents. The ETP,
grounded in Catholic tradition and social teachings, provides
on-site assistance to children from refugee and immigrant
families to acquire English language skills in an environment
where all children experience respect for themselves and
their culture. ETP is an initiative of the St. Louis Area
Women Ministries Religious Collaborative. Price: Starts at
$5. Go to: www.left-bank.com/english-tutoring-project.
Earthlinks: An innovative, urban nonprofit in Denver,
Colorado, Earthlinks provides a work program for people
who are homeless and low-income to learn skills and create
Earth-friendly products that sustain people and the planet.
Go to: www.earthlinks-colorado.org.

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November/December 2016 PNN

M.I.C.A. Project: The Migrant and Immigrant Community

Action Project handles a wide variety of cases, including
family immigration, naturalization, removal defense, and
asylum and refugee issues. Associate Jessica Mayo is one of
the founders. In 2015, M.I.C.A. lawyers worked with over
350 clients. Clients are charged on an affordable sliding
scale. Price: $60 pays for the translation of documents;
allowing for the lawyers to file the case more quickly. Or
donate any amount monthly for one year.
Go to www.mica-project.org.
Micro-Financing Partners in Africa: Housed in the former
carriage house on the motherhouse property, MPA offers
a hand up from poverty to possibility for Africas people
through living loans for individual income projects, animal
income projects, group projects and learning projects that
build economic capacity Price: $75 supports a business loan
for a woman; $50 funds a bakery business project; $30 buys
a school uniform at the vocational school.
Go to: www.microfinancingafrica.org.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet:
And, of course, donate directly to the CSJs to support our
mission and ministries at csjsl.org.
STOCKING STUFFERS
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
invite you to join them in prayer and
reflect upon Jean-Pierre Mdailles
words of wisdom with our ABCs of the
CSJ Spiritual Life Maxims.
Price: $5 per deck (size 2.5 x 3.5)
Place an Order: Contact Sarah Baker
at sbaker@csjsl.org or 314-678-0378.

SAVE THE DATES

CSJ GOVERNMENT EVENTS

TERRY BARBER
CONCERT
DEC. 11

ST. LOUIS PROVINCE &

CONGREGATIONAL DATES

SEE BACK COVER

FOR DETAILS.

2017
PROVINCE SPECIAL CHAPTER
Jan. 6-8
Carondelet Motherhouse

MISSOURI CHORAL SOCIETY

WINTER CONCERT

SPRING SECTIONAL
Feb. 25-26 & March 4-5

Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.

Holy Family Chapel

Enjoy the beautiful musical sounds

of this seasoned ensemble from St.
Charles as they enliven us with the
holiday spirit.
Admission is free.
RSVP for the event at 314-481-8800
or motherhousersvp@csjsl.org.

EXTRAORDINARY
CONGREGATIONAL CHAPTER
April 21-25
Airport Hilton, St. Louis

ADVENT VESPERS SERVICE

Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m.
Holy Family Chapel
Join us in music and prayer.

PROVINCE ASSEMBLY
July 28-30
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish
St. Louis
FALL SECTIONAL
Oct. 7-8 & Oct. 14-15

2018

Log Cabin Chronicles

SPRING SECTIONAL
Feb. 24-25 & March 10-11

Presented by Sister Mary McGlone

PROVINCE CHAPTER SESSION I

April 12-14
Location TBD

The Log Cabin Chronicles series focuses on learning more

about the other CSJ provinces and vice-provinces.

PROVINCE CHAPTER SESSION II

Replaces Assembly
July 26-28
Location TBD

All events are held at the Carondelet Motherhouse.

About ALBANY PROVINCE

PROVINCE CHAPTER SESSION III

Chapter of Elections
Dec. 6-9
Location TBD

THURSDAY, DEC. 8

Liturgy at 3:30 p.m.,

followed by presentation
Dinner to follow after presentation. RSVP by Dec. 1

2019

About LOS ANGELES PROVINCE

CONGREGATIONAL CHAPTER
July St. Louis

SATURDAY, JAN. 21

Presentation at 10 a.m.
Continential Breakfast starts at 9:30 a.m.
RSVP by Jan. 16

Sectionals

About VICE-PROVINCES
SATURDAY, FEB. 18

Assemblies

Presentation at 10 a.m.
Continential Breakfast starts at 9:30 a.m.

Chapters

LEARN MORE AND VIEW OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS AT CSJSL.ORG.

November/December 2016 PNN

Page 19

LEADERSHIP CALENDAR
December
4-7
CLG Meeting, Carondelet (All)
8
LCWR Breakfast (RS, LS)
8-9
Avila Board Mtg. (RS)
11
Terry Barber Concert (ML, LS)
12-13 Council/Corporation Mtgs. (All)
15
Province Office Christmas Party (All)
January
6-8
Special Province Chapter (All)
11
STA Board Mtg. (ML)
12
LCWR Breakfast (LS)
23-24 Council Corporation Mtgs. (All)
28
Chapter Planning Committee Mtg. (MML, RS)

February
3
Mission Integration Committee (MML)
4
Fontbonne Board Mtg. (MML)
9
LCWR Breakfast (RS, LS)
20-21 Council/Corporation Mtgs. (All)
24-25 Avila Board Mtg. (RS)
25
Retreat for New Associates (LS)
26
Associate Commitment (LS)
March
2-7
19
20-21
22
28-31

CLG Meeting, Los Angeles (RS)

NLC Jubilee Celebration (RS)
Council/Corporation Mtgs. (All)
Sponsorship Collaborative (MML, RS)
LCWR Region X, Dubuque (MML, RS)

TERRY BARBER, COUNTERTENOR

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE
Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.
Carondelet Motherhouse
Admission: $20
To purchase tickets, visit csjsl.org.
Back by popular demand, Grammy-award winner Terry Barber
will present a holiday program of classical and popular favorites.
Terry stunned audience members with his extraordinarily broad
vocal range at the 2016 Generosity of Joseph Honors Gala.
His album Christmas Presence is in consideration for six
Grammy nominations for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.

NEXT ISSUE: January/February PNN & Directory Changes

Submission Deadline: Jan. 10 Publication Date: Feb. 1
For a complete PNN schedule, visit Members Only at www.csjsl.org.

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November/December 2016 PNN