News Notes

PROVINCE

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET AND ASSOCIATES ST. LOUIS PROVINCE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

For they are moments when

something new has entered into us,
something unknown ... a stillness comes,
and the new, which no one knows,
stands in the midst of it and is silent.

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.
We welcome your submissions!
Submit articles and photos to
Sarah Baker at sbaker@csjsl.org.
**Materials are subject to editing
and will be published at the
discretion of the editor.
STAFF
Jenny Beatrice
Editor
Sarah Baker
Graphic Design
Madeleine Reilly &
Print Shop Volunteers
Production, printing and mailing
Sarah Baker
Jenny Beatrice
Jane Behlmann, CSJ
Kelly Anne Davis
Mary Flick, CSJ
Jane Gerard, CSJ
Proofreading
Page 2 September/October 2017 PNN
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
8-9 14-15 16-17
PROFESSIONS & 2017 JUBILEE CASS AVENUE
COMMITMENTS We celebrate our golden Sister Audrey Olson writes
Sister Mary Flick made jubilarians with photos, about the history the CSJs
her profession of final thank yous and honorary share with Our Lady of
vows; Sister Clare Bass contributions. Good Counsel convent,
renewed her temporary commonly known as
commitment and Sister Cass Avenue, built by
Mary Alice Collar was Mark Twains relative,
received as a novice. James Clemens.
CONTENTS
Province Leadership......................................................................................... 3-5
Province Assembly................................................................................................6
Ministry Fund Grant Spotlight...............................................................................7
CSJ Life............................................................................................................... 8-9
Justice............................................................................................................. 10-12
Health & Wellness................................................................................................13
2017 Jubilee................................................................................................... 14-15
CSJ News........................................................................................................ 16-21
Archives................................................................................................................22
Necrology: Sister Catherine Ann Gleason.......................................................23
Necrology: Sister Rita Flaherty...........................................................................24
Necrology: Associate Catie Shinn....................................................................25
Awards & Recognitions......................................................................................26
CSJ Events & Happenings..................................................................................27
Calendar..............................................................................................................28
ON THE COVER: TRANSITIONS
As the summer days are gone and we transition into autumn,
let us be like the leaves on the trees and let go into the
unknown.
In the Province Leadership message, Sister Linda Straub
explores the theme of grief as shared at the LCWR annual
assembly by Jan Richardson and Sister Mary Pellegrino.
The quote on the cover is from Rainer Maria Rilkes Letters to a
Young Poet, which you can read in its entirety on page 5.
 Province Leadership
2014-2019 Province Leadership Team: Sisters Mary Margaret Lazio, Linda Straub, Maureen Freeman,
Rita Marie Schmitz and Marilyn Lott
Being in the Presence of Love:
The Power of Transformation
LCWR Annual Assembly
by Sister Linda Straub
Does grieving serve a purpose or is it just a setback in our
day-to-day life that will pass in time?
At the LCWR annual assembly, Jan Richardson, artist and
writer, shared how her personal grief over the death of her
husband led to transformation in her own life. She asked,
What does it mean to be the presence of love when it seems
love has left us? Death comes in many ways: death of a
loved one, fracture of a relationship, loss of community or
life as we have known it. When absence erupts in our lives,
how do we open ourselves anew to the presence of love that
endures beyond death?
Richardson recounts the Gospel story of Mary Magdalene at
the empty tomb. Overcome with grief she encounters Jesus.
Woman why are you weeping? Whom are you looking
for? In her bewilderment she hears Jesus call her name. In
her conversation with Jesus, Mary Magdalene stands on
the threshold of change. Will she hold on to what she has
known or cross the threshold into the unknown? She knows
if she crosses the threshold, this will change her; but the
presence of enduring love will be stronger than the letting
go. Can she let go?
We, too, are people who stand at the threshold and, like
Mary Magdalene, we are called to let go of what we know
and hear the voice calling us to trust in the living presence
of Christ. Grief opens our hearts to encounter a love that is
more profound than anything we could ever imagine. Grief
for the worldreading the headlines, holding the grief
allows us to be authentic in our loves.
Sister Mary Pellegrino, CSJ, president of LCWR, spoke of
an emerging story, how we are being called by the living. She
said, One of the more substantial narratives about religious
life that I believe is passing and urgently needs our assistance
to continue to pass is the diminishment narrative.
A narrative that seems to be emerging in its placeand
what urgently needs our assistance to open the space for it
is what I call a narrative of deepening communion.
This emerging narrative of deepening communion so
resonates with our chapter calls for the last 16 years.
S. Mary asked us to consider what God and humanity are
asking of us. As we read the daily headlines, do we not hear
this emerging narrative in our hearts? As we grieve the
continued on page 5
September/October 2017 PNN Page 3
 CORPORATION & COUNCIL
APRIL MINUTES St. Matthew the Apostle Gala Auction$500
Corporation NLC Board of Trustee Appointment (1)
SJID Board of Directors Appointment (1)
Approved
SJA Board of Director Appointments (2)
March 21, 2017 Board Minutes
March 2017 Financial Statements Council
Humanitarian Foundation Med. Clinic, Cluj-Napoca, Approved
Romania$7,000 April 10-11, 2017 Board Minutes
National Religious Vocation Conference$2,000 Fontbonne Board Appointment Recommendations
St. Francis Community Services, Seeds of Hope Summer
Gala$500 Discussed
Fontbonne University$250,000 2017 Spring Sectional Materials
St. Joseph Worker Statue, Assinins, MI$12,000 2017 Assembly Planning
CPC Report
Council Chapter 2018-19 Attendance
Approved Novice Congregation Director Recommendation
March 20-21, 2017 Board Minutes Government Committee Membership
Patrimony Request (1)
Updated
Discussed Hospitality Resource List
Pre-Chapter Meeting Initial Formation
Hospitality Resource List
Motherhouse Availability, Outside Groups JUNE MINUTES
Liturgy Support
June 6 Meeting
Assembly 2017
Novice Director Corporation
Approved
Updated Sponsorship Resolution, STA, SJA, SJID, FU and Avila
Fontbonne University, Michael Pressimone, President
NLC Construction Update June 22 Meeting
Associate Leadership Board Report Corporation
Approved
MAY MINUTES May 16, 2017 Board Minutes
Corporation June 6, 2017 Board Minutes
Approved May 2017 Financial Statements
Intercommunity Ecological Council$1,000
April 11, 2017 Board Minutes
Holy Angels Catholic Church, Indianapolis$20,000
March & April 2017 Financial Statements
Marian Middle School$5,000
SJID Indianapolis Charity Golf Classic$1,000
Fontbonne Trivia Night$160
NLC Dinner Benefit & Auction$750
NLC Board of Trustee Appointment (1)
Congregational NETWORK contribution$5,000
SJI Board of Director Appointments (3)
St. Louis Province NETWORK contribution$500
FY 2018 Province Budget

Page 4 September/October 2017 PNN

 PL Message continued from page 3

MINUTES violence of racism, the destructive effects of global

warming, the political upheaval and terrorism throughout
the world, do we not hear the living Christ calling our
name to deepening communion? Even if we do not know
Council how religious life will look in the future, can we embrace
Approved the call to witness to deepening communion? Consider
May 15-16, 2017 Board Minutes what God and humanity are asking of us.

Discussed We stand on the threshold between what we have

known and the future we are being called to. Near the
Innovation & Animation Committee Appointments
end of her address, S. Mary shared a quote from Rainer
Selection Process, CPC
Maria Rilkes Letters to a Young Poet. She chose this
2017 Assembly
quote because, as she said, it is one of the most moving
CLT/PLT Initial Planning Meeting
descriptions of loss and grief as the gateway to the future
PLT Planning through June 2019
she has ever heard. And so I share with you this quote
Congregational Communicators Meeting
from Rilke.
Liturgy Update
Current/Pending Projects
From Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke:

JULY MINUTES You have had many and great sadnesses, which passed,
Corporation but please consider whether these great sadnesses have
not gone through the center of yourself? Whether
Approved
much in you has not been altered, whether you have not
June 22, 2017 Board Minutes somewhere, at some point in your being, undergone a
June 2017 Financial Statements (Unadjusted) change while you were sad? For they are moments when
350.org$500 something new has entered into us, something unknown;
2017 Transgender Spectrum Conference$500 our feelings grow mute in shy perplexity, everything in us
withdraws, a stillness comes, and the new, which no one
Council knows, stands in the midst of it and is silent.
Approved
June 19-22, 2017 Board Minutes I believe that almost all of our sadnesses are moments
of tension that we find paralyzing because we can no
Reviewed longer hear our surprised feelings living. Because we are
alone with the alien thing that has entered into our self;
Social Media Policy because everything intimate and accustomed is for an
instant taken away; because we stand in the middle of a
Discussed
transition where we cannot remain standing.
VIRTUS Training, KC
Village Resettlement, Richard Komakech For this reason the sadness too passes, the new thing in
Multicultural Awareness Group us, the added thing has entered into our heart, has gone
CCBF Board Membership into its inmost chamber and is not even there any more
Mission-to-Mission Workshop is already in our blood. And we do not learn what it was.
CLG July 2019 Accommodations Possibilities We could easily be made to believe that nothing has
Congregational Vocation Meeting happened, and yet we have changed, as a house changes
CSJ Spiritual Orientation into which a guest has entered.

We cannot say who has come, perhaps shall never know,

but many signs indicate that the future enters into us in
this way in order to transform itself in us long before it
happens.

September/October 2017 PNN Page 5

 Province Assembly
Reimagining Our Future
Highlights from Province Assembly 2017
by Jenny Beatrice, director of communications
From July 28 to July 30, more than 130 sisters and 20
associates gathered at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish
in St. Louis for the 2017 Province Assembly with a focus
on reimagining future, calling us to reimagine mission and
charism in ways we have not done in the past.
Day Ones session for the sisters opened with a focus on
exploring key questions around relationships, lifestyle
and resources: how we live, how we relate, how we serve.
The days sessions were planned by the Chapter Planning
Committee as part of a committed effort to build a chapter
agenda that is shaped by the communitys input.
Sister Kate Regan says, It was a good day. It was difficult
trying to evaluate the present and seeing how that is going
to effect the future, especially in determining leadership. I
feel that somehow together we will come up with a new plan
that will be effective.
This reimagining continued into Day Two with discussion
regarding proposed models of leadership, including the areas
of composition and term of office. Leanings were taken and
information will be shared with the Government Committee
for further discussion.
Sisters Mary Margaret Lazio and Rita Schmitz shared the
work by the Sponsorship Collaborative for the St. Joseph
Educational Ministry, a Public Juridic Person, to carry out
our charism, philosophy, values and Catholic identity for our
educational institutions. Going forward was unanimously
approved by the assembly.
Page 6 September/October 2017 PNN
Associate members joined the assembly beginning the
afternoon of Day Two. Reports were given from the
following groups: Agregee Task Force, Vocations Team,
Justice Office, Congregational Leadership, Gulu Mission and
Association.
Sister Pauline Komrska says, The assembly had moments
of stress and it was a challenge, but the greatest part always
is meeting one another and updating ourselves as to whats
going on with our own sisters.
Special moments at assembly include Sister Mary Alice
Collars acceptance into the novitiate and the presentation
of the 2017 Giraffe Award for those sisters who stuck their
necks out in service. The honored sisters are Sister Mary
Ann Figlino for her service in Gulu and Sisters Kathleen
Crowley, Sandra Straub, Patrice Coolick, Joan Tolle, Gladys
Leigh, Teresa Horn-Bostel and Ida Berresheim for their
service in El Paso.
Sister Nancy Marsh sums up the assembly experience by
saying: These days are filled with space and time to be with
the women with whom I have cast my lot, the CSJs. We
are reimagining our lives for now and future and trying to
articulate in a deeper way what we want. God is in the mix,
as always, ever present if we are aware. So we continue in the
process to love each other in and through and in all ways.
Far Left: Communications Intern Kelly
Davis records Sisters Rosemary Render for
the Vocation Teams video booth, asking
sisters about their experience in religious
life to share on the CSJSL website and in
social media. Left: Day Two concluded
with Mass officiated by Father Ron Chocol
and featured the Matachines, liturgical
dancers from Our Lady of Guadalupe
Parish (pictured) and liturgical singers from
the Washington University Catholic Student
Center.
 Ministry Fund Grants
Grant Spotlight: Almost Home
by Abby Blaes, communications intern
Each year, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
award funds to programs serving women and
children in the St. Louis metro area through the
Feuerbacher Grant Program. The program was
established through a bequest from Father Ed
Feuerbacher and, since its inception in 2005, the
program has supported 49 organizations that are
acquainted with a CSJ sister or associate and
whose ministries are consistent with CSJ values.
In this grant spotlight, we feature Almost Home, a
2017 recipient of a Feuerbacher Grant, funding
childcare support for homeless teenage mothers
and their children in the St. Louis area.
Despite evolving to best meet the needs of young single
mothers over the years, Almost Homes focus has remained
the same: to empower young moms to become self-sufficient
and create a better future for themselves and their children.
This mission aligns with the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Carondelets dedication to support those in society who are
most in need and most often marginalized.
Because of this, Almost Home was awarded a Feuerbacher
Grant to help those they serve. Abby Nolan, development
coordinator for Almost Home, answered some questions
about their organization and how the Feuerbacher grant
money is being used.
Q: How is the grant money you received being used?
Abby Nolan: Almost Home is using grant money from the
CSJs to provide childcare stipends to our moms. This allows
them to attend school or work, while knowing that their
children will be cared for and safe.
Q: How have the people youve served, the young mothers
and their children, responded to your organization and
your programs?
AN: Young mothers and their children come to Almost
Home and find a place to call their own. Each family gets
their own private room, and our clinical case manager helps
them create their own plan to achieve independence. Our
young moms and their kids still experience the ups and
READ MORE GRANT SPOTLIGHTS ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CSJSL.ORG.
Kalynn
recently
graduated
from Almost
Homes
program
and moved
into her own
apartment
with her
daughters
Kyra and
Makiya.
downs of life, but know that they have a place to call home
while they work on creating a better future.
Q: How has your organization grown over the years and
how is it growing today?
AN: In 1993, Almost Home began in a home in South
St. Louis, providing housing to six teen moms and their
children. Today, we have our own facility in South St. Louis,
and serve approximately 50 moms and 50 kids every year.
We still provide housing, but we also offer an expanded
array of support services, including parenting education,
therapeutic counseling, job-readiness training, and education
support, like tutoring. Today, were looking forward to
beginning a new employment training program for 21-
30 year-old mothers, allowing us to serve an even greater
number of single moms in St. Louis.
Q: Why do you feel your organization is important in
todays society?
AN: Although weve made so much progress as a society,
generational poverty is still a major problem, especially
among low-income, single 16 to 20-year-old mothers. Even
for young moms who are driven and dream of a better
future, poverty places major roadblocks in the way of their
success. Almost Home exists to equip these moms with the
tools they need to get around these roadblocks, so that they
can escape poverty and create a better future for themselves
and their children.
September/October 2017 PNN Page 7
 CSJ Life
Sisters Mary Flick, Clare Bass and Mary Alice Collar at the Province Assembly in July.
Formation News
Professions and Commitments
by Jenny Beatrice, director of communications
Sister Mary Flick Makes Profession of Perpetual Vows
In a culmination of her life-long desire, Sister Mary Flick
made her profession of perpetual vows with the Sisters of St.
Joseph of Carondelet on September 9 at the motherhouse,
surrounded by family, friends and members of the CSJ
community.
The world hungers for meaning and longs for spirituality.
My commitment to Christ and to this community gives
me the freedom to offer both through my presence and my
ministry, she says.
A native St. Louisan, Sister Mary entered the Sisters of St.
Joseph in 2009. She brings to the community her love for
Ignatian spirituality, having spent 25 years working at St.
Louis University, a Jesuit school.
Her background also includes a bachelors degree in
communications from Maryville University in St. Louis, a
masters degree in religious studies from St. Louis University
and a certificate in spiritual direction from Aquinas Institute
of Theology in St. Louis.
Page 8 September/October 2017 PNN
She currently serves as the justice coordinator and a writer
for the St. Louis province, works in the Office of Mission
and Identity at St. Louis University and offers spiritual
direction. She relishes serving the Sisters of St. Joseph
community and serves on a number of committees.
The legacy I inherited continually leaves me in awe and
asking how to best live out the love of God and dear
neighbor without distinction, Sister Mary says. Im excited
about the future of religious life and proud to claim the CSJs
as my home, knowing my sisters are there to support me and
I, them, wherever God leads.
Sister Clare Bass Renews Temporary Commitment
On June 18, Sister Clare Bass renewed her temporary
commitment to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet for
two more years. Sister Clare joined the CSJs as a candidate
in 2010 and entered the community in 2012.
Originally from Biloxi, Mississippi, Sister Clare holds a
bachelors degree in political science and a masters degree
in public policy and administration from Mississippi State.
She is currently working toward becoming a licensed clinical social worker
in the masters of social work program at Southern Illinois University-
Edwardsville while serving as a residential aide with Our Lady Queen of
Peace Center in St. Louis.

Working with people affected by addictions and other traumatic

experiences in their lives or who are considered on the margins of society
is how I best serve the dear neighbor, and its what Im passionate about.

She is also passionate about social justice issues. In the tradition of the
Sisters of St. Joseph, Sister Clare serves as an advocate for the issues that
speak to the dignity of the human person. Just trying to be a person of
solidarity and compassion is important and energizing for me.

Sister Clare sees the renewal of her temporary vows as giving her the time
to really come to grips with commitment. Emotionally and spiritually its a
process. The commitment is not just for one day. Its a process for the rest
of my life. So committing to living out of the vows and community each
day requires a daily yes.

Sister Mary Alice Collar Enters Federation Novitiate

Sister Mary Alice Collar was received as a novice into the Sisters of
St. Joseph of Carondelet on July 29 at the St. Louis province assembly. In
August, she entered the federation novitiate program, a common project
of the Sisters of St. Joseph in the United States, currently being held in
Concordia, Kansas. This 10-month concentration in the life, spirituality
and mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph offers the novices opportunities
for greater peer interaction and to come to know themselves as part of the
Sisters of St. Joseph nationwide.

Sister Mary Alice says, Its an opportunity to deepen my relationship with

God, understand the charism and mission as it is lived today and learn
from Sisters of St. Joseph that are experts in their field.
Top: Sister Mary Alice (right) signs the
form officially admitting her into the
A native of Pittsburg, Kansas, Sister Mary Alice entered the Sisters novitiate. Also pictured are Sisters Kathy
of St. Joseph of Carondelet as a candidate in January 2017 and lived Crowley (left) and Marilyn Lott.
in community with the sisters, whom she says have offered her a great
support system. I always have them to talk things over with, and they help Middle: Sisters Clare Bass (left), Pat Bober
me discern what I need to do in any situation. and Janet Kuciejczyk.

Bottom: Sister Mary Flick signs the

A dental hygienist by profession for 31 years who also has a masters Congregational Final Profession
degree in pastoral studies from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Commitment with Sisters Marilyn Lott and
Louis, Sister Mary Alice is discerning her next ministry. She says her Sarah Heger (behind Mary).
opportunities in the future are many and promising, and, supported by the
community, she is confident the Spirit will reveal her path. As Ive grown
on this labyrinth journey, I realize I have all I need to live the mission.

September/October 2017 PNN Page 9

 Justice

Associate Dorothy Dempsey Tackles Race Head On

by Julia DiSalvo

In 2012, when Trayvon Martin was shot dead in Florida, If you could tell people of
something was triggered in the heart and soul of Associate color one thing, what
Dorothy Dempsey, a wife, mother, and senior citizen in would it be?
urban St. Louis. She went to her pastor at St. Elizabeth, of We cannot give up

D e m psey
which she had been a member for over 30 years, and said, hope. We have to stick
We need to do something. They arranged a prayer service together. As long as
for the largely black parish and neighborhood. Two years there is a God, as long
later, when Michael Brown was left dead in the streets of as we depend on Him

hy
nearby Ferguson, Dorothy took a stand and developed a and Him alone, there

ot
ministry focused on race and justice issues. This is her story.

How did you get started?
When I saw Michael Brown, it was like a total awakening.
As a mother I thought, That could be my child lying there.
It got me thinking, Where have you been?
Back in the 60s, things were really bad, but I was still
looking at the news just like the whites were, just going
on with life. I wondered why I wasnt joining some type of
group.
A lot of blacks have not awakened to the facts. We have lost
something. We have to fight, and my fight is to enlighten
others.
What are the main concerns and needs you see?
People need to be educated, and people of color need a fair
shake. Many refuse to acknowledge it. Many black men
are family men, take care of their children, and still lose
opportunities from a lack of education, a lack of jobs, and so
forth.
When you talk about human rights and dignity and
justice, you almost dont know where to start. Our parish
is cosponsoring a speaker series on diversity with St. Rose
Philippine Duchesne [Parish in Florissant, Missouri] to
educate and invite people to come together and dialogue.
But Ive found resistance from my own people [of color].
Its like they dont want to revisit their experiences because
theyre so hurtful and deep. Sometimes you have to dig deep
to get to the root of things and know how to move forward.
or
can be changeand it will D
e
at
come. Thats something we
A ss oci
have to share and try to instill in
others.
God made this world; he didnt mean for it to be all-white.
He made a beautiful universe of colorbutterflies and trees,
flowers of all colors. Why would you think he would make
humans of only one hue?
If you could tell the [white] people in power one thing,
what would it be?
Get to know us. Stop running away from us. Live next
door, and know we pick up trash too. I understand there
are white people who definitely do not hate and have all
these prejudices. But our clergy, our pastors, must stand
up; we cant be afraid to speak out. I wrote a letter to the
archbishop, and he responded, but more must be done. This
cancerous thing is going on; dont you want to put an end to
it?
What are you working on/doing now?
I work closely with Metropolitan Congregation United
[mcustl.com], a group of churches that come together to
fight injustices. They have sponsored Sacred Conversations
on Race + ACTION. I was able to host a conversation
at Sts. Theresa [and Bridget parish on Market St., and we
had quite a bit of turnout and a write-up in the [St. Louis]
Review. We even had one big event at Saint Louis University
with over a thousand people.
After that, I started a social justice committee at St.
Elizabeths. Interestingly enough, we have a white and a

Page 10 September/October 2017 PNN

Dempsey continued from page 10
black co-chair. One of our main
events was inviting the police to speak
to the youth. One boy talked about
how he had been subjected to police
brutality, and they really took him
under their wings. A young man at
another meeting just opened up and
was rambling on and on. I couldnt stop
him. You could tell he felt so good that
people were listening to him. Thats
what its all about.
I invited the alderman of the 21st Ward
to our last meeting. We want to have
a big clean-up [in cooperation with
two local Protestant churches]. Well
have college students and everyone
out in the streets. Well try to get the
whole area, from the highway down
to Natural Bridge. The aldermen from
that meeting have invited the priests to
come to their meeting.
How is St. Louis and this nation
going to come together in terms of
race?
Thats a good question. Theres such a
division. Its like everybodys got their
minds made up, like nobody wants to
understand other peoples plights. I
dont really have an answer to that. I
wish I did. But I hope some changes
are being made. I hope were making a
difference. I hope were getting people
to think and to realize they have to be
a part of this. No one can just sit back
and let things happen.
Thats a lot of what youre doing:
making people aware of whats going
on, of what it takes to move forward,
and inspiring them to take action
Thats all you can do, plus pray.
Reflection for Charlottesville
by Sister Sandra Schmid
Sister Sandra Schmid had a midday
prayer program prepared to
give at the motherhouse. Then
the events in Charlottesville
happened. Read her emotional
reflection.
id
I immediately knew I had to do
hm
something new for the prayer, but my
Sc
mind was blank. I thought about r
a
that and thought about what I was feeling. a nd
S
S is t e r
Over the next three days I felt shock, sadness,
fear, shame, hopelessness, and a desire to do something lasting.
I wanted to make a change in how I live my everyday life. And I thought and
prayed about everything I was feeling. I realized that there was little I could
do to make big changes, but a little voice, God within me, started to speak.
I thought about when I heard family or co-workers say racist or hateful
things and just told myself that they would never change, so why make a
scene. The times the person in front of me at the grocery store checkout
was treated inappropriately due to color, dress, gender, age, or poverty, and I
didnt say anything. Or worse yet, when I didnt do anything because I really
didnt notice these things were happening.
And then I knew what I had to do. I had to change what I paid attention
to, and act on what I noticed. I need to speak up when I see behaviors that
are wrong. I need to say thanks to the people who give me an example of
behaviors that are kind and loving. I am now working to become the person
I want to be. I have put a note in my knitting bag to remind myself of the
person I want to become.
The morning I was to give the prayer service, I sat down with my Bible and
said to God, I still have no idea what this prayer should be, so tell me. In
20 minutes I had the prayer planned. Simple, as God often shows us to be.
And I became aware of another thing that God says. To show kindness and
love to another doesnt have to be complicated; it just needs to come from
knowing and allowing to flow from my soul the love and kindness that God
has given me to share.
September/October 2017 PNN Page 11
 Justice
Report from Midwest Coaliation
for Responsible Investment
by Sister Barbara Jennings, MCRI coordinator
Global Warming
We only have a 5 percent chance of avoiding dangerous
global warming, a study finds ...
Are you scared yet? If Harvey and Irma mean nothing to
you, you are not scared. If warming oceans mean nothing to
you, you are not scared. If melting glaciers and ice caps mean
nothing to you, you are not scared. But you should be.
In July, the United Nations and climate scientists warned
that there are only three years left to get carbon emissions
sharply downward to below 2 degrees, which the G20 agreed
to this spring. (Washington Post, July 31, 2017)
What are corporations and shareholders doing?
This spring, shareholders voted 62 percent to tell Exxon
Mobil to adopt science-based targets, to get down to 2
degrees emissions or less. Other fossil fuel companies
had similar high votes; Corporations are not obliged to
follow shareholders unless the vote is 51 percent, but
strong votes and publicity are incentives.
As you may have heard many corporations are
voluntarily working to get below 2 degrees: Walmart,
HP, Intel, Boeing and Monsanto. Local Laggards:
Emerson, Ameren and Peabody.
What can you do as a community? As an individual?
Carpool as much as possible
Have meatless Mondays as well as fish Fridays
Use less energy, less water
And continue to support MCRI and ICCR (Interfaith
Center of Corporate Responsibility)
Page 12 September/October 2017 PNN
Migrant Workers
ICCR recently published Best Practices Guidance for
Ethical Recruitment of Migrant Workers. Many workers in
our supply chains of apparel, electronics, and food have to
pay to work and to be housed, have to relinquish their ID
papers or passports, all on very low wages. These workers
are most often from countries like Indonesia, Vietnam,
Thailand, India, Nepal, Haiti, Congo and Bangladesh.
MCRI members are addressing this issue with Boeing and
Boeings extensive supply chain in electronics and apparel.
This labor trafficking issue is probably closely aligned with
sex trafficking, selling girls and boys for family survival.
Boeing has hired a third-party to dig deep into their supply
chain for these practices. MCRI and ICCR met with Boeing
on September 15 for an update.
Water
Monsanto continues its work in Water Accessibility and
Sanitation and Health (WASH). As of December 2016,
they have completed 600 household units and 15 school
units in India. To lessen water pollution in the United
States, they are using more drip irrigation, low nozzle
irrigation, and will soon be introducing farmers to the
Climate FieldView nitrogen monitoring app so that farmers
can use less nitrogen fertilizer.
Our shareholder resolution at Ameren on water quality
and coal ash received 46.47 percent of the vote this spring.
We are in the process of sending a letter to Ameren in
September; if they wish to meet with us, we are prepared.
Otherwise, we will refile the same resolution.
Please continue to pray for MCRI and ICCR and the many
projects we engage in. Talk to your MCRI representative, Sister
Barbara Jennings, MCRI coordinator, at 314-678-0471.
 Health & Wellness
Navigating Lifes Transitions
by Patty Lindauer, Health & Wellness director
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines transition as:
passage from one state, stage, subject or place to another.
We have all experienced a transition of some sort in our
lifetime. It may have been transitioning to a new job,
entering a religious community, getting married, having a
child, retiring, moving or losing a loved one through death.
Some transitions are expected or planned and others may
take us by surprise. It is the unplanned or unexpected ones
that often turn our world upside down.
William Bridges, an internationally known speaker, author,
and consultant who helps individuals and organizations deal
with change, explains the difference between change and
transition. Change, he says, is a shift in an external situation,
while transition is a psychological reorientation that has
three phases.
The first phase is the endingof a job, a home, a
relationship. This ending usually comes with a wide variety
of feelings, including loss and grief, even if it is a positive
change.
Next, people in transition enter the neutral zone, where
they may be unsure of what to do. Their future is in flux
and unclear. While this time can be unsettling, it is very
important to the process of getting through the transition.
Toward the end of the neutral zone, people tend to
experience a new sense of creativity and feel optimistic
about the future. At this time they enter the last phase of
transition, the new beginning.
When going through a transition, there are four important
steps to take, according to Nancy K. Schlossberg, a noted
expert on aging and transition:
Take stock of the situation. Think about positive
aspects of the transition and negative ones. What new
opportunities can come from this transition?
Take stock of yourself. Allow yourself to grieve. What
do you need to do to grieve? What resources
are available for you to draw on? Reach out to those
resources, accept help.
Take stock of your support. Who in your life can
provide support, both emotional and physical?
Sometimes you just need to vent and by saying it out
loud, it doesnt seem so bad. You do not have to do this
alone.
Take charge of the situation. Explore your options,
then develop an action plan. What can you do to move
on?
Many transitions are taking place within the community of
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province. These
transitions may evoke stress at many levels. Recognizing
stress, fear and anxiety is only part of the solution.
Your Health and Wellness TeamPatty, Kathy and
Sister Rosariois here to support you. We can offer
physical as well as emotional support. We can offer
suggestions, a listening ear or a hug, in addition to providing
structure and organization amid chaos. We want to help
make any transition as easy as possible. It is not only our job,
it is our passion and our ministry.
One of my favorite quotes is from Albert EinsteinIn the
middle of difficulty, lies opportunity.
Welcome Wagon
The Health & Wellness Office welcomes
new arrivals to the St. Louis area.
Our happy hospitality committee
includes Kathy Fisher and Srs. Rosario
Bobadilla and Carol Patron. If you are
a warm and outgoing person who
would like to help sisters settle in,
explore their new surroundings and
make friends, please join us!
A hearty welcome to our newest arrival!
S. Virginia Ross
September/October 2017 PNN Page 13
 2017 Jubilarians

On August 5, the
Reception of 1967
celebrated their golden
jubilee with a special
Mass in Holy Family
Chapel, surrounded
by family, friends and
members of the CSJ
community. Pictured (l-r)
are Sisters Lisa Lazio,
Mary Jo Logan,
Regina Bartman and
Barbara Jennings.

Sister Roseanne Siebert carries in a rose in
memory of Lynda Zolg, CSJ.
Page 14 September/October 2017 PNN
Father Michael G. Roach of the Diocese of
Kansas City-St. Joseph blesses Sister Lisa
Lazio before she gives the reflection during
the service. Also pictured is Father Patrick
T. Quinn, SJ, pastor of St. Matthew
Parish.
The Angels of Harmony Choir from
St. Matthew the Apostle Parish shared
their beautiful voices throughout the liturgy.
Also pictured is Sister Bonnie Murray,
who played piano during the event.
Above: Sister Jane Gerard also provided
her musical talents on violin. Right: Former
members of the Reception of 1967 returned
for the celebration, posing with Sisters Mary
Jo Logan (2nd from left) and Lisa Lazio (far
right).

Thank You Honorary

From S. Barbara Jennings: Many, many thanks to all the sisters and associates for
your cards and gifts for our jubilee on Aug. 5. Your joy and connection to our group
Contributions
of four and to me personally means so much. Having family and friends and so many The names listed are those who
sisters and associates here in our chapel and our motherhouse was a blessing to made contributions in honor of
remember the past and to look forward to the future. A life of following the gospel as the 2017 jubilarians.
best as possible is a gift and a challenge, no matter our vocation. No one walks alone;
the journey makes us One. A. Frances R. Johnston
Associates Allen and
From S. Mary Jo Logan: I would like to thank all the sisters and associates who Cindy Grieve
supported us through prayer, presence and generosity during the 50th jubilee that we
celebrated on Aug. 5. It was a glorious celebration in grand jubilee style. The photos John Komotos and
captured the beauty of it all. Thank you to all those who worked behind the scenes to A. Kay Komotos
make the event so memorable. Your efforts were appreciatedyou surely made love Dr. Mark Wulff and
visible. My apologies to those of you I did not get to spend quality time with during A. Susan Wulff
the event ... I will just have to come back to St. Louis in the near future. A special S. Jeanne Urschel, CSJ
thank you to our former reception members who traveled to St. Louis to join in the
celebration. We were so enriched by having you there with us.

For more on the 2017 jubilarians and to make a donation in honor of a sister, visit csjsl.org.
Share your memories of the jubilarians on our Facebook page at facebook.com/csjsl.

September/October 2017 PNN Page 15

 CSJ News
Remembering Cass Avenue
by Sister Audrey Olson
A good bit of the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph in St.
Louis is attached to Our Lady of Good Counsel convent
commonly known as Cass Avenue. The mansion was built
by James Clemens, a relative of Mark Twain, on property
owned by John Mullanphy whose daughter Eliza married
James Clemens. The mansion remained in the Clemens
family until 1885 when it was purchased by the Sisters of St.
Joseph.
Why did we need a mansion for a convent? The history of
St. Louis indicates that all during the 19th century St. Louis
grew from a French settlement to an American city with an
influx of people from the Southeastern part of the United
States and a large numbers of Irish and German immigrants.
The Irish were Catholic as were many of the Germans.
Page 16 September/October 2017 PNN
During this period of growth, parishes were established and
each parish wanted a school for the children. Many new
parishes were established in North St. Louis and then in
North County. The Sisters of St. Joseph were asked to staff
many of these schools. Since the parishes did not provide
housing for the sisters, a house big enough to hold the staffs
of those schools was needed, hence the purchase of Cass
Avenue in 1885 by Mother Agatha Guthrie.
In the beginning, what would become the Deaf Institute
occupied part of the building until it moved to new quarters
on Garrison Avenue. Over the years, there were from 80
to 100 sisters from as many as 17 parishes living there. A
third and fourth floor were added to the rear of the building
and in 1896, a large chapel was built on the east side of the
house. When Mother Columbine Ryan was appointed the
 first provincial of the St. Louis provinces in 1917, she took
up residence at Cass Avenue since the superior general of the
congregation resided at Carondelet.
There are many stories connected with the living
arrangements at Cass. Most of the sisters lived in
dormitories and it seems that it was very difficult to get
the water pressure to reach the third and fourth floors.
Sisters were lined up every night trying to get water in their
pitchers. It was also very cold in the winter. Sisters called it
the ice-box.
In spite of the hardships, there was great camaraderie among
the sisters. Since there were many sisters teaching the same
grade, there was a great exchange of ideas.
In the early days, the sisters went by horse and buggy to
their schools. Later they rode the street cars or were taken
by taxi to their school. Sisters also had to take the makings
for their noon meal along with their school materials.
The number of staffs living at Cass tended to fluctuate,
depending on how soon a parish provided a residence for
the sisters. By 1949, it became apparent to the provincial
and her council that we no longer needed the mansion for a
central convent in North St. Louis. Consequently, we sold
1849 Cass Avenue to the Vincentians who were looking for
a larger place because Interstate 55 was being built through
their property.
The last professed Sister of St. Joseph to be formally
missioned to Cass Avenue was myself, Sister Audrey Olson.
I was professed on March 19, 1949, and on Sunday,
March 20 was told that I was to go to Cass that afternoon
Drawings by Sister Mary Patricia Moore showing life at Cass Avenue. Sister Mary Patricia lived
at Cass Ave. for many years while teaching at several different schools.
and begin teaching the fourth grade on Monday at St.
Teresas school on Grand Avenue. My parents had come to
visit on March 20 and they drove me to Cass after having
driven up Grand Avenue to get a look at St. Teresas.
Upon arriving at Cass, I was greeted by the provincial,
Mother Tarcisia Finn, who said that she hoped I did not
bring my trunk because we would be moving on Saturday to
Carondelet. I assured her that I only had a suitcase with me.
That evening, I was given the lesson plan book of the sister
whose place I was taking. It wasnt very helpful because
all it said was: Religion, and a page number, Arithmetic,
page number, and so on. Keep in mind that we had had no
courses in classroom management or practice teaching. You
can imagine what those two and half months were like!
At the end of the week, those of us at Cass who still did not
have a parish convent went to Carondelet. St. Teresas and
Holy Rosary were the two who were still waiting for the
parish residences to open.
The Vincentians lived at Cass until 1979 when they gave it
to the Catholic Worker House community. For a number of
years it had been a vacant building waiting to be renovated
as part of a larger project. Unfortunately, perhaps by arson,
an immense fire during the night of July 12 consumed the
building and the chapel.
We still have Cass Avenue alive in our history. At Nazareth
Living Center, the hall between McGovern Commons and
the chapel is named Cass Avenue, where stands the statue of
Our Lady of Good Counsel from the Cass Avenue chapel.
September/October 2017 PNN Page 17
 CSJ News
Summer Journey: Q&A with Sister Amy Hereford
by Kelly Davis, communications intern
Attorney and canonist Sister Amy Hereford
combined work and pleasure this summer on
a whirlwind trip that took her to Rome and
across Ireland for six weeks. In Rome, S. Amy
participated in an international canon law
conference and other meetings before heading
out to Ireland, where she met up with travel
companion Sister Mary Louise Basler. Her work
continued as she facilitated meetings and
workshops with congregations of women religious
in Ireland.
Read about S. Amys recent journey and the
cultural influences she experienced.
Q: How did this trip come to be?
A: It started when a community in Ireland invited me to
come for a reflective workshop on the future of religious
life. After that invitation came, another group invited me to
work with them in Ireland. Since I would already be there, I
said yes to them too. I also needed to attend some meetings
in Rome and the canon law conference was in the same
timeframe. It just unfolded piece by piece.
Q: What has impacted you the most from your
experience?
A: The differences in the ways people think and believe
shapes their culture, and I loved learning about these
differences, because talking about the future of religious life
and how it unfolds is impacted by culture. Having time to
do some traveling, talk to sisters, learn about the similarities
and differences in cultures and their experiences has been so
rewarding. I learned so much about how the lives we live are
very similar, even when our cultures differ.
Q: What was your favorite part of this trip?
A: When you walk down the streets here in America you
pass a Taco Bell, a post office, maybe a coffee shop. When
you walk down the streets in other countries you also pass a
Taco Bell, a post office, a coffee shop, and then a giant castle.
The history is so embedded in the culture, that eventually
you think Of course theres a castle there. The difference in
culture was evident, yet there were also so many similarities.
Page 18 September/October 2017 PNN
Q: Were there any challenges you faced through this
experience?
A: Because I have talked about the topic of the future
of religious life before, I understand that each group
is different. I can bring insight which can bring people
together. But when I start to talk about the future, each
group has something they specifically need to hear. Its
challenging to know what this particular group needs to
hear, what insights it needs, what will spark their hope and
their imagination. For me, it is a humbling challenge of
asking God to work through me, and to allow these people
to hear what they need through what I say.
Q: Whats next for you?
A: Right now, I am teaching a course at the University of
Dayton. I continue to write, speak and reflect on the future
of religious life; every time I have a conversation I gain new
insights. When I present, people bring up things I may not
have realized or thought about before. There is also more
writing coming for me. There is a possibility of another book
and a few articles.
Q: What takeaways did you gain from this trip?
A: I continue to sit with the particular situation of a local
church, and the ups and downs they go through. It makes
me realize even though different churches in different
places will have different challenges and different situations,
they are still similar. There is a connection; no matter how
different the underlying issues might be, we are all facing
these things together. Making connections and building
relationships plugs me into the global evolution taking place
in religious life.
 Mission and Ministry Presentation at the Village
Presentation shares CSJ mission and charism
with lay residents at Nazareth Living Center
by Sister Donna Gunn
The Nazareth Living Center campus has
certainly experienced a lot of changes
of late. The sisters moving from
Gleason Hall touched all of us and,
in retrospect, demanded more of
everyone involved in the process
than we could have imagined. To all
involved we say thank you. Thank
you for your generosity, your courage,
your exampleyou.
Construction (and destruction) continue on
Nazareth Lane, and so does life. While the sisters
are becoming more comfortable in their homes, the Village
at Nazareth has accepted 70 new residents. These wonderful
lay folks seem to be settling in and the community spirit
which has always been such a vibrant part of Village I is
conspicuously spreading to Village II as the new and old
mingle over meals and activities, hardships and good news.
To many of us here, the Village doesnt just offer housing
and independent living; it is a wonderful example of a true
Christian community where our CSJ charism is alive and
well. Though its far from perfect, we do appreciate that in
the midst of the worlds turmoil, this Nazareth campus is an
oasis of Gospel values.
In the context of being community, our manager, Steve
Woodruff, invited the Sisters of St. Joseph living at the
Village to give a presentation about the history, mission and
ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph. I think if youre going
to live side by side, everyone here should know who you are,
he says.
A committee was formed to outline a way for the sisters to
tell our story. Mother St. John Fontbonne [Sister Donna]
came to talk about our history and to point out that we
are one of the few religious congregations to have
lasted as long as we have. She talked about how
proud we are to be among the first apostolic
communities. She pointed out that the habit,
which had been oohed and aahed at when
she walked in was, in fact simply the dress
of the widows of the day as Jean Pierre
Medaille, SJ suggested we go out in secret to
n
serve the dear neighbor from whom we do not
un
G
a separate ourselves.
nn
Do
S is t e r After Mothers presentation, individual sisters read
a description of the many, many ministries we Sisters of
St. Joseph have been involved in over the years. The panels
in the Carondelet Motherhouse Heritage Room served as
a sample of how the script could be laid out. Each sisters
paragraph was put on a large poster board for display in the
lobby during the week. At the end of the session, the sisters
and our one associate living at the Village came forward and
blessed the laity with Sancte Joseph.
As each sister stood to speak about our work in education,
child care, health care, social services, lay formation, etc.
from our past and into the present, the laity at the Village
came to know better who we are as a congregation and what
Sisters of St. Joseph have offered the church in our long
history in America. But we dare to say that was not the most
important result.
What happened in that process was that each sister came
away bursting at the seams. In that hours presentation, we
reminded ourselves of the shoulders we stand on and the
wonderful women we rub shoulders with every day. In the
end, we sisters thanked Steve for the opportunity to tell our
story. We thank God for the privilege of being called to this
congregation.
September/October 2017 PNN Page 19
 CSJ News

The Mission Continues in Peru

Sister Sally Harpers 40 Years of Service
by Patti Eischen
What were you doing in 1977? from animators. Parents go home with their
children and the lessons continue.
Sister Sally Harper was just settling into
a new assignment in Peru. Shes been
As a result, parishes have seen an influx
there in several capacities ever since,
40 years in all. While she is currently on of families and participation at all levels.
sabbatical, visiting family and friends Lay people definitely have become more
strewn across the country, she plans involved with the church and in their
to go back to Peru in December. We parishes. This type of empowerment,
talked to S. Sally, who reflects on her self-worthits beautiful to see that,

r
pe
experiences and the changes both she S. Sally says.

and those working with her have seen
evidenced in the country, the people and
the work they do.
When the Peruvian ministry began in 1962, the sisters
started small with 14 sisters but not on a small scale. They
served in two schools, one hospital and a university. In all the
places where they ministered, they had a special concern for
the poor.
We had to raise the consciousness of parents of school
children so that rich and poor could be educated side by
side, S. Sally says. Then, in response to the Latin American
Churchs option for the poor, the sisters moved to the
mountains and rural areas where the very poor lived.
They had to start with the basics. We had to teach the
concept of human rights to parents. It was a notion they
really didnt understand, she says.
ar
H
lly
Sa
S is t e r The teachings of Gustavo Gutierrez, OP and
Liberation Theology have had a great influence and
is right in step with the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph
and serving the dear neighbor. S. Sally confides that, even if
there are no sisters, the work within the church keeps going
with the laity. Its been a big shift, she explained. I feel that
there has been a systemic change in the church and we have
helped that to happen.
The work that has been done in Peru for more than five
decades has taken root. Currently, there are 21 sisters serving
in Peru; six North Americans and 15 Peruvians. The sisters
are involved in a diversity of ministries: in prison ministry, as
hospital chaplains, as religion teachers in public and
continued on page 21

I remember explaining it to a woman using her livestock.

I said to her, If you have a cow and someone takes it from
you, is that the right thing to do? Of course, she said, No.
Well then, I explained, you have a right to that cow. That is
what a right is. And no one can take that away from you.

Because the sisters work is part of the church, S. Sally has

seen seismic changes there, too. This is due in part to a
program called Family Catechism (Catecismo Familiar),
which teaches both adults and children about the sacraments
and the church. The family comes together for the lessons;
adults are taught by adults and the children receive lessons Sister Sally Harper, bottom right, with the sister
assembly in Peru 1977.

Page 20 September/October 2017 PNN

 Our Mother of Perpetual Help Mosaic
by Sister Janet Teresa Muehlbauer

In 1950, Germaine and Paul McGovern, parents of Sister Leiwe, province liturgist,
Jeanne McGovern and Associate Patricia McGovern, took a for her newly renovated
trip to Europe as Pope Pius XII had invited all the faithful office. Sister Betty
to the Eternal City of Rome to celebrate a Holy Year. They graciously gave it to the
went to Europe by ship as Germaine could not go by plane. Minneholly Room (at
Germaine searched to find a gift that S. Jeanne would accept the corner of Minnesota
for the CSJ community. She chose a beautiful mosaic of and Holly Hills). When
Our Mother of Perpetual Help, purchased at the re-opened more rooms were needed
mosaic workshop in the Vatican. for sisters residing at
the motherhouse, the
At this time, S. Jeanne was administrator of Mary, Queen third floor chapel where
and Mother Center in Shrewsbury, Missouri. Upon seeing the Blessed Sacrament
the mosaic, S. Jeanne said it would make a great addition dwelled, became a
to the center chapel. However, her mother stipulated that bedroom. Our Mother of Perpetual Help
when S. Jeanne left Mary, Queen and Mother Center, the mosaic
mosaic should go to the CSJ Motherhouse. Patricia typed With the presence of
this request for her mother and placed it on the back of the the Blessed Sacrament now in the Minneholly Room, a
mosaic. new name needed to be chosen. At the August meeting
of resident sisters, the name Perpetual Help Chapel was
Today, this beautiful mosaic has found a new home in selected. Previous to the mosaic, we had another picture
the motherhouse: The newly named The Perpetual Help of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Many have devotion to
Chapel (behind the stage in the Celestine Room). Here, Mary under this title and we are pleased to have this mosaic.
liturgy is celebrated on most days of the week and on several
Sundays each month. We gratefully remember the McGovern family as we ask
Gods blessings on all our donors.
How did the mosaic get to Perpetual Help Chapel? Sister
Jane Behlmann, province archivist, offered it to Sister Betty

Harper continued from page 20

private schools, in after-school ministries, in parishes and the
National Conference of Religious.
Besides service in vice-provincial leadership, S. Sally has
taught postulants, novices, sisters with temporary vows,
and seminarians in the Conference of Religious and the
John XXIII Theological Institute. On her return to Peru,
she hopes to teach lay pastoral agents, religion teachers and,
maybe, seminarians in a location which will be decided in
conversation with vice province leadership.
We are teaching people theology. There is an expression
in Peru that says you must have a bible in one hand and a
newspaper in the other. This means that we must look at
reality through the eyes of the gospel. The mantra is to
see-judge-act. We are trying to help people be aware that
poverty is not a punishment from God but is the result of
unjust systems.
The bottom line in all that we do is to help people know
that God loves us. Period, says S. Sally.
S. Sally dismisses the idea that serving in Peru is a sacrifice
as it may appear to others, Anywhere we are, the work we
are doing is for the reign of God. We are all missionaries!

September/October 2017 PNN Page 21

 Archives

Meeting Our Ancestors

Profile of an early sister who died in the month of September
by Sister Jane Behlmann
Sister Mary Hildegarde Muettinger
(Mary) was born August 22, 1847,
in Deitersheim, Newstadt, Bavaria to
Elizabeth Mosbacker and Anthony
Muettinger of Germany. She entered
our community on June 6, 1865,
from Belleville, Illinois, and received
the habit on August 10, 1865. She
professed her vows on August 24,
1867. [First vows were final in those
days.] She died of diabetes at the
motherhouse on September 8, 1928, in
the 82nd year of her life and the 64th
year of her religious life. She is buried
in Resurrection Cemetery, Row 2,
Grave 42.

Sister Mary Hildegardes younger

sister, Mary Elizabeth, entered the
community the year before her and
became Sister Mary Lazarine. They
made their vows the same day in
the same year. Sister Mary Lazarine,
however, died October 21, 1914, of
pneumonia.
Sister Hildegarde was a teacher at St.
Josephs Academy in Waterloo, Illinois,
in the 1870s and 1880s. She also taught
and was superior in the convent at St.
Nicholas Grade School in St. Louis.
From 1894 to 1925, she was in charge
of the china studio at St. Josephs
Academy in Carondelet. The gold leaf
salt and pepper shakers displayed in the
cabinet in St. Josephs Hall were made
by her.
In the heat of World War I, non-
naturalized citizensenemy aliens by
definitionwere required to register
with U.S. authorities in the interest of
national security. This included all
non-citizen males over the age of
14, and those women born in the
United States but married to non-
citizens.
The registration focused primarily
on non-citizen German residents.
Residents were asked if they were
sympathetic to the enemy and
the names of any relatives serving
in enemy forces. Registrations
included a physical description,
fingerprints and photograph. Top Left: Sister Mary Hildegarde
Muettinger.
According to the National
Archives, most of these records Top Right: Muettinger alien female
card.
were destroyed by authorization
of Congress in the 1920s. Sister Above: Muettinger salt and pepper
Mary Hildegardes registration shakers.
card survives in her drop file and is
pictured here.

Page 22 September/October 2017 PNN

 The Hand of God Shall Hold You
Sister Catherine Ann Gleason, CSJ
I remember ... her cheerfulness, friendliness and
helpfulness. Sister Dorothy Daly
Catherine Ann Gleason was born February 15, 1924,
in Ishpeming, Michigan, to John and Anna (Thornton)
Gleason. Catherine grew up with two brothers, John and
Jim, and her sister Noreen. After attending St. Johns School,
where she was taught by Sisters of St. Joseph, she graduated
from Ishpeming High School.
Catherine entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September
15, 1942, receiving the habit and the name Mary Hanora
(in honor of her grandmother) on March 19, 1943. Over
a number of summers, she earned her bachelors degree
in history from Fontbonne College (1957) and a masters
in elementary education administration from St. Xavier
College, Chicago, Illinois (1968).
S. Catherine Anns ministry began in elementary education
at Notre Dame de Lourdes and Most Holy Rosary both in
St. Louis (1945).
Beginning in 1948, she taught at St. Rose of Lima, Houston,
Texas where she encountered the young Sister Mary Jo
Logan. After a year in college, Mary Jo felt called to religious
life. Her only contact with sisters had been her first and
second years of school at St. Rose. Sister Hanora taught
her in second grade. So Mary Jo sent her mother over to
St. Rose to ask how to go about entering the community.
After Houston, Catherine taught at Holy Cross School,
Champaign, Illinois (1957).
Then, S. Catherine was teacher and principal in Michigan at:
American Martyrs, Kingsford (1960); St. Peter, Marquette
(1966); and Sacred Heart, LAnse (1969). Sister Maryellen
Tierneys first assignment was North American Martyrs,
Michigan, where S. Catherine was principal. Catherine was
very proper about everything and was the personification of
a lady. She was very kind to me as a new teacher We had
to take turns [cooking] on the weekend. I was very nervous
but she was very patient with me and showed me how to
prepare my first roast. Community was very important to
Catherine [She] was always approachable.
(S. Mary Hanora)
February 15, 1924 - June 23, 2017
Returning to Missouri, she was teacher and principal at St.
Blaise (1970). Sister Barbara Volk knew her then. She was
always so delightful pretty, punctual, pleasant and fun to
be with She was dedicated to elementary students and
their needs. During this time, Sister Carolyn Strack was a
new director of the large Religious Education Program,
S. Catherine helped her to create more efficient registration
and enrollment forms. I've always been grateful to her for
sharing her many other administration skills with me in
those hectic years when sister-staff was being withdrawn
from so many schools.
S. Catherine next taught at St. Gregory, St. Ann (1972).
Following that, she was the principal at St. Joseph, West De
Pere, Wisconsin (1975). She then went to St. Viator School,
Chicago, Illinois (1976). In 1978, she became principal there
until 1984 when she took a sabbatical at Galilee Institute,
Ontario, Canada.
Deciding it was time to leave education, S. Catherine began
serving in the Renew Resource Program and with youth
ministry at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette (1985). Sister
Catherine said: I had a wonderful experience at Cathedral
parish, [with] that Renew program. I was renewed also.
The rest of her active ministry was spent in Ishpeming. She
became involved in religious education and an administrator
at the Tri-Parish, 1988 until 1998, when she began
ministering at the Religious Education Center. In 1999,
S. Catherine retired in Ishpeming, occupying herself with
various volunteer activities until she moved to Nazareth
Living Center to minister in prayer and presence in 2012.
A final comment from S. Catherine herself: Im grateful
for the wonderful life I have had all these years and God
has been with me on my journey of faith. Sometimes things
happen and I say, Oh thank you, God. Just like that.
By Sister Helen Oates
September/October 2017 PNN Page 23
 The Hand of God Shall Hold You
Sister Rita Flaherty, CSJ
... kind, thoughtful, gracious ... good sense of humor
Edward and Mary (Best) Flaherty of Kansas City, Missouri,
welcomed their daughter, Rita, December 23, 1919. She had
an older brother, Ed, and later a younger brother, Don. Rita
attended St. Elizabeth School, St. Teresa Academy, and then
continued into the junior college, graduating in 1938. After
Mass one day, Sister Anna Mary Halpin stopped Rita to ask
her when she was going to think about a vocation. Several
weeks later, she invited Rita into the convent and told her
that she would help her write a letter to Carondelet
and did.
Rita entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 12,
1938, and was received March 19, 1939 as Sister Marie
Edouarda. She earned a bachelors degree in mathematics
from Fontbonne College (1946), and a masters in
mathematics from St. Louis University (1951).
Sister taught primary students in St. Louis at Holy Rosary
(1941); St Leo (1945), and St. Louis Cathedral (1946).
In 1951, she taught at St. James in Denver, Colorado, then
spent the following year at Our Lady of Lourdes, Raytown,
Missouri. Next Sister Rita moved into secondary education
teaching mathematics at these schools: St. Francis de Sales,
Denver (1953); Redemptorist, Kansas City (1956); Reicher,
Waco, Texas (1962) and at Rosati-Kain, St. Louis (1963).
Then Sister Rita taught mathematics at Avila College/
University in Kansas City (19681986).
Sister Ruth Stuckel, who lived with her at Avila, and was
her spiritual companion for 30 years says, It was her simple
knowing that struck me about her inner guidance, which
kept her centered and compassionate ... Her outstanding
gentleness never failed even when there were troublesome
times. [She] was prayerful, thoughtful, and genuinely kind.
Another voice from Avila, Sister Rosemary Flanigan, shares,
She was a dear, good, humble sister.
Page 24 September/October 2017 PNN
(S. Marie Edouarda)
December 23, 1919 - July 19, 2017
Sister Paulette Gladis
Moving out of education, Sister Rita next ministered in
medical records and then as receptionist in the business
office at St. Joseph Medical Center, Kansas City. In 1994,
she returned to St. Louis to serve as hospitality coordinator
for Nazareth Living Center until 2004, when she retired.
Rita McGovern, CSJ, who worked with her at Nazareth
shares that Sister Rita was a faithful Sister of St Joseph,
a faithful friend to me and loved by so many others. She
welcomed so many dear neighbors to join the CSJs in living
with our charism at Nazareth. What a blessing she has been
to us all.
Other comments:
A Story from Helen Petropoulos: Sister Rita mentioned
to her that she hoped she never did anything to hurt her
students. Helen never had the heart to tell her this story. It
happened when she was in her second grade class. There was
a mission raffle. First prize was a statue of the Blessed Virgin
Mary on a stand. A rosary was inside the stand behind
a door. Helen really wanted the statue and bought many
chances. On the day of the drawing the first name pulled out
was Helen's, but Sister Rita gave her the peppermint sucker.
I cried for weeks!! Now I know the reason for that action was
kindness. I was not Catholic (Greek Orthodox) but attending a
Catholic school. Sister Rita did not want to offend my family by
sending home a religious object that could be misunderstood by
my parents. Yesterday I went out and bought some peppermint
candy in her honor! She was a dear, loving, caring person.
Sister Rita was very outgoing and always had a pleasant
greeting and time to talk. Patrick McDowell, CSJA
Rita was, for me, the epitome of what a Sister of St. Joseph
should begentle, prayerful, caring and thoughtful of others.
Maryellen Tierney, CSJ
By Sister Helen Oates
 The Hand of God Shall Hold You
Catherine Aileen Catie Shinn, CSJA
A passionate, unwavering heart for the mission of Jesus
Catherine Aileen Shinn was born May 30, 1955, to Homer
and Reba Delap Shinn. She is survived by five siblings: Becca
Holcomb of Winfield, Kansas; Emily Shinn of Freeland,
Washington; Phillip Shinn of St. Louis, Missouri; David
Shinn of Quincy, Illinois; and Tom Shinn of Redondo
Beach, California. Catie was a loving sister, sister-in-law,
aunt, great aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Catie was the first woman commissioned in the ROTC
program at Arkansas Tech University and an alumnus of
Arkansas Tech and Kansas State University. She proudly
served for 11 years as a captain in the U. S. Army.
Catie was an associate with the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Carondelet in St. Louis and a faithful member of the
Cahokia Associate Community. She lived that commitment
with all her heart. The last several gatherings of the
Cahokia community took place around Caties bedside
where she participated as she could. Those gatherings
included rejoicing and singing, with Catie just listening and
occasionally chuckling to herself at the off-key notes and not
remembering the words to songs.
Our dear Catie worked for 25 years with the Missouri
Division of Social Services, serving the poor of her St.
Louis community. One person reflected that Catie had a
passionate, unwavering heart for the mission of Jesus as she
sought to show Gods love through her ministry.
May 30, 1955 - August 1, 2017
As she worked for justice, she was active with Veterans for
Peace, Missouri Jobs with Justice Coalition, Communication
Workers Union of America Local 6355 and criminal justice
ministry. She offered prayer services in jail to be with the
prisoners and took communion to nursing homes. Her
commitment was so deep that she was arrested during a
peaceful protest in 2002.
Some reflections offered as people remembered Catie:
Caties big heart drove her to speak out and witness.
Caties loving, welcoming way and smile.
My last vivid memory of Catie was seeing her on the steps
of St. Xavier College Church at a candlelight vigil for peace.
When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, Catie was an
ally in prayer, compassion and support.
Thank you, Catie, for your example of caring for the dear
neighbor without distinction.
Catie brought a beautiful and unique perspective to life,
grounded in prayer and what God was calling her to do
next.
Our friend Catie responded to Gods calling her home on
August 1 as witnessed by her family and friends. She lived
her life in selfless service.
By Associate Carolyn Henry
September/October 2017 PNN Page 25
 Awards & Recognitions
KC Mission Advancement Director Sister Teresa Maria Eagan
Barbara K. Roberts Wins Contest for Honored by Cardinal Ritter
Story about Journey House On June 28, Sister Teresa
Barbara K. Roberts, director of Maria Eagan was honored as
Mission Advancement one of the first residents of

agon
for our Kansas City office, Holy Infant Apartments, an
has won the Johnson County affordable housing senior

ia E
b e rt s
Librarys Build a Better apartment complex operated

ar
World Writing Contest, by Cardinal Ritter Senior

M
Ro
with a version of an article she Services (CRSS) in St. Louis, sa
S is t e r T e r e

K.
wrote about the sisters at Journey a during its 20th anniversary
ar
House for our upcoming Barb
issue of Connections magazine. Barbara
will read her story at a library event on Oct. 14.
Barbara says, The Journey House sisters compassion and
caring for their dear neighbor is on full display with this
ministry. My hope is that by sharing their story, it will
inspire all of us to emulate their caring compassion for all."
Congratulations to Barbara for her accomplishment and
our thanks for spreading the good news about the work of
the sisters in creative ways!
celebration. CRSS is an agency of
Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
S. Teresa Maria moved to Holy Infant in July 1992 to be
closer to her place of work.
I worked for the Archdiocese of St. Louis and they were
moving their operations to what is now the Cardinal
Rigali Center, she says. I didnt drive and needed a place
where I could walk to work. Holy Infant is located right
behind the Rigali Center.
And she remains there today as one of three original
residents.

Sister Mary Louise S. Teresa Maria and the other two originals, along with
Basler with the first four residents of CRSS St. Joseph Apartments
Sister Teresa Shea that also celebrated its 25th anniversary, were honored
with a Mass, luncheon and music. A special video was
also made of those who have lived in and provided
community and support to each other over the ongoing
life of the two facilities.

S. Teresa Maria has been and continues to be a

wonderful blessing to the senior adults she shares life
with at Holy Infant, says S. Suzanne Wesley, chief
Sister Teresa Shea executive officer of CRSS. Cardinal Ritter Senior
Celebrates Milestone Services is very grateful to have S. Teresa Maria sharing
On Sept. 6, Sister Teresa Shea celebrated her 100th the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph among our senior
birthday with family and friends at Nazareth Living Center. adults each day.
(She is also an 80-year jubilarian this year.) Partygoers
honored her life, noting her joyful presence, great smile and
love of laughter, with mention of her affinity for a good
margarita. She is beloved by many and we congratulate her
on this milestone.

Page 26 September/October 2017 PNN

CSJ EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

Whos Listening?
with Sister Marilyn Peot
Saturday, Oct. 14 9-11 a.m.
Whitfield Center, Avila University
Offering: $15 ALL SOULS MASS
Visit csjsl.org to register and for details. Thursday, Nov. 2
11 a.m.
Founders Day Carondelet Motherhouse
Evening
Sunday, Prayer 15
October CREATING RACIAL HARMONY
Evening Prayer at
October 15, 4:30 p.m.,
2017 WORKSHOP In celebration of All Souls,
followed by dinner Sunday, Feb. 4 9 a.m.-3 p.m. the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Carondelet Motherhouse Carondelet Motherhouse Carondelet will remember your
SPEAKER: AMY HUNTER deceased loved ones at our
RSVP by Oct. 1 to 314-481-8800 Manager of Diversity and Inclusion Eucharistic Celebration.
or motherhousersvp@csjsl.org. at St. Louis Childrens Hospital Lunch will follow.
The day includes Mass and lunch.
Visit csjsl.org for details. RSVP by Oct. 26 to 314-678-0326
Presented by the or qkelley@csjsl.org.
ADVENT Multicultural Justice Ministry.
WORKSHOP:
WAITING IN HOPE NEW YEARS EVE RETREAT DAY
Sunday, Dec. 31 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 2
Carondelet Motherhouse
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Carondelet All sisters are invited to continue the give us the opportunity to look at
Motherhouse community tradition of an end-of- our Constitutions, the Sermon on
the-year retreat at Carondelet. the Mount, and Pope Francis Joy of
Sisters, associates and the Gospel as resources to help us face
motherhouse staff are invited We will gather for Mass at 9 a.m., current challenges.
to this workshop presented by followed by brunch.
Dennis Winschel, a member of The day concludes at 4 p.m. with
Mary, Mother of the Church An 11 a.m. orientation in Holy prayer. Afterwards, participants are
Parish. Cost is $15 including Family Chapel will inform invited to share a simple supper of
lunch and snacks. participants about the options soup and bread.
available throughout the day. Each
RSVP by Nov. 17 to 314-481-8800 of us will be able to choose from a If you would like more information,
or motherhousersvp@csjsl.org. variety of options: guided meditation, contact Sister Kate Filla at
journaling, breathing and body cfilla@csjsl.org.
For more information, contact prayer, reflective coloring, communal
S. Suzanne Giro at 314-329-6339 song and prayer. One session will RSVP by Dec. 8 to 314-481-8800 or
or S. Betty Leiwe at motherhousersvp@csjsl.org.
314-678-0432.

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

September/October 2017 PNN Page 27

 LEADERSHIP CALENDAR
OCTOBER NOVEMBER
6 PCRI Mtg. (MML) 8-11 Federation Leadership Mtg., Albany, NY
9 Missouri Bishops-Major Superiors Mtg. (ML, RS)
(MML, ML, RS, LS) 9 LCWR Breakfast (LS)
12 LCWR Breakfast (ML, RS, LS) 13-14 Council/Corporation Mtgs. (All)
12 Wine & Chocolate Event (MML, ML, RS, LS) 13 SJA Board Mtg. (RS)
15 Founders Day (MML, ML, RS, LS) 14 SJI Development Mtg. (MF)
16-17 Council/Corporation Mtgs. (All) 15 Investment Managers Mtg. (All)
20 Fontbonne Mission Integration & Advancement 19 Associate Thanksgiving Commitment (LS)
Committee (MML)
21 Fontbonne Board Mtg. (MML) DECEMBER
24-26 LCWR Region X, Ruma IL (MF, MML, RS, LS) 2 Advent Day of Reflection (MML, ML, RS)
25 NLC Board Mtg. (ML) 6 Dept. Head Mtg. (ML, RS)
27 Associates: Lace is Not Yet Finished (LS) 7 Avila Board Dinner & Mtg. (MML)
31-11/3 RCRI Mtg. (MF) 11-12 Council/Corporation Mtgs. (All)
13 Province Office Christmas Party (All)
14 LCWR Breakfast (ML, LS)

Celebrate
autumn with a
lovely evening
of specialty
wines, fabulous
hors doeuvres,
gourmet
chocolates
and live music.
Tours of the
motherhouse
will be available.

For more
information,
contact Richard
Kranes-Rutz at
314-678-0328 or
rrutz@csjsl.org.

NEXT ISSUE: November/December PNN & Directory Changes

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

Page 28 September/October 2017 PNN