IHM Newsletter - October 2008page 1 October 2008

Update on IHM Sponsorship Education Program The IHM Sponsorship Education Program is nearing completion of the first round of education sessions. Thecohort of trainees, comprised of 11 sisters and 13 lay persons with strong ties to the Congregation, has completedthree of the four day-long sessions that make up the program. Each session includes prayer, input on different topics,and time for reflection, small group discussion and sharing with the larger group.

The first session was held in the Theresa Maxis Conference Center at the IHM Center and included a history ofthe Congregation and its ministries, with a special focus on its sponsored and cosponsored ministries. The scripturalroots of sponsorship were then explored. The deep belief that “people matter” was offered as the foundation for

Whatsoever you do for the least of my brothersand sisters, that you do also for me. These familiarwords reflect the spirit of Sr. Adrian Barrett, who hasdedicated her life to serving others. In 2009 Friendsof the Poor, a sponsored ministry of the congrega-tion, will be celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversaryof its founding by Sr. Adrian. Throughout theseyears, literally thousands of people have beentouched and helped because of her caring andcompassionate nature. She never hesitates to advo-cate for a person in need or to take a risk to assistsomeone who is suffering from the social ills ofpoverty, racism, and oppression that plague uswherever we turn. It can be said that Sr. Adrian isthe heart and soul of Friends of the Poor. As thecongregation celebrates the twenty-five year historyof this cherished ministry, on January 1, 2009, Sr.Adrian will pass on her legacy as CEO to Sr.Maryalice Jacquinot, who is already working closely with Sr. Adrian and who will continue to welcome Sr. Adrian’swisdom and assistance long into the future.

Sr. Maryalice has more than 20 years of diverse experience within the non-profit community of LackawannaCounty. Prior to becoming an IHM Sister, Maryalice was employed by the American Cancer Society and MarywoodUniversity, and was an active volunteer with numerous civic organizations including the Junior League of Scranton.Since profession, Sr. Maryalice ministered at Maxis Health System holding various positions with responsibilities forvolunteer management, mission leadership, fund-raising, grant writing, community programs and administration.Recently she has served as Director of Community Collaboration and Outreach at Marywood University. At the sametime, Sr. Maryalice has been a Board member and active volunteer with numerous non-profit organizations includingSt. Joseph’s Center, Employment Opportunity and Training Center (EOTC), and the American Cancer Society.

In the Spring of 2009 there will be a celebration to honor the twenty-five year history of Friends of the Poor andto celebrate the gift of Sr. Adrian to that ministry and to the people of Scranton.

Friends of the Poor Welcomes New CEO

Sisters Adrian Barrett and Maryalice Jacquinot

continued on page 6

IHM Newsletter - October 2008 page 2

In 2008, fifty private schoolswere selected nationwide as BlueRibbon winners. Little FlowerSchool in Bethesda, Md., was theonly school from the Archdioceseof Washington to receive the honor.

Msgr. Vaghi, the pastor of theChurch of the Little Flower, said theschool is celebrating its 55thanniversary this year. He expressedgratitude for the Congregation ofthe Sisters, Servants of the Im-maculate Heart of Mary who haveserved the school since its found-ing. Six of them including theprincipal, Sister Rosemaron Rynn,serve at Little Flower and SistersJacquelyn Donohue and JamesellaMawhinney reside in the conventand are an integral part of theparish. Msgr. Vaghi said the Im-maculate Heart of Mary Sisters“continue to bring their loving andjoyful way of life as a model for ourchildren.”

Little Flower School in Bethesda named Blue Ribbon School

Sr. Rosemaron, principal ofLittle Flower, spoke to the commu-nity gathered to celebrate theaward. “It is a deep, deep honorand a wonderful day indeed thatLittle Flower School is now consid-ered a Blue Ribbon School,” shesaid. She noted that what theschool is able to do in the present ispartly because of the people fromthe school’s past. Memorials line apathway at the school, and a lateteacher is remembered with adogwood tree. “Past and presentwe join together to accept thiswonderful honor.” Sr. Rosemaronsaid two noteworthy programs atthe school are the reading programand the religion program. LittleFlower School ranks in the top 10percent of schools in the nation inboth reading and math. About thereligion program, Sr. Rosemaronsaid, “It is the sum and substanceof our existence.”

A student from the schooltalked about how Little Flowerstudents learn about service at ayoung age. They strive to follow inSt. Therese’s footsteps - whopromised to spend her “heavendoing good upon earth” - byparticipating in a service projectcalled “pennies from heaven,” shesaid.

Introducing the archbishop,Sister Rosemaron said the Immacu-late Heart of Mary Sisters regardhim as a “dear friend.” ArchbishopWuerl was taught by the IHMSisters in grade school and highschool in Pittsburgh. Speaking tothe group, he said he didn’t just feelat home, but “like I’m back in theclassroom.” The archbishop alsosaid, “This Blue Ribbon is a re-minder to you of how special theschool is.”

L-R Sisters serving at Little Flower School in Bethesda, Md., St. Henry Haiss, Mary Ann Adams, Rosemaron Rynn,Ritamary Mayan, Rachel Terry and Madonna Marie Lenikus

Excerpted from the CatholicStandard, September 10, 2008.

IHM Newsletter - October 2008page 3

The LCWR exhibit, Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America, is due to open May 15, 2009 at the CincinnatiMuseum Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The exhibit, which will travel across the country over a three year period, isbased on a modular system composed of rich content printed on birch walls and enhanced by interpretive media. Itshowcases a wealth of stunning photographs, rare artifacts and ephemera, including traveling trunks, journals ofimmigration experiences, pioneering healthcare devices, diaries, letters, student work, and items associated with anumber of saints. These items have been collected and are on loan from more than 400 communities.

The Women & Spirit exhibit reveals the mystery behind a small group of independent American women whohelped shape the nation’s social and cultural landscape. First arriving in America nearly 300 years ago, throughoutperiods of struggle and controversy sisters established schools, hospitals, and colleges, and provided other socialservices that have served millions. Through their enduring legacy and persistent vision, the nation’s promise ofequality and opportunity continues to be extended to all Americans, regardless of faith, color, nationality, oreconomic status.

The exhibit depicts women who corresponded with President Thomas Jefferson, talked down bandits androughnecks, lugged pianos into the wilderness, and provided the nation’s first health insurance to Midwesternloggers. Discover sisters’ quiet courage during many dramatic moments in U.S. history, including the Civil War, theGold Rush, the San Francisco earthquake, the influenza epidemic, the Civil Rights Movement, and HurricaneKatrina. More information on the exhibit may be found at: www.womenandspirit.org

Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America - Touring 2009-2012

New IHM Associates Commissioned On Saturday, September 20, in the beauty surrounding the Chesapeake Bay, IHM Associates and sisters took timeto enjoy “The Wonders of God Within and Without.” Sr. Mary Ellen Higgins facilitated the time apart from busyschedules inviting the participants into mindfulness through a “nature walk” that engaged all the senses. Following the retreat, Ann Gillespie and Janice Cuellar were commissioned as IHM Associates. They were part ofa Circle of Grace with Sr. Kathleen Newett in Clinton, Maryland. Presently there are six IHM Associates and eight aspiring associates in Maryland. Picture above are (L-R front) Sr. Kathleen Newett, Janice Cuellar, Sr. Jean Louise Bachetti, Ann Gillespie, Sr.Mary Ellen Higgins, Sheila Nelson. (L-R back) Jackie Bertwell, Sr. Mary Newett, Debbie Wheeler, Mary BethWoodburn, Patty Hanko, Nancy Sisson, Sr. Ann Parker

IHM Newsletter - October 2008 page 4

Interparliamentary Conference on Human Rights and ReligiousFreedom to be held at Marywood University

On Sunday, November 23, delegates from dozens of nations across the globe will arrive at the MarywoodUniversity campus to launch the fifth session of the Interparliamentary Conference on Human Rights and ReligiousFreedom (IPC) - a forum for international parliamentarians and delegates to discuss legislative opportunities to addresshuman rights, sovereignty, security, environmental protection, poverty, and extremism. Past locations for the sessionsinclude Rome, Brussels, and Washington, D.C.

At a planning session held at Marywood in September, Sr. Anne Munley welcomed Ezekiel Gatkuoth, the SouthernSudan head of mission, and Joseph Grieboski, President of the Institute on Religion & Public Policy. Mr. Grieboskiwas the keynote speaker and received an honorary degree at the May 2008 Marywood University Commencement.

Mr. Grieboski said that at the November 23-25 Conference, as many as 40 countries will be represented by up to80 delegates, including a representative from the Vatican. Special security measures will be in place at MarywoodUniversity and at other venues in the region visited by the delegates. At the Marywood University conference site,translation booths will be in place to provide information access across all delegations in the six official United Nationslanguages. An international media presence is expected to cover the session.

"Marywood University has a 93-year tradition of global advocacy for justice and human rights," Sr. Anne Munleystated. "We are taking this bold step to host the Interparliamentary Conference because we believe that meaningfuldialogue is an essential pathway to building positive relationships among the religions and cultures of the world. We'revery proud of the work Northeast Pennsylvania native Joseph Grieboski has done over the past five years in thiseffort, and we are honored to host this conference on behalf of the entire Northeast Pennsylvania community."

The public may attend the conference by registering in advance at: www.religionandpolicy.org ($120 for all threedays, or $50 a day per person).

"The Interparliamentary Conference is the highlight of our University's fall semester focus on human rightsawareness," Sr. Anne said. "Throughout the semester, classroom and out-of-classroom interaction and dialogue willfocus on the same important human rights issues that the IPC will address. As guardians of our future, our studentswill become the leaders who will put into actions the positive ideas that will emerge from open dialogue at aninternational level." As part of the semester focus on human rights, the IPC will be preceded on October 23 and 24 bya special Marywood University campus theatre presentation of "Speak Truth to Power," a play spoken through thevoices of human rights activists around the world. The public is also welcome to attend this presentation on Thursday,October 23, at 9:00 p.m. in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts.

Attend National Communicators’ ConferenceSrs. Fran Fasolka, Annmarie Sanders

and Chris Koellhoffer were among 150participants who attended the annualconference of the National CommunicatorsNetwork for Women Religious (NCNWR)held in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 16-19.

Sr. Annmarie was one of the keynotespeakers who addressed the group on, “‘TheWorld Will be Saved by Beauty’ - andCommunicators Can Help!” Sr. Annmariealso presented a report on the progress ofthe LCWR Exhibit on Catholic Sisters inAmerica. Sr. Annmarie has been a memberof NCNWR since its inception, has servedas an NCNWR board member and chair, andhas been serving as the LCWR liaison to theNCNWR board since 2003. Sr. Annmarie’stalk can be found on the Who We Are/In the News page at www.sistersofihm.org

Sr. Chris Koellhoffer currently serves on the NCNWR board. She was instrumental in planning the conference aswell as preparing the prayer, ambiance and ceremonies for the gathering.

IHM Newsletter - October 2008page 5

Autumn’s Gift – Images of Life’sTransitionsSr. Maria Regina Loures, IHM

Change is a constant in every aspectof our lives. When we learn toembrace it, we often experience “newlife” in ways we never dreamed orimagined. Our time together willchallenge us to do this!

Tuesday, November 129:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Cost: $35 includes lunch

Advent Day of PrayerMsgr. James McNamara

“Mary: A Woman Waiting to EmbraceLife... Mary: A Woman Waiting to LetGo of Life”In the midst of a very busy seasonyou are invited to step into a place ofprayer and silence to prepare for thegreat feast of the Incarnation. Ourtime together will include a Liturgyand dinner.

December 14, 20082:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Cost: $35

Our Lady of GraceManhasset, NY

516-627-9255olgcenter@gmail.com

October 11 – 12Companions on the Journey MG

October 17 – 19Dream Gatherers Mission Group

IHMDirectoryUpdate

Online searchable directorywww.sistersofihm.org

Updated weekly!

Sr. Maria Regina LouresOur Lady of Grace29 Shelter Rock RoadManhasset, NY 11030-3020516-627-7672srmrlihm@gmail.com

Sr. Joan McCuskermccusker@newes.marywood.edu

Sr. Anne Munleyannemunley@marywood.edu

Sr. St. Anthony RadzikowskiOur Lady of Peace ResidenceRoom 202C570-330-0243

Sr. Mary Reapsmreap@gmail.com

Sr. Angelique VannicolaCathedral Convent333 Wyoming AvenueScranton, PA 18503-1223570-344-9725

Notes of Gratitude

On behalf of the Baker/Plazek families, Srs. deRicci and Gracette Baker wishto express their deep gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and sympathyon the death of their sister, Mary L. Plazek. The Masses and many offeringsof condolence are greatly appreciated by their families. God bless you all!

Sr. Emerita Gasper wishes to express her gratitude for the Masses andsympathy cards sent to her upon the death of her sister, Ethel Rykiel.

Sr. St. Anthony Radzikowski wishes to express her gratitude to all whooffered prayers, good wishes and visits during her time of recuperation.

“The Jubilarians wish to express a big thank you to the Leadership Team forthe wonderful weekend at Cresco. We were spiritually and physcially‘drenched with God.’ God loves you and so do we.” - The 2008 Jubilarians

Flea Market! Do you have extra “stuff” aroundyour house/convent? Put it to gooduse and help MU’s Campus Ministrywith the upcoming Fall Flea Market!All donations (except clothing andshoes) will be accepted in the CampusMinistry Office, Swartz Center forSpiritual Life, Loughran Hall (formerMarian Convent) now throughOctober 20. The Flea Market isscheduled Friday, October 24, 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday,October 25, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., inthe Multi-Purpose Room (formerlyCrystal Room), Nazareth Hall atMarywood. All proceeds benefit theInternational Service Trips.

570-595-7548

CelebratingFounders’ Day

SundayNovember 9

4:00 pm, IHM Centerdinner following

RSVP tocommunications@sistersofihm.org

Evenings ofPrayer

All are welcome!

IHM Newsletter - October 2008 page 6

Book ReviewThe Duty of Delight: The Diaries of Dorothy Day

by Dorothy DayReviewed by Sr. Mary Joan Kelleher

Dorothy’s diaries begin in 1934, after the Catholic Worker became amovement. At first, the movement only published a paper, but then began toopen soup kitchens and shelters for the homeless and eventually houses ofhospitality around the country. Dorothy declared it was a program drawnfrom the Gospels.

In her diaries Dorothy describes the events of the day as well as herown personal thoughts and struggles. These diaries became a log of her dailyactivities. As you read, you will be amazed at her loneliness, discouragement,and physical ailments, but also at her continuous acts of kindness and herlove for all who entered her life.

You will come to an understanding of her relationships with familymembers, especially her daughter Jamar. You will be amazed at her re-sponses to the vast changes in America, the Church, and the world. In the60s, she becomes a “spiritual godmother” to those opposing war.

As she grows older and prepares to give way to a new generation, shestill wants to be involved in the world around her, and she did so through herwritings which she continued until right before her death on November 29,1980.

David O’Brien, writing in Commonweal after her death, famously calledDorothy “the most significant, interesting and influential person in the historyof American Catholicism.”

Dorothy’s diaries are important because what you are reading is the lifeof a holy person, truly given to God. She was able to find God in all things,no matter whether the sorrows or joys were personal or of the world.

You can’t read the diaries without falling in love with Dorothy, and at thesame time being constantly amazed at the “realness” of the writings.

To give you an example from her diaries: August 31, 1962: Charles deFoucauld said, “Once I believed there was a God, I saw no other coursethan to serve him.” This quote aptly describes Dorothy’s life, for she had noother course than to serve God.

You are in for an emotional upheaval as you read Dorothy’s diaries, forthese lines here only touch the surface.

IHM Sisters Kathryn Kudziel, Susan Hadzima, Maryalice Jacquinot,Rosemarie Gregorio, and Donna Korba recently attended the Media Trainingfor the Common Good held September 19 at St. Joseph’s Oblate Seminaryin Pittston. The training was a joint collaboration between Scranton Fellow-ship of Reconciliation and various peace groups from the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. The purpose of the training was to promote a clear understand-ing of the Common Good and to train participants in effective ways toengage the media and voters throughout this election period. Together withseveral media specialists, Vicki Kovari, National Field Director for theCatholic Alliance for the Common Good, provided the training.

Sisters Attend Common Good Media Training

continued from page 1

Jesus’ ministry and those of hisdisciples. The day concluded with apresentation on the Catholic natureof sponsorship and its relation andaccountability to the Church.

To provide program participantsanother experience of an IHMsponsored ministry, the secondeducation session was held at theSwartz Center for Spiritual Life onthe campus of Marywood Univer-sity. The group received input onand discussed the characteristics ofgood leaders of institutions, such asfidelity to the mission, theologicalgrounding and accountability. Theafternoon’s topic was a presentationon the history of Catholic institu-tions, from their roots as commu-nity run operations, through aperiod of franchise and partnership,to the current model of sponsorshipand cosponsorship.

The Cognetti Room at St.Joseph’s Center was the site of themost recent session, which focusedon the more technical aspects ofsponsorship. Topics included thedifferences between sponsorshipand ownership and the definition ofthe term “public juridic person.” Areview and discussion of thespecific sponsorship model and the“reserved powers” of the Corpora-tion of each IHM sponsored orcosponsored ministry concluded theday.

The final education session willbe held on Saturday, November 1 atthe IHM Center. This session will befollowed by a Eucharistic liturgy incelebration and thanksgiving for thesuccessful completion of this firsteducation program, and in the hopeof its expansion into the future.

IHM Newsletter - October 2008page 7

New Life Seedsfrom Sr. Ruth Harkins, IHM

“We are first called to be spiritualpeople in the way we receive God’sspirit in Christ by being part of thatcommunity in which we can bemade transparent to God, learninghow to grow, how to live, how toact with others, how to share thegift of grace to all. To be religiousmeans to be bound to God and toothers who are part of the gatheringof those who seek a similar relation-ship.”-Lawrence S. Cunningham

Did You Know?The most popular question that issearched on the Internet is “Who isGod?”, and the question “Who isJesus?” is not far behind.Clearly,young adults are interested inspiritual questions, and they turn tothe Internet for answers.-Michael Hayes

New on the IHM Webpage ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Sr. Annmarie Sanders’ keynote address to NCNWR: http://ihmnew.marywood.edu/1.WhoWeAre/1IHMSistersNews.htmlOSP IHM Haiti Project: http://ihmnew.marywood.edu/OSPIHM/Haiti.htmSr. Rachel Terry’s vocation story: http://ihmnew.marywood.edu/5.InterestedinJoiningUs/TerryRachel.htm

Vocation PrayerCreator God, you call me by nameeach new day. Send the gift ofyour Holy Spirit to give me thewisdom to discover the path I am towalk for my life. Help me to listento your voice and give me thecourage to follow you as a disciple.Strengthen my faith so that I mayalways trust in your care for me.Fill me with your love so that I mayuse my gifts and talents to respondgenerously to the needs of ourworld. May I always be gratefulfor the many ways in which youshow your love for me each day.With Jesus as my brother and Maryas my support, may I learn what itmeans to act justly, to love tenderlyand to walk humbly with youalways. Amen.

Upcoming Events

October 8 - Mountain MomentsOctober 21- Pizza and PrayerOctober 30 - Wells of WisdomNovember 7 to 9 - Reaching GodRetreat in Cresco, PA

Call to Wellness9:15 a.m.

Theresa Maxis Conference CenterOctober 10 - The Spirituality of Listening

Julianna Casey, IHM

October 31 - Spirituality of AgingJack Siberski, SJ

November 21 - Healing through GrievingJane O’Donnell, RSM

On the weekend of September5-7 the OSP IHM Haiti OutreachCommittee met at Villa Maria Houseof Studies in Immaculata. Srs. MaryElizabeth Muir, Eileen Coleman andJane Gaughan represent ScrantonIHMs on this committee.

The committee members wishto respond to the current situation inHaiti. The country has beenpummeled by the last fourhurricanes, especially Hannah andIke. The devastation has beenhorrendous and the Haitian peopleare in desperate need of our help.They are in need of clean water,food, clothing, shelter, medicalassistance and home repair.

Can readers of this newsletterrespond to the cry for help from thepoorest country in the WesternHemisphere? Any amount of moneywill be gratefully received.

The OSP IHM Haiti OutreachCommittee has a fund for donationsto Haiti. Those wishing to contrib-ute may make checks payable toSisters of IHM and mail to:

Haiti Outreach c/o Sr. Camille Brouillard, IHM 610 West Elm Avenue Monroe, Michigan 48162

Donations may also be madeonline to Catholic Relief Services.Go to: http://www.crs.org/

Donations may also be droppedoff at the IHM Center, Justice andPeace Office. Please make checkspayable to Sisters of IHM and labelit for Haiti.

Thank you in advance for agenerous response to this request.

Haiti Outreach

IHM Newsletter - October 2008 page 8

October 25Regional Meeting

St. John the EvangelistSilver Spring, MD

Mission Board MeetingNovember 8

Pre-ChapterFirst Official Meeting of

DelegatesFebruary 28 - March 1, 2009

Snow date: March 14-15, 2009

Mission Board MeetingWeekend of May 1-3, 2009

Time TBAPre-Chapter Meeting

May 2 & 3, 2009

IHM AssemblyPre-Chapter Meeting

July 9-11, 2009

Mission Board MeetingWeekend of November 6-8, 2009

Time TBAPre-Chapter MeetingNovember 7 & 8, 2009

Chapter Meeting(Affairs or Elections)

March 18-21, 2010Snow date: April 8-11, 2010

Chapter Meeting(Affairs or Elections)

April 23-25, 2010

IHM Calendar

(as of October 2, 2008)

Final Profession - 469Temporary Profession - 5

Transition Program - 1Novices - 1

IHM CongregationVitae

The Reciprocal LanguagePartnership is seeking participants.The program is designed to partnerEnglish and Spanish speakers whoeach desire to learn the language ofthe other. Described as aninnovative language and culturalexchange, it is an adult learningmodel based on mutual teaching andlearning.

The program will be held onSundays at Nativity of Our LordRectory in Scranton from 2:00 p.m.to 4:00 p.m. beginning on October19 and continuing for 7 weeks.Interested individuals need tocommit to attend all or most of thesessions. Liturgy is offered inSpanish on Sundays at NativityChurch at 12:30 pm.

For more information or to signup for this program, contactStephanie Bressler at 342-7775 orstephaniebressler@comcast.net

Reciprocal LanguagePartnership

I am delighted to announce therelease of my newest CD, Lovers ofLife, and DVD, Meditations: SacredPresence, Sacred Places.

Lovers of Life is truly acelebration of Earth and life. Thesongs are positive, full of hope,wonder, and awe for our amazingplanet. People have been comment-ing on its beauty, its simplicity, andits uplifting message.

Meditations: Sacred Presence,Sacred Places is a joint project withJoyce Roach, OP (artist photogra-pher). Together we have created asecond meditative slide presentation,which people are raving about.Most are expressing deep gratitudefor our creativity in providing thisvery usable and meaningful work.

Both the CD and DVD can bepreviewed and purchased atwww.JanNovotka.com. A songbookis also available.

- Jan Novotkajannovotka@verizon.net

Manual of PrayersAn IHM Sister is looking for aManual of Prayers, published by theIHM Congregation in 1958. If anysister has a manual that she wouldwish to give to another sister, pleasecontact the IHM CommunicationsOffice: 570-346-5404 orcommunications@sistersofihm.org

In Deep Gratitude

Sr. Isabel Schratwieser has been avery important part of HeartworksGift Boutique since it began sevenyears ago. Sister volunteered in thegift boutique as well as behind thescenes doing the bar code of everyitem for sale in the boutique. Sisterhas also made hundreds of ourpopular neck rolls and has madethousands of beautifully embossednote cards and gift tags. SisterIsabel has decided to retire from hermany jobs at Heartworks, but shewill continue making her lovelycards. Please join me in thankingSister for her many hours spent inthis ministry.-Sr. Eve Zlotucha

Heartworks

IHM Newsletter - October 2008page 9

Fair Trade Artisans at MUThe community is invited to shop for fair trade

gifts, housewares, jewelry and more, handmade byartisans living in developing regions around theworld. Marywood Campus Ministry is hosting aWork of Human Hands Sale on November 18 and19 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the FireplaceLounge of Nazareth Hall Student Center atMarywood University.

The sale is part of the Work of Human HandsProgram, a partnership between Catholic ReliefServices and A Greater Gift, a nonprofit program ofSERRV International, an alternative trade anddevelopment organization that currently works withartisans and farmers in 35 countries around theworld. Every purchase made at the Work ofHuman Hands Sale allows a producer to provide forthe basic necessities of life, to educate her or hischildren, and to work in a safe environment.

Join the MU community on November 18 and19. Enjoy shopping and change the world at thesame time!

Sisters at the IHM Center joined in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the FranciscanSisters of Saint Bernadette. The congregation’s motherhouse is in Tanzania. Three members of the community resideat the IHM Center and work at Our Lady of Peace Residence. Sr. Pulcheria Iholana, former superior general of theorder, traveled to Tanzania for the official celebration on September 14, while Sisters Amelia D. Mkesafari andDorasela D. Taabu planned a celebation and dinner at the IHM Center with their IHM Sisters. The three FranciscanSisters of St. Bernadette collected donations to have hand-crafted scarves made that depict their patrons, St. Francisof Asissi and St. Bernadette. Sr. Pulcheria carried the scarves back to Tanzania as gifts for each of the congregation’smembers. Pictured above L-R are Srs. Linda Anne Greenburg, Amelia, Eleanor Kalafut, Dorasela, Jean Conaty andTheresa Fitzgerald.

There are five additional sisters from Africa residing at the IHM Center who are studying at Marywood Univer-sity. They are Srs. Blessing Okere from Nigeria; Elizabeth K. Kithuva, Celine Omolo, Jacinta Mutisya and TeresiaMbugua from Kenya.

Handcrafted RosariesSr. Babette Opferman has been making one-of-a-kindrosaries for Heartworks (and others) for many years. Thesehandmade rosaries are available at Heartworks and will soonbe sold on the Internet through the Heartworks online store.Many of the rosaries have been crafted from unusual orantique parts given by people who had partial rosaries whichwere no longer useable. If sisters have pieces of goodrosaries (beads, centers, crucifixes) which are able to be

cleaned and used for parts, sendthem to Sr. Babette at the IHMCenter. They will be used to createnew rosaries or bracelets. Theymay also provide just the right partsto repair someone’s valuableheirloom which may be missing afew beads. Sr. Babette also repairsand restores rosaries of goodquality. Sr. Babette may be reachedat 570-330-0294 oropfermanb@sistersofihm.org

IHM Newsletter - October 2008 page 10

(L-R Back) Srs. Joan Katoski, Carlita Bird, Marion Tarone, Anitra Nemotko (L-R Front) Srs. Babette Opferman, Margaret Burke,Anne Mary Smith, Ms. Rose Marie Amico (formerly Sr. Marietta), Rosella Salvato. Absent but not forgotten: Srs. Dolores Banick,Josephine Cioffi, Jane Ellis, Myra Gilbart, Helene Hicks, Mary Alice Kane, Ancilla Maloney, Ann Parker, Sue Ann Steves

During IHM Assembly days plans were made by the Band of ’58 to gather for a get together the weekend ofSeptember 8 to remember their 50 years since entrance. It happened that a presentation on Mother Theresa Maxis inthe “Torn Woman” art series took place at the same time, so a number of “the band” came for the program and met atthe Bistro at Our Lady of Peace. Though the group which met was small, the memories were all inclusive not forget-ting those who couldn’t be there. It was especially pleasant to enjoy the company of band member and former sister, RoseMarie Amico, who has kept in touch with a number of the band members since the first reunion in the early ’80s. Forty-nine young women arrived that September of 1958, with four more joining in February. The 49th arrival, JoanMilot, was from the 49th state of Alaska. Joan has been a contemplative Sister of the Precious Blood since the late 70s,but remains with the band in spirit. Jeanne DiNardo of the February group went home to God in 2006.

Impromptu Celebration for the Band of ’58 by Sr. Babette Opferman

Sr. Chris Koellhoffer is afeatured writer for the current

issue of Living Faith. Thebook provides brief daily

Catholic devotions based onone of the Mass readings of

the day. For info go to:www.livingfaith.com

Father John Dear to Speak in WilliamsportFr. John Dear is slated to speak at the Pennsylvania

College of Technology Professional Development Centerin Williamsport, PA, on Tuesday, November 18 beginningat 7:00 p.m.

Fr. John is a Jesuit priest who has been in theforefront of the religious peace movement in the U.S.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has said of him, “He isthe embodiment of a peacemaker. He has led by examplethrough his actions and in his writings and in numeroussermons, speeches and demonstartions. He believes thatpeace is not something static, but rather to make peace isto be engaged, mind, body and spirit. His teaching is tolove yourself, to love your neighbor, your enemy, and to

love the world and to understand the profound responsibility in doing all of these.”At the event Fr. John will also be signing his newest book, A Persistent Peace.Sisters interested in attending the lecture and wishing to car pool may contact

Sr. Donna Korba at 570-346-5411 or e-mail korbad@sistersofihm.org