Missionas a sacred trust

Mission StatementUrged by the love of Christ,

and in the spirit of our founder, Elizabeth Ann Seton,

we Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati strive to live Gospel values.

We choose to act justly, to build loving relationships,

to share our resources with those in need,

and to care for all creation.

Vision StatementAs a community of charity, living

the gospel as expressed in the charism of Elizabeth Seton and

Margaret George, we will strive to be persons who:

•choosetolivesimplyinacomplex world committed to the healing of our global home;

•embraceculturalexpansioninmembership and ministry;

•learnfromandareinsolidaritywith the poor;

•riskbeingpropheticinchurchand society;

•journeytogethertowardwholeness.

Wemakethiscommitment imbued with a deep faith in

the active presence of God and strengthened by prayer,

friendship and community.

October 2011

S C M i S S i o n F l o U r i S h E S At DePaul Cristo rey high SchoolBy Margee Garbsch, director of public relations

the first academic year is well underway at DePaul Cristo rey high School in

Cincinnati, ohio. Prior to the start of August classes, faculty and staff gathered at the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Motherhouse for an in-service day focused on DPCr’s purpose as not only an educational institution but also as an extension of the SC mission. in these early weeksoftheacademicyear,therearemany positive signs that this mission flourishes at the high school.

We choose to act justlyin committing resources to DPCr, the Sisters of Charity recognized and reacted to the economic conditions and education choices many Greater Cincinnati families face. it is DPCr’s mission to serve families who desire a Catholic, college-prep, affordable school for their children. The reflection of this mission is apparent in the freshman class – 75 percent of whom receive Federal Free or reduced lunches.

To build loving relationshipsWhenaskedwhattheylikemostaboutDPCR,studentsoftenanswer“myteachers.”Duringsummer planning, faculty spent hours crafting a discipline policy that is grounded in Gospel values and calls for them to respond appropriately to each individual student’s situation rather than wholly focus on punitive measures. An atmosphere of mutual respect is thriving in the classrooms.

To share our resources with those in needMany DPCr families struggle with economic challenges that go well beyond affordable tuition. A student clothing closet has been established to assist those who can’t afford to purchase the professional clothing required in the school dress code. School staff members have workedtoensurethatstudentshavebustokensaswellasappealing,nutritiousfoodfortheirbreakfasts,lunchesandsnacks.

All at DPCr realize the many challenges ahead in educating and nurturing this first class, while recruiting the next. The missions of the Sisters of Charity, DPCr and the Cristo rey Networkwillcontinuetoguideourplanningandgrowth.

DePaul Cristo Rey High School freshmen Jordan Handorf (left) and Austin Willis (right), with teacher Paul Ebert, began classes in August. Photo courtesy of Don Denney

At Seton High School more than 40 students participated in mission trips this summer to the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, Aqua Viva Children’s Home in Guatemala, and Glenmary Farm in Kentucky. Emily McDonald, a senior who went to Guatemala, commented, “Service helps me build stronger relationships with God, my family and my friends.” Anne Pace, who went to South Dakota, said, “This awesome experience helped me to think about what I want to do when I am older.”

Also at Seton, Mr. Pete Mosher, a faculty member at the College of Mount St. Joseph, facilitated a discussion on “A Charity Spirituality for Educators” at the opening staff meeting Aug. 22. The staff hopes to continue the discussion at future staff meetings.

The Xavier University Web site www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/ has added an entry on St. Elizabeth Seton and Mother Margaret George to their collection of short biographies of notable religious leaders.

More than 60 members of the Bayley Mother Margaret George Honor and Memorial Society gathered at the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse Sept. 15. After Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Dennis Schnurr, the group learned about the heritage and mission of the Sisters by touring the chapel, Heritage Room, Art Room and McCann Room.

Mission is the electronic newsletter of the Corporation Board for Sponsored Ministries of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. To unsubscribe click here.

Mission PrayerNews ’N Notes

(From left) Seton High School students Anne Pace, Lauren Tepe, Jourdan Lyons, Olivia Dulle, Melissa Schenkel and teacher Clare Harris participated in a mission trip to Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Photo courtesy of Anne Pace

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati

Corporation Board for Sponsored Ministries extends an invitation to

board members and senior administrators

of our sponsored ministries

to join us

Wednesday, Nov. 9

for dinner and a lecture on

“The Ethical Challenges of Leadership.”

A buffet dinner will be served beginning

at 5:30 p.m. in the Corona Room

at the College of Mount St. Joseph.

The lecture by Dr. Joanne Ciulla will follow

at 7 p.m. in the College theater.

Words of Wisdom“[I] speak the joy of my

soul at the prospect of being able to assist the poor, visit the sick, comfort the

sorrowful, clothe little innocents, and teach

them to love God!” - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Mission on the WebThe College of Mount St. Joseph’s Expressions of Charity learning modules are now up and running. The self-guided virtual tour and reflection on the mission and heritage of the College of Mount St. Joseph and its founders, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, includes three video modules “Mission as a Sacred Trust: past, present, future,” “Living the Mission,” and “Spirit of Charity: Risking a Caring Response.” Guided questions and suggested reflections follow each module as well as the entire Expressions of Charity program. View it by visiting www.msj.edu/charity.

Faithful God, may we simplify our lives so that our full attention is on what really matters: loving you and our brothers and sisters. May we grow in the humility that allows your grace to become powerful in us. May we embody the compassion that brings life-giving love to all your people. Grant us the grace to free ourselves from all that might suppress your Spirit in us and in our service. Amen.