sisters of st joseph of carondelet
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SiSterS of St JoSeph of Carondelet and friendS Summer 2015
De s i g n slos angeles province
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DEPARTMENTSAdministration Letter 3Mission Advancement 4Volunteer Recognition 5
FEATURESAlexandria House 22Book Reiew 13CSJ Charismatic Family 8DESIGNS–What's in a Name 24Freedom of the Children of God 6Holy Family Community 10Living the Consecrated Life 16Medaille House of Discernment 23Spreading the Good News 20St Joseph Worker Program 18Then and Now 9Unleash the Love 12Vows in Action 14
PhoTo CREDiTS Archives Alma Gutierrez Teresa Lynch, CSJ Carol L Smith, CSJ
Summer 2015
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Sandra Williams, CSJ
Theresa Kvale, CSJ
Angela Faustina, CSJ
Suzanne Jabro, CSJ
Contents
Dear Sisters, Associates and friends,n November 21, 2014, Pope Francis proclaimed a Year of Consecrated Life beginning on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, and concluding with the Feast of the Presentation on February 2, 2016. In addressing Religious, he cited the Apostolic Exhortation Vita Consecrata: “You have
not only a glorious history to remember and to recount, but also a great history still to be accomplished! Look to the future, where the Spirit is sending you in order to do even greater things.” In this issue of DESIGNS, we read about the many places the Spirit has sent us: places where the poor and the disenfranchised are recognized and treated with dignity; places where joy and hope are brought to the Dear Neighbor; places where the People of God are served. In today’s world, consecrated religious are called to “do even greater things.” But we are surely called to do them with others. In the “Living the CSJ Charism” section of the Calls to Action, we commit to supporting new and emerging ways of living the charism. Some, like the St Joseph Workers and Medaille Community, are already here. How else are we being called to widen our tent? May the Spirit open our eyes and hearts to new ways of joining with others in living the mission of Jesus.Have a restful and joy-filled summer. Lovingly, Sisters Theresa, Suzanne, Sandra, Mary Ann and Angela
OThe S i s ters of St Joseph of Carondelet hold as their mission to continue the mission of Jesus ”that all may be one,” John 17:21
The members of the congregation minister in
a way that:c Heals and reconcilesc Serves all persons without distinctionc Makes known through their lives the gospel they proclaimc Enables others to assume a more active responsibility for continuing the mission of Jesusc Recognizes and defends the human dignity of all personsc Promotes justice with a particular concern for the poor. (Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Constitution, #20)
CharismThe Sprit and Charism of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet is unifying love.
Miss ion Statement
Summer 2015 - Vol. 32 No.2 Editor Meyling Eliash-Daneshfar Designer Carol Louise Smith, CSJ Proofreaders Teresa Avalos, CSJ Cathy Bundon, CSJ Caroline Chang, CSJ Imelda D'Agostino, CSJ Maureen Doherty, CSJ Therese Donahue, CSJ Dennis Mary McFadden, CSJ DESIGNS is a quarterly publication of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in the Los Angeles Province; it is published four times a year. All material submitted is subject to review, revision, and editing. Unsolicited material may not exceed 300 words. Send all copy material to––
Meyling Eliash-Daneshfar Carondelet Center11999 Chalon RoadLos Angeles, CA [email protected]
CoNTRibUToRS
Mona Castelazo, CSJTeresa Ann Coronas, CSJKathy Stein, CSJCelia Durea, CSJFrances Baker, CSJJudy Peters, CSJDianne Nelson, CSJAPat Nelson, CSJ
Mary Ann Martin, CSJ
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VoLUNTEER RECogNiTioNur Mission Advancement Department hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Carondelet Center. This year we invited a Magician who went around the tables during lunch entertaining everyone with card tricks. As always our kitchen crew put on a superb luncheon with delicious Mexican
food. We are grateful to all who helped with this occasion. We are also very thankful for everyone who give their time and talents to assist our Sisters in Holy Family Community. The other ministries which receive terrific help are: Mission Advancement, Chapel, Library, IT, Communications, Gift Shop and Switchboard. 2 Judy Peters, CSJ
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hAwAii CALLS oPPoRTUNiTye are getting ready for our William H. Hannon Foundation Annual Hawaiian Trip to Maui. Since the early 1990’s Mr. William Hannon worked with Catholic schools to raise money to support schools and other non-profit organizations. Kathleen Hannon Aikenhead carries on the legacy of her uncle’s giving by continuing the work
of the Foundation. The funds will support the ministries of the Sisters and also provide services to the ill and retired sisters. The Hawai ian drawing includes ai r fare and hotel accommodations for eight days and seven nights at the Royal Lahaina Resort with a $300.00 credit at selected resort restaurants. Included in the package are 2 complimentary $108 value/person luau tickets. All of this is made possible by a grant from the William H. Hannon Foundation. Let your friends and relatives know about this wonderful opportunity.You will be receiving ticket in the mail by July 17th. Additional tickets may be purchased by calling the Mission Advancement office at 310.889.2135, email [email protected], or on our web page www.csjla.org. Tickets cost only $5 each or 12 for $50
DoNATE oNLiNEe appreciate and are very grateful for your continued support for the mission and ministries of the Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet. With your contributions you help support Alexandria House, Justice Works, Get On the
Bus, House of Ruth and Presentation Center among several others of our ministries featured in this magazine. Many of you are familiar with PayPal, an easy and safe method to purchase items or to make a donation online. Please visit our webpage to support us online or continue to make donations by mail or by phone. Many donors appreciate the convenience of making donations using the Donate button on our website– www.csjla.org.
Judy Peters, CSJ
l/r: Leone Drexler, CSJ, Dolores Sanford. Rita Scherrei, CSJA, Juliet Berber, CSJ
l/r: CSJs Mechtilde Gerber, and Annette Debs
l/r: Stella Castelucci, Suzanne Steffen, CSJ
l/r: Sharon Leahy, Barbara Buckman
l/r: Peggy Belcher-Dixon, CSJA, Elizabeth Wenner, and CSJs Joan Marie Hagen, Anna Mary Meyer
l/r: Isabelle Argueta, Carmel Therese Gutierrez, CSJ
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he consecrated life is primarily a call to seek God above all else. It is an invitation to live a mystical
life as one of a discipleship of equal adults discerning God’s will through mutual, interdependent self-gift in response to the unconditional love through which God creates, supports, and sustains us at all times. Our alternative lifestyle models itself on that of the original disciples who gathered around the Risen Jesus, being called to freely spread the Good News throughout the whole world. Like Jesus, we are not official representatives of the institutional church, not organized through clerical hierarchy, nor operated efficiently through coercion, but, in fact, prophetically called to challenge officialdom when its actions are not Gospel-based.The vows themselves are solemn
T promises to engage in promoting certain Christian values, rather than to observe specific laws or rules. For example, the vow of poverty is not so much about sacrificing material goods as it is “about exercising stewardship over the goods of creation according to the equality and integrity of the Gospel”.~ O’Murchu The vow focuses on self-knowledge, humility, and self-acceptance in a process of life-long self-emptying.
owed poverty includes the willingness to engage in our own human
development from dependence through independence to interdependence. Its goal is mutual stability based on the insight that all of reality is a gift for universal, mutual nourishment. Contained in this promise is a mandate to be a compassionate, sharing presence for others. Responsible stewardship flows from the reverence for the sacredness of
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all living things and finds true security in a trusting union with God, nourished by contemplation. Spiritual poverty is detachment from both the measurable results and the effectiveness of our efforts, including control of our own spiritual lives. Evangelical poverty works to bring about the “economy of the reign of God” ~ Schneiders.
onsecrated chastity is basically a vow for boundless relationship, rather than merely
sexual abstinence. The challenge and struggle to live as a more creative and loving human being is its goal. It is a promise to “journey into the agony and ecstasy of relationship… into the revelation of myself to myself, of others and of God which loving non-possessively will open up for me” ~ Fiand. It calls us to be willing, ready and open for encounter and to engage in a life that moves into the depth of relationship and bonding. Intimacy with God in contemplation leads to the “sacrament” of friendship necessary for support in consecrated life. Rather than promising to submit to “higher authority,” the vow of obedience is a promise for mutual collaboration requiring dialogue, support, and discernment in order to seek God’s will, which is always “to make the most loving choices and decisions of which we
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The Freedom of the Children of God: A Reflection on Consecrated Life
are capable with God’s help” ~ Schneiders. We listen for God’s voice through discernment based on personal experience and a mature prayer life. All members are to be heard and speak with authority, governing through collegiality. As Beatrice Bruteau reminds us in “The Holy Thursday Revolution,” the true Christian leadership role is to serve, not to coerce. The call of religious today is to move away from dualism, the denial of the goodness of creation and harsh ascetical practices of the past to proclaim the Incarnation as “God’s answer to our existential fear” ~ Schneiders.
e need to cultivate spiritual reserves through daily reflection and ongoing consciousness of
God’s universal presence, not “mistaking the rituals of religion for the sanctifying dimension of spirituality” ~ Schneiders. 2 Written by Mona Castelazo, CSJ
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As years go by, our lives change and take us in different directions. Then and Now is a section dedicated to the journey of the Sisters and Associates who form the great tapestry of our Community.
ThENeaching, all along, was my first love a n d v o c a t i o n . I h a d m a n y extra curricular activities related
to teaching, including education conferences out of town or state; dedica ted involvement wi th the teachers Union and staff representative; district and union meetings with contract negotiations; and conferences for CTA (CA Teachers Association) and NEA (National Education Association). My active link with the San Diego Democratic Club focused on Public school education issues and human rights. My membership in San Diego Frontrunners, a long distance running club, included serving on the board and a term as president.
NowI retired from San Diego City Schools after 30 years. This is the contemplative time of my life. I never had an inclusive
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faith community in which I could participate on a daily or weekly level. Five years ago, I found that inclusive community. It is a joy today to put my retired contemplative energy into my faith community and its outreach programs such as working with the kids in the faith formation program, in teaching and curriculum development. Being part of the stewardship committee brings funding to sustain our programs. I’ve been blessed in being able to facilitate spiritual autobiography groups and witness people come alive spiritually for the first time. I never anticipated being attached to the ministry for our homeless neighbors.
e i n g a C S J associate has g i v e n m e a f o u n d a t i o n to use many s p i r i t u a l
skills, which I have witnessed and acquired in relationship with the CSJ Community. I am so grateful for this spiritual evolution. 2 Written by Teresa Ann Coronas, CSJ
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Then and Nown his letter addressing the aims of the Year of Consecrated Life, Pope Francis urges religious to look
at the past with gratitude, live the present with passion and embrace the future with hope. The Pope speaks not only to consecrated persons, but also to “the laity who share with them the same ideals, spirit and mission.” He refers to this group of laity as a “charismatic family…people who identify with the same charism and especially lay faithful who feel called, precisely as lay persons, to share in the same charismatic reality.” CSJ Associates are this charismatic family! CSJ Associates bring unique perspectives from their personal lives to living the charism of unifying love. Relying on the mutual support of Sisters and one another, they strive to deepen their spirituality and work to extend the mission of Jesus to the “dear neighbor” through prayer and personal involvement. Associates work in prison ministries, volunteer in soup kitchens, bring Eucharist to those homebound and hospitalized,
The CSJ “Charismatic Family”
comfort the elderly in nursing homes, pray with immigrants in sanctuary, assist disadvantaged children through Reading Seed, volunteer in CSJ-sponsored institutions, build houses for Habitat for Humanity, serve in their local parishes and give their lives in prayer and witness. Becoming an Associate requires sincere discernment because the individual makes a serious commitment to live the charism of unifying love in all that they do. CSJ Associate candidates participate in a formal orientation process which generally takes place over a one or two years and they learn about the CSJ identity, history, and charism. Sisters and CSJ Associates mentor candidates throughout the orientation period.
fter completion of the orientation phase, candidates submit a formal
application to make a commitment as a CSJ Associate. For more information please visit the province webpage: www.csjla.org. 2 Written by Dianne Nelson, CSJA
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l/r: Dianne Nelson, Janne Shirley, Denise Ginty, S. Irma Araneta, Linda Stapleton
Estela Garcia, CSJA
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Holy Family Is a Community of Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet
C arondelet Center has, from its initial building stage, been a structure adaptive to the
needs of the times. After extensive Province-wide fund-raising, Carondelet Center was completed in 1955 to serve both as a House of Studies and the Provincial House. There was much joy with the completion of the lovely chapel in 1958. The South wing, or Juniorate, was added in 1960 to house the young professed who continued their studies at the Mount, or began ministry experiences. During the first five years after the Center was built, 342 women entered the postulate, followed by 358 during the 1960’s, and 37 in the 70’s. The drop in those seeking religious life caused the Leadership to reconsider the use of Carondelet Center. A decision was made to relocate the few in formation to a local convent. Then plans to renovate the former House
of Studies to a Retirement Center began. For many years, sick and infirm Sisters were cared for at community-sponsored infirmaries in Inglewood, Tucson, and Lewiston. A retirement center in Los Angeles centralized the services for retired or ill Sisters. Extensive renovation transformed dormitories into rooms. A nurses’ station was set up, and finally, in 1979, the retirement section opened. The first residents of the new community almost unanimously chose the name Holy Family Community. These same Sisters were given the opportunity to choose their rooms from a map supplied by their first superior, Sister Thomas Bernard.
t present, Holy Family has 78 residents. The need has outgrown the number of
dedicated rooms on the former Novitiate side, the North wing. A few Holy Family Community Sisters reside on the south side of Carondelet Center, and a few others in alternate facilities in Los Angeles. Holy Family provides multiple levels of care that are skillfully coordinated by a team that includes administration, nurses, aides, spiritual care staff, and ancillary
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support services. Dr. James Anastasi is the Medical Director. Ray Mattes is the Holy Family Administrator.
oly Family also has a podiatrist who offers monthly podiatry services, a local durable medical company
provides equipment and supplies. Rehabilitation aides, memory care staff are available. Laboratory, x-ray and pharmacy services are outsourced. Vitas provides end of life care and home health agencies provide skilled nursing services under Medicare. In 1998 the Activities Department was started to meet the needs of a diverse group of Sisters. Closed circuit TV allows the Sisters throughout the Carondelet Center to view various events. Several drivers are on staff to assist the Sisters with transportation needs. Nurse assessors have collected a base line assessment of Sisters who may need Holy Family care in the near future. At present, in addition to the Holy Family Community, Carondelet Center has several communities for those who are not in retirement. Carondelet Center, once designed for the formation of young Sisters, has now become a place for the senior Sisters to live life as fully as possible in Community. 2 Written by Frances Baker, CSJ
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Mary Schneider, CSJ teaches Tai Chi to members of Holy Family Community
Jubilarian Miriam Clare Burkett, CSJ and Rosa Lopez, Holy Family Administration Assistant
Isabel Argueta and Jubilarian Rita Mary Roemlein, CSJ
Jubilarian Mary Frances Horan, CSJ with Loraine Polacci, CSJ
Center, Jubilarian Mary Gregory Porterie, CSJ surrounded by her family
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Unleash the Love
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ister Roselani Enomoto easily shares the wisdom of her life, Hawaiian culture, and the story of her ancestors. She is passionate and reflective
about her past and present ministries and demonstrates “all of which woman is capable.” Now, having stepped away from full time ministry, she hopes to help deepen community among the Sisters, ‘Ohana and their families to form “the Big Family.” “My hope for our island community is we can live up to the beautiful phrase, ‘Being and acting as one.’” She left Maui in 1955 to enter religious life in Los Angeles, and was with the first group to enter at the House of Studies. Roselani was assigned to elementary teaching, and later completed Master’s studies in History and Political Science. For the next 15 years, Roselani’s missions were in high schools in Los Angeles and San Diego. A strong desire to go to Japan led to five years there. “My Hawaiian/Japanese background enabled me to understand the Japanese ways. She completed studies for a second Master’s degree in Counseling. She
established a counseling program at St. Anthony High School in Maui, her native island, and remained there for ten years. Sister also served as Vice Province Director. When elected, she was the first Hawaiian to be in this position. This honor came as the Sisters celebrated 50 years in the Vice Province. At present, Sister’s ministry involves three positions for the CSJ Community in Hawaii. She serves as Peace and Justice Coordinator, Vocation/Formation Co-Director, and as Assistant Director of Mission Advancement and Development. he fondly recalls Sisters she met
as a child, “What I most admired about the Sisters was they were joyful women, who had fun together. They were friendly to
all. There was no distinction between plantation worker or politician. My parents and the Sisters taught me to honor and respect all people, especially those who were needy.”A local bumper sticker says, “Live Aloha” – which to her means, “use the family and CSJ traditions of loving all unconditionally and moving toward oneness.” 2 Written by Frances Baker, CSJ
iNTRoDUCTioNWhen the Sisters of St Joseph first came together in 17th century France, their founder, Father Jean Pierre Medaille, told them to dedicate themselves “to the practice of all the spiritual and corporal works of mercy of which woman is capable and which will most benefit the…dear neighbor.” Those challenging and freeing words have been a guiding force of CSJ mission up to the present time. This section is dedicated to highlighting the spirit that directs the Sisters as they seek to advance the mission of God. ~ Mary Williams, CSJ
Roselani Enomoto CSJ
Book Review
n “God’s Ecstasy,” Beatrice Bruteau sees the cosmos as a creative act of God’s self-emptying or kenosis. The world,
then is “an incarnate expression of the Trinity” as being self-realizing, self-sharing, creative, expansive and conscious. The author uses “ecstasy” as a term referring to “standing outside oneself” or ultimately, as she puts it, “dancing.” Since in some sense the world can be seen as the Body of God, Bruteau points out the importance of knowing as much as we can about the complexity and beauty of creation. Much of the book provides relevant insights into physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. The author shows how the universe is communicative and interacting, exchanging matter, information and energy. She describes it as a “gigantic Eucharist” to be recognized and celebrated, each part feeding the others with its own being. In addition to knowing and appreciating the world, Bruteau writes, we are called to participate
God’s Ecstasy by Beatrice Bruteau
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in it, to find our place in “God’s ecstasy.” What are we to do? The answer is “BE.” Being, she points out is essentially dynamic, not static, with a tendency always to “be more,” to communicate or give being, to be self-sharing, to be radiant. We need to give out energy to others that says “MAY YOU BE in every possible way.” The essence of a person is to affirm others. The book presents the universe as self-creating: being one, being community, rejoicing and sharing being. Bruteau gives a scientific, detailed picture of the background of the material world, emphasizing that we do not understand the chemical and biological universe by taking complex units apart, but by observing the interaction of the ways in which they share their being to create new wholes, imaging the Trinity in which total sharing makes them one. “Life, she writes,” emerges from the networks of these interactivities.” The complexity and diversity of creation is the fulfillment of the dynamic principle “Be in every possible way.” In addition to having degrees in mathematics and philosophy, Bruteau was co-founder of Schola Contemplationis, an international network of contemplatives. Based on the insights of the book, she suggests that the “Trinitarian contemplative” extends reverence for the Trinity to the expression, reflection, image and manifestation of the Trinity in all creation, making the world
meaningful and sacred. The Ground of Being ultimately experienced by all mystics as united with us, rather than separated, is incarnate in the cosmos and we ourselves participate in this incarnational union. One conclusion the author draws is our need for a new theology of the cosmos. She states: “A theology that imagines that the whole history of the world from start to finish is already known is no longer a source of meaningfulness.” Our experience tells us that God is dynamically present in all the workings of creation. Nature constantly renews itself through God as incarnate creator of a self-creating universe.Bruteau suggests cal l ing this new theological view “cosmic incarnational mysticism.” This incarnational model offers a more credible and realistic idea of God by seeing the divine not outside of creation, capable of acting against it and changing certain aspects indiscriminately. This view, based on the truths we see in creation’s workings “enables us to realize that God is thoroughly present as world, as everything that happens in the world and that we ourselves are members of that God.” 2
Written for Designs by Mona Castelazo, CSJ, author of “Under the Skyflower Tree: Reflections of a Nun-Entity,” published by iUniverse in 2005.
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T h r o u g h y o u r generosity over the years , the Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet have
been able to live their consecrated lives serving the dear neighbor in a variety of ways which include education, health care and special service projects, such as assisting the elderly, ministering to the poor and homeless, and caring for those in need. During this last year your donations have helped fund fifteen ministries in which the Sisters and CSJ Associates serve. Each of these ministries has touched and continues to touch the lives of many in an essential life-giving manner.
JAPANSister Miriam (Eiko) Maki, a CSJ serving in Japan, wrote: “Although it is now over three years since the tsunami and radiation disaster of March 2011, many people still remain in temporary housing. Many survivors are dealing with traumatic memories, depressions, and continued exposure to radiation.In the midst of this trauma, the Capacitar Japan team has been able to offer healing and self-care to recreate their lives and communities.
ALExANDRiA hoUSESister Judy Vaughan from Alexandria House wrote in gratitude for the donation received, “The women and children who come to live at Alexandria House have had their worlds shattered by domestic violence, poverty, and human trafficking. Day by day, they heal, make a plan for permanent housing, and take steps forward until they achieve their goals. Along the way, they have the support of an extended community—which includes you.
gET oN ThE bUSAn eight year old child who had just visited with her incarcerated mom said of Get on the Bus, “This is the nicest thing that has ever happened to me. The best part was when my mom was holding me.” Founded by Sisters Suzanne Jabro and Suzanne Steffan, CSJ Get On The Bus brings children and their guardians/caregivers from throughout the state of California to visit their mothers and fathers in prison.
gooD ShEPhERD CENTERGood Shepherd Center, founded by Sister Julia Mary Farley, CSJ, just celebrated 30 years of serving homeless women and their children in Los Angeles with dignity and love.. They provide case management, food, shelter, counseling, job training, and other supportive services in order to stabilize the lives of the women they serve. 2
Submitted by Sister Kathy Stein, Chair of the CSJ Ministry Support Fund
Committee
whERE wE SERVE oR SUPPoRT
c Alexandria House Los Angeles, CAc Capacitar Japanc Get on the Bus Los Angeles, CAc Concern America, Santa Ana, CAc Good Shepherd Center Los Angeles, CAc House of Yahweh Lawndale, CAc Marian Alliance Schools of Santa Ana Santa Ana, CAc Soledad Enrichment Action (SEA) Los Angelesc South Central LAMP Los Angeles, CAc St. Elizabeth Health Center Tucson, AZc St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Lewiston, IDc St. Mary’s Center, Oakland, CAc St. Vincent de Paul, San Francisco, CAc Thomas House Family Shelter Garden Grove, CAc Villa Maria Chapel Foundation Tucson, AZ
Vows into Action
ThE SiSTERS oF ST JoSEPh ExPRESS
ThEiR DEEP gRATiTUDE To yoU,
ThEiR bENEFACToRS FoR yoUR
CoNTiNUED gENERoSiTy.
yoU ALLow MANy To EMbRACE
“ThE FUTURE wiTh hoPE.”
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Kathy Stein, CSJ
Banner, Takae–We pray in solidarity for peace for the people of Takae;
1st Saturday of December 2014
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Ssters of St Joseph, Associates and friends support the effort to stopHuman Trafficking in Los Angeles.
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uring the seven months that I have shared in the community life of our Sisters i n J a p a n , I
have been inspired by their living of the consecrated life, through their participation in the life of the Province and the Congregation, by their dedication to the Dear Neighbor, and especially through their life of prayer. Let me begin by describing the life of prayer of our Sisters. Every day of the week they gather for prayer. Even during vacation times, those who are home come together to pray. Liturgy is celebrated in the house usually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays with Father Nehrig, MM, who comes from the neighborhood church. There is variety in their prayer life. The morning and evening hours of the office are most commonly used. On days when Mass is not celebrated, prayer is a time for meditating on the daily scripture readings. There are days of special intention. On Fridays, Sisters come early to chapel before Mass to pray for vocations. On the first Saturday of the month, in the Tsu community, there is a special prayer of support for the people of Takae who are
D dedicating their lives to stop the building of U.S. heliports in the area. (See article in Spring 2015 DESIGNS). Every Saturday, the Sisters fast from fruit and sweets for this intention, and every day they pray in solidarity with the victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, for those who lost family members, their land and/or their homes, or who are without work. E a c h d a y, i n b o t h communit ies , the s isters and associates, whose day it is from our photo book “Who we are––Day by Day,” are remembered in the prayer intentions of the community. Every sister whose memory is written in the “Book of Remembering” is brought to our attention. And always, every prayer and liturgy is accompanied by hymns (sometimes in English) sung with the beautiful voices of our sisters. It is difficult to describe in words how deeply the prayer of our Sisters here in Japan has touched my heart and inspired me in my own life of prayer as a consecrated member of the Sisters of St. Joseph. 2 Submitted by Celia DuRea, CSJ
Living the Consecrated Life through prayer
Making Spiritual Choices
The neighborhood parish church in Tsu where Sisters attend Sunday Liturgy.
The neighborhood dressed in annual show of Cherry blossoms.
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Celebrating Liturgy with Father Nerrigh in Tsu
“inorimasho. Let us pray.”
SiSTER MARgARET MURRAyWe are not working toward God. God is here. God is NOW. Often times Spiritual Direction is about changing our concept of God.
SiSTER PAT NELSoNOftentimes what motivates us to grow is other people.
SiSTER JoyCE gASPARDoMany times growth can come from parish retreats.
SiSTER PAT NELSoNOftentimes, people are motivated by their own experience; they realize that they are spiritually hungry and may not know where to go, and frequently their church is not meeting their spiritual needs.
SiSTER LiNDA SNowPeople are seeking. They are trying to make sense out of their own ups and downs.
SiSTER MARgARET MURRAyRecognize that God is a loving God and loves us, each one of us.
SiSTER PAT NELSoNGreat losses in our lives raise questions about life and its meaning. Feeling vulnerable is a life reality.
SiSTER LiNDA SNowOftentimes there can be an awareness of the conscious and unconscious in dreams.
SiSTER MARgARET MURRAyTrust God’s love in your life.
SiSTER PAT NELSoNTrust your spiritual life. Follow. Take the initiative.
SiSTER JoyCE gASPARDoPray to desire to desire. Summer slowing down time could be an opportunity for deepening one’s spirituality. An experience in nature could afford an opportunity as well.
SiSTER PAT NELSoNDevelop prayer practices: Say the rosary, read scripture, take opportunities for quiet time every day. And keep the Sabbath! Believe it or not God, wants us to rest. We invite you to take time today and recognize your soul. It will draw you closer to the God of Love. 2 tten by Therese Denham, CSJ
iNTRoDUCTioNThe Year of Consecrated Life is a reminder to all of us that there is something else besides the world of everyday life––eating, sleeping and computing. As women religious, the spiritual life is the soul of our consecrated life. It is demonstrated in our every action. We are called to be in right relationship to God, all creation and all those whom we meet each day. Four Spiritual Directors recently shared some thoughts on this topic.
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IMARiA RUVALCAbA, USD ‘14 Servant Leadership––Service with a Purpose
n the tradition of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, the motto “serve the dear neighbor” is the
way by which they live their lives as servant leaders. Being part of the St. Joseph Worker volunteer program I learned that phrase and have come to use it more often as I label my work and life during my year of service. I learned about the lifestyle of serving the dear neighbor, and realizing that I have already
St Joseph Worker Program: Commitment to Personal and Social Change
been doing this kind of work all throughout my years of being involved with my communities at home and school. The only difference is that I now see my work toward social justice through the spiritual lens that comes with the phrase “dear neighbor.” I have always seen myself as a servant leader for the empowerment and betterment of my own life, my family, community, and people. It has also influenced my life and deepened my passion for working for the rights and dignity of human beings and the option for the poor. Doing a year of service in the community through my placement site, Inquilinos Unidos (United Tenants), I have been able to further my passion for social justice through my work and my spirituality. I am able to align my desire for a better world with my religious beliefs and get rewarded everyday with the kind and gracious words of thank you and appreciation for my help from the tenants I see and speak to every day. And although their words of gratitude are great to receive,
am humbled by their desire and willingness to persevere and not allow themselves
to be trampled on by slumlords who take advantage of their vulnerable state. It is my pleasure to lend an ear in their process of bettering their living situations. I am grateful to have found a motto that fits my idea of being a servant leader and see those I help through an endearing lens as my equals because as Mahatma Gandhi stated “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
IMoNiCA RoSALES, LMU ‘14 Making a Difference
ne of the biggest compliments I have received working at Immaculate Conception
School is how I am exposing these students to social justice issues. Expanding on my Salesian and Jesuit roots from LMU, I share what I have learned with my 6th grade religion class. I have had the privilege to take 28 sixth graders to Homeboy Industries to support the runners of the Homeboy 5k and, recently, had them walk and lead chants in support to end human trafficking in a Walk for Freedom. These are great opportunities that I never received when I was a kid, and I hope this early exposure points them in the right direction to do some good in the world. Through teaching religion and Religious Education classes, I see their general love and care for the people in their neighborhoods. Living in Pico Union, these
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Judy Molosky, CSJ Director of the St. Joseph
Worker Program
Maria Ruvalcaba on the left with client
Monica Rosales in the center with children at school
iNTRoDUCTioNThe St Joseph Worker Program is a one-year volunteer experience for women ages 21-30 who are passionate about social change and personal transformation. St Joseph Workers (SJWs) commit to a year of service to develop core values of justice, leadership, spirituality, and living simply in an intentional community. They are placed at different organizations focusing on social services, education, healthcare, advocacy and systemic change. SJW’s receive housing, transportation, monthly stipends and health insurance options. Sister Judy Molosky, Program Director, works closely with these young women and the agencies that partner with us to ensure that the volunteers fulfill their desires of working directly with those most in need. This year, there are four SJW’s in Los Angeles. We are proud to share reflections from two of them in their own words.
students see many homeless people. They see the gang violence. They live with parents who are barely making enough money to support them, and still making the sacrifice to send them to a private Catholic school. Whether it’s holding a blanket drive for the homeless, or taking a trip to the local convalescent center, these students at Immaculate Conception are learning to be involved, caring citizens of Los Angeles. I am just there to lead them in the right direction, and I am loving every minute of it as a St. Joseph Worker!
o learn more about this program, how to apply, and to watch videos about their activities,
please visit www.csjla.org and click on the St Joseph Worker button. 2
Written by St. Joseph Workers Maria Ruvalcaba and Monica Rosaless
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n one of his writings designating the Year of Consecrated Life, Pope
Francis says: “I want to say one word to you and this word is joy. Wherever consecrated people are, there is always joy.” This spoke to me as it explains the “why” of my vocation. When I was young my parents decided that Catholic school was something they wanted for me. I remember being awed by the Sister who was waiting at the door of Kindergarten. She taught me my ABCs and about loving God and others. Two years later, at my new school, the sisters wore different outfits but continued me on the road of the “three R’s”. Then we changed schools again and for the first time I met the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The missing lynchpin in “my call” was in place, although I was totally unaware of it still. Often we speak of our “call” to religious life as something between ourselves and God. However, as a sixth grader at St
Emydius in San Francisco, the “answer” to my call, first came from my Dad. At a conference, he told Sister Mary George to “move over, she is on her way.” I was embarrassed that Dad would say this when I had not given it a thought. Somehow he knew––he heard me speak of sisters in ways I had never done before, and he saw something happening in me.
n retrospect I realize what I was experiencing for the first time in my life, was
what Pope Francis speaks of ––“the joy!” I saw sisters in the school yard, speaking and laughing. I saw the output of the “consecrated life” ––people happy doing what they did, and showing that joy. Of course, as in any life, there are good times and not-so-good times. However, joy is that on-going element we are called to share. The Consecrated Life, or vocation as a vowed religious, is a book known by its cover. The external is what speaks as Francis exhorts: “Religious should be men and women who are able to wake the world up.”
here are many things the vowed religious give with their witness, but the
ultimate gift of JOY still remains crucial. God loved us with our own “call” and continues to love us. Spread that joy! 2
Written by James Marien O'Dyer, CSJI
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TSpreading the GOOD News ...Doing all with JOY!
James Marien O'Dyer, CSJ Sist
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Barbara Dugan, CSJ, ministers at Santa BarbaraCenter as consultant for Safeguard the Children
Marilyn Binder, CSJ, is our Chapel Coordinator at Carondelet Center
Mary Nicholas Inue, CSJ, is an artist and works with the deafin Japan.
Teresa Scottino, CSJ, a Clinical Psycologist on the right celebrating her Jubilee with her sister, Josephine Mahoney.
l/r: Theresa Harpin, CSJ Coordinates
Restorative Partners in San Luis Obispo,
Terri Daggi, CSJ Associate , and
Suzanne Jabro, CSJ founding Director of
Get on the Bus
Sandra Williams, CSJ, LeadershipTeam member
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hough it seems like just a couple of weeks ago that we planted Alexandria House’s
community garden, our raised beds are overflowing. The garden teaches us what indigenous people have always known—to thrive and survive as community, we share. The abundance of our community garden not only provides home-grown produce for our dinner table, it enables us to share with our dear neighbors.To add to what we grow ourselves, we also make bi-weekly trips to the Downtown Farmer’s Market. These trips are a lifeline for past residents who run short of food towards the end of the month and cannot afford fresh produce. We are also grateful to the Soup Sisters and Broth Brothers, a nonprofit organization that makes and shares soup with shelters in 28 cities, including Alexandria House. And in keeping with the spirit of the Soup Sisters, Alexandria House, in turn, shares soup with its past residents and families of our After School Program participants.
“Sharing and giving are the ways of God.”
– Sauk Native American traditional saying.
T Sharing is the centerpiece of the Alexandria House culture. We are incredibly blessed to experience both giving and receiving as love in action every day. 2 Written by Judy Vaughan, CSJ
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Judy Vaughan, CSJFounding Director
Medialle House of Discernment Community
L of time to experience community life. Each woman meets with a CSJ companion to discuss her individual reflection and prayer. T h e p h r a s e o f P a r k e r Palmer, “Listen to the life that wants to live in you,” is a mantra for the women of Medaille. Nicole reflects that, “Medaille House is a place for reflection and exploration; a personal and spiritual journey with like- minded women taking time away from society’s expectations to figure out who you truly are and how you will use your personal passions to fulfill your life’s purpose.”
f you know a woman who is interested or if you can offer opportuni t ies for employment
or ministry for these women, please contact Sister Darlene at [email protected]. Alejandra says it well, “Medaille House is a place
that encourages searching for Christ in our lives. The house allows us to live in a community that fuels an ongoing search for where it is we are called to minister. The community itself allows for prayer, friendship, and deep spiritual conversation.” At Medaille House they are being and acting in new ways for the life of the world. Please support them. 2 Written by Darlene Kawulok, CSJ
Discernment Day at Medaille HouseLunch with Giselle, Sally, Chelsey, Yeonmi, and Cristy
An evening at the Hollywood Bowl with Daniela Vargas, Sr. Carol Brong, and Tina Torres
Daniela "Off to USF" dinner at Roscoe's
Chicken and Waffles l/r: Daniela, Nicole,
S Carol Brong, CSJ, S Darlene Kawulok, CSJ and Alejandra
ocated in Los Angeles, CA Medai l le House Community began in 2011 with a simple goal: to invite women who are trying to figure out the
“whats” of their lives to live with vowed CSJs, sharing prayer and community. To understand what they “do” at Medaille House it is important to know what they are “about.” They are about discernment engaging in a living, breathing process of decision making in order to separate and distinguish accurately one “thing” from another. The better someone discerns, the better choices they make. They are about living interdependently in community where a safe place is created so that meaningful conversations can happen and inner work can be encouraged to bring about transformation. There are three women, Nicole, Alejandra and Yeonmi, living with Sisters Darlene and Carol. They share community prayer, house responsibilities, and presence with each other. The women are introduced to the charism and ministries of the CSJs. They are engaged in ministry and employment: Mount Saint Mary’s University, Loyola Marymount, graduate school, new careers. They open their home to invited guests for short periods
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HOLY GROUND
What’s In a Name? The origins of our Magazine’s Name
he term Design has a special meaning for the Sisters of St. Joseph. It is more than 365 years old. A French Jesuit priest,
Jean Pierre Medaille, met a group of single and widowed women who desired religious life and wanted to help others. The women so touched Fr. Medaille that he approached the local bishop to create a religious community of widows and single women who loved God and provided help "in all the ways in which women were capable". Medaille called this project, “the Little Design”. For five centuries, we have been both the Designed and the Designers of works that "advance the glory of God and serve the Dear Neighbor”. In 2015 the “Little Design” includes all who share our charism. May you discover within you a “Little Design” of great love, love of God, love of neighbor, love of earth. Come create with us the “Little Design” of the 21st cent. 2 Written by Pat Nelson, CSJ
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Holy Ground has been a regular addition to the back cover of DESIGNS. It expresses the beauty and the sacred in creation. Be Holy Ground!