Mission Board Update - Sisters of IHMMonica Bubser, Meff Sciulli, and Brother Mark Lowery, FSC. IHM Sisters Join St. Rosalia Academy’s 100th Anniversary Celebration aNd other places

IHM Newsletter - December 2012page 1 page 1 December 2012

continued on page 3

Mission Board Update

The meeting agenda and complete issues and concerns may be found at: http://www.sistersofihm.org/sisters-login-page/mission-board.html

The IHM Mission Board gathered November 3 in the Theresa Maxis Conference Center. Following tracking of previously presented issues and concerns, members of the leadership team provided the following updates:

the leadership team will not have regional meetings this year•Sister Angela Cerna Plata, IHM (Monroe) is recovering from illness and will join the sisters in Peru in •September 2013Sisters Chris Koellhoffer and Kathryn Kurdziel will visit Peru in February 2013•LCWR and Doctrinal Assessment: sisters have remained prayerfully silent. The Doctrinal Assessment has •increased the visibility of women religious worldwide. Sisters Mary Hughes and Pat Farrell have contin-ued to be spokespersons for LCWR. The leadership team will keep the congregation updated on develop-ments regarding LCWR and the Doctrinal AssessmentThe leadership team has hired Sister Rita Margraff, GNSH, to assist the Chapter secretary in taking min-•utes

Sister Gail reviewed the summary of Assembly 2012 evaluations. She noted that the attendees seemed pleased with the format of the days, rating high the Sister Sandra Schneiders video, the midterm report, Sister Terry O’Rourke’s address, and table conversations. The following suggestions were made for Assembly 2013:

continue what Sandra’s talk challenged•continue discussion on future of religious life•continue conversations about community living•share ideas about a creating a spiritual resource center•continue conversation about deepening spirituality•explore Vatican II documents•raise Chapter issues•discusscongregationfinancialaffairs•

Sister Margo presented the following new issues and concerns:

Light Bearers-WevaluetheimportanceofpresenceandparticipationattheupcomingChapterofoursisterswhodesiretobedelegates,butliveatadistance.Weareconcernedthattheagingprocess,financesandtimecom-mitment will have an impact on Sisters prayerfully considering responding to the request to be a delegate. We ask that consideration be given to the option that some of the Chapter meetings be available to those at a distance via telecommunications for cluster groups or regional gatherings. Sister Margo responded that this issue, related to the issue presented by the Florida Sunshine Mission Group,wasaddressedbytheElectionCommitteewhichincludedthepossibilityofe-delegatesintheballotsenttomembership in September. She noted that both canonical and technological issues need to be considered with this issue. SisterTerryrespondedthattwocanonlawyerswereconsultedaboute-delegates.Bothrespondedthatcanon law requires delegates to be present for Chapter of Affairs and Chapter of Elections. Sister Terry noted that the issue needs further investigation and that the membership might have to rethink the way Chapter is conducted.

IHM Newsletter - December 2012 page 2page 2

TheeighteenmembersofthefirstclassofHESA,theHigherEducationforSistersofAfrica,begintheirstudiestoward earning a bachelor’s degree The program is sponsored by the African Sisters Education Collaborative, of which Maryood University and the IHM Congregation are charter members.The sisters all serve in East Africa. The course was designed as an orientation to online education since the sisters will earn most of their credits in that mode. Sister Kathleen Burns, IHM, is delivering instruction on the technical sections of the course from the United States, two of Marywood’s library faculty, Leslile Christianson and Julie Watson, will spend online time with the sisters, and Sister Margaret Gannon, IHM, is in Kenya with the sisters and will provide an introduction on Moodle, the system through which the courses will be delivered and the basics of writing an academic paper. The program has been organized by Sister Jane Wakahiu, LSOFS, the executive director and Christina McDonald, the coordinator of HESA.

On November 16 at the IHM Peace Site, sisters, students and neighbors joined in prayer, ritual and advocacyfor the local SOA Prayer Vigil. The gathering was held in solidarity with those from across the Americas who joined at the gates of Ft. Benning, urging representatives to cosponsor House Bill (HR 3368) which would sus-pend operations at the SOA/WHINSEC and provide for an investigation into the school’s history and practices. Pictured are members of the planning committee: Sisters Susan Hadzima, John Michele Southwick and Donna Korba with presenter Maryknoll Brother John Blazo.

page 2 IHM Newsletter - December 2012page 2 page 3

Sister Ellen Maroney reported that a technology committee has been formed: Sisters Ann Monica Bubser, Kathleen Burns, Fran Fasolka, Ellen Maroney and Grace Surdovel. Increasing bandwidth for connectivity viafiberopticsisbeingresearched.TheequipmentandInternetconnec-tionneedsofe-delegatesisbeingdetermined.WhenInternetupgradesforthecongregationande-delegatesarecomplete,testingofvideostreamingand conferencing will be conducted. Conversation ensued and the following points were raised:

•formingclustergroupsindifferentgeographiclocationstogatherformeetings via video streaming and conferencing•collaboratingbetweenMarywoodUniversityandtheIHMCongre-gation for Internet upgrade•usingAssemblyforgovernanceandplanoneweekforChapterofAffairs and Chapter of Elections•consideringmeetingsasprechaptermeetings.OpenChapterattimeof Chapter of Affairs/Elections•conductingfirstChaptermeetingatMarywoodUniversitywherethetechnology is available

Adecisionone-delegateswillbemadeatthefirstChaptermeet-ing in March.

Heartlight-InlightofMid-TermReport’sagedemographicsandassem-bly discussions, the formation team should be directed to 1)designavocationprogramspecificallytargetedtoyoungprofessionalwomen (utilizing the expertise of a PR/marketing consultant as needed)2) consider having a young women’s leadership conference to

a) share IHM leadership skills and strategies with this target audienceb)promotetherealitythatsignificantlifecontributionscanbemadeby professional women by pursuing a religious vocation and its minis-tries c) the current Circle of Grace in Florida which targets middle school to high school students should be turned into a model that can be for-mally promoted through the Associate Program.

A response from the Vocations Team was distributed (attached). Conversation ensued. The following points were made:

•vocationsworkistheresponsibilityofallsisters•invitationtoallsisterstoattendtheKeystotheFutureworkshop•createaforumforconversationregardingissuessuchas

updating of vocation/formation programs•age of candidates•education debt of candidates•

Resolution: The representative asked that the issue be sent to the voca-tions team and the New Life Committee and also that it be considered at the December 1 “Keys to the Future” workshop. Beyond this, no further action will be taken.

Heartlight-Inlightoftherecentdatechangesforsubmissionofissuesand concerns for Mission Board meetings: a) time for mission group meeting should be included in Assembly meeting in July to allow for time

continued on page 5

Sister Cecilia Yeon Tji’s paint-ing, Remember Me, is displayed at the IHM Center outside the OLPH Conference Room. Sister Cecilia provides the following explanation of the images and themes depicted in the painting. “The painting aims tolookatandreflectonthepathstohealing. What people may see in my artwork is the image of the suffering Jesus. Viewers may encounter the mysteryofJesus’crucifixiontoday.My artwork reveals Jesus’ stories and messages.” “The cross in this picture be-comes a prophetic voice, generating a source of power that emanates human dignity. New York City indi-rectly reveals the reality of the pain andanguishof9-11-01.Thefunctionof the “Remember Me” painting is to help people embrace this inhu-man catastrophe in New York City through the death of Jesus. This painting expresses an agonizing pain and a deep joy only God can give. These contradictory expressions (in pain is a shadow of faith, hope, love, and glory) help this artwork to make sense to the viewer.” “Jesus is the way to full healing. He comes to bring us life that we might have it more abundantly (Jn. 10: 10). I hope viewers of this paint-ingwillfindafeelingofwarmththrough God’s healing power.”

Mission Board continued from page 1

IHM Newsletter - December 2012 page 4

Lessons from Life Order: [email protected] from Life E-books: www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.comMarywood’s Gratitude Page: www.marywood.edu/holiday/month-of-thanks/IHM Directory - printable: http://www.sistersofihm.org/sisters-login-page/ihm-documents.htmlHeartworksOnline-downloadableartcheap: http://store.ihmheartworks.org/merchant2/Vatican II Documents: http://www.ewtn.com/library/councils/v2all.htm

New oN the IhM web

On November 24, Saint Rosalia Grade School and High School cel-ebrated their 100th anniversary. IHM Sisters and friends celebrated with the school, alumni association, and parish to commemorate the event. As one of the few parishes left in the Pittsburgh area with a thriving Catholic school, the celebration of St. Rosalia’s centennial was one of great triumph for the school’s continuing existence and also of great affirmation of theimportance of Catholic education. IHM sisters that are alumnae of St. Rosalia Elementary/High School or those who ministered there joined the celebration of dinner, dancing and reminiscent story telling. Guest speaker Michael Bartley, WQED TV host and school graduate, spoke about the dedication that permeates the St. Rosalia community, mentioning the many good people that devoted their time to the institution over the past 100 years.He noted the influenceof the teachers, staff, pastors, parents, coaches, alumni, and the “glaring dedication of the sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” Pictured L-R front: Karen Roos Orchowski, Sisters Dorothy Kibler andMary Mark Lowery. L-R back: Sisters Delia Marie McNeirney and AnnMonica Bubser, Meff Sciulli, and Brother Mark Lowery, FSC.

IHM Sisters Join St. Rosalia Academy’s 100th Anniversary Celebration

aNd other places of INterest

Join the IHM Sisters for

PrayerSecond Wednesday of

Each Month6:30 p.m.

December 12January 9

February 13March 13April 10May 8

Advent Prayer6:30 p.m.

December 5, 12, 19

IHM Center Chapel2300 Adams Avenue

Scranton, Pa

All are welcome!


to identify concerns for August submission deadline; b) issues and con-cerns that arise from mission group discussions of topics for education and consciousness raising can be submitted two weeks prior to the upcoming mission board meeting. Resolution:SisterGailaskedthattheminutesreflectthattheMissionBoard Planning Committee reviews all issues and concerns and will for-ward to mission groups those issues of a time sensitive and critical nature. It was also recommended that mission groups reconsider meeting dates in light of the new issues and concerns deadlines. Following discussion, it was resolved that no further action will be taken.

Heartlight–a)onamissiongrouplevel,readandreflectontheDocu-ments of Vatican II; b) on a congregation level, consider arranging for one day, multiple day speaker presentations, and retreats centered on the Docu-ments of Vatican II

The following responses were offered:•individualmissiongroupswilldecideiftheywishtodothis•NCRoffersa50pageinsertontheDocumentsofVaticanII•attendconferencesonVaticanIIofferedinlocalarea

Resolution:Followingdiscussion,therepresentativewassatisfiedwiththediscussion and responses. No further action is to be taken.

Florida Sunshine – A research committee be established by the IHM Lead-ership Team to determine the feasibility of continuing the house of prayer.

Discussion ensued that included the distinction of the terms: house of prayer, spirituality center, and retreat center. Sister Ellen Carney provided a brief history of the congregation’s houses of prayer. A suggestion was made that the leadership team appoint a committee to research this. Several mission groups suggested collaborating with the Pas-sionist Sisters in Clarks Summit in the use of their retreat facility. Resolution: The Mission Board voted that the leadership team establish a committee to research this issue.

Chapter 2014Sister Gail asked what issues should be raised for Chapter.The following issues were raised:

•revisethecongregation’srecruitmentandformationprograms•addressenvironmentalissues•doarealitycheckonwhereweareinrelationtotheVaticanIIdocu-ments•continueSandraSchneiders’presentationfromAssembly2012•continuediscussiononcommunitylife•discusswhat“apostolic”meanstoday•discussSisterPatFarrell’saddresstotheLCWRAssembly2012

NextMissionBoardMeeting-Friday,April26,beginningat1:00p.m.

Mission Board continued from page 3 The Apostolate of the Suffering

Sister Pat Hauser will provide information to those interested in offering prayers for the sick and suffering. For information, contact SisterPatat570-346-3359.

Mission Integration Sessions Held for Employees The Mission Integration Committee has been developing programs since 2007 to help IHM employees understand who the IHM Sisters are and how the teach-ing and healing mission of Jesus is manifest in the IHM Mission. The program also provides an opportunity to remind the employ-ees that their gifts and talents are appreciated and essential as they collaborate with IHM Sisters in the work at Our Lady of Peace Resi-dence and the IHM Center. As part of the mission integra-tion session in November of 2011 prayer was followed by the view-ingofthefirstvideoofathree-partseries based on the heritage panels displayed at the IHM Center. The firstvideosegmentfocusedonthefounding of the IHM Congrega-tion. In April 2012 the second video segment was viewed and focused on the IHM congregation’s mis-sions. At the November 5 mission integration session, the third video segment was shown. This last video focuses on the IHM future and explores ways others can join the sisters in moving the IHM mis-sion forward. More than ninety employees and sisters attended this most re-cent mission integration session.


Celebrating Sisters... and GirlfriendsSaturday, January 199:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.There is a special relationship be-tween those we call “sister” either by birth or life’s circumstances.Enjoy this time to just be together, sharing memories and creating new ones. Bring some photos or other memorabilia to share. You will love this day!Sister Carolanne Masone, OPCost: $50

Our Lady of Grace Spiritual Center

Manhasset, New York 11030 516-627-9255

[email protected]

Private or Directed RetreatThese retreats may be scheduled any time throughout the year at a time convenient for you. Please call 570-595-7548 to arrange for theretreat of your choice.

Advent Mornings of PrayerMondays: December 3, 10, 17Arrive for MassDepart: 10:00 a.m.After attending the 8:15 a.m. Mass in IHM Convent Chapel, come and spend an hour preparing your heart for the birth of our Savior.

Spiritual TeaWednesday, December 12Wednesday, January 9, 2013Arrive: 1:00 p.m.Depart: 3:00 p.m.It is not just about the tea, it is a chance to meet friends and spend time in prayer, relaxation and con-versation.

Winter Day of PrayerThursday, January 17Arrive: 10:00 a.m.Depart: 3:00 p.m.Winter is a wonderful time to strip ourselves of things that burden us so we can prepare for the blossoming of new life as we imitate the cycle of nature.Donation: $25.00Deadline for registration: Thursday, January 10

[email protected]

Spiritual TeaTuesday, February 12Arrive: 1:00 p.m .Depart: 3:00 p.m.Come and enjoy the companion-ship of friends over a cup of tea. This will be a relaxing way to pray, reflect and celebrate before thebeginning of Lent.

Lenten Morning of PrayerMondays: February 18, 25March 4, 11, 18, 2013Arrive for Mass Depart: 10:00 a.m.Most people want to do something extra during the season of Lent. Plan to attend the 8:15 a.m. Mass in the IHM Convent Chapel, and then spend an hour in prayer and reflection on the themes of Lent.

Spirituality of NatureSaturday, February 23Arrive: 10:00 a.m. Depart: 2:00 p.m.Nature is one of God’s gifts to us. This day will remind us of our responsibility to live justly with all of creation. The prayer and reflec-tion will focus on the sacredness of all creation and teach us an appre-ciation for this precious gift.Donation: $25.00Deadline for Registration: Satur-day, February 16

Twenty-Four Hour RetreatSaturday, March 9 - Sunday,March 10Arrive: Saturday, 11:00 a.m.Depart: Sunday, 11:00 a.m.Using Anthony de Mello’s themes of: silence, joy, peace, freedom, life and love this retreat will include video presentation, prayer experiences, exercises and sharing.Donation: $60.00Deadline for Registration: Satur-day, March 2

Sister Mary Persico coau-thored with John Capasso an article titled, CHE Speeds Ahead in Support of PACE. The article was recently published in Health Prog-ress, Journal of the Catholic Health Association of the United States. Catholic Health East (CHE) is currently the largest PACE opera-tor in the country and is expanding its programs because they offer a financially sustainable way toprovide comprehensive, integrated health care to the poor. Sr. Mary Persico serves as executive vice president, mission integration, Catholic Health East, Newtown Square, Pa.To find this article online searchon the title above.

In Support of PACE


Celebrating IHM Founders’ Day

IHMSisters,co-workers,associatesandfriendsgatheredintheTheresaMaxis Conference Center November 14 for a festive dinner in celebra-tion of the 167th anniversary of the founding of the IHM Congregation. A prayer service in the IHM Center chapel followed dinner.PicturedL-Rseated:SisterCelineOmolo,FSJ,SisterAnnellenKelly,RosanneEllis,SisterAlphonsaConcilio.L-Rstanding:SisterMargaretZalot, SSC, Jenn Shebby, David Saslo, Sister Donna Korba and Alejandra Marroquin.

You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks OnMay12nine-year-oldZuZupassed a test which will enable her to beacertifiedpettherapydog.Inherpast life ZuZu, a Gordon Setter, was aprize-winningshowdogfromNewHampshire. For a year and a half now ZuZu has been residing with three Sisters at Bethany, a convent on the Motherhouse grounds of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Danville, Pa. ZuZu has a special pact with Sister Lila Sciabica. When Sister Lila who is currently a resident in the CPE program

at Geisinger returns to St. Cyril’s from the rigors of hospital chaplaincy, ZuZu provides just the right therapy. Sister Lila in turn gives ZuZu a spe-cial session of grooming and petting. Zuzu has also been accepted into Tailwaggers. Dogs in this group go to the local library or a church to listen to youngsters read aloud. It remains to be seen what new tricks this old dog will learn next.

Sisters are invited to order cop-ies of the Winter 2013 LCWR Oc-casional Papers. The order form may be found at: http://tinyurl.com/d4lgohu Orders are due by Thursday, December 20. This issue will provide materi-alsforfurtherreflectiononmanyofthesignificanteventsandmove-ments in the lives of U.S. women religious in recent years. These include the emphasis on intentional contemplation, greater awareness of the universe story, the apostolicvisitation, the doctrinal assessment of LCWR, and all the dynamics that go with these events. How are women religious sensing a new consciousnessofthesignificanceof religious life in these times? How are religious sensing a shift in theirownself-definitionasreli-gious and their understanding of what religious life can potentially be? The issue will also provide ameansforreflectingonthechurch’s “Year of Faith” and thecommemoration of the 50th an-niversary of the Second Vatican Council.Howisthefidelityofreli-gioustothecallofVaticanIIfidel-ity to the invitation to evolutionary leadership in a living church? Content will include articles and interviews on understandingconscience, contemporary inter-pretations of the vow of obedience, the skill of collaboration, deepen-ing relationships with the laity, ex-ploring the new texture of religious life, and leading in polarized times. Questions about an order, may be directed to Carol Gliddenat [email protected].


(as of December 1, 2012)FinalProfession-414

TemporaryProfession-4

IHM Congregation Vitae

IHM EventsChapter 2013March2-3,2013

First Meeting of Delegates

Mission Board Meeting Friday, April 26, 2013

Chapter MeetingApril27-28,2013

Assembly and Chapter MeetingJuly25-27,2013

Jubilee July 28, 2013

Mission Board Meeting November 15, 2013

Chapter Meeting

November16-17,2013

Chapter 2014 Discernment DayFebruary 1, 2014

Chapter of Affairs/Elections

March6-9,2014

Chapter of Affairs/ElectionsApril3-6,2014

OSP IHM 170th Anniversary Gathering

at Marywood University July12-15,2015

Almost Home: Helping Kids Move from Homelessness to Hope

By Kevin Ryan and Tina Kelley Reviewed by Sister Mary Joan Kelleher, IHM

This book is about Covenant House International; a place where counselors and volunteers annually provide food,shelter,andimmediatecrisiscaretooverfifty

thousand homeless and sexually exploited children and youth. Covenant House’s goal is to love kids that the world too often calls unlovable. It is not an easy task, but they work hard to show that a better life is possible for these children. Covenant House provides schooling, and for older youths, assistance in findingjobsandapartmentsaswellasprovidingmentalandphysicalhealthservices. Their overall goal is to communicate to their guests the realization that they are important and have value. Kevin Ryan, President and CEO of Covenant House International, and Tina Kelley, former New York Times writer and now Covenant House staff member, decided to coauthor Almost Home: Helping Kids Move from Homelessness to Hope. The purpose of their book is to tell the stories of six desperate kids from the U.S. and Canada to whom Covenant House has given a second chance and changed their lives forever. “A Son Walks Alone: Paulie’s Story,” one of the six homeless youth pro-filedinthebooktellsofanAlaskanboywhoseviolenthomelifeledhimtodrugs and the street. When his parents separated, Paulie and his sister lived with their mother. It was during this time that Paulie began to experiment with drugs. His mother turned him over to the police and he was placed in ahomefordelinquentboys.Hefledthishome,wenttolivewithhisfa-ther, which did not work out, and soon found himself homeless. A friend’s mother took him to Covenant House. Here, he met Mildred Mark, who became his primary counselor. For a number of years, Paulie lived between Covenant House and the streets because his addition to drugs continued to drag him down. Pauliebecameinvolvedinkickboxingwherehemetsuccessforthefirsttime in his life. This success helped him to turn his life around. He found a jobintherestaurantindustryfirstaswaiterandthenasacook.Thesuccessthat he realized there led him to become a volunteer at Covenant House and eventually to bring the kids to a special dinner that he had prepared for them in his restaurant. You will delight in reading about Paulie’s success as well asthesuccessstoriesoftheotheryouthsprofiled. One point six million young people in North America runaway or are kicked out of their homes each year. What can you do about this? Reading this book will leave you with a desire to do something!

Mary Pio Ferrario 570-299-7011

Lillian Marie Farrell 570-330-8523

IHM Directory Update

www.sistersofihm.org Online directory

IHM Newsletter - December 2012page 9

IHM Business OIHM Business OIHM Business Officefficeffice

Sisters, if you change your e-mailaddress, please contact the IHM

Communications Office:570-346-5404 or

[email protected]

IHM Leadership TeamThis is a listing of events and meetings attended by one or more members of the leadership team during the month of November:Local Community Fidelity Checking Accounts

As we have done for the past few years, local community Fidelity checking accounts will be reduced to two times the monthly allotment on Monday, December 31, 2012.The reduction will be reflected onthe December bank statement. Please be sure to note the deduction in your check register. The January monthly allotment will be deposited into the local community checking accounts on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.The Business Office will notify you of the amount that wasswept from your account. If you have been saving for a jubilee or some other expenses, please contact Sister Ellen Carney with the amount by December 10, 2012. That additional amount will be retained in the ac-count.

The Bistro Due to consistently decreasing sales, the Bistro will be closed on Saturdays beginning January 1, 2013. However, Chartwells will be happy to provide food service for Mission Groups, committee meetings and other groups holding meetings on Saturday at the IHM Center and Our Lady of Peace. Orders will be delivered to any of the meeting and conference rooms at the IHM Center and Our Lady of Peace Residence. Prices will be discounted for IHM sisters.•Select what you want from the Catering menu at:http://www.sister-sofihm.org/what-you-can-do/otherservices.•Send order to Jon Barzensky ([email protected]) no laterthan 3 days prior to the event.•Indicate the name of the group and contact person to be billed.•Send payment to the Business Office at the IHM Center.

Room Reservations•To reserve the following at the IHM Center:Theresa Maxis Confer-ence Center, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Conference Room, Gillet Conference Room, ororor Chapel contact Sister Bernadette Zaytoun 570-963-2475 or [email protected]•To reserve conference rooms in Our Lady of Peace Residence, con-tact Sister Jean Coughlin:570-346-5421 or [email protected]•To order food for all locations, send e mail to Jon Barzensky [email protected]

Legal DocumentsIt has come to our attention that some sisters’ legal documents (General Durable Power of Attorney, Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare and Healthcare Instructions, Last Will and Testament and Administra-tion of Personal Property) have been incorrectly completed or signed. We will be contacting those involved asking you to complete new docu-ments and return as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Conference Call with Chapter facilitatorWalk Through, IHM Friends: CarbondaleMission Board meetingLuncheon meeting with President of Mother Seton AcademyMeeting with Staff of Spiritual Renewal Center, CrescoPresentation on Vatican II with Msgr. John LouisMeeting with leadership team, Sisters of St. CasimirTri-Community leadership meeting: IHM, SSC, SSCMDinner and Evening of Prayer for Founders DayLocal SOA Presentation and PrayerMarywood University President’s Thanksgiving receptionArt and Photography Exhibit by Residents of St. Joseph’s CenterFriends of the Poor Thanksgiving dinnerSpiritual Development Team meetingLeadership meetingsChapel of Four Chaplains ReceptionMission Integration Committee MeetingMother Seton Academy Board MeetingElection Committee MeetingMission Board Planning Committee meetingMarywood University Thanksgiving BrunchBishop’s Meeting, Syracuse DioceseMeeting regarding E-delegatesIHM Congregation Charitable Trust meetingManagement MeetingDining Services MeetingIHM Arts Ministry MeetingNativity Miguel Founders Planning meeting


Enthronement Guild Board Luncheon Planned A Christmas luncheon, including Christmas carols, will be provided for the Enthronement Guild and IHMofficersattheIHMCenteronSaturday, December 15 at 11:30 a.m. In appreciation for their work and dedication throughout the year in spreading the message of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary,the Guild offers this annual event to the members of the board and acknowledges the support of the Sisters of IHM. Sister Celesta Sinisi, moderator of the Enthronement Guild, Sis-ter Patricia Hauser, director of the Apostolate of the Suffering, and Sister Barbara Nogiewich are will-ing to provide information on this ministry which has been under the auspices of the Diocese of Scranton since 1945.

IHM Associates Renew Commitment

Each year associates recommit to IHM Associate Relationship in the same way that sisters annually renew their vows on December 8. On the occasion of Founders’ Day, associates join in solidarity with the community in cel-ebrating the “paths of daring and deeds of hope” of our founders. Their commitment to the IHM Core Values and mission of Jesus leads them through their many works to a path of discovering God’s dream for all of creation. Circles of Grace in various regions prayed the Founders’ Day prayer used at the IHM Center Evening of Prayer on November 14. Circles of Grace gathered in Vestal, NY, Palm Coast, FL, Wilmington, DE, North Beach and LaPlata, MD, and Williamston, NC.

During the recommitment prayer in Williamston, NC, (L-R) Sister Kieran Williams prays with Debra Hardison, Jennifer Neilsen,

and Dianne Young.

During the evening of prayer on November 14 at the IHM Center, Sister Terry O’Rourke rests

a stole on the shoulder of Daniella Rivera.

NRVC Convocation Held in Texas Vocation Directors Meet at the National Religious Vocation Convoca-tionNovember2-5.TheirthemewasVocationMinisters:AReconcilingPresence Pictured are representatives from the IHM Sisters, Monroe, Immaculata and Scranton as well as sister representatives from the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, and the Sisters of St. Casimir.

IHM Newsletter - December 2012page 11

Moving Forward in Hope: Vocation Information UpdateThis is a follow-up on some questions thatsurfaced during the conversation about policies on vocations at the November Mission Board meeting. The initial formation program has four distinct but interrelated phases: Pre-Admission,Candidacy, Novitiate and Temporary Profes-sion.

Pre-Admission Phase This phase involves many preliminary con-versations in which the vocation director and sometimes some IHM sisters begin to assess the suitability and the potential of a woman to become a healthy, happy IHM sister. After some time of discernment, by mutual agreement, the woman is admitted to the affili-ate phase of the process. She continues to live on her own as she explores multiple aspects of IHM life, meets more IHM sisters and attends some IHM events. At this point, the woman also begins to work with an IHM sister men-tor as well as with the vocation director. This phase takes about a year to eighteen months for a careful discernment to take place both on the part of the congregation and the woman. If everyone involved agrees that the woman seems to be a potential candidate with IHM, she may apply to the president for admission to candi-dacy in the IHM Congregation.

The IHM Constitutions “The process of initial formation gradually introduces the woman into the Congregation’s life and prayer, community and ministry. We welcome women of human and Christian ma-turity who desire to share our IHM vision and participate in our mission of love. We value the unique gifts they offer to the Congregation and to the People of God. We strive to provide a thorough and enriching preparation for a well-informed, free commitment and for a lifeof zealous ministry with and for God’s people.” (Constitutions # 34 - 36) In the next newsletter, the criteria for enter-ing into the candidacy phase in the IHM Con-gregation will be explored.

Silver Circle is at 96% of its goal! Thank you very much to everyone for all the hard work and effort toward this vital pro-gram. It is because of all of you that the goal of 7,000 Silver Circle memberships is certainly attainable this year! As of November 29, ticket sales amounted to 6,740. En-courage gift giving this Christmas with a Silver Circle mem-bership. How great would it be to be able to spend the holiday with loved ones, enlightening everyone with the wonderful news that Silver Circle reached its goal! This holiday season, we encourage new and recurring gifts of memberships to pour in like an avalanche of snow; keep up the excellent work! We always strive for accuracy in preparing the sellers’ lists and appreciate your feedback throughout the campaign. Please let us know if we have not entered a subscription correctly and we will gladly update our records. The next drawing will be on December 19. Please continue to submit any returns before the drawings on the 3rd Wednes-days of each month till June 2013.

From the From the IHM Development OfficeIHM Development Office

AlsoAlso availableavailable as E-BookE-Book atwww.Amazon.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

Give a book for Christmas!


Did you know? by Pat Thomas of Marywood University’s Office of Public Relations The Sister Anne Munley, IHM, Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship has been established in honor of Sister Anne Munley, president of the University, through the estate of the late Florence D’Urso ’55. Thisisthefifthscholarshipendowedbythisdis-tinguishedMarywoodgraduate.Thefirstsheestab-lished—the Florence D’Urso Scholarship—provides support for female undergraduate students in the cre-ativefieldssheloved:art,interiordesign,andmusic.She went on to endow four more—each established to aid women and honor leaders she greatly admired: Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Sister Mary Reap, IHM, Ph.D., former President of Marywood Univer-sity, and now Sister Anne Munley, in recognition of Sister Anne’s vision, wisdom, and leadership in guid-ing the University through the new challenges of the 21st century. It would be hard to imagine a more dedicated supporter of Catholic education, a more enthusiastic champion of children and youth, or a more compas-sionate advocate for the poor, ill, and vulnerable members of society than Florence D’Urso. A former teacher, talented designer, mother of four, she was widowed as a young woman, but assumed her hus-band’s responsibilities as head of a major corporation and continued the philanthropic activities to which both had deeply committed. Throughout her life, Florence D’Urso’s response to personal tragedy had been to look outward to the needs of others. When a disastrous accident claimed her husband, she funded multiple charitable projects in his name. When her beloved brother, Father Francis Perkosky, was taken by illness, she built a chapel in hisnameforthepeopleofapoverty-strickenvillagein Mexico. When her son tragically died of cancer, she established the David D’Urso Lecture at Oxford University. Her support for Marywood and its students continued to be unstintingly generous in myriad ways. When Florence D’Urso tragically passed away last spring,herfinalwishwastoaddonemorescholarshipto those she had already endowed—this one honor-ing Sister Anne Munley and her wise, dedicated leadership of Marywood University. With loving commitment, Florence’s daughter helped carry out her mother’s wish—establishing the scholarship that will nowprovidefinancialaidforanotherpromisingyoungwoman at Marywood.

Father David Cinquegrani, the director at Holy Family Retreat Center, has produced and arranged a new

collection of music entitled “Love Begotten,” music to celebrate the Christmas season. The CD contains original compositions and some favorite music of the season such as “Ave Maria” and “O Holy Night” as well as “The Prayer,” a contemporary piece that is now beloved by many. “Love Begotten” was named for the hymn, “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” a Gregorian chant which Fr. David has newly arranged with choir and orchestra. The recording includes an original song and vocals by Trish Scalese. This CD marks the sixth collection which Fr. David has produced and directed. Some of the soloists and in-strumentalists are participants in the Holy Family choirs whichhehasdirectedformorethanfifteenyears.Fa-ther David holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music from Marywood University and has been a music educator and choir director for over thirty years. CDs may be purchased through Holy Family Book-store860-760-9734oronlineat www.holyfamilyretreat.org/music

Dear Sisters, My family and I wish to express our deep gratitude to each of you for your support and concern at the time of my mother Ruth’s death. Your presence and the outpouring of prayers, cards, calls, donations and Mass offerings are and will continue to be a great source of consolation to us. My mother would be so pleased. She loved the IHMs. Gratefully, Sister Jean Coughlin

Thank you to all IHM Sisters and friends who donated money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Ten families willreceiveanIHMprayercardwithagiftcertificatetohelp with their needs. We assure them of our continued prayers.Thankyou!-Sister Donna Korba

The Kane sisters and the Schaal family wish to thank all for the many prayers and condolences at the time of Kate’s death.

Notes of Gratitude