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Ursuline Newsletter4045 Indian Road, Toledo, OH • Vol. 41 No. 4 • April 2017

“Living in holy relationship, a contemplative presence in an ever changing world.”

Reflections from Sr. Sandy

God brings water from a rock through Moses, and Jesus’ words to the Woman at the Well penetrate so deeply that the living water God planted in her from the beginning, flows. It is the Third Sunday of Lent, liturgically, two-thirds of the way to Holy Week.

Christophe, the martyr monk, whose journal I am following, will be silent now until next Sunday and again until just before Holy Week. Sometimes he alludes to where he has been in his absence from the page and sometimes not. I will have to wait until his next entries to find out. What I do know is that his last entry will appear a year from today on the feast of St. Joseph, right before his death. His words allow me to sense his own sense of what is to come. Today he entrusts to Joseph their religious house and “the care of my two (impossible) Lenten resolutions (chastity and prayer in Christ for enemies).”

The Woman at the Well confronts these same two challenges. Jesus represents one part of the latter, as her “enemy” in culture, tradition, and religion. He points out the first in that in her thirst for love, she has misplaced her loyalty of the heart. He touches her to the core,

unlike anyone has ever before touched her. And she, in turn, is able to touch others, even her enemies of judgment, especially the other women who shunned her at the well.

It is easy to get so busy that we ignore our thirst and the need to stop and drink. It is very early and I have a busy day ahead. With a trip to visit my family in four days’ time, I need to clean my apartment, begin to pack lest I forget anything, stop midday to give my

full attention to the Corpus Christi Student dinner, and meet the deadline for this letter before I leave. Finally inspired and on a roll, so to speak, it would be so easy to just keep going, but I am aware of the time and of my thirst. I am lucky to live where a short, brisk walk will take me to a morning Mass. And so though it is not visible to the reader, I am absent from the page while I go and drink.

***Just a few days ago, three other of our Sisters and I,

at the invitation of one of our retired priests, attended an evening offered by a local Mosque as a way to help us understand that we have more common interests than we have differences with those who many in our country see as our enemies of culture, tradition, and religion. Perhaps those who hold such beliefs are unaware of their own thirst for understanding hidden by fear of the unknown and concern for safety. The lessons of history have taught us that not all Italians were Mafia, not all Germans were Nazis, and that many of the “Innocents” of Nagasaki and Hiroshima never even knew that their government had bombed Pearl Harbor. Likewise, not all Muslims are Terrorists. Brother Christophe knew that while choosing to remain in Algeria over 20 years ago. His choice included chastity as reverence for the other. When we fill our thirst for understanding of others, we are able to redirect the loyalties of our hearts to go beyond our personal concerns, becoming inclusive of everyone, even of those whom we perceive to be our enemies, even of those who are our enemies. And once we, ourselves, admit our own thirst for Truth, we may even be willing to forgive.

Ever since reading Chapter 5, “Naming the Hurt,” of Desmond Tutu’s book on forgiveness, I have been periodically “massaging” my stone. He does not call

Reflections from Sr. Sandy, continued

it “massaging;” he actually calls it “clenching.” With practice, however, it begins to feel more like massage. The exercise entitled “Clenching the Stone,” instructs the participant to take the stone in her or his dominant hand and while naming aloud a felt hurt, to clench the stone. But the hand fisted in a clench is not the end of the exercise. If it were, imagine the tension that would take power over one’s body, mind, heart, and spirit. The holder of the stone is next instructed to open his or her hand and release the hurt. The clenching and releasing continue for each successive hurt. The action reminded me of the action done while giving blood, a literal massaging of the blood vessels, encouraging them to give forth life, life for others.

Jesus wasn’t given the chance to clench and release his fists. The nails prevented that. But his entire earthly life was one of continually giving life to others and letting go of his own. In a reflection on today’s readings in Daily Reflections for Lent: Not by Bread Alone 2017, Genevieve Glen reminds us that we must wait till Good

Friday and John’s account of the crucifixion for the real source of the life-giving water offered by Jesus. For when the soldier strikes Jesus, then dead, with a spear, “blood and water pour out.” (Jn 19:34). She recalls the scene from the 1959 movie, Ben Hur, in which it is raining: “In a powerful image, the blood flows down the wood and mingles with pools of rainwater in the stony ground and flows out everywhere. The word of life is released into the world.”

The Woman at the Well was comfortable in her imperfect search for love and the inconvenience of coming to the well at the warmest time of day to avoid the judgmental stares of the other women. Then Jesus came and disrupted her comfort. I, too, can get comfortable in my routine until Jesus, in the person of another, even my “enemy,” comes asking for a drink at the most inconvenient time of the day. And when I respond, my thirst is quenched, the blood in my veins flows freely, and holy relationship happens.

Top 10 Takeaways from Laudato Sí (Care for our Common Home)

9.) Global dialogue and solidarity are needed.

Perhaps more than any encyclical, Pope Francis draws from the experiences of people around the world, using the insights of people from Brazil, New Zealand, Southern Africa, Australia, and the United States to name a few. He invites people of all cultures and religions, not just Catholics, into “a new dialogue” and “honest debate.” [14, 16] A global dialogue is also needed, the Pope points out, because there are “no uniform recipes.” What works in one region may not work in another. [180] The encyclical’s worldwide scope makes it an easier invitation for a worldwide community to accept.

We are encouraged to become more aware of how climate change is affecting all parts of the world (especially the poorest). What are individual countries, states and cities doing to address the problem?

We pray for those who are suffering and for those who are working to reduce global warming.

The Francis FactorSubmitted by Sister Mary Alice

Non-violence is sometimes taken to mean surrender, non-involvement, and passivity. This is not the case. Active non-violence is the natural and necessary complement to the Church’s continuing efforts to limit the use of force.

From “Peace Message” Pope FrancisTaken from “Catholic Worker” January-February 2017

Free Will Offerings during Holy Week

Free Will Offerings will go to the Toledo Diocesan Task Force on Immigration and Refugee Re-settlement. There will be a basket available in the Chapel each day during Holy Week for offerings to benefit this Task Force assisting refugees seeking a better life in our Diocese. Please plan ahead and remember this worthy cause. God bless you.

Congratulations Sr. Claudia!

Sr. Claudia Holtz has been awarded renewal of her chaplain certification with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains through December 31, 2020. Congratulations Sr. Claudia!

“Salesian Mornings”A Presentation on The Spirituality of

St Francis de Sales

By Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS

Please join us for a lively presentation of the Spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, “the Gentleman Saint.” Our presenter, Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS

will help you to discover the joys of living the Salesian Lifestyle.

This event is free (a goodwill offering will be collected) and open to the public!

A light continental breakfast is provided.

Saturday, April 8, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.Gesu Parish Sullivan Center

2049 Parkside Blvd., Toledo, OH 43607

Reflection Day

Saturday, May 6, 2017Ursuline Center Chapel

Topic: Salesian Optimism in the Present Moment

Presenter: Rev. John Lehner10:30 – 11 a.m.

Adoration follows

* No April Reflection *“Has no one condemned you?

Neither will I.” John 8:10

AssociateNews

As promised last month, I want to convey what Ellen Doyle, OSU, said about Associate communication: we should spend the next 6 months getting better acquainted so that we have the knowledge and trust of each other necessary for planning and living our future. The one constant in the changing roles of dependence, independence and interdependence is our dependence on our Legacy, so we also need to learn as much from the Sisters as we can. The Sending Forth statement will remain our focus.

Two-way communication is essential for any relationship, especially Holy Relationship. Think about discussing this article with someone. Spread the news about the events announced in the newsletter. Invite an Associate, Sister, or a friend who might be interested to go with you. Conversation can also take place by phone, text, email, Facebook, and other electronic forums. Exercise charity - that is the willingness to listen when it is difficult or we feel hurt, and the ability to see the other person through God’s eyes of Love. Visit the Ursuline Center. It is a congregating place for Associates and Sisters throughout the week and is full of their history and culture. Set up your phone message system.

Bombarded with online communications, I don’t always have much reserve energy for the phone, especially because it can be so difficult to get through to people by phone. We all are a bit weary from the demands on our attention, yet we need to decide what and who is important to us now, and find time for it.

Sometimes that means not having time to read email or listen to phone messages, but if many of us are not able to hear or read communications from other Associates and Sisters, then we will not be able to accomplish as much together. Our bonds of friendship will weaken. Sr. Ellen saw the results of this. Do what you can to connect or re-connect with other Ursulines. We all have situations that pull us away, so we rely on God’s love and Angela’s desire for the survival of her Company to reach across our human gaps.

At the March 6 Board meeting, we set dates in late March for each Priority’s group to meet. Adding New Associates met March 21, and our first task is to update the Associate brochure to be used as we speak to SUA faculty and Ursuline Center staff. I am eager to hear news from the Leadership group. I want to kick off the Charism group’s work with my own ideas on the Ursuline charism. St. Angela set an example for me in her love of Christ, knowledge of Scripture, hospitality, and reconciliation. She put deep trust in ordinary women’s ability to sense God’s call and to be faithful to living a life consecrated to Christ in their homes and at work. St. Angela lived through civil, religious, and political turmoil. She can lead Associates in living out this charism in our society.

How would you explain what the Ursulines and being an Associate mean to you?

Wishing you a blessed Holy Week and Easter - Sarah Abts

Associate Help Needed

� Sr. Regina asks for contributions of recycling and cancelled stamps. She can recycle clean foil food packaging and plastic insides of spray bottles. Drop off items in the mail room, lower shelf. Funds from these amounted to more than $1,000 last year.

� Associates are encouraged to participate as Eucharistic Ministers and lectors in daily and Sunday liturgies. Contact Sr. Mary Jo Szpila for details on training for the Ursuline Chapel. If trained for this site, talk to Sr. Antoinette before a liturgy. � Secret Pal Week is April 24 - 29. The Pizza Party will be Saturday, April 29 at noon. � TAANG Service Event - May 20, 2017, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. See March newsletter for details on donations and activities or contact Kathy Sarver - 2rokaketh@toast.net We need seamstresses and people to pack hygiene kits.

Invitation to Join a Faith-sharing Group

Some years ago, faith-sharing groups were started as a way for Sisters and Associates to share our faith and prayers

on a personal, informal level. No official track is kept of these groups, but since

we have been adding Associates in the years since the groups began, we want to invite everyone again to consider joining a faith-sharing group. Three faith-sharing groups are open to new members. Most groups do not have names, so I have identified them by a Sister who can be contacted about the group. If any more groups want to extend a welcome, email your information in a short newsletter article to Michelle Scazzero. Anyone interested in starting a group may do the same. Most groups have 5 - 10 people.

Sr. Claudia - Meeting times vary each month. We are discussing one of Pope Francis’s encyclicals now. We read the document orally, one paragraph at a time, reflect on it quietly and discuss how this paragraph affects us in our own faith life. We may do several sections during one session.

Sr. Donna - Our group meets for lunch at noon in the Ursuline Center dining room on the 3rd or 4th Tuesday of each month. We read and discuss Scripture as we eat.

Sr. Sandy or Sr. Mary Lou - We meet monthly at the Ursuline Center on Saturday, usually starting at 10 or 10:30. Sometimes we go to the Reflection first. Our group enjoys sharing and quiet prayer concluded with intercessory prayer.

The deadline for the May newsletter is Thursday, April 20, 2017.

Please send your stories to Michelle at mscazzero@ursulinecenter.org.

Newsletter Deadline

“I used to be a praise dancer and she reminds me of how I used to feel when I danced. When I danced I felt happy and cheerful to praise God through dance and movement. When I danced, I would let go of all the stress in the world and feel free to be myself and praise God and thank

him for allowing me to serve him and worship him.” Makya

“I love this because it really shows her humbleness. She has large, beautiful eyes. She appears to have a vision for what she wants. She looks like a woman who most people envision as a caring individual. I think she is especially a great role model for young women and children/teenagers. She stood out among the other pictures as an amazingly sweet, generous, caring soul.” Shelby

“I chose this picture because the statue is a part of my everyday life. The fingers are light because the color wore off. When I pass the statue, like many others, I touch Angela’s hand. This action helps us go through our day with strength and reminds us that she can assist us if we need it. The plaque at the bottom says, “Follow

your dreams in the spirit of St. Angela.” I think this speaks to a lot of people and it empowers us to follow our hearts. The pose she is standing in is with her hand reached out. This is inviting us to lean on her if we need anything.” Abigail

More Reflections on Pictures of St. Angela Grade 8 Students (Class of 2021)

“To me this one image explains her life: the sorrow, the strength, and the intentions of her heart. She seems deep in her thoughts, most likely thinking of God, or reflecting on her life.” Maria

“Angela holding Jesus’ legs at the bottom of the cross shows how much she loved and devoted her life to God. Her love for him inspires me to deepen my own relationship with God. The light shining down on her represents God’s presence in her life and how much God loved

Angela. Her stance and the way that her dress is blowing shows her grace and beauty. The books at the base of the cross show how intelligent Angela was. The vibrant hues show how energetic Angela’s love for God was.” Kate

This month’s LCWR newsletter is chock full of actions taken by the organization in the areas of immigration, climate change, health care, and other issues facing our nation at this time. If you would like a hard copy of the newsletter or a pdf copy emailed to you, please contact Michelle at mscazzero@ursulinecenter.org or 419-536-9587.

With Gratitude

Dear Sister Sandy and All My Community,

My niece and nephew, Kathy and Patrick, and I want to express our gratitude for the time Pat stayed at the Center. She was so happy and relieved to be here in that setting and receiving such gentle and compassionate care.

Patrick and Kathy have designated Ursuline Center as the recipient of memorials to her. We are all grateful for the environment in which she spent her last days.

In Angela,Sr. Kathleen

Dear Sandy,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Ursuline Education Network, I send most sincere appreciation for the generous donation from the Ursulines of Toledo in the amount of $500 in support of our work in furthering Ursuline education. Receiving this support from Ursuline communities is very encouraging to us as UEN continues its mission initiated by the Ursuline Sisters 30 years ago.

Judith A. WimbergDirector

Dear Sisters,

Ralph had been addicted to drugs which landed him in prison. He lost his wife and his children. Then he arrived at Cherry Street and came to God. After participating in programs at Cherry Street and working with his coaches, Ralph began a new relationship with God and found redemption. With help from his coaches and through the Grace of God, Ralph now has an apartment of his own and fresh relationships with his children. “To the donors, I just want to say thank you so much. I don’t know where my life would be without the help of these programs.”

Your gift of $200 in support of the men, women and children served by Cherry Street Mission Ministries changes lives! Your donation to Cherry Street helps men like Ralph who had been homeless for decades find redemption. Thank you for helping us transform lives like those of Ralph.

Craig Magrum Cherry Street Mission Ministries

You have been praying for my granddaughter who was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer last September which metastasized to her liver. She has been receiving chemo every other week since then. A scan of her colon and liver was done last week. Her mother sent this doctor’s report today:

“Good news! He called her a miracle!!! There is very little cancer on her liver only and she is well on her way to remission! She will have maintenance treatments of medication (not chemo) and they will only be once every 3 weeks. Thank you all for your prayers! This is truly amazing!”

Alice ReisCalifornia Associate

Rest In Peace

Joan Machen Sweeney, SUA ’48; MMC Associate ~ February 8

Charles Smith, husband of Suzanne (Werner) Smith, SUA ’39; father of Pamela Hanley, SUA ’72; Suzanne Zychowicz, SUA ’75; Amy Mossing, SUA ’81 ~ March 1

Thomas Downs, father of Rebecca Beebe, SUA ’92 ~ March 3

Valmaree Leonardi, mother of Sara Leonardi, SUA ’90 ~ March 7

Ralph Smith, grandfather of Rev. Philip Smith, Parochial Vicar: Toledo Corpus Christi & Toledo Most Blessed Sacrament ~ March 8

Sister Jane Irvin Hancock, Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph ~ March 8

Sister Philomena Cox, Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph ~ March 9

Eugene Zapadka, husband of Mary (Fackelman), SUA ’56 ~ March 9

Leonard Newis, husband of Jeanne (Hatfield), SUA ’46 ~ March 11

Margaret Allen, former neighbor who lived on Tennyson Court ~ March 11

Ted Wegrzynowski, brother of Brandi, SUA ’00 ~ March 12

Sister Carmel Ruth, Ursuline Sister of Tildonk ~ March 13

Sister Magdaleva Camp, SND, resident at the Ursuline Center ~ March 18

Sister Patricia Bodendistel, Ursuline Sister of Chatham ~ March 19

Sister Rita Harrigan, Ursuline Sister of Chatham ~ March 19

Mary Ann Culpert, mother of Sister Mary Ann Culpert, SND ~ March 19

Martha “Marti” (Lucio) Thebeau, former DON at the Center; aunt of Megan DiCresce, current DON at the Center ~ March 19

Richard Daley, husband of Associate Barbara Carter Daley. Barbara was the first Associate to be Director of the Associate Program ~ March 22.

Patrick Garvin, brother of Jeanne Ryder and cousin of Sr. Mary Kay Garvin who died suddenly ~ March 23

Greg Krantz, cousin of Sister Pat Grosse ~ recent death

Sister M. Angelita Abair, OSU

Received her eternal reward March 29, 2017

Ursuline Sister for 61 years

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord,And let perpetual light shine upon her.

Sisters and Associates, join us for Supper at the Park!

Hamburgers, hot dogs, brats and all the trimmings.

Play games • Experience nature • Walk the trails • Enjoy the fresh air

Supper at

Maumee Bay State Park

Wednesday, May 24, 2017beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Yes, I want to enjoy the gathering at Maumee Bay State Park!

To RSVP, please call Val at 419-536-9587, email her at vmyers@ursulinecenter.org or return this form by Friday, May 19th.

Name _____________________________________ Phone Number ___________________

Feast Day

April26 Sr. Donna Frey29 Sr. Mary Kay Garvin

May22 Sr. Rita Mae Johns

Happy BirthdayCalendar

April 20174-6 NAULC8 Palm Sunday Vigil Mass, 4 p.m.9 Palm Sunday13 Holy Thursday Liturgy, 6:30 p.m.14 Good Friday, 11 a.m. Stations of the Cross, Liturgy at 1:30 p.m.16 Easter Sunday Liturgy, 10:30 a.m.20-21 Council Meeting22 Community Input/Update (Sisters Only), 10 a.m., Convent Offices 22 Earth Day Prayer, 11:15 a.m., Chapel (Sisters, Associates, Residents) 23-25 Region 6 LCWR26 Cherry Blossom Festa Raffle Drawing30 Mary Manse Banquet - Mass & Luncheon at SUA

May 20176 Reflection Day11-12 Council Meeting13 Community Input/Update (Sisters Only), 10 a.m. - noon24 Maumee Bay Picnic29 Memorial Day - Offices Closed

June 2017 7 Council Meeting8-11 Assembly13 Mud Hens

September 2017

April4 Mary Camp Karole Sigg7 Sr. Mary Angela Gaietto Joanne Schwind John Myers8 Jan Michalak12 Ethel Hodnicki16 Walter Palicki Nanci Riddle17 Diane Koebnick Janet Helfrich Larry Meyers18 Mary VanderLinde Marcie McCabe19 Mary Simmien21 Lois Manion25 Sr. Mary Ellen Nagle Jane Hagelin Anna Lara27 Carol Ann O’Reilly

May4 Rose Hubay17 Sr. Helaine Ehrman, SND23 Roseann Jackson25 Judy Lonergan Sr. Joan Furlong, SND27 Jane Charette Judy Virtue28 Robin Bonfiglio

The deadline to RSVP for the Mud Hens Game on June 13th has been moved up to Friday, April 21st. Please contact Val if you plan on attending at vmyers@ursulinecenter.org or 419-536-9587.

By popular demand, Polly Pickwick’s book nook is merging with the Ursuline Center’s book collection. Polly has already begun the process and is asking for your patience. She will keep you posted.