January/February 2017 PNN

News Notes
PROVINCE
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET AND ASSOCIATES ST. LOUIS PROVINCE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017
God of wisdom and mercy, grant us

patience to listen; compassion to be open
to other views and opinions; generosity
to forgive and grace to change. As you
taught us to love our neighbor, compel
us to be healing instruments of unity and
reconciliation. We pray that you give us
strength as we encourage our nation to
move forward in unity. Amen.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE

3
ELECTIONS FOR
EXTRAORDINARY
CHAPTER
Province News Notes is a
publication of the Sisters of
St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis
Province. Its purpose is to promote
dialogue and unity within the
St. Louis province and to keep
members informed on those
subjects that promote community
and ministry.
View the list of

sisters elected to be
representatives at the
Extraordinatory Chapter
in April.
10-11
CELEBRATING
SISTER MARION
We celebrate the work
of Sister Marion Renkens
who retired after 17
years as motherhouse
administrator.
22
WOMENS MARCHES
The Sisters of St. Joseph
community joined millions
of women, men and
children throughout the
nation to defend the
most marginalized in our
society.
CONTENTS
Province Leadership News............................................................................... 3-5
We welcome your submissions!

Submit articles and photos to
Sarah Baker at sbaker@csjsl.org.
CSJ Life...................................................................................................................6
**Materials are subject to editing

and will be published at the
discretion of the editor.
Sharing of the Heart..............................................................................................9
STAFF
Jenny Beatrice
Editor
Sarah Baker
Graphic Design
Madeleine Reilly &
Print Shop Volunteers
Production, printing and mailing
Sarah Baker
Jenny Beatrice
Jane Behlmann, CSJ
Mary Flick, CSJ
Jane Gerard, CSJ
Proofreading
Association.............................................................................................................7
Mission Advancement..........................................................................................8
Carondelet Chronicles................................................................................. 10-12
Archives................................................................................................................13
Necrology: Sister Teresa Lawrence DeRoche..................................................14
Necrology: Sister Olive Louis Dallavis................................................................15
Necrology: Sister Kathleen Kevin Ryan.............................................................16
Necrology: Andrea Marie Rentmeester...........................................................17
CSJ News........................................................................................................ 18-19
Justice............................................................................................................. 20-22
CSJ Events & Happenings..................................................................................23
Calendar..............................................................................................................24
ON THE COVER: 100 DAYS OF PRAYER

The St. Joseph Justice Center, sponsored by the Sisters of St.
Joseph of Orange, has created a resource called 100 Days of
Prayer to keep pace with the new presidential administrations
first 100 days. The content encourages unity and reconciliation
and offers support to people who may be vulnerable to policy
changes. It features more than 100 daily prayers, with each
about 12 words long, keeping the calendar flexible to what
may be occurring in Washington, D.C.
For the sake of flexibility, the calendar will be posted every two
weeks. Go to: csjorange.org.
Page 2
January/February 2017 PNN
Province Leadership Team
2014-2019 Province Leadership Team: Sisters Rita Marie Schmitz, Marilyn Lott, Mary Margaret Lazio,
Linda Straub and Maureen Freeman.
Our Journey of Discernment

Weve been on this journey together. We prayed about the
recommendations from the Congregational Leadership
Group. Were asking you to pray with us as we discern
our future direction.
God of all our desiring, we come to you seeking light.
Open us, as you opened our foremothers,
to your great love,
to courage and willingness,
to right judgment and to peace.
May we discern, as our patron St. Joseph always did,
what is best for us,
for the dear neighbor and for the world.
You have given us a history that we cherish;
lead us now to a future blessed by your grace.
May unifying love continue to guide us
on the road that has brought us to where we are.
We ask all of this in humility and trust,
in the name of Jesus and the Spirit of Truth.
Lois Barton, CSJ
We ask especially for discerning hearts for our delegates,
voiced participants and observers to Extraordinary
Congregational Chapter.
See page 4 for the names of the Extraordinary Chapter
participants.
Where the Map Begins

By Jan Richardson
This is not
Any map you know.
Forget longitude.
Forget latitude.
Do not think
Of distances
Or of plotting
The most direct route.
Astrolabe, sextant, compass:
These will not help you
here.
This is a map
That begins with a star.
This is the chart
That starts with fire,
With blazing,
With an ancient light
That has outlasted
Generations, empires,
Cultures, wars.
Look starward once,
Then look away.
Close your eyes
And see how the map
Begins to blossom
Behind your lids,
How it constellates,
Its lines stretching out
From where you stand.
You cannot see it all,
Cannot divine the way
It will turn and spiral,
Cannot perceive how
The road you walk
Will lead you finally inside,
Through the labyrinth
Of your own heart
And belly
And lungs.
But step out
And you will know
What the wise who traveled
The path before you
Knew:
The treasure in this map
Is buried
Not at journeys end
But at its beginning.
Page 3
Province Leadership
Elections for Extraordinary Chapter
At Province Special Chapter on January 7 and 8, elections were held to select sister
representatives to attend the Extraordinary Congregational Chapter on April 21-25 in
St. Louis. The purpose of the Extraordinary Congregational Chapter is to discern what form
of governance will best serve the good of the whole and our relationships for mission.
DELEGATES
The role of a delegate is to engage in a
shared discernment process, which is
informed by the experience, desires and
hopes of all members and will benefit
all members of the congregation.
The elected delegates are Sisters:
Patricia Bober
Patricia Clune
Jean DeBlois
Mary Kay Hadican
Marie Joan Harris
Mary Fran Johnson
Patricia Johnson
Shawn Madigan
Suzanne Wesley
The leadership ex officio delegates
Sisters:
Mary Margaret Lazio
Marilyn Lott
Rita Marie Schmitz
VOICED PARTICIPANTS
Voiced participants will ideally
possess the same qualities and will
prepare in the same way as delegates.
They participate in discussions and
deliberations at the chapter, but they
do not vote.
The elected voiced participants are
Sisters:
Sarah Heger (First Delegate
Alternate)
Roseanne Siebert (Second
Delegate Alternate)
Kathleen Crowley
Mary McGlone
Jean Paul Selissen
Marion Weinzapfel
OBSERVERS
Observers for Congregational
Extraordinary Chapter were selected
via lottery.
Observers will be present for the
complete chapter, but they do
not participate in discussions and
deliberations and they do not vote.
The following sisters were selected as
observers:
Nancy Corcoran
Patricia Donnelly
Joan Filla
Suzanne Giro
Rita Louise Huebner
Janet Kuciejczyk
The leadership voiced participants are

Sisters:
Maureen Freeman
Linda Straub
Consolidation of Congregational Archives

Work is underway to consolidate much
of the North American archives of the
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in one
location. The consolidated archives at this
time will include the collections from St.
Louis, Albany, Los Angeles and Hawaii.
Sisters Jane Behlmann (right),

St. Louis province archivist,
and Carol Marie Wildt, SSND,
congregational archivist.
Page 4
The first step of the process has begun:

moving the congregational archives to
Carondelet. The decision to move toward
consolidation was a process that began
with the province archives directors,
included working with a professional
consultant and the careful consideration
of the congregational leadership.
The archives are a treasure trove of

history including letters dating back
to our founders, files on the life and
ministries of individual sisters and much
more. The archives preserve the history
of the congregation in the words and
experiences of the sisters who actually
lived our rich heritage. Consolidating
the archives and digitizing some of the
holdings will enable us to make these
priceless resource materials more available
to sisters, ACOF, partners in mission and
ministry and interested researchers across
the whole congregation.
CORPORATION & COUNCIL

OCTOBER MINUTES
Reviewed
Corporation
Approved
2016 Fall Sectional Responses

Extraordinary Congregational
Chapter Ex-officio Delegates
Province Special Chapter,
Jan. 6-8, 2017
Fiscal 2016 Financial Audits

Sept. 27, 2016 Board Minutes
September 2016 Financial
Statements
Water with Blessings$5,000
Mary Ann Figlino, CSJ$2,000
Carondelet Community Betterment
Federation (CCBF)$5,000
Nazareth Living Center (NLC)
Board Appointments
Updated
Chapter Planning Committee

Meeting
Sponsorship Collaborative
Vocation Team
Dan Ward Presentation
Updated
NOVEMBER MINUTES
Collaborative Sponsorship Report
Corporation
Approved
Council
Approved
September 26-27, 2016 Minutes

Extended Travel Requests (2)
Cardinal Ritter Senior Services
(CRSS) Raffle$100
Council
Approved
October 20-21, 2016 Minutes
Patrimony Requests (2)
Updated
Annunciation House
Mission Advancement Department
Associate Board Meeting
Associate Finance Committee
Federation Leadership
Meeting Report
Nov. 29 Meeting
Corporation
Approved
October 21, 2016 Board Minutes

October 2016 Financial Statements
EarthLinks, Denver$500
English Tutoring Project$10,000
Annunciation House, El Paso
$5,000
Diocese of Brownsville$1,500
Avila Steer Dinner
Sponsorship$2,500
Nazareth Living Center (NLC)

Resolution Authorization
Meet our Newest Candidate
Mary Collar, CSJ candidate
The Province Leadership Team welcomes

Mary Collar to the Candidacy Program
during which she will continue her
discernment regarding becoming a
member of the Sisters of St. Joseph,
St. Louis Province. In January, Mary
moved to Carondelet and is a member of
the St. Teresa of Avila Community along
with Srs. Monica Kleffner, Mary Hugh
McGowen, Barbara Moore and Ann Pace.
Sister Kathleen Crowley will be Marys
candidacy director.
Mary works as a hygienist in a private

dental practice. Though, she is currently
discerning if God might be calling her
back to youth ministry, to a chaplaincy,
a post in healthcare mission integration
or a teaching position. She would also
love to learn Spanish and volunteer at
Annunciation House on the Mexican
border in El Paso.
Read more about Mary in her news story
posted on our website, csjsl.org.
Page 5
CSJ Life
Open to the Possibilities
by Sister Clare Bass
Originally published on the csjlife.org vocations blog.
At first I thought discernment was just a stage that I would

eventually pass through. However, as I moved through
formation and learned more about this lifestyle, I was
surprised to know that discernment is not just a stage but a
way of life for religious womenthat is to always live with a
discerning heart.
What does that mean? How does that feel?
It begins with having a relationship with God. God wants
what is best for each of us. I take everything to God in
prayer. Along the way Ive learned Gods timing is not my
timing. As I have matured, I have also learned to listen more,
rather than talk all the time.
Stay open to the possibilities
Eventually, you do have to make a choice. After a choice is
made, some options are not on the table anymore but new
ones present themselves. Im sure youve heard the saying
when one door closes, many more open. Well, it is like that.
Right now the focus is on the time leading up to making a
choice. This time is called discernment. This time should be
free from coercion, so its helpful to be aware of any pressure
you feel and where it might be coming from. If there is a
sense of urgency, notice and be aware of where its coming
from, too. Sometimes there is a real deadline to meet for a
major decision and, in other situations, there is not.
Stay open to the possibilities
It might or might not be plausible to plan every detail in
order to have a precisely calculated decision. Instead, there is
time spent in the middle space, moving between the known
and unknown. It feels uncomfortable at first. There are a
million and one questions and few or no answers. This is the
time of trust. Trust in God, yourself and others to whom
you are close is paramount during this time. Be aware of
how the Spirit is working and moving in your life. Notice
what is most pulling at your heart and stirring you to action.
Page 6
Stay open to the

possibilities
Newness and change
will come. Do I want
more of the same? Or
do I welcome change
and whatever the
newness might bring?
Living with a discerning
heart means staying
open to the possibilities.
In my personal
experience, the times
Sister Clare Bass
when I have been able
to stay open and try something new, my expectations, more
times than not, have been exceeded. For instance, I never
thought I would ever work in a nursing home. It ended up
being a life-changing experience, and I am grateful that I was
open to that possibility. At first, I felt that I could not be a
consecrated religious sister, that it would not work. But, as
I prayed, trusted and became open to the possibility, being a
Catholic sister turned out to be my life vocation.
Looking back on my journey thus far, I remain ever grateful
for all those times I stayed open because I would not be
where I am today in all aspects of my life if I were closed
to newness, to possibilities. This does not mean I have not
struggled or had hard times, because I have. Along with
staying open to the possibilities, I have a willingness to
follow through and make it work, but thats another topic for
another day.
Much peace and many blessings today and always, fellow
pilgrims on the journey!
Association
Associate Volunteer Spotlight
Marilyn Koncen
by Associate Kay Komotos, co-director of association

In the PNN, we will start including interviews
with CSJ Associates from various regions
concerning their ministries. The
following interview is with Marilyn
Koncen, CSJA, who made her
initial commitment in 2010 and her
ongoing commitment in 2013.
How have you been moved or enlightened in

your ministry? What rewards do you see?
I truly think I get more joy from this
experience than anyone. Even though
only a few residents can actually
respond verbally, there is a profound
sense of communication of which
I am aware, and that most of the
residents seem to experience also.
We give the gift of presence to one
another. Their smiles and obvious
gratitude are as much of a reward as
any I could imagine.
How did this ministry start for you?

I was originally a friendly visitor there. The friendly visitor
was an option on the senior living center volunteer list.
When the first memory care unit opened, I got the idea to
be a friendly reader to these residents. I love to read, and
am able to call on some of my acting experience to make the
characters come alive.
nc
Ko
yn
What are the challenges you have

faced?
M
e
t
The
most obvious challenge is not being
a
i
A ss o c
able to share conversation. Also, it is sometimes
difficult to find the kind of material I think will be of
greatest interest to them.
a
ril
What services do you provide?

While the group is gathered in their
family room, I greet them, share a few
personal anecdotes, and invite them to listen
to some very short stories, poems, jokes, humorous
or heartwarming anecdotes. I try to keep the readings brief,
and, if possible, related to a time in their lives when they
might respond to some memories of their own. For instance,
I have found many of the stories in books by the late Erma
Bombeck to be well received. No one is forced to stay. They
are free to come and go at will. They are usually a wonderful
audience, and seem to enjoy the experience. They are always
grateful. As far as I know, Im the only one doing this at
present.
en
What can you tell me about your

ministry?
My present ministry is reading to
two memory care groups at a nearby
senior living center in St. Louis.
Are more people needed to help in this ministry and if so,

in what ways can they help?
I alternate the two groups, which means I only see each of
them every other week. It would be great if someone else
would like to become a reader also. I would be willing to talk
to or meet with anyone who is drawn to this ministry.
How does your volunteer ministry reflect our charism of
loving unity?
I do see this ministry as part of the CSJ charism of loving
the dear neighbor without distinction. Since I also feel loved
by the residents, it is definitely a two-way street.
For further information about Marilyns ministry, please feel free
to contact her at marilyn.koncen@outlook.com.
Volunteer Ministry Committee

The Volunteer Ministry Committee is comprised of members from different associate communities
across the province for the purpose of sharing volunteer opportunities to
extend and carry out the charism and mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Page 7
Mission Advancement
Generosity of Joseph Honors
2017 Honorees
The Sisters of St. Josephs Generosity of Joseph award annually celebrates individuals who positively influence society
and encourage others by their example of life-altering generosity in the spirit of St. Joseph, our patron. The awards
will be presented during the annual Generosity of Joseph Honors Gala on April 28 at the Carondelet Motherhouse.
David Armstrong, CSJA
Angie OGorman
Marcellina Otii
Kansas City, Missouri
Saint Louis, Missouri
Denver, Colorado
Enables others to assume a more active

responsibility for continuing the
mission of Jesus
Serves all persons without distinction
Recognizes and defends the

human dignity of all
Cares for creation

For over 15 years, Dave has served CSJsponsored Avila University, the Sisters
of St. Joseph, and the charism we hold
dear as director of mission effectiveness
and campus ministry. He has worked
diligently to ensure that every student
who walks onto Avilas campus feels
empowered to take action in their
communities, grow stronger in their
faith and develop their passion for social
justice issues. Dave serves his community
and God through his many serviceimmersion trips and his continued
involvement with organizations and
groups such as Jerusalem Farm and the
1650 Society, which Dave founded to
share the CSJ heritage, ministry and
charism with Avilas undergraduates.
Dave serves as an example of how
to be more active and responsible in
continuing the mission of Jesus.
Page 8
Recognizes and defends the

human dignity of all
Angies life-long dedication to serving
the dear neighbor has led her to make
the plight of immigrants and of the
poor her personal mission. She has
assisted immigrants in legal matters for
decades, providing them with the equal
and fair services they often desperately
require. Her most recent endeavor has
been co-founding The Kitchen Table,
a restaurant that hires women who
have emotional and social challenges.
This opportunity offers these women
the self-esteem, leadership skills, and
strong relationships they need and
desire. Angie has dedicated her life to
treating everyone she meets with respect
and love. Her faith and her genuine,
profound concern for the dear neighbor
continues to change the lives of those she
serves today.
Promotes justice with a

particular concern for the poor
Marcellina believes in lifting people
up, whether that be the children in
her classroom or the men and women
from Africa struggling with the
cultural changes often created by their
resettlement in the United States. She
works tirelessly for her native people in
Gulu, Uganda, organizing service trips to
battle extreme poverty and raising funds
for Gulu projects. Her organization,
Team Africa Ties That Bind, works to
provide education essentials to children,
workshops for victims of trauma,
leadership development and more for
the people of Gulu. Marcellinas drive
is rooted in deep faith, unconditional
care for the dear neighbor and the belief
that change, even in the midst of dire
circumstances, is possible.
Sharing of the Heart

Saints
by Sister Marion Weinzapfel

At the turn of the millennium, we CSJs didnt particularly
feel the need to include our own saints for beatification
knowing that being leaven in the dough is enough.
Since then, Ive noticed causes around the world that have
bubbled up from various peoples. The Acholi martyrs,
Daudi Okello and Jilda Irwa, are household names in
northern Uganda. Ugandans pilgrimage to Paimol where
they were martyred. Our sisters in Gulu pray in the chapel
at the University of the Sacred Heart where their pictures
were painted on the wall with the palm of martyrdom just a
few years after they died in 1917.
At St. Mary of the Woods in Terre Haute, Indiana, the
shrine of St. Mother Theodore Guerin is exquisite, and her
story champions the cause of women especially in religious
life.
Another cause has surfaced here in Denverthat of Julia
Greeley, sometimes called an Angel of Mercy. On Dec. 18,
the Denver community gathered to officially open her cause
and invite people to pray to her. Our community here is
enlivened by her wonderful story, and Id like to share it with
you.
Julia Greeley was born into slavery in Hannibal, Missouri.
She was blinded in one eye when a slave masters whip
intended for her mother struck her. She was freed in the
1860s and later traveled to Denver where she served as a
housekeeper for Colorados first territorial governor, William
Gilpin and his wife, Julia. She became a Catholic at Denvers
Sacred Heart Parish and joined the Secular Franciscans in
1901. Julia visited every fire station monthly, carrying leaflets
about the Sacred Heart.
Despite her meager income, she was famous for aiding her
poor neighbors in Denvers Five Points neighborhood, often
carrying goods in a little red wagon. She helped people of
all races and often

went at night to avoid
embarrassing anyone.
She had a gift for
children and the only
picture of her shows
her with a little girl
born to a woman who
had lost a son many
years before and whom
Julia told would have a
child again.
She also lived for a time
in the Ft. Logan area
of town and bought a
$30 organ to donate to Juila Greeley in the only known
photo of her.
St. Patricks Parish, a
basement church.
(As a child, my brothers and I loved to visit that unique old
church since a relative was pastor there.) She died June 7,
1918, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.
Im touched by her simple life, full of loving unity, and the
potential she has at this time in history to bring people
together. At the Dec. 18 cathedral celebration in Denver for
the opening of her cause, I suddenly found myself in tears,
imagining my niece, Amy, totally caught up in joy at the
wonder of her son, Colton, being healed. You can bet Im
seriously praying to this Friend of God!
Do you know someone who could use a miracle?
Link to www.juliagreeley.org for a prayer and more information.
You might also enjoy Tony Maglinos article in National
Catholic Reporter, Our Hurting World Needs Saints.
www.ncronline.org/blogs/making-difference/our-hurting-worldneeds-saints.
Page 9
Carondelet Chronicles
Celebrating Sister Marion
Sister Marion retires after 17 years
as motherhouse administrator
by Jenny Beatrice, director of communications
For the past 17 years, Sister Marion

Renkens has embodied the CSJ
charism of hospitality in her role
as motherhouse administrator.
Her retirement in December
2016 has brought a focus on her
accomplishments and legacy, having
made the motherhouse a place of
beauty and a place of welcome for all
who walk through its doors.
S. Marion did everything from climbing

scaffolds to picking furnishings, but the
experience went well beyond bricks and
mortar. I thank the community for the
opportunity, for taking a chance on me
to renovate and restore their house. I
learned how much faith people had in
me and how grateful they are that they
call the motherhouse their home, either
as a visitor or a resident.
It all began in 1999 when S. Marion

The renovations may have been S.
was living in Kansas City, happy in
Marions biggest challenge, but its
her role as the director of a retreat
not her only accomplishment. She is
center for the Diocese of Kansas
responsible for the greening of the
City-St. Joseph. Then she got the
motherhouse, instilling practices that
call that would change her path. She
are environmentally-friendly, like
was asked by province leadership to
composting, using natural cleaning
be the motherhouse administrator.
products and switching from paper to
Sister Marion Renkens
The catchthe renovation of the
cloth napkins in the dining room.
motherhouse was about to begin. I had some experience in
renovating but not as big as the motherhouse, she says.
She is well-known in the CSJ community for putting
on wonderful celebrations, such as jubilees. Some were
Hiring Marion was not by chance, but choice, says Sister
challenging with 400 guests, she says. She also started
Barbara Dreher, who was in province leadership at the
the Celebrating Our Heritage Committee with Province
time. We knew by personal experience and the comments
Archivist Sister Jane Behlmann to plan a yearly event
of others that she was a woman of integrity and visiona
for Founders Day. And she always made sure to have a
CSJ with a holy and contagious commitment to sustain and welcome gathering for new employees as well as marking the
advance our Carondelet presence and service to and with
birthdays of staff and sisters in the house. I wanted sisters
others.
and staff to feel a part of the community, so celebrations
during the business day and for the members was
On January 3, 2000, S. Marions first day in her new
important.
position, the renovation of the west side of the building
began. I didnt have time to have an approach, she says.
For the public, her creation of the Linger Over Breakfast
I made sure that I was around a lot, walking the project,
speaker series in 2005, which closes with her departure,
attending weekly meetings and asking a lot of questions. I
offered thousands of guests the opportunity to share the
learned a lot in those two short years.
spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the hospitality
offered at the motherhouse. And her orchestration of the
She lived up to and surpassed our expectations, S. Barbara 175th Open House in 2011, when more than 700 people
says.
walked the halls of the motherhouse, was an enormous feat.
Page 10
For the dear neighbor, she is credited with bringing the

Ignatian Homeless Retreats to the motherhouse, giving
homeless men and women the time and space to focus on
their spirituality.
S. Marion feels these successes were not done alone, but
with the cooperation of the CSJ community, I'll hold dear
the generosity of the sisters and associates who volunteered
to serve at so many events.
S. Marions commitment to the dear neighbor did not
stop at the motherhouse doors. She is a presence in the
Carondelet community, especially through her involvement
with the Carondelet Community Betterment Federation
(CCBF) and the YMCA. I will continue to be involved with
CCBF, especially the summer concerts, the Carondelet Park
board, the YMCA-Carondelet Recreation Complex board
and the YMCA International Committee, she says.
She will also continue working on the homeless retreats
as well as serving on the Generosity of Joseph Gala and
Celebrating Our Heritage committees. And she will still
be on-call at Nazareth Living Center once a month. In her
spare time, she plans on traveling and reconnecting with
friends.
S. Marion was honored at the motherhouse on January

5 with a staff luncheon and evening open house. The
outpouring of affection from sisters and staff was
overwhelming to her. You never know what people will
remember about you and how that will impact their life, S.
Marion says. Holy cow, how I am loved!
Sister Rita Marie Schmitz of province leadership sums up
the feelings of many when she says, There are no words to
adequately express my thanks to Marion for her 17 years of
generous service as motherhouse administrator. Gracious
hospitality was Marions greatest gift.
It was always this mission of hospitality that drew S. Marion
to say yes to the invitation for the motherhouse ministry.
Hospitality is a part of the CSJ ministry and mission and
number one priority at the motherhouse, she says. It has
been my privilege to offer hospitality for the last 17 years
and to have empowered others to provide this same gift to
each other and to those who come to the motherhouse.
Sister Marion sparks up conversation with the

Carondelet dear neightbors at CCBFs summer
Concert in the Park series.
Sisters Barbara Dreher and Marion stand on the
scaffoldings in the chapel during the motherhouse
renovation in 2000.

Page 11
Carondelet Chronicles
Meet the New Motherhouse Administrator
Joe Wingbermuehle
by Sarah Baker, communications specialist

How long have you worked at the motherhouse?
Ive been at the motherhouse since September of 2015 in the
role of director of maintenance.
Tell us about your previous position and
what you do now.
As the director of maintenance (DoM), I kept up with all of
the day-to-day operations of the motherhouse as well as six
sister homes around the St. Louis area. One of my successes
as the DoM was the integration of the many LED bulb
upgrades throughout the motherhouse. This project spilled
out into sister homes and to the Village at Nazareth.
In my new role as the motherhouse administrator, I get
to serve the sisters as the person directly responsible
for not only maintenance but for hospitality, dining and
housekeeping too. I am lucky to have four great directors
and their staff helping to keep the place looking great. It
makes my job much easier.
What do you look forward to in this new position?
I look forward to working more closely with the sisters. It
always makes me happy when I see them smile because of
the work done by the staff. They are always so appreciative.
What do you hope to bring to the new position?
I hope to bring a new perspective on the motherhouse.
My wish is to provide just enough change to make the
community smarter, stronger and less expensive without
reinventing the wheel.
Tell us about your family.
I am son to Joe (mailman) and Sadie (seamstress)
Wingbermuehle of Arnold. I have one brother and two
sisters. I have been married for 20 years to my wonderful
wife, Kelley. She is a CPA with Abeles and Hoffman, PC
accounting firm. I have one son, Joe (19), who is studying
at Mineral Area College to become a firefighter. I also
Page 12
have a daughter,
Jessica (15), who
attends Fox High
school. She is a
soccer-playing,
cheerleader
who would like
to become a
pediatrician one
day. We have one
dog and one fish in
our home.
My hobbies are...
I enjoy all of the
outdoors. I love
to hunt and fish,
being on the river
and in the woods.
Some of my best
Joe Wingbermuehle,
naps have been
motherhouse administrator
under trees in the
middle of the forest.
It would surprise people to learn...
I used to count deer with a helicopter while managing a
group of sharpshooters.
I enjoy working for/with the CSJs because...
There are few places in the world where you can be
appreciated as much as you are here at the motherhouse.
It is truly a joy to work for the sisters smiles.
My fondest memory while working at
the motherhouse is...
The day the coyote decided to sit by the pond. It was great
to see city folk bounce around to catch a glimpse. I wonder
how many had actually seen a coyote up close.
Archives
Meeting Our Ancestors
Profile of an early sister who died

in the month of February
by Sister Jane Behlmann
Sister Mary Dominica Broderick died at St. Josephs

Infirmary, Savannah, Georgia, on the eighteenth day of
February, nineteen hundred twenty-eight, in the fifty-first
year of her age and the twenty-seventh of her religious life.
This dear sister was a life-long sufferer from asthma, which
brought about many other complications that finally caused
her death. Her malady often kept her awake all night and
weakened her physically, but never impaired her strength
of will; and she kept at her work in the classroom, in the
convent, or wherever obedience called her until a few weeks
before her death. She was ever faithful to her spiritual
exercises. Even after spending wakeful nights enduring
paroxysms of coughing, Sister would be at her place in the
chapel for morning prayers and Mass.
Our dear sisters originality and initiative contributed
much to her success as a teacher. She was a true religious,
patient and cheerful in suffering, simple and childlike in
her piety. She had practiced a life-long devotion to the
Holy Angels, and in her last hour on earth she realized so
vividly the presence of her Guardian Angel, that she spoke
lovingly and rapturously to the sisters gathered around
her bedside of his angelic beauty and his solicitude for her
eternal welfare. We have every reason to feel that when our
dear sister passed from earth, her Guardian Angel lovingly
presented her to the Divine Master, from whom she heard
the welcome words: Well done, good and faithful servant,
enter into the joy of the Lord. [From the Necrology Book]
Sister Mary Dominica Broderick (Mary) was born to Margaret

Corrigan and John Broderick in Brooklyn, New York, in 1879.
She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in Washington, Georgia,
in 1901, received the habit on March 19, 1902, and made her
vows on July 5, 1904 in Washington, Georgia.
Little is known about her ministry assignments, but she
most probably spent time working at St. Josephs Academy in
Brunswick and St. Josephs Home for Boys in Washington,
Georgia, as well as Sacred Heart in Savannah.
Sister is buried in the Catholic Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.
St. Josephs Academy, Brunswick, Georgia. Classes

were held on the first floor and the sisters lived on the
second floor.
Page 13
The Hand of God Shall Hold You
Sister Teresa Lawrence

DeRoche, CSJ
November 10, 1932 - October 30, 2016

A woman of gratitude, generosity and kindness.
On November 10, 1932, Lawrence and Mildred (La Joie)

DeRoche of Ishpeming, Michigan, welcomed Angela Helen,
the third of their 11 children. As she recalled her childhood,
she said, We were poor, but we were very, very happy
people. After attending St. Johns Grade School (staffed
by our CSJ sisters), she graduated from Ishpeming High
School and found full-time work as a telephone operator.
When she realized God was calling her to religious life, she
sought the approval of her parents and then contacted the
sisters at St. Johns parish. Sister Silveria Kunkel was the
superior and principal there. The sisters were wonderful,
said S. Teresa. They made my sweater. They made my shawl.
They made my skirts. They did everything. At the same
time, the sisters were helping two other young women
Sisters Marilyn Poirier and Rosemary Junak.
Angela found leaving her parents difficult. She didnt
know when they would ever get to visit her in St. Louis.
Sister Silveria traveled to St. Louis with the three young
women. She arranged for someone to meet them and
accommodations for the night. For a day and a half, they
visited various convents as well as the New Cathedral, Forest
Park and Fontbonne campus. Postulant Mistress Sister Rose
Adele Schuerman welcomed them when they arrived at
Carondelet. The next morning, a sister arrived to show them
around and stay with them until the other new postulants
arrived. It was September 15, 1952. Angela received the
habit and the name Sister Teresa Lawrence on March 19,
1953. Fontbonne College awarded her a bachelors degree in
education in 1960.
For 14 years, beginning in 1955, she taught primary grades
at: St. Vincent De Paul, St. Louis; St. Mary Cathedral,
Peoria, Illinois (1961); St. Joseph/St. Patrick, Hancock,
Michigan (1966); St. Patrick, Denver, Colorado (1967); and
St. Edward, St. Louis (1968).
Sister Ida Berresheim says:

I lived with Sister Teresa Lawrence on her first mission, St.
Vincent's. The sweetness which [she] manifested throughout
her life was very much present in her youth Sister Teresa
was also a lovely presence in the local community, willing to
do whatever needed doing.
In 1969, Sister Teresa became a staff member at Carondelet
Day Care Center in St. Louis. Next, she taught at Bishop
Baraga Central in Marquette, Michigan (1971), and then
briefly at St. Paul in Negaunee, Michigan (1973), before
returning to Missouri, where she was a tutor at St. Gregory
in St. Ann. She spent 1976 as a volunteer at St. Joseph
Hospital in Kirkwood, Missouri. From 1977 to 1984,
Sister Teresa tutored at Sacred Heart School in Shawano,
Wisconsin.
In 1984, Sister Teresa Lawrence retired to Nazareth Living
Center for a ministry of prayer and presence. She spent her
time finding ways to serve where help was needed. Reflecting
on her life at Nazareth, she said:
I just want to say that I have never changed my feelings
about Nazareth. Its one of the God places that we have.
Its just beautiful, the spirit is I just want to thank all of
our sisters for all they have done for me. I really appreciate
everything that the community has done and I mean this
from the bottom of my heart.
Associate Maggie Lambi writes:
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Sister Teresa Lawrence
DeRoche. She was my pen pal. She did send me a few
letters penned by a companion We shared common
interests. We prayed for each other. And as the years rolled
on, I continued to send her cards. I met her when I visited
Nazareth Her face lit up when she learned I was her pen
pal. She was a lovely and dear woman, full of the spirit.
Helen Oates, CSJ
Page 14
Sister Olive Louise Dallavis, CSJ

January 25, 1921 - December 1, 2016
A woman with an unfailing smile, foresight,

simplicity, humility.
Louis and Olivia (Odorizzi) Dallavis of Nokomis, Illinois,

welcomed their third child and first daughter on January 25,
1921. Her godmother named her Mary Tullia. Another son
and daughter completed the family. Her parents were born
in Italy but met each other in Nokomis where her father
was a coal miner. The mines closed during the Depression
and her father moved the family to St. Louis in search of
employment.
Mary attended St. Johns School, staffed by Sisters of St.
Joseph. Graduating from Rosati-Kain High School, she
entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1938.
She received the habit and the name Sister Olive Louise on
March 19, 1939. She earned a bachelors degree in music
from Fontbonne College (1948) and a master's in music
from the University of IllinoisChampaign (1952).
Sister Olive Louise taught primary education at St. Thomas
of Aquin (1941) and then at St. Agnes (1950), both in
St. Louis. Moving to Kansas City in 1952, she taught
kindergarten at Visitation.
At the same time Sister Olive Louise was also teaching voice
at the College of St. Teresa. In 1954, she taught at St. Teresa
Academy, while continuing to teach at the college.
Sister Olive Louise became a full-time faculty member at
the college in 1959. Appointed dean of students and acting
president in 1960, she became president of the college
in 1961a position she held until 1985. During those
years, the College of St. Teresa moved to a new campus on
Wornall Road and was renamed Avila College. (In 2002,
Avila College became Avila University.)
She received the title president emerita, upon retiring
from the presidency. She then worked in the Advancement
Office. Sister Olive held her title and position through 2009
when, after 57 years of service in Kansas City, she moved to
Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis.
During her time in Kansas City, Sister Olive Louise received

many awards, among them: an appreciation letter from
the Department of State (1965); the (National) Beautiful
Activist Award, Germaine Monteil (1973); Best College
President (1974), the Kansas City Town Squire; Citizen
of the Year Award, UNICO (1980); Kansas City Career
Woman of the Year (1981); Lady Commander of Merit by
Pope Paul VI (the first woman religious to be so honored);
Honorary Degree, Doctor of Letters-Avila University
(2007) and the Avila University Medal of Honor.
Sister Marie Joan Harris writes:
In her role as president, she was a woman leader in a city
that had very few women in leadership positions ... She
embraced change in higher education, in the church and in
her own life. She changed a small liberal arts womens college
to a coed university that serves a very diverse population,
welcomes transfer students and serves both traditional and
adult students ... She believed that all persons should have
the opportunity to get a college education and the college
needed to develop systems and cultivate relationships to help
that happen.
Angela Metzger, adjunct math instructor, shares:
I saw Sister Olive walking around the parking lot picking
up trash It made me realize how humble she was
How many presidents walk around picking up McDonald's
cups off the ground?
Associate Nicole Nicoll recalls:
I asked Sister Olive how she felt leaving Kansas City after
all [her] years of work and friendships. I was touched by her
response, God has given me my next assignment.
Sister Ruth Stuckel reflects:
She truly was a living example and embodied St. Teresas
motto: Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing. God only is changeless
Helen Oates, CSJ

Page 15
Sister Kathleen Kevin Ryan, CSJ

July 10, 1928 - December 20, 2016
Overflowing with generosity, a great sense of humor,

and the gift of hospitality
Michael and Mary Elizabeth (Walsh) Ryan of Chicago,

Illinois, welcomed twin daughters, Norine and Kathleen,
July 10, 1928numbers eight and nine of their ten children.
When they were about three and their younger sister, Patsy
just one and a half, their father, a city construction worker,
caught pneumonia and died, leaving their mother to raise
ten children on her own. We found out that Mayor Daley
was really Santa Claus to us. We found out he did many
good things for us.
Sister Helen Flemington reflects:
Norine also remembers how good their parish (Nativity of

Our Lord) and the sisters were to her mother. Often her
mother sent her over to the convent to wash dishes or run
errands for them.
Sister Kathleen Kevin answered the call to minister as a

hospitality associate at the St. Joseph Provincial House in
2003. Sister Fran Voivedich shares:
Finishing at Nativity, the twins went to St. Marys for a year

and then to a commercial school with the Sisters of Mercy.
Norine entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on February 11,
1947. She received the habit and the name, Sister Kathleen
Kevin, August 15, 1947 and earned a bachelors degree in
history from Fontbonne College in 1958.
Sister Kathleen Kevin began teaching in St. Louis. She
taught primary students at Most Holy Rosary (1949); St.
Margaret of Scotland (1951); St. Philip Neri (1952) and St.
Rita (1954). She continued teaching primary at St. Mary on
the Hill, Augusta, Georgia (1962); St. Joseph/St. Patrick,
Hancock, Michigan; St. Viator, Chicago (1970); St. Theresa,
Honolulu, Hawaii (1971); St. Peter, Marquette, Michigan
(1974) and at Bishop Baraga Central (1976).
In 1977, Sister Kathleen Kevin returned to her home city
of Chicago, teaching at St. Bede the Venerable (1977); St.
Viator (1978); Nativity of Our Lord (1979); and Bridgeport
Catholic Academy (1985-1994). In addition, she added the
role of religious education/CCD coordinator at Nativity of
Our Lord (1991-1995) and parish ministry, 1993-2003.
Kathleen and I were together at Nativity in Chicago. She

was the pre-school teacher with me for many years. What a
treasure she was with the little ones whom she lovedthey
loved her, too. She was a pied-piper. As soon as the children
were safely at home, she would dash out her school door to
take care of her family and other neighbors. As we know she
was always active and serving. I was amazed by her energy
and her love for everyone.
I still have very fond memories of her endearing ways

when I would visit Carondelet. She was most solicitous in
making me feel at home.
Nell Jones (Mrs. John L. Jones), sister of Sister Fran, echoes
similar sentiments:
Sister Kathleen Kevin took great pleasure in showing us all
around the motherhouse. My sweet husband, now deceased,
was a masterful woodworker and Sister thoroughly enjoyed
showing off all the beautiful woodwork of Carondelet ... She
was very kind to us every time we visited. Heaven is richer.
Sister Pauline Komrska, who entered with S. Kathleen
Kevin on February 11, 1947, writes:
On the death of one of her family members in Chicago, I
found out what an Irish wake can bejoyful, full of faith,
at peace besides enjoying some of the best snacks at any
gathering Saying that Kathleen had a heart of gold is an
understatement. She was the most generous person that I
have ever known.
Sister Kathleen retired to Nazareth Living Center in 2009
to a ministry of prayer and presence.
Helen Oates, CSJ
Page 16
Sister Andrea Marie

Rentmeester, CSJ
November 30, 1925 - December 21, 2016

A grounded, peaceful woman deeply spiritual.
S. Pat Murphy
She loved strawberry picking in the summer and making

her special jams and jellies. She loved being in a vegetable
garden working the soil, preparing the vegetables she would
pick and serving them for a meal ... Andrea did everything
with a smile. Despite her years of suffering from terrible
sciatica she was so much a part of everything in community
... She was hard working, long suffering and a dear. She
could be found praying in chapel at all times and for any
need ... she was a GREAT lady! Sister Pam Harding
On November 30, 1925, the eighth of their nine children,
Myrtle Agnes, was born to Andre and Anna (Vander Kelen)
Rentmeester of Preble, Wisconsin. She grew up in a rural
area [on a farm] and attended a one-room school [where]
her father was the teacher. (Sister Ruth Burkhart) Myrtle
then attended St. Joseph Academy in Green Bay where she
was dropped off at 6:30 a.m. by an older brother on his way
to work.
Entering the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1943,
she received the habit and the name Sister Andrea Marie, on
March 19, 1944. Sister Teresa Maria Eagan writes:
I met Sister Andrea when we entered Carondelet ... [Later
on] I became aware of the health problem that was to
dominate her life but she complained little ... I believe there
are many types of martyrdom so I am sure that her many
years of constant pain and suffering won for her the martyrs
crown ...
Sister Andrea Marie earned a bachelors degree in modern
European history from Loretto Heights College, Denver,
Colorado (1955). She received a master's in history from
St. Louis University (1963). Her teaching ministry began
in elementary grades at St. Anthony of Padua, St. Louis,
Missouri, in 1946. Later in 1946, she moved to St. Francis
de Sales, Denver, Colorado. Nativity of Our Lord in St.
Louis followed (1956).
Sister Andrea Marie next ministered at St. Thomas Aquinas
High School, St. Louis (1957). Sister Ida Berresheim, who
lived with her at Aquinas, says:
Andrea was senior coordinator, [she] could always get

to the root of a problem without making too much of
it. The teachers never found out how she knew who the
perpetrators of some prank were ... The seniors really loved
her, as she did them, and they knew it.
Her next assignment was principal at Bishop Baraga High
School in Marquette, Michigan (1965), followed by teaching
at Loretto Catholic Central, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
(1969). Returning to Marquette, she was educational
consultant for the diocese (1971).
Sister Andrea Marie served the CSJ community as
coordinator of pastoral ministry, Carondelet (1973). Then
she ministered in the Archdiocese of St. Louis as president
of the Archdiocesan Council of Women Religious (1976).
Campus minister at St. Josephs Academy in Green Bay,
Wisconsin, followed (1982). She moved on to alumnae
relations there in 1985.
Sister Andrea Marie returned to the St. Joseph Provincial
House, St. Louis (1990) to be a publications assistant. Later
she was ministry secretary at Carondelet (1993) until she
retired there in 2004. Her ministry of prayer and presence at
Nazareth Living Center began in 2005.
Andrea was a gentle and affirming person to live and work
with. In spite of the great pain that she lived with for many
years she never complained or used it as a reason to feel
sorry for herself. She was down to earth about life, ministry
and serving others. Sister Pat Bober
She was always doing little things for people with great
love Those in our [prayer] group all missed her when
she was no longer able to attend our monthly gatherings
... She was wise, loving, and kind. Associate Theresa
Jeevanjee
Her acceptance of God's Will for her has been admirable.
I'm sure she has gone right into Heaven! Sister
Roberta Houlihan
Helen Oates, CSJ

Page 17
CSJ News
Sister Mary McGlone Pens the
History of the Sisters of St. Joseph

How do you eat an elephant?
That is how Sister Mary McGlone describes the huge
undertaking of her project for the U.S. Federation of the
Sisters of St. Josephwriting the history of the Sisters of
St. Joseph in the United States.
The idea for this book has been percolating in the federation
for at least 25 years, yet it was about three years ago that S.
Mary picked up the project after the federation put out a
call for a writer. Her experience in history and theology, as
well as her track record having written history for the U.S.
bishops and the vice province of Peru, made her the right
candidate for the job. After 25 years, Im doing my best to
bring this to completion, she says.
S. Marys approach to this project is one bite at a time,
grounding the book in each congregations founding story.
Ill get every congregation highlighted with something that
Page 18
is unique to them in areas of healthcare, education, and the

various other kinds of things weve been involved with in
these 180 years.
S. Mary says shell be putting everything in the historical
and ecclesial context in which it happened to show how
time and place affected us and how we contributed to them
as well. The second half is going to look like a history of
women religious in the United States, starring the Sisters of
St. Joseph.
The intense amount of research needed for the project
began with two tons of materials that had been previously
collected by Sister Barbara Baer from Wichita. I inherited
the research that was sponsored by the federation, but I
didnt inherit a plan, she says. After spending significant
time plotting an approach, the intense research continues. In
addition, S. Mary has visited every congregation at least once
during this process.
Gathering information from each congregation has revealed that although

the histories are written in silos, there are incredible connections throughout,
particularly in the first 50 to 60 years. S. Mary cites some movers and shakers
that people may not have heard of but who played a significant role in the
sisters growth.
For example, Sister De Chantal Keating was based in Brooklyn around the
time of the Civil War. She was lent to Wheeling, West Virginia, and became
famous in Civil War nursing. Returning to Brooklyn, she ran one of the
biggest orphanages in the city, but she continued her contacts with sisters
from various areas, particularly in the East. S. Mary says, She subtly had her
fingers in all sorts of pies.
It was also during these early days that the sisters began to organize
themselves in units but faced a challenge in their local dioceses. Nobody
thought of themselves as congregations for the first 25 years. Then they
needed to start figuring out structures and how to maintain some freedom
from being totally ruled by the bishop of the diocese, S. Mary says.
While some ended up being controlled by the local bishops as if they were
adjunct to diocesan clergy, one bishop was surprisingly supportive of the
sistersBishop Kenrick of St. Louis. S. Mary says, Kenrick supported our
sisters going all over the countryPhiladelphia, St. Paul, New York, out west.
He was the ecclesial power behind us becoming a congregation as Carondelet.
S. Mary says she is pushing to complete a draft this spring. Sister Patty
Johnson, executive director of the federation, who has viewed the early
chapters of the draft, says of S. Marys work, "I think this will fundamentally
change the way we think of our history in the United States. I also believe that
we will see implications for the future once we have a clearer understanding
about how we evolved from our humble beginnings in a log cabin on the
Mississippi."
Log Cabin Chronicles

Presented by Sister Mary McGlone
LOG CABIN CHRONICLES

As we mark 180 years of our founding
in Carondelet, the federation book
project was the impetus for Sister
Mary McGlones event series, Log
Cabin Chronicles, in which S. Mary
presents the history of the Carondelet
provinces and vice provinces.
I had this in the background, but we
were celebrating 180 years of hitting
this turf in St. Louis and coming to
be, she says. I thought, wouldnt it be
interesting if we did all of the provinces
to show how we are connected.
S. Mary considers this perfect timing
in conjunction with the Extraordinary
Congregational Chapter in April
and the journey through the current
discernment process regarding future
governance. It gives us more of a sense
of how we became who we are.
St. Louis Province Archivist Sister Jane
Behlmann says, The value of the series
is that it helps us give thanks for the
place that we have called our home for
180 years, and for all those sisters who
have brought us to this time by sharing
in the joys and hopes, the griefs and
anxieties of the dear neighbor, which
have led us to be the Congregation of
the Great Love of God.
The videos of the Log Cabin Chronicles
are available on the congregational
website at www.csjcarondelet.org. Click
ABOUT US, then OUR HISTORY.
Scroll to the bottom of the page for the
links to the videos. The St. Louis, St. Paul
and Albany sessions are now posted. Los
Angeles and the Vice-Provinces coming
soon.
The Log Cabin Chronicles series focuses on learning more

about the other CSJ provinces and vice-provinces.
About VICE-PROVINCES
SATURDAY, FEB. 18
At the Carondelet Motherhouse

Presentation at 9:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast starts at 9:00 a.m.
RSVP to 314-481-8800 or motherhousersvp@csjsl.org.

Page 19
Justice
Walk with Wisdom
Reconnect, Renew and Reflect on What it Means to
Live the CSJ Charism Today and in the Future
We live in polarizing times, with opposing

world views, rampant stereotyping and little
listening to one another. Our times call for
deeper conversations and contemplative
living. The mission and charism of the
Sisters of St. Joseph compels sisters,
associates and partners in mission to
bring union, reconciliation and allinclusive love to our everyday lives.
to
Thats what Walk with Wisdom invites us to

explore.
Walk with Wisdom is a six-part series offered by the St.
Louis province that invites sisters, associates and partners
in mission to engage in prayer, facilitated conversations and
shared experiences that deepen their understanding of the
CSJ charism and discover a gospel-centered way to proceed
in ones discussion of justice issues.
The idea of it came out of our desire as a community to
deepen our understanding and the relationships that we
have in trying to bring about the community of God and
bring about the mission of Jesus, says Sister Mary Margaret
Lazio of province leadership.
Each session of this curriculum-based program focuses on
building right relationships through topics such as charism,
worldview, stereotypes and conflict. It is intended that
people gather in learning communities in groups of six to 10,
and commit to experiencing the program as a whole. One or
more group members may serve as facilitator from session to
session.
The core components of each session include prayer,
readings, small-group activity and a video, which features
a sister and an associate modeling the contemplative
conversation that the participants will engage in. The videos
also feature Walk with Wisdom program advisor, Sister
Carol Zinn, SSJ (Chestnut Hill).
Page 20
The discussion leader or facilitator has the

materials to invite the participants to
continue the conversation, S. Carol says.
It seems like that is what the world is
hungry forto have a space where what
I think and feel and have to offer matters
and the learning is mutual.
We hope that each person will bring his
or her life experience to the conversation
because that invites me to listen to you and
to go deeper in my own experience, says S. Mary
Margaret.
Each session typically takes two to three hours. Groups
independently decide the time frame in which they will
complete the entire series, depending on their meeting
frequency. Thats not written in stone either, because some
people may take more time on some of the modules, says
Sister Marilyn Lott of province leadership. We encourage
people to be in a real listening and learning community
together so they continue to develop their understanding of
the materials.
Associate Peggy Maguire, co-director of association and
Walk with Wisdom participant says, I found Walk with
Wisdom to be an enjoyable and effective opportunity to
deepen my understanding of our charism. The sessions were
practical, related to my everyday experience and formed a
deeper bond of community among us.
The materials are available for free online at
walkwithwisdom.org. They include facilitators guides for
each module and the videos. You are invited to visit the
website, view the materials and watch the introductory
video.
Beginning the program is as easy as gathering a group and
getting started! If you have questions or are interested in
hard copy materials, contact Justice Coordinator Sister Mary
Flick at mflick@csjsl.org or 314-678-0305.
Stories of Justice
The Language of Welcome
by Sister Mary Flick, justice coordinator

It could be said that good teachers never retire; they simply
find new students. So it is for Sister Jane Schaper, a life-long
teacher who finished her time in traditional classrooms and
now teaches immigrant and refugee women in the security
of their own homes through the Immigrant and Refugee
Womens Project (IRWP) in St. Louis.
A program begun in 1995 by a School Sister of Notre
Dame, IRWP exists to help immigrant and refugee women
increase their independence and reduce their isolation by
teaching them basic English and practical living skills. Along
the way, these women are befriended by their teachers like
Sister Jane, who provide for them personal reassurance and
confidence, lessons not found in their textbooks.
For Sister Jane Schaper, working with (IRWP) seemed like a
natural way to serve after retiring from full-time teaching at
Little Flower Grade School in St. Louis. Her friend, Sister
Mary Charity Dalton, often spoke about her experience
as a teacher with IRWP. It was something I wanted to do
because there is such a need for immigrants to learn English,
Sister Jane says. After completing her Certified Nurse Aide
training for her work with sister care at Nazareth Living
Center, Sister Jane became involved with IRWP.
She currently tutors a 27-year-old wife and mother of two,
ages 3 and 3 months, meeting with her student twice a
week for an hour at a time. Her student lives in Mehlville
with her husband and in-laws. Her mother-in-law cares
for her children while she studies. Turkish by descent, her
student spent much of her life in southern Russia. Now
in the United States for four years, she is studying for her
citizenship test. Sister Jane has been meeting faithfully with
her since 2014, with only a two-month break following the
birth of the womans youngest child last October.
My student had three years of high school English in
Russia, Sister Jane relates. She could greet me, but not
much more. Her mother-in-law helped translate for her
when we first met. Sister Jane began with phonics, then
gradually advanced to grammar. As we started working on
grammar and word recognition, her high school English
came back, she says. They are now practicing conversation.
Currently Sister Janes

student is studying for her
citizenship test. My student
started studying for it on her
own, Sister Jane proudly
shares. She sent in the form
and was finger-printed. Now
she waits for the testing date.
English will make a
difference for her, Sister
Jane says. When she has
an opportunity to get a job,
Sister Jane Schaper
when she interacts with
neighbors or shops, she has to know some English. Both
student and teacher know thats what it will take to succeed
in society.
And English is also needed to care for her familys needs.
Until that time, Sister Jane has helped her student to enroll
her 3-year-old in the Head Start program. English will be
important when her son goes to school, so she can talk to his
teachers, Sister Jane says.
Sistesr Janes student was a beautician in Russia and would
like to be one in the United States. But, she will have to
repeat her program hereand this time, in English.
Learning a language requires practice, Sister Jane says. She
knows what learning takes. She taught the gamut of subjects
to fifth through eighth-graders during her 45 years as a
Catholic elementary educator.
Sister Jane sees teaching with IRWP as a natural response to
her life as a Sister of St. Joseph. You serve the way you can.
All my life, I have taught.
Why would a teacher do anything else?
Visit www.csjsl.org to read the complete news article, which
includes another IRWP tutor, Sister Janet Kuciejczyk
Page 21
Justice
Boston
... in Los Angeles
... in St. Louis
Womens Marches
On January 21, the Sisters of St. Joseph community joined millions of women,
men and children in womens marches that were held across the country and the
globe, speaking out to defend the most marginalized in our society.
... in Washington D.C. with the
L.A. St. Joseph Workers
In cities across the nation, the Sisters of St. Joseph marched in solidarity with
issues including world peace, respect for diversity, domestic violence, affordable
health care, religious tolerance, economic and climate justiceand simply, the
CSJ call to love the dear neighbor without distinction. Although the Sisters of
St. Joseph marched for many reasons, there was a special emphasis on
immigration reform.
It was wonderful to march with women, men and children representing a variety
of issues, says Sister Janet Kuciejczyk, who marched in St. Louis. I was proud to
represent the Sisters of St. Joseph in the march and to carry our sign of welcome
and inclusivity.
... in Albany
In Washington, D.C., Sister Patty Johnson, executive director of the U.S.

Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, reported that the crowd of one million
people made her efforts to connect as a group of more than 120 sisters, associates
and partners impossible.
However, a comment from another marcher reminded S. Patty that it was all
worthwhile. A father who was holding his 18-month old daughter said to S. Patty,
You have been there for us. We needed to come out here and stand with you.
... in Boston
Page 22
S. Patty says, In many ways he spoke to the spirit of the marchthat we have to
continue to see past single issues and stand together for a future that will bring
unity in our diversity.
CSJ EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

CSJ GOVERNMENT EVENTS
2017 Jubilee Celebration
ST. LOUIS PROVINCE &

CONGREGATIONAL DATES
60th JUBILEE
2017
Reception of 1957
SPRING SECTIONAL
Feb. 25-26 & March 4-5
Saturday, March 18
10:30 a.m. Mass, followed by lunch
EXTRAORDINARY
CONGREGATIONAL CHAPTER
April 21-25
Airport Hilton, St. Louis
RSVP by March 13 to
motherhousersvp@csjsl.org or
314-481-8800.
PROVINCE ASSEMBLY
July 28-30
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish
St. Louis
FALL SECTIONAL
Oct. 7-8 & Oct. 14-15
JUST EARTH FILM FESTIVAL

That Sugar
Wednesday, Feb. 15
Showtimes: 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Carondelet Motherhouse
RSVP for lunch or dinner with Denise
Raggio at draggio@csjsl.org.
KANSAS CITY EVENTS

Sunday, March 5
Benefactor Mass & Reception
Saturday, April 1
Linger Over Breakfast
Spirituality and the Moral Life
with Jean deBlois, CSJ, Ph.D.
SISTERS NIGHT WITH THE WOMEN BILLIKENS

Sunday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.
Chaifetz Arena
Women religious in the Archdiocese of St. Louis are

invited to Sisters Night with the Saint Louis University
womens basketball Billikens when the Billiken women
face Saint Josephs University. One hundred game
tickets have been set aside for women religious to
come and cheer on the Billikens in their quest for a
conference title.
HERE AT HOME
FEB 22 at 6:30 P.M.

Join us for part two of our threepart series about the experience
of immigrants and refugees.
Associate Jessica Mayo will tell
the stories of immigrants and
refugees seeking legal assistance
from the Migrant and Immigrant
Community Action Project.
RSVP to 314-481-8800 or
motherhousersvp@csjsl.org.
Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph
of Carondelet Justice Office.
To request game tickets, contact Gene Brion at

gbrion1@slu.edu with the number of tickets requested,
your name and your communitys name.
LEARN MORE AND VIEW OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS AT CSJSL.ORG.

Page 23
LEADERSHIP CALENDAR
February
3
Mission Integration Committee (MML)
4
Fontbonne Board Mtg. (MML)
9
LCWR Breakfast (RS, LS)
15
Finance Advisors (LS)
21-22 Council/Corporation Mtgs. (All)
23-24 Avila Board Mtg. (RS)
25
Retreat for New Associates (LS)
25
SJA Dinner & Auction (RS, LS)
25-26 Spring Sectionals (ML, RS)
26
Associate Commitment (LS)
March
2-7
CLG Meeting, Los Angeles (ML, RS, LS)
4-5
Spring Sectionals
13-14 Heartland Mtg. (RS, LS)
18
20-21
22
28-31
31
NLC Jubilee Celebration (ML, RS, LS)

Council/Corporation Mtgs. (All)
Sponsorship Collaborative (MML, RS, LS)
LCWR Region X, Dubuque (MML, ML, RS, LS)
PCRI Mtg. (MF)
April
5
10-11
21-25
27-28
28
28
29
Dept. Head Mtg. (ML, RS)

Council/Corp Mtgs. (All)
Extraordinary Congregational Chapter (All)
Tabitha Selection Committee (MF)
Generosity of Joseph Gala (ML, RS, LS)
Mission Integration Mtg. (MML)
Fontbonne Board Mtg. (MML)
Dining to Donate
dining to donate
Mangia! Mangia! Enjoy a great meal with family and friends,

and help the Sisters of St. Joseph at the same time.
Twenty percent of sales will go towards the
good work of the sisters.
ST. LOUIS: Favazzas

Wednesday, March 22
5 to 9 p.m.
5201 Southwest Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63139
favazzas.com
KANSAS CITY: Jaspers

Wednesday, March 22
11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
1201 W. 103rd St.

Kansas City, MO 64114
jasperskc.com
NEXT ISSUE: March/April PNN & Directory Changes

Submission Deadline: March 10 Publication Date: April 1
For a complete PNN schedule, visit Members Only at www.csjsl.org.
Page 24

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ON THE COVER: 100 DAYS OF PRAYER