Winter 2011 • A Publication of the Sisters of Charity, BVM
Chicago BVMs:
A Chapter Closes,
But the Story Continues . . .
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Chicago BVMs:
Winter Two Thousand Eleven
Volume 39, Number 2
A Chapter Closes, But the Story Continues . . .
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Seasoning
by BVMs Mary Ann Zollmann,
Mira Mosle and Teri Hadro
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Change, Letting Go, Moving On
by Marion Murphy, BVM
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Theresa Gleeson, BVM—
Compañera with Connections
by Rose Mary Meyer, BVM
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Communication Advisory Committee:
Dan Abben, Associate; Mary Pat Haley, BVM;
Harriet Holles, BVM; Mary Martens, BVM; Mira
Mosle, BVM; Betty Voss, BVM
Wright Hall—‘Brought to Completion’ as
‘BVM Hall’
by Mary Pat Haley, BVM
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The Full Moon Reflected on Still Water . . .
Chicago BVMs Look Back—and Forward
by Helen Gourlay, BVM
Subscriptions: $7.50 per year, write:
SALT, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa
52003-7991, ph. (563) 588-2351, or email:
[email protected].
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Homelessness has a Face:
Spring 2010 Chicago Service Project
by Nancy McCarthy, BVM
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Share What You Have—
Associate Dolores Coruthers
by Dan Abben, BVM Associate
Saints Support the Arts
by Margaret McGinn, BVM
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Elizabeth Wirtz, BVM—
Educator and Believer
by Anne Buckley, BVM
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Chicago Provides a Lifetime of
Ministry for Dodie Dwight, BVM
by Mary Alma Sullivan, BVM
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Cultural Diversity Enriches DePaul Ministry
by Patricia M. Bombard, BVM, D.Min.
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The Queen of Clubs—Kathleen Sinclair, BVM
Continues the Legacy at Carmel H.S.
by Lois Dolphin, BVM
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SALT Briefs
Mission Statement: As Sisters of Charity of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, we are called to participate
in the mission of Jesus. Our choice of ministry is
in keeping with our BVM mission: being freed and
helping others enjoy freedom in God’s steadfast
love. (BVM Constitutions, 10)
SALT is published three times per year for
friends and family of the Sisters of Charity of
the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Editor/Design: Angie Connolly
Managing Editor: Jody Iler
Internet Address: www.bvmcong.org
Email Address: [email protected]
2011 Calendar of Events
February
18–May 22 Women and Spirit Exhibit Opening, National Mississippi River Museum
& Aquarium, Dubuque, Iowa
March
12
Women’s Leadership at the Crossroads,
Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa
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BVM & Former BVM Event: Women &
Spirit Exhibit, Dubuque, Iowa
April
2
Midwest Associates, Sisters and Brothers Gathering, Dubuque, Iowa
4-13 Ecuador Service Project
8-10 Dubuque Service Project
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Immaculata H.S. Alumnae Luncheon,
Chicago
29-30 Dubuque’s Got Sisters!
May
1
St. Mary Alumnae Luncheon, Chicago
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Mass of Remembrance for Friends,
Family of Deceased BVMs, Mount
Carmel, Dubuque, Iowa
July
29-31 Silver and Golden Jubilee Celebration,
Mount Carmel, Dubuque, Iowa
For more information, visit:
www.bvmcong.org/whatsnew_calendar.cfm
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T MAGAZINE
On the cover: Enid Lodding, BVM is greeted by Ann Ida Gannon,
BVM as she arrives at Mount Carmel Motherhouse in Dubuque,
Iowa, from Wright Hall in Chicago, “anxious to see what lies
ahead.” In this issue, read about the BVM presence in Chicago for
nearly a century and a half, and counting.
SEASONing
CHICAGO
Hog Butcher for the World,
Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,
Player with Railroads and the Nation’s Freight Handler;
Stormy, husky, brawling,
City of the Big Shoulders . . .
—Carl Sandburg
With poetic economy and punchy images, Carl
Sandburg’s “Chicago” conveys the vitality of the rough
and tumble city on the Illinois prairie. That vitality, no
doubt, is part of the magnetism Chicago has for BVMs.
The “City of the Big Shoulders” has been home for members of our congregation ever since Sister Mary Agatha
Hurley opened the first of several elementary schools in
Holy Family Parish in 1867.
Ninety-two years later, in 1959, the cornerstone of
the BVM Scholasticate was laid. Built as a house of studies for newly-minted BVMs fresh from the novitiate in
Dubuque, Iowa, the building later housed a multi-generational community which included BVM students of all
ages, sister-students who were members of other congregations of women religious, BVMs engaged full-time in
ministry on Chicago’s north side, BVMs transitioning to
part-time or volunteer ministry, and fully retired BVMs.
As the building was re-purposed, it needed a new
name and, in 1971, the facility was designated Wright
Hall to honor Sister Helen Wright (formerly Mother
Mary Consolatrice, the 8th Mother General of the congregation) on the occasion of her 50th Jubilee.
Over the past 51 years, Wright Hall has been called
“home” by nearly 1,000 BVMs and several dozen women
religious from other congregations. As Mary Pat Haley,
BVM, details in this issue, BVMs will be leaving Wright
Hall in the spring of 2011. The building and the land
under it will become part of the Loyola University Lakeshore campus. Although we experience the sadness of
loss, BVMs are pleased to know that Wright Hall will
continue to be used for the work of education—a primary ministry for BVMs for 177 years.
BVMs are moving from Wright Hall, but as this
issue’s authors illustrate quite nicely, we are definitely
NOT moving out of Chicago. Even as Wright Hall
closes, more than 70 BVMs continue to reside and minister in the Chicago metropolitan area.
BVM Leadership team members are (l. to r.) Teri Hadro,
Mary Ann Zollmann and Mira Mosle.
The re-purposing and, ultimately, the sale of Wright
Hall illustrates, in a very real way, a significant paradigm
shift for the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
and to a large extent, for U.S. women religious. Nationwide, as the number of young women entering religious
life declined annually by the hundreds in the late ’60s
and ’70s, Catholic schools and hospitals—built, staffed
and administered by sisters—employed more and more
lay persons to carry on the ministry.
Women religious spent little time mourning their
decrease in numbers, nor the need to divest themselves
of too-large or too-expensive buildings. Instead, inspired
by a new theology and a new worldview coming from the
documents of Second Vatican Council, they welcomed
the opportunity to link arms with their lay sisters and
brothers in ministry together.
The Council fathers encouraged religious to “read the
signs of the times.” And read them we did! There was a
seeming “explosion” of new ministries designed to tend
to people in need. BVMs moved from formal classrooms
to neighborhood literacy centers, from introducing their
students to diverse cultures to teaching English as a second language, from inspiring elementary classes numbering 60 and 70 students to one-on-one mentoring, and
tutoring of adults left behind by traditional pedagogy.
It is interesting to note that, of the named BVM ministerial activities featured in this issue of Salt, only BVMs
working with Vincentian fathers (see article by Patricia
Bombard, BVM) could have been envisioned when the
BVM Scholasticate opened. Special Religious Development (SPRED) Programs (1968), the BVM Associate
Program (1968), and Taller de José (Joseph’s Workshop,
2007) may have existed in dreams but they certainly
weren’t realities in 1959.
We invite you, our readers, to turn the page and
enter in, once more, to the ongoing and vital BVM
Chicago story.
WINTER TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN
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Change, Letting Go, Moving On
Hollowing, Hallowing, Hoping
by Marion Murphy, BVM
During our July BVM senate our president and vice presidents presented inspiring reflections on hollowing,
hallowing and hoping. Their presentation included the naming of profound experiences. We had time to reflect on
this talk during the meeting. We were invited to continue to engage in reflection alone and with other BVMs and BVM
associates when we returned home. As we pondered the questions we considered losses and signs of hope. We considered hollowing, hallowing and hoping.
Pondering Experiences Through a BVM Lens
We are conscious that these life events and questions
are experienced by all. However, it is also important for
us to ponder these experiences through a BVM lens. We
experience change (hollowing times), letting go (hallowing times), and hoping (moving on), as individuals, but
we also experience them as members of the community.
So we gathered in smaller groups to consider what have
been, or continue to be, instances of change, letting
go, and finding the resurrection moments in what had
appeared to be moments of loss.
BVMs have always relied upon the support of one
another at the time of a loss of family members. That
support continues. However, there is change in the family
members who are entering new life. For years we heard
about parents. Now we are getting notices about siblings.
Reflection sessions taught us that how we hallow (the
letting go part) what has been a hollowing is crucial. We
try to avoid filling the hollowing times and at the same
time actively accept the present and search for the deeper
meanings there. We respect the need for time to embrace
losses and move on.
Loss of BVMs and our limitations as aging persons
bring change. We need time to embrace these changes
before we can appreciate the present and move on to the
unknown future.
Opening Doors to Our Deeper Selves
Another way to approach hallowing (letting go) is
to consider doors. Joyce Rupp’s book, The Open Door,
speaks of doors to one’s heart, to one’s deeper self. There
is emphasis on a process of growth and the necessity of
being an active participant. Growth occurs as we move
from the present, to accepting change, to moving to a
space where we can trust that all will be well. Many of us
had heard our parents tell us that when one door closes,
another one will open. Scripture speaks of doors being
opened when we knock.
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S A L T MAGAZINE
Here in Chicago we have seen instances of loss in our
ministries. Schools we had staffed for years (and some had
also been the source of vocations to BVM life) closed for
various reasons. Holy Family, Presentation, Our Lady Help
of Christians and St. Bridget are some of those elementary
schools. The closing of St. Mary High School and Immaculata High School, as well as the affiliation of Mundelein
College with Loyola University, were big changes.
Hallowing enabled us to accept these as gifts as we recognized our own limitations. We have seen leadership develop
among graduates of these schools. Today we treasure relationships we have with persons we have educated and those
with whom we have ministered, persons who live BVM core
values—freedom, education, charity and justice. We see it in
the restructuring of leadership of St. Mary and Immaculata
alumnae groups. Articles in Salt refer to new ways that have
opened for BVMs to minister to others.
We Move On in Hope
In December 1958, the tragic loss of lives of students
and BVMs in the fire at Our Lady of the Angels (OLA)
in Chicago took a considerable time before we could
experience that hollowing as a gift. We learned how we
react to hollowing is as important as time needed for hallowing to take place. The strength of parishioners who
lost loved ones at OLA was a witness to us as they unselfishly reached out and cared for one another in the midst
of their own grief.
Today we struggle with issues of fewer members and
financial uncertainties. The sale of Wright Hall is an
example of this. Other articles in this issue will describe
various aspects of this time of letting go. Moving on has
been a significant part of our community history. We
actively wait in hope as the new moving on takes place,
and we bring all that we have been with us.
About the author: Marion Murphy, BVM (John Patrice) is a teacher
at Westside Employment and Education Center and runs the Holy
Family Parish Food Pantry in Chicago.
Theresa Gleeson, BVM—
Compañera with Connections
by Rose Mary Meyer, BVM
When entering Taller de José, a sponsored ministry of the Congregation of
St. Joseph, one feels a sense of welcome,
warmth and comfort in a beautiful environment. Located in the heart of Pilsen/
Little Village, former and present clients
often refer others to this caring pastoral
center. Little Village is a port of entry for
Mexicans seeking a new life in Chicago.
BVM Theresa Gleeson (Dorothy) ministers as a compañera, or companion, at
Taller de José. The mission of Taller de José
is twofold: connecting people to resources
and being a companion to them through
the process. Without the support of Taller
de José, finding one’s way through a variety
of social service agencies can be daunting.
Pastoral Center Provides Help
and Hope in Shaping New Lives
The very title of this service organization, Taller de José (Joseph’s Workshop)
implies building something new. With
the support of their compañera or compañero, these folks are fashioning a new life
for themselves and their children.
A 26-year-old single mom described
her experience in the center’s newsletter,
the Taller de José News. “Before coming
to Taller de José I felt very desperate,
alone, and like every door was closing.
When Taller de José helped me I felt more
calm because I knew they would help me
through it. Taller de José has helped me
with many things, but I have also found a
family in them. I now have hope because
I know that I can come to Taller de José
and they will be here for me.”
Taller de José staff has developed partners in mission with many organizations.
Some of these include Catholic Charities, Gynecologic Cancer Foundation,
Dominican and Loyola Universities, La
Familia Unida, Latinos Progresando, LensCrafters, Legal Aid Center and Our Lady
Clients Jaime and Veronica visit with Theresa Gleeson, BVM (r.) at Taller de José.
of Tepeyac Parish. Theresa is overwhelmed
by the many generous professionals
willing to provide pro bono services.
A resource book created by the staff is
almost six inches thick!
‘Love Them as
You Love Yourself . . .’
The people come to the center to seek
help with a variety of human needs. These
include child care, clothing, counseling,
education, employment, food, health and
dental care, housing, legal assistance, the
stress of spousal deportations, the effects
of domestic violence and substance abuse,
and the translation of documents including directions about how to use a new
prescription.
Theresa is compañera to these people.
Being bilingual is a requirement for this
ministry. Theresa majored in Spanish at
Mundelein College and received an M.A.
in Spanish literature and linguistics at the
University of Michigan. Her previous ministries in California, Illinois, New Mexico,
Texas and Ecuador, have contributed to the
expertise that she brings to this position.
Therese’s eyes sparkle and her joy is
palpable as she talks about the people who
come to Taller de José for services. She
treasures the opportunities to interact with
these people who think almost constantly
of their families in their country of origin.
She describes those who come as beautiful
people facing serious life challenges. Their
creativity, energy, initiative and intelligence
sustain their hope and inspire her.
Public transportation is always used
to travel to the designated destination.
This mode of transportation offers Theresa
time for conversation and deepening relationships.
Theresa’s favorite scripture reference is
Leviticus 19:33-34. “Do not mistreat the
foreigners who reside in your land. The
foreigner who lives among you must be
treated like one of your own. Love them
as you love yourself, for you too were once
a foreigner.” Theresa feels privileged to be
with these people as they create a more
humane future for themselves and their
families.
About the author: Rose Mary Meyer, BVM
(Sebastian) is director of Project IRENE (Illinois
Religious Engaged in Nonviolent Endeavors),
an initiative of the Leadership Conference of
Women Religious (LCWR) in Illinois.
WINTER TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN
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Wright Hall
‘Brought to
Completion’ as
‘BVM Hall’
by Mary Pat Haley, BVM
END OF AN ERA!
In 1959 the cornerstone of Wright
Hall was blessed by Albert Cardinal
Meyer and inserted into a cement
receptacle near the front door of this
new 10-story building. The cardinal
prayed: “O God, from whom every
good thing takes its beginning and
receives its increase as it advances into
perfection, grant we earnestly pray
that what we undertake for your holy
praise may by the eternal gift of your
wisdom be brought to completion.”
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These might well be the words the sisters living at Wright Hall in Chicago ponder as they help close the building owned
by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and prepare to move to another
residence, most of them to Mount Carmel in Dubuque, Iowa. The cornerstone
prayer, indeed, summarized the sentiments
of BVMs as the news travelled across the
country that the building had been sold to
Loyola University, Chicago.
In an announcement to the congregation, BVM leadership said: “At the Loyola
Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 3,
2010, the Loyola Board designated the
authorized officers of the university to
negotiate and approve the final terms and
conditions for the purchase of Wright
Hall. It also announced that it will be
named BVM Hall. The amount of the
sale is $9.5 million.” Out of several bids,
BVM leadership felt “the most compelling
bid was submitted by Loyola University
which proposed to use Wright Hall as part
of its new Center for Urban Environment
Research and Policy.”
The building, across Sheridan Road
from Mundelein College, will be used for
Loyola University offices, and teaching
and research laboratories. The majority of
the present parking space will be the site
of Loyola’s first green sustainable residence
hall. This use is consistent with BVM
values of education and justice, including
Earth sustainability.
BVM Academic Life
Began at Wright Hall
Estimated to cost $1.5 million at its
time of construction in 1957, Wright Hall
(called the Scholasticate in early years)
was originally built to house young BVMs
who were completing their academic studies at Mundelein College.
The demand for Catholic schools in the
’50s was great, as was the need for teacher
education. Statistics from March 19, 1957,
show that 1,282 BVMs taught 66,766
students in 146 elementary schools; 478
BVMs staffed 14,691 secondary community and diocesan schools; and 88 BVMs
taught a total of 1,499 students in the two
BVM colleges (from an essay by Ann Harrington, BVM (St. Remi): “A Class Apart:
BVM Sister Students at Mundelein College: 1957–1971.” In Mundelein Voices: The
Mundelein College Experience).
In August 1957, the first group of
48 scholastics arrived at Mundelein College. They lived at Mundelein because the
Scholasticate was not yet completed. The
young sisters followed an academic life
similar to their college counterparts, with
education also in the spiritual life.
Brigid Mary Hart, BVM and her set
came to the Scholasticate in August 1959.
She recalls the sense of luxury they experienced after dormitory living; each young
woman now had a private room!
The Scholasticate was a step up from
novitiate life—with more freedom in
the way they used their time and more
choices in their major courses of study.
As Ann notes in her essay (cited above),
“In retrospect, our existence was a
strange one indeed, a part of exciting
times and yet a class apart. Very few of
us questioned the strict rules and regulations, but rather saw our lifestyle and the
confining setup of the times as part of
the demands of religious life.”
Changes Impact
Wright Hall’s Purpose
As the calendar pages moved through
the ’60s and ’70s, the Scholasticate was
not immune from the growing ferment in
the church, the congregation and society.
These had their effect on its programs,
particularly on the numbers of young
women entering the BVM congregation.
In September 1968, there were 31 in the
Scholasticate. In September 1969, there
were 22. In June 1970, there were 7!
In 1971, the building was renamed
Wright Hall in honor of Sister Helen
Wright, BVM. Over the years, Wright
Hall has served not only as a house of
studies, a central meeting place for BVMs,
and a retirement center for aging sisters,
but as a residence for sisters in full-time
ministries and sister students from other
congregations attending nearby Loyola
University or Mundelein College.
In 1975, another program was also
making its name in the Wright Hall vicinity: the Sisters of Charity BVM Neighbors
Program. It was based on the idea of
neighbors helping neighbors, and in this
case, of elderly helping elderly.
The core of this volunteer program
was a group of 45 retired sisters living
at Wright Hall. They ministered to the
homebound elderly of St. Gertrude Parish, offering emergency shopping, shortterm cooking and light housekeeping,
companionship, bringing Communion
to shut-ins, meeting emergency survival
needs, telephone reassurance and more.
The BVM program was so successful that
they could only handle providing continual service to 86 persons.
Begun by BVMs Kathryn Lawlor
(John Laurian) and Joellen McCarthy,
Neighbors’ clientele were found through
door-to-door canvassing, talking with
apartment managers, meeting with local
merchants, visiting with post office per-
OVER-ALLS: During the
O
renovation,
r
some of the residents
d
published a “diary” called
Over-Alls
O
— accounts of the
renovation
r
work in progress. An
excerpt
e
from the issue dated
June
J
13, 2000, reads: “The
work
w
will begin at 8 a.m. and
the
t electricity throughout the
building
b
will be out anywhere
from
f
four to eight hours, so you
can
c be sure we’re all bracing
sonnel, and gathering information from
church bulletins, precinct captains and
other local sources.
Kathryn noted that “In Wright Hall’s
neighborhood, the retired sisters became
interested in learning another culture by
becoming friends with their Jewish neighbors. And because the program was part
of the social ministry of St. Gertrude, the
elderly parishioners gave the retired sisters
a parish connection.”
As years passed, gradually Wright Hall
became primarily a residence for active
retired sisters, as well as a place for BVMs,
associates and friends to gather for meetings and events.
A letter signed by BVMs Alice
Caulfield (Alissio), Mary McCauley
(Mercedie), Peggy Nolan (Timothy
Maura) and Jacquelyn Rice (Vianney)
praised the “hospitality our Wright Hall
sisters have provided all these many years.
We know that our support of them and
of one another during this transition will
contribute much to the completion of
the project. We look forward to 2002 and
once again experiencing BVM hospitality
and gatherings at Wright Hall.”
In later years, it became clear that the
congregation could no longer support two
retirement houses. Wright Hall was put
on the market in July 2010.
Renovation of Wright Hall
Wright Hall Becomes ‘BVM Hall’
Paul Francis Bailey, BVM wrote in
Salt in 1997: “When it became clear
that the Scholasticate would not serve its
primary purpose, it became a retirement
home for those whose years of active
service were ending . . .” It also became
clear that the facility would not serve the
special needs of those living in the building. “The rooms were small, held only
the minimum essentials, had no running
water and a tiny closet originally meant
for ‘habits’ and certainly did not meet a
changing BVM lifestyle.”
In the summer of 1999, the BVM
senate passed a proposal calling for a plan
to renovate Wright Hall. Meetings with
architects and contractors led to a starting
date of January 2000, with its completion
date set for 2002. During this period, living space would be greatly reduced, resulting in the need for some sisters to relocate
and for new residents to delay occupancy
until the project was completed.
The renovated Wright Hall would
accommodate 60 retired BVMs and
provide a few transitional assisted living
units, guestrooms and space for BVM
gatherings.
Tucked away in a folder is a prayer
service which BVMs prepared during the
years of reconstruction. One, in particular, seems appropriate to close this miniaccount of Wright Hall history.
for down-to-earth living. We are, however, a
hearty stock and you will see we will come
through with flying colors.
“‘Without electricity’ means we will have
only one elevator running on emergency
power. There will be no lights, no cooking,
limited phone service is requested, no washing nor drying, no radio, TV or fans. To sum it
up in plain English, Sr. Alice (Caulfield, BVM)
recommends that it would be a Wonderful Day
to take oneself out to the museums, cultural
center, parks . . . anywhere . . . but Home!”
This Wright Hall reconstruction time, then,
might well be called a season of nesting—a
nesting which we could quickly disregard
because of the inner traffic and outer noises
of what will be daily acts of deconstruction
(Excerpt from “Ritual at Reconstruction”
March 14, 2000).
And finally, wherever BVMs can
be found, these words of Ralph Waldo
Emerson reflect their innermost selves:
What lies behind us
And what lies before us
Are tiny matters
Compared to what lies within us.
About the author: Mary Pat Haley, BVM (St.
Thomas) is professor emerita at Loyola University, Chicago and recently moved to Mount
Carmel, Dubuque.
The Wright Hall legacy
will
w travel west in 2012 when
the
t stained glass windows
which
w
graced the chapel are
installed in the Founders Hall
and chapel in the new buildings under construction at
Xavier College Preparatory
School in Phoenix, Ariz.
The Sisters of Charity,
BVM are thankful that the
windows
w
have found a home
in a BVM mission.
WINTER TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN
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Enid Lodding, BVM (second from l.) is
greeted by friends as she arrives at Mount
Carmel from Wright Hall in Chicago. BVMs
welcoming her are (l. to r.) Helen Emerson,
(Clare Ann), Ann Ida Gannon and Isabelle
Hennessy (Vaune). Left: BVMs at Mount
Carmel help Enid unpack her belongings.
The Full Moon Reflected on Still Water . . .
Chicago BVMs Look Back—and Forward
by Helen Gourlay, BVM
“God is everywhere. We have each other. We still are BVMs; that is the most
beautiful part,” agreed four BVMs as they discussed the sale of Wright Hall to Loyola
University Chicago. Gathered together on a bright November day in Chicago, they
reflected on their upcoming move to Mount Carmel in Dubuque, Iowa.
“The lake, the full moon on still water, sunsets on the 10th floor, access to the #147
bus to the Loop,” said Vivian Wilson, BVM (Lauren), describing what she would miss.
As a rural Wyoming girl, Vivian fell in love with Chicago during her days there, as did
BVM Mary Kelliher (Maurita), also from Wyoming. Mary loved her room with a window looking east over Lake Michigan. Airplanes heading west to O’Hare provided “a
heaven of moving stars” for her.
Gratitude Heads List of Mixed Emotions
The perfect blend of freedom and
care! –Pat Griffin, BVM
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For many Chicago-born sisters and others who grew to love the city, a move to
“rural” Dubuque was a hurdle they expected. However, having spent their novitiate
in Dubuque many years ago, they anticipated the same love, care and friendship there
as they received at Wright Hall. Gratitude fills their hearts. “In Dubuque there will be
kindness, concern and all the supports we need,” said Therese von Holdt, BVM
(Barbara Jean). “How many people at retirement have this?”
BVM Bernadita Finnegan says she “never had an unhappy moment” in her seven
years at Wright Hall. The sisters were “super, super, super.” Expressing gratitude, too,
for the employees, Bernadita says: “They went out of their way to make us feel comfort-
able.” Her favorite memory is of her 90th
birthday, including a liturgy followed by a
celebration on the 10th floor with family
and sisters. She also loved daily Mass with
the Jesuit celebrants.
Other Wright Hall BVMs had reflections similar to those of the four sisters
above.
Returning to her Chicago hometown in
1999 is one of BVM Enid Lodding’s favorite memories, as most of her other missions
were out of the city. She said, “I was free
to travel around and see all the wonderful
parks and train stations, in spite of carrying
a walker. Transportation was free.” With
“mixed emotions” in leaving Wright Hall
after 11 years, she was anxious “to see what
lies ahead in spite of multiple health issues
and to explore new fields. Uprooting is part
of our life from the very beginning. I am
returning to Mount Carmel to complete
my journey as a Sister of Charity of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.”
After graduation from college and fresh
from the novitiate, Nancy McCarthy, BVM
(Josephine Mary) was happy to spend six
months at Wright Hall in 1963 for a “Scholasticate” experience. She loved the people—
a love that increased over the years.
Nancy, though not living at Wright
Hall, came there about once a week after
returning to Chicago in 1984. The building’s accessibility to public transportation
was helpful to her. In the past few years,
Nancy helped plan and arrange many
gatherings of associates at Wright Hall.
“No matter how big or small the meeting,” she said, “they were easy to arrange.
Administrators have always been absolutely wonderful to deal with—both nonBVMs and BVMs.”
BVM Spirit Will
Remain in Chicago
Like many others across the United
States as well as other countries—including BVMs, associates, sisters from other
congregations, family and friends—Nancy’s heart is filled with gratitude for the
sisters, the BVM spirit and the beautiful
space of Wright Hall. “You’re going to
stay for lunch, aren’t you?” was the greeting that she says always touched her when
she entered the Wright Hall doors. She’s
confident the same welcoming spirit will
continue in Chicago, as she and others
find new places to gather and celebrate
community and ministry together.
The same feeling is echoed by Mary
Catherine (Susie) Beckman, BVM (St.
Ambrose). “I shall always be grateful to the
sisters for their help and encouragement
as I worked into the Immaculata Alumnae
moderator’s job . . . It is with a heavy heart
I leave Wright Hall; it has been an anchor
for us in the Chicago area.”
BVM Edith Dunn (St. Edith) spent
nearly 40 years at Wright Hall. In 1971,
when she moved in, over 100 sisters lived
there. One night in particular stands out
for Edith. An awful blizzard was raging
and the bus stopped two blocks away from
Edith Dunn, BVM spent 40 years at
Wright Hall!
Wright Hall. Edith trudged home in kneedeep snow. At the Kenmore entrance, a
sister, worried for her safety, was waiting
for her with a cup of hot chocolate—a
kindness Edith will never forget.
Peggy Devereux, BVM (Williamette)
feels “gratitude beyond measure” about
her eight years at Wright Hall. “I am
happy Loyola University will be using the
property in the field of education. We
built Wright Hall for that purpose. I have
always considered this as Holy Ground.”
“The perfect blend of freedom and
care,” said BVM Pat Griffin (Michael
Ellen) of her past seven years living at
Wright Hall. Previously, Pat served as
administrator there and lived elsewhere.
Leave the Future to God
As the “final day” approached, Kathleen Doherty, BVM (Patrick Louis) who
lived at Wright Hall for 19 years, remembered the words on BVM Ann Christine
Heinz’s memorial card: “In my ending is
my beginning.” These words strengthened
her, as did Jesus’ words, “I am with you
always.”
Many more stories could be told of
the sisters’ love of Wright Hall. In leaving a place that many called home for so
many years, sentiments echoed the words
of Mary Frances Clarke:
“Leave the future to God. I have no fears, so
long as you are working unitedly but that He
will aid as in the past (Letter 212).”
BVMs gather at Wright Hall to share memories and reflections. Pictured are (l. to r.) Mary Kelliher, Vivian
Wilson, Mary Therese von Holdt and Bernadita Finnegan.
About the author: Helen Gourlay, BVM (Frances Helen) lived at Wright Hall the year before
its closing. Previous to that, she visited there
many times.
WINTER TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN
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9
BVM Carol Cook
sports her kitchen
apron while (l. to
r.) associates Sylvia
Martinez (head
turned away), Mary
Ann Krems and
Alberta Raschke,
Kathleen Weishaar
(BVM friend) and
Kathleen Conway,
BVM serve the
evening meal to
members of the local community.
Associate
Marilyn Roche
and a ‘May Day’
participant
display their
flower plant arrangements at
Deborah’s Place
in Chicago.
Homelessness has
Spring 2010 Chicago Service Pro
by Nancy McCarthy, BVM
Many of the sisters and associates
who attended the Chicago Service
Project weekend April 30–May 1, 2010,
responded with wonderful accounts of
their experiences after I asked them to
look back and try to connect what they
‘lived’ with our BVM core values—freedom, education, charity and justice. In
their sharing, they reflect the ‘spirit of
Chicago’ that is so alive in our associates
and sisters today.
When I was teaching in Chicago, I was
very aware of the ‘city of big shoulders’
Spirit of Francilla Kirby, BVM
Inspires Group
Flowers Unite
Women in Sharing
One of these sisters was Francilla
Kirby, BVM, who gave us a brief history
of BVM ministry in Chicago on Friday
evening before our service weekend.
Francilla was my ‘mentor’ when I began
inner-city living at Holy Family in 1984,
but her own history spans nearly 30 years
in that parish.
Holy Family represents the longest
continuous presence of BVM sisters (and
now associates) in Chicago. Francilla
reminded us of all the justice areas still
needing our attention—from housing and
education to employment and general
neighborhood improvement. She was a
perfect ‘keynote speaker’ for our weekend,
and we carry her spirit with us still. (Francilla died on Oct. 9, 2010).
Brigid Mary Hart, BVM contributed
her artistic talents and spirit by creating
and directing the first project of our weekend, a “May Day” activity on Saturday
morning at the women’s center, Deborah’s
Place. “Spending time with the women
in Deborah’s Place and planting flowers
was such a beautiful experience,” associates Kausar Allahrakha and Razia Khokhar
recall. “In the beginning some women were
shy or withdrawn, but as time went by,
they opened up, participated in planting
and had good conversations with us.” Associate Mary Ann Krems was “so impressed
with the friendliness of women at Deborah’s Place, knowing they had so little, but
their enthusiasm for planting spring flowers
and decorating flower pots was amazing.”
Our group headed to the Inspiration
Café for lunch, where homeless persons
are trained and employed. Kausar and
Razia felt that “eating lunch at Inspiration
Café was wonderful, as we learned that
the owners help homeless people to stand
on their feet and earn a living.”
After lunch, BVM Carol Cook (Conrad Ann), who helped plan the weekend,
gave us an educational tour of the uptown
neighborhood where many social service
idea, since the ‘Big Shoulders Foundation’
funded yearly scholarships for some students in our inner-city school. Chicago’s
needs stretch far beyond the elementary
school level, however, and BVMs, in keeping with our Constitutions, have always
been willing to lend a helping hand (and
shoulder) to those in poor areas.
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Francilla reminded
us of all the justice
areas still needing
our attention—from
housing and education to employment
and general neighborhood improvement.
Opportunities for Service
Quito, Ecuador | April 4–13, 2011
Registration Deadline: Feb. 1, 2011
Description: Visit the ministries of BVMs
at Working Boys’ Center and Yachay Wasi,
Quito; Nuevo Mundo and Damien House,
Guayaquil.
For more information, contact:
Lou Anglin, BVM: [email protected]
Elizabeth Avalos, BVM: [email protected]
C. Jean Hayen, BVM
(Catherine Jean)
cuddles a baby
after dinner at the
Cornerstone Community Center.
Dubuque, Iowa | April 8–10, 2011
a Face:
oject
facilities are located. “Walking the streets
with Carol, and having places pointed out
that served those in need, made me feel I
was truly walking in the steps of Christ,”
Mary Ann reflects. Our afternoon tour
ended at Sarah’s Circle—a women’s center
offering many support systems—where
BVMs have a long history of involvement
as volunteers and participants.
Service Fosters a Sense of
Profound Connection
Later we traveled to Cornerstone
Community Center, where we served
the evening meal to homeless families,
visiting with them and helping to clean
up. Kathleen Conway, BVM (Richard
Marie), shares two long-lasting effects of
her participation at Cornerstone: “First,
the deep sense of community as we
served food over a hot steam table—we
were exhausted and disheveled, but also
profoundly connected, not only to each
other, but with those we served. Second,
now homelessness has a face, a name and
a history for me.” Mary Ann adds, “I was
humbled by the families coming through
the line and making sure their children
said ‘thank you.’”
We returned to Wright Hall for pizza,
prayer and sharing at the day’s end. “Par-
Registration Deadline: March 1, 2011
Description: Work with local organizations
dedicated to serving the homeless, women
and children.
For more information, contact:
Kathy Carr, BVM: [email protected]
Nancy McCarthy, BVM: [email protected]
ticipating in the service project gave me
the opportunity to see how women who
are homeless are being served through
organizations created and staffed by
women,” says associate Gabe Blood.
“These services are examples of justice (a
BVM core value) that demonstrate how
dignity, equality and rights of persons are
recognized through access to resources.
It was enriching to visit these programs
with other associates and sisters, and then
take part in discussion and prayer as we
reflected together.”
‘I Pray to be God’s Hands and
Feet in the World Today’
Sunday was our day to focus on immigration, another connection to homelessness, with materials provided by the 8th
Day Center for Justice. We ended with
a liturgy, dinner and a closing prayer. “I
think working together like this follows
the social gospel of Christ,” reflects associate Joan Mirabal. “Jesus ministered to
the poor and disenfranchised, but oftentimes in our comfort we forget this basic
point. This experience with sisters and
associates gives special meaning to our
lives and unites us in BVM mission.”
C. Jean Hayen, BVM (Catherine Jean)
says, “Our weekend service experience
inspired and humbled me as I witnessed
the plight of homeless persons, heard
their stories, and saw the respect shown
for each person’s need. And, as we participants shared, I was inspired and humbled
by the multiple ways BVMs and associates
are ‘responsive to the Spirit speaking in
the exigencies of the times (BVM Constitutions).’ What a blessing.”
Finally, as associate Joni Davis shares,
“Each morning, I pray to be God’s hands
and feet in the world today. Through
interactions on the weekend, I experienced this as a lived reality. I am grateful
for this opportunity to be with God’s poor
and homeless, and for the gifts they share
with those they meet.”
BVM Kathy Carr, Initial Membership
Coordinator, organized the weekend and
enriched our group with her participation.
Other participants included associates
Dolores Coruthers, Pat Dieveney, Sylvia
Martinez, Elberta Raschke and Marilyn
Roche.
Thanks to all who spread the news that
the BVM charism, core values and spirit are
very much alive and well in Chicago!
Ab out the author: Nancy McCarthy, BVM
(Josephine Mary) is an Associate Coordinator
in Chicago.
WINTER TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN
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11
Saints Support
the Arts
by Margaret McGinn, BVM
Who could afford to attend
performances of the Chicago
Symphony, the Joffrey Ballet, and
Music of the Baroque, along with
viewing professional productions
of Candide, Peter Pan and The
Seagull, all in one month? Members of the Saints Chicago could.
For a yearly fee, members volunteer to usher at any number
of Chicago venues. After their
duties are accomplished, Saints are
free to take any available seat in
the house. Chicago BVMs Mary
Healey (Michael Edward), Lois
Dolphin and Margaret McGinn
(Daniel Ann) have availed themselves of this opportunity for years.
Mary’s favorite place is Symphony
Center; Lois prefers the Harris
Theatre for Music and Dance,
while Margaret likes the small
neighborhood theatres, such as
Raven, City Lit and Lifeline.
Mary
Lois
Margaret
Since transportation is always an
issue, Lois appreciates the easy
access to the Metra train from the
Harris. The 147 bus passes the
Symphony Center, and some of
the small theatres might even be
within walking distance.
So, support the Arts!
Be a Saint!
About the author: Margaret McGinn
is on the adjunct faculty at Truman
College in Chicago.
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Associates Dolores Coruthers (l.) and Joan Mirabal (r.) work with a staff member to pot a flower plant
for ‘May Day’ baskets at Deborah’s Place in Chicago.
Share What You Have—
Associate Dolores Coruthers
by Dan Abben, BVM Associate
BVM associate Dolores Coruthers recently participated in the Chicago-area
service project that was sponsored by the BVM Associate Coordinators and the
Initial Membership Team. She summarized the day by saying, “Sometimes we get so
involved in our own lives that we forget there are people in the community who don’t
have it as well as we do. Yet, I’m inspired by the many people in the community who
are working to make a difference.” Dolores herself is one of these people.
When Dolores was a child, her mother gave a warm meal and odd jobs to neighborhood men who asked for work. This lesson—share what you have with others—
resonated with Dolores. She immediately put it into practice by spending time with
children living at an orphanage down the street from her home. She was a companion
to the children, playing with them and helping them with their chores.
After she graduated from college, Dolores served as a medical social worker at Chicago’s Cook County Hospital. She later taught at two Catholic schools in Chicago.
Even though Dolores has retired from teaching, her friend Lois Dolphin, BVM notes,
“She is still involved with St. Thomas School, providing moral and financial support for
the teachers there.”
Throughout their many years in Chicago, Dolores and her husband have been
active in their parish and in many social service agencies, either as board members or
as volunteers. She has also been active in community organizing and voter registration.
Today, Dolores most often serves behind the scenes by cooking or baking for various
events. She makes it clear, however, that she is not any less active; she is simply involved
in a different way.
Dolores remarks, “I never know from day to day or hour to hour what life might
bring.” She believes that amid this blessed chaos, it is her relationship with the BVM
community that helps keep her grounded. She can have a conversation with a BVM
sister and be brought back down to earth, where she continues serving others, sharing
with them everything she has to give.
About the author: Dan Abben is an associate who lives in Chicago. He is a graduate student and
editor at Loyola Press and a member of the Communications Advisory Committee.
Elizabeth Wirtz, BVM—
Educator and Believer
Believer in Children, Believer in Learning, Believer in Growing, Believer in Laughing
by Anne Buckley, BVM
While Liz (Antoinette) began teaching
in 1955, in the primary and the fourth
grades, she had never even given a
thought to doing that until she was in the
novitiate. This is common to many sisters.
Nevertheless, the seeds of teaching
were probably planted early. When asked
if there were any teachers that were models
for her, Liz spoke readily of two BVMs at
St. Mathias in Muscatine, Iowa—Rosarita
Donnelly, who taught Liz in first grade,
and Paula Kelly, who taught her in the
fifth and the sixth grades. She recalled how
Rosarita was loved by everyone. Liz hadn’t
gone to kindergarten and remembers how
much Rosarita’s kindness meant to her. For
example, Liz was left-handed and was not
asked to change, though many students
were asked to change in those days.
In fifth and sixth grades, learning was
so enjoyable for Liz because Paula was
such a creative teacher. For instance, there
was individualized reading on Fridays
which she looked forward to. She reflects,
“Later in my teaching career I realized
how much work Paula had done for that
project. Meeting Paula at a BVM celebration not long ago reminded me of the
times that a number of my classmates and
I would go to the convent on Saturday
mornings. Paula would put up the volleyball net and play with us.”
Perspective and
Fun Balances Learning
Liz, too, made learning fun for her
fourth graders at St. Robert Bellarmine,
Chicago. She tells of the “highlight of
the year”—a boat ride on the Chicago
River and Lake Michigan, and at other
times taking them to the Chicago History
Museum where there never seemed to be
enough time to explore it all.
Over the years there were many
changes in education and many ideas
promulgated: Individually Guided Education (IGE), cooperative learning, whole
language, backward design and others. Liz
puts it all in perspective when she says she
“never became too excited in recent years
when educators would present these systems as ‘new.’”
She had already been doing many of
them. “However,” Liz wisely points out, “I
did learn to find the good things in each
method and use them even after the system faded away.”
Priceless Anecdotes
Reflect Love of Teaching
When BVMs had the opportunity to go into other careers,
Liz stayed in education. Why? “I
love to teach! My energy comes
from doing what I love to do
and the support of the people
around me.” She shares some
Elizabeth Wirtz, BVM enjoys sharing a
book with twin brothers Danny and
David Loch at St. Robert Bellarmine
School in Chicago.
moments that also help to explain why.
“After teaching a class on ministries
in the church a fourth grade boy met me
in the hallway and gave me a hug,” recalls
Liz. “I was a bit suspect because fourth
grade boys really aren’t into hugging their
teachers. ‘That was nice,’ I said. ‘What was
it for?’ His reply was, ‘That’s because you
don’t make so much money.’”
On a different note, Liz tells of an
experience she had in her last year of fulltime teaching at St. Robert Bellarmine. A
former student who was about to graduate
wrote: “Because of you I am a different and
wiser faith-filled young woman . . . I dread
to think of what I would have become or
what may have happened without your
intervention.”
Liz was not only teaching, but learning and laughing throughout these years.
“Nearly everyday in first grade was a
funny story,” she recalls. One of her favorites is about Jimmy, who was reported by
one of his classmates as having used bad
language again. She remembers it well:
“I asked him about it and, although he
didn’t deny it, he was reluctant to talk
about what he had said. ‘I’ll spell it.’ So
he began. ‘B . . .’ I nodded. There was a
pause ‘i . . .’ I nodded again. With a deep
breath, he called out . . . short i!’”
Is it any surprise that Liz exclaims, “I
love to teach! Each school year was a new
beginning and I greeted it with enthusiasm.” Currently, she volunteers as a tutor
at St. Robert Bellarmine, and tutors at
the Dominican Literacy Center in its ESL
program.
“I was just as excited when I began
ESL as I was at the beginning of every
school year—and no bulletin boards.”
About the author: Anne Buckley, BVM (St.
Edwin) is retired and in transition, moving from
Wright Hall to Mount Carmel.
WINTER TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN
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13
Few BVMs and associates are
surprised to see the name of
Dorothy Dwight, BVM (John
Edmund) identified as music
coordinator for Eucharistic liturgies and rituals at congregational
meetings or celebrations. But she
didn’t expect a career in music
when she entered the congregation in 1960. “I expected to be
teaching a variety of subjects
when my novitiate was completed, since that was my experience
of BVM sisters at St. Joseph Academy in Des Moines, Iowa.”
Despite that expectation for her
professional life, Dodie, as she
is familiarly known, seized the
opportunity to study piano and
voice lessons. “I loved to sing.
I wanted to take voice in high
school, but my mother and priest
uncle directed me to the organ.
There was no voice teacher at
Mount Carmel, so I studied piano
for free with Bertha Fox, BVM at
Mount Carmel.” Her participation
in singing chant and motets in
the schola satisfied her love of
singing. Dodie’s teaching career
was set in motion with its scope
still to be discovered.
Musicians rehearse for the Loyola
University-sponsored Sunday night
Mass for Young Adults in St. James
Chapel, Quigley Archdiocesan Center,
near Loyola University’s Water Tower
campus. Pictured (l. to r.) are: Nikki Lee,
singer; Taylor Railsback, singer (mostly
hidden); Christopher Urbon, trumpet;
Markus Budiraharjo, singer; Michelle
Chorski, flute; BVM Dodie Dwight, piano;
Alex Boesch, singer; and Marc Lim, cello.
Right: Joining Dodie Dwight, BVM on
piano, Christopher Urbon plays the trumpet as Michelle Chorski adds the flute.
Chicago
Provides a
Lifetime of
Ministry for
Dodie
Dwight, BVM
by Mary Alma Sullivan, BVM
Dodie Dwight, BVM leads the senate in song as Karen
Conover, BVM plays the guitar.
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Working with cantors at Mundelein and seeing some of those young people serving as liturgical music ministers
in their own parishes was very fulfilling. –Dodie Dwight, BVM
In 1969 she was assigned to the music
faculty at Mundelein College. While there,
Dodie launched her studies for advanced
degrees in music and vocal pedagogy (Indiana University), religious studies (Mundelein College) and theology/liturgical
studies (University of Notre Dame). From
now on, she would combine her dual loves
of music and liturgy in her teaching and
liturgical work on campus and beyond.
“Working with cantors at Mundelein and
seeing some of those young people serving
as liturgical music ministers in their own
parishes was very fulfilling.”
Musical Opportunities
Abounded in Chicago for
Teacher and Students
Move to Chicago
Opens the Door to Music
The move to Chicago and the BVM
Scholasticate provided Dodie with classes
at Mundelein College, including group
voice lessons, and one hour of private
instruction. Her first assignment was
teaching voice, piano and choral music at
Immaculata High School. In 1966 her provincial superior asked Dodie to study voice
at Indiana University. “I was delighted,” she
says. “I loved languages. To pursue a degree
in voice ensured that I would be required
to study three languages.”
In 1967 an unexpected opportunity
entered her professional life. The Chicago
Archdiocese initiated a liturgy training
program for religious congregations, and
a coordinator was needed in each deanery.
“Because I was doing music for convent liturgies at Immaculata, I was a logical choice.”
From Dodie’s perspective, Chicago had
so much to offer on the musical scene. She
took students to Lyric Opera productions
and had them reflect on that experience.
Since meetings of professional organizations regularly occurred in the city, she was
able to provide students with opportunities
to participate in master classes offered by
highly regarded professionals/performers
and also perform in competitions.
“One of the highlights for me in Chicago personally was the opportunity to
sing with the Chicago Symphony Chorus
under the direction of the highly regarded
Margaret Hillis,” she recalls. “And
through the Chicago scene I got more
involved with liturgical music at the archdiocesan and national levels.”
Following Mundelein’s affiliation with
Loyola University, Dodie returned to
teaching music full-time. With retirement
in 2006, her work in liturgical music and
ritual continued. She began liturgical
service at Wright Hall (formerly the Scholasticate), and continues working with
cantors in parishes. “This has generated
requests for private lessons from cantors
that I continue to offer at Wright Hall.”
Her liturgical skills were tapped once
more when Fr. Jerry Overbeck, SJ, chaplain to the Loyola University School of
Social Work and the Law School, asked her
to collaborate on a weekly Sunday evening
Eucharistic liturgy, primarily for young
adults from university sites near Loyola’s
Water Tower campus. “It is surprising how
many of those students, now involved in
graduate and professional degree programs,
were music majors as undergrads,” Dodie
says. “We have attracted—often by word of
mouth—a cellist, violist, flautist, trumpeter
and cantors in just over a year. They have
a place to pray and to offer their musical
gifts as well. Their presence is a treasure for
everyone.” A liturgy designed for young
adults now attracts other worshippers from
the area.
‘Retirement’ Fosters
Fulfillment of Youthful Dream
A woman of apparently boundless
energy, Dodie also uses retirement to
return to a dream that developed in the
late 1960s after learning of the SPRED
(Special Religious Development) program. St. Nicholas Parish in Evanston,
her “liturgical home,” made participation
a reality. Four years ago she became part
of a team of eight catechists that meets
weekly with a small group of developmentally challenged adults to provide a faith
formation community.
“SPRED meetings,” Dodie emphasizes, “aim to provide an atmosphere that
is both personal and sacramental—where
our ‘friends’ feel at home and experience the sacred. The group of catechists
and ‘friends’ build relationships with one
another and with God through a quiet
activity; ritual including symbol, storytelling, music and movement; and a shared
meal. These companions in faith are led
to a deeper sacramental life and an experience of God’s unconditional love for
them.” She adds, “I now have time and
the experience of teaching and working
with ritual and symbol. SPRED depends
so much on those elements, and I feel I
have something to offer to the program.”
Considering the contributions Dodie
has made over her professional life, that is
an understatement.
About the author: Mary Alma Sullivan, BVM
(Robert Emmett) is a professor emerita of communications at Loyola University Chicago.
WINTER TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN
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Chicago is ranked in polls as one of the
most cosmopolitan cities in the United
States. The online Encarta World English Dictionary gives three definitions
for the word cosmopolitan:
1. made up of diverse peoples: composed of or containing people from
different countries and cultures;
2. showing cultural diversity: showing
the influence of many countries and
cultures;
3. international in scope: having worldwide relevance or scope.
In December 2009, BVM Patricia M. Bombard joins students from DePaul University on a tour of the
Taj Mahal in Agra, India, following the completion of their study abroad course.
Cultural Diversity
Enriches DePaul Ministry
by Patricia M. Bombard, BVM, D.Min.
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY | Student body: 25,000 — 16,000 undergraduate
In keeping with “a commitment to the education of first generation college students, especially
those from the diverse cultural and ethnic groups in the metropolitan area,” the makeup of the
2009 freshman class included: 18 percent Hispanic/Latino, 8 percent African-American and 7
percent Asian students.
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These three definitions can also be
applied to DePaul University, where I
have been privileged to serve in ministry
since February 2008. DePaul was founded
in 1898 by the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), a Catholic religious
order of men founded by St. Vincent de
Paul (1581–1660) in France in the early
17th century.
Vincent’s biographers portray him as
someone with an extraordinary ability to be
in relationship with people from all social
levels in his society. He was a companion
to the king and queen and to galley slaves.
He exhibited tolerance toward people of
other faiths, and had a world vision for the
spread of his congregation. Vincent also
collaborated with St. Louise de Marillac to
found the Daughters of Charity.
Carrying on Vincent’s legacy today,
DePaul University’s mission includes “a
commitment to the education of first
generation college students, especially
those from the diverse cultural and ethnic
groups in the metropolitan area.” Today,
DePaul serves more than 25,000 students,
including 16,000 undergraduate students.
In 2009, based on those who reported
ethnicity, the makeup of the freshman
class included nearly 18 percent Hispanic/
Latino, 8 percent African-American, and
7 percent Asian students.
BVM Commitment to Diversity
Echoes Mission of DePaul
For BVMs, the history of our global
outreach began with the transatlantic
journey that our foundress, Mary Frances
Clarke, and her companions made from
Ireland to the United States in 1833. In
their early years of ministry in Dubuque,
they envisioned serving not only Irish
immigrants, but Native Americans as
well. Mary Frances Clarke also seems to
have had no qualms about sending sisters
off to distant places, as evidenced by her
commitment to establish a mission in San
Francisco, despite reservations expressed
by the bishop of Dubuque.
The connection between BVMs and
Vincentians in Chicago centers around
St. Vincent de Paul Parish, established at
the corner of Webster and Osgood (now
Kenmore) in 1876. BVMs ministered at
St. Vincent beginning in 1883.
My first awareness of this BVM/Vincentian connection came shortly after I
started in my new position at DePaul as
director of Vincent on Leadership: The
Hay Project. I soon spoke with Hugh
O’Donnell, CM, with whom I began
coordinating a week-long leadership
workshop for Vincentian leaders to be
held in Paris that following summer.
Hugh’s reaction upon hearing that
I had stepped into the role of director
was to say, “I owe my vocation to the
priesthood to the BVMs!” As a child,
he attended the elementary school at St.
Vincent de Paul Parish, and has very fond
memories of the BVMs who served there.
Leadership Workshops Reflect
the ‘School of Public Service’
Motto
Paris turned out to be only the first of
my international assignments at DePaul.
Among the Vincentians who attended
that workshop was Gregg Banaga, CM,
president of Adamson University in
Manila. While in Paris, over the compulsory glass of wine, we began to make
plans for offering the same leadership
workshop in Manila the following spring.
On the way home from Paris, I stopped
off in Dublin, where Vincentians also run
All Hallows College, a former seminary
now offering degree programs to laity. As
a result of that visit, I was invited back
the following year to offer the leadership
workshop at All Hallows. The session was
attended by several Daughters of Charity,
lay men and women serving in their sponsored ministries, as well as All Hallows
degree students.
The project I direct is housed within
DePaul’s School of Public Service (SPS),
which has as its motto: “International by
design.” The faculty with whom I engage as
a result of this international commitment
consists of men and women from diverse
ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including
China, India, Nigeria and Russia.
As a part-time faculty member of
the School of Public Service, I teach two
courses on leadership. One of them,
“Leadership and Management,” is a study
abroad course offered on location at the
DePaul Institute of Science and Technology in Angamaly, a suburb of Kochi in
Kerala, a state in the southwestern part of
India. I taught the course for the first time
in December 2009, and will return to
India again in 2010.
My second credit course for the
School of Public Service is “Values-Centered Leadership,” which I began teaching
online in March 2009, extending accessibility to the course to DePaul students
living outside of Chicago.
Free Online Leadership Course
Initiated for Developing
Countries
Finally, in June 2010, I traveled
to Nairobi, Kenya, where DePaul cosponsors a bachelor’s degree program with
Tangaza College, a Catholic institution
sponsored by several religious congregations, including the Vincentians. After
several meetings with college and church
leaders, I returned to Chicago committed
to developing a free online introductory
leadership course, with the goal of making
it accessible to church and nonprofit leaders in developing countries.
The course launched in September
2010, with 34 participants connecting
from Kenya in East Africa, Cote D’Ivoire
(Ivory Coast) and Liberia in West Africa,
and Indiana, Missouri and Illinois in the
United States.
Here in Chicago, I also have had the
privilege during this past year of connecting with two nonprofit organizations,
Heartland International and the Council
of International Programs, both of which
sponsor education and training programs
for people who come to Chicago from
abroad. Through these two programs, I
have had the opportunity to offer lectures
on leadership issues to delegations from
Liberia, Kenya, Turkey and Belarus.
As a result of my ministry at DePaul
University, I certainly am becoming more
cosmopolitan, and feel both challenged
and enriched to be experiencing the
cultural diversity that exists within our
human community.
About the author: Patricia M. Bombard, BVM is
director of Vincent on Leadership: The Hay Leadership Project, at DePaul University in Chicago.
Patricia M. Bombard, BVM meets with Pamela Mantuhac and Rock Joseph Enriquez at DePaul
University, to plan for the values-centered leadership course they facilitated for 34 participants in
Manila in April 2009.
WINTER TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN
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17
Kathleen shows student Rebecca
Henn the prayer she will read over
the PA.
The Queen of Clubs—
Kathleen Sinclair, BVM
Continues the Legacy at Carmel H.S.
by Lois Dolphin, BVM
The “Queen of Clubs” is one of the
monikers given to Kathleen Sinclair, BVM at
Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, Ill.
A colleague, a club moderator, gave her the
playing card early in the year and she posted
it on the white board in her office next to
upcoming field trip notices. Kathleen’s official
title is “Student Activities Director,” a newlycreated, full-time position at Carmel.
Extracurricular Interests
Fuel Lifetime Passions and
Foster Diversity
Kathleen does not have a typical day.
She interacts with faculty who are moderators of some 35 clubs at Carmel. She
tries to attend club meetings and assists
faculty members in arranging field trips
for both classes and clubs.
Commenting on Kathleen’s role,
Carmel High School Principal Lynne
Strutzel says, “Sr. Kathleen’s strong sense
of responsibility and organization, her
flexibility and vision, and her rapport with
students and faculty alike have strengthened the role of the activities director and
impacted the efficiency and effectiveness
of our program.”
Carmel’s extra-curricular activities
include many sports teams and fine arts
activities as well as honor societies, the
Environmental Conservation Society, and
clubs devoted to diversity, languages, service, frisbee, chess and bowling. Kathleen
sees extra-curricular activities as providing
leadership activities outside the classroom.
“Activities allow students to discover and to
develop interests and passions that may last
a lifetime. Students also have the opportunity to interact with different kids than
they would in their classes, making the
experience of the school broader and more
encompassing beyond the classroom.”
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S A L T MAGAZINE
Although Kathleen was born in Evanston, Ill., and baptized at St. Gertrude
Parish in Chicago, her family moved to
the south suburb of Homewood when she
was a child. She graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School which had
a strong music department with several
bands, orchestras and choirs. Kathleen’s
love for and excellence in music is evident.
Many BVM gatherings have benefitted
from her superb trumpet playing.
Varied Background
Enriches Current Ministry
Kathleen remembers BVMs Rosemarie
Grimes and John Vincent Flannery coming on the train from Chicago to visit her
mother, a graduate of Immaculata High
School and Mundelein College. She lived
in Coffey Hall, the Mundelein residence
hall, while attending Loyola University
and got to know BVMs as an adult. After
a residence year at Holy Family in Chicago
and a novitiate in Dubuque, Kathleen
professed first vows on July 16, 1993, and
perpetual vows on July 16, 1999.
As a BVM, Kathleen has had rich and
varied ministerial experiences. She served as
director of residence life at Clarke University
in Dubuque, Iowa; program coordinator for
Carmel, a co-sponsored school with
the Order of Carmelites, began in
1962 as Carmel for Girls and Carmel
for Boys, later merging in 1988.
Today there are two BVMs, Kathleen
and Mary Sattgast (Mary de Porres)—one of Carmel’s pioneers who
has been there for 47 years.
the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Southwest, and
director of sales for Loyola Press, Chicago.
After working in Jesuit apostolates for
10 years, she wanted to work in a setting
promoting BVM spirit and charism. Family obligations necessitated her being in
the Chicago area so Carmel was, as she
says, “providential.” When asked how she
experiences the charism of Mary Frances
Clarke at Carmel, Kathleen replied: “Faculty members care deeply about each individual student and work tirelessly to make
the learning environment as responsive as
possible to each student’s needs.”
In her new role at Carmel, Kathleen
seems to have been doing it for years
rather than three months. In the words of
Lynne Strutzel: “Sr. Kathleen is a blessing
to the Carmel community. She is an active
representative of the BVM community—
an ever present reminder that we are a
school dedicated to carrying on the mission of the BVMs which calls us to place
a priority on the core values of freedom,
education, charity and justice. We are so
thankful to have her here.”
About the author: Lois Dolphin, BVM is a parttime chemistry instructor at Truman College in
Chicago and is on the Board of Corporators of
Carmel Catholic High School. Four BVMs celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at Carmel Catholic High
School on Dec. 8, 2010, by renewing their vows at the all school Mass. A student presents roses to BVMs (l. to r.) Kathleen Sinclair, Lou Anglin, Kathy Carr and Mary Sattgast.
SALT BRIEFS
Eileen Fuchs,
BVM received
the Outstanding
Teacher Award
from Missouri University on Oct. 13,
2010. She was one
of 54 teachers from the state of
Missouri, all of whom were nominated by one of their students.
Joan Fitzgerald,
BVM (John Raymond) received
the Guardian of
Hope Award as a
top Catholic educator, presented by
the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic
Schools at a dinner program on
Oct. 23, 2010. Most Reverend
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted said,
“Sr. Joan Fitzgerald, in her almost
50 years of service to Xavier College Preparatory, has contributed
to the intellectual and spiritual
formation of thousands of young
women.” The program brochure
states that during Joan’s tenure,
“Xavier has emerged as one
of the best high schools in the
state of Arizona” and that “as a
pioneering woman of faith, Sr.
Joan continues to be a Guardian
of Hope for Catholic education in
our diocese.”
Carol Cook, BVM
(Conrad Ann) was
honored Oct. 28,
2010, at the Oak
Park/Austin Health
Alliance (OPAHA)
Community Labor
Dinner held at Euclid Avenue
Methodist Church in Oak Park, Ill.
Carol and other BVMs have been
involved for several years in the
HEART/AFSCME campaign (www.
reformresurrection.org). This is an
alliance of Resurrection Health
Care employees and community
members who work for patient
and employee rights and help
foster community input.
Ann Ida Gannon,
BVM was honored
as “one of Chicago’s
most renowned
educators” at a
reception, dinner and program
held at the Newberry Library in
Chicago, Ill., on Dec. 8, 2010. This
event celebrated the launch of the
Sister Ann Ida Gannon Initiative
to catalog, preserve and provide
access to early modern religious
books and manuscripts at the
Newberry Library.
St. Elizabeth
Ann Seton
Parish in
Hiawatha,
Iowa, held
a dedication
June 13, 2010,
for its new worship facility. The
crucifix suspended above the
chancel is graced by the carved
olivewood corpus that was given
to the parish by the Sisters of
Charity, BVM. The corpus once
hung in the Motherhouse Chapel
at Mount Carmel in Dubuque,
Iowa. The parish community is
very grateful for this gift, saying,
“We promise to remember its
source and to reverence the presence of Christ in our new worship
space and in one another.” Fr. Neil
Manternach, pastor, is a brother
of BVM LaDonna Manternach.
Fr. John Halligan, SJ co-founder
with Miguel Conway, BVM,
of the Working Boys’ Center in
Quito, Ecuador, received the
OPUS Award on Nov. 11, 2010, at
Fordham University. The award
of a half million dollars was given
to him for his humanitarian and
faith-based work with the shoe
shine boys and their families.
IN LOVING MEMORY
“Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not taken away.”
Please pray for the Sisters of
Charity, BVM who died Aug.
28 – Dec. 6, 2010.
Mary Kardelis, BVM (Aquina)
March 21, 1923–Aug. 28, 2010
Ellenine Goldthwaite
Aug. 9, 1932–Sept. 5, 2010
Ann Margaret Geary
Nov. 20, 1923–Sept. 12, 2010
Mary Claudette Glass
July 12, 1925–Sept. 15, 2010
Carol Bartlett
Feb. 15, 1914–Sept. 24, 2010
Francilla Kirby
Feb. 17, 1928–Oct. 9, 2010
Mae LaFranchise (Henry Clare)
May 27, 1906–Nov. 5, 2010
Margaret Fines (Edgar)
July 23, 1922–Nov. 10, 2010
Jean Elizabeth Loretz
Oct. 31, 1921–Nov. 12, 2010
Cordelle Coté
April 20, 1916–Nov. 15, 2010
Blanche Marie Gallagher
Aug. 28, 1922–Nov. 19, 2010
Mary Lantry (Francis Regis)
April 4, 1919–Nov. 25, 2010
St. Luke Belus
March 6, 1922–Dec. 2, 2010
Mary Ellen Schulte (Theo)
May 5, 1934–Dec. 4, 2010
Mary Luann Ferrero
Aug. 3, 1919–Dec. 5, 2010
Julia Clare Greene
Nov. 29, 1913–Dec. 6, 2010
To read a sister’s obituary/reflections, visit: http://
www.bvmcong.org/whatsnew_obits.cfm. A memorial fund has been established for the sisters. If you
would like to add to this memorial, please send your
gift to the BVM Development Office. For online giving,
go to www.bvmcong.org.
Discover a world few have seen,
millions have shared.
Women & Spirit Schedule:
Feb. 18, 2011 – May 22, 2011
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium,
Dubuque, Iowa
June 19, 2011 - Aug. 14, 2011
Mount St. Mary’s College, Los Angeles, Calif.
Sept. 2, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011
Center for History in association with the
University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind.
Jan. 24, 2012 - June 3, 2012
The California Museum of History,
Women & the Arts, Sacramento, Calif.
For more information, visit Women
& Spirit: www.womenandspirit.org.
Make your plans to attend now!!!
For Group Tours, contact: Nate Breitsprecker, Museum’s Tour
Coordinator | 800.226.3369, ext. 214 | [email protected]
For School Field Trips, contact: Melissa Wersinger, Museum’s
Education Department | 800.226.3369, ext. 214 | mwersinger@
rivermuseum.com
WINTER TWO THOUSAND ELEVEN
|
19
Sisters
of Charity
of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
Freed by Love, Acting for Justice
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Dubuque, IA
WINC
BVM Center
1100 Carmel Drive
Dubuque, Iowa
52003-7991
Change Service Requested
www.bvmcong.org
Connect With BVMs:
CLICK, WATCH, TWEET AND COMMENT
With over 500 million active users on Facebook, two billion videos watched a day on YouTube, and 50 million
tweets a day on Twitter, Social Media is here to stay. And
now the Sisters of Charity have merged onto the Social
Media highway!
Keep up-to-date with the latest BVM news and share your
thoughts and hopes. Here’s how:
1. “Like” us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/bvmsisters
Would you like more information about
the life and mission of the BVMs? When
you “like” the BVM sisters on Facebook,
you can comment on our wall, flip
through photo galleries and have our latest updates posted straight to your news
feed.
4. Join our Blog
www.bvmcong.org/blog.cfm
To give you a more personal insight
into who we are as BVMs, our blog
shares reflections on spirituality, daily
life and our charism. We invite you to
share your comments, reflections and questions.
5. BVM Website – www.bvmcong.org
On our site, you’ll find the latest news about our sisters,
calendar of events, prayer request form and online donation and much more.
BVM Book Published
In her new work, From
There to Here, Kathryn
#NKI
Lawlor, BVM (John Laurian)
1DANA
DANA
PK
explores the changes
%ANA
AN
that occurred in the BVM
congregation in the years
immediately preceding and following
the Second Vatican Council from 19421972. She has chosen to document these
changes through her research on the leadership styles of
Josita Baschnagel, Helen Wright and Roberta Kuhn. Her
work is a valuable contribution to understanding religious
life during this period of truly transformative change.
The Sisters of Charity
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2. Follow us on Twitter
twitter.com/bvmsisters
Follow BVM tweets to find out the latest
happenings, news, blog posts and more.
3. Watch our videos on YouTube
www.youtube.com/bvmsisters
Watch our latest videos and find out how
you can partner with BVMs in mission
and ministry or learn about the service
trip to Ecuador. These are just two of our
videos available on our YouTube channel.
20
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S A L T MAGAZINE
From 1942–1972
(=PDNUJ)=SHKN3*
Copies of the book are available for $10.
Contact:
Rosie Bechen at [email protected]
Office of the Secretary, BVM Center
1100 Carmel Dr., Dubuque, Iowa 52003
563.588.2351
OR GO TO
www.bvmcong.org/about_explore_pub.cfm.