Network Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
Winter 2017
One Heart, One Hope, One Mission
Sisters without Borders
Table of Contents
1 A Letter from the Provincial Superior
2 SISTERS WITHOUT BORDERS
SND General Chapter 2016 brings reflection & renewal of purpose
6 SND Local Ministries: WHERE ARE THEY NOW!
10 SND Global Outreach
12 Notre Dame Global Missions
“Adios, Nicaragua�
Send correspondence to: Network Sisters of Notre Dame 13000 Auburn Road Chardon, OH 44024 www.sndchardon.org 440.286.7101
16 A Lasting Tribute
20 National Catholic Sisters Week
21 Regina Alumnae Association
on the cover: Sisters of Notre Dame representing eighteen countries on five continents gather to commemorate their foundation 166 years ago.
A LETTER FROM THE PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR
Dear Friends, It is a truism to say that our world keeps getting smaller. Business travel, a semester abroad, a service trip, and the immediacy of technology: all of these bring global concerns closer to our personal experience on a regular basis. In much the same way, the Sisters of Notre Dame are increasingly experiencing themselves as an international family. Representatives of the world wide congregation met in October, 2016 for the General Chapter held every six years. Sisters from 18 countries were represented as the participants discussed the global concerns affecting every province on the five continents where the sisters live and serve. Belonging to the same congregation, sharing the same history and tradition, and living together for a month made it easy for the sisters to become friends. The needs of other countries and cultures became much more understandable and meaningful in a face to face dialogue. Each participant realized, “These are the needs of my new friends from another part of the world, which is closer to my experience than I realized.� For sisters from the United States and Europe, it was especially thrilling to hear about the growth of our missions. East Africa is flourishing as a result of the missionary efforts of sisters from India and the United States. Our sisters in Toledo have a mission in Papua New Guinea. The Indonesian province sponsors a mission in the Philippines, and our sisters in Korea have missions in Vietnam and mainland China.
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We listened to one another and to the Spirit, discerning peacefully a few key directions for the whole congregation for the next six years: openness to a new way of religious life, revitalization of our ministries to fit current needs, formation of the youngest sisters especially in Africa and Asia, and a deeper call to respond to suffering, injustice and the destruction of the earth. We move forward with a greater sense of unity and solidarity. In this issue of the Network, you will find an update about some of our Chardon province ministries, a tribute to our sisters who have entered eternal life, and a closer look at our international congregation. The Sisters of Notre Dame’s mission is full of life! As winter changes into spring and Lent into Easter, let us find joy in the journey as we continue to transform whatever small corner of the world is given to us to serve. Sincerely,
Sister Margaret M. Gorman, SND Provincial Superior Sisters of Notre Dame, Chardon
Fall 2016
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Sisters gathered in the historic Church of St. Lambert in Coesfeld. The large Coesfeld cross in the sanctuary dates to the 14th century.
Sisters Without Borders SND General Chapter 2016 Brings Reflection & Renewal of Purpose
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The year is 1850 and the setting is Coesfeld, Germany. Two young teachers at the school of St. Lambert Parish, Hilligonde Wolbring and Elisabeth Kühling, have started a modest new initiative. They have rented a house and taken in seven poor, neglected children from the teachers’ classrooms -- children whose families are unable to care for them. The young women have committed their lives to educating and caring for the women and children in their village. Unable to follow her dream of going to Africa as a missionary, Hilligonde has also committed her inheritance to the “ home mission.” On October 1, in order to give their modest project some stability and permanence, they begin formal preparation to become Sisters of Notre Dame.
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From one small village in Germany in 1850, the Sisters of Notre Dame joyfully find themselves touching lives across the globe.
Fast forward to October 1, 2016. Sisters of Notre Dame representing eighteen countries on five continents are gathered in St. Lambert Church in Coesfeld to commemorate their foundation 166 years ago. They carry in the flags of all the countries where they serve and offer prayers in every language spoken by the sisters. Apparent to everyone in attendance, the Sisters of Notre Dame are truly sisters without borders. From one small village in Germany in 1850, the Sisters of Notre Dame joyfully find themselves touching lives across the globe.
The Mass at St. Lambert’s was the opening of the 2016 General Chapter, an international meeting held every six years. The 56 delegates were elected from every unit of the congregation and for the first time included a native sister from Africa, fulfilling Hilligonde’s missionary dream.
280
Total Number of Sisters in Coesfeld, Germany Province
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“ We reflect the world reality in that our membership is from the East and the West, the North and the South. We serve the rich and the poor. We have sisters of every race in the world. We have convents in the free world and in the communist world.�
- Sr. M. Kristin Battles, Superior General
Sisters Without Borders continued from page 3
Tasks of a General Chapter include the election of a Superior General and five Assistants General as well as a review of the life and ministry of the sisters throughout the world. Delegates from each country of the congregation reported on what has transpired in their location over the past six years. They reviewed how they carried out the 2010 Chapter goals and what challenges they encounter in their current situation. They identified the most important issues, needs, hopes and dreams facing them, and how the international congregation could assist them. Then the whole body of the Chapter reflected and prayed on the worldwide status of the congregation, discerned common themes, and adopted broad goals for the next six years. Two important themes identified at the 2016 Chapter were the importance of formation and congregational solidarity.
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The large number of young sisters in Asia and East Africa need a thorough education, a basic grounding in theology, and the professional degrees needed for ministry. To function in the international congregation they also need to learn English. As the congregation has learned from its experience of founding new missions, nothing has a greater impact on the long term vitality of a new venture than educating the sisters. The congregation is also becoming more aware of the impact it can have as a global organization. For example, sisters from every country described the effects of climate change in their area. The Chapter recognized the congregation’s global reach in caring for the environment. Over the next six years, each unit will focus on environmental issues particular to their culture and connect their educational efforts to the larger global story. The Chapter formalized exchange programs, in which sisters from one country can spend time in another country as a short-term immersion experience or an extended period of learning and service. For example, sisters from India and Korea are presently studying in universities in the United States. Sisters from Europe
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and the United States spend time teaching English or theology in Africa and Asia. As more sisters experience other cultures and develop friendships outside their own countries, the bonds of solidarity strengthen and the sisters begin to experience themselves as global citizens.
1,976 Number of Professed Sisters Worldwide
As a concrete expression of the commitment to international solidarity, the congregation has established a Congregational Fund. The Fund supports initiatives of the sisters that advance their social justice priorities, especially projects in the developing countries of East Africa and Asia. A top priority of the Congregational Fund is the education and formation of young sisters in the missions. The Sisters of Notre Dame are opening an international community in Coesfeld that will include sisters from Korea, Germany and the United States. These Sisters will
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be living together in a small house in the neighborhood so people can actually see and experience that this is an international congregational. The new community will be able to host sisters from around the world who visit Coesfeld. The congregation already has two international formation centers for the education of young Sisters: Arusha, Tanzania for sisters from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Mozambique; and Bataan, Philippines for novices from Indonesia, Korea, Philippines, Vietnam and China. The next generation of sisters from Asia and Africa will begin their ministries with the experience of travel and intercultural living, the knowledge of a second language, and the vision of global solidarity. They will truly be sisters without borders.
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SND Local Ministries:
WHERE ARE THEY NOW! Over the past four years, the Sisters of Notre Dame, Chardon Province, have profiled several SND ministries in their Network magazine. A lot has transpired since that time as the sisters continue to compassionately extend a helping hand and loving heart to those in need. We thank you for your faithful support of these ministries and the many others ministries making a difference.
RENEE JONES EMPOWERMENT CENTER, RAISING AWARENESS FOR WOMEN IN NEED.
The Renee Jones Empowerment Center (RJEC) continues to provide vital programs and continuing support services for those victimized by human trafficking as well as Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Columbus, Ohio, February, 2017 helping to educate those vulnerable and at risk through RJEC’s human trafficking prevention and awareness programs. Prevention and awareness are the keys to saving lives.
Sister Cecilia Liberatore, SND with student TeTe
Since 2013, and in partnership with Notre Dame College, RJEC provides two annual human trafficking conferences in northeast Ohio. Conference speakers present the most current information on the issues to first responders, law enforcement, social workers and other individuals in various help professions. Sister Cecilia Liberatore, SND, has been a part of the RJEC since 2011. During her time working with human trafficking, Sister Cecilia has become the RJEC representative and personal advocate for women in the special docket court for trafficked women, where they are treated as victims not criminals. Sr. Cecilia also visits the women in jail who may be incarcerated for other charges. The special docket court provides an educated court system that helps women who have been
victimized by human trafficking to find a way out. Instead of being sent to prison for a specific length of time, the woman charged could complete a 2-year program and her record could be expunged. The 2-year program includes counseling, guidance for job opportunities and helping the women find a place to live. Sister Cecilia is also currently the RJEC representative to the Safe Harbor Court, and personal advocate for trafficked minors in the juvenile justice system. In 2016, RJEC expanded their human trafficking prevention/awareness programs and support groups to the Collinwood community on Cleveland’s east side. RJEC also continues to build its partnership with MetroHealth by providing human trafficking awareness training to staff and medical students. Family physicians and psychologists visit RJEC for monthly group sessions with teens who have been victimized. This unique support group is the first of its kind in northeast Ohio.
Sister Cecilia Liberatore, SND with Renee Jones, the founder of the RJEC.
Last year, Ohio’s state cosmetology board approved a requirement that human-trafficking awareness training become a mandatory part of obtaining a cosmetology license. And part of the training is how to spot potential victims. Flight attendants are also required to take a class on identifying individuals being trafficked and boarding flights. 6
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D es,
The large windows showcase the beautiful grounds around Bethany.
This could maybe be in a box next to the articles Last year, Ohio’s state cosmetology board approved a requirement that human-trafficking awareness training become a mandatory part of obtaining a cosmetology license. And part of the training is how to spot potential victims.
BETHANY RETREAT CENTER,
A PLACE FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH. Sister Mary Jennifer Kramer continues to serve as the full-time director of Bethany Retreat Center. “I am in my fifth year as director and the only Sister in full-time ministry here,” Sister Jennifer explains. “My first year, we welcomed approximately 400 guests to Bethany (sisters and lay guests). This year, from August 2015 to May 2016, we had more than 800 guests (284 sisters and 528 lay guests). “ “Word is spreading,” Sister Jennifer reports with a broad smile. “All our weekends were booked except for one weekend in December 2017. We also offer seasonal programs with outside speakers and monthly spiritual gatherings for women.”
Sister Mary Jennifer Kramer, Director of Bethany Retreat Center
When asked what the future of Bethany looks like, Sister Jennifer responds, “People are continuing to seek God and are looking for ways to connect with God through prayer, silence and solitude. We can offer Bethany Retreat Center as a place to help answer these needs. The retreat center provides a vehicle for us, as Sisters of Notre Dame to share our mission, to offer a place of peace, beauty and simplicity for those who are seeking God in their lives. We welcome others to experience God’s goodness and provident care in this holy place.” To learn more about programming at Bethany, feel free to contact Sister Jennifer at 440.279.1143 or email her at bethanyretreatcenter@ndec.org.
301 Total Number of Sisters Living in the Chardon Province
continued on page 8
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SND Local Ministries:
WHERE ARE THEY NOW! continued from page 7
HOUSE OF CHAMPIONS – A PLACE FOR CHILDREN TO SHARE, LEARN AND HAVE FUN.
150 Total Number of Schools Operated by the Sisters of Notre Dame Worldwide
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House of Champions (HOC) is an after school program from 3p.m. to 8 p.m. for students in grades one through four from Metro Catholic School, St. Rocco’s, and Urban Community School. Each school year, eight children participate in the afterschool care program. The collaborative effort between the Sisters of Notre Dame, Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, and Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity enables students to learn social and other life skills in a loving family-like atmosphere. Now in its fourth successful year of operation, the now yellow house (as opposed to pink when it opened) is primarily staffed by Sister Mary Kay Conkey, OSU, Executive Director, Sister Nan Zeimet, SND, and Sister Karen Bohan, OSU. “We now have an Activities Director who works with the children from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.,” describes Sister Nan excitedly. Several Sisters of Notre Dame also share their time by
bringing meals to HOC each year while others assist in an advisory capacity. “We take the children on field trips once or twice a year. We have birthday parties and picnics. End-of-the-year evaluations of the children by parents, staff, teachers, and principals showed remarkable growth during the year at HOC. It is a collaborative effort to coordinate the children coming from three area schools. The Sisters receive recommendations from the principals and teachers from the three schools and then make a decision on who will attend. “We hope to acquire nearby property to build a side-by-side home in addition to our current house,” says Sister Nan. “This would enable us to care for 24 children each year. We plan to launch a Capital Building Campaign for this upcoming project.” For more information on how to get involved or volunteer please email nun4kids@yahoo.com.
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BLESSING HOUSE, A HOME AWAY FROM HOME. Twelve years ago, Sister Mary Berigan, SND, made a life-changing decision to open a crisis care center for children. Today, at any given time, there are 10 children, ranging in age from birth to 12, at Blessing House in Lorain, Ohio. They can spend anywhere from 24 hours to 90 days at the home. “Parents can call us anytime and say, ‘Here’s what’s going on. Here’s what I need,’ and we will pick up the kids, even in the middle of the night,” describes Sister Mary, Director of Blessing House.
Over the years, nearly 1,300 children have passed through its doors, and the children who have found shelter there have left their handprints on a mural which covers the walls. Congratulations to Sister Mary Berigan and Blessing House, a 2017 Difference Makers Honoree with Leadership Lorain County.
32%
Percentage of All Professed SNDs who serve in Asia
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S SND GLOBAL OUT
C
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
TOLEDO, OHIO Established: 1924 Sisters serving: 179
THE NETHERLANDS TEGELEN Established: 1877 Sisters serving: 26
CHARDON, OHIO Established: 1874 Sisters serving: 301
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
COVINGTON, KENTUCKY Established: 1924 Sisters serving: 102
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA Established: 1961 Sisters serving: 53
ITALY GENERALATE AND MOTHERHOUSE ROME Established: 1920 Sisters serving: 10
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
NICARAGUA Established: 2008 Sisters serving: 3 Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
EAST AFRICA NAIROBI Established: 2001
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
PERU Established: 2011 Sisters serving: 5
TANZANIA Established: 1992
Sisters of Notre Dame
UGANDA Established: 1995
Chardon Province
BRAZIL PASSO FUNDO, CANOAS Established: 1937 Sisters serving: 323
10
Sisters serving: 59
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UTREACH
THE SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME ARE CURRENTLY SERVING IN THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES ACROSS THE GLOBE Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
Sisters of Notre Dame
CHINA Established: 1999 Sisters serving: 10
Chardon Province
COESFELD, GERMANY Established: 1850 Sisters serving: 280
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA Established: 1968 Sisters serving: 197
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
PHILIPPINES Established: 2000 Sisters serving: 5 Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
INDIA BANGALORE, PATNA Established: 1949 Sisters serving: 283
VIETNAM Established: 2005 Sisters serving: 11
KUMDI , PAPUA NEW GUINEA Established: 1961 Sisters serving: 12
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
MOZAMBIQUE Established: 1993 Sisters serving: 12
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JAKARTA, INDONESIA Established: 1933 Sisters serving: 118
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“Adios, Nicaragua” by Sr. Marie Manning, Global Mission Coordinator
Adios, Nicaragua! I will miss your warm and loving people, your beautiful children, your ubiquitous animals, your majestic mountains, your fertile soil yielding abundant flowers, trees, fruits, and vegetables. Te amo! I love you, Nicaragua! No doubt, my love is only a shadow of the love experienced by Sisters Charlotte Hobelman, Dolores Mikula, and Roseanna Mellert-- who have spent from 7 to almost-10 years in Jinotega, Nicaragua. Our Sisters are now experiencing both gratitude for the gift and sadness at the loss, as the SND mission closes.
In her October 4, 2016, announcement that the Nicaragua mission would close, SND Provincial Superior Sister Margaret Gorman expressed gratitude: “Our missionaries enriched the people of Jinotega and expanded our horizons as we learned more about their lives and ministries. We have asked for volunteers from all four U.S. provinces to serve in Nicaragua. At this time we have no additional Spanish-speaking sisters to serve in the mission. When Sisters Charlotte and Roseanna return to the United States at the end of January, 2017, we will withdraw from
635 Total Number of Sisters in North America in 2016 12
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the mission. True to the original vision of the mission, we partnered with other organizations who built the buildings that were always intended to belong to the parish and diocese. Our sisters generously ‘accompanied the people’ for a time. Those who visited Nicaragua on the Partnership Pilgrimage can testify to all the good that has come from our association with the people and from the generosity of our sisters. We can be very proud of them! We are grateful to God for this chapter in our province history.”
“Those who visited Nicaragua on the Partnership Pilgrimage can testify to all the good that has come from our association with the people and from the generosity of our sisters.” - SND Provincial Superior Sister Margaret Gorman
Sister Rosanna with Nicaraguan neighbors
Reflecting on my recent visit to our mission, I am reminded of Pope Francis’s words in “The Joy of the Gospel.” He says, “Every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus….Each of us should find ways to communicate Jesus wherever we are.” (120) All the baptized are called to be “missionary disciples,” but some have a particular call to what Vatican Council II described as the “Mission Ad Gentes,” meaning “to all people”...in response to the Lord’s command, “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19). Sisters Roseanna, Charlotte, and Dolores are three of those who have experienced this kind of call. They were joined, in Nicaragua, by Sister Elizabeth Garcia from the SND Toledo Province. What kind of seeds have the SNDs sown in Nicaragua? In addition to their vital ministry of accompaniment, or “walking with” their people, each Sister has brought her unique giftedness to other ministries. Sister Roseanna has prepared young children for the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, conducted Religious Education classes, trained catechists and traveled to the mountain missions to support the continued on page 14
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“Adios, Nicaragua”
Sisters Charlotte, Dolly and Rosanna in Nicaragua
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catechists and Delegates of the Word. She has also become a “farmer,” growing fruit trees and vegetables, while educating the children about ecology and care for the environment. Her “accompaniment” of the people, whom she describes as “generous and loving,” is very evident in her friendly and compassionate visits to parishioners in various barrios and her gathering of children to assist with chores, and to play games on the front porch of the convent. In addition to conducting pre-baptism classes and preparing new altar servers, Sister Charlotte has taught English during her eight years in Sangre de Cristo Parish. Nicaraguans value these classes because bilingual people can become English teachers or get jobs in non-profit organizations, tourism, hotels, and airlines. Sister Charlotte has also coordinated sewing classes, helping women clothe their families and earn money. Sister Charlotte’s membership in the national Conference of
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Men and Women Religious of Nicaragua’s commission on justice, peace, and integrity of creation is another significant ministry. No matter which ministry she has been involved in, Sr. Charlotte treasures most her relationships with the children, youth and adults. Sister Dolores initiated the “Biblioburro” to bring books to mountain communities. Another ministry was volunteering at a maternity home. But Sister Dolores felt called to share her gifts primarily in youth ministry, including Confirmation preparation. Her participation in the diocesan Youth Pastoral Commission allowed her to help lead programs and retreats all over the Department of Jinotega, and to do leadership development, empowering youth to do formation and evangelization on their own. The call-andanswer chant that Sister Dolores taught, “Dios es bueno---Todo el tiempo!” (God is good—all the time) spread like wildfire and
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Sister Marie visits Nicaragua and brings joy to the children.
“God who is good is using every experience, every seed planted.” - SND Dolores Mikula
is now used on youth retreats throughout the diocese. Sister Dolores is so grateful for the way that her Nicaraguan youth live the New Evangelization as passionate disciples and missionaries. She affirms that not only has she “walked with” the youth, but they have walked with her and been missionaries to her. In 2015, she returned to minister with Hispanics at St. Mary, Painesville, but is confident that the seeds planted by the SND presence in Nicaragua will grow.
59 Total Number of Professed Sisters in East Africa
Since the date of Sister’s announcement, God has shown goodness and provident care for Jinotega in yet another amazing way. An international Franciscan congregation, known as Immaculatinas, has asked to open a second mission in Nicaragua; the Bishop has offered the Notre Dame Convent and activity center at Sangre de Cristo Parish to three Sisters from Mexico. The accompaniment by women religious will continue! Sister Dolores sums up the Sisters of Notre Dame mission in Nicaragua by saying, “God who is good is using every experience, every seed planted. We thank the Good God, and THANK YOU, OUR DEAR PARTNERS IN THE MISSION OF SPREADING GOD’S GOODNESS.” Your partnership has enabled us to sow many seeds in Nicaragua!
OUR MISSIONARIES HAVE ALSO FACILITATED A PARTNER-PARISH RELATIONSHIP WITH ST. MICHAEL, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA AND HOSTED “PARTNERSHIP PILGRIMAGES” FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS…WELCOMING SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME, SND ASSOCIATES, AND YOUNG ADULTS TO EXPERIENCE THE FAITH, WAY OF LIFE, AND CULTURE OF THE NICARAGUAN PEOPLE.
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A LASTING TRIBUTE SISTER TERESEMARIE (formerly, Sister Mary Teresemarie) Born Margaret Bernadette McCloskey on July 1, 1926. Entered into Religious life, February 2, 1946. Entered into Eternal life, September 11, 2016. Bernadette first met the Sisters of Notre Dame at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, and after graduation, chose to attend Notre Dame College of Ohio. Sr. Teresemarie earned her bachelor and master degrees in mathematics and was certified in German and physical science. After teaching high school students for 14 years, Sister Teresemarie returned to her beloved Notre Dame College where she ministered for the next 39 years, advancing to the status of professor of mathematics. Sister was a pioneer in bringing computer technology to the college and served as mathematics consultant in the computer services division of NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland.
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SISTER MARY JEANNE (formerly, Sister Mary Lauramay) Born Mary Jeanne Swindell on August 14, 1927 Entered into Religious life, August 16, 1949 Entered into Eternal life, October 6, 2016 Jeanne was educated at St. Stephen Elementary/High School in Cleveland, Ohio. During high school she chose to apply to become a Sister of Notre Dame. As a second year novice, Sister was missioned to St. Mary, Warren, to teach kindergarten. After profession she was assigned to food service at the Provincial House in Cleveland. During the next 22 years, she ministered in food service and lovingly prepared thousands of meals for the Sisters in large and small communities. In 1988 Sister Mary Jeanne was assigned to St. Francis School, Cleveland, as a tutor. On return to the Provincial Center Community, Sister Mary Jeanne filled her days with volunteering and even received an award in honor of 5,000 hours of service at Geauga Hospital.
SISTER MARY PATRICE (formerly, Sister Mary Jean Patrice) Born Janet Davis on July 29, 1933 Entered into Religious life, August 16, 1953 Entered into Eternal life, October 8, 2016 Janet attended St. Francis de Sales School in Pennsylvania until she was 11 years old. When the family returned to Cleveland, Janet continued her education at St. Peter School, staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame. Janet was accepted as an aspirant with the Sisters of Notre Dame and attended Notre Dame Academy. She received the name Sister Mary Jean Patrice at investment and later she became known as Sister Mary Patrice. She earned her bachelor degree in education from St. John College, Cleveland, and a master degree from the University of Minnesota. During her 46 years of ministry in the classroom and six years as principal, Sister was known for her ability to reach the needs of individual students, particularly those who had difficulty learning.
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SISTER MARY ANTOINETTE Born Barbara Ann Krejsa on July 9, 1940 Entered into Religious life, August 16, 1963 Entered into Eternal life, October 18, 2016 Barbara Ann was a member of St. Timothy Parish/Elementary School and then attended Notre Dame Academy in Cleveland. After graduation in 1958, Barbara began working at the Propagation of the Faith Office at the Diocese of Cleveland. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame on February 2, 1961 and at investment received the name Sister Mary Antoinette. Sister received her bachelor degree in education at St. John College, Cleveland, her master degree in education administration from Cleveland State University, and a Certificate of Parish Leadership from Boston College. Sister Mary Antoinette ministered for 33 years as teacher or principal in elementary schools in Ohio, Virginia and North Carolina. She served as Director of Religious Education at the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Washington, DC, and was privileged to serve as local coordinator at the Motherhouse in Rome for three years. Most recently, she served as Administrative Assistant and English as a Second Language Tutor at Cleveland Central Catholic High School.
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October 22, 2016
SISTER MARY SHARONE Born Margaret Agnes Matoney on August 5, 1926 Entered into Religious life, August 16, 1946 Entered into Eternal life,
Margaret attended Notre Dame Academy, Cleveland, and entered the novitiate in her senior year. At investment, Margaret received the name Sister Mary Sharone. As a second-year novice, she taught grade two and earned a bachelor degree from St. John College, Cleveland, and a master degree in special education from St. Louis University, Missouri. Sister Mary Sharone ministered for more than 60 years in schools and in parish settings as principal or teacher from primary grades to college classes; 18 of those years were spent at Julie Billiart School where she worked with junior high students. When Sister Mary Sharone retired from teaching, she ministered as a Director of Religous Education for 15 years. She also volunteered at the Senior Center, the local hospital, at St. Mary School in Chardon, and tutored at the SND Legacy Project in Cleveland. Sister devoted seven years to working in the Archives and preserving the history of the SND province.
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A LASTING TRIBUTE continued from page 17
SISTER MARY RITAMAE Born Dorothy Margaret Preto on April 15, 1933 Entered into Religious life, August 16, 1953 Entered into Eternal life, November 1, 2016 After Dorothy’s freshman year at St. Mary High School, Warren, Dorothy became an aspirant, attending Notre Dame Academy, Cleveland. She entered the community on February 2, 1951 and at investment received the name Sister Mary Ritamae. Sister Mary Ritamae earned her bachelor degree from St. John College, Cleveland, and master degree in administration and supervision from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI. Sister ministered as a teacher in intermediate grades for 42 years. Her ministries took her to schools in the Cleveland and Youngstown Dioceses as well as Washington, DC. In 1996, Sister transitioned from classroom teaching to become director of the Before/After School Care Program at St. Louis School in Cleveland Heights.
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SISTER MARY MARTHA (formerly, Sister Mary Cecilianne) Born Martha Maynard on March 12, 1927 Entered into Religious life,
August 16, 1948 Entered into Eternal life, November 28, 2016
Martha began her schooling at St. Ann Parish School and continued her education at Notre Dame Academy, Cleveland, where she pursued religious life as a Sister of Notre Dame. She entered the novitiate on September 8, 1945 and at investment received the name Sister Mary Cecilianne. Sister received a bachelor degree from St. John College, Cleveland, and a master degree in hearing and speech therapy from Western Reserve University, Cleveland. Her ministry in education spanned more than 35 years, serving as an elementary teacher, principal and SND community supervisor. Sister Martha was also a demonstration teacher at Campus School of the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, for seven years, and was appointed the first Notre Dame Principal at St. Mary School in Chardon. She also served the community as local and regional superior. Upon retirement from education, Sister entered into pastoral care and ministered to the elderly and homebound.
SISTER MARETTA (formerly, Sister Mary Maretta) Born Ann Barbara Wey on May 31, 1929 Entered into Religious life, August 16, 1950 Entered into Eternal life, November 28, 2016 Ann belonged to St. James Parish, Lakewood, where she attended elementary school. She continued her education at St. Stephen High School, Cleveland, and entered the Sisters of Notre Dame at the end of her senior year. At investment, Ann received the name Sister Mary Maretta. She earned a bachelor degree from St. John College, Cleveland, and a master degree from St. Louis University in Missouri. Sister often taught double grades on the intermediate level, ministering for 17 years in schools in Ohio, Virginia and Washington, DC. She served as principal for more than 20 years and was Assistant Superintendent of Education and Curriculum for the Diocese of Cleveland. Retirement from the classroom and administrative duties brought new opportunities for Sister to use her talents in various positions: school secretary, business manager, assistant bookkeeper and service in the community office and development office.
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SISTER MARIE CLARICE (formerly, Sister Mary Nathaniel) Born Clarice Helen Bates on October 23, 1928 Entered into Religious life, August 16, 1949 Entered into Eternal life, December 4, 2016 Clarice attended St. Charles School and then Notre Dame Academy. After graduation in 1946, Clarice entered the Sisters of Notre Dame. At investment, she received the name Sister Mary Nathaniel, later returning to her baptismal name, Sister Marie Clarice. Sister received a bachelor degree from St. John College, Cleveland, and a master degree in Theological Studies from Washington Theological Union. For 10 years, Sister taught in parish elementary schools in Ohio and California before being missioned to India in 1960. In Jamalpur, she taught at Notre Dame Academy and was principal at St. Joseph Parish School. In 1968 Sister Marie Clarice returned to Chardon to assume the position of Notre Dame India Mission Procurator. She traveled to India every three years to ascertain present and projected future needs of the Assumption Province as well as the individual houses. After 28 years as Mission Procurator, Sister transitioned into pastoral ministry and worked for five years at parishes in Ohio and North Carolina. Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
SISTER MARY CHARLITA Born Mary Merrill Slough on July 26, 1923 Entered into Religious life, August 17, 1944 Entered into Eternal life, January 14, 2017 Mary attended Notre Dame Academy, Cleveland in eighth and ninth grade and graduated from Catholic High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Three months later, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame as a postulant. Sister Mary earned her bachelor degree in education from St. John College, Cleveland and a master’s degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She taught intermediate and junior high students for 20 years. For the next 15 years, she served as principal and local superior. In 1979, Sister embraced the ministry of Director of Religious Education. She obtained a master’s degree in religious studies from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As coordinator of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program, it was her joy to accompany those being received into the Church at Easter.
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March 8 -14 National Catholic Sisters Week celebrates the vital contributions of women religious in our church and our community. It’s our chance to recognize all they have done for us.
Join the Celebration! Share the good news about the vitality and faithful impact of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Help us honor SND and bring greater focus to the lives of these incredible women. We invite you to post a message, share a story, send a note of thanks! Follow us online. Find us on Facebook - Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Follow us on Twitter - @SNDChardon Visit us at www.sndchardon.org
MEET A SISTER. BE INSPIRED. www.nationalcatholicsistersweek.org 20
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1967 + 50 = 2017
CLASS OF ’67 FIFTY REUNION
Save the date - September 16! We have secured reservations for lunch at the Acacia Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks (formerly Acacia Country Club) on Cedar Road in Lyndhurst. More events will be announced as plans are firmed up. Email Linda Minotas Groves at lgbbb@aol. com if you have not been contacted yet by email. We continue to track down missing emails of our classmates; this will be our main method of information. Watch your inbox for any “Regina 50th Reunion” updates!
2017 reunions If other classes are planning a reunion, please contact the Alumnae Office with any information so we can pass it on to anyone who is inquiring about it. Also, we will be happy to help you in any way with class lists if you are on the committee working on the reunion.
2017-2018 ACTIVITIES October – Girl’s Night Out The 2016 Girls Night Out had about 50 alum from various classes getting together to renew old friendship and tell tales about their days at Regina. Hope to see more of you at the next one in 2017. We would like your opinion on this activity as to what day and time if you are planning to come. We’ve usually had it at 7 to ? on a Friday night. Some have suggested it earlier on a Friday to come right from work and some have suggested a Saturday. Let us know what you think.
Classes from 2000’s
Please note that if any classes are planning a Mass or a tour of Regina Building – these planes are made through the Regina Alumnae Office and we will check on the dates and get you in touch with the people at Notre Dame College.
annual retreat February 16-18, 2018 Place the Bethany Retreat Center at Notre Dame Educational Center. More information will follow.
Classes from ‘70’s
EMAIL AND ADDRESSES Please keep us up to date when you change your email and/or home addresses. We would like to keep in touch with all of you.
Regina Alumnae Directory We are planning to have a new RHS Alumnae Directory. Please send update information to rhsalum@reginahigh.com. or 9918 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. Mentor, Ohio 44060. Encourage your classmates and other friends who graduated from Regina to send us their information.
Classes from ‘60’s
REGINA LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP The application and information for the Legacy Scholarship can be found on our website at reginahigh.com. This is a $500.00 scholarship for a female relative of a Regina graduate (mother, grandmother, sister niece, or cousin) who will be attending a Catholic School next year in grades 9-12. The application has all of the information and is due May 1, 2017.
Sisters of Notre Dame | Network
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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
Sisters of Notre Dame Chardon Province
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Cleveland, OH Permit No. 498
HELP DISCOURAGE WASTE: If you received duplicate mailings, want to be removed from our mailing list or want to change an address, call (440) 279-1178. printed on recycled paper
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