December 2011, Vol. XXXI, No. 10

Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters

All of life is gift. In Jesus, God gifts us

with

peace, hope, light.

“What has come into being in Jesus was life, life

that was the light of human persons; and this light

shines in darkness and darkness could not over-

power it.” (John 1:4-5) During the long season of

darkness, each year we celebrate the beautiful feast

of Thanksgiving as well as the Christmas season.

These are times of remembering with gratitude the

giftedness of life and that indeed light does over-

come the darkness.

Jesus comes to us a gift from God. He is the Light

of the world and it is in Him, with Him and

through Him that we also become gifts or blessings

to our God, to one another, and even to our planet,

our world. The more we open and receive the gift

of God, the more we become gifts and pass on to

others God’s light, peace, hope and love in our

world.

If our hearts are closed to the great gift of God (no

room in the inn), we become burdens of darkness

and heaviness to ourselves, one another and to our

world. We spurt out on others our fears, our hope-

lessness, our angers and our guilt. There is dark-

ness within and around us. We become a drain on

life and on others.

Let us use this Advent season to become gifts to

one another by being a supportive, nurturing, for-

giving presence wherever we are. To be a pres-

ence of peace and light is a blessing for any com-

munity and probably the best gift a person can

give. It is also a very expensive gift. It requires

constant conversion, being our best self and giving

that in each situation.

(continued on page 2)

(continued from page 1)

Conversion is also required to receive others as the gift they are to us no matter how that gift is

packaged. Sometimes the gift other persons offer us is inspiration, support or affirmation.

This kind of gift is usually easily received. At other times some may offer us challenge, criti-

cism or anger. This, too, can become a precious gift if it takes us out of our superficiality and

makes us go deeper within ourselves to our inner resources and from there to respond in peace

and humility. Someone recently told me, “Those who give me the hardest times in life, invite

me to the most growth as a person.” What a gift!!

In, with and through the Gift of God, Jesus the Light of the world, let us be blessings of peace,

hope and light in our world.

Sr. Carol Welp

Events in Techny

2

After having a Family Feast filled with harmony

and symphony, music and singing kept coming

to our house and our hearts. On November 3,

entertainers from the Metropolitan Family

Services came into the community room sing-

ing, “You’re in the Army Now.” They came to

entertain the Sisters with tunes that brought back

memories of the Great Depression and World

War II when times were often hard. It was a full

house with guests who included the Sisters of

Charity and novices and priests from Divine

Word. There were many young people in the

audience who might not know what a comfort it

could be to hear a love song in those difficult

times.

Metropolitan Family Services singers

On November 6, the Heartzingers from

Misericordia inspired us with their music

and their courage. They were guided in

their performance by their faithful volun-

teer leaders Bob and Madge Erlenbaugh.

Coordinators Bob and Madge lead the

Heartzingers of Misericordia in a mu-

sical presentation.

Comings and Goings

3

Sr. Zelia Cordeiro dos Santos returned home from

Brazil where she had been nursing her brother back

to health after a very unfortunate happening. She is

now back at VIVAT and needs your prayers to get

her visa situation sorted out. Her brother has finally

regained consciousness, but will have to deal with

his limitations for the rest of his life. When he is

stronger they will do more surgery.

Sr. Agathe Bramkamp has been invited by Fu Jen

University to help them celebrate the 50th

anniversary of the re-establishment of the

University in Taiwan. She will participate

particularly in the activities of the German

department. She leaves November 29 and returns

December 12.

In December we await the arrival of our three

Sisters from Java appointed temporarily to our

Province: Sr. Dominika Sinaga, Sr. Sisilia

Andri Soelistyani and Sr. Catharina Liliek

Angganingwati.

Sr. Leonette Kaluzny left Techny to join the New

York community. Though she reluctantly gave up

her ministry with Franciscan Outreach, she looks

forward to being able to use her liturgy and other

skills in parish ministry.

On November 13, Frt. Tom Olsen, S.J., visited

our community to tell us about the Jesuit

Mission among the Lakota people in South

Dakota, one

to which the

SSpS con-

tribute each

quarter. The

Jesuits have

been in this

mission for

more than

120 years.

They are

now using

a real team

effort for

their mission and every program is directed by a

local Lakota member. The Jesuits are working

as a team with local leadership to bring about a

strong local church and a positive change in

society.

Sr. Peg Conlon from Emmaus House in New

Jersey came to

visit with and

encourage Sr.

Dolores Marie

on November

16 and 17. Sr.

Peg also gave a

talk to our

community and

nursing staff

about depres-

sion. She ex-

plained causes

of depression and emphasized self-help in

keeping active physically, mentally and social-

ly. It’s necessary to get enough sleep, maintain

a healthy diet and keep learning new skills.

Having a sense of humor and finding things to

make us laugh are also aids to keeping depres-

sion at bay. A DVD of Sr. Peg’s talk is availa-

ble for viewing if desired.

Events in Techny (cont.)

Sr. Dolores Marie Kuhl and Sr. Peg

Frt. Tom

Srs. Mary Joseph Hofschulte, Carol Welp, Mary Pardy,

Dolores Marie Kuhl and Margaret Hansen celebrate with Sr.

Leonette her move to life with the New York Community.

The Chapel at Thanksgiving

St. Elizabeth, the second Catholic Church to be

consecrated in the Archdiocese of Chicago,

celebrated its 130th anniversary November 4, 5

and 6.

On Friday, November 4, Bishop Joseph Perry,

SVD, joined with city officials, parishioners

and friends to rename 41st Street “Augustus

Tolton,” honoring the first priest of African

descent in the United States who served at St.

Elizabeth in the early 1890’s.

During a festive banquet the following day, a

large crowd gathered to share memories of

those years through storytelling, singing and

dancing. Cardinal Francis George was the

main speaker during the banquet. Joining in

this festive celebration were myself, Sr. Betty

Tranel, serving as coordinator of faith develop-

ment at St. Elizabeth parish and school; Sr.

Elwira Dziuk; Sr. Marie Angela Risi and Ma-

rie Dusheck.

A jubilant celebration of the Eucharist on Sun-

day brought 130 years of building a community

of disciples of Jesus to a joyous climax. During

his homily, a former pastor and friend, Bishop

Dominic Carmon, SVD, thanked the Holy

Spirit Missionary Sisters for their services at St.

Elizabeth, mentioning each by name.

It was obvious from the quality and success of

the celebration that the present pastor, Fr.

Richard Andrus, SVD, had been an outstand-

ing team player with the parishioners in plan-

ning for this celebration, even though he

himself was absent for the actual occasion. The

death of his beloved mother on November 3

called him to be present with her and the

family, celebrating her new life into eternity.

Sr. Betty Tranel

4

St. Elizabeth -

Rejoice and Give Thanks

They say a picture is worth a thousand

words. Since that is so, we are able to

squeeze many more “words” into our bulle-

tins via the work of the many photographers

who contribute their work. We thought that

in this last issue of the year we would take

the opportunity to thank all the people who

have contributed photographs during the

year. We don’t have the space to give credit

to them in each issue and sometimes the pic-

tures come to us and the photographers are

not known. So, to all of you who have made

our bulletins so colorful, as well as more

meaningful, a great big thanks. And a

special shout-out of gratitude to Sr.

Veronica Marie Mikkelsen, who so

faithfully records the events at the Convent

in Techny with her camera. Blessings on all

for your contributions! And please keep up

the good work!

(Art above and on page 1 by Sr. Agnes Paul.)

Annette Kehrer, who has had surgery.

Celestine, sister-in-law of Sr. Mary Pardy who

has recently had surgery to remove scar tissue and

to improve her blood circulation.

John Gardner, 92 years old, manager of our farm

for 40 years, who is dying.

Paul King, brother-in-law of Sr. Claudette

Burkel, who has lung cancer with about a 50-50

chance of the treatment being successful.

On November 15, a ground-breaking and blessing

ceremony took place for our new convent and

residence for our sisters studying at Divine Word

Residence in Epworth. We pray that the builders

work safely and soundly.

Two of our Sisters will be finishing their English

studies in Epworth in December: Sr. Rosalia

Service Galmin and Sr. Philippa, Chen Jin Xiu.

Sr. Rosalia is appointed to St. Kitts and will be

flying there in January after she gets her visa. Sr.

Philippa’s appointment has not yet been completely

settled.

This fall, Sr. Monica Darrichon is again

contributing to the Diocesan Biblical, Catholic Faith

and Methods courses for the Diocese of Memphis,

Tenn. She is offering classes on the Incarnation and

the Teaching Methods for Catechetists.

On November 5 and 6, our community in Rogers

Park opened their newly renovated residence for the

Sisters in the Chicago area and some of their neigh-

bors. Visitors liked what they saw. The chapel is

now on the fourth floor, the part of the house

devoted mainly to the novitiate. The dining room,

living room and library are on the third floor, along

with bedrooms for four of the Sisters. The second

floor is also a residence area. The first floor is for

the Life Learning Center which will officially open

on January 15, the feast of St. Arnold Janssen.

Our deceased:

Fr. Raymond Quetchenbach, SVD, cousin of our

Sr. Helen Marie Yockel and beloved friend of

many of us, who “jumped into the mystery of God

and God’s mercy” (his own words) November 19

and who was buried on November 26.

Rito Martinez, beloved brother of our Sr. Therese

Mary, who was called home to eternity on

November 6.

Mary Ellen Andrus, mother of Fr. Rick Andrus,

SVD, pastor of St. Elizabeth’s parish in Chicago,

who died on November 2 at the age of 76.

Ken Cunningham, father of Fr. Sam Cunning-

ham, SVD, who died on November 17 and was

laid to rest on November 21.

The father of Genoveva Rodriguez and Irene

Gonzalez (employed in our housekeeping depart-

ment), who died in Mexico at the age of 92 years.

Rita, the sister of Frank Abby (known from

Hyattsville) died on October 3 after a long struggle

with cancer.

Our sick:

Sr. Mathilde Steffens, who is recuperating from

having a stent put into her carotid artery.

Sr. Francetta Kunkel, who is recuperating from

pneumonia.

Sr. Martha Fass, who is hospitalized for a bad fall

resulting from severe dizziness. After a procedure

on her spine, she will have therapy at Abbington.

Sr. Agnes Marie Crabb, who is recuperating from

a grand mal seizure. It has taken a big toll on her.

Sr. Priscilla Burke, who had a lumpectomy on

November 22. She is doing well, but appreciates

your prayers.

For Your Prayerful Remembrance

5

News from Rogers Park

News from Epworth

News from Memphis

Action for LIFE By Sr. Rosalia Galmin and Sr. Monica Ling

Sr. Rosalia Galmin and Sr. Monica Ling, as well as, Fr. Bill Shea,

SVD and some SVD students from Divine Word College at Epworth,

went to a pro-life action in Dubuque, Iowa on November 23. They

held signs before the Planned Parenthood to remind people who

passed by on the street how important and meaningful life is. Many

people were moved and supported us. Sr. Monica wrote, “I think to

protect life is really justice and peace.”

SVD-SSpS-SSpSAP Joint Immigration Venture

Sr. Mary Catherine and all the Sisters were very welcoming to Br. Brian McLaughlin, SVD,

Stephanie Dernek and Sr. Rose Therese Nolta

when they arrived in St. Louis, MO to share about

our immigration venture. Our Adoration Sisters

are part of the Joint Immigration Venture by their

prayers and Sr. Mary Catherine invited the group

so that they would be able to bring immigrants and

immigration issues more to their prayers. The

first session dealt with an overview of the immigra-

tion in the USA; the response by the joint venture

so far was the second presentation and the third talk

was about action on immigration and a prayer ritual

-response.

Fr. Urey Patrick Mark, SVD had also invited the group to share their joint immigration

venture with his parish and preschool at St. Nicholas. Both groups were very attentive and

welcoming.

Peace and Justice News

6

Stephanie Dernek, Br. Brian McLaughlin, SVD and Fr. Mark, SVD Sr. Rose Therese Nolta at St. Nicholas Parish

JPIC

SSpS

USA

7

Welcoming Others

We are celebrating Advent during

December – a time of welcoming Christ in-

to our lives and welcoming others. It is the

time of hospitality, welcoming the un-

known. This is the essence of the spirituali-

ty of compassion, acceptance and love.

There are many ways of living out this in

our lives.

Sr. Rose Martin Glenn and Sr. Uloma

Akpa give us examples of this in their lives

and ministry.

Overcoming Bullying

by Sr. Rose Martin Glenn, SSpS

As the Director of Health Services for 1,400

students in our eight Jubilee Catholic

Schools in Memphis, Tennessee, one of my

jobs is to educate. Before school let out for

the summer vacation I had on my schedule

to make a presentation to all of our middle

school students on the topic of “Bullying.”

I was given a video by our

Peace and Justice Coordinator

on “Bullying” of a true story

of a young man in Wisconsin.

Jamie Nabozny – bullied

December

2011

Since the young man had come up

against bullying when he was in middle

school, I decided this was the video that

would speak to our students.

One of the 6th grade boys in this school

who already looks as if he is in high

school after viewing the video said to

the class that he was sorry that he had

bullied some of the students and prom-

ised he would not do it ever again. For

the past two years I have given presen-

tations to the students on bullying and

would begin the session by asking,

"Who has ever been bullied?" and

"Who has bullied others?" The students

were honest and did not deny either an-

swer to the questions. I saw this stu-

dent and was aware that he did say he

bullied the students. The classmates of

this student were silent when he spoke

up. I was happy that something touched

the heart of this student. There wasn't

any squirming or sneering but silence. I

said let us give the student a hand and

the class applauded as the Principal was

holding back her tears. I told the student

we all appreciated his honesty and I

would certainly pray every day for him

to keep this promise as well as for all

his classmates.

Because the students were so open to

this video the High School Social

Workers asked me to allow them to

show it at their schools as I had showed

it to the entire student body and staff of

one of our other Catholic Middle and

High Schools. Now I have been re-

quested by one of our Catholic Schools

to show it to the 6th graders who were

in 5th grade last year.

Sr. Rose Martin Glenn, SSpS

8

Gathering around a Bonfire

by Sr. Uloma Akpa

One way of allowing friendship to grow in

the midst of sharing peace at the Ministry of

Reconciliation was to gather around a bonfire to

celebrate the 100 Days Vigil for Peace. This

cookout took place behind the old St. John of

God building in the Back of the Yards neighbor-

hood. It was a diverse group of people.

The neighbors included men, women, young,

old, American, African- American, African, and

Caucasians; all were around the bonfire holding

hands in prayer. After the prayer, we shared our

Sr. Agathe, people of the neighborhood and Sr. Uloma

peace by serving each other food. The children

enjoyed the evening because they were given

balloons and glowing bracelets. Some of the

adults received the bracelets too.

During the evening I noticed different expres-

sions of peace, e.g., on their faces, as they

smiled, greeted and hugged, shared life and

entertained children.

Some of our Sisters joined me on this evening:

Sr. Agathe Bramkamp, Sr. Angelica Oyarzo

Chavol, and Sr. Rose Therese Nolta.

At the end of the program, we gathered

around the bonfire again in a circle to conclude

the Peace Vigil by singing, "Let There Be

Peace on Earth." One could see that the 100

days of Prayer for Peace were symbolized by

our relationship with God, each other,

Sr. Uloma and Sr. Donna Liette, CPPC

and all the world. Afterwards Sr. Donna and I

took the Sisters around to see the Precious

Blood Ministry of Reconciliation Center and

the different programs of the Center.

Sr. Uloma Akpa

Prayer of Welcome:

Help us by your grace: to banish fear from our

hearts, that we may embrace each of your

children as our own brother and sister; to

welcome immigrants, refugees and people who

are different with joy and generosity; to realize

that you call all people to your holy mountain

to learn the ways of peace and justice; to share

of your abundance as you spread a banquet

before us. We pray this through Christ our

Lord. Amen.