mages Fall/Winter

2008

A Newsletter for friends of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine

Website Highlights CSA Image

Several months ago the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine (CSA) hired two firmslocated in the Galleria at Erieview, one of Cleveland's premier office and retail centers,to take up the challenge of updating the CSA website. The multi-media marketingfirm, Peerlis, LLC, and Studiothink, LLC, a design firm, have been working with SistersMiriam Erb, Cheryl Keehner, Joan Gallagher, Jane Lab, Carol Kandiko and CSAsWebmaster Caryn Kish. As members of the CSA Communication Committee, their

task has been to guide these firms through the project and to help define CSAspresence on the web.

In defining their goals, Sr. Cheryl said, "We are interested in having ourwebsite tell the story of who we are, how we are called as vowed women

religious and what ministries we support. We are adding several internetfeatures available to us now thirteen years after we first launched the site, aiming

at making it easier for people to be in touch with us and for us to communicate with them andwith each other. We want to show ourselves as a community of committed women,freed by our chosen life style to do God's work, meeting the needs of real people.Unified in our diversity, we use our gifts, doing quite ordinary things for extraordinaryreasons. At the same time, we are leaders in the dioceses where we serve, oftentaking risks in order to preserve the legacy of which we are so proud: being Sistersof Charity of St. Augustine."

The president of StudioThink, Christine Lobas, is a 1985 graduate of St. AugustineAcademy, the now closed CSA girls high school. She reflected on her experienceof working with CSA:

"As a graduate of "The Academy" as we refer to our AlmaMater then and now, I am honored to work with the Sisterson their innovative new website. I am pleased that my firmhas the opportunity to bring forth - through design - thephilosophies of peace and justice and the commitment to thedignity of each human being that this group of strong, smartwomen embody. The Sisters that I have beenfortunate enoughto work with through this process have genuine conviction toideas and ideals that I aspire to in business daily. It's reallybeen a wonderful interchange."

Check out the new look comingsoon at www.srsofcharitv.orq.

Christine (Zeller) Lobas, Class 0/1985

ortraitThrough the twists and turns of her education

and work assignments, Sr. Denise Stiles might neverhave imagined that her latest ministry at the Centerof Hope would combine those experiences into whatmay be a perfect fit.

The middle child in the family, Sr. Denise grew upin Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio with an older brother, Craig,and a younger sister, Betty.

She had her first contact with CSA in elementaryschool. The family was part of Immaculate Heart ofMary Parish and the children attended the parishschool. She has many memories of the sisters whotaught there, and remembers them fondly. "Theywere good people."

Sr. Denise attended Cuyahoga Falls High School,graduating in 1972. Looking towards a career in thefood industry, she attended the University of Akronand graduated in 1975 with a degree in food servicemanagement. Close to her family, she has beenteased by them because it took her 3-1/2 years toearn a 2 year degree. "But," she says, "I paid my ownway."

After college, she became more involved in parishactivities. This involvement led to the slowly evolvingidea that religious life was calling her. Over the courseof several years, while in her mid-twenties, she prayedon her vocation. Those prayers were answered in1983 with her entrance into the congregation.

Using her degree, she was assigned to St. VincentCharity Hospital as a food service supervisor. Notfeeling that food prep was where she was meant to be,and having a desire to work more on the business side,she started taking classes in business administration.She was then assigned to Mercy Medical Center asmaterials management medical buyer. From thereshe moved to Consumer Credit Counseling and later

Sr. Denise Stiles

Sr. Denise at work in the Center of Hope.

on to Community SupportServices where she wasan employment specialist.Sr. Denise found jobs forthe emotionally ill andthen assisted her clients,as much as she could, inhelping them keep theirjobs.

Moving to SouthCarolina Sr. Denise wasset to run a special project helping the needy learnto help themselves. The project, however, never gotoff the ground so after a little more then a year shereturned to Ohio.

Sr. Denise currently works at the Center of Hope.Located in Ravenna, Ohio, the Center of Hopewas established in 1989. Its mission is to serve hotmeals five-days a week and provide a food pantryfor emergency assistance. Sr. Denise is the programmanager. The Center has two paid staff and relieson 8-10 volunteers each day to provide hot meals tothose in need.

Sr. Denise celebrated her Jubilee in September,commemorating her 25 years in the congregation.She spoke at the Mass reflecting on those years withhumor and thanking the many who made it possiblefor her, and the others, to get this far.

The Center of Hope and the people in PortageCounty should be thankful for them too.

^nagesis a newsletter published byThe Sisters of Charity of St.

Augustine5232 Broadview Road

Richfield OH 44286

Staff for this issue:Sr. Marian Durkin

Sr. Miriam ErbSr. Cheryl Keehner

Sr. Denise Stiles

Editor: Mrs. Caryn Kish

Visit our website:

2008 Caritas Award WinnerSr. Mildred Baker, IHM

Sr. Mildred Baker, IHM

Instituted in 2000 and given out onceevery four years, the Sisters of Charity of St.Augustine (CSA) present the Caritas ServiceAward to an individual who embodies anddemonstrates the CSA charism to othersthrough a life of generosity, untiring service,joyful witness of the love of God, and acommitment to CSA's ministries in healthcare,social service, pastoral ministry or education.From individuals nominated by the membersof the congregation, a committee makes theselection. The 2008 recipient was Sr. MildredBaker, IHM.

(l-r) Pauline and Norman Wengerd, and Sr. Mary Patricia BarrettSr. Mildred first served with CSA as the initial coordinator with

the diocesan committee who were planning for the retirement needs of the religious of the diocese, then asthe Director of Admissions/lntercongregational Liaison at Regina Health Center (RHC). Currently, she is avolunteer at St. John West Shore Hospital, a CSA hospital.

Sr. Mildred's warmth, welcoming manner and astute judgment served the residents extremely well in theearly years of RHC. Her kindness and friendliness were evident; her smile conveyed respect, care and concernto the CSA members, the residents of RHC and their families.

Her loyalty to CSA continues at St. John West Shore Hospital where she volunteers ina variety of capacities. From contributing to bake sales to helping countless hours with theannual Festival of the Arts, Sr. Mildred does all with the same warm smile, twinkling eyes,and generous heart. Whenever Sr. Mildred returns to RHC, she is greeted with open armsand friendly smiles.

Sr. Mildred received the CaritasService Award during the Feastof St. Augustine liturgy at Mt.Augustine on August 28, 2008.Fr. James Welsh, SJ, was thecelebrant. The chapel wasfilled with members fromSr. Mildred's community,the Sisters, Servants ofthe Immaculate Heart ofMary (IHM), her familyand many friends.

Though she has an "IHM"after her name and is trueand loyal to her congregation,she certainly is "CSA" in heart

Sr. Mildred Baker, IHM receiving the award from and spirit.Sr. Miriam Erb, CSA.

Sisters of Charityof St. Auousrhi;

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potlight

ubileeOn September 21, 2008 at Mt. Augustine during an afternoon Mass andreception, five sisters celebrated their Jubilees with friends and family. SistersPetrina Scelfo and Assumpta Kneier entered the congregation in Septemberof 1948 and celebrated their 60th year. Celebrating 50 years were SistersCarole DeCrane and Catherine Walsh while Sr. Denise Stiles celebrated 25years.

Sr. Petrina Scelfo is originally from Our Lady of GoodCounsel Parish in Cleveland, Ohio. Sister spent manyyears teaching in various CSA schools in Ohio, amongthem St. Joseph and Immaculate Heart of MarySchools, both in Cuyhoga Falls. At Assumption Schoolin Brook Park, Ohio she not only taught but was theprincipal for a time. Retired and living at Mt. Augustine,Sister's ministry is now one of prayer. She can be foundmost any day in the halls of Regina Health Centeror outside the building enjoying the gardens. She isalways ready to speak with visitors and staff alike andtries to keep all entertained by telling jokes.

After graduating from Glenville High School, Sr.Assumpta Kneier spent several years working beforeentering the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. Shebegan her religious life teaching elementary school.She was stationed at several schools including St.Joseph and Holy Family, both in the Akron area, St.Luke in Lakewood, Ohio and at Parmadale in Parma.Assigned to Mt. Augustine in 1972, Sister worked ascoordinator of the Constant Care Unit, was assistant tothe program director and was a driver. She was alsoactive in the Mt. Augustine Guild. Now retired and livingat Mt. Augustine, she keeps in contact with her familyand is involved with social justice issues. Her ministry isnow one of prayer.

Upon graduation from St. Augustine Academy, Sr.Carole DeCrane entered the Sisters of Charity of St.Augustine and began her career of various ministriesas a sister. First as a teacher at St. Joseph Schooland Immaculate Heart of Mary School, she wasalso called upon to use her musical background,and served as the choir director and organist. At theDePaul Center she was an outreach program tutor.She was the chaplain for Sr. Vincent Charity Hospitalfor 14 years. After serving two terms in communityleadership, she began ministry at St. John West ShoreHospital, where she is now serving as a chaplain.

Born in CountyMayo, Ireland, Sr.Catherine Walshcame to the statesin her late teenswith the intentionof returning toIreland to becomea farmer's wife.Instead, sheentered the orderand became acitizen in May of 1964. After spending severalyears as a cottage mom in Parmadale, Sisterearned her degree in special education andreturned to Parmadale as a teacher. Shealso taught at St. Luke School, Lakewood,Ohio, Epiphany Parish and St. Mary Parishin Wooster, Ohio. In the early 1990's shejoined the Cleveland Diocese Mission Teamand went to El Salvador where she servedfor seven years. After returning to the states,she was instrumental in starting a HispanicMinistry at St. Bernard Parish in Akron, andhelped establish several Catholic Workerhomes. She served on the leadership teamfor the community in the late 1990's andcontinues as the Vocation Director.

Sr. Denise Stilesattended a CSA gradeschool, ImmaculateHeart of Mary inCuyahoga Falls, Ohio.After attending AkronUniversity in the foodservice managementprogram, she workedat St. Vincent CharityHospital in the Food

Service Department. A calling to a differentministry, business, saw her complete a degreein Business Administration and work for MercyMedical Center as their medical buyer. Latershe would use her business skills workingwith Consumer Credit Counseling servicesand later at Community Support Services asan employment specialist. Currently, she isthe manager of the Center of Hope, a programof Portage County Family and CommunityServices.

AOPHA Art and Writing ExhibitionSeveral CSA sisters participated in The Association of Ohio PhilanthropicHomes, Housing and Services for the Aging (AOPHA) Art and WritingExhibition and received awards. The projects were displayed at ReginaHealth Center July 25, then in Columbus at AOPHA's annual meeting.

Fine Art I- Honorable Mention: "Popp'n Poppy" - Sr. Ruth Ann PatrickHonorable Mention: "Lady Liberty" - Sr. Ruth Kerrigan

Fine Art II- Second Place: "Blessed Mess" - Sr. Ruth KerriganHonorable Mention: "Oh Oh Cherry-Oh's" -Sr. Ruth Ann Patrick

Three Dimensional-Honorable Mention: "For Birds of Color" - Sr. Ruth Kerrigan

Needle Arts- First Place: "Aunt Iz Goes Hollywood" - Sr. Ruth Ann Patrick

Photography- Honorable Mention: "Passage to Alaska" -Sr. Mary Jacob Yelcho

Cooperative Arts (group project)-First Place: "All Creation Praises" - RHC Cut-Ups

Sr. Petrina Scelfo was a member of this groupSecond Place Regional, First Place at State: "Our Doll House" -

Sr. Ruth Kerrigan was a member of the groupThird Place: "Under the Sea with Crayons & Watercolors"

(Sr. Ruth Ann Patrick & Sr. Ruth Kerrigan were in this group)

Special Fine Arts-Honorable Mention: "Sunshine & Thunder" - Sr. Petrina ScelfoHonorable Mention: "Flowers in a Cup" - Sr. Catherine Browning

Special 3 Dimensional-Honorable Mention: "Miss America" - Sr. Petrina Scelfo

Non-Fiction Prose- Honorable Mention: "It is Lent" - Sr. Marian Warta

Poetry- Second Place: "Little Miss Dande Lion" - Sr. Ruth Ann Patrick

Regina Health CenterCelebrates 15 Years

This past summer was the fifteenth anniversary of the opening of RHC.The dedication Mass celebrated on May 16, 1993 by Bishop AnthonyPilla followed two years of renovation and construction on the secondand third floors of Mt. Augustine. The result of the construction was anassisted care and nursing home facility primarily for the religious, butalso open to those desiring a God-centered atmosphere.

j

The anniversary was commemorated at several events held during <the summer. Some were pubic, some by invitation and others for the jemployees whose dedication to the residents is evident by the care jthey receive.

Congratulations to RHC on its anniversary.

Centering SpaceThe newest CSA ministry, Centering Space, celebrated

the 5th anniversary of its prayerful existence November1. Located next to Lakewood Park, Centering Space is onthe grounds of the previous motherhouse. This peacefulsetting provides a welcoming atmosphere where manyhave joined in contemplative prayer directed by one of theCore Circle members: Mary Ann Andrews, CSA, MaryJean Eucker, CSA, Peggy Gerovac, Carol Kandiko,CSA and Jeannette Kearns, OSU. The atmosphereof this special place invites all who come to enter intothe mysteries of the Divine Creator of the Universe,mysteries which are ever unfolding in their lives and

in the world. Centering Space provides a placefor individual reflection for a day or for times of

retreat. Congratulations to Centering Spacefor 5 years of wonderful ministry which

enriches the spirit of each personwho attends. For information

call 216-228-7451.

Mercy Medical Center Turns 100Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio recently ended theyear long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the hospital'sfounding. Formally opened on September 24, 1908, thehospital was first located in the home of the late PresidentWilliam McKinley. Mrs. Rosa Klorer purchased the home andgave it to the Diocese of Cleveland with the stipulation thata faith based hospital be opened in it and that the Sisters ofCharity of St. Augustine operate the hospital. The originalhospital was dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy and calledMercy Hospital. Expanded three times to accommodatethe growing needs of the area, the building was closed in1970. W. Robert and Henry H. Timken gave the sisters theH.H. Timken residence in 1950. Timken Mercy Hospital, thatbuilding was also expanded several times. The name waschanged to Mercy Medical Center.Congratulations to Mercy Medical Center as it continues asStark County's only faith based hospital.

lebrations

impsesI **J3 fUtaAs^K*^

Sr. Catherine Walsh was chosen as "Religious of the Year"by the Knights of Columbus, Akron Council 547. The awardwas presented on July 10, 2008 at the Akron City Women'sClub by Grandnight Paul Jaeger. Sister Catherine wasrecognized for her work in El Salvador, her current endeavorwith a project in Coban, Guatemala providing housing andeducation for widows and orphans and for her work with theHispanic community through Catholic Worker in Akron, cs

Sr. Elizabeth Schur, a member of St. Luke Parish inLakewood, Ohio, continues to support the parish with herpresence in a variety of ways. This fall she shared herspirituality in a talk on the Holy Spirit as part of the parishrenewal retreat for women. 03

Sr. Marian Durkin is on the board of Ohioans to StopExecutions. Based in Columbus, she travels there forquarterly meetings, gives talks across the Cleveland areaand is "on sight" in prayer at times of executions. She and theother members and interested citizens are working to abolishthe death penalty in the state of Ohio. 03

Several CSA sisters were involved in events during MercyMedical Center's 100th Anniversary yearlong celebration.Sr. Mary Denis Maher gave an inspirational address atthe employee dinner held at the Stark County EducationalCenter and Sr. Cheryl Keehner prayed the meal blessing atthe breakfast for the volunteers held at Mercy Hall. Sr. JudithAnn Karam delivered the reflection at the Interfaith PrayerService for the closing of the 100th Anniversary events heldat McKinley High School. Sr. Miriam Erb offered a prayer atthe Harvest Ball in thanksgiving for all the blessings receivedduring the past 100 years and for all who ministered andwere cared for at Mercy Medical Center, o#

CSA Wellness Ministry Open House

l-r Clair Sikora, Sr. Cheryl Keehner,Sr. Mary Grace Betzler and

Sr. Marian Durkin

l-r Sr. Justine Sendelbach, Sr. Xavier Gormanand Sr. Rita Louise Neader

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On July 7, 2008, Sisters Sharon Anne Yanak, MaryJean Euckerand Regina Fierman (shown above l-rwithformer Governor Bob Taft) attended the signing of theGreat Lakes Water Compact by Governor Ted Stricklandat the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, Marblehead,Ohio. The Sisters are members of either CSA's Ecologyor Social Justice Committees.This landmark legislation will protect the water in the GreatLakes from being exported to other states and foreigncountries as well as prevent domestic overuse. The billwas signed by President George Bush in early October.The group enjoyed speaking with former Governor BobTaft who originally initiated the legislation for the State ofOhio.

At the annual Commission on Catholic CommunityAction (CCCA) Dinner, Sr. Marian Durkin presented theoutstanding person of the year award to Len Calabrese.Len is the past president of CCCA and current Presidentof Catholic Community Connection. Sr. Marian nominatedLen for the award. o#

Sr. Cheryl Keehner and Sr. Sharon Anne Yanak,members of the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking,gave a presentation about human trafficking to personnelat both St. Vincent Charity Hospital and Mercy MedicalCenter. The sisters represent CSA on the steeringcommittee for the Collaborative's strategic planningprocess, ea

Sr. Mary Edna Lodge, CSA

Both Regina Health Center and St. John West Shore placed veryhigh in the Nursing Home Residents' Satisfaction Survey. The OhioDepartment of Aging report stated that both these facilities had scoresof 95% or above which placed them in the top 3% of all participatingnursing homes, es

St. Vincent Charity Hospital made many changes to the hospital thisyear. The Spine and Orthopedic Institute opened in March. Patients aregreeted by a beautiful lobby and stay in private rooms designed likebedrooms in four-star hotels. The newly renovated and modernizedPsychiatric Emergency Room also opened. It has features designedespecially for the safety of patients and staff. These new areas wereblessed at separate events for the public and staff, as

Art classes are a new program being offered to the residents atJoseph's Home. The men tell their life stories through art, a processwhich can be healing and therapeutic. Some of the art pieces havebeen sold and others were used as the art work on some Christmascards, cs

Healthy Learners, a ministry of Providence Hospitals, Columbia,SC, was the beneficiary of the George Younginer Memorial GolfTournament. Receiving more than $137,000 for its programs, HealthyLearners gives support to school children of low-income familiesin need of healthcare. With additional grants the program is beingexpanded to other areas in South Carolina. o#

With an emphasis on reducing health and educational disparities inCleveland's central neighborhood, the Sisters of Charity Foundationof Cleveland awarded nearly $440,000 to several Clevelandorganizations, cs

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolinafunded a documentary film depicting the lives of severalsisters working in South Carolina. The film showed the significantimpact and influence of the religious women and their ministries. Thedocumentary received two Telly awards. Telly awards are give forexcellence in local, regional and cable productions. The documentarywas aired Easter Sunday on SCETV. o#

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of Canton has been instrumentalin obtaining a $150,000 appropriations grant to further develop theCharitable Pharmacy Concept. The CSA Foundation of Canton, alongwith several Stark County foundations, originally established the StarkPrescription Assistance Network (SPAN). Through this program,resources of local retail pharmacies and nonprofit clinics are used todistribute medications to needy Stark County residents, 03

Vicki Conley has turned in her resignation as Executive Director of theSisters of Charity Foundation in Canton. She has been with theFoundation since its beginning. The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustinewish her well and thank her for all the work she has done in thisministry.A statement released by Sr. Judith Ann Karam, CSA, President andCEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System, said, "Over the past 12years, Vicki Conley's leadership in the development of the Foundation'skey strategic focus areas, and her significant involvement in thecommunity to address the root causes of poverty, are some of themany contributions she has made in her role as the Executive Director.She has served very well the ministry of the Sisters of Charity of St.Augustine as the founding Executive Director realizing the vision setforth in 1996."Joni Close was named Executive Director and will begin her newposition in January 2009. Joni has been with the Foundation, workingas the Senior Program Director, since 1997. 03

Associates' NewsDuring the September 14, 2008 liturgy atMt. Augustine, four Associates receivedpins in a ceremony commemorating theirfive-year commitment to the AssociateProgram. Jeanne Burrige, Director ofthe Associate Program, presented pins toFran Gedraitis, Donna Nance, CorrineWagner, and Elizabeth Wendling. eg

Jeanne Burrige has agreed to stay on asthe director of the Associates for anotheryear. Sr. Marian Durkin, the Council liaisonto the Associates, thanked Jeanne andexpressed sincere gratitude on behalf ofthe sisters and the Associates on Jeanne'scontinuing committment, cs

The weekend of October 3-5, 2008 was avery special time for twenty-one Associateswho enjoyed a Retreat Weekend at Loyolaof the Lakes Retreat House in Clinton,Ohio. Sr. Catherine Walsh directed theretreat filling the days with opportunities forprayer, sharing, crafts and socializing. Fr.Thomas Kovach celebrated the Sundaymorning closing liturgy. The Associateswere overwhelmed by the thoughtfullnessof the sisters who sent support in the formof notes and cards. 03

In South Carolina, six women are in theOrientation Program and will becomeAssociates in early 2009. They are:Kathleen Belinga, Kathleen Ernette,Patricia Pastides, Rebecca Putnam,Joan Ross and Cynthia Woodrow.Sr. Nancy Hendershot and Associate,Doris Easterling directed the orientationprocess, cs

front row l-r: Sr. Marian Warta, Ms. Donna Nance,Sr. Regina Fierman and Sr. Virginia Durkin

Back row l-r: Sr. Marian Durkin, Ms. Elizabeth Wendling,Mrs. Fran Gredaitis, Ms. Jeanne Burrige, Mrs. Corrine

Wagner, Sr. Elizabeth Schur

Sisters o^Cfiariftof St. Augus t ine"5232 Broadview RoadRichfield, OH 44286

Address service requested.

T'fiis newsCetter is printed on recycCedpaper.

Sr. Miriam Erb, CSA

A few weeks ago I baked cranberry bread for a staff gathering. As I added each ingredient to thebatter I thought about each member of our wonderful staff and their dedication to carrying on themission of CSA. When we gathered together to share prayer and the bread, the Leadership Team, Sr.Marian Durkin, Sr. Cheryl Keehner and I, expressed our gratitude and celebrated the gift of each staffmember: secretaries, drivers, accountants, nurses and librarians.

This issue of Images is filled all kinds of celebrations. "Glimpses" touches on a few of our ministriesand celebrates the recognitions and awards they received for outstanding work and dedication. Thearticle on the Jubilarians celebrates the faithfulness of five sisters who responded to the call of religiouslife, living lives of prayer and service with joy and dedication. The Caritas Service Award celebratesthe compassion and loving care of Sr. Mildred Baker, IHM, who helped many congregations bring theirmembers to Regina Health Center when it first opened its' doors in collaborative ministry for agingreligious in a community setting.

I n celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Regina Health Center (RHC), the Sisters of Charity established an Employee EmergencyFund with $15,000 seed money. The Fund is designed to care for the needs of employees at times of tragedy, sickness orunforeseen death of a loved one. There are similar funds within all the health related ministries of the Sisters of CharityHealth System. RHC Administration will name the Fund, write guidelines for its use and develop ways for the employees andothers to contribute so that it will grow. Congratulations RHC on your special anniversary. CSA celebrates your goodness andexcellent loving care of the residents.

Within CSA we also have much to celebrate. Our congregational decision to "Stand Alone Together" celebrates who weare and challenges us to be fully alive in our ministries and more deeply connected with one another through community,prayer and faith sharing. Our decision further encourages us to be more connected to the world through our AIDS andPeace Stances, our focus on ecology and advocacy, especially for the underserved. Following the mandate of our CSAConstitutions, we are called to celebrate the presence of God, bringing about the renewal of all things and giving generouslyas we live and spread the Gospel. We celebrate this Call and invoke you to join us in being grateful for God's love madevisible in Christ, our Savior.

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