Together - Sisters of St. Joseph · Ginger Hedstrom, Consociate. November 23. Linda Andreozzi,...

www.csjstpaul.org

TogetherSisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet & ConsociatesSt. Paul Province

You dwell in that safe place in our heartsWhere no storm or night or pain can reach you.

Though your days here were brief,Your spirit was alive, awake, complete.

Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,As close to us as we are to ourselves.

Let us not look for you only in memory, Where we would grow lonely without you.

You would want us to find you in presence,Beside us when beauty brightensWhen kindness glows.

May you continue to inspire us:To enter each day with a generous heart.To serve the call of courage and loveUntil we see your beautiful face againIn that land where there is no more separation.

- From To Bless the Space Between Us, "On the Death of the Beloved," by John O'Donohue

Sister Clare Bloms, October 10Sister Mary Mark Mahoney, January 11

Sister Jean Nelson, March 1Sister Jane Svobodny, March 18

Sister Elaine Conrad, April 7Sister Grace Maertens, April 26Sister Mary Thompson, June 25

Sister John Christine Wolkerstorfer, August 3Sister Julie Noonan, August 17

Sister Julie Boo, August 30Sister Jackie O'Hara, October 9

Consociate Alicia Meyer, April 28Consociate Fran Kraus, August 6

2 Beyond the Province

3 News and Events

8 In Loving Memory

9 Relationship and Association

10 Wisdom Ways

11 Carondelet Center

12 Ministries Foundation

13 Learning In Style

14 Sarah's... an Oasis for Women

15 Justice

19 St. Joseph Workers

November 2017

2 | November 2017 | Together for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet & Consociates

Beyond the ProvinceMany congregational meetings have brought together Sisters and partners in ministry from across the map. Thanks to these groups, numerous collaborative projects are benefiting from diverse creativity and energy.

To read full reports from the CLG and Animation Committee meetings, visit www.csjcarondelet.org.

A Season of Futures

Congregational Leadership Group: The CLG met in Albany from September 14-18 for their twice-annual meeting.

Animation Committee: This new congregational committee met for the first time in Albany September 18-21.

JPIC Working Group: The Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation working group met in St. Louis September 24-27. They had fruitful discussion clarifying their collaborative mission, plus they enjoyed a baseball game and frozen custard!

Archivists Working Group: The congregation's archivists had their annual meeting in St. Louis on October 4 and 5. Special guest Lisa Gibbon (third from left), the archivist for the Congregation of St. Joseph, provided much wisdom as our congregation archivists continue their own consolidation process.

Communicators Conference: Five of our communicators attended the annual Communicators for Women Religious Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario on October 3-6.

Beyond the Province Directory Updates

Please add "Personal Care Attendant" to Sister Althea Johns' ministry.

Please add Sister Mary Kraft to the Giving Board on page 101.

Consociate Kit Breshears has a new cell phone number, 612-300-3010. His previous number, which began with a 660 area code, is inactive and no longer works, so please update accordingly.

Please note that Consociate Andrea Pearson Tande's correct work phone number is 651-690-7055

Please note the Consociate Jubilarians list was reversed. The correct list is below:

10 Year Anniversary

Mary E. Beckfeld John Gries Patricia Gries Michael Bayly Barbara Palmer Mary Borck Jean Strehlow

20 Year Anniversary

Deborah Chernick Lou Cooney Erickson Judith Oberhauser

Missives

Tardy thanks to all who have supported me in my ongoing recovery from a heel fracture in June. I am deeply grateful for prayers, cards, and visits.

- Florence Steichen, CSJ

November 3 Louise Jankowski, Consociate Mary O'Brien, CSJ

November 5 Joanne Wieland, CSJ

November 6 Pat Casey, Consociate Rosalind Gefre, CSJ

November 7 Anne Grady, CSJ Louise Hiniker, Consociate Teresa Kim, CSJ Anne Elise Tschida, CSJ

November 8 Avis Allmaras, CSJ

November 9 Robin Connell, Consociate Stacy Husebo, Consociate Jill Underdahl, CSJ

November 13 Catherine McNamee, CSJ

November 14 Ann Smith, CSJ

November 17 Serena Zilka, CSJ

November 18 Palma Cady, Consociate Ruby Hanson, Consociate Marla Tranel, Consociate

November 19 John Gries, Consociate Maren Bjork, Consociate Linda Taylor, CSJ

November 20 Marie Theresa Belanger, CSJ Helen Thomas Bronk, CSJ Joan Mitchell, CSJ

November 22 Ginger Hedstrom, Consociate

November 23 Linda Andreozzi, Consociate Mary Helen Montgomery, Consociate Ramona Rademacher, CSJ

November 25 Kathleen Holmberg, CSJ

November 30 Carla Nitti, Consociate Nancy Parlin, Consociate

November Birthdays

In a conversation with Global Sisters Report, Suzanne Herder, CSJ talks about her life trajectory and what drew her back into religious life.

Read the full Q&A with Suzanne at www.globalsistersreport.org

News and Events Together for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet & Consociates | November 2017 | 3


A Screening of "Departures"

The Japanese film drama “Departures,” which won the Best Foreign Film Oscar in 2009, will be shown Tuesday, November 14, 6-8:30 p.m. in G-1 at Carondelet Center. A short discussion will follow.

The story is about an unemployed cellist who takes a job unknowingly at a mortuary, thinking “Departures” meant work in a

travel agency. As he learns to act as a gatekeeper between life and death preparing the dead for the next life, he comes to understand the importance of interpersonal connections and the joy of living.

The film is offered to the community by the Threshold Committee which grew out of the Consociate sponsored Green Death and Dying series, 2015-16.

Partners in Justice Board Seeks Recommendations

The Partners in Justice Board will ask for your recommendations for 2018 grants soon. Keep your eyes out for groups you are involved with that are or can be partners in justice with us.

Application forms will be available at the November 18 assembly meetings. Two 2017 grantees will present a brief overview of their work for justice and how our PIJ grants helped them.

From Our Roots to Our Future

An 8-day retreat open to all vowed members of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, July 16-23 at Carondelet Motherhouse, St. Louis

This retreat will allow participants to deepen their own sense of call, enjoy time and space together, recognize the invitations of the Spirit, and interact with others from around the congregation. Join us as we take advantage of our historic setting as we deepen our sense of our CSJ spirituality. Together we will reflect on our history and experience in the light of the Primitive Documents, the Constitutions and the 2013 Acts of Chapter. Cost of the retreat is $550, with a registration fee of $75.

Visit http://bit.ly/2ifdiLM for the brochure/registration form. The registration form and $75 fee are to be mailed to Sister Lisa Lazio by December 1.

News and Events

Together for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet & Consociates | November 2017 | 5

CSJ Heritage Trip to LePuy, Spring 2018

The registration for The Lace is Not Finished, CSJ heritage program being offered at the Centre International in LePuy, France is from May 23-May 29, 2018. There are a several from St. Paul who will be attending.

The cost for the program and room/board is $650-750 Euros plus transportation. All costs are paid directly by the individuals attending. Consociate Services Office is assisting in coordination.

If you are interested in attending you can register directly http://www.centreinternationalssj.org/ or contact Joan or Andrea in Consociate Services.

Pilgrimage to Chartres

Participants attending the Lace is Not Finished program in LePuy are invited to consider an optional add-on of a three day pilgrimage to Chartres, home to the World Heritage Site of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres within which is found the beloved Chartres labyrinth. The cathedral contains the world’s most complete collection of medieval stained glass. This special pilgrimage is being designed especially for our group by Consociate Mary Kaye Medinger along with MJ McGregor, with background assistance from Jill Geoffrion. Both Jill and MJ are longtime labyrinth facilitators at Wisdom Ways, official tour guides at the cathedral and seasonal residents of Chartres.

DATES in Chartres: travel day from LePuy via Paris: Tuesday May 29; in Chartres: May 30, 31, June 1 with return to Paris by train on Saturday June 2. Suggested: overnight stay in Paris at a hotel near the Paris Charles de Gaulle airport; all travel arrangements are on your own.

ACCOMODATIONS in Chartres: 4 nights (May 29 through June 1) option of single (limited number) or double room at Hotellerie St. Yves, renovated medieval seminary near the cathedral.

MEALS breakfast included with Hotellerie St. Yves; otherwise on your own. There are several restaurants within walking distance of the cathedral.

FEATURES OF OUR PILGRIMAGE planned at this time include: mini pilgrimages around the exterior and interior of the cathedral as well as the crypt; English-speaking tour of the stained glass windows by either Malcolm Miller or MJ McGregor; a pilgrimage to the quarry which provided the stone for the cathedral; cathedral roof tour; private candlelight labyrinth walk for our group; Vespers (evening prayer) each evening in the cathedral with the ecumenical Chemin Neuf community. A more detailed description of the Chartres pilgrimage is available for those who are seriously interested.

COST (approximate due to fluctuations regarding the exchange rate): $550 includes single room accommodation; $490 includes double room accommodation. Registration deadline is December 15. 50% is due at the time of registration ($100 non-refundable) with the remaining balance due on March 15. Cancellation policy: after 3/15, refund depends on our ability to fill your place. For more information contact Mary Kaye at [email protected]

News and Events


Compassionate Communication

Join with others to bring positive change to the world and into your own lives. These skills training sessions will be held Tuesdays, November 7 through December 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Carondelet Village Auditorium. With others:

• Explore the principles and practices of Compassionate Communication. • Develop a compassionate mindset. • Learn practical tools to incorporate into your daily life. • Increase your confidence to reconcile interpersonal differences. • Facilitate understanding and acceptance amongst individuals of contrasting cultures. • Live more peacefully together

FREE for Sisters of St. Joseph and CV Peacemakers with a suggested donation of $100 for all sessions (negotiable). Facilitated by Dave Casey, CPCC. Sponsored by the Carondelet Village Peace Makers Group, Twin Cities Nonviolent, and the Justice Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

News and EventsProvince Council

Highlights

Received suggestions from Council on possible new ways to improve and simplify Rapid Relay.

Shared information from Congregational Leadership Group meeting re: planning for the Congregational Novitiate and the 2019 Congregational Chapter.

Reviewed how StrengthsFinder results can assist our work together.

Reflected on how to engage community in "Circle" conversation process.

Received a clean financial report for FY 2017 from the auditors, CliftonLarsonAllen.

Earth Partners working group is reading Drawdown: the most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming, Edited by Paul Hawken. We will discuss the book at our upcoming meeting on November 20th .

All are welcome to join the conversation at 4-5 p.m. in Carondelet Center Room 10.


Come Together...

News and Events

News and Events

Building Future with St. Kate's

CSJs gift St. Kate's Minneapolis campus on June 28, 2017. Photo taken in St. Kate's President, Becky Roloff 's office.

Signing of the updated Covenant on May 3, 2017.

The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer hosted the September Come Together prayer and song service and ended with a walk through the Rondo neighborhood. It's our turn on November 19, 4 pm to 6 pm. Join us.

With our neighbors to pray and to share our hopes, fears, and dreams for our community.

Sunday, November 19, 2017 Our Lady of Presentation Chapel

4-6 p.m. Fellowship follows in the Dining Room.

Come Together is a movement that began in north Minneapolis churches after the shooting of Philando Castile.

Father Paul Jarvis from St. Bridget's and parishioner Bonnie Steele, who is a St. Kate’s graduate, opened their sanctuary to the neighbors. People have been gathering once a month around the Twin Cities since then.

This is our turn. Please join us if you can. We are inviting St. Kate’s students, staff and faculty and people from our neighboring churches and synagogues. All are welcome.


This highly educated, engaging teacher, and lover of the French language and culture, was born in Duluth, MN on August 16, 1933, and died peacefully on the morning of October 9, 2017 at Carondelet Village in St. Paul. A 1955 graduate of the College of St. Catherine with a double major in French and English, Sr. Jackie earned a M.A. and Ph.D. in French from the University of Minnesota. A highlight of Jackie’s academic career came when receiving a Fulbright Scholarship to spend a year studying in France.

“A spirit who resonates courage,” were grateful words spoken by a colleague as Sr. Jackie retired after serving 41 years as professor ointhe French Department at St. Catherine University. In truth, Sr. Jackie taught, mentored and advised more St. Catherine students than anyone who has ever taught at the University. Deeply loyal and dedicated to infusing the values of Catholic Social Teaching in everything she taught, Sr. Jackie was an eager guide for students who desired to study abroad, encouraging their curiosity toward a deeper understanding of the immigrant’s plight, and often offering her famous admonition, “Go forth!”

To her friends Sr. Jackie was known as one with a

“great spirit, deep spirituality, classic Irish wit, who was deft at word play and always up for a good party.” She was loyal and very generous with her time and care for those she loved. Sr. Jackie delighted, with great grandeur, in slipping in a phrase or two of

French to emphasize or enliven a conversation, and “never thought any situation was too serious for a good joke.”

Upon retiring, it gave Sr. Jackie great joy to stay connected and celebrate the different life events of her nieces and nephews, as well as her former students. One CSJ remarked “not only did she remember her students by name, she could also tell you about each of their children.” While by nature Sr. Jackie had an independent spirit, she accepted help when she needed it with grace and the heart of a CSJ."

Sr. Jackie is preceded in death by parents Anna Borich O’Hara and John W. O’Hara; brothers John W. O’Hara, Jr. and James T. O’Hara and is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m., Thursday, October 12, at Chapel of Our Lady of the Presentation, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN, with Visitation at 10 a.m. preceding Mass, and burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, MN, following the luncheon at the Carondelet Center in St. Paul.

In Loving MemoryJackie O'Hara, CSJAugust 16, 1933 - October 9, 2017


On September 9, 2017, Consociates met for their fall Consociate Assembly. The time together was dedicated to two main topics: the question of organizational structure of the Consocium and a review of July’s wonderful ACOF Convocation in St. Louis, MO.

In the morning, members of the Consociate Process Planning Committee (CPPC) led the group in a session reviewing the possible options for future governance structures of the Consocium. CPPC members are Anita Duckor, Jill Garcia, Barbara McIlquham, Peg Schwendeman, and Consociate Services staff members Andrea Pearson Tande and Joan Pauly Schneider. This group was put together through a process of nomination and group discernment this past spring. Consociates had time to review the progress that has been made up to this point, review the two options for new structures, and spend time both in small and large groups asking questions and sharing ideas. These options will also be considered during two listening sessions in October and presented to the Sister Community sometime this winter. This ongoing process of discernment and mutual listening will continue.

In the afternoon, some of the people from St. Paul who attended the ACOF Convocation in St. Louis gave a presentation for

the larger group. (ACOF= Associates, Consociates, Ohana, and Familia de San Jose and represents all the associate groups for the individual Provinces of the Carondelet congregation). This Convocation in St Louis was the first time that ACOF members have gathered together in this

way and there was a lot to celebrate and communicate with the Consociates who were not able to make it. Some highlights from the convocation were excellent keynote addresses by Shawn Madigan, CSJ, and St. Louis Associate Carrie

Arnold, a surprise visit from Mother St John Fontbonne (Sr. Donna

Gunn), as well as beginning relationships with ACOF members from around the country and learning about the unique aspects of each unit’s identity.

Many Consociates considered the shared lunch with the Sisters to be a highlight of the day and look forward to future opportunities to do the same on the days of the Sister and Consociate Assemblies.

Sister and Consociates were invited to donate to the Catholic Relief Services hurricane relief fund organized by the Carondelet Congregation. Showing amazing generosity, Consociates contributed nearly $1,900.00 toward this appeal. Thank you for your generous hearts.

In Loving Memory

Relationship & Association

Fall Consociate Assembly Recap

Consociate Linda Crosby addresses the group. There were about 55 Consociates in the second floor assembly room in the Ad center for this meeting.

Consociate Kathleen Olsen leads us in a song.


Would you like to learn more about our neighbors in the Twin Cities who are impacted by travel bans, harsher immigration policies, and living with the reality of daily violence in their homelands? Come to all or part of this year’s Fall Soul Conference.

Windows in our Walls: Seeing with Fresh Eyes on Friday, November 10, 2017, 7:00 - 9:00 pm AND Saturday, November 11, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm.

We live in a box of space and time. Movies are windows in its walls. They allow us to enter other minds, not simply in the sense of identifying with the characters…but by seeing the world as another person sees it.

– Roger Ebert

We will view selected documentaries about people with roots and paths in Minnesota, and many will participate in this conference with us. How does a young Somali man living in the Twin Cities see his surroundings? What can we learn about courage from women contending with daily violence in Syria, and Iraqis who counter the devastation of war and occupation by building bridges of friendship and reconciliation?

Viewing these films together with actors and directors, musicians, community organizers, theologians, poets, educators, and artists, we’ll process what we’ve seen and probe race, power, and the complexities of social and political constructs that keep our walls intact. Come discover how “seeing the world as another person sees it” can touch our hearts and evoke empathy, compassion and change.

Following is a sample of the documentary films and music.

A Stray, the story of a Somali refugee in Minneapolis who

crosses paths with a stray dog and together they hold vigil with one another.

Queens of Syria– how 50 women from Syria in exile in Jordan come together to create and perform their own version of the ancient Greek tragedy, The Trojan Women.

Music by Native Latin American composers that tell the story of the colonization process in Latin America, led by Mexican-Egyptian conductor and pianist Ahmed Anzaldúa

El Samkary of BorderCrosSing.

Iraqi Voices, a selection of short documentary films, such as Forgotten Women written and directed by Iraqi-Minnesotan refugees and immigrants in the Twin Cities, through the Minneapolis based Iraqi-American Reconciliation Project.

Iraqi Voices Filmmakers:

Amel Al-Sammarraie is the former Deputy Director of Baghdad’s

Children’s Hospital. She moved to Minnesota with her husband in 2013. She now works as a medical interpreter. She directed both a 2015 and 2016 film and narrated the 2016 film, Our Iraq.

Dr. Hala Asamarai was born in Iraq and moved to the U.S. at the age of four. She is a licensed teacher and holds a Masters in Teaching and a Doctorate in Education. She is currently working on a principal license and works with the Minneapolis Public Schools as an Instructional Specialist. She has served on the Global Academy School Board and is a newly- elected member of the Columbia Heights School Board.

Zaid Alshammaa is a young Iraqi-American business owner. He moved to Minnesota in 2010 with his family.

WHEN: Friday, November 10, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. AND Saturday, November 11, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Carondelet Center

COST: $20.00-RSVP to Wisdom Ways at 651-696-2788.

Wisdom WaysWindows in Our Walls: Seeing with Fresh Eyes


Joan Mitchell Leads, Courageous Foremothers: Women of Faith in Mark's Gospel

Toys for TotsCarondelet Center is participating in Toys for Tots again this year!

Last year was a smashing success and we thought we would lend our hand to the community again this year. The drop off box will be outside of the Carondelet Center reception desk. The dates we will be accepting toys will be November 15- December 18.

Be sure to stop by the Carondelet Center Craft Sale on November 15 from 10:00 a.m- 4:00 p.m. in the Carondelet Center Dining Room. It is a great place to get your holiday shopping done!

Raves and ReviewsThe weekend was a great success! Thanks for helping make it so. The staff people were incredibly friendly and responsive.

Barbara McAfee Voice Coach/Trainer, Speaker, Author of Full Voice: The Art & Practice of Vocal Presence, Singer/songwriter

The retreat went very well. The retreat center and room received multiple compliments :)

Nancy Jambor Success Coach

Wisdom WaysAn Overview on the Gospel of Mark and Text Study

for the new Church year

Advent starts the new Church year and the Church's reading of Mark's gospel, the first to be written, the closest to oral tradition, and the most audacious in remembering women's leadership at key turning points. Peter's mother-in-law, the woman healed with the hemorrhage, the Syrophoenician woman, the woman who anointed Jesus' head, and the women of Galilee at the cross and tomb all model faith and prophecy. The first gospel of Advent begins with the end, urging us to stay alert and watch because no one knows at what hour the householder will return—at evening, midnight, cockcrow or morning.Come rediscover Mark and its promise to invite us from fear to awe to faith. Bring your Bible.

Tuesday, November 14, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Carondelet Center

Bible Study on Courageous Foremothers in Mark

What if we bring the 10% of Mark's Gospel that tells stories of women from the margins to the center of Jesus' story? How does this shift our reading of the text and how we preach and teach? Bring your Bible.

Tuesdays, November 28 and December 5, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. at Carondelet Center.Sessions are Free; please RSVP at Wisdom Ways by calling 651-696-2788.

Carondelet Center


A Taste of Thanksgiving

There’s still time to support the St. Joseph Worker Program and enjoy a phenomenal evening at our 2017 A Taste of Thanksgiving on November 3, 2017.

See https://csjministriesfoundation.org/a-taste-of-thanksgiving-2017/ for more information and/or contact Jenna (651-690-7026 or [email protected]) today!

* CSJ Sisters and the SJW Community are eligible for discounted ticket prices.

Ministries FoundationGive to the Max Day

Support the Ministries Foundation and the amazing work of the CSJ ministries by helping us reach out to new donors! We need to raise $15,000 from NEW donors to match a challenge grant from the Gertrude R. Shiely Trust.

Please help by spreading the word about the CSJ ministries to potential new donors. Visit https://csjministriesfoundation.org/gtmd17/ for how you can help today through November 16! Thanks!

The Ministries Foundation is grateful to all who made our move to the second floor happen! Whether you changed offices, helped with the planning, completed the physical move or otherwise assisted, we can’t thank you enough.

We appreciate everyone’s generosity and hard work. Thanks again!


Excellence in Volunteer Engagement

By Agnes Foley, CSJ

Learning In Style School is happy to announce that Judy Bakula, SSND, receptionist and office administrator for the past six years, was one of three individuals in the state of MN given the Minnesota Literacy Council award for excellence in volunteer engagement. The award recognizes individuals who foster a culture and climate that is supportive of volunteers in adult literacy programs. Connie Gleason, CSJ, with the help of some LIS staff members, nominated Judy for the award.

Among Judy’s diverse responsibilities is that of directing and coordinating our Volunteer Program. It includes recruiting, interviewing, placement, overall scheduling and monitoring of volunteers - volunteers who are integral to the work as they bring their own remarkable experience and willingness to pitch in where needed. Volunteers at LIS this year spent 2,281 hours!

Judy has a unique way of coordinating the program that gives each volunteer an opportunity to choose where he or she feels most comfortable. They begin by getting the feel of the school and determining how their own skills and experience may “fit." To do this, each volunteer spends time in all classrooms, observing and perhaps participating. She makes sure volunteers are placed where they are comfortable. Judy is always thankful for the services volunteers provide, and she lets them know that they are valued by her words and actions. Judy greets the volunteers when they come in, having a name badge ready for them and a sign-in book. During the annual Volunteer Appreciation Week, she makes sure there are gifts and special treats for them in the break room. She puts great time and thought into their gifts. Additionally, she commemorates their efforts in the LIS yearbook.

As additional comments the application declared, “Our school has been blessed to have Judy. Her ability to wear so many hats and her positive attitude contribute to the warm atmosphere in our school that keeps both students and volunteers coming back year after year. Judy does all her work graciously and patiently. She is the heart and soul of our community and keeps everything running smoothly. Whether inside or out, Judy creates an atmosphere at Learning in Style where 'All are Welcome'."

We are proud to acknowledge that Judy makes it possible for the staff at LIS and all involved with Learning In Style School to do their jobs better and easier and we are delighted with her award.

Ministries Foundation

Learning In Style

Volunteers are integral to the work of Learning In Style School (LIS). Each gives much needed help with his or her remarkable experience and willingness to pitch in where needed. LIS volunteers serve as assistants in the English classrooms, the computer lab, the math lab, the citizenship classes, the Peace Garden and the Children’s Room.

Martha O’Toole, who teaches citizenship classes at LIS, embodies the passion and dedication of our volunteers.

Read the full post on Martha at www.lisschool.org.

For Martha, teaching is a passion — she particularly

likes teaching adult learners at LIS. The environment is warm

and welcoming, the staff is incredibly skilled and the focus on the student’s success can be

felt in every classroom.

Volunteer Spotlight


Fall is a busy time of year for the women and staff of Sarah’s. Many of Sarah’s residents have started a new school year. Our staff is focused on preparing our home for the fall and winter months to come.

Here are a few highlights:

• Sarah’s has hosted several outings this fall for current residents including a walk at Hidden Falls Park, a museum field trip, attending the Minnehaha Arena sale, and an excursion out to a local pumpkin patch. MacKenzie, Sarah’s SJW, planned a Halloween party for the residents that included carving pumpkins and roasting pumpkin seeds.

• Once again, Sarah’s Director, Cheryl Behrent, hosted a table at the Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) Restoring Hope Breakfast on Thursday, October 12th. Guests at Sarah’s table included members of Sarah’s staff, Sarah’s Advisory Council and CSJ consociates. Sarah’s is proud to support CVT as one of our long-time community service providers!

• On Saturday, October 15th, Sarah’s hosted Citizen Katie Day. This special day is a volunteer blitz with St. Kate’s students, alumnae, faculty and staff working side by side on projects to benefit programs like Sarah’s. Citizen Katie brings together the St. Kate's family in service to the community.

• In November, Sarah’s Advisory Council will serve a Thanksgiving meal at Sarah’s for our current residents and staff. Sarah’s council members undertake all the planning and decor. This event has become a tradition at Sarah’s and is great fun for all!

• Coming in January 2018! Sarah’s Annual Career Networking Event will be held at Sarah’s on Wednesday evening, January 24th, 2018 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Come share your expertise with the women of Sarah’s regarding their career aspirations and help connect them with potential opportunities. This event is open to the CSJ community including Consociates, SJW alumni and the faculty and staff of St. Catherine’s University. Career experience in the fields of healthcare, hospitality, business, computer

science, media arts, education, social services, banking, and culinary arts are especially desired. If you are interested in attending or learning more, please contact Sarah’s SJW, MacKenzie, at 651-696-8679 or email [email protected].

Sarah's... an Oasis for WomenAutumn News

Save the Date:St. Catherine University Charity Ball to benefit Sarah’s… an Oasis for WomenRauenhorst Ballroom ~ Coeur de Catherine, St Catherine University2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15TH7:00-9:00 p.m.

Music, Dancing, Silent Auction and More!Tickets: $8.00 at the door


Justice

The mission of the Gospel of Life Task Group is to defend and promote respect for the value of human life from conception to natural death. The group meets on the first Thursday at 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Carondelet Village Art Room – all are welcome!

Prayer for Life

Eternal God, Source of Life, we implore you to protect all unborn children.

Guide and support all expectant parents.

Comfort the aged, the sick and the dying; grant us religious liberty.

Strengthen prisoners, especially those awaiting execution, and their victims.

Bring peace to our world torn apart by war, terrorism and countless

Other acts of violence against life.

Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

We educate ourselves and others on life issues: abortion, surrogacy, fetal body part research, the death penalty, euthanasia, suicide and violence against life.

We act on behalf of legislation regarding the well-being of the human person at all stages and circumstances of life.

We support the efforts of pro-life organizations and assist families with newborn babies.

We volunteer at Second Stork and assist with annual CARING HEARTS Supply Drive for Homeless People.

We participate in 40 Days for Life campaign.

We pray the Rosary for Peace at 6:30 Tuesday evenings in Carondelet Village Chapel.

We invite interested persons to join us as prayer partners.

Join The Gospel of Life Task Group!

Anti-Trafficking Efforts During the 2018 Super Bowl

Faith communities should not underestimate the role they play in primary prevention and mobilizing support to end human trafficking. Pope Francis has called human trafficking ‘a crime against humanity.’ Faith communities can be a fundamental source of stability for trafficked persons by providing acceptance and a non-judgmental atmosphere. As Catholics, we are called to shine a light on this heinous abuse that disrespects the lives and dignity of our brothers and sisters around the world.

You can do something to help end human trafficking

right now. In February of 2018, Minnesota will be hosting the NFL Super Bowl. The 2018 Super Bowl provides an opportune time for all of us in the state to learn more and to examine the dark reality of trafficking not merely in connection with the game, but during the other 364 days of the year as well. Knowing about the history of the Super Bowl through the years, some faith-based groups in the Twin Cities have bonded together in preparation for the possibility of traffickers taking advantage of the occasion of this major sporting event in Minnesota in early February 2018.

continued on page 16


JusticeWe ask that you join with us as we collaborate with Breaking Free in the rescue of women and children. We are preparing emergency resources and a shelter for the 10 days surrounding the 2018 Super Bowl. We are members of the Anti-Trafficking Working Group of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet together with a collaboration of local Catholic Women Religious Communities including the Benedictines, Dominicans, Franciscans, Congregation of St. Joseph, and Sisters of Notre Dame along with lay women and students from the University of St. Catherine. We have already collected donations of air mattresses, sheets, pillow cases, blankets as well as warm socks, sweaters, slacks, pajamas, caps and mittens in order to support these emergency efforts. Now we invite members of local Catholic Churches and faith communities to join us by donating $10 gift cards to be used for food, bus cards, medicine,and other specific personal needs. Any supplies that have not been used during the Super Bowl outreach will be given to the three Minnesota shelters serving trafficked women and children throughout the rest of the year.

We ask you also to pray for an end to human trafficking and God’s strength for those working to loosen the chains of human trafficking here in Minnesota, across our country, and throughout the world. Thank you for your support for this important work for justice.

Anti-Trafficking Efforts During the 2018 Super Bowl (continued)

Solidarity with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) It seems especially hard to keep up with everything going on regarding Immigration in Washington, D.C. these days. The September 5th rescinding of the 2012 DACA program. The expiring of the two year renewals to DACA program for youth as of October 5. Proposals to build the wall and cut green cards in exchange for new DACA legislation. Questions around the legality of the executive order on the “Muslim ban” on refugees. The dramatically low number of new refugees being settled in Minnesota. ICE raids on sanctuary cities.

Members of the CSJ Immigration Task Group along with Students and community members at St. Catherine University have been actively praying at local vigils at the Whipple Federal Building, standing in solidarity with DACA classmates and our immigrant sisters and

brothers at rallies on the steps of the O’Shaunghessy Auditorium, educating on these complex issues at area parishes, and advocating for just immigration reform in Washington on many of these areas directly impacting our dear immigrant and refugee neighbors. We invite you to also get involved in bi-partisan advocacy for legislation with a “heart” for our dear neighbors locally, nationally and globally.

Upcoming ways to respond and act for justice:

1) Join us for the November 11th Peace Prayer with Veterans for Peace in the chapel at 6:30 p.m.

2) Consider joining one of the Justice Commission Working or Task Groups this coming year. Contact the Justice Office for more information.

More photos of CSJs support of DACA can be found on the back page.


Enthusiastic volunteers from the Native American Awareness Working Group worked on the Dream of Wild Health Farm in Hugo, MN this past season. We celebrated an end of the season with a fall harvest Community Feast on Saturday, October 7th. We could hear the rain pelt against the metal sides of the pole barn as Heather Drake, Farm Manager, led us in a seed-saving workshop that morning. She also taught about learning from the plants, and how to give back to Nature a little bit, in reciprocity and gratitude. The large group was quite engaged when Heather spoke about how the seeds are alive. The seeds have both innate wisdom and the gathered wisdom from experiencing the climate in each season when they grow. Heather finished with, “Learn where your food comes from. Learn who grows your food. It matters. Pay attention to how different foods affect you when you eat them and how you feel afterwards.”

The Dream of Wild Health Farm offered a delicious, celebratory feast of their indigenous foods including things grown on the farm such as bison stew, soups, cornbread, wozupi, and salads from recipes available in their cookbook. We were reminded that our food is a gift from the earth.

Diane Wilson spoke of how we remember that gift with gratitude, offering prayers and a spirit plate. Diane guided us to be aware of the cycle of the seasons and to understand how the seeds we were saving that day had begun as seeds in the spring. She thanked the staff who gave their loving energy all season to the soil and the seeds and the plants, ensuring that they would have food in the fall and the winter. She asked us to be aware of the spirit of the food and the hearts of those who grew it. Diane closed with, “We keep in mind that we have these seeds, and this food, thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of our ancestors.” The clouds parted just in time for the group to go out and harvest remaining vegetables from the well-tended fields on the farm, and community guests all took home some of the freshly-harvested foods.

Our Native American Awareness Working Group cherishes strengthening these relationships with Dream of Wild Health. We welcome CSJ community members, many of whom have green-thumbs, to join us in volunteering next season. We will share additional information and invitations once the Volunteer Friday dates are announced on their new website, which is https://dreamofwildhealth.org/.

Justice

Justice

Growing Seeds and Relationships with Dream of Wild HealthBy Connie Bowen, Native American Awareness Working Group


The room was packed! People of many races, ages, backgrounds, and communities from around the state including members of the CSJ Native American Awareness Working Group along with a thousand people who marched from a rally on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol to a public hearing in downtown St. Paul. The hearing was a part of a government approval process for oil pipelines in Minnesota, and one of the series of nine currently being held by the MN Public Utilities Commission on the certificate of need and route permit applications filed by Enbridge Energy Company for it’s proposed “Line 3” oil pipeline Replacement Project in Minnesota, extending from the North Dakota Border to the Wisconsin Border. These public hearings are an opportunity for anyone to question witnesses and offer oral and written comments into the record to voice one’s opinion on this Pipeline replacement.

People voiced their opinions on both sides of this complex issue. There were bright green, attention-grabbing “Replace Line 3” tee-shirts of those in favor of the pipeline. Their stylish “green” comments sounded like a “positive” action as they focus on replacing an aged, faulty pipeline which was due to be taken offline and stop transporting oil at the end of 2017 due to the poor condition of the current pipeline. This group claimed to value pipeline “safety and integrity: and their argument was that, “it is immoral” to not replace an acknowledged hazard with “safer, modern” pipeline technology.

Ultimately though, their argument seems to essentially come down to jobs or the fear of job losses if a new pipeline is not constructed. The arguments of those in favor of the construction of the new Line 3 pipeline focused on “economic benefits,” jobs, and on our current dependence on oil for our lifestyles. Enbridge, however, plans to abandon the old line and leave it in the ground because company reports say it is “impossible” to remove it. Even though the Enbridge Company is proposing that the existing Line 3 pipeline be permanently deactivated, the old oil line would simply remain in place in the ground

forever. Rep. Karen Clark of Minneapolis said in her public statements, “cleanup and removal of the faulty, aged line could employ 8000 people.”

The arguments against the pipeline focused on the lack of need for a replacement pipeline in Minnesota. Some public commenters highlighted that none of the oil which would flow through the new pipeline will stay in MN, or even in the Midwest. Others insisted that oil demand will continue to dwindle as renewable energy sources become more affordable, that the environmental risks to land and water are unacceptable, that they risk affecting the sacred wild rice (Manoomin,) and that the pipelines violate Native treaty rights. As one commenter, Maybell Eequay, said, “The US Constitution states that Treaties are the supreme law of the land.” Manoomin is the only grain that is protected by a treaty. Other Native speakers reiterated that we need to “think long-term and for everyone’s benefit: the children of all, and their children, and on for seven generations.” This will be a long, enduring, and expensive fight. “Water is Life.”

We must take care of our natural resources and Climate Change is real. As a water quality expert from the St. Croix River valley said, “It is much easier to KEEP a stream healthy than it is to clean it up afterwards, just as it is much easier to KEEP a person healthy than to cure them after they have developed cancer or other conditions.” Tar sands are particularly filthy and contain 14-20 percent more carbon emissions than regular oil. In the words of Ann Manning, from the Women's Congress for Future Generations, "Future generations rely on us to step up and do what's right. We don't need any more pipelines.”

It is clear that the Native youth attending the public hearing were completely-engaged, passionate, hard-working and willing to persevere to demand better care of Mother Earth, for the benefit of the whole. My eyes and heart were caught by the image of the black-haired head of the very tiny, three- month old Indian baby in the row in front of us. His Ojibwe name translates to, “He who walks on the Earth in Life,” but he has no English name. Throughout the hearing, he

JusticeReflections on the 9-28-17 Public Hearing on the Line 3 Oil Pipeline

By Connie Bowen, NAAWG and Marty Roers, Justice Office


Justice slept silently and with absolute trust as he was passed from the arms of one Auntie and friend to another, in succession. If only Mother Earth could be as secure in the trusting of our care for her.

Our evening at this public hearing was a powerful reminder of the need for deeply-listening to those you disagree with and resonated with the advice recently given to us by Father Bryan Massengale, who said (regarding race relations) how important it is to have repeated, face-to-face “uncomfortable conversations” with those with whom you disagree. We need more of these deep, listening conversations and less of the interrupting or running away when we are uncomfortable. As another public commenter, Thomas Anderson, eloquently stated, we need “both sides to come together for a solution.” The solution to Line 3 will not be an easy solution, but we need to listen to both sides including the voices of our native sisters and brothers. Members of the CSJ Native American Awareness Working Group attended this public hearing to become

more aware, to stand in solidarity, and to add our voices to this important government process. You can still submit your public comments regarding Line 3, but the comment period closes at 4:30 p.m., November 22, 2017. Send your public comment to [email protected] or contact the Justice Office for more details on how to submit your comments.

Reflections by Diana Campos Loera, St. Joseph WorkerWorking at The Lift Garage really pushes me to find myself and question what I want to contribute. From the first day, I jump-started my service with my ideas to organize and develop the volunteer coordinator role. In this new position, I had ideas of what to do and am glad I have been able to implement them. I had the chance to move out of my back office desk and spend more time at the front desk, where I really got the chance to interact with the people we serve and hear some of their stories.

Although I do love working on new policies and going to volunteer coordinating conferences, it was getting more involved with customers where I learned what it really meant to work at the Lift Garage. Not just reading about the great work but seeing it happen before my eyes, knowing I was just a small part in that was what was really amazing. Seeing smiles and laughter, but also seeing the other side of anger and frustration, made me realize how little I

can do for the customers. But I can at least try my best in my job with patience and understanding. One customer I remember happened to have the same birthday as me and told me how she was a teacher for elementary students. It was a moment I really appreciated because I was glad even though I had gotten yelled at by earlier frustrated customers. A good conversation and kind comments can occur even in a grim day. I am optimistic for all the days to come- good or bad- because no matter what I will get a chance to learn for and through others.

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