Newsnotes HOPE summer 2017

Two sisters inducted into SMWC Athletic Hall of Fame

On Feb. 4, 2017, two Sisters of Providence were inducted into the inaugural class of the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Sister Mary Joseph Pomeroy was a student-athlete at the college from 1918-21, playing women’s basketball. She is also the athletic department’s namesake. Sister Mary Joseph participated in the first intercollegiate women’s basketball game in the state of Indiana.

Sister Barbara Doherty ministered as the school’s president from 1984-1998. She was instrumental in the approval of the school nickname and in initiating the first athletic scholarships offered at the college.

Sisters speak at ISU Human Rights Day

Indiana State University hosted its 16th annual Terre Haute Human Rights Day on March 7. Two sisters offered presentations during the event.

Sister Kathleen Desautels, who ministers at 8th Day Center for Justice in Chicago, offered the presentation “Human Rights in Honduras.” Sister Rosemary Schmalz presented “Myths and Facts about Raising the Minimum Wage.” Sister Rosemary represented Forward Together Terre Haute during the event.

Sister Marsha Speth serves as a member of the Indiana State University Human Rights Day committee.

Sister Marian Brady retires

After 35 years teaching in the School of Philosophy at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Sister Marian Brady, SP, retired last spring. “I dearly love teaching, but I’m 89 years old,” Sister Marian said. “I’ve been a teacher all my life. I just know there’s a limit and I felt that I had reached the limit.” (photo by Dana Rene Bowler. Reprinted with permission, The Catholic University of  America Magazine).

Sister Nancy elected treasurer

In October Sister Nancy Reynolds was elected treasurer of the Canon Law Society of America for a three year term which will end in October 2019. Congratulations Sister Nancy!

SPs recognized

At St. Jude School in Indianapolis Feb. 4 alumnae reunion, the school presented a plaque to the Sisters of Providence expressing appreciation for the sisters’ many years of ministry there. Retired St. Jude principal Sister James Michael Kesterson, shown here, and Sister Ann Matilda Holloran represented the SPs in receiving the award.

Sister Barbara on Mary’s Pence Board of Directors

In October 2016, Sister Barbara Battista began a term on the board of directors for Mary’s Pence. The organization has been in existence for more than 25 years and has supported women’s organizations with grants tallying more than $1.5 million, which have funded more than 500 projects in 15 countries.

“The Sisters of Providence have long been supporters through an annual financial contribution to Mary’s Pence,” Sister Barbara said. Sister Barbara ministers as a family medicine physician assistant at the Union Hospital Center for Occupational Health, located in Terre Haute. She also teaches an undergraduate course in Bioethics at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Farm Store at White Violet Center

New! The Farm Store at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice opened to the public on April 22. This Saint Mary-of-the-Woods store carries farm-based and food-based merchandise reflecting the farming and teaching ministry.

Depending on the time of year, items for sale include organic produce grown at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, apple cider, farm fresh eggs, flower and herb bedding plants, dried and fresh herbs, and sourdough and dairy starter cultures. Items from local producers might include maple syrup, honey, cheese, frozen meat and fruit pie filling.

For those in the Terre Haute area who would like to receive texts about what items are for sale in the store, text the code Whi751 or SUBSCRIBE to 812-558-5269.

Hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. weekdays May through October and 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. weekdays November through April. More information at WhiteViolet.org.

Sister Jenny Howard appointed to National Advisory Council

Sister Jenny Howard was recently appointed by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) National Advisory Council. She is the first Sister of Providence to be on the council.

The council is composed of laity, priests, religious and bishops nationwide. It reviews, discusses and advises the bishops on agenda items that might come before the full USCCB for action.

“It is a very interesting and unique opportunity,” Sister Jenny said. “I am honored to be invited to serve on this committee.”

The council, established in 1968, meets twice a year in Baltimore. Sister Jenny will serve for four years.

Celebrating first SP mission in Jasper

Jasper native Nick Ring stands with his statue representation of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, a small boy (ready to enter school) and a young woman who was taught by Mother Theodore and is leaving to go out into the world. The statue was dedicated March 18 in celebration of St. Joseph Catholic Church’s 175th anniversary celebration of the opening of the first mission school by the Sisters of Providence in Jasper, Indiana. More than 20 Sisters of Providence and Providence Associates attended the celebration. The festivities included a one-woman dramatic presentation on Saint Mother Theodore by Providence Associate Sandra Hartlieb, Mass with the bishop, the statue blessing/dedication and a reception for sisters, parishioners and guests.

40 years!

Sister Theresa Clare Carr was honored Feb. 19 with a special Mass and reception celebrating her retirement after 40 years teaching at Nativity School in Indianapolis. Sister Theresa Clare has returned to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and will continue serving there.

(Originally published in the Summer 2017 issue of HOPE magazine.)