Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN - Mission

Sister M. Rosine Hammett, CSC

mvasquez — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:25:56 +0000

(November 18, 1921 - January 4, 2012)

Word has been received of the death of Sister M. Rosine (Hammett) who died at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, in Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Indiana.

Sister Rosine was a beautiful, highly educated gracious lady. The first 17 years of her religious life were spent as an elementary school teacher in various schools in the East, but by 1959 she was already on the academic fast track to advanced degrees. At Boston College she received her master’s degree in 1960 and a Ph.D. in 1965, both in her area of expertise -- counseling psychology. She pursued additional graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame, Andover-Newton Theology School in Boston, The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., The Washington Theological Union in Silver Spring, Maryland, and the Baltimore-Washington Center for Psychoanalysis. All of this academic preparation found fruition in the co-authoring of three books: Inside Christian Community; Design for Wholeness; and Building Community: Christian Caring Vital. These books were written for women and men religious living in a community setting. Sister gave numerous workshops for religious using material from these publications.

In 1967 Sister Rosine left her teaching position as a professor at Dunbarton College in Washington, D.C., to become a member of the congregation’s General Council. Her leadership qualities had been recognized early in community as she was appointed as a local superior within the minimum five years after her final profession. After her election as a member of the General Council she used her skills in counseling to direct the formation programs for the congregation. Immediately on completion of her term of office she continued in her field of expertise when she joined the Internal Resource Team and began visiting the local convents, offering help and direction in strengthening and enhancing the goals of community living.

From 1976 to 1984 Sister Rosine was the assistant director of the Center for Religion and Psychiatry in Silver Spring, Maryland, where again her educational background and experience garnered her success and many clients. She then became a staff member at Mater Ecclesia Center in Tiberias, Israel, where she directed the renewal program for the religious men and women enrolled there.

Giving retreats, spiritual direction and workshops in areas related to spirituality and mental health became her ministry of choice when she joined the staff of Mary’s Solitude in 1990. And after retiring from full-time commitments, she continued to honor requests for presentations to various groups and parishes.

Living what she taught made Sister Rosine a strong community woman, plus the fact that she grew up in a family of nine children so learned the skills of mutual sharing early in life. Her love of family and community enhanced her appreciation of interpersonal relations and warm companionship. Her engaging smile and graciousness made her a welcome member of any group she joined.

Prayer was important to Sister Rosine and she was a faithful and dedicated religious who gave her life in full measure to the service of others. May she rest in peace.

Funeral arrangements for Sister Rosine are as follows: Reception of the body and memento on Monday, January 9, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. with the Mass of Resurrection at 1:30 the same day. These ceremonies will take place in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto.

Back to Memoriam

Sandra Schneiders' Recent Book

mlegan — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:09:53 +0000

That was Then...This is Now: The Past, Present and Future of Women Religious in the United States

On September 24, 2011, Sandra Schneiders came to Saint Mary's College to give what has become a pivotal lecture titled, The Future of Religious Life. Schneiders is a leading authority on Catholic women's religious life, a frequent contributor to Catholic periodicals, and a renowned author. She is professor emerita of scripture spirituality at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.

The Center for Spirituality is pleased to offer Schneiders' lecture as a monograph. Her lecture's new title That was Then...This is Now: The Past, Present and Future of Women Religious in the United States is in print and can be purchased for $3 per copy. (The $3 covers the printing and postage fees for mailings within the United States. If you are not from the U.S., please contact CFS to discuss postage costs.)

Click here to order the monograph and for more information.

Questions? Contact Kathy Guthrie at (574) 284-4636 or kguthrie@saintmarys.edu.

Registration for Habitat for Humanity Events

ccall — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:51:01 +0000

Please register here for the Habitat for Humanity event!

Memory Walk Registration

ccall — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:48:00 +0000

Light the Night Registration

ccall — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:41:45 +0000

Service Award Winners 2012

ccall — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:09:45 +0000

Each year the OCSE awards six volunteer service awards. Winners are selected from nomintaions submitted by faculty and staff. Read on to learn about the award winners from 2012 and the amazing work they have been doing in the community as well as here on campus!

The Sister Kathleen Anne Nelligan, CSC Award for Spiritual Service

Winner for 2012: Emily Kieffer ('12)

Since arriving at Saint Mary’s College, this Dublin, Ohio native has demonstrated interest in developing her faith for the good of others and out of her own desire to know God more deeply.

For the past four years, Emily, a Spanish major with a minor in secondary education, has participated in Bible study, allowing herself to be challenged by leading the group. Emily, like many students, had not studied the Bible extensively and so this was an opportunity for growth in leadership and faith. Emily has also been a peer minister with Campus Ministry for the past four years and serves as a Eucharistic Minister.

Emily has been a member of a Women’s Spirituality Group for three years. Women’s Spirituality Groups are small groups of students who commit to being together for three or four years during their time at Saint Mary’s. As part of her group, Emily displays thoughtful reflection about faith and relationships. In her discussions she reveals a devotion to the Church as well as mature, independent thinking, according to Regina Wilson, assistant director of Campus Ministry who nominated Emily for the award. “She has emerged as a leader in the group who affirms others, listens to the wisdom of the Church, and contributes from her own experience, sharing herself and learning from others.”

Emily says, “Being involved in the Women’s Spirituality Group has allowed me to get to know other students who have a strong sense of faith and are eager to learn more about being Catholic. We talk through the struggles of being young Catholic women and discuss how to stand firm in our faith and live it out daily.”

Emily’s service in the South Bend area includes volunteer work at the Center for the Homeless and St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church. As part of her studies, she has taught Spanish as a student teacher at Penn High School in Mishawaka and St. Joseph’s High School in South Bend.

“Emily has always impressed me as a person of integrity and compassion,” Wilson said in her nomination. “She is student teaching this year and has talked about how she is growing to understand how she is being called to really show attentive care and concern for every student, especially those who are struggling.”

Emily says, “Students I have met through Campus Ministry as well as the staff have assured me that I would find my vocation through discernment. They have helped me in that discernment process and encouraged me to follow my passions, always turning to my faith...Without my involvement in Campus Ministry and my service experience, I would not be the person that I am today.”

Emily will spend the next year in Spain teaching English through the organization Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).

The Sister Olivia Marie Hutcheson, CSC Award for Service in the Health Field

Winner for 2012: Remi White ('12)

Since arriving at Saint Mary’s, this Grand Rapids, Mich. native has dedicated herself to serving others. The nursing major, with a minor in biology, is active on and off campus. Whether it’s helping with a breast cancer run at Saint Mary’s; putting her nursing training to use in the home of a medically fragile child; practicing as a student nurse at South Bend’s Darden Primary Center; providing blood pressure screenings at St. Margaret’s House, a day center for women and children in South Bend; or making rosaries for soldiers, Remi’s heart is in helping others.

During her junior year, Remi demonstrated a strong desire to join the Uganda Summer Practicum with the Sisters of the Holy Cross. The Saint Mary’s program allows up to six nursing or education students to live and work with the Sisters in the community of Kyarusozi, Uganda. Because of the significant costs associated with the program in Africa, Remi was concerned the endeavor might be financially out of reach. But this obstacle only fueled her desire to make it happen. Remi developed a presentation, which made a case for the difference she could make in Kyarusozi. She raised the funds, including a grant though the College’s Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership (CWIL), and participated in the practicum over the summer of 2011. It was a life-changing experience for Remi.

“The poverty that I saw in Uganda was indescribable, but the people are so grateful for what they have and constantly offer thanks to God. Not only did my experience in Uganda enhance my nursing skills, it changed my entire outlook on life. As I prepare to become a nurse, I hope to bring the kind of selfless love I found in Uganda to my future patients.”

Ella Harmeyer and Annette Peacock-Johnson, associate professors of nursing, nominated Remi for the award. Harmeyer wrote in the nomination, “While all students who participate in the program provide skilled nursing services to the local residents of Kyarusozi at the Sisters’ clinic, Remi’s participation was exceptional.” Harmeyer explained, “In Uganda, where verbal language differences may at times create a barrier, Remi had the ability to communicate with her smile. She reached out to people with enthusiasm.”

Upon returning from Africa, Remi became an advocate for the people of Kyarusozi. She has presented talks on her experiences in Uganda to the Sisters and to the Saint Mary’s College community to raise awareness about the needs of the clinic. Remi serves as co-president of Belles for Africa, a student initiative that raises money and collects supplies for the clinic. She has led activities on campus to raise funds, including selling woven coin purses made in Uganda and holding the first annual Penny Wars, a friendly competition among the nursing classes. The two events raised $300.

Remi says receiving this award symbolizes what it means to be a servant of God and to live life working for Him.

After graduating, Remi plans to move to Denver, where her family now lives, to work as a critical care nurse.

The Sister Maria Concepta McDermott, CSC Award for Service in Education

Winner for 2012: Megan Loney ('12)

Service is in Megan Loney’s blood. Her father is on active duty in the U.S. Army, so her family has lived all over the world. Her four years at Saint Mary’s is the longest amount of time she has lived in one place. In those years, she has established roots not only on campus but also in the South Bend community.

Since her freshman year she has volunteered as a tutor in the afterschool program at Clay High School. Over the past two years Megan has risen to a new level in her dedication to education by taking on increased responsibilities with the tutoring program. Megan took over supervision of the tutoring program when its director, Professor Rebecca Stoddart, was on sabbatical in the spring of 2011. Megan coordinated all tutors from Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame, worked with Clay administrators to establish twice-weekly tutoring, and trained tutors. This year she recruited tutors from the World Taekwondo Federation Club at the University of Notre Dame, of which she is a part, establishing a volunteer service requirement for the club.

Stoddart nominated Megan for this award, calling her “inspirational.” She said, “Megan is a talented teacher and excellent peer mentor, I couldn’t have run the program without her help, and she absolutely deserves this recognition.”

Megan says, “My service experiences have ingrained in me a sense of social responsibility to be aware of issues affecting a community and to do something about it. Working with the students at Clay, I got to know them and tried to encourage them to realize their potential if they prioritized their education.”

Megan is a humanistic studies major with a minor in Spanish and is studying peace studies at the University of Notre Dame. Her internship experiences include working at the Consortium on Gender, Security, and Human Rights at the University of Massachusetts, Boston; the U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute in Carlisle, Penn., and Armed Forces Network Radio and Television in Vicenza, Italy. She hopes to be accepted into the Peace Corps’ Master’s International (MI) program, which provides Peace Corps volunteers with additional education and skills to serve overseas—and helps students earn an advanced degree along the way.

Stoddart says, “Megan is passionate about using ‘military brains’ as a force for good and crisis resolution in the world. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see her emerge in twenty years as the next Hillary Clinton.”

Of the award, Megan said, “Knowing that my service made a difference makes all of the time and energy I spent worth it. I didn’t do my service for recognition, but I appreciate this award.”

The Sister Christine Healy, CSC Award for Service with Women

Winner for 2012: Alayne Riege ('12)

Alayne, a native of East Lyme, Conn., has demonstrated exemplary service with women during her time at Saint Mary’s College. She says each of her volunteer experiences have shaped her goals and career aspirations.

The psychology major and women’s studies minor serves as an intern at the Family Justice Center (FJC), a rape crisis and domestic violence resource center in South Bend. The internship was arranged through the Saint Mary’s Belles Against Violence Office (BAVO). Alayne helps FJC clients fill out protective orders, get financial and legal assistance, and navigate a safety plan. She says, “I love that I get to help women who feel hopeless and alone find their way out of bad situations.”

Before interning with the FJC, Alayne became involved with SOS (Sexual Offense Services) in South Bend, where she still puts in six hours a week as an on-call advocate. As an advocate, she assists women and men who are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. She takes emergency phone calls and offers referrals to counseling and other resources. She will even meet victims at the hospital and support them through the medical and legal process.

As Alayne has found her path, she helps others to find their own direction. She serves as a mentor to first and second-year women’s studies minors looking for opportunities to connect with grassroots organizations committed to women’s issues.

According to Sonalini Sapra, assistant professor of political science and women’s studies, Alayne has a unique capacity to understand the complexity of problems that woman face transnationally and locally. Sapra nominated Alayne for the award, saying, “I got a chance to know her when we traveled together for the Women’s Worlds 2011 conference in Ottawa, Canada. I was impressed by her passion for gender and social justice issues both globally and locally. She has a great deal of activist experience in women’s issues and is very committed to ending gender injustice.”

Alayne says of the award, “I see this recognition as another sign that I am on the right path and that public service is what I am meant to do.”

Alayne plans to earn a master’s degree in social work and continue to work with women at the community level.

The Sister Olivette Whalen, CSC Award for General Service

Winner for 2012: Areli Bautista ('12)

As a student at Saint Mary’s, Areli, of Warsaw, Ind., has served the campus and northern Indiana with heart and passion. Her dedication to social justice issues has grown through her service to those most in need and she inspires other students to take action.

Jan Pilarski, director of the Justice Education Program, suggested Areli for the award. She said in her nomination letter, “Areli is a wonderful example of the call of St. Therese of Lisieux to be ‘the hands and feet of Jesus’ in the world today, taking small steps every day that work powerfully toward change, growth, and conversion.”

Areli is a communication studies and psychology major with a minor in justice education. During her time at Saint Mary’s she has served the region as an advocate for social justice. She is a student representative on the Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition (NIHHC) in Warsaw. The coalition works to help those who are underserved gain access to basic medical care. Areli is also involved with the group Transforming Action through Power (TAP) in South Bend, even engaging students to lobby in the city and at the state capital last year against illegal immigration legislation that critics said would put many discriminatory measures into place. Senate Enrolled Act 590, as it was called, took effect July 1.

On campus, Areli has served as a peer minister with Campus Ministry and as a member of La Fuerza, a student club that celebrates Latino cultures and promotes diversity. She helped create Action Week to educate the campus community on issues affecting the immigrant community. She presently serves as the club’s vice president.

Areli said, “Throughout my four years at Saint Mary’s, I have had countless opportunities to grow and be empowered to make a difference in the world. My service has shaped who I am today. I have grown to care for others and do whatever I can to promote social justice.”

Pilarski said, “Areli’s faith and devotion to service inspire not only her fellow students, but so many of us who have had the experience of teaching her in the classroom. Areli is committed to the gospel and the tradition of Catholic Social Thought, and she continually seeks ways to put her faith into practice by skillfully combining service with advocacy.”

According to Judy Fean, director of Campus Ministry, “Areli is a courageous woman of faith who gives witness to the compassionate love of God through her involvement as a peer minister and her service to the Church. Her commitment to be a voice for the underserved and her openness to educate the community on issues affecting the immigrant community are demonstrated during events like Action Week.”

After graduation, Areli will work as the program director for NIHHC. She will also begin graduate studies in journalism and/or psychology at Indiana University South Bend.

College Academy of Tutoring (CAT) Awards

The College Academy of Tutoring recognizes outstanding members of the program each year. The awards are bestowed at an awards dinner and ceremony at the end of April (along with the OCSE award winners). CAT awards recognize not only dedication to education in general, but outstanding achievement within specific CAT programs and sites.

The Patricia Arch Green Award

Patricia Arch Green (1939 - 2004) graduated from Saint Mary's College in 1961 with an elementary education degree. Patricia lived a life dedicated to serving others and believed in teaching by example. She and her husband Richard, always taught their children to value community service and would often include them in their volunteer activities in their community. The College Academy of Tutoring (CAT) Program was established in 2007 to honor her memory as well as her dedication to service and education.

This award goes to the a College Academy of Tutoring (CAT) student with exemplary service in the CAT program in at least one of the following areas: Teacher's Assistant (assisting a teacher in a classroom by providing one-on-one help to children, small group facilitation, and finding new and creative ways to engage students in learning); After-school tutoring (providing assistance to children in Title 1 schools struggling with reading and math comprehension); General commitment to the program and mission (attendance, participation in program events, etc.)

Winner for 2012: Maeva Alexander ('13)

Maeva Alexander ’13, of Tucker, Georgia, was chosen as the recipient of this year’s Patricia Arch Green Award for her outstanding dedication to the College Academy of Tutoring (CAT) Program and CAT activities. She was an active member of the CAT Scholars Program during her freshman and junior years, having spent a semester abroad in South Africa in her sophomore year. Maeva has given more than 650 hours to the South Bend community through the CAT Program. She has worked diligently as a teacher's assistant and after-school tutor at Coquillard Primary Center as well as a tutor at the St. Joseph County Public Library.

“Maeva expresses great leadership and creativity in every aspect of the CAT Program. She inspires all of us to think bigger and better when working with our students and each other,” said Carla Leal ’13, the CAT Program’s student director.

Maeva’s dedication to the CAT Program, as well as to service in general, is remarkable, according Kelly Roepke ’13, student director of the Office of Civic and Social Engagement, out of which CAT is run. Roepke said, “Maeva is one of the most passionate people I know. She completely immerses herself in the causes that she is passionate about and conducts herself as a worthy role model in every capacity. Maeva's drive is amazing -- she has so many roles on campus -- and even with her crazy schedule, her positive outlook and kind attitude translates into everything that she does. I am inspired by her.”

Maeva is known as a charismatic and creative individual who never hesitates to include others in conversation or lead them in an activity. In recognition for her dedication and leadership, she will serve as the CAT Scholars’ student director next year.

Maeva’s future ambitions include attending graduate school to become a certified speech- language pathologist. She is a communicative disorders major at Saint Mary’s and wants to work with elementary school students on speech, hearing, and language development.

Maeva would like to, quote, “contribute what I can to this world.” Maeva hopes to work in the public school system of a large city, such as Atlanta. She would like to provide services for students who might not be able to get much help outside of school. One of her favorite quotes is by American author Edward Everett Hale, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”

House Pins!

ccall — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:08:04 +0000

Support the Saint Mary's House -- Get Your House Pin!

This year as a fundraiser for our house sponsorship, the OCSE will be selling handmade house pins, created for Rebuilding Together by staff and students at the College. Each pin reflects a unique design and can be yours for a $5 donation, 100% of which goes toward our house sponsorship

Pins will be on sale in the atrium of the student center and at Lula's Cafe (off the ND campus on the corner of Angela and Route 23) during April. You can also stop by the OCSE on the second floor of the Student Center!

Here are a few images to give you a sense of the unique designs. They are even more beautiful and distinctive in person! The Pins make a great gift and support a wonderful cause. Each pin is sold on a white 4"x6" card that explains Rebuilding Together and what the proceeds will be used toward.

Our Sponsored Home

ccall — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:49:30 +0000

Saint Mary's College Rebuilding Together 2010: Our Sponsored Home

This year Saint Mary's will work to help rehabilitate the home of Jennifer Cantu on the northwest side of South Bend. Jennifer's house has 5 occupants and this year's volunteers will work on painting, small repairs, yard work and general spring clean-up.

We need 75 people for the work day on Saturday April 17th. Please sign up today and help us to make Jennifer's house safe, secure, and beautiful!!

Rebuilding Together

ccall — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:43:09 +0000

The 2011 Rebuilding Together work day is Saturday April 9th!

To sign up for Rebuilding Together, click here.

General Information about Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit, community-based partnership of volunteers from local government, businesses, and other nonprofits, whose purpose is to improve neighborhoods by rehabilitating the homes of low-income homeowners.In 1972 a group of volunteers in Midland, Texas, decided to devote one day in April to repairing and sprucing up the homes of their low-income, disabled, and elderly neighbors. “Why, this is like Christmas in April,” they were told. The spirit of giving has spread to local affiliates across the country.

Christmas in April (St. Joseph County) began in 1989. Since then, more than 20,000 volunteers have donated their times and skills, worth millions of dollars in market value, to rehabilitate 675 homes in South Bend. In 2002 the Board of Directors of the local organization voted to change its name to Rebuilding Together, St. Joseph County. This name change aligned the local efforts with the national program and better reflected its mission of a community working together to rebuild neighborhoods. The core goal of making repairs to the homes of low-income, disabled, and elderly residents remains unaltered.

What Gets Fixed

Repairs vary from yard clean-up and trash removal to minor repairs such as small carpentry jobs and painting walls to major skilled tasks such as roofing and updating electrical and job plumbing systems.

Selection of Clients and Homes

Rebuilding Together seeks applications from low-income homeowners, particularly the disabled or elderly, in the targeted neighborhood. Neighborhood groups, churches, social service agencies, and private individuals sometimes refer homeowners to the program. Once a homeowner’s eligibility is confirmed, each home is inspected and evaluated, and a determination is made on the extent of the repairs to be completed.

Contributors and Partners

The Rebuilding Together program succeeds based on its partnerships. Program funding and donations, in terms of volunteers hours, materials, and money, come from the City of South Bend; the St. Joseph Building and Construction Trades Council; other trade contractors; the Home Builders Association; local businesses, churches, and synagogues; the University of Notre Dame, St. Mary’s College, Bethel College and Indiana University South Bend; the South Bend Community School Corporation; and from the community at large. All repairs are made at no cost to the homeowner.

Rebuilding Together

ccall — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:46:10 +0000

Use this form to register for Rebuilding Together on April 9th.

Walk for the Hungry 2011

ccall — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:37:41 +0000

Please use this form to register for the Walk for the Hungry on Sunday April 3, 2011.

Women's Service in the City Registration

ccall — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:29:53 +0000

Register here for the 2010 Alternative Spring Break! The Alternative Spring Break is in Indianapolis, IN and runs from Saturday March 6th through Friday March 12th.

Alternative Spring Break 2010

ccall — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:23:05 +0000

Women's Service in the City - Lend your hands!

Alternative Spring Break 2010

Description of Program:

The women’s service in the city is an intensive 6-day experience featuring programming on social issues alongside hands-on, direct service. Saint Mary’s Office for Civic and Social Engagement is working in partnership with the Indianapolis Peace Institute to provide this unique opportunity. Participants will meet with representatives and hear first-hand reports of how various urban, social realities affect women. In spring of 2010 the target issues will include domestic and sexual violence against women, women in the criminal justice system, human trafficking, and women’s health issues. Local leaders, representatives from agencies within Indianapolis, and clients and those affected by the issues will provide information, insight and inspiration. Field trips to a variety of sites are also included. There will also be opportunity for worship and/or spiritual reflection. The focus on issues is balanced with opportunities for direct service (e.g. soup kitchen/food pantry) and daily reflection sessions. This program is limited to 12 participants.

Last year’s participants said it was one of the best experiences they have ever had! Past attendees will be at the information session (info below) and will share their experiences and answer questions.

Living Arrangements:

Participants live in the beautiful restored house belonging to the Indiana Peace Institute in Indianapolis. This special house allows for building community through preparing and eating meals together as well as facilitating discussion and reflection.

Dates of Program:

The 2010 Alternative Break will run from Saturday, March 6th at 5:00 pm through Friday March 12th at 12:00 noon. Transportation will be provided for those who need it.

Cost of Program:

The cost for the 2010 program will be $250 per person. This covers housing and food for the whole program. Financial Aid may be available for some participants.

Information Session:

There will be information sessions about the program on Thursday February 4th. Past participants will join us to share their experiences!

12:00 noon – 1:00 pm: Conference rooms B&C by the Dining Hall (bring your lunch!) 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Conference rooms A&B by dining hall (bring your dinner!)

Requirements for the Program:

1.) Completed Registration (Due by Monday, February 15th, 2010 – applications are accepted on a rolling basis). Register on-line by going here.

2.) Commitment to attend full duration of the program

Questions should be directed to Carrie Call at the OCSE. Email: ccall@saintmarys.edu

Carnation Order Form

ccall — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:20:16 +0000

Order your carnations here! This is in support of Rebuilding Together 2010.

12 Days of Christmas Schedule 2010

ccall — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:00:25 +0000

The 12 Days of Christmas at Saint Mary's College -- Schedule of Events

Wednesday December 1:

InSanity Break! Food, drinks, and games! In Spes Unica Atrium (8:45 - 11:00 am) Sponsored by Center for Spirituality

Christmas Tree Decorating: In the dining hall, 4:30 - 7:00 PM. Sponsored by BAVO.

Thursday December 2:

Make a Christmas Card for a Healthwin resident! Card making in the atrium of the Student Center during lunch.

Friday December 3:

Madrigal Dinner in Regina Hall (evening)

Saturday December 4:

Breakfast with Santa!

In Stpleton Lounge (9:00 - 12:00, $10 for families with 1-4 children, $15 for families with 5+ children, $3 for students) Sponsored by Dance Marathon

Winter Wonderland!

Various locations across campus, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM. Sponsored by SGA and other clubs.

Madrigal Dinner in Regina Hall (evening)

Sunday December 5:

Madrigal Dinner in Regina Hall (afternoon)

Monday December 6:

Card Making for Real Services Clients in Student Center Atrium (11:00 - 1:00) Sponsored by Le Mans Hall

Advent Evening Prayer in Regina Chapel (6:45 pm) Sponsored by Campus Ministry

Tuesday December 7:

Advent Evening Prayer in Regina Chapel (6:45 pm) Sponsored by Campus Ministry

Ornament Decorating in Conference Rooms B & C in the Student Center (6:00 - 8:00 pm, cost is $1 for ornaments) Sponsored by College Academy of Tutoring (CAT)

Posadas! In Reginbeaux Lounge, 7:00 PM

Wednesday December 8:

InSanity Break! in Reignbeaux Lounge, Le Mans Hall (1:30 - 3:30 pm) Sponsored by Center for Spirituality

Advent Evening Prayer in Regina Chapel (6:45 pm) Sponsored by Campus Ministry

Pre-Kwanzaa Event in MSSP Office, Second Floor of Student Center (6:30 pm) Sponsored by Sisters of Nefretiti

Thursday December 9:

Advent Evening Prayer in Regina Chapel (6:45 pm) Sponsored by Campus Ministry

Ugly Holiday Sweater Dance & Mixer in Regina North Lounge at 7:00 PM

Friday December 10:

Christmas Craft Show in Reignbeaux and Stapleton Lounges (12:00 - 6:00 pm) Sponsored by OCSE

Saturday December 11:

Bells for Belles at UP Mall (ringing bells for the Salvation Army (1-hour time slots, 10:00 - 5:00 pm) Sponsored by OCSE

Post-Graduate Service in Ghana, West Africa

ccall — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:11:28 +0000

Interested in working in Ghana after graduation?

The new Ghana Post-Graduate Program started in summer 2009 as a pilot program.Two Saint Mary's graduates (Katie Yohe and Megan Ryan) traveled to Ghana, West Africa to live with the Sisters for a full year and teach in the local school run by the Sisters of the Holy Cross community. The year was challenging, life-changing, joyful, and transformative. Because it worked out so well, the Sisters and the College have committed to this program for the foreseeable future. Currently, two more Saint Mary's graduates are in Ghana with the Sisters (Becky Eckstein and Lauren Theiss). Their term of service will run through summer 2011.

Recruitment for the post-graduate program begins the the fall semester and carries through the spring. There is an application process that includes essays and faculty/staff recommendations. The successful applicant will also be required to obtain a Visa as well as vaccinations.

To learn more about the program and how our graduates have fared over in Africa, I encourage you to read the blog posted by Megan and Katie during their time abroad. You will see the link below. If you are inmterested in applying for the program, write to the OCSE Director (Carrie Call) at ccall@saintmarys.edu

www.katiemegghana.blogspot.com

Sister Kathryn Edward

mvasquez — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:53:13 +0000

Sister Kathryn Edward (McDermott), CSC

( - September 19, 2009)

Please, join in prayer of thanksgiving for this Sister of the Holy Cross who died on September 19, 2009 in Saint Mary's Convent.

Sister Kathryn Edward spent nearly 30 years ministering as a physical therapy assistant to our sisters at Saint Mary’s Convent. Since her retirement in 2004 she continued to meet the personal needs of the sisters here on campus.

Sister was known for her generosity and she was always willing to drive sisters almost anywhere whether it be to shop or a trip for a home visit with their families. She often took the local sisters, who rarely got out, to lunch or on sightseeing trips, even as far as Lake Michigan. Sister Michael Mary (Nolan), a high school chum, wrote from Brazil, "During her time at Saint Mary's helping with therapy or being a driver or whatever she did, she always had time for the missionaries. Many of us were the recipients of her willingness to take us places and show us new things." This “taxi service” for the missionaries reflected her own love of the foreign missions. Sister Kathryn Edward loved to travel and the opportunity to visit the missions in Mexico, Brazil and Bangladesh, even for a very short time, was a joy and delight. When she was preparing to go to Bangladesh she used the Pictorial Directory to cut out pictures of the sisters in each convent so that when she met them she could call them by name. Connecting with each sister was important to her and she kept track of her new friends.

Besides having a welcoming and generous spirit, she was noted for her great love of Holy Cross and was well-versed in the history of the congregation. Being able to be present at Father Moreau’s beatification was one of the highlights of her life. She was a devoted member of the Holy Cross History Association and as long as she was able, she never missed their annual conference. Through this connection, she kept up with many members of the other Holy Cross congregations whom she graciously welcomed whenever they visited Saint Mary's. Many visitors declared, "She knew Notre Dame Campus better than most who gave the official tours there."

Sister Kathryn had a great loved of her family and was intensely proud of her Irish heritage. Her sister, Isabelle, affectionately called "Izzy," arrived on Tuesday and her brother, John, came on Thursday to be at sister's bedside until she took her final trip, this time to heaven.

She will be missed by many.

Funeral arrangements for sister are as follows: Reception of the body, wake and memento on Monday, September 21, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. with the Mass of Resurrection on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. All of these ceremonies will take place in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto. May Sister Kathryn Edward rest in peace.

Back to Memoriam

Sister Kevin Jones

mvasquez — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:35:26 +0000

Sister Kevin (Jones), CSC

( - September 5, 2009)

Please, join in prayer of thanksgiving for this Sister of the Holy Cross who died on September 5, 2009 in Saint Mary's Convent.

Sister Kevin was born and raised in Oklahoma but moved to Washington, D.C. to work as a secretary. There she met Father Miltenberger and eventually joined the ranks of the young women, who under his gentle counseling, had become Holy Cross sisters.

Because of her gentle, caring nature she was chosen to join the group of eight young sisters who were sent to Mount Carmel Hospital in the East to nurses’ training. From there she continued for over 30 years on the path of dedicated hospital service taking charge of the surgery department in each of the hospitals where she was assigned. She did an outstanding job in this very responsible and stressful position and loved every minute of it.

Sister’s mother died when she was just 10 but her father, a pharmacist, took wonderful care of the family and raised the three children in a loving environment. When her father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, true to her calling, Sister Kevin became his dedicated nurse.

Sister Maura, a friend from novitiate days, often went with Sister Kevin on her visits home to Oklahoma. Sister remembers one final visit, which she described as the "cemetery vacation" because they visited every single cemetery where Sister Kevin had relatives so that she could pray and lay flowers at each gravesite and there were many.

Since Sister Kevin did not have living family members she "adopted" Sister Maura’s nephew, Kevin, and made sure he had presents and cards on all the appropriate celebration days. Her loving and caring nature were evident in all of her interpersonal relationships and she was loved in return.

Sister Maura visited with Sister Kevin on Friday and during that visit Sister Kevin told her lifelong friend, "I’m going home to God," and she did on Saturday with Sister Maura and her friends by her bedside. Sister Rose Edward put it beautifully when she announced sister’s death, saying, "Sister Kevin took the hand of God at 6:15 this evening."

Funeral arrangements for Sister Kevin are as follows: Reception of the body and wake with memento at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 with the Mass of Resurrection at 10:30 on the same day . All of these ceremonies will take place in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto. May Sister Kevin rest in peace.

Back to Memoriam

Sister Claudette (Metcalf)

mvasquez — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:12:10 +0000

Sister Claudette (Metcalf), CSC

( - September 3, 2009)

Please, join in prayer of thanksgiving for this Sister of the Holy Cross who died on September 3, 2009 in Saint Mary's Convent.

Sister Claudette could be described as a single coin with two opposite sides, one side for those of casual acquaintance or minimal interaction and the other side of that same precious coin for a small circle of close friends and family who knew her well and loved her.

In her years of teaching she established lasting relationships with fellow teachers and students, some of whom still corresponded with her. They delighted in her dry sense of humor and the constant twinkle in her eye. Their friendship meant a great deal to sister, and when she was no longer personally able to answer their letters, she asked her good friend, Sister Mary Ann Lamping, to take on this task for her.

Her secret shyness and lack of self-esteem were often disguised by an outward brusqueness that belied her true gentleness and tenderness of heart. The aides on her floor describe her as “a very private person who was very caring and though sometimes a little harsh, she always was sorry and apologized.” In her humility she recognized that what others often perceived was not her true self. It was a constant prayerful struggle for her.

Love of family, close friends and above all the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother gave sister great consolation. Though her last illness burdened her with physical fatigue and sleepiness, she always wanted to be awakened to receive her Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. The Memorare was her favorite prayer-“Remember oh most gracious virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection…was left unaided…” The Blessed Mother was ready to greet Sister Claudette as she entered into paradise. She now rests in peace.

Back to Memoriam

Sister Thomas Anne Haugh

mvasquez — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:13:07 +0000

Sister Thomas Anne Haugh, CSC

( - August 28, 2009)

Please, join in prayer of thanksgiving for this Sister of the Holy Cross who died on August 28, 2009 in Saint Mary's Convent.

True to her faithfulness in ministering to the sisters in her care, Sister Thomas Anne had taken one of the convent sisters to the emergency room and while sitting there waiting, silently went home to God.

The last 14 years of Sister Thomas Anne’s ministry were spent caring for the needs of the retired sisters, first at Saint Angela Hall in Kensington, Maryland, and then here at Saint Mary’s. Prior to this, she was a teacher and administrator in the elementary schools of the West.

She was a master of detail and planned everything down to the last “jot and title.” Organizing for special events was one of the things she did very well and she loved doing it. All of her spare time, when she had some, was spent doing crafts of various kinds. The items that were the result of her wonderful skills became part of the inventory for her boutique. She prided herself on earning money for the retirement fund through this little gift shop she managed. The things she created were so well received that she had a waiting list of people who wanted to purchase special items that she made. The annual Christmas boutique sale was something she loved and planned for months ahead. She kept a watchful eye out for items that not only had wide appeal but also would be within the financial means of the employees. She was a very caring person.

Sister Thomas Anne kept vigil with many of the sisters in their last days and hours, and she remarked more than once that she hoped God would take her quickly when her time came. He heard her silent prayer and took this faithful servant to Himself as she was in the act of serving the needs of one of her own sisters. Sister Thomas Anne can rest now from her many labors. May she rest in peace.

Back to Memoriam