Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

Dementia 101 — Going over the basics

2010-03-08T15:56:00.002-05:00

Community Education Series

Focus on Alzheimer’s Disease and Community Support

Given that an estimated 74,000 Kentuckians currently are living with Alzheimer’s disease and this number will increase dramatically in the next 10 years due to the aging baby boomers entering the age of greatest risk, it is vital we all understand the needs of the individuals and their families who are affected by the disease.

Nazareth Home is committed to supporting the needs of our culture as we age. This series will be hosted and facilitated by a program director and psychologist who lead the dementia care program at Nazareth Home.

The titles and dates of these offerings are from 5:30PM-6:30PM on

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

“Dementia 101 — Going over the basics”

Presented by: Dr. Stephen Bliss

Come ask questions, listen, and learn about various topics relating to dementia.

The facilitators are Stephen Bliss, Psy D, clinical geriatric psychologist and the clinical director for Charity Court, the dementia care program at Nazareth Home.

And, Gretchen Houchin, Program Director of Charity Court, support group leader and Alzheimer’s educator.

This event is open to the public and is free, however reservations are requested. Please contact Gretchen Houchin at (502) 473-2396 if you would like to attend.

Nazareth Home — located in Louisville, Kentucky — is a 168 bed long-term care and Rehab center with specialty programs for short term Rehab, Memory Care and long term care.

Nazareth Home was established in 1976 as a healthcare ministry sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

The Struggle for Access to Water

2010-03-04T16:09:00.006-05:00

SCNs Take Action

It’s a harsh reality in many parts of the world, young girls kept from school because they are forced to walk miles each day gathering water for cooking and cleaning, crops that dry up because of a lack of irrigation, and children who fall ill after drinking contaminated water.

UNICEF paints a stark picture when citing lack of sanitar

y water around the world. According to a 2009 article, almost 50 percent of the developing world’s population (2.5 billion people) lack adequate sanitation facilities and over 884 million people still use unsafe drinking water sources. Inadequate access to safe water and sanitation services, coupled with poor hygiene practices, kills and sickens thousands of children every day and leads to impoverishment and diminished opportunities for thousands more.

UNICEF further notes that poor sanitation, water and hygiene, have many other serious repercussions. Children – and particularly girls – are denied their right to education because their schools lack private and decent sanitation facilities. Women are forced to spend large parts of their day fetching water. Poor farmers and wage earners are less productive due to illness, health systems are overwhelmed, and national economies suffer.

In March of 2007, SCNs spoke out about the right of each person to have access to water.

In a Corporate Statement, SCNs call on themselves and others to “support actions that ensure access to sufficient, safe and affordable water for all people, especially women and children in regions suffering currently from scarcity of water.”

SCN CORPORATE VOICE

We, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Family

affirm that water is a fundamental,

inalienable human right.

Earth’s freshwater is limited and essential

for a just and sustainable world.

Water, as a human right and a common good,

cannot be bought, sold or traded

as a commodity for profit.

Therefore, we will study and support actions and policies that:

ensure access to sufficient, safe and affordable water for all people, especially women and children in regions suffering currently from scarcity of water;
protect freshwater as a sustainable, renewable resource.

We will study and oppose actions and policies that:

endanger/pollute the world’s supply of freshwater;
deprive humans and other species access to adequate, safe water essential for life;
privatize and commodify global water resources.

From this statement flowed SCN efforts to improve access to safe water for families around the world. In the fall of 2008, five water projects across India and Nepal were funded. The projects included wells, hand pumps, water tanks, water container filtration and education.

SCN family members across the Congregation joined local residents in making decisions and forging ahead with the hard work necessary to carry out the water projects. Numerous hands made lighter work of the manual labor that went into digging the wells in spite of obstacles that included waiting for the ground to dry, an abundance of stones, extreme heat, and lower than anticipated water tables.

Creativity in the form of drawings, essays, and street plays was plentiful as efforts were made to educate as many people as possible on topics ranging from waterborne diseases, to the efficient use of water, to steps to harvest water and improve sanitation.

Though not all projects are complete, improved access and storage for clean drinking water, the ability to irrigate land for crops, having water during the dry season, being able to filter water, and education on health and waterborne diseases have improved countless lives across India and Nepal.

SCN March Madness

2010-03-03T10:03:00.008-05:00

Sister Sarah Ferriell and Sister Pat Worley recently contacted Rick Pitino and the men's Cardinal basketball team at the University of Louisville to wish them well on their 2009–2010 basketball season.

To their surprise, they received a package back from the UofL Athletic Department. Inside were many Louisville Cardinal t-shirts and sweatshirts, plus a note from Rick Pitino, thanking the Sisters for their prayers and letting them know the team appreciates all of their support.

The letter reads:

Dear Sisters,

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. We certainly need all the help you can give us. Enclosed is a small token of our appreciation. Take care and God bless!

Rick Pitino

Capacity Building of Peace and Justice Seminar

2010-03-01T10:01:00.002-05:00

The Capacity Building of Peace and Justice, one-day seminar, was held in Shapur, Gwalpada, on February 23, 2010. We, SCNs of Shapur were invited to organize this  program as a post activity of the flood relief program by the Director of Sewa  Kendra Patna, Fr. Amal Raj, a project of the ISI Delhi.

The session began with lighting of the lamp followed by a prayer dance by the students of Navjyoti School, Shapur. 26 patricians were present for this gathering. The main speakers were the EFICOR programme coordinator and the local press reporter who shared inspiring thoughts on the theme.

The parish priest of Shapur also shared his views on Peace and Justice. The NGO ‘Help a Child’ and representatives from Tinconma mission also participated. The presence of many village heads, SHG members and prominent members of the society were the special patricians of this program.

The so called ‘powerful’ and’ the less powerful’ sat together and listened to one another and shared their views in the group. It was a quality-building meeting. Many of them came to our campus for the first time and they felt at home with us. It is a good beginning of collaboration and networking in  this area.

We found new friends and like-minded persons in  the course of this program. They showed interest in our work of the ‘kingdom values’ though they are of different religions.

At the end of the day the participants expressed their appreciation to the Sisters for their warm hospitality and the fellowship meal. We hope to continue such gatherings in the future. The next day’s newspaper highlighted about the gathering at Navjyoti campus. We are grateful to Fr. Amal Raj for his guidance and assistance in conducting this program. 

  By Archana Valiaparambil, SCN 

UofL College Honors Sister Lucy Freibert

2010-02-25T11:09:00.003-05:00

The University of Louisville College of Arts and Sciences will induct four people into its Hall of Honor tonight.

Dean Blaine Hudson says there are 28 plaques honoring 29 people so far in the Hall of Honor, which started in 2007. Among this year’s inductees is Lucy Freibert, SCN, an English professor emerita.

“Lucy Freibert was a long-term member of our English department, outstanding teacher, really was a pioneer in women’s studies and gender equity issues at the University Louisville. I think she taught the first women’s studies course here almost 40 years ago,” says Hudson.

Other honorees include former head librarian Eliza Atkins Gleason, Bach scholar Gerhard Herz and former political science and liberal studies chair Phil Laemmle.

The ceremony takes place Thursday evening at six at the Speed Art Museum.

Indian Sister Reports to UN on Women’s Rights

2010-02-23T10:33:00.003-05:00

From the Union of Catholic Asian News

NEW DELHI (UCAN) -– An Indian Catholic nun will be among representatives and officials at a UN meeting in New York to review progress in providing greater equality for women.

Nazareth Sister Ann Moyalan, who leaves New Delhi tomorrow [Feb. 24] for the March 1-12 meeting, said her presence at the meeting would be “proof” of what Catholic Religious have done for women’s liberation in India.

The UN-sponsored meeting aims to review progress that countries have made in implementing the Beijing Declaration.

In September 1995, representatives of 189 governments and more than 2,100 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) met in Beijing and charted a new agenda for women’s empowerment and equality.

The official conference and a parallel NGO forum were the largest in UN history, attracting over 50,000 participants and observers.

The upcoming meeting will study how the governments have tried to implement the Beijing declaration, Sister Moyalan said.

She is attending in her role as a member of the UN-recognized NGO, the Charity Federation, which links up Religious congregations who share the spirituality of St. Vincent De Paul.

Religious ‘toiled in India’s slums’

At the New York meeting, Sister Moyalan plans to present the work that women, particularly Religious women, are doing for women’s socio-economic liberation and equality.

The nun said that for decades, Catholic Religious “toiled day and night in the villages and slums of India trying to help women and children” before corporate social services began.

Her own congregation, the Kentucky-based Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, has worked for women’s liberation since its arrival in India more than 50 years ago.

She said she hopes to widen her network with other people and organizations during the meeting days.

“When I return, I can also share my experience with other Religious and co-workers,” she told UCA News.

Sister Moyalan worked in Bihar villages in her youth, fighting witch-hunting, a practice that saw women, often widows, labeled as witches and killed.

She now works in a slum in New Delhi, educating predominantly Muslim women and girls. Often, this was opposed by their menfolk and Sister Moyalan said getting the men’s support for women’s education is the biggest challenge.

The nun urged women Religious to come “out in the open.” She wants them to take leadership roles so that their works get better support.

“The world should see the good work we are doing. It will help us get support. It will inspire others to stand for a just cause, which in turn will make the world a better place,” the sari-clad nun said.

Pilgrims of Mother of Divine Grace

2010-02-09T13:48:00.004-05:00

From: Leena Padam, SCN

View more pictures

Thousands of people from both Archdioceses of Patna and Ranchi flocked to seek the grace of God through the intercession of Mary our Mother. “God made all things for us in this universe with love. “Today, God called us to this pilgrimage center of Mother Mary in order that we may believe that we are blessed”, said Most Rev. Archbishop William D’Souza, S.J. on the feast of ‘Mother of Divine Grace’ at Mokama.

A Hindu local leader from Patna alone booked thirty buses from Patna to Mokama carrying devotees. The entire mission campus was packed with many of vehicles.

Every year, on the first Sunday of February, people come with many aspirations to get healed. A decade ago, the healing Mass was started just for a couple of seriously ill people. Today, the healing Mass is one of the major event that attract a large number of people from all faiths, the religious women/men and priests. It is a testimony to our collective faith. “If we want to be healed and desire it personally and collectively God will fulfill our wish”, said the Archbishop.

Faith is the foundation of our Christian existence which gives us the impetus to move forward in life. We must recognise, know and see the face of God in our neighbor around us. Therefore, at the beginning of the healing Mass, Archbishop asked the faithful to look into the face of the person next to each other to see the face of God and to pray for each other.

Many people witnessed that they received healing for minor illnesses and thanked God for the same. As members of one family, pray for all the people of this universe for healing continuously, said Archbishop.

Bishop of Buxar, Rev. Bishop Sebastian Kallupura, the main celebrant of the main Mass, said that if we walk with Mary our Mother we are sure to find the right path leading to God. Since we have devotion to Mother Mary we pray through the intercession of Mary but we do not worship Mary. Our worship belongs to God alone. Our aim in life should be to bring about universal brotherhood/sisterhood in order to change and make the world a better place to live.

The eight days of novena and, other preparations leading to the final celebration revealed the integrity of contemplation, commitment and collaboration which the recent Eastern Province Assembly called us forth. From the Golden Jubilarian to first year novices were found praying over devotees, singing, planning, leading prayers and taking care of the hospitality at the parish house spoke volumes about SCN involvement in the church activities. It’s very encouraging to see that we are taking our rightful place in the church starting from our own Mother House, Mokama at the feet of Mary our Mother. May Mary continue to intercede for us in our quest for contemplation, commitment and collaboration.

Meeting Soni

2010-02-09T08:34:00.003-05:00

In the village of Rajgir, India, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth minister to children who have been affected by polio. In this video Sister Pat Worley connects with Soni, a girl whom she sponsors there. This is their first meeting.

Polio has been eradicated in much of the world. However, several years ago a polio epidemic occurred in the villages surrounding Rajgir. The Sisters provide housing, proper nutrition, medical and rehabilitation care, and an education to children who have been affected by polio here. Many of these children are very limited in their mobility because their limbs have been affected so severely. The goal is for these children to learn skills and gain self-confidence so that they can live their lives with dignity and a feeling of self-worth. Ninety-one children currently receive care at this ministry.

To find out more about sponsoring the children in Rajgir, click here.

Republic Day Gathering

2010-01-29T08:42:00.002-05:00

From Malini Manjoly, SCN

The 61st Indian Republic Day was celebrated on January 26, 2010 with gusto by the Social Work trainees of Arunodaya. SCN Vice President, Sister Teresa Kotturan was the chief guest. She urged the aspiring social workers to preach the good news to the poor like that of Jesus. She said that we have the responsibility to care for all parts of the body and especially our poor brothers and sisters who are least cared for. The good news is that God loves us and we in turn have to love another, said Sister Teresa.

In her address to the students, Roselyn Karakattu, SCN, said that India has one of the best Constitutions in the world. What is lacking is the implementation of the Constitution. She told the students before you enjoy your rights remember that you have responsibilities to fulfill. She asked them, "as future social workers how do you make the ordinary people responsible citizens?"

Others present were SCN Provincial, Sangeeta Ayithamattam, Marcelline Indwar, SCN, students and the Provincial House Community.

In the Footsteps of Florence Nightingale

2010-01-28T09:27:00.002-05:00

From Nirmala Mulackal, SCN

Twenty girls hailing from North and South, dressed in blue and white uniform took a pledge in the chapel of Nazareth Convent, Mokama, on Saturday the 23rd of January 2010, to be followers of Florence Nightingale, with a lamp in their hands to serve humanity, especially those who are sick and suffering. They were invited to be partners with Jesus in his healing ministry. Father Michael Ignatius, in his inspiring address, urged them to be motivated by true love and dedication, and a commitment to unity and nation building. They deserve the blessings and good wishes of all in their desire and efforts to be true to their vocation of service.

We can be proud of our past 62 years of presence in Mokama that five of these trainees are from Mokama alone. For the first time in our history, we have about 85% of the trainees from Bihar. The inspiration and attraction of these girls to join hands with us in the healing mission has been one of the greatest gifts our Pioneer Sisters have given to the local people.

A Beautiful Christmas Gift

2010-01-27T15:00:00.004-05:00

From Nirmala Mulackal, SCN

A newborn Baby girl was found placed in a shopping bag wrapped in a torn skirt in the Howra-New Delhi - Janata Express in the bitter cold morning of December 29, 2009. The passengers on the Janata Express heard the cry of the baby child and found the little girl shivering in the bone chilling icy cold morning. They handed over the bag to the Railway Police who brought her as Christmas gift to Nazareth Hospital. Shivering with cold, she was received at the emergency room around 6:00 a.m. She was named “Christi” (our Christmas gift) and admitted with great joy to the nursery. On examination by Dr. Shanti Mary James, SCN, it was found that Christi was a healthy baby crying for food and warmth. Soon Christi found that there were many hands and hearts reaching out to her with their tender loving care.

In the warm and loving hands of the nurses and the doctors at Nazareth hospital, Christi felt safe and secure. The arrival of “Christi” was announced in the local news papers and many childless couples phoned the hospital to adopt the baby. Finally, Christi was handed over to the eager couple, Mrs. Shanti and Pious, who delightfully adopted her. Orphaned on the day of her birth, in less than a week’s time, Christi found herself in the comforting, consoling, caring and loving embrace of Shanti and Pious. It was so thrilling and heart warming to see Christi open her eyes when Pious took her in his lap.

PITTSBURGH’S NEWEST INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY, VINCENTIAN VILLA, CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING

2010-01-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

Establishes Vincentian Home as Pittsburgh’s newest continuing care retirement community

January 19, 2010, Pittsburgh, PA – A new independent living retirement community celebrated its grand opening today in Pittsburgh’s North Hills. Vincentian Villa welcomed its first 20 residents and celebrated along with 100 guests including public officials, civic and community leaders, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (formerly Vincentian Sisters of Charity), and others involved in the project.

Welcoming remarks by Sr. Anne Kull, Vincentian Home administrator, were followed by a blessing led by Father John Rushofsky of St. Sebastian parish, and a symbolic dove release.

Vincentian Villa is operated by Vincentian Home, which now becomes the newest continuing care retirement community in the Pittsburgh area, offering a full range of long term care options including assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation in addition to independent living at Vincentian Villa.

The project was developed in response to market demand and an increasing desire among seniors to have access to individualized services that may change as they age.

“There is great demand for the peace of mind a continuing care retirement community can offer,” says Sister Anne. “Independent living offers residents the ability maintain active lives, even enhance their community connections, but also to know they have the support to remain in their homes as long as possible. If living at home is no longer possible, they are connected to health services allowing them to comfortably move to other levels of care as needed.”

Vincentian Villa is located on 16 acres in McCandless just off Babcock Boulevard at McKnight Road. The community is comprised 40 patio homes of varying styles, a 24-unit apartment building, and a club house. All patio homes and apartments are two-bedroom, two-bath units and have attached indoor garages, patio or balcony space, 24 hour security and emergency response system, and are fully equipped with new appliances. The campus boasts ample green space, walking trails, fitness center, and other conveniences.

“Our location in one of our most unique assets,” says Donna Sell, manager of Vincentian Villa. “Vincentian Villa will allow active retirees to continue to live near their home community and maintain their connections to family and friends, spiritual life, medical services, shopping and dining.”

“The Vincentian tradition of caring for the sick and the elderly dates back to 1924 and continues today as we follow our mission of compassionate care that meets the needs of a diverse and changing society,” says Joanne Andiorio, Acting President and CEO of Vincentian Collaborative System.

To inquire about occupancy at Vincentian Villa, individuals should call 412-364-6592.

###

About Vincentian Home
Vincentian Home is a continuing care retirement community located in McCandless off of McKnight Road. It operates 180 beds providing skilled and intermediate nursing care and rehabilitation services, a 50 bed assisted living facility, and 64 newly constructed independent living units at Vincentian Villa.

About Vincentian Collaborative System
Vincentian Collaborative System is a Catholic health care and human services organization that coordinates the care of four long term care facilities – Vincentian Home, Vincentian Regency, Vincentian de Marillac and Marian Manor – two child development centers and a rehabilitation company, all serving the greater Pittsburgh area. Its mission is to nurture and sustain a ministry of compassionate care that preserves the human dignity of persons within a diverse and aging society.

Haiti

2010-01-15T11:46:00.000-05:00

Aside from fiscal contributions, the most immediate support that we each may offer in this time of tragedy after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, is as follows: Call the White House or the Department of Homeland Security/Janet Napolitano and demand that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) be granted immediately to Haitians who are in the U.S. TPS does not need legislative approval and the executive branch has the authority to grant this. It protects people from being deported to a ravaged region and it gives people a temporary working permit. Please call both hotlines when you take action: White House Comment Line: (202) 456-1111; Homeland Security Comment Line: (202) 282-8495

Sister works to rebuild communities

2010-01-14T14:24:00.002-05:00

Imagine waking one morning knowing your world would soon be ripped apart and likely never able to be wholly returned to that treasured state called "home".

Click here to read the whole story from the The Times Leader.

Trinity High School Hall of Fame

2009-12-31T11:27:00.001-05:00

Trinity High School Hall of Fame: Jane Hall, SCN, was one of six people inducted into Trinity High School’s Hall of Fame during a banquet on December 17, 2009. The inductees were honored for making significant contributions to Trinity. Sister Jane taught chemistry, algebra and physics at Trinity High School for 22 years and was the longest serving religious Sister at the school.

Four Eastern Province SCNs celebrate their Golden Jubilee

2009-12-10T08:53:00.003-05:00

Cup of Blessings We Raise

Women of elements, God fashioned you out of the elements. You have been the chosen ones of God for a special mission as the pioneers among the SCN daughters of the soil. With this fitting introduction the solemn liturgy began with 12 beautifully adorned novices and sisters dancing to the music of the four elements: air, water, fire and earth on December 8, 2009, at Mokama Convent Chapel.

This is a milestone in the history of the Eastern Province. Sisters Anne Elizabeth Elampalathottiyil, Bridget Kappalumakal, Elizabeth Emmanuel Vattakunnel and Teresa Velloothara, the four Indian pioneers celebrate their Golden Jubilee today. We celebrate with our hearts raised in gratitude to God for the 50 long years of God’s faithfulness and your loving and faithful service to God, said Sister Sangeeta Ayiathamattam, SCN Provincial in her welcome message to the Congregation during the Liturgy.

Most Rev. Archbishop of Patna, William D’Souza, S.J. presided over the liturgy along with Rt. Rev. Sebastian Kallupura, Bishop of Buxar, the homilist and 20 priests. Keeping in mind the solemnity of December 8 – Immaculate Conception of Mary, Archbishop D’Souza compared the faith-filled life of the Jubilarians to Mary’s response, “I am the servant of God. Let God’s will be done in me.”

The presence of Sister Mary Elizabeth Miller, SCN President added the global dimension and SCN Family spirit to the celebration.

After a simple felicitation outside the chapel, all invited guests – family, friends, parishioners and SCNs numbering over 200 enjoyed a delicious lunch.

In the evening, a delightful cultural program presented by Pre-Novices, Novices and the Professed Sisters took everyone down the memory lane into the 1950’s of our formation.

It was a sacred day of raising the cup of blessings of prayer, celebration, joy and God’s faithfulness for the Jubilarians as SCNs and all present.

Presentation Academy Wins Landmark Award

2009-12-04T14:25:00.003-05:00

By Gabe Bullard

Broken Sidewalk readers have voted Presentation Academy’s arts and athletics building at Fourth and Breckinridge the year’s best new landmark. The building topped Chamberlain Pointe, ZirMed Towers, St. Mary Academy and the new Lincoln Memorial in a readers’ poll.

Readers overwhelmingly praised the architectural detail and continuity of Presentation Academy’s new addition with its original 19th century building and with the surrounding neighborhood. Many commented that new growth in the historic neighborhood is welcome and refreshing providing life to the corner.

First Indian SCNs celebrate golden jubilee

2009-12-03T15:57:00.002-05:00

Report by Malini Manjaly, SCN

Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, a US-based congregation, marked the 50 years of its first Indian members with a series of functions.

Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi concelebrated a jubilee Mass at the congregation’s New Delhi convent on Nov. 28 stressing the spiritual values of vocations.

Some 50 selected people joined the jubilee Mass in New Delhi along with the four jubilarian nuns: Sisters Bridget Kappalumakal, Teresa Velloothara, Anne Elizabeth Elampalathottiyil and Elizabeth Emmanuel Vattakunnel.

Sister Kappalumakal, former provincial and member of the Delhi community, was facilitated after the Mass, recalling her services to the congregation.

Father Varkey Perekkatt, former Jesuit provincial of South Asia who concelebrated the Mass, recalled his 37 years of association with the nun. He commented her leadership qualities in leading the congregation.

The congregation based in Mokama, Bihar, plans to have a larger province-level celebration later this month to congratulate the pioneering nuns.

The jubilarians, first Indians to join the congregation, came from Kerala. Their journey to Bihar “must have been their first journey out of the state to a totally unknown place, along with people unknown to them,” said an SCN nun.

They joined the Patna mission and remained as nursing students in Mokama for a few years before chosen to enter the novitiate in 1957.

Being the first batch to be trained had its ordeals for both parties, recalled a nun. “Both parties could not communicate well to each other in English with a total foreign accent and cultural difference.”

“The lifestyle, food habits and the ways of the US nuns were alien to these young novices,” she added.

The congregation began in India on Dec. 1, 1947, when six US nuns arrived at Mokama.

Their congregation began in 1812, in Kentucky, USA with three women. But they were confined to USA for 135 years, until they ventured to India.

The nuns came to serve the Patna mission by opening a hospital at Mokama which was the felt need of the people and time. Thus Nazareth Hospital, Mokama was formally inaugurated in 1948.

The clergy of Patna had advised the nuns to learn the local culture, the Church and the people for ten years before opening their novitiate program in Mokama. The newly arrived US nuns kept to those words and began the novitiate only in 1957.

Rendu Services continues to expand

2009-11-19T08:28:00.001-05:00

By JUDY KROEGER

From: Daily Courier

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

"Be kind and love," reads the door of the mobile health van operated by Rendu Services. The quote is by Sr. Rosalie Rendu, a French Daughter of Charity in the 18th and 19th centuries and, more than 200 years later, Rendu Services fulfills her commitment to the underserved.

The Dunbar Township-based human services organization has added a second building to its site at the entrance to the former Pechin Shopping Village that will allow more space for its monthly food bank, among other uses. The building was blessed Tuesday.

Rendu Services holds a distribution site for the Fayette County Community Action Food Bank that serves the Dunbar area. The site offers food, sundries and the chance for families to access services to manage their lives.

Msgr. Raymond Riffle, managing director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Greensburg, and a board member, prayed and blessed the building and, later, blessed those who help the needy through Rendu Services. He said God had blessed "the stones that hold up this building. Bless the living stones and provide the heart of this service."

Former president of Rendu Services, Sr. Margaret Tuley, Daughter of Charity, talked about Sr. Rendu, who always helped the poor. "She lived through the French Revolution in Paris. There are now always flowers at her grave. The sisters don't put them there. Grateful people put them there."

Tuley then talked about Rendu Services, named after the sister.

"The only reason we're here is for the people we serve." She talked about stake holders. "People come monthly for food, the team and volunteers, our friends The Bruderhof. We're grateful for the ambiance of this new building. The Rendu Services Board of Directors, I know they will be grateful."

She said Rendu Services began in 2000 and has three sponsoring groups of religious in its member board: Daughters of Charity, Sisters of Charity of Greensburg and Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Ky.

Tuley said the community is also a stake holder, with "collaborators from throughout the county and the diocese."

Tuley concluded, "I have been deeply moved by the love and affection here. It was a great blessing to me to minister side by side with each of you wonderful people. I thank God for each of you, and I thank you for all you have done and will continue to do."

Sr. Catherine Meinert, Sister of Charity, is the chairwoman of the member board. "The Daughters of Charity had a dream to serve people in Fayette County. It's the heart of the sisters, the board and the volunteers."

Dunbar resident Carmella Hardy said she was raised on Pechin Hill. "Sullivan D'Amico had a big dream," she said referring to Pechin Shopping Village, which used to be located near Rendu Services. Rendu Services has its office in D'Amico's former house. "I thought the building would come down," Hardy said. "It's wonderful what they've done. They work to expand literacy for adults and increase health screenings."

Rendu Services provides a wide variety of aid.

The mobile health van focuses on the promotion of health awareness and non-invasive medical procedures, like blood pressure screenings.

Rendu Services works with the Fayette County Housing Authority to coordinate events and help residents develop their own activities. Children's activities include 4-H and Cloverbuds Clubs, homework help, games, snacks, computer usage and other activities.

Adult activities include computer-based education, information and referral, bingo, arts and crafts.

Families enjoy movie nights, cook-outs, parties, community garden and health promotion.

Another service is parish/congregational nursing. Rendu Services bring professional nursing to the parish congregational setting with a holistic approach that focuses on practice within the faith community. The program offers speakers' workshops on many health topics.

Rendu Services partners with St. Vincent de Paul in Uniontown to assist in case management and basic needs assessment to aid in emergency situations.

When she first came to Fayette County, Tuley said the sisters contacted about 50 human services agencies to discover needs and gaps. Now, nearly a decade later, Rendu Services continues to collaborate with many health and human service agencies to deliver a network of services.

For more information, call 724-277-8680.

Orchids to Sister Eleanor Martin

2009-11-18T09:15:00.004-05:00

From: Weymouth News

A tireless legal advocate for the disadvantaged is a stellar choice as the first inductee of the newly created Archbishop Williams High School Academic Hall of Fame.

Sister Eleanor Martin, a member of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, is a 1963 ABHS graduate who, on her graduation from Boston Law School, became the first sister in her order to become an attorney.

She went on to skillfully serve in roles such as providing legal assistance to the poor in Massachusetts and Kentucky and as an attorney at Boston's Irish Immigration Center, established in 1989 and today serving immigrants from more than 100 nations.

Her accomplishments are many, and her dedicated work on behalf of the poor are amazing.

The disadvantaged need capable and compassionate assistance when confronted with our confusing and cash-fueled legal system, and we are so proud that Sister Eleanor Martin has provided that assistance.

As Sister Eleanor Martin diligently pursued her education, she did so with an eye to using all she learned to help others. After graduating from AWHS, Sister Eleanor Martin received a degree in sociology from Spaulding University before going on to earn her law degree.

From 1978 to 2002, she provided legal help to low-income people in the Bay State and in Kentucky. She was instrumental in establishing the first domestic violence shelter in eastern Kentucky.

Her other achievements include being associate director for the Legal Aid Society of Louisville, a managing attorney for the Southeastern Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, and, from 2002 to 2007, a vice provincial of the Western Province of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

Sister Eleanor Martin always remembered her formative years at Archbishop Williams. She is a former member of the AWHS Advisory Board and Board of Trustees.

Sister Eleanor Martin was inducted into the AWHS First Annual Hall of Fame at an Oct. 4 ceremony at The Lantana in Randolph. This first annual hall of fame has an additional distinction, having been established to mark the 60th anniversary of Archbishop Williams High School.

In the decades ahead, students at AWHS will be privileged to have Sister Eleanor Martin as a model of a life that has helped and blessed countless of society's most vulnerable members.

International Special Olympian Cricket Champion Returns with Gold Medal

2009-11-12T09:50:00.008-05:00

An International Special Olympic Cricket Champion, Selvan. A. Manikandan returned home with the gold medal on November 3, 2009. A huge crowd welcomed him home at the Trichy Railway Station. India won the gold medal in the Special Olympics International Cricket carnival hosted by the Special Olympics Bharat, (SOB) in New Delhi from Oct 28 -30, 2009.

Manikandan is a 19 year old student of ‘Asha Deepam School and Service Centre for Mentally Challenged’ in Trichy. He has attended the school for the last ten years. As a young boy, he was a regular at Community Based Rehabilitation ce

ntre at Velluparai. He is one of three children of Mr. Arumugam & Mrs. Senbagaval.

From early age, Manikandan exhibited both an enthusiasm and ability in sports. His skills were encouraged and fostered by his mother and Asha Deepam staff. His mother always attended his sports activities in the school and outside. Manikandan’s favorite game is cricket. He also excels in running, long jump, hand ball, basket ball, volleyball and many other sports. He has won many prizes in the district level and has gone to other parts of the country to play basketball and volleyball.

Manikandan’s disabilities, including hear impairment, have challenged him in the classroom. However, he has learnt to make calculations and to cut materials for stitching with supervision and his parents are hopeful such skills will assist him in making a living.

SOB conducted Special Olympics Cricket championship selection on September 26, 2009, in Chennai for 28 mentally challenged children. With 75 points in batting, bowling, fielding, catch, and throwing, Manikandan performed very well and was chosen to be part of the Special Olympics National Cricket team.

Before departure to Mumbai for special coaching, Manikandan was recognized by the honorable District Collector, (DC) Mr. D. Soundaiya, IAS, District Disabled Rehabilitation Officer, (DDRO) Mrs. Shaymala and other VIPs of Trichy on October 9, 2009. All wished him well and encouraged him to come back with a gold medal.

In Mumbai, seven excellent cricket coaches trained the newly selected cricket team from October 18-26. Manikandan also had two months of special c

oaching at Asha Deepam under a very good coach who helped him to exhibit great skill.

When he returned with the gold medal, Manikandan received a hero’s welcome from fellow class mates, family, and the State of Tamil Nadu.

In congratulating Manikandan, the efforts of the NGOs who run special schools for the mentally challenged were also recognized. These schools were thank

ed for their interest and efforts in preparing the students to participate in International and National Special Olympics.

In Asha Deepam’s short history, it’s another significant record to produce the Second International Champion of the year 2009. It is a great honor to teach and nurture students like Manikandan in the school. His triumph has made other students proud to enjoy the success as if it is their own achievement. I am grateful to God and thank the Almighty for letting us experience God’s abundance of blessings.

Preemies find comfort in octogenarian nun's arms

2009-11-02T08:41:00.006-05:00

From: The Courier Journal

By Katya Cengel

Sister Ann Molony stops the stroller and glances down at the baby strapped inside.

“Peek-a-boo,” she coos.

The baby, a 7-month-old boy with a variety of medical issues, meets her gaze.

“Let's go find the birds; find the birds,” Sister Ann says.

She continues pushing the stroller past the nurse's station and around the corner. She stops in front of a wall with two framed pictures — pictures of birds. It's the best she can do for the boy, who has not been identified to protect his privacy, and for the other babies at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Kosair Children's Hospital. She can't take them outside, can't even find a window for them to look out. So she improvises, letting them touch a cold metal ice chest, glance at pictures on the wall and feel what she imagines a mother's love must feel like.

This morning, Sister Ann learned that the boy she has helped care for since birth will be leaving soon. Sister Ann knows a lot about the little fellow: He dislikes chicken-flavored baby food, is trying to make sounds, and can turn pages of books.

But she knows little about what will happen to him when he leaves the hospital. She doesn't ask those questions. Some of them, she says, she can figure out for herself. But when she is with the babies, she doesn't think about that.

“I just concentrate on whichever one I've got and give them 100 percent of me,” she says.

It is when Sister Ann is outside the hospital that she wonders about what will become of them. It is outside that she notices how her 83-year-old body is failing: her eye that no longer sees, her back that causes her so much pain, the chronic ailments she is continually battling — all the reasons she retired to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Motherhouse Campus near Bardstown this summer.

It was her second retirement. Her first came more than two decades ago, after 25 years of teaching and quite a few more of caring for children in various roles. To occupy her time, she decided to volunteer at Kosair — seven days a week. Over the years, she has cut down her visits until her move to the Motherhouse, where sisters are cared for in their final years.

But her second retirement went as badly as her first.

It “was terrible,” she says. “I went out walking and thought all the time I was walking that I wished I was where I used to be.”

Her doctor recommended that she return to the babies one day a week. So for the past few weeks, every Wednesday she has been slipping a yellow frock over her skirt and top and cuddling the babies.

“She needs this place,” says Brenda O'Bryan, volunteer manager for Kosair Children's Hospital. “She just wants to give. That's what Sister Ann's life is.”

A mother's love

Sister Ann sits in a rocking chair holding 22-day-old Morgan.

There are babies on either side of her making a long line down the narrow room. Behind them are the tubes and machines that keep them alive, one of which always seems to be beeping. But with Morgan in her lap, Sister Ann tunes everything out, bending over the preemie.

Morgan isn't one of the babies Sister Ann usually holds. She doesn't need to: Morgan's parents, Marie and Chad Ballard, are here every day. It is the babies whose parents aren't present — because they are working, live too far away or have other children — on whom Sister Ann lavishes her affection.

But just because Morgan has attentive parents doesn't mean her struggle is over. When her mother proclaims Morgan should be going home soon, Sister Ann corrects her:

“You never say ‘going home,' you say ‘going to the zoo.'”

Some don't go home

In the nearly two decades that Sister Ann has been volunteering at Kosair, she has learned that babies don't always get to go home when they are supposed to, and some don't get to go home at all. So like the nurses, she has learned to say they are going to the zoo or going shopping.

When Madison was born in May 1998, she wasn't expected to make it home.

“She really shouldn't have lived past the first night,” says her mother, Kelley Riordan.

Madison was born with her intestines outside her body. Riordan, her mother, Bonnie Mitchell, and other relatives took turns visiting Madison in the evenings.

“But we never had to worry during the day because Sister Ann was there,” Mitchell says.

Despite the endless pricking and prodding she was subjected to, Madison was a happy baby, Mitchell says, an occurrence she credits in part to Sister Ann's care. Sister Ann would rock her and sing to her and Madison would smile, babble and blow raspberries, Mitchell says. Riordan believes Sister Ann's love helped Madison stay alive as long as she did — more than a year.

Riordan also credits Sister Ann with easing tensions between her and her mother. Before Madison was born, Riordan and her mother were not speaking, Riordan says. But after spending time with Sister Ann, she came to a new understanding.

“I was being selfish,” Riordan says. “I needed my mama, is what it was.”

It was a need Sister Ann recognized from her own life and tries to fill when caring for babies.

“In all the years I've been here, I've always taken the babies that had no bonding with anybody,” she says. “It's just my mother died when I was 2, and I know what that means not to have a mother's love.”

Sister Ann's mother died in childbirth. The nun has spent much of her life, first as a teacher, and then working in hospitals and orphanages, trying to ensure that other children don't feel the loss she did. But it was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Uni that she found a place where her love was desperately needed. And she did everything she could to get there, braving two muggings, public transportation and snowstorms. This is what God told her to do with her life, Mitchell says, adding, “It is an absolute calling.”

Mitchell isn't sure why Sister Ann chose to help their family. Madison had family to look after her but since she was not expected to survive, attachment to her would be painful. But for Sister Ann, it was never about Sister Ann, said volunteer manager O'Bryan. It is about the kids.

“If they needed her love, she gave it,” O'Bryan says. “It didn't matter if it was only going to be an hour, a day, a year; Sister Ann didn't look at it from that standpoint.”

A special bond

Sister Ann secures the baby boy's diaper.

“There you go; you've got a great big diaper,” she says.

As he flails his arms around the crib, finally grasping a package of baby wipes, Sister Ann continues her monologue:

“Look at you pick that up! You pick that up all by yourself? Wow!”

In his crib are a few toys, underneath it, books Sister Ann has brought in. Donated baby clothes and small toys are constantly delivered, which the staff happily wash and distribute.

The boy for whom Sister Ann cares is outfitted in a pair of brightly striped socks and Elmo diapers. He isn't talking yet but his eyes focus on faces and his hands are always reaching for something. Sister Ann has been with him from the beginning, save her brief absence during retirement. But when he is gone, she will move on to another baby.

“It's never hard to find new ones,” she says.

The unit nurses try to match her with the babies who need the most attention, nurse Robin Dunn says.

She is especially good with infants born addicted to drugs because she has the time and patience to sit with them while they battle through withdrawal, nurse Len Balaskiewicz says.

You get a baby fussing and screaming, Balaskiewicz says, “You think, ‘Oh, I wish I had Sister Ann.' She can spend the time with them.”

It is something the 30 or so nurses caring for 80-some babies in several different units can't always do, she says. Because Sister Ann remains with the same babies, she provides them with someone with whom they can bond, says Dr. Dan Stewart, the unit's medical director. And when that happens, he adds, they gain weight better, interact more readily, and show improved vital signs and functions.

“They love consistency, these babies do,” Stewart says.

And consistent attention like Sister Ann's helps “them get over critical period in their life when they're transitioning from critical care to home care.”

Sister Ann has another way of explaining it:

“I think everybody needs some (love), so I'm doing just a little part, that's it,” she says.

An Historic Day at Nazareth Academy in Gaya

2009-10-29T10:29:00.004-04:00

View the gallery

It was a history making day as dozens gathered at the Nazareth Academy in Gaya, India, to inaugurate the Academy’s new building. His Grace, Most Rev. Archbishop Willam D’Souza, S. J. Archbishop of Patna Archdiocese, blessed the new building on October 22, 2009. The architecturally unique and beautiful new structure located in front of the auditorium comprises two state-of-the-art Computer labs, Language and Maths Labs, NOSA office and an Audio-visual hall.

The blessing and inauguration ceremony was followed by a colorful cultural program given by the Senior Section of the school. During the cultural extravaganza of dances, dramas and display of musical talents, the Archbishop, our Chief Guest, and two Guests of Honor, Sangeeta Ayithamattam, SCN Provincial of Eastern Province, and Shree Sanjay Kumar Singh, IAS, District Magistrate of Gaya captured the audience with their inspiring and encouraging words of wisdom. Each speaker emphasized the prime importance of value-based Education for Life for our students in the ever-changing scenario of today’s fast moving world .

A link to another story in The Times of India.

Casa Messina Grand Opening in Hidalgo County

2009-10-29T10:02:00.003-04:00

Casa Messina, named after Sister Carol Anne Messina from the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, has opened its door as a brand new development for low-income housing in Edcouch, TX. The National Farm Workers Service Center (NFWSC) commissioned this project through the funding help from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs as well as the Hidalgo County Urban County program.

Casa Messina includes 76 units of multi-bedroom apartments along with a community center, two playgrounds, pool, and laundry facilities. LUPE is proud to join the Casa Messina project as a Community Services Partner to support the efforts for affordable housing.

The grand opening ceremony was held on 10/13 and included remarks from State Senator Eddie Lucio, Paul F. Chavez, President of NFWSC, Ann Cass, Executive Director of Proyecto Azteca and others.

Juanita Valdez-Cox, Executive Director of LUPE, gave remarks to recognize Sister Carol Anne Messina and her tireless efforts in low-income communities. You can check out some pictures from the event here.

The Last One Left

2009-10-28T16:25:00.001-04:00

Sister Barbara Ann talks about the City of St. Jude in Montgomery, Ala., during the time of the civil rights movement and her ministry there.