Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

Women couldn’t resist calling to become a sister

2012-02-03T13:03:00.000-05:00

By JENNA MINK The Daily News

Pictured second from left, Sister Nancy Gerth
on a recent mission trip in New Orleans

Nancy Gerth fought the calling to become a nun.

She even went to college, joined a sorority, had a boyfriend and worked at Kentucky Fried Chicken. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she was meant to serve God in a more serious way.

While working, "I looked up, and who's in line? A nun," she said. "I go to Kroger to buy groceries; who's behind me in line? A sister ... it was like I had nun radar."

Now, Gerth is a part of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth near Bardstown, a congregation of Catholic sisters who do mission work and other duties on behalf of the church.

Gerth and another sister, Bowling Green native Rita Davis, spoke to students Thursday at St. Joseph School. The presentation was part of Catholic Schools Week.

Davis attended St. Joseph for 12 years, and she recalls some fun - and serious - moments when she went to the Bowling Green Catholic school. She was in school when she first contemplated becoming a sister, she said.

"I was 15 and none of my friends were going to be sisters," she said. Later in life, "I would be somewhere with a date and think, ‘I don't think so.'"

That's when she seriously started considering it. She became a sister about 45 years ago.

"It's challenging to live with all women," Davis, who now lives in Nazareth, said after the presentation. "We try to beef up on our communication skills."

A sister is different from a nun because the latter mainly stays in her community, serving God through prayer and church work. Sisters, on the other hand, travel the world performing mission work, said Gerth, who lives in a house with three other sisters in Bardstown.

But, like nuns, they do not marry or have families outside the church.

Like Davis, Gerth initially brushed off the idea of becoming a sister. She was a student at a Louisville Catholic school when she first felt a calling, she said.

"I heard a voice in my head saying, ‘Be a sister,' " she said. "I didn't want to be a sister. Me and my friends, we were talking about volleyball and cheerleading and hanging out at the mall and B-O-Y-S."
But, when she was nearing college graduation, she could no longer run away from the voice. She broke up with her boyfriend and informed her parents that she was becoming a sister.

Her parents were not supportive. They claimed she had been brainwashed and was throwing her life away. Her mother didn't speak to her for two years, she said.

"But I still had to do it because, in my heart, I felt God wanted me to be a sister," she said.

Years later, it's still challenging. Remaining faithful to prayer, community and her ministry can be difficult at times, she said.

"Just like in any relationship, you do have to work at it," she said, "and it's the everyday things that you have to continually work at."

But she doesn't regret her decision. Because she's a sister, Gerth has traveled and worked in an array of places. She spent 18 years in a homeless shelter for teenagers in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

"I've seen everything, and I've heard everything. I've been with the most amazing people," she said. "Because of being with the sisters, God has become so big. There's no limit to God."

Nazareth Hospital Nurses Alumnae Gathering at Delhi

2012-02-03T09:12:00.001-05:00

Nazareth Hospital Mokama Nurses Alumnae Association ( NHMNAA) Delhi had their annual general body meeting on January 29, 2012. Since it was the last gathering with Sister Bridget as the Patron of the Association, the members had a meeting cum picnic at Lodhi Garden, one of the picnic spots in Delhi. The day began with a short prayer and invoking the blessings of Our Lady of Mokama. Self introduction and fun followed. Simple games like musical chairs, Anthachiri (Popular Sing Song competition) passing the parcel, etc. revived the spirit of young and old alike. There was laughter, excitement, competitive spirit and lots of fun as the games progressed. After some fun and a short tea break the business session was held. Philomina Thomas, the President of Nazareth Hospital Mokama Nurses Alumnae Association formally welcomed everyone. A brief activity report was presented by the secretary and the account was presented by the treasurer. They decided to sponsor the education of a child for one year at Asha Kiran, a home for the Children at Dharuhera, and contributed Rs. 15.000 towards it.

After the business session, Sister Bridget Kappalumakal was felicitated and honored for her valuable service and great work she has done to bring together and unite the nurses in Delhi. There were about 21 members along with Sisters Bridget, Cassilda and Nirmala present at the gathering. Everyone expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude for all that Sister has done over the years especially for the formation of the Association which is the first of its kind in the country. On behalf of the Nurses, the President, Philomina Joseph and secretary, Molly Das, thanked Sister, acknowledged her deep love for the nurses, her perseverance and persistence in getting the group together.

Sister Bridget congratulated the members for the unique gathering of the AGBM and their cooperation and support of the past years and encouraged them to continue to have periodic get togethers and programs to empower them professionally and to deepen their bond with one another. Sister announced to the group that Sister Nirmala will continue the work as the Patron of the Association and the members welcomed her with a bouquet.

The finale was a potluck lunch with about 30 varieties of dishes, each one superseding the other. Preparations of South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, Punjabi and Bengali dishes were a display of multicultural , regional and continental “delights.”

Nirmala Mulackal

SCNs to Host Genealogy Researcher with Nazareth Ties

2012-02-01T13:43:00.000-05:00

In this presentation Pam Smith of Chicago will discuss her African-American family research with a focus on Kentucky, including her mixed-race ancestor, Mary McCrosky, who graduated from Nazareth in 1865.

Pam begins her talk with a discussion about how she got started in genealogy with the help of her grandmother and then moves to the discovery she made 20 years ago of Professor Ann Neel, a white descendant of the family that owned her 2nd great grandfather, Baltimore Robinson, during slavery. From there she will talk about her Kentucky family line that connects with Thomas Jefferson's sister, Lucy Jefferson Lewis, of Livingston County, Kentucky. Along the way Pam will share stories about finding other white Kentucky descendants of the people who enslaved her ancestors that she has connected with and what those initial encounters were like.

Finally, she will help people get started with their own family history search by explaining oral histories, census and probate records, research trips, and DNA testing. The event, sponsored by the Kentucky Humanities Council, will conclude with a question and answer period.

This event is free and open to the public.

Please join us:

February 12, 2012

3:00 p.m.

St. Vincent Church

Nazareth, KY

For more information, contact Nazareth Archives Office; 502-348-1548.

Nazareth Villages Names New President and Managing Director

2012-02-01T10:18:00.001-05:00

Nazareth Villages Inc. is pleased to announce that Nora Ballard has been named as its new President and Managing Director effective March 1, 2012.

Nora will be responsible for directing the operation and providing a supportive community environment for residents of 101 HUD Section 8 and 45 affordable rent apartments.

She succeeds Ann Margaret Boone, SCN, who served in this position since 1991.

For six years, Nora served as a board member for Nazareth Campus Service and recently served as a board member for Nazareth Villages I.

“My experience as a board member created a strong desire in me to make a more committed contribution to Nazareth Villages,” she said.

Most recently she was employed at the Nelson Circuit Clerk’s office where she worked with domestic violence victims. She also handled juvenile cases.

Nora has been an Associate member of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCN) for ten years, committing herself to reaching out in compassionate service to others and to living the SCN Mission in her own life.

Nazareth Villages provides one and two bedroom apartments for persons who are 62 years old or older, and persons with disabilities. The complex is located on the beautiful campus of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth just outside historic Bardstown, KY. Visit www.scnazarethky.org/villages.

iPads, Laptops in Catholic High Schools

2012-02-01T09:25:00.001-05:00

PATRICK BERKERY | PhillyBlurbs.com

If you think Catholic schools are so rooted in tradition that they'd be the last to get on board with the move from textbooks to iPads and laptops in the classroom, think again.

Several Catholic high schools in the Pittsburgh area are already making the move.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that schools like Vincentian Academy in McCandless and Canevin Catholic High School in Oakwood already have students using iPads and laptops. Vincentian has been testing the in-school use of 35 iPads and 35 laptops since October. At Canevin, the school's 87 freshmen were given iPads to use throughout the school day and at home. Twenty-three students from feeder Catholic schools who are taking accelerated math and science at Canevin are also using iPads.

Vincentian plans to order some new print texts for fall. Ultimately, they plan to stop using print textbooks within five years.

As for the costs involved, Vincentian president John Fedko estimates the school's technology plan will cost $150,000 to $250,000. He tells the Post-Gazette that the school is currently seeking grants, both to finish installing a wireless network and to purchase devices.

Canevin principal Kenneth Sinagra said the school's initial iPad effort cost about $70,000, including some money from a federal technology grant, state textbook money and an anonymous gift.

Catholic Schools Week Activities in Pittsburgh

2012-02-01T09:11:00.000-05:00

Catholic Schools Week activities happening this week at classrooms in the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese:

St. Ursula, Allison Park, will hold an open house at 2 p.m. Monday devoted to the Habit of the Month project. Each day a special prayer and reading are announced over the intercom relating to the theme of the month. This month the school will collect slightly worn shoes for the people of Belize, a project by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

Christ the Divine Teacher Academy, Aspinwall, will have students in grades K-4 visit the Sisters of Saint Francis at Mt. Alvernia on Monday, while students in grades five through eight will visit the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth at St. Louise Convent.

Employees help 'make the magic happen' at Nazareth Home

2012-01-30T09:16:00.002-05:00

From the Courier-Journal

Nazareth Home named number one place to work by The Courier-Journal.

A worker at Nazareth Home assists and elderly resident from the dining room. The nursing home prides itself on hiring workers for their attitude as well as their skills. / ALEX DAVIS/SPECIAL TO THE COURIER-JOURNAL

Residents of Nazareth Home, at 2000 Newburg Road, include people who are recovering from surgeries such as knee transplants, people in assisted living who need a little help keeping their pills straight, and people nearing the end of life who need long-term nursing care.

In short, it's a nursing home. And "no one," Chief Executive Officer Mary Haynes said, "looks forward to using a nursing home."

That makes it important for the management and staff "to convey a positive picture," she said, to show that a nursing home "can be a warm, lovely, active community."

Toward that end, Haynes said, management, working under the ownership of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, hires people for their attitude as well as for their skills - people who are happy, and who value cooperation.

Or, as Assistant Nursing Director Sandra O'Conner put it, people who really like "to make the magic happen."

In addition to making a comfortable home for the residents, that approach apparently also makes for a good workplace. Nazareth Home came out on top of the Louisville area's medium-size employer category - 110 to 349 employees - in Workplace Dynamics's Top Workplaces program for this year.

Under the program, workplaces participate in employee surveys that are examined statistically to isolate places of employment where the workers feel they are well-treated and are advancing along their career paths, among other benefits.

Ruth Johnson had retired once before she joined the staff at Nazareth Home more than 10 years ago, and then she retired from Nazareth Home. Now she comes back and works "in the pool," backing up the reception desk, filing and doing similar chores. It's just a place she likes to be.

"It's the whole environment," she said. "I go out shopping and run into so many rude people. I come here to be happy."

The home was built initially as a retirement facility for Nazareth, Ky.,-based Sisters, and later expanded to serve others. Extensive renovation in 2001 and 2002 made all of the rooms private and created special space for Nazareth Home's dementia-care program.

The home has 168 residents and averages 250 employees, some of whom are part time. Employee benefits include medical, dental, disability and life programs, 401(k) investment opportunities with employer match, legal care, an employee assistance program and free financial-planning services.

Human Resources Director Jennifer Smith said the Workplace Dynamics award will help attract good employees to Nazareth Home.

"We want to attract happy people who want to provide good service," she said.

But she it is perhaps more important that it will shed public light on the special kind of nursing home Nazareth Home is.

Disaster Relief Trailer Fundraising Effort

2012-01-11T14:27:00.001-05:00

The Sisters at the SCN Motherhouse spearheaded the fundraising effort to raise money for the volunteer program disaster relief trailer. Over $4,400 has been raised in this effort. The excess over the $3,800 goal will be used to buy tools and supplies.

The diaster relief program team hope to be active after April to respond to persons in need after natural disasters.

Donations are still being excepted. If you would like to contribute contact Sister Luke Boiarski, SCN at P.O. Box 9, Nazareth, KY 40048, (502) 348-1578, lukescn@scnky.org.

Two SCNs have been invited to share their success at the UN General Assembly

2012-01-10T11:26:00.000-05:00

(Source: CathNews India - www.cathnewsindia.com)

Two SCNs from India have been invited to attend the UN General Assembly next month. SCNs Anjana Kunnath and Benna Chirackal will embark on a two-week internship in February.

Beena Chirackal, SCN, is attending as a result of her impressive work in rehabilitating children of commercial sex workers.

Anjana Kunnath, SCN, claims to have found a successful herbal cure for malaria in Artemisia, a family of plants and herbs that includes tarragon and wormwood.

“I am attending the UN General Assembly to share the success stories of people who were cured of malaria with Artemisia [a herbal extract],” said Sister Anjana.

Sister Anjana’s success story started three years ago. The north-east region of India, where she works, receives a large amount of rainfall and has large areas of marshland, making it a mosquito paradise.

“I had been using other local herbs to treat malaria [caused by the anopheles mosquito] but realized that Artemisia was more powerful in cure and prevention,” the 55-year-old sister said.

Sister Anjana who has worked for 20 years in the eastern states of Bihar and Jharkhand, treated over 250 malaria cases in 2011 with the herbal extract.

“When I had an attack of malaria last year, I took Artemisia and I was well in three days,” she said with a smile. She recalls many instances where she has administered either a tonic or pills made from the herb to people who had come to her health center. Once a 35-year-old man from Kutuderi in Jharkhand suffering from acute malaria was given Artemisia and was back to normal in two days.

“After I treat people, I generally offer them an Artemisia plant so that they can use its leaves which have the healing properties,” she said, revealing it was a Jesuit priest who introduced her to the herb in 2008.

A year later, she attended a workshop on herbal remedies conducted by a German pharmacologist, Hans-Martin Hirt, who was promoting Artemisia. Because the variety of the herb is very expensive, Hirt tracked down the patent-holders of the actual plants in Germany, and began to get seeds for distribution in Africa and India, she said.

Sister Anjana said malaria reduces hemoglobin levels in the blood, while Artemisia counters this decrease and increases the body’s immune system. The response of people to the herb is mixed, she says. Many want quick results in which case I mix both the allopathic medicine and the herbal treatment, she adds.

“I would very much like government health centers to recommend the herb as an alternative to allopathic medicines to treat malaria,” she said.

The Charity Federation of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is a registered NGO in the US and has an advisory role at the UN.

Volunteer's Commissioned for Belize in Blessing Ceremony

2012-01-08T17:55:00.001-05:00

SCNs Luke Boiarski and Dolores Greenwell, along with 10 lay mission volunteers, will be leaving for Las Flores, Belize on Monday, January 9. They will be helping to build a concrete block house for a family of 10 in the village of Las Flores. The home is being funded through donations. The group will begin their time together with orientation on the Nazareth Campus on Saturday, January 7. They will return from Belize on January 16. Please pray for safe travel.

To see more click here.

Memorial Hospital 60th Anniversary Prayer Service

2012-01-05T10:59:00.001-05:00

A prayer service in honor of Memorial’s 60th Anniversary Celebration was held on January 4. Sixty years ago on January 2, Memorial Hospital opened its doors to receive patients. Throughout 2012, the hospital will celebrate the its rich history and how it came to be a beacon of love and hope for so many. Just as important, Memorial Hospital celebrates the dedication and a long commitment to the Chattanooga community by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and the legacy the SCNs have entrusted to us who carry on that ministry today and in to the future. A formal Mass marking the occasion will be held May 11.

Read the prayer service here.

Ordination for Nepalese Priest, Cecilia Simick, SCN's Brother

2012-01-03T14:39:00.003-05:00

Father Samuel Simick with his mother and sister (Cecilia Simick, SCN)

From UCANEWS | An ethnic Nepalese Jesuit priest from India has been ordained in the country’s poorest parish.

Father Samuel Simick, 32, was ordained on December 31, in Maheshpur parish, around 600 kilometers east of Kathmandu, by Nepal’s apostolic vicar Jesuit Bishop Anthony Sharma.

He joins three other priests, a diocesan and two Jesuits, who were ordained there by Bishop Sharma last year.

The ceremony, concelebrated by about two dozen priests, was held at the Moran Memorial School in Maheshpur, which is set amidst tea gardens.

Family and friends of the priest fromIndia, and over 500 other Catholics from acrossNepalattended the ceremony despite a series of transport strikes gripping the country.

The ordination of Fr Simick, who hails from northern West Bengal, increases the number of priests working in Nepal to 68, eight of whom have been ordained by Bishop Sharma since being made apostolic vicar in 2007.

Vincentian Villa ethnic Christmas presentation featured traditional music, food

2011-12-28T14:24:00.001-05:00

From: YourNorthHills.com

Polish, Slovak and German Christmas traditions were shared at a special holiday presentation at the Vincentian Villa retirement community in McCandless.

The event, attended by about 40 people, was presented Dec. 9 by representatives of local religious communities, including the Sisters of Divine Providence in McCandless, Sisters of the Holy Spirit in Green Tree, and Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in McCandless, and featured traditional music, food, decorations and discussions pertaining to each ethnicity.

While there are many differences and similarities between the three nationalities, all presenters agreed that the most important part about traditions is handing them down to younger generations.

"Kids like traditions, and kids like customs," said Sister Eileen Chlebowski, of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit. "It makes the day more special."

Chlebowski joined her fellow Holy Spirit Sister Jolenta Sredinski, who discussed popular Polish practices, such as eating sour wigilia soup and setting an extra spot at Christmas Eve dinner to represent a guest, stranger or Jesus.

Slovak traditions were presented by Sue Ondrejco of Greenfield on behalf of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Ondrejco, who also represents the National Slovak Society and is co-host of "Slovak Radio Hour" on WPIT, 730 AM, noted the importance of keeping these practices.

"Traditions give us a sense of belonging," said Ondrejco, 53. She brought along samples of holiday decorations and said early Slovaks would hang their decorated tree upside down above the dinner table mostly due to lack of space in the home.

Sister Donna Marie Dorfner of the Sisters of Divine Providence included a traditional dress and desserts to complement her discussion of German traditions.

Like the two other ethnicities represented, Germans usually didn't start decorating and celebrating until practically Christmas Eve, Sister Donna Marie said.

"The whole idea is the family gets together and exchanges gifts and stories," said the sister, adding that many like to reminisce about their own traditions.

"I think people enjoy hearing the customs and nationalities as well as their own," she said.

Of those who attended, many of them were residents at Vincentian Villa, which is part of the Vincentian Collaborative System, according to Vincentian communications director Robin Weber.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth campus is located near the retirement community and is affiliated with the Vincentian Collaborative System. A similar event on ethnic traditions held during the past Easter season was so popular with residents that Weber, of Moon Township, suggested doing something similar for the Christmas season.

One of the Villa residents, Paul Schubert, 81, attended the December event and commented on the importance of carrying on these practices with family members.

"Once you lose traditions you lose your background," said Schubert, who is of German descent.

And although fellow Villa residents Tom and Clara Bayne have ethnic backgrounds of Irish and Italian, respectively, they still enjoyed hearing about the three other ethnic group's customs.

"Neither of us is Slovak, Polish or German, but we enjoyed it," said Clara Bayne, 70.

Sister Anne Rita Mauck Inspires

2011-12-19T14:11:00.003-05:00

As head of school for one of the nation’s largest independent schools teaching bright students with learning differences due to dyslexia, ADHD and central auditory processing deficit, Tony Kemper has witnessed literally thousands of inspiring life lessons happen right before his eyes at the de Paul School. Kemper, who lives in Georgetown, Ind., with his wife, Carol, and their two children, took a moment to share a few life lessons.

• The founder of the de Paul School, Sister Anne Rita Mauck, inspired me with her tremendous entrepreneurial spirit as an educator. The most important life lesson she passed along to me was to always make decisions with the child’s best interest in mind … to keep the child in the center of every discussion.As long as I did that, the decision would be correct. I learned that it’s important to set aside any agendas, politics and even the comfort of others and instead focus on what is best for the child in any particular situation.

• As a teenager, I was fortunate to be able to spend time with and watch my father work at Kosair Orthotic and Prosthetic Facility. Witnessing his work ethic and his ability to serve people through his work was a great life lesson for me and my siblings. Every day he demonstrated the importance and value of hard work and commitment to the job.

• When people visit the de Paul School, they often comment that the school is remarkably congruent. There may be different classrooms, teachers and goings-on — but guests always notice recurring themes during their tour. This is no accident. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons we have learned as educators is to provide a structured learning environment that revolves around our mission.Children who learn differently can rely upon the promise of a shared purpose that permeates the entire school and creates a community of success.

• After nearly 30 years as an educator, I continue to be impressed by the power of a passionate teacher. Many children who learn differently have not had positive experiences in school. Here at de Paul, our teachers are driven to uncover the hidden individual — the artist, author, athlete, the leader, or the ambitious executive-to-be. The highly dedicated teacher guides students to discover strengths and embrace challenges with confidence and enthusiasm.Watching this happen repeatedly each week in our classrooms is the driving force behind my passion.

— As told to Ken Neuhauser, The Courier-Journal

Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P. Dies

2011-12-14T20:10:00.000-05:00

From the Archdiocese of Louisville

(Louisville, KY) Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P., leader of the Archdiocese of Louisville from 1982 to his retirement in 2007, died this morning at home. He was 80 years old.

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz praised his brother bishop for his witness and service to the Archdiocese of Louisville: “With the death of Archbishop Thomas Cajetan Kelly, O.P., the local church of Louisville has lost a friend, humble servant and dedicated man of God. Archbishop Kelly served for more than a quarter century as the Archbishop of Louisville and remained active as Archbishop Emeritus for almost five years. Throughout his ministry, he has consistently shown his wit and intellect to all who knew him, but most especially and most deeply, his humility and compassion for all. I am personally grateful for his friendship and welcome of me as his successor. In his 80 years of life, he has been thoroughly a priest of Jesus Christ, as a faithful Dominican, as a diplomat and administrator at the Nunciature and United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as Metropolitan of the Province of Louisville, as a true Archbishop, and in these last days as a faithful parish priest.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced.

Born in 1931 in Rochester, New York, Archbishop Kelly entered the Dominican order in 1951 after studying for two years at Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island. He pursued philosophical studies at St. Rose Priory, Springfield, Kentucky, and St. Joseph’s Priory, Somerset, Ohio. Ordained a priest in 1958, Kelly received a Licentiate in Theology degree from the Dominican House of Studies, Washington, D.C., in 1959 and a doctorate in canon law from the University of St. Thomas in Rome in 1962. He also studied at the University of Vienna and at Cambridge University.

Archbishop Kelly began his ministry in New York City in 1962 as secretary in the Dominican provincial office of St. Joseph Province. He also worked with the Legion of Decency and the Archdiocese of New York tribunal. Archbishop Kelly moved to Washington in 1965 as a secretary and archivist for the Apostolic Delegation.

In 1971 Archbishop Kelly joined the NCCB and USCC as associate general secretary. He was elected in March 1977 to a five-year term as chief administrative officer and general secretary of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) and the United States Catholic Conference (USCC) in Washington, D.C. In July 1977, Pope Paul VI named Kelly auxiliary to the Archbishop of Washington, D.C., and titular bishop of Tusuro, Africa. In August 1977, he was ordained a bishop at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

Pope John Paul II appointed Archbishop Kelly to the Archdiocese of Louisville in December 1981, and he was installed as Archbishop in February of 1982. During his years as Archbishop, he initiated a systematic approach to planning, resulting in the first long-range strategic plan in 1989. This plan was updated several times. He launched a major project to restore the Cathedral of the Assumption. As a result of this innovative, interfaith project the Cathedral has become nationally known as a public sanctuary and as a center of the arts and of compassionate service to those in need. In November 1994 Kelly held both archdiocesan and community interfaith services to dedicate the renovated Cathedral, and in 2002 he was present as the 150th anniversary of the Cathedral was celebrated. In 1996 the Archbishop spearheaded the Endowment for Excellence, a campaign for Catholic education.

Archbishop Kelly accompanied Mayor Jerry Abramson and advisers to Biloxi, Mississippi, in June 1987, in a successful effort to persuade the Presbyterian Church (USA) to move its headquarters to Louisville. He also was involved in the planning for the first two papal visits to the United States.

Archbishop Kelly was active in national, local, and regional organizations and has served as chancellor and trustee, Bellarmine University, Louisville, Kentucky; chairman, Catholic Conference of Kentucky; member, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; and member, International Dominican Foundation Executive Committee. In addition, he was one of the founding members of the Cathedral Heritage Foundation and was vice-chairman of the Catholic Education Foundation, both in Louisville. He also served as chair of the Board of Directors of the National Catholic Educational Association and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Catholic Health Association.

Archbishop Kelly was a member of the Statutes and Bylaws Committee, the National Advisory Council, and the Canonical Affairs Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and has served as national episcopal liaison (1995-2000) for the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. He served as the chair of the bishops’ advisory committee of the Catholic Committee of the South. Past memberships also include: board of directors, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kentucky; Pontifical Commission for Religious in the United States; Seminary Board, Archdiocese of Chicago; Providence College Corporation; and board of trustees, St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland.

Archbishop Kelly was a recipient of the following honorary doctoral degrees: Sacred Theology – Providence College; Laws – Assumption College, Worcester, Massachusetts; Human Sciences – Caldwell College, Caldwell, New Jersey; Human Letters – Spalding University, Louisville, Kentucky; Humane Letters – Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, Connecticut; Sacred Theology – Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Berkeley, California; Theology – Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri.

In 2007, Archbishop Kelly celebrated 25 years as Archbishop of Louisville, 30 years as a bishop, and 55 years as a Dominican. In his retirement, he lived at Holy Trinity Parish in Louisville, Kentucky.

Archbishop Kelly was the third Archbishop and first member of the Dominican order to head the Archdiocese of Louisville. He succeeded Archbishops Thomas J. McDonough, 1967-1981, and John A. Floersh, 1937-1967.

Online Vocation Discernment Retreat

2011-12-14T16:16:00.000-05:00

Online Vocation Discernment Retreat

Monday, January 9th to Friday, January 13th, 2012

To register:

www.sisters-of-charity-federation.org

For help needed with registration contact:

Sr. Maria Iglesias, SC @ 908-295-5476

P.A.T.H.S.

Paying Attention To the Holy Spirit

Walk in the Footsteps of St. Vincent De Paul, St. Louise de Marillac, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton …

In the privacy of your own home and as it fits your busy schedule, you will be able to receive materials for reflection via the internet. After your time of prayer, you will be invited to contact a retreat director via e-mail/phone where you will be able to share your thoughts and reflections.

Register for a personal discernment retreat: www.sisters-of-charity-federation.org. For special assistance contact Sr. Maria Iglesias at 908-295-5476.

Highlights:

Day 1: The Charism of Charity/ Reflection Day 2: St. Vincent De Paul
Day 3: St. Louise De Marillac
Day 4: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Day 5: The Future of Radical Charity

This retreat is sponsored by the Sisters of Charity Federation

Pictures from the Bicentennial Celebration in Mokama, India

2011-12-12T10:14:00.003-05:00

Students from Dharan, Nepal in Nepali costume in Mokama, India on Dec. 4, 2011

Students of Dharan Nepal welcoming the sisters with the special scarf….

Students from Chatra ready for their vibrant tribal dance during the cultural program on 4th. Dec. 2011

The drummers and bell ringers……. on the eve of Bicentennial opening ceremony on the 3rd. Dec. 2011

Sisters Malini and Sunita … our communication personnel

Sr. Ann Roberta celebrated her birthday on the 5th. of Dec. 2011 in Mokama

Sr. Ann Roberta with the Novices on her Birthday in Mokama 5th. 2011

A Message of Hope in Surkhet

2011-12-08T10:35:00.001-05:00

Cecilia Simick, SCN, sends this message of hope from Surkhet, Nepal.

Dear Friends in Christ,

The message of Advent … HOPE … I would like to share this pictures of a boy, Bhakta Bahadur, and his mother. When the first child was born with a meningocele/spina bifida they were feeling so bad and felt he was a burden for the family. They were not able to get any help and as the boy was growing and the bundle on his back was growing. He was not able to sit or stand and gradually it was becoming infected.

The mother was so desperate when she came to Navjyoti Center in Surkhet for the tailoring classes and met with Sister Cecilia. Sr. Elizabeth Eknorl, M.M, and her community then in Kathmandu, took care of the medical/surgical expenses in Kathmandu, and others reached out one way or the other to take care of the additional expenses.

Now he is going to school, though his walking is getting better and he still has problem with his bladder. His mother is so happy and grateful for all those who have helped her boy. They come to visit the Sisters once in a while. To see the smile on Bhakta's face reminds us that God still works miracles in the lives of many through the generous hearts and brings HOPE .

Thank you very much for all that you do to bring hope in the lives of people.

Sr. Cecilia Simick

See the Opening Ritual of the Bicentennial

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

As SCNs stand on the cusp of their third century of ministry, they celebrate a journey of faith over hundreds of years, looking toward the future with confidence in God’s call. Throughout the world, SCN family members are involved in diverse ministries, meeting needs in health care, education, social services and pastoral ministries. Just as Mother Catherine Spalding, the SCN foundress, has been recognized for visionary leadership, Sisters approach ministries today with that same mindset, with an eye on the needs of the times and the needs of the future.

As the third Congregation of women religious founded in the United States, SCNs celebrate with gratitude, giving honor to a strong heritage of fidelity and service. Rooted in Nelson County, Ky., SCN ministries now embrace the world. Today, there are Sisters and Associates in the U.S., Belize, Botswana, Africa, Nepal, and across India.

We Are Many Parts - Video

2011-12-06T12:42:00.001-05:00

View on YouTube | View on Vimeo

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and our family sing "We Are Many Parts," in this music video shot across the whole world, embracing all parts of the SCN family.

Coloring Contest of Mother Catherine at Asha Kiran

2011-12-05T09:43:00.001-05:00

The children at Asha Kiran in Dharuhera, India, had a coloring contest in honor of the opening bicentennial celebrations. They drew Mother Catherine as depicted in the current painting of her. Of the six following entries, please vote in the Facebook poll linked here. Choose your favorite entry and help us select the winner.

Daughters of Catherine: Journeying into the 3rd Century

2011-12-05T08:53:00.001-05:00

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, (SCN) had the opening ceremony of their Bicentennial Year at Mokama on 3 December, with a live webcast from the US, Bostwana, Belize and Nepal simultaneously. To help unite the participants, all at the celebration were given small pieces of tree bark/leaves from the SCN ministry sites with the inscription of five names from the SCN Family Tree since its inception from 1812. The growth journey of the SCN Congregation founded in Kentucky, USA was narrated by members from Kentucky, Pittsburgh, India, Belize, Nepal and Botswana during the webcast. Watching the videos and photos from the SCN website, Mr. Chirendra Satyal, SCN Associate from Kathmandu said, “Our jubilee year is bound to be great”.

On 4 December, SCNs of Eastern Province had a Holy Eucharist with the parishioners, collaborators, co-workers and well wishers at Mokama. Most Rev. William D’Souza SJ, Archbishop of Patna, was the main celebrant. He exhorted the Sisters in his homily that they have been called to be the messengers of God. He further said just as mother pelican feeds its young her blood (SCN logo), the Sisters have left their family and loved ones to give their sweat and blood for the service of the people of God in different parts of India. Sister Sangeeta Ayithamattam, SCN Provincial, thanked everyone who are part of the SCN journey in India and Nepal for extending their full hearted cooperation in the missions/ministry of the Eastern Province. In thanking God and the people, Sister Sangeeta asked the people to continue to pray for all the SCN members that they remain faithful to the charism handed over by their founder, Mother Catherine Spalding. After the Eucharist, one of the parishioners, Serphina Manuel said, “I am very happy to be part of this 64 year journey of the SCN Sisters”.

Throughout the world, SCN family members are involved in diverse ministries, meeting the needs of people in health, education, pastoral and social services. Just as Mother Catherine Spalding, the SCN founder had been recognized for her visionary leadership, the Sisters approach ministries today with that same mindset, with an eye on the needs of the times and the emerging trends of the future.

Six courageous SCNs from the US, Sisters Lawrencetta Veeneman, Florence Joseph Sauer, Cresentia Wise, Charles Miriam Holt, Ann Cornelius Curran and Ann Roberta Powers ventured across the ocean and came to India’s Gangetic plains in Mokama, Bihar in December 1947 to spread the charism of their founder. They began a pioneering rural health mission, Nazareth Hospital Mokama, to meet the various health needs of the people in 1948. Nazareth Hospital with its School of Nursing and Pharmacy has continued since then to serve the sick from many districts of Bihar and West Bengal, extending up to the border of Nepal. It became the first institution in Bihar to open a center, ‘NAI ASHA’ in 2004 under Bihar State Aids Control Society to admit and care for the HIV/ AIDS persons.

The various rural dispensaries and hospitals of the Sisters in India care for approximately 1,91,000 patients annually apart from caring for around 4000 HIV/AIDS patients. The SCN Sisters joined in full partnership with the Kurji Holy Family Hospital in 2000, the first of its kind in the history of the Church in Bihar.

With the arrival of new missionaries, the Sisters entered into the field of education and took up Nazareth Academy, Gaya, from the Loreto nuns in 1951 to nurture the intellectual potential of Bihar. Sister Ann Roberta Powers, one of the pioneers, continues to minister and live there.

The many skill training centers of the Sisters, train over 300 youth annually in computer education, typing, fashion designing, health assistant program, communicative English, mid-level social workers, office management and rural women leadership programme with placement opportunities. The Sisters are also involved in non- formal education for women and prepare the children for formal school as well as conduct special classes for school drop outs to complete their High School. The Sisters cater today to over 40,000 students through their formal and non-formal educational endeavors

The SCN Sisters serve around three lakhs of people in the social sector with over 750 self help groups for women and youth. The Sisters also minister to prisoners through skill training and literacy program, educate and empower the children of sex workers, and care for the mentally and physically differently abled children in India and Nepal.

As part of the Bicentennial celebrations in India, Sisters Elizabeth Emmanuel Vattakunnel, Philomena Kottoor and Celestine Reshma Pais planted a Rudraksha tree in the campus. Before the Eucharist, all watched a video presentation of our 200 years of faithful journey with an emphasis on India/Nepal missions prepared by Sisters Shalini D’Souza, Mary Margaret Nirmala (Nimmie) and Sunita Vayalipara in the chapel. Sr. Ann Roberta Powers released a music CD- ‘Nazareth ki Shaan’, composed by Sr. Rekha Kerketta, SCN. Students from various schools had a cultural program in the afternoon at Lawrencetta Hall, Nazareth Hospital Mokama. At the beginning of the program, the Sisters sang ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ song.

From 1957, the US missionaries admitted young Indian women in order to strengthen their membership and to spread out their missionary activities to other parts of India. Since then the community has grown with its Indian members numbering 240, ministering across India, Nepal, Botswana and USA.

As the third Congregation of women religious founded in the United States, in 1812, SCNs celebrate with gratitude, giving honor to a strong heritage of fidelity and service. Sisters of Charity of Nazareth with their Mother House at Nazareth Kentucky, has over 600 members spread over USA, India, Belize Nepal, and Botswana. In 2008, the Vincentian Sisters of Charity of Pittsburg, USA, merged with the SCN Congregation. The Sisters and their 170 Associates continue to spread the legacy of their founder, Mother Catherine Spalding reading the signs of the times and responding in faith impelled by the love of God.

Malini Manjoly, SCN

Opening Ritual of the SCN Bicentennial

2011-12-04T11:33:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, December 3, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth celebrated the bicentennial of the Congregation with an Opening Ritual. Sisters, Associates, collaborators and all the SCN Family gathered from across the world, some via technology, to celebrate.

As SCNs stand on the cusp of their third century of ministry, they celebrate a journey of faith over hundreds of years, looking toward the future with confidence in God’s call. Throughout the world, SCN family members are involved in diverse ministries, meeting needs in health care, education, social services and pastoral ministries. Just as Mother Catherine Spalding, the SCN foundress, has been recognized for visionary leadership, Sisters approach ministries today with that same mindset, with an eye on the needs of the times and the needs of the future.

As the third Congregation of women religious founded in the United States, SCNs celebrate with gratitude, giving honor to a strong heritage of fidelity and service. Rooted in Nelson County, Ky., SCN ministries now embrace the world. Today, there are Sisters and Associates in the U.S., Belize, Botswana, Africa, Nepal, and across India.

The following are photos from the Opening Ritual Celebration. Archived video of the event will be available soon.

Bardstown KY Christmas Parade

2011-12-02T21:41:00.001-05:00

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth had a float in the Bardstown, KY Christmas parade on Dec. 1st. The float depicted Mother Catherine Spalding and another SCN surrounded by pioneer children in the early days of the Congregation. The following is a short video clip of the float.

Nazareth Sisters to celebrate 200 years of history Saturday

2011-12-01T22:26:00.001-05:00

On Dec. 1, 2012, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth will mark the 200th anniversary since its founding on the rural church property at St. Thomas Church farm.

But the Sisters aren’t waiting until then to start celebrating. In what will be a year-long series of events leading up to the 200th anniversary, the SCN family will kick off its bicentennial celebration 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Crimmins Hall on the Nazareth campus.

Started in Nelson County on the St. Thomas Catholic Church farm, the SCN’s roots remain in the area but have spread to include congregations in Nepal, Belize, Botswana, India and just recently Pittsburgh.

Saturday’s celebration will bring together the SCN family from throughout the world. About 250 are expected in Crimmins Hall and another 100 people in St. Vincent Church on the Nazareth campus. Also joining the celebration via Internet connection will be Sisters and associates from Botswana, Africa, Belize in Central America, Mokama, India and Pittsburgh. Though rooted in Nelson County, the SCN has extended its reach to these areas.

The congregation began almost 200 years ago after Bishop David sent out a call to young women in the area to come and serve the children by way of education. Three women answered his initial call. Catherine Spalding was among those. Of those three, she was elected the leader and at age 19 became Mother Catherine Spalding. In the first six years, 21 women joined the congregation and by 1822 the SCN family moved from St. Thomas to what is now known as Nazareth.

The history of the SCN congregation will be told by not only those at Nazareth but by those taking part through the Internet connections. Different parts of the history will be told from India, where the SCNs started in 1947, Belize, where a congregation began in 1975, Botswana and Pittsburgh.

The celebration has been in the planning stages for more than a year, according to Sister Susan Gray, director of Nazareth Retreat center and chair of the bicentennial committee. Gray, for one, is excited to see it all come together for the opening prayer Saturday.

“I think Mother Catherine would be proud,” she said. “It is so powerful to bring everybody together.”

During the ceremony, the Sisters will pray, take a look back at the history of the congregation and spend some time looking at what’s in the future for SCN.

Though nothing is decided yet as to the next step for the congregation, the Sisters have a history of looking at the issues in a particular area and conforming their mission to meet those needs.

Those next steps will be a primary topic of conversation at the Western Province assembly in March and then the SCN general assembly, which brings together the Western and Eastern Provinces, in 2013.

“We’re standing on the cusp of our third century of ministries,” said Diane Curtis, Director of Communications for SCN.

While determining the next step is important, Saturday’s celebration will look to celebrate the SCN’s last 200 years.

To help unite the participants with the SCN family, given to those at the celebration will be small pieces of tree bark or leaves from the sites of the SCN congregations. On those pieces will be listed five names of individuals — either Sisters or associates — who have been part of the SCN family since it started in 1812. The bicentennial committee had to make more than 1,500 labels to accommodate the 4,800 names this encompassed.

With limited space, the Sisters knew they wouldn’t be able to accommodate everyone at the campus for Saturday’s celebration. With that in mind, the public will be invited to a Mass next December in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville to celebrate the 200th anniversary.

Other celebrations are planned throughout the year including the unveiling of a new painting of Mother Catherine Spalding March 18 at Nazareth and an alumni gathering in September.