IHMs Act to Have Law Suspended ESL Program Begins Fifth Year · 2012. 10. 5. · IHMs Act to Have Law Suspended continued on page 2. IHM Newsletter - October 2012 page 2 ... priests,

IHM Newsletter - October 2012page 1 page 1 October 2012

On September 10, the IHM-ESL Program, directed by Sister Joan Marie Thomp-son, IHM, began its fifth year of minis-try and service to the immi-

grant people of Scranton. Most of the students come from Mexico, Central and South America, with a few from Afghanistan, Iran, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and also a few refugees from Bhutan and Nepal. The administrative and classroom spaces, plus utilities are provided by Reverend Michael Bryant, pastor of St. John Neumann Parish (formerly Nativity Parish). He sees to all the needs for the teaching environment. The classes are set up for small groups or one-on-one instruction and are taught by IHM sisters and parishio-ners of several local churches who volunteer their time for a class or two each week. This year, the volunteer teachers are: Sisters Alphonsa Concilio, Ann Marie Mc-Donnell, Donna Korba, Geraldine Dranginis, Mary Mar-tha Gardiner, Mary Newett, Mary Rassley, Miriam Jo-seph Rienhardt, Jacquelin Servick and Brian Price, Judy Kennedy, Mary Ann Garvey, Annette Gaughan, Bridget Moran, Rebecca Schmaeling, Shannon Lavelle, and Ally Lynn. Those who have volunteered as substitutes are: Sisters Jean Louise Bachetti, Susan Hadzima, Christine Koelhoffer, Kathryn Kurdziel, and Angela Miller. Sister Joan, thankful to all who help in the program, said, “We are so very grateful to Father Bryant, the many volunteers, and the IHM Development Office. It is no exaggeration to say that without them this program could not exist. Each day we pray for them, and we ask your readers to remember the ESL Program in their prayers.”

ESL Program Begins Fifth Year

Retired nuns Jeanne Gallagher, 86, left, and Pauline Kelly, 78, talk about voter identification for this year’s election.

Although the recent Pennsylvania Voter ID Law threatened to disenfranchise many elderly and poor throughout Pennsylvania, it was the first hand ex-perience of the IHM Sisters at Our Lady of Peace Residence that set the ball rolling for advocacy on the issue. For months, the administrators at OLP assisted sis-ters in attempting to collect the necessary paperwork for the newly required ID. For weeks, sisters joined the crowds at the Department of Motor Vehicles, waiting for hours to obtain the proper ID only to find in many cases that processing could not be completed. The IHM Justice and Peace Committee and the Sisters at OLP collaborated to act. At the request of the sisters, the IHM Justice and Peace Committee researched the situation on behalf of the sisters, the elderly, and the poor in the area. A letter was written by the committee and sent to Judge Robert Simpson, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Judge, the PA Supreme Court judges, and to the Scranton

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St. Mary’s Spiritual Center and Historic Site at Paca Street, Baltimore, cel-ebrated the restoration of the Historic Seminary Chapel with midday prayer on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8. The chapel was the Nation’s first Roman Catholic Seminary. Schola Cantorum of Theological College of The Catholic University of America provided the music. Retired Bishop William C. Newman, an alumnus of the seminary, presided at the prayer with Rev. Thomas Ulshafer, SS, as homilist. Following was a garden reception for invited guests. Suzanne Delaney, IHM, (pictured far right above) attended as a board member of the center along with many Sulpicians, corporate donors of which the IHMs were contributors, and architects of the remodeled chapel.

St. Mary’s Spiritual Center Restoration Celebrated

Times Tribune with a group photo of those sisters who would be unable to vote should the PA Voter ID law stand for the November election. A 95 year old sister graciously allowed her photo and story to be used as a voice for other elderly persons. After a lifetime of faithful citizenship, this election could be the first time that she would be denied the right to vote because of the photo ID requirement. A reporter from the the Scranton Times Tribune visited OLP and inter-viewed two sisters who shared their stories and experiences of the process. On October 2, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Judge Robert Simpson blocked the enactment of the PA Voter ID Law for the November election. The law will be revisited in December and could be implemented in the fu-ture, allowing a more realistic time frame for citizens, especially the elderly, the sick and the poor, to obtain the needed ID.

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Volunteers Needed for Leadership Education CommitteeWherever we live or minister, we are called to lead.The IHM Assembly this past July requested a call for volunteers to assist in planning for congregation-wide leadership education. Any sister who is interested in joining the planning committee is asked to contact Sister Terry O’Rourke by November 1, 2012. Feel free to call, e-mail or mail in your request to become part of the Leadership Education Planning Committee. Sister Terry O’Rourke IHM Center 2300 Adams Avenue Scranton, PA 18509 [email protected]

Our Lady of Peace Residence LoanOctober 1, 2012, was a glori-ous day. A few months ago we were notified by Allied Irish Bank that they wanted to get out of the loan business and were interested in negotiating with us. We are very happy to report that on October 1, 2012, we were able to pay off the loan in full. It was not due until May, 2016. By early payment of the loan we will realize an estimated savings on $657,703 in interest. Let us rejoice and give thanks! - Sister Ellen Carney, IHM

IHM Sisters and friends pause in prayer around the IHM Peace Pole to commemorate the International Day of Peace on September 21.

page 2 IHM Newsletter - October 2012page 2 page 3

The highlight of our long awaited Anniversary Celebration to mark the opening of our 60th year was the beautiful liturgy celebrated by Donald Cardinal Wuerl, the Archbishop of Washington. The concelebrants included Monsignor Peter Vaghi, our pastor, Monsignor William J. Kane, Pastor Emeritus and several priests who at one time or another were associ-ated with Little Flower Parish. We were pleased to also have with us Deacon Bert L’Homme, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools in Washington. The beautiful selections of music, the voices of our children’s choir, and the sounds of piano, organ, flute and hand bells contributed to a very joyful celebration of liturgy that expressed the spirit of all those in attendance. We were inspired and affirmed by the words of our Cardinal who acknowledged the great influence of the IHM sisters who taught him and his great love for our sisters. Our fami-lies were touched by the Sisters’ Renewal of Vows and the traditional singing of the Salve Regina. Our traditional Rose Procession and the intercessions prayerfully remembered all of the sisters, priests, teachers, students and parents who were ever a part of our school community. At the conclusion of the Mass we all went to the newly renovated Little Flower Hall to continue our celebra-tion. The cardinal blessed the hall and the plaque which will be placed in the main entrance of our school as a sign of gratitude to the IHM sisters for their years of service here at Little Flower School. It was wonderful to see parishioners, school parents, old friends, former teachers, IHM sisters, graduates of the fifties through the present all having a good time with one another sharing stories of the past and catching up on the present. The hall was beautifully decorated, the food was delicious, the music was great but most of all the atmosphere was friendly and filled with joy and gratitude. The people present made it a point to thank all of our sisters not only for their service here at Little Flower but also for their service to the Church. We give thanks to all of our IHM sisters who have served before us here at Little Flower. This celebration was truly the fruit of their labors here throughout these sixty years.

- Sisters of Little Flower Convent: Sisters St. Henry Haiss, Madonna Marie Lenikus, Jamesella Mawhinney, Ritamary Mayan, Rosemaron Rynn, and Rachel Marie Terry

IHMs Gather to Mark 60th Anniversary of Little Flower School


On Saturday, September 8, 2012, Jacqueline Adams, Marcia Eckerson, Barbara Kane, and Yvonne Kay were commissioned as IHM Associates in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Vestal, NY. Committing to the mission of Jesus and IHM Core Values, the four associates held up their covenants for blessing during the ceremony. Pictured back L-R: Sisters Therese O’Rourke, president of the IHM Congregation and Robert Mary Murphy, IHM, director of Catechumenate and Evangelization in Our Lady of Sor-rows Parish. Front L-R: Jacqueline Adams, Marcia Eckerson, Ann Kane (standing in for her mother, Barbara Kane) and Yvonne Kay.

After the Evening of Prayer held at the IHM Center on the second Wednesday of each month, associates and sisters gather to go deeper into the theme of the prayer. Pictured back L-R: Sister Linda Anne Greenberg, Ellen O’Brien, Judy Battle, Janice Richardson, Chuck Wallinger. Front L-R: Andrea Cortese, Alejandra Marroquin, and Mary Ann Siddons.

New IHM Associates Commissioned What the New Vocation Team is Doing by Kathy Kurdziel, IHM The team is setting up a sched-ule and some opportunities for members to participate in vocation promotion. We are working on some good tools for you to use at the local level and we have a grow-ing list of events that sisters might cover in their geographic areas. We have cartons of new brochures for you to distribute to those you know and to place in appropri-ate and creative places where you have access. Just call the Vocation Office 570-346-5414 and give us the number of beautiful brochures you need. We are listening for new ideas and new opportunities that you, the sisters, discover as you work in your ministries. We hope you will share those with the team so that there is a constant feed of informa-tion and strategies. As we continue to develop our IHM web page and facebook, we hope you will send us news and events that are happening where you are so they can be shared on line with a broader population. Visibility is key to our vocation endeavor. Our most important effort is the “Keys to the Future” workshop set for December 1, 2012. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all sit in the same room and together courageously commit ourselves to ways of inviting women to join us in our common IHM future as we continue to move forward in hope? Please register for Keys to the Future workshop at [email protected] or call 570-346-5404.

IHM Newsletter - October 2012page 5

St. Rosalia Academy to Celebrate Centennial St. Rosalia Academy (formerly St. Rosalia School), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will celebrate 100 years of excellence with two separate events in November. The first will be Sunday, November 18, with Mass at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Bishop David Zubik, bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of St. Rosalia Academy. Mass will be followed by a reception for alumni of both the elementary school as well as the former St. Rosalia High School. The second event will be Saturday, November 24, beginning at 7:00 p.m. with dinner at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association ($60.00 per person). All IHM sisters who are alumnae of St. Rosalia Elementary/High School or who have served as teachers are cordially invited to join in either or both of these special events. RSVP by October 28 to:

St. Rosalia Academy411 Greenfield AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15207or call 412-521-3005

or e-mail [email protected]

Newton Lake - New PolicyEffective September 1, 2012Bathroom tissue – will be providedDish detergent – bring your ownFacial tissues – bring your ownGarbage bags – will be providedGas for grill – will be providedPaper napkins, plates, and towels – bring your ownWood for fireplace – will be provided

On September 18, Sister Jan Marie Kalyan hosted a reception to thank all who had made possible the relocation of Photos by Jan to the basement library of the IHM Center. Among those present were those who had helped with the move of her equipment and furniture, pictured here: Back L-R: Flo Mociun, Ray Mociun, Father Vincent Dang, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Carverton, PA. Front: Marianne Baseski, Lance Baseski, and Sister Jan Marie Kalyan

Silver Circle Update Keep them coming! First drawing: October 17, 2012. Thanks to all our sellers who have sold, organized and submitted Silver Circle returns. We are on our way towards our goal of 7,000 subscriptions, as we reach out to more areas and more friends! Please remember to send back any tickets that you know you will not sell, as we have sisters requesting more in certain areas. The competition heats up and we are sure you want to meet and beat your own count from previous years. May God bless all we do. Sister Ann Monica Bubser, IHM

Healing Racism in a World of Diverse CulturesWebinar

Exploring Spatial Racism

Frieda Sampson

March 9, 2013


Bio DivinaFriday, October 19

IHM Center 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

RSVP 570-346-5404

[email protected] All are welcome!

2011-2012 Annals ReminderThe annals are the main source for a significant number of archival requests, e.g. questions about our sisters who have served or are serving in various locations and ministries, centenary celebrations, reunions, and historical events. We are asked to write annals for whatever residential and/or min-isterial environments in which we serve. Please forward the annals to the congregation archivist, Sister Anitra Nemotko, either by regular mail or e-mail [email protected] Thank you for your cooperation in preserving our IHM history.

As of October 1, 2012, Sister Bernadette Zaytoun will be re-sponsible for scheduling all of the vacation houses, i.e. Newton Lake, etc. You may reach Sister at 570-963-8475 or via email at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns. The same procedures as in previ-ous years will be followed.

Sister Kieran Williams was the recipient of the Master Catechist Award for the Diocese of Raleigh presented during the liturgy on September 16, Catechetical Sunday, by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh.Catechetical Sunday is a day the Church in the United States recognizes the role each person plays in passing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. The theme for this year is: Catechists and Teachers as Agents of the New Evangelization. “When we say New Evangelization, we are not referring to new teach-ings of the Church. We are speaking of the teachings of Jesus and His Gospel, which are imprinted on our hearts and handed down to us through the teachings of His Church, said Bishop Burbidge in his homily. “What becomes new is the way in which we bring these teachings to others.” Each year, Bishop Burbidge celebrates Catechetical Sunday at the home parish of the recipient of the Mary Dowling Master Catechist of the Year Award. This year’s recipient is Sister Kieran Williams, IHM, pastoral administrator of Holy Trinity Parish in Williamston. This diocesan award is presented annually by the Department for Catholic Formation and Evangelization to a Master Catechist who emu-lates the love of Jesus Christ and richly shares the Catholic Faith with both children and adults. “To receive this award takes me back to when I met Mary Dowling,” said Sister Kieran. “When she came to visit us, she was a truly pastoral presence to help us teach and pass on our faith.” Sister Kieran continued, “We have a full faith community that says yes to the mission and we say, “Yes, Lord, Here I am.’”

IHM Honored with Master Catechist Award

L-R Sisters Rachel Terry, Kieran Williams, Bishop Michael Burbidge and Sister Rosemary Goulet

Annals Reminder

Newton Lake and Vacation Houses


Revised Driving Policy for IHM Sisters As announced at the as-sembly in July, the leadership team and the Driving Assessment Committee have revised the IHM Driving Policy. The main change from the original policy is that at age 75 and every 3 years thereaf-ter, each sister driver with a valid driver’s license will be required to take a “Behind the Wheel” driving test with a qualified state licensed driving instructor and submit the Certificate of Completion to the Office of Temporal Resources. The policy will be effective as of January 1, 2013. All sisters 75 and over as of Janu-ary 1, 2013, should submit a Certificate of Completion from a “Behind the Wheel” driv-ing test to the Office of Temporal Resources by January 1, 2013. The revised Driving Policy can also be found on the web at www.sistersofihm.org Go to the Sisters’ login and IHM Documents and Forms. Questions may be directed to the Office of Temporal Resources at 570-346-5405.

Fall 2012 Mission Group Meeting Minutes Mission Groups will continue to meet as we prepare for the Mission Board Meeting on Saturday, November 3, 2012. At-tendance and input from the Mission Group meetings provide a level of participation in the government and the future direction of the congregation, and so it is of utmost importance that records of those meetings are kept, and available for future reference and research. The minutes are especially significant as we continu-ally consider ways in which we enter into a deeper reality of our Chapter 2010 questions, and the choices we make in living out our commitment to God and the people of God. Included in the topics for discussion at the Mission Board meeting in November are 1) feasibility of continuing the house of prayer 2) scheduled time for mission group meetings during the annual assembly 3) reflection on the Documents of Vatican II 4) vocations 5) e-delegates to Chapter. Please forward a copy of Mission Group minutes electronically or by regular email to both your councilor and the congregation archivist. Twenty-three Mission Groups submitted minutes to the congregation archives for the spring 2012 meetings. As always, thank you to everyone as we continue to stand together in our mis-sion and ministry as IHMs.

Sr. Rosemary Goulet: [email protected]. Christine Koellhoffer: [email protected]. Ellen Maroney: [email protected]. Anitra Nemotko: [email protected]

- Sister Anitra Nemotko


Marywood Seminary Students Hold Grand Reunion by Sister Maryla Farfour, IHM

The ties that bound “The Sem” students together throughout their Marywood days were evident again as the sentimental seminarians planned a gala grand reunion to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Marywood Semi-nary’s 1902 founding by the IHM Congregation. Yes, the February 1971 fire destroyed their building but not their school spirit! The Marywood Seminary Alumnae Association keeps this spirit alive through annual events such as the Mass and luncheon on the 2nd Sunday of each October. This year, the association set the weekend of June 22-24, 2012 to mark a momentous milestone in its history. The reunion event was a great success, complete with a liturgical celebration and banquet, class socials, tours of the campus and the IHM Center and a special visit to Our Lady of Peace Residence. The Collins siblings were eager to pay a visit to Sister Ann Seguljic, IHM (St Ignatius) who taught them math at the Seminary. They had a lovely visit sharing stories about high school and the impact that Sister Ann had on their lives. Lucille shared “I know Sister may not remember all that we recounted this morning, but it was important for us to come and be with her and simply say, ‘Thanks.’ ” So many graduates were able to celebrate with the IHM sisters who taught them and shared classes with them.

During the month of September a “Back to School” display was created by Sister Anitra Nemotko and featured at Our Lady of Peace Residence. The majority of IHM sisters who reside at Our Lady of Peace were actively engaged in the ministry of education at the elementary, high school and/or higher education levels. Integrated into the exhibit were archival images and artifacts of classroom, co-curricular and extra-curricular events with students and IHM sisters. Highlighted in the exhibit were St. Clare’s, Scranton, PA, St. Matthew’s, East Stroudsburg, PA, Our Lady of Mercy, Forest Hills, NY and St. Mary’s, Manhasset, NY. Artifacts presented were commencement, musical and other performance programs along with a staff liner used by music teachers at St. Patrick’s in Scranton, PA.

Sisters Eileen Miller and Janice Barry spent many years in ministry as

teachers.

Sisters Marionette Coll and Romaine Krug reminisce about their time in the

classroom.

IHM “Back to School” Historical Exhibit at Our Lady of Peace Residence

This biography of Father Gillet by Gilbert Ahr Enderle, CSsR,

is dedicated to the more than six thousand valiant women who have

lived vowed lives as Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary since

their founding in 1845. Moreover, this work is also lovingly

dedicated to the more than six hundred Oblate Sisters of Providence, Baltimore, Maryland, – for it was these women religious who first welcomed

the ministry of Father Gillet into their convent in 1843, and from their

number came two of the first IHM members who established a community in a log cabin on the banks of the River

Raisin in Monroe, Michigan.

Available at Heartworks Our Lady of Peace Residence


Spiritual Book Club-Falling Up-ward by Father Richard RohrTuesday, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (10 a.m.-11:15 a.m.)The beautiful book “Falling Up-ward” by Fr. Richard Rohr helps us to understand the mystery of how our failings can help deepen our spiritual life. One reader said; “This book changed my perspective on so many aspects of my life.”Sister Maria Regina Loures, IHMCost: Free will offering; books avail-able at the Center

Healing our Relationships--Heal-ing Our SelfMonday, October 22 (9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.)Explore ways to heal from past offenses and past transgressions. Al-low ourselves to be transformed by the healing power of God. Embrace honesty and humility as a way to authentic relationship. These notions will be explored through the lens of scripture and the 12 step principles.Karen MusicaroCost: $35 (includes lunch) The Mature Person’s Relationship with GodMonday, October 29 (9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)The mature person is faced with many first-time challenges even though he or she may possess a vast amount of life experience. Who is that person in the mirror? How do you now connect with self, others and God? We will explore the new issues and concerns that may be present as we enter the third segment of life and how these challenges

Our Lady of Grace Spiritual Center

Manhasset, New York 11030 516-627-9255

[email protected]

IHM EventsAwakening the Dreamer

IHM Center Saturday, October 20

Mission Board Meeting Saturday, November 3

Keys to the Future Vocations Workshop Saturday, December 1 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Theresa Maxis Conf. Center

Chapter 2013March 2-3, 2013

First Meeting of Delegates

Mission Board Meeting Friday, April 26, 2013

Chapter MeetingApril 27-28, 2013

Assembly and Chapter MeetingJuly 25-27, 2013

Jubilee July 28, 2013

Mission Board Meeting November 15, 2013

Chapter Meeting

November 16-17, 2013

Chapter 2014 Discernment DayFebruary 1, 2014

Chapter of Affairs/Elections

March 6-9, 2014

Chapter of Affairs/ElectionsApril 3-6, 2014

may impact our spiritual growth and relationship with our God.Sister Rosemary Goulet, IHMCost: $50 Celebrating Sisters...and Girl-friendsSaturday, January 19, 2013 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)There is a special relationship be-tween those we call “sister” either by birth or life’s circumstances.Enjoy this time to just be together, sharing memories and creating new ones. Bring some photos or other memorabilia to share. You will love this day!Sister Carolanne Masone, OPCost: $50 Praying With Body Mind and Spirit-Yoga RetreatFriday, November 2 (6 p.m.) - Sun-day, November 4 (11 a.m.)Reverend Thomas Ryan, CSPCost: $250

IHM Directory Update

www.sistersofihm.org Online directory

Lillian Marie Farrell Our Lady of Peace Residence 2300 Adams Avenue Scranton, PA 18509 570-330-0224

Martin de Porres McHale Our Lady of Peace Residence 2300 Adams Avenue Scranton, PA 18509 570-330-8546

Katherine O’Neil 8954 Standing Stone Road Huntingdon, PA 16652 814-386-4318

IHM Newsletter - October 2012 page 10

(as of October 5, 2012)(as of October 5, 2012)Final Profession - 415Final Profession - 415

Temporary Profession - 4Temporary Profession - 4

IHM Congregation Vitae

Destiny of the Republicby Candice Millard

Reviewed by Sister Mary Joan Kelleher

This is truly a remarkable book. Telling as it does, the short life of James A. Garfield. Garfield was an extraordinary man. In 1880, the Republican Convention made him their nominee against his will.

Born into poverty, but a brilliant scholar, he became a general of the Union Army, won the crucial Battle of Chickamauga, and was elected to Congress. As president, he fought against the machine politics; the power-ful N.Y. Senator, Roscoe Conkling; and, his own Vice-President, Chester Arthur, who had a change of heart after the assassination.

Garfield’s presidency, however, was short-lived. Four months after becoming president he was shot by Charles Guiteau. He lingered after the shooting, and what arose was a behind-the-scene struggle for power. The consequences of the struggle for power over the nation’s future, his medical case, and the unsanitary measures by his team of physicians, are all detailed in the book.

Alexander Graham Bell worked diligently to create a device ca-pable of finding the bullet in his body. He was unsuccessful but continued his research and was successful later. The shock of the assassination attempt united the country.

Garfield’s wife, Lucretia, entered into mourning. She made her life, after Garfield’s death, a life of protection for her children, and one devoted to the memory of her husband.

The historic site of the Garfield Home in Ohio has preserved his official papers and personal letters. When the rich collection of Garfield’s papers and artifacts became available to the public, the nation began to real-ize that James A. Garfield was an extraordinary man.

To quote literary journalist, David Grann: “In this brilliant and riveting work, Candice Millard demonstrates the power of narrative non-fiction. Through exhaustive research and flawless retelling, she has brought to life one of the most harrowing and fascinating sagas in American his-tory…”

This book is hard to put down!

Every Sister Needs a Photo!Make an appointment at ANY

JCPenney Portrait StudioGo to: www.jcpportraits.com

Print out coupon for $3.99 for one sheet of photoshttp://www.jcpportraits.com/coupons/coupons.html

(without coupon - $9.99). Viewmont Mall: 348-5077

New Membership Number: 748892

This book by Sister Pam Smith, SSCM (Danville, Pa), is a collec-tion of 20 poems spoken in the voice of a character named Rosa Celestina Morales, a seventeen-year-old year old Puerto Rican girl living in South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in the early 1970s. Rosa’s hopes and dreams, frustra-tions and torments are expressed in a mix of street talk, self-mumbling, and phrases from familiar prayers in Spanish. The content is drawn from the author’s own experiences during the year she lived in Rosa’s neighborhood as well as from sto-ries she heard and people she met around the neighborhood. Order online at www.trafford.com

New Book by Sister Pamela Smith, SSCM


Purchase graphics for publications, program covers, bulletin boards, framable art at the IHM Heartworks online store. Visit http://store.ihmheartworks.org/merchant2/

Mission Group Meeting Minutes Mission Groups are asked to forward a copy of Mission Group minutes electronically or by regular mail to both the group’s councilor and the congregation archivist.

Sister Rosemary Goulet: [email protected] Chris Koellhoffer: [email protected] Ellen Maroney: [email protected] Anitra Nemotko: [email protected]

Ministry Photos NeededMinistry photos are needed by the Communications Of-by the Communications Of-by the Communications Office for publications and the

web site. Send photos to:

Fran Fasolka, IHMCommunications

IHM Center2300 Adams AvenueScranton, PA 18509

Lessons from Life Order Form: http://www.sistersofihm.org/what-we-do/news-events/detail.html?inode=c8c4e2c8-2070-4331-865a-4edc03aa9db2

MB Issues and Concerns: www.sistersofihm.org - Go to Sisters’ Login - Go to Mission Board Minutes and DocumentsRevised Driving Policy: http://www.sistersofihm.org/sisters-login-page/ihm-documents.html

New oN the IhM web

Join the IHM Sisters Join the IHM Sisters for

PrayerPrayerfor

Prayerfor

Second Wednesday of Second Wednesday of Each Month

6:30 p.m.

November 14December 12

January 9February 13March 13April 10May 8

IHM Center ChapelIHM Center Chapel2300 Adams Avenue2300 Adams Avenue

Scranton, PA

God ’s covenant has been fulfilled

Sister M. Sarita Gesler, IHMOctober 1, 2012in the 70th year

of her religious profession

We Need Vocations!

Sign up for the Keys to the Future Workshop

December 1IHM Center

[email protected] 570-346-5404

IHM Newsletter - October 2012 page 12

IHM Business OIHM Business OIHM Business Officefficeffice

Sisters, if you change your e-mail address, please contact the IHM

Communications Office: 570-346-5404 or

[email protected]

Mandatory Health Insurance Notices Important information regarding the IHM Congregation’s sponsored health insurance benefits for the plan year 2012-2013 is available on the congregation’s website at www.sistersofihm.org. Please select Sisters’ Login and then Business Matters/Health and Medical/Mandatory Notices.

The following information is being provided as required by law. Please note that no action is required by you at this time.

Certificate of Creditable Coverage for Medicare D purposes. This •information does not apply to and may be disregarded by Aetna plan members that are currently not eligible for Medicare.HIPPA. Notice of Privacy Practices.•Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act. This notice outlines •provisions for breast cancer treatment and reconstructive surgery in connection with a mastectomy.

Flu Vaccine The IHM Congregation’s sponsored Aetna plan covers the Flu Vaccine for sisters under 65. Sisters can visit their Primary Care Physician or one of the Aetna contracted providers for the flu vaccine. To locate a contracted provider, please visit www.aetna.com and click on “Find a Doctor” and then search for “Flu Shot Providers” which can be found in a drop down box under the subtitle “Other.” The list of Aetna contracted providers is also available on the congregation’s website at www.sistersofihm.org. Please select Sisters Login and then Business Matters/Health and Medical/Flu Vaccine/2012 Aetna Contracted Providers. For sisters on Medicare, Medicare covers the flu vaccine when the doctor or provider accepts assignment from Medicare. Sisters should ask if their provider will be able to file a Medicare claim for the flu vaccine. For sisters on their employer’s plan, most likely the flu vaccine is a covered benefit. Please contact your primary care physician or the customer service telephone number on your insurance ID card to verify coverage of the flu vaccine.

Address Change Guidelines If a sister has recently moved and she is unsure about what insurance addresses she needs to update, she can refer to the Address Change Guidelines which can be found on the congregation’s website at www.sistersofihm.org. Please select Sisters’ Login and then Business Matters/Health and Medical/Address Changes.

IHM Leadership TeamThis is a listing of events and meetings attended by one or more members of the leadership team during the month of September:

Directors’ meetingPA Voter ID registrationEvening of Prayer, IHM CenterOSP IHM Board of Directors’ meetingsPlanning session, IHM Friends: Carbondale Leadership meetingsOur Lady of Grace Board meetingConvening of Bishops, Major Superiors, and Priests’ Council of NY StateJustice and Peace Committee meetingReception, Photos by JanPeace Site prayer, IHM Center60th Anniversary celebration, Little Flower School and IHM PresenceArts Ministry meetingChartwells meetingManagement meetingSSC IHM Covenant meetingCommissioning of Associates, Vestal, NYFriends of the Poor Fundraising EventElection Committee meetingNativity-San Miguel Planning SessionASEC Board meetingMother Seton Academy Member Board meetingMother Seton Academy Academy Board of Directors meetingChapter Election Committee meetingSSC IHM Covenant meetingCollaborative Ministry meetingLourdesmont Board of Directors meetingCatechetical Award, Diocese of RaleighMission group meetingsOSP/IHM Racism Committee meetingSt. Joseph Center Foundation meetingCommunity Life Committee meetingSt. Joseph Center Community Support meeting


GratitudeGratitudeGratitudeGratitude

To all sisters and our friends, my sister Judy and I say a heartfelt thank you for your prayerful support through our brother Zeke’s emergency surgery on August 20 through his death on Sep-tember 9, his burial on September 13 and beyond. We greatly appreciate the Masses, the phone calls, spiritual en-rollments and cards. I am grateful, too, that so many acknowledged how hard it was for me not to be able to travel home these past three months when three of our family members died—a brother, brother-in-law and cousin. Please continue prayerful remembranc-es for strength and peace for Judy and me. -Sister Maryla Farfour

I am most grateful for the support of prayers, Masses and good wishes ex-pressed by the sisters during the recent sorrow at the death of my sister, Mary Ellen Madigan. She loved the sisters and knew many of you. It is at such difficult times as this that the support of community is such a source of strength. I’m most grateful for all that support and strength it gives to all our family.- Sister Fidelis Flannery

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for all the kind, loving attention you gave to my sister and our Sister Kathleen during her final days at OLP. I also was the recipient of so much support and care from all of our sisters. Thanks to each one who is hav-ing Masses and prayers said for Sister Kathleen. Your words of condolence and sympathy to me and the fam-ily have been heart-warming. From heaven Kathleen will thank each one of you in her own inimitable way. Gratefully, Sister Mary Newett

OSP IHM Board Meets in Scranton The members of the OSP IHM Board met at the IHM Center September 14 and 15. For two new members of the Monroe congrega-tion, this was their first visit to Scranton IHM. In addition to talking about collaborative efforts of the four congregations on racial healing and Haiti, the group discussed preliminary plans for the 170th IHM anniversary of founding and the 186th anniversary of founding of the Oblate Sisters of Providence. This celebration will be held in Scranton July 12-15, 2015. Board members were given tours of the IHM Center, Our Lady of Peace Residence and Marywood University on Saturday before their departure. Back L-R Sisters Fran Fasolka (S), Donna Ariente (I), Mary Jane Herb (M), Ellen Maroney (S), Sharon Holland (M), Julie Vieira (M). Front L-R Sisters Mary Clarice Proctor, OSP, Therese O’Rourke (S), Mary Alexis Fisher, OSP, and John Evelyn DiTrolio. Not pictured Sister Lorraine McGrew (I).

Enjoy the Beautiful Fall Foilage

with a Hermitage Retreat

Cost per night:IHM Sisters $15Other Sisters $25Clergy/Others $30

To reserve [email protected]

570-346-5404