Network Magazine

Network Sisters of

Notre Dame

Winter 2013

One Heart, One Hope, One Mission

Also inside:

It’s a Wonderful Life An Enduring Ministry of Caring For and Helping Others

SND Mission Advancement Team Shines

Chicken BBQ Recap

Cuvilly House:Outreach TO and WiTh Young Adults

2 Cuvilly House: Outreach To and

With Young Adults

6 It’s A Wonderful Life: An Enduring Ministry of Caring For and Helping Others

10 Sisters of Notre Dame 2012 Chicken BBQ Raises More Than $167,000

11 Regina Alumnae Association

12 SND Mission Advancement Team Shines

14 Notre Dame Global Missions 2012 Highlights: Missionaries on the Move!

15 Support SND Ministries Through IRA Contributions

16 Ways to Give: Make a Gift Online Today

17 Metro Catholic School Celebrates 25th Anniversary

17 In Memoriam

Send correspondence to:NetworkSisters of Notre Dame13000 Auburn RoadChardon, OH 44024www.sndchardon.org440.286.7101

Table of Contents

Cover: Sr. Kathleen Mary Hine, SND, Young Adult, Vocation and Hospitality Minister, chats with Nicole Varnerin at Cuvilly House.

What a year it has been! We enjoyed many blessing in 2012: a successful 50th annual BBQ & Boutique, the tenth anniversary of completing our Health Care Center expansion, and the ongoing work of our Sisters serving in a variety of ministries both locally and internationally. As you will read in this issue, we continue to share our experience of God’s goodness with people of all ages, both at home and abroad.

What a pleasure it was for our Sisters to host the annual BBQ for our friends, families and the community this past September. It is amazing that after 50 years, it still holds such a special place in all of our hearts. We welcomed those who have come for many years, and those new to the event who couldn’t believe that more than 8,000 people attended! We thank all of our friends and volunteers who made the 50th Anniversary Barbecue and Boutique such an outstanding event!

Ten years ago, thanks to generous support from many friends of the sisters, we added a new wing to our Health Care Center. We projected increasing numbers of sisters living into their golden years,

A Letter from the ProvinciAL SuPerior

and we planned for their care. What we did not foresee was just how enriching the golden years could be, for the sisters and for those they would continue to serve. Those who thought they were thanking sisters for their lives of service found they were making possible a new phase of life and service. We hope you enjoy the profiles of retirement ministry found in these pages.

In keeping with our educational tradition, the Sisters of Notre Dame have a strong desire to minister to and with young people. Our young adult ministry at Cuvilly House is our newest outreach to young people, and already includes a team of young adults assuming leadership and reaching out to others. With gratitude we acknowledge generous friends who make it possible for us to start new initiatives like Cuvilly House.

Our experience of God’s goodness finds different expression at different stages of life and health, but the experience itself is ever new. May you be blessed with a new experience of God’s goodness in this New Year.

Sr. Margaret M. GormanProvincial SuperiorSisters of Notre Dame

Sisters of Notre Dame | Network Winter 2013 1

In the 1960s, Cuvilly House, located on Marcella Road, behind St. Casimir Parish (Lithuanian), served as a convent for the Sisters of St. Casimir who staffed the school at that time. The parish rented individual rooms in the convent to various groups and individuals until the Sisters of Notre Dame leased the entire building in June of 2010. Approximately 30 sisters helped transform the home into a welcoming space for young adults and painters added a fresh coat of paint throughout. Six weeks later, Labor Day weekend, Cuvilly House opened its doors to two sisters of Notre Dame and two young adult women.

“My first experience at Cuvilly House was attending a retreat there that first Labor Day weekend. I was involved in J-Walkers (Justice Walkers) as a student at Case, and the sisters facilitated the retreat,” explains Nicole, who earned a B.S. degree in electrical engineering at C.W.R.U. “Since that retreat, I have come on my own to game nights, movie nights and other events hosted by the Sisters of Notre Dame. My family lives in Connecticut, so whenever I was homesick or needed comfort or just to get off campus, I came here.”

Nicole is excited to be a part of the community at Cuvilly House, joining residents Sr. Kathleen Mary Hine, SND, Young Adult, Vocation and Hospitality Minister and Sr. Cecilia Liberatore, who is part of the Collaborative Initiative to End Human Trafficking, the Renee Jones Empowerment Center and the Collinwood Neighborhood Catholic Ministries. “I want to make a difference in the world and I have committed my life to service. I made a decision to spend this semester working hands-on with Sr. Cecilia in her Collinwood Ministries. I am excited to start something brand new and help build this ministry,” beams 22-year old Nicole.

Cuvilly House:Outreach To and

With Young Adults

For Nicole Varnerin, a recent graduate of Case

Western Reserve University (C.W.R.U.), Cuvilly

House has turned into a home away from home.

And the Sisters of Notre Dame who live there

have become her second family.

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Ú

2 www.sndchardon.org

Cuvilly House was opened in response to the growing spiritual hunger and need for community that characterizes many young adult Catholics. Its name represents the birth place of St. Julie Billiart, the Sisters of Notre Dame’s Spiritual Mother. St. Julie as a young adult in her early 20’s, was paralyzed and bedridden as a result of trauma she experienced after gun shots were fired into her father’s shop. That did not stop her from attracting people to her who wanted to learn more about their faith. Just as St. Julie Billiart provided comfort and support to those who wanted to deepen their belief in God, so does the Cuvilly House. It serves as a welcoming space for Catholic young adults,

ages 18 -35. Sr. Kate Hine offers retreats, discernment helps, spiritual mentoring, service opportunities, faith-based living in a community experience, as well as friendship and fun. Those young adults who desire to deepen their relationship with God, learn more about their faith, get involved in service and social justice education will find a safe-haven for prayer and companionship. All are welcome to become involved at Cuvilly House.

Located within walking distance of Lake Erie on Cleveland’s east side, both single and married adults are drawn to Cuvilly House to deepen their relationship with God and enter into a community with other young Catholics. Opportunities include:

• Times of prayer and reflection

• Retreats

• Spiritual mentoring

• Professional support

• Discernment resources and guidance

• Justice education and outreach to the poor

• Living space for young adult women in the context of a faith community

• Social events such as cookouts and movie nights

• Pilgrimage experiences

Sr. Kate Hine and Nicole Varnerin enjoy a chat together at Cuvilly House.

“Cuvilly House is like a home away from home. A place where I have always felt welcome to stop

by for retreats, prayer & conversation or a meal. Sister Kate and the other Sisters welcome friends

and guests with the warmest smiles and open hearts.”

Mary T. Belz

Ú Ú

continued on page 4


Among the most engaging programs offered at Cuvilly House, Sr. Kate notes that spiritual direction offers young adults regular opportunities to reflect on their lives and on how God is leading them. The Charis retreat program invites young adults to be formed as retreat leaders for their peers. Last winter 33 young adults participated in a retreat co-facilitated by young adults and the Sisters of Notre Dame. Many of those retreatants are now helping to prepare a Charis retreat for March 2013. For the first time last summer Sister Kate and a team of SND’s offered a

workshop/retreat experience that focused on apostolic religious life today. As a result of the experience, three women continue to reflect on the possibility that God may be calling them to apostolic religious life. And finally, Cuvilly House has become the base for young adults who want to offer service while living in community, especially through the popular Stretch Your Heart summer service program.

Sr. Cecilia uses Cuvilly House as a home base while serving in the Collinwood Neighborhood Catholic Ministries (CNCM). CNCM is a

response to the unmet needs of families and individuals in the Collinwood area in collaboration with various churches, social service agencies, neighborhood groups and others. CNCM is committed to listening to local people and developing programs that nurture them by promoting their spiritual, mental and physical well-being. This ministry was sparked by the traveling exhibit, Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America. The exhibit shared the story of women religious whose innovation and creativity helped change the shape of the nation’s social and cultural landscape. Sr. Cecilia reaches out to this neighborhood as part of a group of sisters from five different congregations as well as a growing number of concerned lay persons.

Sr. Kate says, “By attracting individuals to live and serve, Cuvilly House enables us to have relationships as friends and neighbors, not just servants. Cuvilly House helps us connect young Catholic adults with each other, their faith, and the Sisters of Notre Dame. We recognized that after students left the Newman ministries

“After I graduated from college, I didn’t know if there would still be young adult faith communities

for me to be a part of. Luckily, that was just when Cuvilly House was starting up and the warm

invitations from Sister Kate for game nights, discussions about nursing with Sisters visiting from

India, and Lenten retreats have been a welcome blessing in this new “adult” world!”

Janet Sauline

Ú Ú

Cuvilly Housecontinued from page 3

Young adults participate in a justice retreat where participants recognize the interconnectedness of people.


on college campuses, they often became lost within their parishes. It is an underserved population in our Catholic Church.”

Research indicates that young adults positively claim their Catholic identity, continue to believe in the core tenets of Catholic faith, value community, and pray. However, their sense of Catholic identity is often diffused, their knowledge of Catholic tradition limited, and very few have experienced the Church as a place to belong. “From the young adults’ perspective, God, community and service need to connect. These young adults desire a sense of belonging in the church, I enjoy young adults very much – their

energy and enthusiasm for life; their desire for a deeper relationship with God; their willingness to serve; their consciousness of justice issues. And they are fun,” laughs Sr. Kate.

Sr. Kate Hine and the Sisters of Notre Dame have provided a safe place for young adults to reconnect to their Catholic faith. Cuvilly House provides an atmosphere for spirituality, helps build relationships, promotes discernment, provides social justice and service opportunities, catechesis, parish involvement, and worship. Sr. Kate says “We have a great way to invite young people to share in our ministries and use Cuvilly House as their base to pray, to reflect on their experience, and to share where God is in this service. We have seen the fruits of our labor and will continue to bring awareness to our young adults.”

Nicole says “I am excited that at Cuvilly House I can find like-minded people, of the same age and faith, who want to serve. The Sisters of Notre Dame have significantly impacted my life already,” Nicole

“Cuvilly House is God’s answer to a lifetime of prayers. It is the building/community where I can

go to escape from the real world, be educated about the real world and learn how to serve the real

world all in one. When I haven’t visited Cuvilly in a while, I feel like something is missing.”

Michelle Blevins

Ú Ú

“The past year has been

challenging for me, and the

sisters at Cuvilly House continue

to provide their support and

assistance in any way they can.

The generosity of the sisters there

amazes me, constantly reminding

me of how God is at work in them

and in their ministry. Cuvilly House

is a place where I feel welcomed,

accepted, and most of all, loved.”

Sarah Zarcone

Ú Ú

insists. “The Sisters have shown me community. They live it every day.”

For more information about the Sisters of Notre Dame’s young adult ministry and Cuvilly House, contact Sr. Kate Hine at 216.486.5555.

A group of young adults prepare to leave for a pilgrimage to Gethsemane Abbey in Kentucky, the home of Thomas Merton.


It’s a Wonderful Life An Enduring

Ministry of Caring for and Helping Others

Sr. St. Martha plays the organ during Mass at the Sisters of Notre Dame Provincial Center chapel.


One decade ago, the Sisters of Notre Dame expanded their Health Care Center at the Chardon provincial center. Since that time, the Center has been a place of physical healing and spiritual nourishment for dozens of sisters.

Though the Center is located in Ohio, its healing reach stretches far beyond the rolling hills of Chardon. It’s services are available to all Sisters of Notre Dame, not just those who reside at the provincial center. The Center is open to any sister who may need post- surgical care or rehabilitation.

“We’re here for the sisters,” says Kelly Schlereth, Health Care Center Administrator. “We are working in their home to provide them care, just as we would our parents or grandparents. I’ve been in long-term care for 22 years and I’ve always cared about what I’ve done, but this is not a job for me – it’s a ministry. Our director of nursing, Caralyn Treharne, feels the same way. By Sunday afternoon, we’re ready to come back to work.”

“I love living here in the Health Care Center because I see the beautiful care that is taken for all the sisters who are here,” says Sr. Rita Mary Perl, who resides on the assisted living floor of the Center. “I see the dedication of all those who really care for the sisters in the Center. They are beautiful people.”

Continuing a Lifelong MinistryThe healing reach of the Health Care Center is also extended through the sisters’ ministries. Most of the sisters who reside in the Health Care Center

are retired. To anyone who knows the Sisters of Notre Dame, however, the term “retired” does not carry a typical definition. Resident Sister Elizabeth Mary Biebelhausen once joked that SNDs don’t retire – they get recycled.

Most sisters who are able remain committed to lifelong ministries. Age and/or ailment have not deterred them from continuing to devote their lives to God and others. Many sisters residing in the Health Care Center visit and pray with each other daily. Some minister to the homebound and bring Holy Communion to hospitals and nursing facilities; others work in office and school settings. For example, Srs. Alicemarie Resley and Josetta Marie Livignano work in the Advancement/Global Missions Office. Sr. Josetta Marie also teaches PSR and ministers to the homebound. Sr. Margaret Hess is a financial and legal consultant while Sr. Deborah Carlin tutors at Notre Dame Elementary School. The list of sisters who give of themselves in their “retirement” years is a long one, as is the list of grateful recipients of the sisters’ good works.

The retired Sisters of Notre Dame minister in so many different capacities – we wish we had the space to list them all. Here’s a glimpse into some of the incredible ministries that are thriving at the Health Care Center.

Angels at WorkThroughout history, animals have helped humans. The notion of pet therapy began in the 1860s, although

most studies on its effectiveness were conducted in the 1980s. While the medical community is still waiting for scientific data that shows pet therapy can have long-term or behavioral change benefits, even Florence Nightingale recognized that animals provided a level of social support in the institutional care of the mentally ill some 150 years ago.

In fact, recent articles have been written about how dogs can smell cancer on their owner long before a formal diagnosis is made; help calm children who have an epileptic seizure; and bring people out of comas. According to Dr. Edward Creagan, of the Mayo Clinic Medical School, “If pet ownership was a medication, it would be patented tomorrow.”

Today, animal assisted therapy (AAT) is used to help patients in hospital and nursing homes; patients have the opportunity to give and receive affection, which proves to be therapeutic. Sisters at the Health Care Center also enjoy the benefits of AAT therapy thanks to two dedicated sisters and one cheerful canine.

Angel is a beautiful, two-year-old golden retriever owned by Health Care Center Administrator Kelly Schlereth, who brings Angel to her workplace twice a week.

Sister Rita Mary Perl and Sister Laurette Kramer gladly share in the responsibility of handling Angel and bringing her from room to room. Sr. Laurette is the handler on Tuesdays and Sr. Rita – who also tutors in the Notre Dame Skills Lab – covers Thursdays. Specially trained as a therapy dog, Angel visits any patient who’d like to see her.

It’s a Wonderful Life

“We’re not really retired… it’s another step in our lives.”

continued on page 8


“When the sisters see me with the dog, they don’t say ‘Hello Sr. Rita!’ anymore,” says Sr. Rita Mary, who moved to the Health Care Center in 2011. “They say, ‘Hello, Angel!’ The patients love the therapy dog. They really want her to come in to see them. They’ll say, ‘Is Angel here today?’ That’s what I’m here for, that’s what I love.”

Sr. Laurette, who accompanied Angel on her extensive AAT training program, has always been a dog lover. After living in India for 35 years, she moved to the Health Care Center in 2008 where she now enjoys her retirement and new ministry,

“I love dogs,” says Sr. Laurette. “I always had one, so I’m happy to take care of Angel. She is an easy-to-handle dog and she’s very friendly.”

“Some of the sisters really like dogs,” she adds. “They can pet Angel and talk to her. The length of each visit depends on the sister. I’d say that 85 percent of the sisters here want to see the dog.”

Sr. Laurette notes that, since she lived away in India for so many years, working in the therapy dog ministry is a great way for her to become reacquainted with all of the sisters. Sr. Rita Mary enjoys the many

benefits of being involved in such an uplifting, hands-on ministry as well. “I feel so blessed because I knew many of these sisters who I’m living with now when they were younger, and I am seeing how they have grown older gracefully,” says Sr. Rita Mary. “I think that’s what I would like people to say about me: ‘She has grown old gracefully.’”

Reaching out through prayer Retired sisters love their increased time for prayer, and each sister has a specific ministry in the Chardon province for which she prays with special intention. In addition the prayer line ministry was created for retired sisters as a means to help the community and to allow retired sisters to remain involved and active. A dedicated telephone line (440-279-1163) records prayer requests 24/7; sisters staff the prayer line and speak with callers during the day. (Prayer

requests can also be made through the Sisters of Notre Dame

website, www.sndchardon.org). The prayer line ministry is truly touching lives.

Sister Mary Helen Chasar, a Health Care Center resident, is an active member of the ministry. After her official retirement

in 2003, Sr. Mary Helen worked at Notre Dame Elementary School; in 2007, she began

her work with the prayer line

ministry.

It’s a Wonderful Lifecontinued from page 7

L-R Sr. Rita Mary Perl and Sr. Laurette Kramer bring Angel, the therapy dog, to visit patients at the Sisters of Notre Dame Health Care Center.


“I work on the prayer line and I’m very happy to do it,” says Sr. Mary Helen. “I call it a privilege that I can do it. It helps me keep in touch with all that’s going on in the world.”

Sr. Mary Helen’s joyful spirit is a perfect fit for the ministry which means so much to her. Over the years, she has spoken to countless individuals, offering them hope and prayer, often during their most desperate hours. Besides speaking with those in need, she makes a holy hour every day before the Blessed Sacrament; each day at 3:00 p.m., she prays the rosary.

“It’s a wonderful ministry that we opened to the public,” she says. “The prayer line ministry is humbling – I can help people who are in trouble. There are so many people who call and are crying over the phone because of the difficulties that they have. We let them know that we’re praying and we ask them to put it in the hands of the Lord. I encourage them to have courage.”

“I’m 92 and I love life!” adds Sister Mary Helen. “I thank God for every year. I am overwhelmed by His goodness and His provident care.”

Make a joyful noiseAnother sister who enjoys her current ministry is Sister St. Martha Conrad. After teaching for nearly 65 years – 30 years at various Ohio high schools and nearly 34 years at Notre Dame College – Sr. St. Martha worked in the Advancement Office. Now a resident of the Health Care Center, she gives back to her community by sharing her many creative gifts. When not sewing or cross-stitching countless creations for the SND boutique , Sr. St. Martha can be found in the chapel where she plays the organ for Friday Mass. Held at 10:30 a.m., this special Mass is coordinated by the Health Care Center Pastoral Care department and includes participation by residents.

Before moving to Chardon in 2004, Sr. St. Martha was an organist at several parishes, including St. Peter, Cleveland. Whether teaching choir or playing the organ, Sr. St. Martha has been involved with music for her entire life. Always mindful of the congregation, she strives to choose music that draws everyone into the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

“I have been playing this Friday Mass for the past several years,” she says. “The sisters like what I play because I have some numbers that we learned as young sisters. Also, I try to pick music that lets the congregation know what’s going on so they can be active participants in the Mass. I like to make them feel at home.”

To her fellow sisters, Sr. St. Martha stresses the importance of having a hobby or activity so that when they are not teaching anymore, for example, they have something to fall back on.

“I used to say that ‘When I retire, I have so many things I want to do.’ Now, I need more hours in the day!” says Sr. St. Martha. “Pretty soon I’ll be retiring from my retirement!”

“We’re not really retired,” adds Sr. Rita Mary Perl. “It’s another step in our lives.”

“i’m 92 and i love life! i thank God for every year. i am overwhelmed by his goodness and his provident care.”Sr. Mary Helen Chasar

Sr. Mary Francois with nurse Kathy Hoar


The 2012 Sisters of Notre Dame Chicken BBQ was a tremendous success with more than $167,000 being raised after expenses – an increase of $43,700 from 2011.

Over the past 10 years, the Sisters have more than doubled their profits from the Chicken BBQ. In 2003, $80,000 was transferred to the Education Fund. In 2012, the Sisters were able to increase the Education Fund by $167,737.

“Everyone’s dedicated efforts over the years to keep alive the spirit of the chicken BBQ and to constantly seek ways to improve what we are doing and reach new donors must be commended,” says Sr. Antonee. “We would like to express our immense gratitude to all the sisters, volunteers, committee members and the development office staff for such a cooperative effort.”

Gross receipts for dinners were up about $11,500 due to the great crowds with more than 1,088 dinners served in 2012. Boutique sales were also up by $1,000 in all areas – crafts, country kitchen, candy, and ceramics. Perhaps this increase was due to the new

Sisters of Notre Dame

2012 Chicken BBQ Raises More Than $167,000

location in the NDCL dining hall which allowed an excellent presentation of the items. While proceeds from the 50/50 raffle remained constant, the Dollar Draw raffle netted $7,430, up $3,025 from last year.

“The patron book income was up $47,464 from the prior year due to the increase in ad cost and the diligent solicitation by the development office to secure new, large sponsors as well as encouraging other sponsors to increase their gift amount,” adds Sr. Antonee. The total net profit of the patron book was $111,542.

“We also have to keep in mind that the intangible ‘friend-raiser’ portion of this event was also a great success,” reminds Sr. Antonee. “Many old friends, family, students and guests came back for the first time in many years. Hopefully, they will make the Chicken BBQ a renewed tradition in their families.”

May God continue to bless all our efforts with this annual fundraiser. See you next BBQ!

Longtime volunteer Audrey Dvorak and Sr. Marilyn Sabatino happily sell 50/50 raffle tickets.

L-R Sr. Jennifer Kramer, Sr. Dion Horrigan and a patron.

With close to 9,000 dinners sold, the line of cheerful people did not seem to end.


Ladies Night OutThe Regina Alumnae Association’s next Ladies Night Outwill be on April 12 at Night Town, located at 12387 Cedar Rd., Cleveland 44106. The cost will be $20 which covers food and gratuity. There will be a cash bar. Reservations must be made by April 4th. Hope to see all of you.

If you have any questions or comments about any of the activities, please contact Sr. Kay O’Malley at [email protected] or 216.373.6493.

Donations/ScholarshipThe Regina Scholarship application is available on the Regina Website.

reginahigh.com Applications must be in by April 5. This scholarship is open to any female relative of a Regina High School who will attending a Catholic High School next year.

The Regina Alumnae Association would like the thank all those who have sent donations for the Regina Scholarship Fund. “In truth, many of the activities sponsored have been “Friend Raisers” not “Fund Raisers,” says Sr. Kay O’Malley. “Therefore, help with continuing the scholarship would be greatly appreciated.”

Proceeds from the Legacy Book go to the Scholarship fund. Why not buy a book and enjoy the many memories of Regina and help a student? Books cost $20 plus $5 for shipping.

RetreatThe Second Annual

Regina Alumnae Retreat

will take place on February 22 to the 24 at the Bethany Retreat Center in Chardon, Ohio. The cost is $50, which includes food and supplies, plus a “good will” offering for the use of the facilities. Space is limited. The deadline is February 15th.

Please make out checks to the Regina Alumnae Association and send to Sr. Kay O’Malley at 9918 Johnnycake Ridge Rd., Mentor, Ohio.

Legacy Books are now on sale for $20 plus $5 shipping.

Spirit Wear is also available for purchase on our website: reginahigh.com


Sixty years ago the Sisters of Notre Dame established the Mission Office

to help support the newly founded SND mission in India. Forty years later

under the leadership of Sr. Mary Marthe Reinhard, the sisters opened

an Advancement Office to help support their ministries in the United

States. The similarity of goals and activities between the two offices made

collaboration natural, and today the one Mission Advancement Office

combines the experience and professional expertise of both.


Front Row L-R: Sr. Josephmarie Bunosky,

Sr. Alicemarie Resley, Pat Costello, Sr. Lisa Novak,

Sr. Caron Kehner

Top Row L-R: Carrie Higginbotham,

Marilou Strathern, Sr. Josetta Livignano, Sr. Marie Manning,

Dena Adler, Sue Barna


New to the team this year is Dena Adler, Director of Advancement, who joins Carrie Higginbotham, Director of Strategic Initiatives. Together they are responsible for all aspects of fundraising for the Sisters in a caring supportive way, bringing a wealth of experience and talent. The long-time friends and west-side residents are job sharing in their new roles, enabling both women to be at home more with their children.

Adler and Higginbotham have known each other for 20 years. They met while working together at Case Western Reserve University. Higginbotham and Adler agree, “Our job share is a terrific opportunity for both of us as it allows us to make an impact with high-level development work, while providing us the flexibility for our roles as moms.”

Higginbotham says, “It is a pleasure to work with the Sisters; their ministries are extensive, impressive, and provide needed services to thousands of adults and children, both locally and

internationally. Northeast Ohio residents benefit tremendously from the breadth and depth of educational and social service programs the Sisters of Notre Dame created, staff, and/or support.”

The Mission Advancement Office combines the efforts of both Sisters and lay staff to get the work done.

Sr. Josetta Marie Livignano has been a Sister of Notre Dame for 30 years. As the Stewardship Coordinator, Sr. Josetta has been a part of the Global Missions team for 17 years. She maintains personal contact with donors through phone calls, emails, cards and letters, and finds the mutual relationships enriching.

Sr. Caron Kehner has been with the Sisters of Notre Dame for 65 years. As the Records Manager Sr. Caron works with the database to ensure all gift entry is done in an accurate and timely manner.

Sr. Alicemarie Resley has been a part of Advancement Global Missions for 15 years and an SND for almost 65

years. Sr. Alicemarie has taken on the role of Special Projects, which includes the preparation of all mail including birthday and Christmas cards. She is also very involved in the annual Chicken Barbecue.

Sue Barna has been the Database Office Manager for Notre Dame Global Missions for nearly 8 years. As the only full-time staff member, Sue works with all mailings and correspondence, all gift entry and daily gift logs, and all reporting of donations.

Pat Costello has been the Executive Assistant for over 5 years. She keeps the office on task by answering the phones and assisting with data entry and gift acknowledgements; Pat also coordinates special projects.

Sr. Lisa Novak has been a SND for 53 years. Her work as Mission Effectiveness Coordinator provides additional background to help us inform donors and friends about the mission of the sisters.

continued on page 14


AFRICAJune 2, 2012, was a milestone: four Sisters were the first to celebrate Final vows as African Sisters of Notre Dame. Soon afterwards, the Tanzania Sisters moved to two new houses. One is among the Maasai tribals in Simanjiro. There, a nursery has been established by our Indian Sisters and a young African Sister nurse has begun some health programs and outreach. A second new mission is in a different diocese, the Diocese of Singida. Several young African Sisters of Notre Dame are doing pastoral outreach, and they plan to begin a nursery. This is also the place where construction has begun on the Aloysia Home for orphans and girls living in difficult situations.

2012 was a special year for our Indian Sisters who are involved in health ministries. At home, in India, our Sister doctors and nurses launched an educational initiative entitled, “Let the Girl Child Live.” This campaign is designed to educate the country about the skewed sex ratio in India and its ensuing dire consequences. Traveling abroad, two Indian Sister Doctors and 6 Sister Nurses participated in the International SND Health Care Conference in Covington, Kentucky, which took place in May, 2012. The participants reflected together on the healing ministry of Jesus, which informs issues such as palliative care, elder care, alternative medicine, hospital care, women’s and children’s global health issues. Following the conference, the Indian Sisters spent time in the Chardon, Ohio, Province – renewing their friendship with some of the American missionaries who had spent many years in India and experiencing Chardon Province’s Health Care Center for ill and retired Sisters.

NICARAGUAThe buzzword this past year has been “Biblioburro” – a mobile library that travels to the mountain missions on burroback! In an effort to promote literacy and provide a worthwhile pastime for children who live far from schools and towns, our three American Sisters in Jinotega, Nicaragua have patterned their new ministry on that of a Colombian schoolteacher who successfully launched the Bibliburro in his country. American elementary and high schools , as well as parish religious education programs, have jumped on the Biblioburro and run with it! After visiting the mission in Jinotega, Nicaragua, Notre Dame Cathedral Latin High School students raised $8,000.00 for books, bookshelves, and biblioburro rental. Following NDCL’s example, other schools are now participating in the Biblioburro project and having lots of fun with it!

For more information, go to sndchardon.org and click on “ND Global Missions”.

Sr. Josephmarie Bunosky has been a SND for 45 years and is the Constituent Relations Coordinator, which includes hospitality, daily gift designations, Chicken BBQ and special projects.

Marilou Strathern has been the Volunteer Coordinator for 5 years. Her efforts include managing all volunteers for the annual Chicken BBQ with over 200 volunteers every year.

Sr. Marie Manning has been a SND for 48 years and Global Missions Coordinator since 2011. She provides timely, personalized information about

SND missions in India, Africa and Nicaragua and facilitates support for the expanding ministries in all three locations.

The benefits of the Advancement and Global Missions offices working together are many. The cost-effective collaboration enhances the opportunities for growth, and provides all SND donors with a greater awareness of the breadth and depth of the Sister’s ministries both here and abroad. Adler concludes, “This is a great group of women who continue to enhance our community in so many ways. Whether your interest is in the ministry programs of the Sisters locally, or their international missions, it is important to inform our friends about how they can share in the mission of the Sisters, to share God’s provident care with all people. We are all enriched by this example and want to spread the good news.”

continued from page 13

Notre Dame Global Missions 2012 HIGHLIGHTS: MISSIONARIES ON THE MOVE!



The IRA Charitable Rollover is back for one more year! This special opportunity was extended through the end of 2013 and can be appealing to individuals 70 1/2 years of age or older who have to take their required IRA disbursement, but don’t necessarily need or want the income in this calendar year. The IRA Charitable Rollover provides an easy way to make a charitable gift directly from your IRA. It excludes those funds from your gross income for the year by allowing a tax free rollover, and the gift counts towards your required minimum distribution.

In order to qualify, you must be 70 1/2 years of age or older before the end 2013 and transfer the funds directly from your IRA to the Sisters of Notre Dame. The IRA gift(s) must not exceed $100,000 in a calendar year, and the funds must be used as an outright gift, not given to create a planned gift for the donor.

If you would like more information, or a form to complete your IRA transfer to benefit the Sisters of Notre Dame before the end of 2013, please contact Carrie Higginbotham, Director of Strategic Initiatives, at 440-279-1177 or [email protected].

Support SND Ministries Through IRA contRIbutIons


Ways to Give

Make a Gift Online Today

To make your gift via credit card please visit our website at www.sndchardon.org and click on Support Us in the lower left hand corner. This will lead you to ways in which you can partner with the Sisters of Notre Dame along with the online donation site. Consider a recurring monthly gift as an easy way to give.

Send your gift through the mailPlease make checks payable to Sisters of Notre Dame. For special designations such as Global Missions, the Sisters Retirement, Education or Healthcare please make note in your letter or check. Gifts can also be made in memory or honor of a loved one.

Double or even triple your gift!Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match your charitable contributions. Please check with your company to see if they are a matching gift company. If they are send in your gift with the form provided by the company and we will take care of the rest.

Gifts of StockFor instructions to make a gift through the sale of stock, please call Dena Adler, Director of Advancement at 440-279-1176. Making a year-end gift can provide benefits to your taxable income while supporting an institution close to your heart.

Planned GivingMaking a gift today in your Will or Estate Plans can secure the future for the Sisters of Notre Dame and their many ministries. If you would like to make a gift in perpetuity please call Carrie Higginbotham, Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Mission Advancement Office, at 440-279-1177.

There are many ways to in which you can make a difference in the lives and programs of the Sisters of Notre Dame. If you need more information or would like to visit the SND campus, please call the Mission Advancement office at 440-279-1176.

sndchardon.org


Twenty-five years ago, the creative thinking and planning of three Sisters of Notre Dame resulted in the opening of a new school in Cleveland. Metro Catholic School celebrates its success in educating thousands of children through these years in a safe and creative setting. They recognize the tremendous collaboration that continues to exist among neighboring schools, businesses and institutions. This same energy and commitment continues today at Metro Catholic School, located at 3555 West 54th Street.

In October, the 4th Annual Patience & George Humphrey Society Event recognized Metro Catholic’s 25th anniversary along with the Lawyers Guild of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland which presented a Special Recognition Award to Metro Catholic School.

Metro Catholic School can turn your child’s dream into reality. For more information on Metro Catholic School please call Sr. Anne Maline SND, at 216-281-4044 X226.

Ways to Give

Make a Gift Online Today

Metro Catholic School

celebrates 25 th anniversary

Sister Mary Floranne Yatsko

was welcomed by our good God into her eternal home at 8:20 p.m. January 24. We rejoice with Sister as she celebrates new life

and perfect peace.

in memoriamPlease remember in your prayers the following Sister of Notre Dame who has recently passed away.

Winter 2013 17

HeLp diSCOuRAge wASte:

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