enews SEMIMONTHLY COMMUNICATION FROM SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP October 16, 2014 HIGHLIGHTS In memoriam Sister Kristen Lancaster dies in Savannah, Georgia, and Sister Ina Rose Stautzenbach dies in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sister helps others take spiritual journey further Sister Ginger Andrews ministers at Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Jubilarians celebrate Two sisters in Baltimore, Maryland, mark a total of 130 years with Mercy. CALENDAR October 17-18 North Carolina Local Area Community meeting, Belmont, North Carolina October 20-25 Institute Leadership Conference meeting, Belmont October 30-November 3 New Membership Team meeting, Belmont Sisters of Mercy – South Central Community 101 Mercy Drive Belmont, NC 28012-2898 704.829.5260 www.mercysc.org Click on the icons below to follow the Sisters of Mercy on Facebook and Twitter. Take time to embrace the present moment It will be Thanksgiving and Christmas before we know it. How do we slow it down? We have heard ourselves and others say this, and we know it’s really not time that needs to slow down, but we ourselves. So we offer the following suggestions: • Greet the dawn with thanksgiving for another day of living. • Take three deep, slow breaths and allow yourself to realize what is in your heart. • Whatever the season, fall or rainy, notice. Notice the blue sky of fall; the soft and gentle—or torrential and heavy—rain of the rainy season; the leaves turning colors; the shorter days, bringing us more darkness and inviting us into the quiet. • Receive each setting of the sun with thanksgiving, naming the many ways grace has appeared, the opportunities missed, and intentions for tomorrow. Be aware of the present moment (a lifelong journey), for this is where God is. In the presence of God, we slow down and slowly come to realize that there is only this moment, full of Thanksgiving, full of Christmas, full of death and resurrection, full of eternity. There are 42 days until Thanksgiving and 70 days until Christmas. Between now and then, there are thousands of moments holding eternity. May we not miss any of them. In memoriam Sister Kristen Lancaster died peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2014, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. Sister Kristen was 88 years old and was a Sister of Mercy for 66 years. She received a diploma in nursing from Mercy Sister Kristen Lancaster Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and went on to obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, as well as a master’s degree in hospital administration. Sister Kristen profoundly influenced many student nurses as director of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Atlanta, Georgia. Her final years in healthcare ministry were at St. Joseph’s in Savannah, where she served as a vice president for quality assurance and risk management, as nursing home administrator and, finally, as an assistant to the hospital’s president. An extended obituary is included with today’s attachments. Sister Ina Rose Stautzenbach died peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, at McAuley Convent in Cincinnati, Ohio, after a long illness. A Sister of Mercy for 69 years, Sister Ina Rose was 90 years old. A nurse for much of her ministry, she was the former director of nursing services at Mercy Hospital Hamilton and Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, Ohio. Sister Ina Rose Stautzenbach 2 | October 16, 2014 In addition, she served as surgery supervisor at Mercy Urbana, Ohio, as well as in patient relations at Mercy Medical Center and in general services at St. John Medical Center—both of which are in Springfield. Sister Ina Rose earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Our Lady of Cincinnati College and a master’s degree in nursing from Catholic University of America. She also received a master’s degree in religious studies from the University of Dayton (Ohio). Justice update Balancing charity, justice Christmas decorations already appearing in stores remind us that our churches soon will sponsor Angel Trees and dinners for economically poor families. These charitable efforts address immediate needs but don’t answer the call for justice and long-term solutions that address root causes of poverty. One long-term response is advocacy through organizations such as Mercy Investment Services (MIS). Shareholder resolutions and proxy voting allow MIS to influence corporate policies and actions. Also, the Mercy Partnership Fund of MIS makes low-interest loans to non-profits, helping people move out of poverty. The September MIS newsletter is attached. Individuals can support long-term solutions by purchasing Fair Trade items as Christmas gifts. For more information, click on the blue words below: Catholic Relief Services Equal Exchange Respect Life Month: focusing on death penalty Recent exonerations of death-row inmates and a botched execution show the injustice of the death penalty. October is Respect Life Month, with special programs and resources offered by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. To learn more, click on the blue words below: Respect Life To read more of her story, please click on the blue words below: Sister Ginger Andrews Watch for additional stories about sisters in ministry in upcoming issues of enews. For more information about the death penalty, please click on the blue words below: Catholics Mobilizing Against the Death Penalty Jubilarians celebrate 130 years An order form for Christmas cards produced by a death-row inmate is attached. Alpha Boys School in Jamaica is one ministry that benefits from proceeds of the sales. Listening helps get in the spirit “I listen a lot, and my life is touched deeply by listening to others,” says Sister Ginger Andrews, a member of the Spirituality Team at Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis, Missouri. “Through the ministry of spiritual direction Sister Ginger Andrews and retreat facilitation, I companion sisters from different communities and also women and men from various backgrounds who want to go deeper in their journey with God,” she says. Previously, Sister Ginger taught elementary school in Kenner, Louisiana; and taught biology, chemistry and religion at Mercy High School in St. Louis and at Mount St. Mary High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She also served in campus ministry at Washington University in St. Louis, as well as 14 years in vocation, incorporation and Institute novitiate ministry. Sister Maura McCartan, left, and Sister Cordelia Eckert celebrated Jubilees on October 4, 2014, at The Villa in Baltimore, Maryland, with a special liturgy and dinner for sisters, family members and friends. Sister Maura marked 70 years as a Sister of Mercy; Sister Cordelia, 60 years. Laredo celebrations continue Laredo’s Sisters of Mercy continue to celebrate their 120-anniversary in Laredo, Texas, with events culminating in a dinner where they will receive the Mercy McAuley Award on November 6, 2014. Celebrations began in February with sisters and coworkers from Mercy Ministries of Laredo leading a 5K run. The sisters also have celebrated with two Masses, including one on Mercy Day. An exhibit focusing on accomplishments by Sisters of Mercy was held, along with a poster and October 16, 2014 | 3 essay contest for local children. The final event will be a health fair on November 15. Schmuck, who ministers there, was among those attending the celebration. Five sisters minister today in Laredo–Sister Maria Luisa Vera, Sister Olivia Obregon, Sister Rosemary Welsh, Sister Beth Yoest, RSM (NyPPaw), and Sister Kathleen Tinnel. It is the Archdiocese of Louisville’s largest agency, with 100 employees and 300 volunteers who provide more than a dozen programs aiding elderly people, refugees, children, unemployed workers, economically poor people, prisoners, victims of human trafficking and those who need affordable housing. To read more about the celebrations, please click on the blue word below: Laredo Sharing a Mercy Day moment To read more in The Record, a publication of the Archdiocese of Louisville, please click on the blue words below: Catholic Charities ‘Follow your heart,’ sister advises Sister Mary Rose Elizabeth Power says she advises women discerning their vocation to “Follow your heart. You can’t lose when you extend mercy, which is love and compassion.” Sister Rose Elizabeth ministers in pastoral care at Mercy Health Center and serves as community life coordinator at Mercy Health Center Convent in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. To read an interview with her in a “Meet Our Sisters” feature in the Sooner Catholic newsletter, please click on the blue words below: Sister Agnes Procopio visits with Ginny Bursa, a nurse in the Outpatient Nursing Department at Mercy Tiffin Hospital in Tiffin, Ohio. On Mercy Day (September 24, 2014), the hospital presented the Catherine McAuley Lifetime Achievement Award to all Sisters of Mercy who have served there in its 101-year history. Sister Agnes accepted the award on their behalf. Sister Rose Elizabeth Blog addresses racial tensions Mercy in the news Sister Donella Hartman and Dawn Stringfield reflect on the recent racial tension and violence in Ferguson, Missouri, in a blog posted on the Institute website: Catholic Charities marks 75 years Catholic Charities of Louisville, Kentucky, celebrated its 75th anniversary last month with a special Mass and reception. Sister Mary “As a Sister of Mercy and a co-minister of a Mercy ministry, we are called to continue to take the steps to learn about the issues surrounding racism in St. Louis, to empower individuals 4 | October 16, 2014 who do not feel they have a voice; to encourage people to vote for the systemic changes needed; and to take part in dialogues and events to better understand the experiences of others.” Sister Donella is administrator of Mercy Center Campus in St. Louis, and Dawn is executive director of Mercy Conference and Retreat Center. To read their complete blog posting, please click on the blue words below: Ferguson blog Senior center marks 17 years The highlight was the anniversary luncheon, which celebrated both Mercy Endeavors’ years of service and culmination of a year-long program focused on seniors’ building strong relationships, exercising regularly and eating healthfully. Visitation sisters welcomed Sisters of Mercy welcomed five Sisters of the Visitation of St. Louis, who moved into Catherine’s Residence in St. Louis, Missouri, in September. They joined four Visitation sisters already living there, as part of a long-range plan for their community in St. Louis. About 10 years ago, sisters from the congregation stayed at Mercy Center in St. Louis for several months during construction at their monastery, about three miles away, so they already were familiar with the Sisters of Mercy and the campus. “The sisters and staff at Catherine’s Residence have been very welcoming and gracious,” said Sister Veronica Haronik, the Visitation sisters’ superior. Sister Monica Ellerbusch, left, and Sister Jane Briseno with the proclamation from the New Orleans City Council honoring Mercy Endeavors’ 17 years of service to seniors. Mercy Day has additional significance for Mercy Endeavors, a non-profit senior center in New Orleans, Louisiana. On September 24, 2014, the center, run by Sister Jane Briseno, marked its 17th anniversary. A week-long celebration for the center and its members included a memorial service for those who recently had died; a play, The Master’s Visit, written by one of the seniors, Eunice Nero; the annual Mercy Day streetcar ride; a celebratory luncheon; and a steamboat ride. Center welcomes new archivist Emily Reed has joined Mercy Heritage Center in Belmont, North Carolina, in the new position of digital archivist. She’ll be helping to establish a digital preservation program for the center. Emily grew up in Bluffton, Indiana, and Emily Reed received a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in Muncie, October 16, 2014 | 5 Indiana. She earned a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. She has worked and volunteered at the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library in Indianapolis, Indiana; The MediaPreserve, an audiovisual preservation laboratory in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; and the archives of the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. She’s a winner assist with projects of the ministry office. This person will serve as direct ministry liaison contact for sponsored and co-sponsored education ministries, including participating in interviews for new heads of ministries, facilitating certain requests from the ministries to the Community Leadership Team (CLT) for action, and assisting with other needs of the ministries as identified by the ministries and/or the CLT. A complete job description, including qualifications and information on how to apply, is included in today’s attachments. Today’s attachments • Directory changes for October 16, 2014 •E xtended obituary for Sister Kristen Lancaster • Mercy Prayer Calendar for November 2014 • Investing in Mercy newsletter • Order form for Christmas cards designed by death-row inmates • Ministry opportunity: assistant ministry director Please share your stories and photos with us Sister Ellen Greely shows off the tote bag she won as the door prize in an auction at Catherine’s Residence in St. Louis, Missouri. The retirement convent holds the auction annually with sisters bidding with play money on items such as slippers, blankets and stamps. “Let me tell you, some of the bidding is quite spirited!” says Ruthie Jackson, activities director. Ministry opportunity We look forward to receiving your stories and photos for enews. Because of its format and short preparation time, our word limit is about 150 words per story. We encourage you to send action photos–not posed ones–which help us all get to know one another better and draw attention to your content. Assistant ministry director Sisters of Mercy – South Central Community St. Louis, Missouri Please send them to Beth Thompson, writer/ communications strategist, at bthompson@mercysc.org by Friday, October 31, at noon Eastern Daylight Time for the next issue of enews, which comes out Thursday, November 6, 2014. The assistant ministry director will support and strengthen Mercy education ministries and will Don’t forget to include the “Five Ws”—who, what, where, when and why. Thanks. 6 | October 16, 2014 Directory Changes – October 16, 2014 First Name Julie Last Name Laramie Correction New listing Section Retirement Convents Page(s)* 17 New Information Catherine’s Residence 2039 N. Geyer Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131-3332 314-909-4400 314-909-4484 (fax) Julie Laramie Administrator/ Director of Nursing jlaramie@mercysc.org Sr. Mary Frances Sr. Mary Paulinus Lueke Oakes New residence New residence Sisters Sisters 90 105 McAuley Convent 1768 Cedar Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45224 513-681-2100 513-354-5051 (fax) mlueke@mercysc.org Catherine’s Residence 2039 N. Geyer Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131-3332 314-909-4400 314-909-4483 (fax) poakes@mercysc.org Prayer and Works of Mercy Same as Residence Sr. Olivia Maria Obregon New mailing address Sisters 105 P.O. Box 2159 Laredo, TX 78044-2159 Sr. Kathleen Tinnel New mailing address Sisters 133 P.O. Box 2159 Laredo, TX 78044-2159 Daniel C. Joyce Carolyn Collins Donnellon Frye New address New listing New listing Associates Associates Associates 156 902 Crestwick RD Towson, MD 21286-3319 160 DONNELLON, JOYCE 8294 Wetherfield Lane Cincinnati, OH 45236-2206 513-984-4338 513-965-1790 (mobile) joycedonnellon@gmail.com 165 FRYE, CAROLYN 8412 Echo Drive Pasadena, MD 21122 410-659-2907 410-227-4698 (mobile) cfrye@mdmercy.com Dr. Lisa Gallicchio New listing Associates 165 GALLICCHIO, LISA 1156 Oak View Drive Crownsville, MD 21032 410-951-7956 410-916-9780 (mobile) lgallic@mdmercy.com Donald Hawkins Remove listing Associates 169 RIP 12/30/2013 171 HODGE, JOANNE 14540 Amstel Court Chesterfeild, MO 63017 636-519-1762 314-941-4660 (mobile) jackandjoanne@hotmail.com Joanne Hodge New listing Associates Edward Hubbell New listing Associates 172 HUBBELL, EDWARD 5614 Hillridge Court St. Louis, MO 63128 314-416-1797 314-795-1797 (mobile) edward.hubbell@mercy.net Alice Jones New address Associates 174 3113 Shenandoah Valley Drive Little Rock, AR 72212-3145 Rebecca Lancaster New listing Associates 177 LANCASTER, REBECCA 2101 Middelton Drive North Little Rock, AR 72116-6334 501-920-0685 (mobile) beckyl@uca.edu Marie Livingston Remove listing Associates 178 RIP August 2014 179 LOVETT, REV. WINDY 8708 East 53rd Terrace Kansas City, MO 64129-2212 619-993-0030 wglovett@hotmail.com Rev. Windy Lovett New listing Associates Don Meiner New Listing Associates 183 MEINER, DON 2219 Bevington Lane Hamilton, OH 45013-9350 513-505-9350 (mobile) meinerdh@gmail.com Kristin Nielsen Remove listing Associates 187 RIP June 2014 Karen Jessica Lisa Orsary Payne Reichard New Listing New listing New listing Associates Associates Associates 188 ORSARY, KAREN 1949 Fullerton Drive Cincinnati, OH 45240-1025 513-851-8910 513-940-8448 (mobile) kkorsary@gmail.com 190 PAYNE, JESSICA 1456 Battery Ave Baltimore, MD 21230 410-951-7937 (work) 717-434-8765 (mobile) jessicaLP10@gmail.com 194 REICHARD, LISA 126 South High Street Baltimore, MD 21202 570-854-1295 lcook3@mdmercy.com Cara Romanik New listing Associates 196 ROMANIK, CARA 1456 Battery Ave Baltimore, MD 21230 410-332-9671 (work) 570-647-8867 (mobile) cromanik710@gmail.com Sherry Scorby New address Associates 199 2524B Dora Road Van Buren, AR 72956-6945 Clara Smith New listing Associates 201 SMITH, CLARA 3915 Sierra Forest Drive Little Rock, AR 72212-2416 501-519-3335 (h) 501-202-2464 (w) 501-519-3335 (mobile) Delina (Dee) Deborah Debbie Molly Doylene Jessica Stinnette Torres Vernon Weldon Wichlenski Biser New listing New listing New listing New listing New listing New listing Associates Associates Associates Associates Associates Volunteers 203 STINNETTE, DELINA (DEE) 7449 Quiet Time Place West Chester, OH 45069-1330 513-470-9351 (mobile) dedeann@fuse.net 206 TORRES, DEBORAH P.O. Box 782 O’Fallon, MO 62269 808-358-8478 pono4all@sammzz.com 207 VERNON, DEBBIE 2720 Niagara Falls Festus, MO 63028 630-933-5175 314-570-0052 (mobile) 208 209 213 WELDON, MOLLY 17237 Hilltop Ridge Drive Eureka, MO 63025 636-938-4962 314-450-0886 (mobile) moljim@charter.net WICHLENSKI, DOYLENE 736 Kraffel Lane Town & Country, MO 63017-8057 314-469-1125 314-686-1438 (mobile) addimprints@sbcglobal.net 6 Kent Court Savannah, GA 31405 612-719-5388 (mobile) jessicabiser@aol.com Birthday: April 10 Cristina Carrillo New listing Volunteers 213 5310 Harford Road Baltimore, MD 21214 479-285-9855 (mobile) ccarill@email.uark.edu Birthday: March 14 Chyna Glover New listing Volunteers 213 6 Kent Court Savannah, GA 31405 908-817-8967 (mobile) chyna03@hotmail.com Birthday: June 3 Emily Hindenburg New listing Volunteers 213 5310 Harford Road Baltimore, MD 21214 559-240-4590 (mobile) emilyh@mail.fresnostate.edu Birthday: July 21 Sara Meyer New listing Volunteers 213 6 Kent Court Savannah, GA 31405 608-769-5257 (mobile) smeyer04825@gmail.com Birthday: August 19 Lauren Stokes New listing Volunteers 213 6 Kent Court Savannah, GA 31405 317-605-7338 (mobile) lauren.stokes91@gmail.com Birthday: July 30 Anneka Vanderveen New listing Volunteers 213 5310 Harford Road Baltimore, MD 21214 518-728-3442 (mobile) anneka.vanderveen@gmail.com Birthday: February 19 ** Remove all former Mercy Volunteers and add new ones Will we all meet in heaven? Oh what joy even to think of it. Catherine McAuley Sister Kristen Lancaster Religious Sister of Mercy March 13, 1926 – October 10, 2014 3+# S ister Kristen Lancaster received her diploma in nursing from Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1948 at Mount Washington, Maryland, escorted by a naval cadet who drove her there in a red convertible. He thought he could change her mind up until the time she entered. Sister Kristen went on to obtain both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, as well as a master’s degree in hospital administration from St. Louis (Missouri) University. “It was always my desire to work in healthcare, and that is where I have spent my working life, right up through today,” she said in 2004. Sister Kristen made a profound difference in the lives of many student nurses when she was director of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Atlanta, Georgia. She also ministered in Mobile, Alabama, and at Stella Maris Hospice in Baltimore. Her most recent nursing professional years were at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia. She worked as a vice president for quality assurance and risk management, as nursing home administrator and, finally, as administration representative for the hospital’s president. Jack Weathers, an RN at St. Joseph’s, said: “When I think of Sister Kristen’s long life, dedication and commitment to the service of others through Christ, I think of her compassion and her walking through our hallways in her traditional habit and attire. She served as a constant reminder of our faith-based origins and traditions.” One of the staff members at the hospital said he didn’t recognize Sister Kristen in the hospital bed because she wasn’t wearing her veil. Another said that the “click-clack” of her heels going down the hallways of the hospital would be missed. She was truly loved by so many in both her Sisters of Mercy family and her St. Joseph’s family. Her ring motto was simply “Love.” Funeral Mass: O ctober 14, 2014, St. Frances Cabrini Church in Savannah, Georgia Interment: October 14, 2014, 2014, Catholic Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia November 2014 Mercy Prayer Calendar Sun Mon Tue Sun Thu Fri 1 Feast of All The saints were “passable like ourselves;” theirs * Any Mass from the Masses for the Dead may be chosen on Nov 2, the Feast of All Souls Sat Saints Rev 7:2-4,9-14 I John 3:1-3 Mt 5:1-12a was not a far-away life, but a life very like our own... MP 834 Prop 796 EP II 839 Proper 796 2 All Souls Day Wisdom 3:1- 9 Romans 8:14-23 Mt 11:25-30 * MP and EP 858 Proper 797 9 Dedication of Lateran Basilica Ez 47:1-2,8-9, 12 1 Cor3:9c—11, 16 -17/Jn 2:13-22 3 Martin de Porres Borromeo Philippians 2:1-4 Luke 14:12-14 Prv 31:10-13,1920,30-31 I Thes 5:1-6 Mt 25:14-20 MP 541 EP II 544 23 Christ the King Ez 34:11-12,15-17 I Cor 15:20-26,28 Mt 25:31-46 MP 525 EP II 531 30 Advent I Is 63: 16b17,19b;64: 2-7 I Cor 1:3-9 Mk 13:33-37 MP 541 Prop 24 EP II 544 Proper 25 Phil 2:5-11 Luke 14:15-25 MP and EP 824 Proper 797 10 Leo the Great Titus 1:1-9 Luke 17:1-6 MP 694 EP II 697 16 33rdSunday 4 Charles MP 701 EP 705 17 Elizabeth of Hungary Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5 Luke 18:35-43 6 7 8 Phil 2:12-18 Luke 14:25-33 Phil 3:3-8a Luke 15:1-10 Phil 3:19-4:1 Luke 16:1-8 Phil 4:10-19 Luke 16:9-15 MP 660 EP 663 11 Death of MP 666 EP 669 12 Catherine McAuley Titus 2:1-8,11-14 Luke 17:7-10 18 Titus 3:1-7 Luke 17: 11-19 MP 557 EP 560 24 Andrew Dung Lac 25 Catherine of and Companions Alexandria Rv 14: 1-3, 4b-5 Luke 21:1-4 Daniel 2:31-45 Luke 21:5-11 MP 608 EP 611 13 Frances X Phlmn 7:20 Luke 17:20-25 Our Lady of Divine Providence Rv 4:1-11 Luke 19:11-28 MP & EP 808 or 814 Prop 799 26 Rv 15: 1-4 Luke 21:12-19 MP 615 EP 619 MP 687 EP I 691 MP 679 EP 682 14 15 2 John 4-9 Luke 17:26-37 3 Jn 5-8 Luke 18:1-8 MP 732 EP 735 MP & EP 820 Proper 798 MP 617 EP 720 19 Rv 3:1-6, 14-22 Luke 19:1-10 Josaphat MP 673 EP 676 Cabrini MP and EP 844 or 850 Intercessions 856 MP & EP 820 Proper 799 MP 600 EP 604 5 Albert the Great MP 740 EP I 538 20 21 Presentation of 22 Cecilia Rv 5:1-10 Luke 19: 41-44 Mary Rv 11:4-12 Luke 20:27-40 MP 571 EP 573 Rv 10:8-11 Luke 19:45-48 MP & EP 808 or 814 Proper 800 MP 820 Prop 801 EP I 519 27 Thanksgiving 28 29 Day Rv 18: 1-2, 2123;19:1-3,9a Luke 21:20-28 Rv 20:1-,11:21:2 Luke 21:29-33 Rv 22:1-7 Luke 21:34-36 MP 623 EP 626 MP 630 EP 634 MP 638 EP I 538 Proper 22 ...in the end, after trying and failing over and over again, they “overcame and persevered to the end,” not dejected, not despairing, but standing with an even mind, resigned to the will of God, and to bear for the glory of God whatever might befall them… - Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ November 2014 Feastdays and Birthdays Sisters’ Feastdays 1 4 5 9 11 13 15 16 17 19 21 22 23 25 26 28 29 30 Burt, Mary Louise Cameron, Mary Charles Dandison, Teresa Susana Foppe, Charlotte Marie Mertens, Mary Carol Stephan, Mary Charlene Bauman, Mary Elisa Corcoran, Elizabeth Anne Shea, Mary Elizabeth Paulino, Mary McAuley Daulizio, M. Cabrini Koelsch, Cabrini Taitano, Mary Cabrini Bienvenu, Mary Roland Paulus, M. Albertine Hayes, Jan Quitugua, Mary Gertrude Rouleau, Marie Marguerite Dowling, Elizabeth Mary Robertson, Elizabeth Steigerwald, Mary Lisa Thum, Dorothy Mary Uncangco, Elizabeth Ann Cannon, Elizabeth Ann Schwalm, M. Elise Lowe Ching, Theresa Brink, Mary Carolyn Camacho, Mary Cecilia McNally, Jeanne-Margaret Sakaley, Cecile Kuhlmann, Joanne Agnes Lancaster, M. Kristen McNally, Mary Karen Moreno, Maria Priscilla Wasserman, Margaret O’Brien, Mary Anne Keller, M. Zoe Schmelz, Mary Judith Calhoun, Mary Dorothy Pepitone, Patricia Ann Ray, Mary Andrew Associates’ Birthdays 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 26 McDaniel, Gloria Fortin, Judith Tomlinson, Patricia F. Humphrey, Johanna Chandler Stephens, Sue Turner, Julia D. Isaacs, Angela Collins, Daniel C. Desherow, Dorothy Pittman, Donna Tomasello, Kathy Vera, Irma Hogan, Edward Nelson, Monica Gross, Janice Lang, Ann Brown, Jenny Conner, Alice Kuras, Jerry Rodriguez, Martina Falleur, Amy Griffith, Betty Harris, Ann Moore, Margaret Ann Jacurak, Edna Coke, Frances Ives, William R. Francisco, Eugene Bolton, Patrick Burch, Jeannine Murphy, Bonnie Roberts, Ellen V. Crocker, Jocile Geimer, Lisa O’Dea, Rita Pastryk, John Eduvala, Edelaida M. Harmon, Carnnie Marie Peralta, Celia E. Stefanko, Gert Ospina, Ana Maissa 27 Lombardo, Jane 28 Groves, Jennifer Perry, Helene VanDriesen, Jeanette 29 Farrell, Joan Ferguson, Carlotta Hall, Mary Allen 30 Ciesielski, John T. Lopez, Jo Investing in Mercy September 2014 1 of 6 An update from Mercy Investment Services In this issue Mercy Partnership Fund loan recipients receive federal awards States improve human trafficking laws in 2014 Shareholders ask companies to support development of biosimilars in the United States Global equity returns during rising rate environments Pesticides, food production and bees One million strong and counting Welcome, Sarah Smith September 2014 Mercy Partnership Fund loan recipients receive federal awards Nonprofit organizations and credit unions throughout the nation who are Mercy Partnership Fund (MPF) borrowers were among the 185 community development Palm Street Infant and financial institutions (CDFIs) Toddler Center in Newark, nationally that received more New Jersey, receives support from the Leviticus Fund. than $195 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasuryʹs Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The highly competitive financial awards take the form of low‐interest loans and grants. These new resources enable the recipients to increase their flexible lending in communities where resources are most needed. Learn more about the 18 MPF borrowers receiving these awards and how theyʹll help recipients such as the Leviticus Fund. States improve human trafficking laws in 2014 Investing in Mercy September 2014 2 of 6 Did you know? Support increases for call to end FedEx sponsorship Awards boost affordable housing work Welcome, Sarah Smith Mercy Investment Services is pleased to welcome Sarah B. Smith as director of Mercy Partnership Fund. Sarah has extensive experience in community and neighborhood development and housing as well as with public‐private partnerships aimed at enhancing the economic opportunity and quality of life for low‐ and moderate‐ income communities. Sarahʹs Mercy roots date to her time as the The Polaris Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking and modern‐day slavery, recently released a report ranking the 50 states on their human trafficking efforts. Scores are based on 10 categories including statutes that criminalize sex and labor trafficking, law enforcement training, and victim assistance. Of note, this year, 37 states passed new laws to combat human trafficking, and several states improved from last year. Click here to see which three states had a perfect score and how the states have increased their work on human trafficking since 2011. In addition to combating human trafficking by engaging companies in the trucking, hospitality and tourism industries, Mercy Investment Services offers several human trafficking resources including a letter for hotels at which you are a guest, a fact sheet on human trafficking and a guide for meeting planners. Find these and other resources online. Shareholders ask companies to support development of biosimilars in the United States Most people have purchased a generic drug, such as the store brand of aspirin, at some point. While generic versions of this type of branded chemical or small molecule drugs are readily available, investors are looking to several major pharmaceutical and biotech companies to support the use of another generic‐type drug, biosimilars. Biosimilars are copies of more complex biopharmaceutical products, biologics, that are Investing in Mercy September 2014 3 of 6 founding president and CEO of Mercy Loan Fund (formerly the Catherine McAuley Housing Foundation). Learn more about Sarah online. You can reach her via email or at 314.909.4605. Did you know? During the 2014 shareholder advocacy season, Mercy Investment Services voted almost 2,800 ballots for more than 2,300 annual general meetings of the companies it owns. You can view all the proxies voted, including the results, on Mercy Investment Servicesʹ website. Results are available by meeting date or by company. Support increases for call to end FedEx made by a process that involves living cells. Types of biologics include the flu shot or other vaccines. Biosimilars are clinically equivalent to the original biologic but are called similar because substances made by or derived from living organisms cannot be exactly replicated unless they are cloned. While Europe and Canada have developed special procedures to authorize new versions of biosimilars, the United States has authorized very few versions because of concern that biosimilars might perform differently than the original branded version. Investors believe the introduction of quality biosimilars will save the U.S. economy valuable healthcare dollars once they become widely available. Read more about how investors are addressing biosimilars with U.S. companies and which companies are already taking steps to implement biosimilars. Global equity returns during rising rate environments The downward trend in U.S. interest rates, which began in the 1980s, may soon come to an end given near‐zero short‐term rates and the commensurate signals from the Federal Reserve. Although bonds have enjoyed a 30‐year bull market, bond investors have had to navigate periods of extreme interest rate volatility including six significant interest rate spikes since the 1980s. In the U.S., these interest rate increases have negatively impacted domestic equity performance. While U.S. equity performance has been net positive during these periods of increased interest rates, U.S. equities have underperformed international and emerging market equities in four of the six periods. This chart demonstrates their performance during the six periods of interest rate spikes, the longest lasting almost four years and the Investing in Mercy September 2014 4 of 6 sponsorship With the start of fall comes the start of football season, and investors continue to press FedEx to end its sponsorship of the Washington, D.C., professional football team. Investors including Mercy Investment Services recently asked members of the socially responsible investing community to support a sign‐on statement to the FedEx Board of Directors. The statement is an opportunity for concerned investors to support the floor resolution, co‐filed by the Oneida Trust and Mercy Investments, being presented at the FedEx shareholder meeting on September 29. Read about the history of Mercy Investment Servicesʹ engagement shortest lasting around 14 months. The common factor among the periods: broadly diversified equity portfolios that include global equity exposure increased total return during these periods despite the backdrop of interest rate spikes and varying global economies. If these relationships continue, Mercy Investment Servicesʹ broadly diversified portfolios with globally centric equity exposure may provide an advantage in a rising interest rate environment, positioning Mercy and Sponsored Ministry Funds for potential reward as the current markets evolve. For more information, contact Bill Stewart, vice president and director of investor relations. Pesticides, food production and bees A small insect ‐ the bee ‐ has a big impact on global food production, and investors are concerned about the impact of the declining numbers of bees. Bees help produce one out of every three bites of food we eat, valued at between $200 billion and $300 billion annually, and pollinate 71 of the 100 crops that provide 90 percent of the worldʹs food. With honeybees as the most economically important pollinators globally, investors have been tracking the double‐digit decline in honeybee and other pollinator populations over the past several winters. Fewer bees mean smaller harvests and higher food prices. Called ʺColony Collapse Disorder,ʺ bee colonies have been disintegrating globally with adult bees disappearing, seemingly abandoning their hives, since the mid‐1990s. Historically, bee losses have declined 5 to 10 percent annually nationwide. Since Investing in Mercy September 2014 5 of 6 with FedEx on this issue. Awards boost affordable housing work Three Mercy Partnership Fund loan recipients recently earned a big boost to their work in affordable housing. The Wells Fargo NEXT Awards for Opportunity Finance awarded a total of $8.25 million to three community development financial institutions (CDFIs) ‐ Florida Community Loan Fund, New Jersey Community Capital and Rural Community Assistance Corporation. The awards recognize CDFIs ʺworking in bold, new ways to expand coverage of responsible financial products and services in their communities.ʺ 2005, annual losses have approached one‐third of all bees. The total number of managed honeybee colonies has decreased from five million in the 1940s to 2.5 million today. The combination of pathogens, pesticides and poor nutrition affect bee population declines, namely a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids that, according to research, disrupt beesʹ memory and navigational skills. Click here to read how this impacts companies in the food industry and the Environmental Protection Agencyʹs response to the issue. Mercy Investment Services and other concerned investors recently met to discuss how best to approach this issue with companies. Of 19 companies investors contacted, 12 responded, most agreeing to monitor the issue. The greatest response came from retail companies in comparison to manufacturing companies. Investors are pleased that Home Depot, General Mills, Whole Foods, Target and Costco have started taking action ranging from education and new policies to research. During the 2015 shareholder advocacy season, Mercy Investment Services will bring the issue to the attention of Sysco, Mondelez and Archer Daniels Midland. Look for updates in future issues of Investing in Mercy. One million strong and counting Investors continuing to press for full corporate disclosure of political spending recently celebrated a milestone in their ongoing work. More than one million public comments have been submitted, asking the Securities and Exchange Investing in Mercy September 2014 6 of 6 Learn how this funding will support affordable housing projects around the country. Commission to require corporations to publicly share information on spending and donations that influence political campaigns and lobbying. Read the full press release for more details including polling on how American citizens feel about the issue. For more information on Mercy Investment Services, visit www.mercyinvestmentservices.org, call 314.909.4609 or email mercyinvestments@sistersofmercy.org. Christmas Cards from Death Row - Proceeds to help children at risk Ship to: _____________________________________ Attention: ____________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ City: _____________________ State: _________ Zip: _________ Phone: __________________ E-mail: ______________________ 200 - $2,000 – Alpha and St. John Bosco Schools, Jamaica. West Indies DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS FROM SALE Providence Food Bank, Terre Haute, IN OF 2013 CHRISTMAS CARDS FROM DEATH ROW 300 - St. Bartholomew Friends of Haiti via Columbus, IN $2,000 – Alpha & John Bosco Schools, Kingston, Jamaica (Sister 500 -Susan Frasier) Friends of Kuwesa (Mothers and children with AIDS in Kenya) 500 -$1,000 – St. Barthomew’s Children of Haiti (Judy Harpenau) Mercy Medical Mission (Dr. Karen Schneider, Pediatrician) $1,000 – Sr. Rita Clare Gerardot for Providence Ministries 200 -$ Sisters of Providence Ministry500 – Mercy Medical Mission (Sr. Karen Schneider) 100 -$ Dorothy Bennett Mercy Center500 – Hour Children (Sister Tesa Fitzgerald) 200 -$ Miracle Place, Indianapolis500 – Desperate mother and child (Brooklyn Pastor) $ 300 – Mercy Home (Sr. Kay Crumlish) 100 -$300Artist’s Needs – Dorothy Bennett Mercy Center (Sr. Breige Lavery) $ 500 – Two Death Row Artists’ Supplies $4,100 Distributed $6,600 – Total Distributed Sister Tesa Fitzgerald is the Executive Director of Hour Children that provides for women on parole and their children. Sister Eileen Trainor (Hour Children) works with women at Rikers. 2012 Christmas Cards Profit Distribution South Central Community Full-time Position: Assistant Ministry Director Location of Position: St. Louis, MO October 13, 2014 Position Summary The assistant ministry director supports and strengthens Mercy education ministries in the midst of their emerging realities by assisting ministries in their planning and implementing of organizational capacity-building strategies and by supporting and implementing the ministry goals of the South Central Community Leadership Team. In addition, the assistant director will assist with other projects and initiatives of the Ministry Office and provide coverage for the director, including the director’s responsibilities as liaison to the social, spiritual and pastoral ministries. The position reports to the ministry director. Position Responsibilities Provides support for the Community Leadership Team’s goals for sponsored and co-sponsored education ministries in the areas of capacitybuilding, sustainability, and integration of the Mercy charism and traditions Provides support for the ministry goals and initiatives adopted by the Community Leadership Team for sponsored and co-sponsored education ministries that the team undertakes as members of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Serves as the direct ministry liaison contact for sponsored and cosponsored education ministries, including participating in interviews for new heads of ministries, facilitating requests from the ministries to the Community Leadership Team for action on bylaw reserved powers, and assisting with other ministry needs as identified by the ministry and/or the Community Leadership Team Facilitates or directs assistance for sponsored and co-sponsored education ministries in various aspects of management to increase their sustainability, including but not limited to strategic planning, succession planning, board development, advancement/fundraising, accounting, human resources, technology, legal issues, and volunteer recruitment and management Promotes coordination and collaboration among the education ministries and sharing non-financial resources whenever practical Provides support and leadership for education ministry-related projects Provides support to the ministry director for projects that encompass all sponsored and/or co-sponsored ministries Provides support to the ministry director in the development and implementation of the annual goals and objectives of the Ministry Office Provides support to the ministry director by assisting in the design and preparation of the annual ministry stewardship report and meeting Supervises the maintenance and updating of the ministry support website Directs and manages the activities of any staff reporting to the position Provides coverage for the ministry director when necessary Requirements Bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in education, educational leadership, educational administration, or other management/administrative related field At least seven years of combined experience in nonprofit organizational development and capacity-building, strategic management, planning, communications, administration, an/or implementation of advancement/development plan, grant and or foundation program administration Knowledge of the Sisters of Mercy, their history and mission, and leadership experience with a Mercy sponsored or co-sponsored school Ability to adjust to emerging realities and to optimize collective change Ability to engage others in active dialogue and reflective thinking Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups Ability to analyze and solve problems and to employ critical thinking skills Knowledge of nonprofit capacity-building and organizational development Strong organizational skills; ability to set and manage priorities Ability to lead, guide, coordinate and facilitate strategic planning and board development processes Ability to compile, analyze, interpret, and integrate information and to prepare and to present complex reports, statements and other materials Availability for occasional overnight and weekend travel, averaging one trip per month, two-four days each Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database software; comfort with the Internet and technology Preferred Personal experience as a nonprofit volunteer in educational or other community organizations Understanding and appreciation of the traditions and culture associated with the Sisters of Mercy Experience working with religious communities; knowledge of civil and canonical religious sponsorship. Familiarity with the teaching and traditions of the Catholic Church Process This is a newly created position, and the starting salary has not yet been established. Interested candidates should send resumes, salary requirements, and letters of interest to Patricia Manzi, director of human resources, at pmanzi@mercysc.org or mail to 101 Mercy Drive, Belmont, NC 28012 by 5 p.m. EST on Monday, November 3, 2014.
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