Sr. Miriam Erb

My ministry as Vice President for Mission and Ministry at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center (SVCMC) began in April of 2014 after a short sabbatical–and a fractured metatarsal which brought me home from Michigan to Regina Health Center for a couple months of healing. During that time, the position of VP became vacant.  I was called to the ministry through my basic commitment to CSA, to serve where I am needed and to bring a joyful, compassionate presence to that ministry. When Sr. Judith Ann asked me to consider this ministry, I knew it was important to have a CSA presence in the hospital.  I believed I could make a difference, so my answer was yes. It has been a privilege being at SVCMC.

My ministry at SVCMC encompasses many facets, but central to what I do is to try to live the CSA charism and give witness to the mission of the hospital by bringing compassionate and loving care to all I encounter.  These interactions may be visiting patients, supporting our hospital staff, or attending staff meetings for various committees and functions which I oversee. They include: the Mission and Values Committee, Ethics Committee, Pain and Palliative Care Committee, Mission Outreach Programs, and many more.

Other important aspects of my ministry include conducting mission education and focus groups; providing staff education; coordinating events; recognizing the diversity of religion and culture; and attending all hospital functions.

I represent CSA by being a listening presence with our caregivers and patients in both times of need and support as well as in times of joy and gratitude.  Whether praying with a patient or stopping to see a caregiver who has a sick or dying family member, whether offering spiritual advice or comforting prayer, whether being part of an ethical consult or a medical decision, the support is felt.  Caregivers will tell you this is why they minister in a God-centered environment.

My hopes for the future are that SVCMC will continue to serve the people of the area, especially the underserved and marginalized. I hope that we will continue to be known because of our mission of loving service to all, and that we always provide compassionate, quality care.

 

Sr. Regina Fierman

Over the past five years, I have been blessed with my ministry at Regina Health Center as Coordinator of Programs and Transportation.

Following the completion of my term in CSA Leadership in July of 2013, I had been praying for God to call me into a new ministry. When the opening in Programs and Transportation came, I felt that it was the right fit for me and interviewed for the position.  This has been a most rewarding experience.

I feel that I represent CSA well, as I am in contact with staff and residents in all areas of Regina Health Center; I am also in contact with families, religious communities and other visiting groups. Through my interactions with those who require the services of this department, I wish to convey God’s love and compassion.  By doing this, I represent both CSA and Regina Health Center in emulating our mission of love and hospitality.

This ministry has had its challenges as well as its rewards, and I welcome them both as I continue my outreach to those we serve.  This continues to be a grace-filled and fulfilling ministry for me, and I thank both CSA and Regina Health Center for the opportunity to be a part of God’s mission.

 

Sr. Evelyn Flowers

After my term in CSA leadership, I completed a sabbatical program at the Sophia Center. Their guidance indicated a leaning towards ecological pursuits, so I followed this leaning by volunteering my assistance with the St. Joseph Sisters in that field. Upon completion of my time there, I was “missioned” as the volunteer Coordinator of Ecological Concerns by the CSA leadership. I endeavor to keep the care of God’s earth in our consciousness by writing for CSA Today, overseeing recycling at Mount Augustine/Regina Health Center, planning Earth Day celebrations, and encouraging earth care, especially among our employees.

I was invited by Sister Miriam in 2010 to represent CSA on our Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland Board of Directors, and completed my service in 2018. I felt especially called to keep our charism and Catholic Social Teachings in the awareness of our board members. It is the charism which calls members to choose how best to respond to those in need, and to develop ways to influence systemic change. Being able to respond to the disadvantaged and marginalized sends the message that the least among us is priceless in the eyes of God. Those who benefit are aware that their aid is religiously motivated. My hope is that our foundations will be able to continue this work as part of our legacy under our charism.

My ministry in music has been an outgrowth of my youthful interest and training, and continued in CSA when I was “called” by Sister Marie Cecile to sit at an organ for the first time and learn to play foot pedals. To me, it is both a ministry in beauty and a ministry in prayer, not only for CSA and the residents, but for friends attending Mass. Along with the most excellent care which our RHC residents receive, I would hope that a means will be found to provide excellent service in liturgical music.

Additionally, I volunteer on the Gift and Donation Committee because it can respond meaningfully to those whose needs are best met with small donations, and because it enables the CSA Sisters to personally respond to these needs. I also volunteer as a part of the Associate Core Committee and the Associate Committee. It has been rewarding to discern with Associates what their role might be in the future unfolding of CSA’s charism.

 

Sr. Joan Gallagher

Our ministry is focused on people, particularly those who are spiritually, socially, psychologically, physically, or materially neglected in any way. We are especially committed to minister in the areas of health care, education and social service.

As a retired Sister of Charity, I continue to be associated with St. Vincent Charity Medical Center through my membership on the board. I was elected to the Board of Directors in January 2010 and will be ending my term in December 2019. I currently serve as chair of the Quality Committee. I also serve on the Finance and Executive committees. The commitment of other board members and staff is inspiring and gratifying. I have a deep respect for the administration and their appreciation for the Catholic mission for the healthcare of the neighborhood.

My favorite volunteer work is Collinwood Neighborhood Catholic Ministries (CNCM). This organization serves the residents of the neighborhood in a variety of ways, including issuing vouchers for birth certificates, state identity documents and driver’s licenses. Each of these IDs are invaluable when looking for housing, applying for SNAP the food stamps program, furthering education, registering a child for kindergarten, and for access to Medicaid. I have become a grant writer for the BC/IDs and other general grants.

As part of CNCM, I also coordinate the Creative Painting Program for which I provide canvasses, paints, brushes and other supplies for the classes. We run two sessions, one in the spring and one in the fall, each consisting of 6 or 7 classes per session. William Denihan is the master teacher and with his assistant, Doug Rothschild, conducts these classes every other Saturday. One participant has attended all 36 classes and has established her own studio in her home.

I am also a Eucharistic Minister, an altar server, and a member of the St. Luke Parish Social Concerns Committee. I attend Mass daily, serving on Thursdays and ministering on Wednesdays and Fridays. The Committee meets once a month; last year we sponsored an alcohol and drug education program that involved services from Catholic Charities, Rosary Hall and the Lakewood Police Department.

When a specific need arises, if I can, I will say yes to the opportunity to help. Supporting others who need just a little push is most important for me.

 

Sr. Xavier Gorman

I am writing this at an especially happy time in my 80th year as a CSA. But, I should say that all my years have been special and happy. I hope the dear Lord agrees!

When I retired at 75 years old, several Sisters said, “That is early; you could still continue working.” However, I wanted to come to Mount Augustine and help give some assistance to our Sisters and the other residents of Regina Health Center. So, I came to volunteer where I could help. Over time, this included volunteering at the switchboard, on the Jubilee Committee, at the chapel as a sacristan, cleaning rooms when a Sister died, checking and washing the clothes of the Sisters on 2nd floor, along with many other small but needed jobs to serve others.

Now, I am retired—and it is a quiet time where I have no rush and no stress. I still have time for prayer, time for listening; this is a very special time where I minister in a new way. I pray, “Gracious God, you have given me all I am and all I have. I have been called by you into old age, a blessed time of prayer, acceptance and joy!”

Sr. Nancy Hendershot

When I retired from my former ministry in a full time position at Providence Hospital, our Congregational Leadership and I discerned that I am still called to live and minister in South Carolina. I am called to be a representative of our religious community, supporting others in living the healing mission of Jesus Christ.

My role is like leavening. If you open a packet of yeast, it doesn’t look like much and has little taste on the tongue, but it does have a purpose: to help bread rise. My role here in South Carolina is to help others rise, to support them in achieving their purpose.

With joy, I minister to and with our CSA Associates. I participate in the initial formation of Associates and their ongoing involvement with our community. I also serve as a member of the Associate Leadership Team and the Associate Committee. By handling routine maintenance for Morning Star Cottage and scheduling its use for Sisters, Associates and their families, I minister to our Sisters.

Currently I retain an office at Providence Health and participate in hospital orientation missioning. I join in employee meetings/events and support employees and volunteers. Additionally, I participate in activities with our other South Carolina ministries: the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina, the Center for Fathers and Families, and Healthy Learners. I am on both the Healthy Learners Board and Governance Committee.

In addition to my work at Providence, for several years I have been involved with interfaith and justice-focused groups. One of these is Women of Many Faiths, a group that meets monthly to come to a deeper appreciation of each other’s faiths; yearly I facilitate a dialogue session in this group. I also participate in Midlands Interfaith Meet-Up and the Interfaith Partners of South Carolina. Both groups actively encourage all to honor and value the diversity of culture and religion. Spiritual Pondering is another monthly group of persons from different faith traditions; here we take turns presenting and facilitating shared reflections. I led our first session of 2019 with a presentation on the Perennial Spiritual Philosophy.

In 2019, I began as a Stephen Leader in St. Peter Parish, my home parish in Columbia, SC. With those already involved, we completed the formation of a new group of Stephen Ministers.

I find myself involved more in ministries of prayer and presence. Others call on me to pray for them and their families and friends. I keep a prayer bulletin board so I continue to remember those for whom I’ve promised to pray. The ministry of presence for me involves helping others experience and see God’s presence in their daily lives. I am filled with gratitude for each person I encounter and for their unique gifts and strengths. God humbles me, for I know it is God working through me, beyond my abilities. I thank God for the opportunities to minister to individuals and to be ministered to by others, to receive God’s presence through them.

 

Sr. Rosella Holloman

My current ministry is prayer (for CSA Sisters, Leadership, Associates, CSA Ministries and many others) and service to CSA Sisters at Mount Augustine/Regina Health Center (RHC). I visit Sisters in skilled care regularly and do small services for them, endeavoring to keep them updated on “happenings within CSA.”

Currently my major role is acting as Coordinator of our Prayer Ministry. With the significant help of the Executive Assistant to the Congregational Leader, I send a yearly reminder to each CSA Ministry and each Local House, reminding them of their prayer partners. I send similar reminders to each prayer person. This task includes keeping an updated list of our ministries and obtaining a replacement prayer person when necessary. This responsibility was originally assigned to me as part of my role as Assistant Local Leader and continues today after many modifications. I am thankful for this responsibility, as it keeps me continually aware of our CSA ministries. I pray daily for each one of them. Happily, some of our Associates are now also involved in this ministry as prayer partners.

There are a number of facets to my other responsibilities. To name a few, they include: ensuring that, for each election, absentee ballot forms are completed on time; remembering and reminding others of CSA Feast Days and birthdays; supporting our recycling efforts; and managing bills for our Sisters in skilled care. As Local Treasurer, I also facilitate monthly budgets for CSA Sisters. I also serve on several committees: the Intercongregational Advisory Board (IAB) which meets twice a year, the Gift and Donation Committee which meets four times a year, and the Core Circle for long range planning.

As a volunteer for RHC, every month I request a special birthday cake for each resident, which the director of Dietary deeply appreciates. Hopefully this helps each resident to be aware of the CSA Sisters’ concern for him/her.

 

Sr. Carol Kandiko

Sixteen years ago, I was called to ministry at Centering Space in Lakewood, Ohio. This House of Discernment and Prayer has evolved steadily to become a place today “where people can come and listen to their heart and hear the voice of God.”

Individuals and groups are welcome to take advantage of our warm, casual, inclusive atmosphere. Come anytime to find your own center, open to your own spirit and connect with others to renew, refresh and refocus your heart. Besides offering programs and prayer opportunities, we have several spiritual companions who make good use of our space. There are four retreat rooms, newly renovated, for individuals or small groups.

When I first agreed to come I explained that “I like to cook and to clean and to pray. It seems like a perfect fit.” And indeed it has been a dream come true.

Presently I am joined by a co-minister, Betsy Nero. She and I are supported by a vibrant, caring Advisory Board. Those who come for weekly Reflective Prayer provide encouragement and inspiration by their devoted energy.

Programs here are ever more creative while the space itself remains one of peace and welcome. A variety of individuals and groups choose to come for their own prayer and quiet time.

The prayer support of the CSA Sisters and Associates who are unable to join us as often as they would like is as vital as the participation of those who can and do. We are blessed to be able to identify this ministry of openness, hospitality, spiritual rest and growth as a CSA collaborative ministry.

I personally feel honored and humbled to be an “anchoress” here. Although I know that my time is limited by God’s gift of aging and grace, it’s good to belong to an unfolding mystery within the Mystery. I am very grateful!

 

Sr. Judith Ann Karam

Ministry is such an essential component of our apostolic religious life. For me, it has been a gift. Those who I have co-ministered with over these years of service have been gifts. Although these next months of the implementation of the Congregational vision and plan for the future will cause us to focus on many tasks, my prayer is that it will also be an opportunity for contemplation, dialogue, discernment and gratitude for all aspects of life.

I believe CSA knows how I serve in my “day” ministry as Congregational Leader. I find it a real privilege to walk the journey of life with our Sisters; to listen to the Spirit working within each CSA, Associate and co-minister; and in prayer I give thanks for these many blessings. As there has been significant planning required in our acute care hospitals, I have been involved with the Health System staff and board in decisions regarding the current challenging environment of health care. I have served in System strategic planning groups representing the Public Juridic Person (PJP) since I was elected Congregational Leader. As a member on the team and specifically as Chair of the PJP, there has been significant work done to move the major decisions through the Church – both in local dioceses and Rome.

My previous service on the Board of the Catholic Health Association has given me a national perspective. The transformation is impacting all of Catholic sponsorship. I was asked to consider board membership on the General Services Board of Alcoholic Anonymous and was elected in 2019. I follow in the footsteps of our sisters, especially Ignatia, Victorine, and George in giving support to the recovering alcoholic. I will never fill their shoes.

A special, continuing part of my life is being a member of the St. Ignatius of Antioch parish on the west side of Cleveland. I attend Mass and lector once a month. This gives me an opportunity to be with another community of friends and spiritual-journey companions.

As are all of our CSA Sisters living or working at Mount Augustine, I am grateful for the opportunity to be in ministry at Regina Health Center merely by my presence. It is a true blessing.

No matter what the future brings to me personally, in ministry primarily serving God is what I strive for daily in my religious life. I reflect on the fact that our visible presence in our ministries is diminishing. We have wonderful lay people that have taken on the dedication, leadership and mission. We need to understand what this new way of ministry means to our religious life. Our retired Sisters’ ministry of prayer is so meaningful to many.

 

Sr. Cheryl Keehner

Responding to “unmet and emerging needs” has clearly determined my activities as an English teacher through the years. Upon reflection, I can see how my presence to students in various ministry settings has been impacted not only by their needs, but also by an awareness of their lives beyond the classroom, into the families and neighborhoods from which they come. I have taught in the suburbs and in the inner city. I worked exclusively with girls for many years and finally got a chance to work in a co-ed setting where I discovered “how boys think.” I worked my way through curriculums designed around advanced placement and electives, and found remedial work in reading, writing and basic skills most enjoyable.

Presently I minister with Refugee & Immigrant Services for Catholic Charities. My presence to refugees, helping them complete employment applications and prepare for interviews, is challenging and also very rewarding.
I have also grown sensitive to the needs of older adults by membership in the Institute for Learners in Retirement (ILR) at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea. There, I have taken classes in music, poetry, and art appreciation for my own enjoyment. Relationships with other adult learners in the ILR have fueled my choice of academic areas to explore with them. Consequently, I have designed and offered courses on the modern papacy and women doctors of the Church.

As a CSA member, I am called to let the Spirit as well as the community call me into service. Through ministry at Centering Space in Lakewood, I have been drawn to a community that provides a welcoming and peaceful environment in which one can explore the movement of the Spirit in one’s own life. My life has been enriched as I participate in programs there with other seekers, but also as I lead prayer and act as a member of the Advisory Board.

I am grateful for all the experiences in my 55 years of service as a Sister of Charity of St. Augustine. There are old sayings that hold true in my ministry: “When a teacher leaves the classroom, the classroom goes with her.” Beyond that: “We are all lifelong learners,” and “By my students I have been taught.”

 

Sr. Allan Kenzig

After 28 years of ministering as an elementary school teacher for intermediate students at Catholic grade schools, and 28 years as an accountant for the CSA Health System, I retired from active ministry. I still wanted to continue being involved in CSA’s ministries, so beginning on January 8, 2012, I became a volunteer at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center (SVCM).

At SVCM, I volunteer three days a week in Medical Records, where I review paper documents from past years, and ensure that all the vital information is digitized. I also am a lector at weekday Masses, and assist in leading hymns for special liturgies. Additionally, I am involved in special projects that the hospital engages in, such as purchasing school supplies or sorting employee-purchased Christmas presents for children in need.

I also am an active member of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, where I had been baptized. Again fueled by a desire to be more involved in their ministry, I volunteered to be a member of their Gala fund raising committee. Here, too, I am a lector at weekday Mass.

Every year, I also volunteer to help Regina Health Center with their annual Holy-in-One golf outing.

Besides these ministries, I am also heavily involved within our CSA community, where I serve on the CSA Board, Finance Committee, and Gift and Donation Committee. No matter where I am or what I do as a member of the community, I am representing CSA. I consider it very important to be positive and gracious to everyone I meet, greeting them with a smile, a cheerful good morning, and offering assistance wherever and whenever possible.

My hope for the future is that as the community moves to fulfillment of its mission, and will continue to live on through the Sisters of Charity Health System, the Juridic Person, and all those who have ministered with and/or were recipients of CSA ministries. I hope that they will have fond memories of CSA, and know that whatever we have accomplished–in the words of Sr. Mary Patricia Barrett–“We have never done it alone.”

 

Sr. Jane Lab

On September 23, 2018, I celebrated my 50th Jubilee. My 50 years of ministry in religious life started at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center (SVCMC), where I served as an electrocardiogram (EKG) technician. During this ministry I became aware of the patients’ need to have someone who could be present to them, talk with them and listen to them.

After pronouncing my first vows, I returned to that ministry. I took a position at University Hospitals in Cleveland at their Babies and Children Lakeside Hospital.  In addition to performing EKG’s on newborns to eighteen-year-olds, I had the opportunity to work with many physicians who were doing their fellowship in children’s cardiology. This aspect of the position added a learning curve and gave me an opportunity to meet physicians from other counties and faith-based religions, which added diversity to my experience; however, something was missing.

While home during a break from school, a friend told me about a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program that trained people for hospital ministry.  This put the wheels in motion for me to investigate CPE.  At that time there were no CPE programs in the Diocese of Cleveland; however, St. Vincent Hospital in the Toledo Diocese, sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, did have a CPE program. The sisters were commonly known as the “Grey Nuns” and I thought “What a small world!” because CSA was also referred to as the “Grey Nuns” due to the color of our habits.

In the summer of 1975 I was off to St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo, Ohio to participate in a CPE program. Following my completion, I applied to the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and remain a member of the organization as a Board Certified Chaplain.

In 1980 at the encouragement of Sister Mary Denis Maher, CSA I resigned from St. John Hospital where I was serving as the Director of Pastoral Care and began studying at Ursuline College. I received my Bachelor Degree in psychology, which complimented my chaplaincy certification. I then served as the Administrator of our motherhouse in Richfield, Ohio.  Following the completion of my term I returned to chaplaincy until 1993.

My next ministry was at the Sisters of Charity Health System (SCHS) housed at SVCMC.  Here I was the Administrative Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Mission and Ministry, and later began assisting the supervisor of the CPE program. Also in 1993 I was able to be grandfathered in as a licensed social worker, which enhanced my role on the Zella Hall lecture committee. It was on this committee that I served as the resource to grant CEU’s to the social workers who attended the ethics presentations offered during the year along with physicians, medical residents, nurses, counselors and all interested caregivers.  In addition I served on SVCMC’s Institutional Review Board, Sisters of Charity Canton Foundation Board and additional CSA Committees.

During my CPE programs I have identified my ministry as a ministry of “be”: being present to those I minister to, being present to their families and the caregivers I serve with on a daily basis, in whatever form it takes in or out of the medical center. I will close with a quote from our jubilee:  “Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.”  – St. Augustine of Hippo.

 

Sr. Mary Denis Maher

Currently, I serve as the CSA Archivist, a position I have held since 2003. Prior to that, I taught English at Ursuline College for 18 years. My original teaching experience was at St. Augustine Academy in Lakewood, OH, where I taught English and journalism and also moderated the Augustine Shield, the school newspaper. Additionally, I am the author of To Bind Up the Wounds: Catholic Sister Nurses in the US Civil War.

As the CSA Archivist I, along with my assistant, Ms. Marissa Ortosky, preserve the history of CSA through the preservation of documents, photographs, artifacts, and various other materials of historical significance.

Beyond this, we work to not only preserve these materials, but to promote the legacy of our rich history. We keep the stories of our Sisters alive in many ways. We work with Regina Health Center to give historical tours and presentation to visitors, residents, and new employees during their orientation. We share our information with interested persons, and answer queries as best we can.  These often include scholars, family genealogists, or other interested persons. Every October, in celebration of American Archives Month, we organize an open house featuring different exhibits, each reflecting some aspect of the CSA legacy.

The history of CSA is filled with stories of our Sisters’ overwhelming perseverance, selfless service, and unwavering faith.  By keeping these stories alive, we share these lessons of love with God’s people.

We welcome questions and visitors to our archives. If you would like to schedule a tour, please email mortosky@srsofcharity.org or call 330-659-5100. There is also a wealth of information available on our Archives page, including digital photo galleries and a brief history of our community.

 

Sr. Mary O’Grady

I am in my tenth year serving as Nursing Coordinator for our CSA sisters. I was called to this ministry in 2009 by our CSA leadership team while I was a staff nurse at St. John Medical Center, and I responded to the challenge. It is not a ministry I would have chosen on my own, but I have found it to be a good fit and a privilege.

Together with continuing education, my long hospital nursing experience is essential to meeting the holistic health goal of each sister. My primary function as Nursing Coordinator is acting as a liaison between our sisters and the Regina Health Center (RHC) Administration and nursing staff. I have daily contact with our sisters in both nursing and assisted living units, and I also adopt a supportive role with our active sisters living away from the Motherhouse when appropriate. I help with transportation when sisters first move to RHC.

Additionally, I am involved in each sister’s Plan of Care (POC); I assist in coordinating physician appointments for the sisters, and accompany them to ensure patient understanding. As an advocate, I have the opportunity voice my input in their POC, attend regularly scheduled POC meetings, and offer my support and encouragement as they struggle with treatments and therapies. CSA is committed to supporting each sister as she lives out her years as fully as possible to the end. CSA leadership is daily informed about changes that occur or of any new needs.

I see my ministry as one of presence to our sisters and staff. My goal is to listen and be open every day to needs as they arise, and to accompany each individual as they strive to achieve these goals. There are many difficulties and many joys that come from our working together. I am fortunate and blessed to do this ministry for my own religious community.

 

Sr. Ruth Ann Patrick

My first ministry as a Sister of Charity of St. Augustine was a life changing experience if ever there was one. I ministered as a social worker at St. Vincent Charity Hospital (SVCH). What a turn around it was! Prior to my entering the CSA Community, I worked at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron as a computer operator. When it came time during my religious formation to explore re-entering the workforce, I remember the stirrings in my heart to work with people rather than machines. The ministry experience there taught me so much, from the people I served and the caregivers I had the opportunity to minister with. I will always be grateful for my eighteen years of ministry there.

I retired to Mount Augustine/Regina Health Center (RHC) in 2003 and continued serving my CSA community through various committees. I began working the switchboard in 2007, and what a thrill it was to meet residents and their families and loved ones. I realized I was opening myself up to more experiences with RHC staff such as the Activities Department.

When I said yes to be a part of the four-Sister CSA Local Leader Team in 2009 to develop communal activities of prayer, community life, education and social justice, I was overwhelmed, humbled and in awe. Upon reflection, I have come to realize how much my CSA Sisters have enriched my life every day. I never knew I could pray with my Sisters as they are breathing their last, awaiting the glories of heaven. Again, I say thank you CSA Sisters.

In the Fall of 2019, Sr. Judith Ann asked if I would consider being the CSA Local Leader at Mount Augustine/RHC. I see my role as Local Leader constantly evolving as new and different needs arise. I strive for new avenues to build community life and prayer. In my visits, I encourage my CSA Sisters in nurturing their own leadership qualities and capabilities. I am always humbled by my Sisters’ support and encouragement, and I hope I graciously accept their challenges for growth.

I thoroughly enjoy my various volunteer ministries of cantoring at liturgies, relieving at the switchboard, calling bingo, leading sing-a-longs, etc. My favorite RHC ministry is my time spent at the RHC switchboard and visiting residents and their families/loved ones. I believe I can truly share my God-given gifts and talents to touch people’s lives, giving hope and joy and maybe even a smile. Meeting new residents and their families and listening to their personal stories reminds me so much of my social work ministry days at SVCH of long ago. It makes me realize again that God gave me a gift that can keep on giving as it changes for different situations and times.

I hope to continue to serve my CSA Community here at Mount Augustine/RHC in whatever volunteer ministry or ministries I am asked to perform.

 

Sr. Mary Lois Phillip

Religious life is an opportunity to grow in our prayer life and to share God’s love with all we come in contact with. In my prayer ministry at Mt. Augustine/Regina Health Center, I interact with many of the residents and attend many of the activities with them. Sometimes, a simple smile will make a person feel more positive. I, along with my other sisters in the prayer ministry, also pray for many concerns, and we try to be present to as many as possible during the day. Many of the sisters assist others greatly through their prayer ministry.

Various circumstances in my life have led me to my current position. I enjoyed my previous position at Mercy Medical Center, but I believe that my current position has allowed me the greatest opportunities to make a difference among residents and staff at a stressful time in their lives, and to make a difference among employees, who may have stress due to the many changes in healthcare.
I feel I bring our charism and gifts to everyone I interact with–whether it be a resident, a visitor or an employee. Being present for others and offering them a smile or a listening ear is very important.

Residents and employees look forward to seeing me because of my cheerful disposition and willingness to work with them. The employees especially appreciate seeing me because I am there to listen to them, support them, and help them work through a difficult situation if needed.

My hope for the future is that the charism of CSA continues to motivate our employees to bring Christ to their healing ministry by showing genuine compassion to our residents.

 

Sr. Loretta Spotila

On a hot, humid Thursday in June, 1993, I was sitting on a porch swing at the Hindman Settlement School in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky/Appalachia. It was mid-week of a seminar to learn more of the culture and religion of Appalachia. As I sat and enjoyed the summer breeze, I reflected on all I had seen… houses with no running water, no phones, dirt roads, and more. I was astounded since I had learned about the “war on poverty” and thought it was over and that “we won!” Not quite. After a while, I heard this quiet voice saying: “Loretta, you have to come and work in Appalachia! As a nurse and as a Catholic Sister, you have much to offer the people.” I looked around the yard and said: “Who, me? I’m a big-city girl and I usher at Playhouse Square.” Well, I moved to Irvine, KY three months later. God not only “called me,” but had a job waiting for me.

I initially worked as the Mission/Outreach Coordinator at Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital, a member of the Mercy Health System of Cincinnati, Ohio. After three years, I left the hospital to continue my Appalachian journey.

After a year of discernment and planning, I founded the Interfaith Wellness Ministry, a small non-profit, faith-based health education ministry with a focus on body, mind and spirit health. We began with three small churches (Catholic, Baptist, and Christian/Disciples of Christ) in nearby Ravenna, KY, and I acted as the church health minister/ faith community nurse. Because there was no public transportation in the county, we began an outreach to the Housing Authority of Irvine public housing sites.

This family and children-centered ministry has grown over the years to encompass school readiness, winter warmth clothing, health education, nutrition/cooking and exercise programs. Our body fitness classes are well known for serving adults with chronic illness. Our collaboration extends to many other groups, including other health agencies, local hospital, schools, family resource centers, state/federal sponsored health coalitions for diabetes, tobacco prevention and oral health, Kentucky River Foothills Development Council/ Healthcare for the Homeless, and the local ministerial association. We are well known in Estill County, Kentucky.

I find it quite inspiring to be on the Appalachian journey. In addition to CSA, my community is the other women and men religious, brother priests and bishop in our diocese. Anything (except forming a tax-exempt, non-profit organization) I have had to do in ministry since I have been here, I found I have had previous experience. Angela Duckworth* in her latest book, Grit, says it well: “[W]hat really drives success is not “genius” but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance.” I can certainly relate to that description…positive attitude, expertise, resilience, vision, “keep on keeping on.” It all helps me in answering “the call.” I am dedicated to making the people of Estill County a healthier community in body, mind and spirit.

*Duckworth, Angela. GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, New York: Scribner and Sons, c. 2016

For more information and to donate, contact:
Sister Loretta Spotila, RN, MSN
www.interfaithwellness.org
director@interfaithwellness.org

Interfaith Wellness Ministry
359 Richmond Rd
PO Box 582
Irvine, KY 40336
606-723-8505

Sr. Mary Dorothy Tecca

Currently, I am a member of the Administrative Team for the Sisters of Charity of Saint Augustine. This has been very challenging and rewarding for me. As we look to the future, I hope to continue being active within the CSA Community structure.

I also serve as  Parish Catechetical Leader at Saint Mary Parish in Elyria. This  position encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including my ministry with the children in the Day School; being responsible for the PSR program; training the students to be lectors and servers; coordinating liturgical and para-liturgical services and retreat days; and preparing the students for reception of the Sacraments including: Baptism, Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.

My ministry with adults at the parish is equally as expansive. My role includes being a member of a number of groups, including the Spiritual Development Commission, Worship Commission and Cluster Parish Planning. I am also the director of the adult RCIA journey. In addition to these, I also train and schedule Eucharistic Ministers and lectors; minister to the elderly, homebound and bereaved; and participate in our monthly luncheon series and hospital visitations. I also assist with  the First Friday Communion program and the All Souls Memorial Service. Similarly, I coordinate meals for various parish functions including the Volunteer Luncheon, Christmas Celebration, and other celebrations after reception of the Sacraments, etc.

Through my ministry at St. Mary, I can be present to all, to the youngsters in our preschool program to the elderly who are sick and in need of someone to talk with. I feel that my presence there as a CSA has made a difference in their lives. The people of St. Mary know that I am available to listen to them and pray with and for them.

Outside my roles at St. Mary, I am also a member of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Augustine Board, the Joseph Home Board and the West Shore Osteopathic Foundation Board.

I believe that God called me to work in these areas because I am filled with joy when praying and working with and for some wonderfully dedicated individuals. My hope is that I will be able to continue my ministry and be a presence of God for the CSA Community, the people at St. Mary, in my board work, and wherever God calls me to minister.

 

Sr. Sharon Anne Yanak

I am a resident living at Regina Health Center. I have a number of small volunteer positions which I graciously perform for my CSA Community and RHC Staff.  One of my favorite ministries is visiting my CSA Sisters in the skilled nursing units.

I also enjoy being involved in social justice issues and am on the “Activists for Justice” Committee for the CSA Congregation. A social justice issue I care deeply about is the tragedy of  human trafficking.

I represent CSA in how I treat our Sisters, RHC residents and RHC staff.  I engage with some of the RHC staff in conversations and participate in some of the activities through the Activity Department as well as the activities planned for our CSA Sisters.

My hope for the future is that some other Sisters and lay staff will carry on the ministry of CSA.

 

Sr. Mary Jacob Yelcho

Upon my arrival at Mt. Augustine/Regina Health Center, I looked forward to the different ministries I could become involved in. Currently, my number one ministry is prayer. I pray for my CSA community, Sisters, Associates, family, RHC residents, and for special needs in both the United States and throughout the world.

I love meeting residents and their families while I walk the hallways of RHC with a smile and a wink.

I hope to continue my volunteer ministries wherever my CSA community calls, and help in any way I am able to serve.