150 Years of Blessings We are celebrating the golden jubilees of Sisters Mary Alyce Koval, Nancy Pawlen and Diane Toth, during Mass at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Marking 50 years as an Ursuline Sister of Youngstown is Sister Mary Alyce Koval. She’s the education director for Beatitude House, Youngstown and volunteers with other nonprofits in the greater community. She has ministered in school administration and education, with our leadership team. “After entering the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown following graduation, it didn’t take long to realize that there were more doors to new adventures in my life than I could ever imagine,” Sister Mary Alyce comments. “My heart is filled with gratitude.” A graduate of Ursuline High School, Youngstown, Sister Mary Alyce earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Youngstown State University, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Dayton and a Master of Arts in Ministry from Ursuline College, Cleveland. She also holds several professional certifications. Sister Nancy Pawlen celebrates her 50th anniversary as an Ursuline Sister of Youngstown this weekend. She is an assistant director of The Ursuline Center, is active with our Young Adult Outreach program, serves as a Homebound Minister for St. Rose Parish, Girard, and volunteers with other nonprofits in the greater community. She has ministered in school administration and education, and was the director of Omni-West Assisted Living in Youngstown from 1989 to 1991. “In spending my life for others, God has given me abundant life in the here and now,” Sister Nancy observes. “What a wonderful foretaste of that which is to come.” An Ursuline High School alumna, Sister Nancy earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Youngstown State University, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from the University of Dayton, and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University. She holds several professional certifications. Sister Diane Toth is one of three Sisters celebrating her Golden Jubilee as an Ursuline Sister of Youngstown Aug. 7 with Mass and a special dinner. Sister Diane is a social worker, ministering at the Windsor House facilities of Parkside Health Care Center in Columbiana and St. Mary’s Alzheimer’s Center in Salem. Before becoming a social worker, Sister Diane ministered as an educator in several diocesan schools and has volunteered with other nonprofits in the greater community. “I am in awe of the many well wishes and prayers,” Sister Diane says. “I am aware of others who have made commitments to raise children or remain faithful to their spouse. I am inspired by people who have strong determination to spread the Word of God by action or example. I am experiencing a deeper appreciation of God’s loving presence in all these moments.” Sister Diane is a graduate of Poland Seminary High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Youngstown State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. She holds professional certifications in her fields of study.
New AmeriCorp Employees Not only do we have our new AmeriCorps employee — we have two! Laura Roch, left, and Janie Rosko, right, met with us at the Motherhouse today to learn more about the program’s requirements.They will officially start in September. We’re very sad to see Kristen Osiniak go, but she will still be with us in other ways. She leaves big shoes to fill.
Sister Jerome Corcoran inducted Into Ohio Senior Citizen Hall of Fame Sister Jerome, a Chicago native, moved to the Youngstown area as a child. She later entered the Ursuline Sisters and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Catholic University of Ohio and a doctorate from Case Western University, going on to teach classes at several universities. For decades, she has been involved in numerous initiatives to assist needy children and adults. Sister Jerome [at the age of 100] recently retired from Sister Jerome’s Mission, which she founded and ran, but she continues to tutor residents at the Community Corrections Association. On May 19, 2016, Sister Jerome was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizen Hall of Fame. Read the Induction. View the video clip of Sister Jerome’s acceptance.
YSU Honors Students Global Day of Service Saturday, August 29th YSU Honors Scholars participated in an Annual Day of Service. More than 350 students volunteered their time . Our home was just one of their service sites! WHAT QUALIFIES AS SERVICE? Quite a lot, actually. Cleaning up parks, volunteering at shelters, working with animals—but also helping any part of the community that needs a hand. We often forget how much in our everyday life is in service to others, and we want to recognize the members of the YSU Honor Scholars community who devote their time and effort to giving back to others. YSU Honors Global Day of Service, happens at the beginning of the Fall Semester every year in order to have a positive start to the academic year, as well as help introduce the Freshman students into the Honors Program and show them what it means to be an Honors student at YSU and a dedicated community member. Here is a glimpse of their service here at our home!
Grants For Health Care Center Renovations These past six months have been filled with anything but the sounds of silence! Yes, our home was once again filled with the sounds of renovation! Having renovated the east wing for the Sisters living at our Motherhouse, then, renovating the central section into 12 apartments to share our home with those with moderate incomes, we began phase three: renovating our Health Care Center! During these six months we were the recipients of two grants to assist us with this one million dollar endeavor! If you are trying to start burning extra fat before summer arrives you better check out the latest meticore reviews from customers. The Mahoning Valley Hospital Association bestowed a grant of $103,500 on our project. The grant funded the outfitting of 10 bedrooms with new, state-of-the-art hospital beds and all linens. It also provided for the purchase of all necessary furniture, televisions and window treatments for the bedrooms and the Sisters’ new solarium. This all-weather room enables the less mobile Sisters to enjoy the outdoors safely and to have a space for visiting with family and guests. Further, the grant funded the purchase of a new handicapped-accessible whirlpool tub, underwrote the purchase of specialized equipment for the physical therapy room and a nurse’s desk, check out the latest steel bite pro reviews. Mike Senchak, president and chief executive officer of the Mahoning Valley Hospital Foundation, said, “The Foundation and I are grateful for all contributions made to the community by the Ursuline Sisters. They have served the greater Valley for many years, providing support, guidance and leadership to many organizations and individuals, not to mention their impact and influence within multiple educational settings.” Sister Mary McCormick, our General Superior, commented “All of the Ursuline Sisters share deep gratitude for the generosity of Mike Senchak and the Mahoning Valley Hospital Foundation. The beneficiaries of this gift are not only the Sisters who currently dwell in our newly renovated space, but all Ursulines who will at some point need additional health care services because of age or illness. The dignity and respect shown by the Mahoning Valley Hospital Foundation to the Ursuline Sisters is a reflection of the dignity and respect that each person should receive. We can only pray that others will imitate the generosity of Mike Senchak, especially for the poor.” In addition, we received a grant of 25,000 from SOAR. Support Our Aging Religious, Washington, D.C. The grant-funding organization helps U.S. Catholic religious congregations improve the quality of life for aging religious.This grant provided for the creation of three handicapped-accessible bathrooms for the renovated health care wing. We were offered some home care agencies for sale, but eventually we stopped on renovation. If you are looking for healthy supplement reviews visit riverfronttimes.com/PaidContent/2020/09/21/carbofix-reviews-2020-how-to-know-it-is-not-a-scam. “One of the goals of this renovation project was to make our facility handicap accessible, especially for Sisters who use wheelchairs and walkers. This grant from SOAR helps us toward that goal,” observes Sister Mary. “Each day we pray for the donors who manifest their big hearts by their charity.” There is a line from the novel Under the Tuscan Sun: “Signora, you may be finished with the house. But the house is not finished with you.” With the completion of this project are the renovations complete? Who knows!
Answering God’s Call to Action The following reflection was written by Caitlyn, a Summer Service Learning Intern. Over the summer, many college students like me find themselves as hectically busy as they were during the school year. Whether working a summer job (sometimes two), beginning an internship, taking an extra course, or taking part in all three opportunities, they always try to find time to relax and time for family and friends. One thing they don’t always think about is the considerable amount of time they have left in their schedule. As a full-time student I work two jobs, have an internship, and hold leadership positions in many clubs and groups. Even though I keep busy, I have many hours left in my day that aren’t being put to good use. If there’s one concept I’ve learned to understand, it’s “time is of the essence.” Sometimes, we can forget how precious time is. For the young adult volunteers with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, we’ve learned just how precious a few hours of our day can be for another human being. The Sisters’ Summer Service Learning [SSL] Program has been a wonderful opportunity. For the first few weeks, many of the volunteers spent time teaching a Multimedia workshop. One volunteer teacher, Marissa, is a University Scholar in the Youngstown State University Honors College. Marissa’s time spent at The Ursuline Center was filled with what she called, “A spirit of service and Christian love that imbued every action I took there.” My experience has been the same. When I first stepped into Beatitude House, I was unsure how to communicate with the women from different Hispanic backgrounds. I’d never taught a class, much less a secondary language course. Once I began teaching, though, I was awed at the focus and determination these women had to learn an incredibly difficult language. I felt humbled that God led me down a path not only beneficial to these mothers but also to me. I’ve learned much about their cultures, lifestyles and languages. Even more incredible to observe was the children’s class down the hall. The young adult volunteers, Kristen, Jenne, Kelly, Courtney, Kayleigh, Carly, Lea and Anny, many of whom are education majors, have patience and passion when working with the children. “The initiative and motivation to learn at such a young age is admirable,” comments Lea, a Walsh University student, “and the atmosphere of Beatitude House is such a bright and enjoyable place for the children to learn and stay free-spirited. Kelly, an early childhood education major, has participated for the past two years and, with Jenne, is a student leader in the SSL program. “I never know what to expect, or exactly what students I will be working with,” she remarks. “When I get there, my faith allows me to make adjustments to whatever needs are present, and I know that God will give me the strength or knowledge I need in order to handle those situations.” As a witness to the many projects occurring through the SSL Program, I cannot help but feel awed by this life changing experience. I now realize what a few hours in a week can mean to another human being and a community. This has been such a rewarding opportunity for all of us volunteers, and I can’t help but wonder what my summer would have been like without this enriching, uplifting experience. Before this experience, I thought, “What could I possible have to give to these people?” However, God’s call to action has shown me that people of all backgrounds have something to offer, even if it’s only a small amount of time, compassion, or care. I know I will be a returning volunteer next year, and I hope that young people in our community realize it is imperative to take the same call to action that I did. As a young adult, our time and service is more precious than we realize.
Wake Up The World This Summer Pope Francis wrote a letter to Sisters, Brothers,and Priests who have dedicated their lives to the Gospel to join with others to “Wake Up The World”! These words from our Pope remind me of words we Ursulines have from our Foundress, St. Angela Merici: “Act, Move, Believe, Strive, Hope, cry out with all your heart, for without doubt you will see marvelous things, if you direct everything to the praise and glory of God and the good of souls”! St. Angela also thinks we can wake up the world with the help of many others. Consider joining us this summer in a variety of service opportunities and find out for yourself. Come to the Orientation on Monday, May 18 at 7:00 PM to get started. Contact Sister Norma at 330-261-4729 for more information.
Outstanding Community Partner Ray , Anne and Michele For the last three years, The Ursuline Sisters have partnered with Kent State University’s Experiential Learning program thanks to Ann Gosky, Senior Special Assistant, Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement, and Amanda Paulus. This year The Ursuline Sisters were recognized as an outstanding Community Partner! This award recognizes the efforts of Kent State University campus and The Ursuline Sisters who engaged students in meaningful out-of-the classroom learning experiences Amanda. Austin, Shakshi, Brandi and Olivia The students who have partnered with The Ursuline Sisters were thoughtful, inquisitive, respectful, hard-working, energetic and bright. They interacted with the populations we serve – impoverished, immigrant, ill, old, young – with a kindness of spirit and a depth of soul seldom seen in students so young. How fortunate and blessed we are working with these students and with Ann and Amanda!
College Student? Recent Grad? Want To Make A Difference? We’re accepting applications for our summer Service Learning Program and 2015-2016 AmeriCorps Service Position. Current college students and those graduating this semester are eligible to apply for the summer program; recent college graduates are eligible to apply for the AmeriCorps position. Both programs are a great way to build your experience and resume while serving others in meaningful work. This is the fourth year for our summer Service Learning Program, which offers flexible, non-paid intern and volunteer opportunities in our ministries running May 18-June 25. This is the first year we’re offering the AmeriCorps position, which provides a year-long, full-time service experience with a faith dimension in our nonprofit ministries. Participant receives a stipend and is eligible for other benefits, including health insurance. Apply online or contact Sister Norma Raupple at 330-261-4729 or by email. [ninja_forms id=10]
Family Donates to Water With Blessings They look a little strange. They’re called socks. And we needed 50 of them. That’s when Donna, left, and Kelly D., a mother and daughter team from Canfield, graciously crocheted all the socks needed for this year’s Water With Blessings mission trip. These socks protect part of the water filtration systems from damage. Kelly volunteers with our Service Learning Program and works at the Motherhouse, too. We’re grateful for her and Donna’s contribution to our project! In December, Sister Norma Raupple is leading a group of young women on the mission to bring clean water to God’s thirsty children at the U.S.-Mexico border, where water on both sides is terrible. This is the second year for our WWB mission trip. The nuts and bolts are this: “Water Women” are trained in how to use water filtration kits, which cost $60 apiece. In exchange for a kit and training, “Water Women” agree to help five other families – sharing, not selling, the clean water. Last year, our Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown group delivered 50 units, ultimately giving 250 families clean water. The trip not only helps these families, it provides a chance for young adult women to deepen their relationship with us while participating in an international service experience. And it was a chance for donors – many our family, Associates and friends – to be part of a wonderful ministry. Their help was immense when we had to fix frozen pipes last year. We’re behind on funding for this year’s trip. If you or your group – maybe a church group or just your crowd of friends – can sponsor at “Water Woman” at $60 please contact Contact Sister Norma by email or at 330.792.7636. All donations help and are greatly appreciated, so if you can give more or less than $60, please consider contributing to this worthwhile ministry. Read more to learn more about the WWB program, founded by Kentucky Ursuline Sister Larraine Lauter.
Golden Jubilee The Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown will celebrate Sunday, Oct. 19, as Sister Carole Suhar marks her golden jubilee (50 year anniversary). Invitations have been issued to family and friends for a celebratory Mass at 1 p.m. at the Motherhouse Chapel, which will be followed by dinner in the Motherhouse dining room. Sister Carole Suhar was born in Youngstown on April 21, 1945, to the late Steve and Margaret Suhar, and was a parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Austintown. After graduating from Ursuline High School, Sister Carole earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Youngstown State University and a Master of Science in Elementary Administration from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. She performed post-graduate work at Boston College, Dayton University, St. Mary of the Woods, St. Mary of the Woods, Ind., and YSU. Sister Carole also has earned numerous professional certifications. You could also go dining at restaruants in Boston. On Sept. 8, 1963, Sister Carole entered the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. She was received into the Novitiate Aug. 6, 1964, and made her Final Profession Aug. 8, 1971. “I had wanted to be a nun for as long as I could remember but really couldn’t have told anyone why. I just did,” Sister Carole reflects. “Deep down a very shy person by nature, the very thought of leaving my family, my security should have been terrifying, but it wasn’t. Why not? I know now that it was because God was calling me. God was inviting me and giving me the strength and courage I needed to answer God’s call then and throughout these past 50 years.” Sister Carole has ministered in education for 41 years, and currently ministers as Intervention Specialist at St.Rose School, Girard, where she has worked since 2010. Sister Carole’s ministries have included serving as a principal of St. Rose, St.Nicholas School,Struthers, St.Luke School,Boardman, and St. Mary and Joseph School, Newton Falls, and teaching at St.Columba and Sacred Heart schools in Youngstown and St.Nicholas. She also has ministered as the Learning Center Coordinator at Ursuline High School. Sister Carole is active as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at Holy Name of Jesus/Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Youngstown
Distinguished Alumna UHS Sr. Mary Lee Nalley was honored by Ursuline High School at an All School Mass today as this year’s Distinguished Alumni award winner! Here is her acceptance speech.
New Ministry for Sister Nancy Dawson Sister Mary McCormick, general superior of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, has appointed Sister Nancy Dawson as Executive Director of The Ursuline Center. Sister Nancy most recently served as General Superior of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown for six years. She is also a part-time instructor of World Religions at Youngstown State University. “We are delighted to have Sister Nancy return as Executive Director of the Ursuline Center,” states Sister Mary. “Her experience and enthusiasm will enhance the many ministries and services of the Center. The Ursuline Center provides an opportunity for networking among various groups for the common good.” “I welcome the opportunity to continue the mission and ministries of Ursuline founder St. Angela Merici, who responded to the needs of her times,” Sister Nancy says. “She was always a beacon of hope, hospitality, and inclusivity. Sister Nancy will be assisted by 12 other Ursuline Sisters who serve in various capacities at the Center, along with lay people and Ursuline Associates. Many ministries are offered at or through The Ursuline Center, such SilverSneakers®, Motherhouse Pool Ministry, adult enrichment classes, a labyrinth, Prison Ministry, pastoral and bereavement counseling, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Sister Jerome’s Poor, spiritual direction and retreats, The Ursuline Center Book Club and The Ursuline Center Spiritual Book Club. Also offered at the site are Walsh University Accelerated Program and Pymatuning Rehab Speech and Hearing Services. “Our Center Auditorium is available to use for reasonable donations,” Sister Nancy adds. “We welcome people to call us for such family-oriented gatherings as Baptism, First Communion and graduation parties, showers, and birthdays. The Center offers a fully equipped kitchen, classrooms, retreat bedroom space, and a beautiful chapel.”
New Leaders at UPSK From left are Mary Ann Critell, Sister Mary Alyce Koval, and Sister Mary McCormick The Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten will begin its 51st year of educating children with new leadership at the helm. Mary Ann Critell has been named Principal and Director. Mary Ann has worked at the school for 18 years, most recently as a kindergarten teacher and assistant principal. She also is an Ursuline Associate. Ursuline Sister of Youngstown Mary Alyce Koval, Site Director for Beatitude House’s A House of Blessing Youngstown, has been named Minister of Ursuline Mission for UPSK. Sister Mary McCormick, general superior of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, says, “For 50 years, the Ursuline Sisters have provided the best in preschool education. With Mrs. Critell as Principal and Director and Sister Mary Alyce in the new position at Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten, we look forward to continuing that superb educational tradition and keeping the mission of the Ursuline Sisters strong for our children and families.” “Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten is rooted in the tradition of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown’s ministry to joyfully educate children in faith, wisdom and understanding,” states Mrs. Critell. “It is here on this holy ground that we form a community nurtured by the children, their families, supportive staff and the presence of Ursuline Sisters. We continue to keep the words of St. Angela’s last legacy alive, ‘to persevere faithfully and joyfully in the work you have begun.’” In addition to her administrative duties, Mrs. Critell will be active in educational programs, teaching special religion lessons and educational songs, and assisting with music programs during the year. “I look forward to occasionally teaching special religion lessons throughout the year, and telling stories to the various ages. The children energize me!” Mrs. Critell adds. “My education experience has come full circle,” Sister Mary Alyce says. “In my life as an Ursuline Sister of Youngstown, I spent 42 years in elementary school teaching and administration. The last five years have been helping women at Beatitude House pursue post-secondary education. Now I’m going back to where it all starts — preschool.” There are limited spots still available for fall enrollment at the preschool and kindergarten, Mrs. Critell notes. A new program accepting families this year, she continues, will be Time for Two for two- to three year olds. “It’s for students not ready for preschool,” she explains. “The child attends a once a week for an hour session with an adult to share stories, an art activity and snack for a nominal fee.” Learn more about UPSK by calling 330-792-4150 or visiting its website: www.ursulinepreschoolandkindergarten.org.
Emily: A YSU Student and Volunteer Reflects Recently I was given the opportunity to spend some time with Sister Mary O’Leary. I was told before our time together that she is one of the sweetest people around. After introducing myself, her eagerness for a visit confirmed her infectious personality. We went for a walk around the Motherhouse until we settled in the chairs in the dining hall. There we shared different stories, mostly about children and school. I was very interested in all of the stories she told me about teaching — the fun times on field trips, antics of the children, and observations of what made the children so fun. When we talked about children, Sister Mary’s face lit up. I can tell that teaching children is what brought her joy and was what she was meant to do. I can only hope that the career I choose one day will bring me the same happiness. It is my belief that if you are able to use your life to help other people, by whatever means you wish, you will lead a much more satisfied life. Imagine living and not ever sharing yourself with people who need a little care? I can see myself taking many different directions in life, and all of them involve service to people. Talking to Sister Mary confirmed my realization that the more you give to others, the more joy you are able to give yourself. I realized after talking with her, that it doesn’t really matter what I end up doing. As long as I am able to see a difference I can make in people’s lives, whether it is small or large, I will be fulfilled. And maybe then I can share my stories and experiences with someone with the same joy as Sister Mary O’Leary.
College Students’ Service Learning Opportunity with Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown Eleven students with Walsh University, Canton, are spending three days of their spring break with us in a unique service-learning opportunity. These students are all majoring in a medical field and eventually wish to work with Hispanic populations. Much of their experience with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown focuses on our Potter’s Wheel Ministry, which performs Hispanic outreach. During these three days, the students will use our Motherhouse as their home base as they visit different locations in the Mahoning Valley that offer some sort of health-related service to the Hispanic community. The Alternative Spring Breaks also introduce young adults to our religious community and ministries. It has also allowed young women who are interested to form a closer relationship with our religious community. Last year, two of the young women from Walsh returned to be Companions in Mission with us in summer 2013 and accompanied Sister Norma Raupple on an international service trip for our Water With Blessings project. We’re glad to welcome them back once again for this ASB
National Catholic Sisters Week National Catholic Sisters Week-March 8-14: to ignite a movement around the lives and the contributions of Catholic sisters “Wherever good things are happening, there are likely to be Sisters involved,” states the proposal from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, calling for a national campaign to boost awareness of women religious. Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, director of The Catholic Sisters Initiative, launched in February 2013 by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, was inspired by her experience as a university president to fold that campaign into the well-established Women’s History Month. Sister Rosemarie fashioned a three-year grant to propose a specific plan to raise the visibility of women religious. This resulted in a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN, which plans to bring national visibility to the contributions of women religious, whose far-reaching work on the frontlines of social change, women’s leadership, healthcare, education and the Church remains relatively unknown. A key initiative of the three-year project will be the launch of National Catholic Sisters Week, March 8-14, 2014, as part of Women’s History Month. The ultimate goal is to create “fertile ground” to help more young women consider a call to religious life. “Will this mean that thousands of women will enter religious life? No, probably not,” Sister Rosemarie says. “But we’ve got to offer a chance. Even if women are inspired to live their lives differently outside the convent, the effort will be worthwhile.” The intent is to ignite a movement around the lives and the contributions of sisters in ways that inspire girls and women to picture themselves among the ranks of these women religious. Molly Dever Hazelton and Mary Soher, OP, were named co-executive directors. Hazelton is a professor of library and information science at St. Catherine’s University; Soher, of Henderson, NV, has been a member of the Adrian Dominicans since 1996. Want to get involved and honor sisters during the week? Some ideas are below: • Contact Sister Norma Raupple [330.792.7636] to coordinate a tour or volunteer activity at an Ursuline ministry • Ask our sisters to share their stories • Join us for Mass and Dinner • Choose a saint who was a sister to be your patron for the month of March – study her and pray for her intercession
Working Together For ‘God’s Thirsty Children’ Our Youngstown Associates recently adopted “Water With Blessings” as a project. They raised $3,000 to buy water filtration kits (pictured above) for families living at the Brownsville, Texas/Matamoros, Mexico border in need of clean water. In December, I traveled to the border with six college women and met up with Sister Larraine Lauter, a Kentucky Ursuline who founded the program, for what was a beautiful and enriching experience. Not only was our goal to help people in desperate need of clean water, but also to give the young women (such as Lynne, at right) an opportunity for an international immersion/reflection experience with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. Sister Larraine trained “Water Teachers” from among Ursuline Associates at the border. Our local group brought the clean water to 50 young mothers during the training sessions. These “Water Women” agreed to share their filters with four other families. Thus, “God’s Thirsty Children” received the gift of clean water for Christmas. Advent Scripture readings provided a focus for our morning prayer and reflection, while participating in “Las Posadas” filled three of our evenings. We walked with local families through the neighborhood, singing and praying, while “seeking shelter for Mary and Joseph.” We shared a meal with immigrants at La Posada de Providencia in San Benito, Texas, who are housed with several Sisters of Providence while waiting for their immigration cases to be processed. Their stories were both sad and hopeful. The week ended with an enjoyable day at the beach at South Padre Island. Carly Conklin (center in photo at left), one of our Companions in Mission who made the trip, says, “Such an amazing project! I’m so blessed to have been included in this first group to work with U. S. women. Thank you for this life enriching opportunity to see God’s loving hand at work.” I was inspired by the prayerfulness and generosity of the six beautiful young women who made the trip with me. We’re planning another trip to the border in December 2014. If you or your group would like to sponsor a “Water Woman,” the kits are $60. You can view a short slideshow of the experience.
Companion In Mission The Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown are Catholic nuns who respond together to the most critical needs of God’s people in Northeastern Ohio and have since 1874 — adapting our ministries to meet the needs of the times. We are committed to bringing our spirit, vision and presence to Northeastern Ohio for generations to come. We offer job shadowing opportunities for college students as we minister in all levels of education, including religious education, as health care professionals, hospital chaplains, counselors, social workers, administrators, spiritual directors, pastoral associates, and advocates for the poor. We also offer job shadowing opportunities at our facility, The Ursuline Center, which serves the educational and spiritual needs of more than 1,000 children, youth and adults. Companions in Mission with us have the opportunity to create programming at this educational facility which is in line with our mission to offer a place of welcome and conversation and a space where all can enrich their lives through learning, celebrating, praying and sharing in a dynamic community. We operate Beatitude House, with locations in Youngstown, Warren and Ashtabula. This program has helped thousands of homeless women and their children break the cycle of poverty by providing transitional housing, guidance in parenting, education and other assistance. The Potter’s Wheel, Youngstown, helps disadvantaged women, especially immigrants, succeed through educational and employment assistance. We operate the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry, which comprises the Comprehensive Care Clinic, The Guardian Angel Café & Angela’s Place, and Casa Madre, a home where children infected or affected by the virus receive tutoring, mentoring and support services. If you are interested fill out application form online and submit. Companion In Mission Online Application
Water With Blessings Update Uniquely Ursuline! Sisters, Associates and Young adults bringing Water With Blessings to God’s thirsty children in Brownsville Texas and Matamporos Mexico. Imagine if our water weren’t safe to drink, bathe in, or wash dishes in. Residents along the Texas/Mexico border are living with that reality. Now our own Sister Norma Raupple headed there with a group of college volunteers and enough local donations to help 250 families. Share our experience!
Vaya Con Dios Imagine if our water wasn’t safe to drink, safe to bathe in, or safe to wash the dishes with. Many people who live near the Mexican Border are living with that reality. Our own Sister Norma Raupple is heading there to help through a program called Water with Blessings. Sister Norma, Sister Larraine Lauter, an Ursuline Sister from Kentucky, and six college students/volunteers with ties to the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown set out for a 7-day service trip to Brownsville,Texas, Dec.14. Ursuline Associates in Youngstown have agreed to be partners in this endeavor. With the help of a few others, they have raised $3,000 to purchase water purification systems and materials ($60 each). Ursuline Associates from Texas and Mexico are doing the groundwork by purchasing buckets for the systems and inviting 50 young mothers to participate in the project. ). Each mother will in turn help four other families. That means 250 families will soon be able to enjoy safe water. Water with Blessings is a nonprofit organization started by Sister Larraine. Be sure to follow our Social Media pages in the next few days. Our group will send photos and highlights of their trip which we’ll post. Click here for more information on the Youngstown Project.
Water With Blessing Uniquely Ursuline! Sisters, Associates and Young adults bringing Water With Blessings to God’s thirsty children in Brownsville Texas and Matamporos Mexico. We have been talking and praying for months about the possibility of taking Water With Blessing to the U.S. Mexico border as an Ursuline project. Learn more: Water With Blessing Fact Sheet How you can partner with us: Water With Blessing Partnership Water With Blessings Youngstown
Celebrating Sister Betty’s Ministry at Beatitude House Beatitude House, a ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, is honoring one of our sisters who’s ministered there many years. In fact, that’s what led her to become a nun! Sister Betty Schuster came to Beatitude House from New York shortly after the ministry began more than 20 years ago. Then she was just Betty. As a former health and physical education teacher, she became the first Child Advocate and put her knowledge and experience to work in creating the comprehensive Child Advocacy Program still used today. Along the way, Sister Betty realized she was called to be a nun, and became an Ursuline Sister of Youngstown. Although ovarian cancer has prevented her from working in full-time ministry since January, her spirit continues to brighten the lives of children involved with Beatitude House. That’s why the ministry has created the Sister Betty Schuster Outstanding Youth Award. It will be given each year to a child from Beatitude House that has demonstrated significant growth through leadership, achievements, or personal success. Here is Sister Betty’s Vocation Story!
In Need of Prayer? Is someone you care about in need of special prayers or celebrating an anniversary, wedding or important event in life? Do you have need of prayers for yourself? Please use this online request and share with us the names of your loved ones and your special intentions. In return, we will: Place your prayer request on our Prayer Board and hold your loved ones in our communal prayer.
Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters TV Show Tune your TV or DVR to WFMJ Sun., Oct. 20 at 12:30 p.m. The Youngstown station is very kindly running the one-hour documentary Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America hosted by veteran journalist Cokie Roberts. The broadcast is subject to change, based on sports that day. If that happens, watch our Social Media sites for the alternate date and time.
College Students Enjoy Volunteering with Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown This summer we are once again blessed with a great group of young adults volunteering and interning with our ministries. More than a dozen young women on summer break from college are sharing their time and talents. Some have volunteered with us previously, others are new to the program. Each brings her special gifts to our program, volunteering with our Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten, HIV/AIDS ministry, Potter’s Wheel, Parkside Healthcare Center and Motherhouse healthcare, as well as Habitat for Humanity. Check back soon to hear from our interns and volunteers on what the experience has meant to them.
Have a Loved One in Need Of Prayer? Is someone you care about in need of special prayers or celebrating an anniversary, wedding or important event in life? Do you have need of prayers for yourself? Please send us the names of your loved ones and your special intentions. In return, we will: Place your prayer request on our Prayer Board Hold your loved ones in our communal prayer.