New Ministry ‘Energizing’ for Sister Mary Alyce Change can be a difficult thing. But Sister Mary Alyce Koval finds a big change in her life right now “energizing.” Today she begins a new ministry – new for her, and relatively new for the Diocese of Youngstown. She’s the new Parish Leader for St. Luke Church in Boardman. St. Luke’s is one of three parishes in our diocese which will now have a parish leader instead of a resident pastor. “I am excited to start this new ministry as the parish leader at St. Luke Parish in Boardman,” she says. “St. Luke’s is a trailblazer in this new model of church leadership.” The move by the diocese comes in an effort to offset the current lack of priests. Priests will still celebrate Masses, funerals and sacraments. Sister Mary Alyce will coordinate these services at St. Luke’s. Fr. John Keehner has been named the Canonical Pastor for St. Luke’s. He’s also the full-time pastor of St. Christine Parish in Youngstown. Frs. Zachary Coulter and Chidiebere Ogbuagu have been named as the Sacramental Ministers. Fr. Coulter also is the associate pastor of St. Christine’s. Fr. Ogbuagu will continue his full-time ministry as Chaplain of St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown. Additionally, Sister Mary Alyce will oversee all pastoral staff and strengthen the faith community of St. Luke’s. She’s been spending the last few weeks getting to know, and becoming reacquainted with, families at St. Luke’s. “Many of them are former students and their parents. It’s amazing how once you get to know someone, you never know where you’ll meet them again. I’ve also found I have connections with many of the parishioners through other places I’ve ministered in the area.” Sister Mary Alyce served as the education director for Beatitude House from 2009 through this past July. Beatitude House is our ministry that helps homeless women and their children overcome cyclical poverty through housing, education and other assistance. Prior to that, Sister Mary Alyce ministered in school administration, serving as principal first at St. Joseph School in Austintown, followed by St. Rose School, Girard, then at St. Charles School, Boardman. She ministered as an educator at several elementary schools in the Diocese, including St. Luke’s. “I have met so many people who are committed to continue the legacy that has been laid in the past,” Sister Mary Alyce states. “We as a parish are looking forward to bring about the Kingdom of God at this time and in this place. Sister Mary Alyce also is active in the greater community, serving on the board of directors at St. Joseph the Provider School, Youngstown, as a Hospice of the Valley companion, and on the Youngstown Diocesan Pastoral Council. Previously she served on the board of directors for Park Vista of Youngstown, on St. Charles Parish Pastoral Council and in several liturgical ministries at that parish. Sister Mary Alyce also served a member of the Ursuline Sisters’ Leadership teams from 2002-2014, and as a member of our formation team. 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. “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.”
AmeriCorps Volunteers Give, Gain Much Laura, Emily, Janie Guest Contributor: Rachel Gobep For some it’s money. For others prestige. For Emily Anne Martin, the best motivation to work hard comes from helping others. “Happiness is truly not found by making a lot of money, but instead by making a difference,” Martin comments. Through the federal AmeriCorps program, Martin is one of three women performing post-college service with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. The AmeriCorps program provides opportunities for college graduates to perform anywhere from six months to two years of service with a nonprofit, school, public agency, or community and faith-based organization. Communities gain valuable service and the participants gain valuable experience toward their future careers. Martin was pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management at Kent State University, when “I realized that before I graduated, I should gain some real world experience in a nonprofit setting. Not to mention I was ready to move on and do something more meaningful.” Martin serves as a Nonprofit Management Specialist at Beatitude House, Youngstown, where she interned while earning her baccalaureate. The Ursuline Sisters’ ministry helps homeless women and their children break the cycle of generational poverty through housing, education and other assistance. “I help with developing a system for tracking volunteers, assist in creating marketing materials, plan and volunteer at events, sort donations and work with other homeless social service agencies in the area,” she says. Martin and her fellow AmeriCorps participants have contributed 1.4 billion hours since 1993 toward making the world a better place through volunteering, engaging with the community and improving people’s lives, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. It’s a concept that seems simple. But according to participants like Laura Roch, the benefits are complex and unexpected. “Not only have I learned a lot about myself through my service experience,” she says, “I have learned more about my hometown than I would have ever known had I not taken advantage of this amazing opportunity.” Roch is serving as a Nonprofit Management Specialist for the Ursuline Sisters. Initially she planned to pursue a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling after graduating from KSU in 2016, but a former instructor of hers from Ursuline High School recommended the AmeriCorps position with the Ursulines. Through her work with the Ursuline Sisters’ ministries, Roch’s opportunities have ranged from tutoring youth from disadvantaged and privileged homes to helping Spanish and Arabic-speaking women learning English to working with the incarcerated at a local prison – and more. Her work experience at Huntington was a big advantage. “I’ve learned how to better serve individuals of different races, socioeconomic status, and personalities,” she observes. “I’ve learned how to lesson plan, empower individuals, and run meetings about different topics and projects I’m working on. I have become much more aware of the environment around me, rather than being so naive of things going on in the town where I’ve spent 23 years.” Roch says her work with the Ursuline Sisters has brought her closer to God because she sees the struggles that others go through daily. “After seeing the issues and things people right down the street from me deal with, I have not been able to turn a blind eye,” she states. “I know that prayers will be answered and these people will be helped soon.” Janie Rosko serves as an Education Specialist for the Ursuline Sisters. While in college, she volunteered several years at Potter’s Wheel, the Sisters’ immigrant education program in Youngstown. After graduating from Youngstown State University in 2016 with bachelor’s degrees in both Philosophy and Psychology, Rosko decided to wait before pursuing graduate studies. “I decided to take this [AmeriCorps] opportunity because I wanted to gain experience serving all varieties of people in all types of situations,” she states. Among her many on-the-job experiences, Rosko co-teaches an English Language class to immigrant women, serves as a tutor and mentor for children at Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten, Canfield, the Potter’s Wheel and Casa Madre, Youngstown, the Ursuline Sisters’ HIV/AIDS Ministry providing mentoring and other assistance to children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. “Serving various kinds of people can be challenging at times,” Rosko observes, “but I’m gaining so much knowledge and feel right where I need to be at this moment in time.” Sister Norma Raupple, Director of the Young Adult Outreach Ministry for the Ursuline Sisters, says Martin, Roch and Rosko “perform a great service by bringing their education and enthusiasm to the Sisters’ ministries and make a positive impact on the lives of those served. “The women involved with us through AmeriCorps grow by developing their abilities in taking initiative and honing their leadership skills,” she continues. “They become more confident, relate well to the children they work with and become good role models.” Martin, Roch and Rosko all highly recommend AmeriCorps to anyone considering their career after graduating college. “It is immensely rewarding and there is much more to learn than one may originally believe,” Rosko posits. AmeriCorps participants must be 21 years or older. In exchange for working full time, they receive a twice-monthly stipend and are eligible for health benefits and housing. Upon completion of their contract, they earn an education award they can use toward future studies or for paying off student loan debt. Rachel Gobep is majoring in Journalism at Youngstown State University and interning as a Strategic Communications Specialist with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown.
Summer Magic There was a bit of “Summer Magic” at The Ursuline Center today, as our AmeriCorps employees Laura and Janie, Sister Nancy Pawlen, and a host of volunteers put on a one-day camp for children served by our ministries. There were outdoor activities while the rain held off, and plenty of indoor activities — such as musical chairs, slime and other crafts, duck duck goose and swimming. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this day special for children who could use a little special in their lives.
A Reflection for the Funeral of Sister Judy Shoff All life has a beginning and an end that takes us back home to a new beginning. Let me state that again: All life has a beginning and an end that takes us back home to a new beginning. As Sister Mary McCormick stated in her reflective letter about Sister Judy, we often use the metaphor of journey to describe our lives. And for most of us, as it was for Judy, it’s a long and winding road. But we don’t travel alone. We travel with family. We gather today as family to celebrate Judy’s life journey with us. And to celebrate the fullness of life promised when our creator breathed into Judy’s fragile, imperfect body the Spirit that would take her on a lifelong journey of awakening, discovery and fulfillment. I often remind myself that the funeral liturgy is not for the benefit of the deceased who have reached fulfillment, but rather, for us – to be more mindful and attentive to our own life journey. A journey of awakening to who we are. A journey of discovering whose we are and why we are. And in the end, arrive at that place where Jesus promised to take us and be at home in the Family of the Trinity. This was Judy’s three-fold journey over these past 75 years – coming to know who she was, whose she was, and why she was. She arrived in this world unknowing and searching, like each of us, and began to discover who she was in relationship with family: a daughter, a sister to Linda and Robert, a wife, a mother to Debbie and David, a grandmother to Debbie’s children, Steven, Brianna and Kristina, a nurse, an Ursuline Sister of Youngstown, and a beloved friend to many. Spiritual writers Richard Rohr and Ronald Rolhouser have written and lectured about the first and second halves of life. In the first half, we focus pretty much on ourselves, our needs and desires. Our focus tends toward who we are and why we are in our search for meaning and our place. But in the second half of life, we come to know whose we are, and the eternal why we are in the family of God. We come to understand what Jesus said to His disciples: “I am the way, the truth and the life. I will lead you home.” When Judy transitioned from her vocation as mother and nurse to her vocation as an Ursuline Sister of Youngstown and hospital chaplain, her discovery of who she was evolved into an understanding and knowing of whose she was – God’s beloved. And she understood why she was – to make a difference in the lives of those she served, much like Jesus did. In her chaplain ministry, Judy had the good fortune to minister to the sick and dying. Many people ask chaplains, “What is it that you do with patients?” “Do you talk theology or religion?” “Do you talk about God?” “Do you pray?” I think Kerry Egan, a hospice chaplain and author of a collection of hospice patients’ stories put it right when she said, “I talk to patients who are sick and dying mostly about their families.” This may appear to be a weak understanding of faith or a sign of a shallow spiritual life, but as Egan writes in her book On Living: “People who are sick and dying talk with chaplains mostly about their families because that is how we talk about God, that is how we talk about the meaning of life, that is how we talk about the big questions of our life journey.” As Judy’s life would attest, we live our lives not in our heads, in theology or theory. We live our lives in our hearts. In families. In families we are born into, the families we create in our journey through our service to others, and in the families we make through the people we choose as friends. Families are where we first experience love, and where we first give it. They’re probably the first place we are hurt by someone we love and where we learn to overcome obstacles and rejection. And it is in the crucible of love where we begin to ask the spiritual questions that move us into the second half of life, where we begin to ask the ultimate question of whose we are, and how we end up at a new beginning. In reflecting on Judy’s second half of life journey, it was not through a study of theology that Judy came to know the meaning of life, death and new life. By offering her patients in their journey a loving presence and a compassionate heart, Judy created a sacred and safe place for them to share their stories and helped them find meaning and strength for their journey. That is why she was so loved and appreciated by her patients and spiritual care co-workers. In her patients’ stories there was a wisdom to be found, kindness to be found, that enabled Judy to face the hardest things of life and her own struggle with sickness and dying. It is through Judy’s own story of her journey with her many families that we can find wisdom and the assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of the Three-fold Family of God. Jesus promises us, as He did Judy, a place in God’s House. That place of knowing who we are, whose we are, and why we are, and there dwell forever in the fullness of life promised to those who believe and follow him. May Judy now rest there in peace in the Family of the Trinity, with our Creator and Source of Being, the Eternal Word and our Redeemer, and the Sanctifying Spirit. May she watch over us as we make our journey back home to our new beginning. Amen.
Our Sister In Glory: Sister Judy Shoff Sister Judy Shoff, OSU, died on Wednesday June 7. She was 75 years old. Sister Judy was born in Sagamore PA on April 13, 1942, the daughter of Leroy and Dorothy Cuddy. She was educated in Shannock Schools and graduated from Beaver Valley General Hospital School of Nursing in New Brighton PA in 1965. While living in Florida in the 1980s, Sister Judy became Catholic. Prior to becoming Catholic she had married and raised a family. When she relocated to Ohio, she made contact with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. She entered the Ursuline Sisters on October 21, 1992 and professed Final Vows on August 6, 2000. In her years of ministry as an Ursuline Sister Sister Judy worked at Warren General Hospital and Liberty Health Care Center. Beginning in 2000, Sister Judy served as a member of the Spiritual Care Department of St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown until her retirement in 2015. She was a Board Certified Catholic Chaplain who trained in Clinical Pastoral Education in both Pittsburgh and the Cleveland VA Hospital. She studied theology at Carlow University, Pittsburgh, Walsh University, Canton, and Ursuline College, Cleveland. She is survived by her Sisters in community, a son, David, a daughter, Debbie Chopine (Sergey), three grandchildren, Steven, Brianna and Kristina, of Salem, Oregon, and a sister, Linda Rose (Herb) of Youngstown. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday June 10 at noon at the Ursuline Motherhouse Chapel, 4250 Shields Rd., Canfield OH. 44406. Calling hours will begin at 10 am in the Motherhouse Chapel
A Mother’s Prayer While Doing Laundry Whenever I call my sister, inevitably I ask her what’s happening! An inevitably, the reply is, “Laundry”. Seems Laundry is the daily hum-drum of life, or is it? Here’s a prayer that may change the routine into an occasion of God’s presence. I find you so close to me right here, dear Lord. Surrounded by the dirt and scattered clothing of my family, I find this an ideal spot to pray with you. No one comes near here so it is quiet, and it gives me a chance to reflect on the many blessings of my life.As I pick up their clothing and sort it, I ask you to give each of them what is needed most in their lives. I fill the washer with my husband’s shirts and socks, and ask that you bless him as he wears them to work each day. Give him the grace to see that his work is holy and open his eyes to see the sacredness of each moment of life. As I sort the tiny socks or the overalls of the children, I smile and remember how blessed I am to have them in my life. I sort the larger teenage clothing and wonder at how fast these clothes have become larger sizes – and how quickly children grow up. I ask your help as I guide them through each new phase of their lives. Give me a love that is endless, a heart that forgives them and the humility to ask for their forgiveness when that is right. Help me keep them from danger, and help me to let go and trust you when it is time to do that. I try so hard to be perfect but lead me to remember that it is here in the smudged, disorganized and disheveled part of life that I find you the nearest. Thank you, dearest Lord, for so much grace in my life! [resource: Creighton University: Online Ministries]
KSU Alternative Spring Break 2017 KSU Alternative Spring Break. It was a great group again this year! A video to show some of their activity over the last couple of days. It’s included exercising with SilverSneakers, meeting moms with our Immigrant Outreach, preparing an apartment at Beatitude House, tutoring children in our HIV/AIDS ministry, and learning about the homeless at Catholic Charities. We’re grateful for the gift of their presence!
Ministry Expansion Brings Changes to The Ursuline Center If you haven’t been upstairs in The Ursuline Center for a while, you won’t recognize it anymore. The second floor housed Prato Hall — a site for numerous presentations and meetings, dorms where groups would stay for retreats, and kitchen and laundry facilities. But thanks to hard work over the last few months by five members of our Motherhouse maintenance and facilities crew – Mat, Tom, Pat, Darrell and Dennis — the 8,100-square-foot space has been gutted. At the end of this month construction starts on the expansion phase of Ursuline Sisters Senior Living. Our ministry for independent adults ages 55+ of moderate Social-Security income has been in great demand since we began it in 2012. In fact, we have consistently had a long waiting list for the 12 apartments at the east end of the Center. [su_quote]“We sought the advice of our Sisters, Associates, and those with whom we work in ministry about the best use of this space at our Motherhouse,” states Sister Mary McCormick, General Superior. “Because of the success of the current apartments, we decided to expand that ministry with this space.”[/su_quote] In the new phase, six apartments are being added and should be completed in 6-8 months. Getting ready for this expansion has been a big job. Our crew first deconstructed the space, salvaging what they could of the sinks, vanities, cabinets, toilets and light fixtures. These were donated to Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley’s ReStore Shop in Struthers. Then the men worked diligently to clear the ceilings, floors, walls and everything in between. Our crew worked very hard, not just on this project for several others going on simultaneously, and we are very grateful to them. BSHM Architects are overseeing the work, as they did for other reconfigurations at the Motherhouse over the last six years. From 2011 to the current project, we’ve invested $5.3 million in reconfiguring and renovating our Motherhouse and Center. The construction has included the creation of new living and office spaces for the Sisters, a ministry conference room, a renovation of our Sisters’ healthcare wing, and the first phase of the senior living apartments. We received several grants and generous donations from our families and friends toward the cost of construction for the projects. The Ursuline Center is our educational facility and home to many of our ministries. These offer outreach to many populations, especially the poor and disadvantaged. Learn more
Blessed Are The Peacemakers Following the great success of the 3rd annual National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend in December 2015 at more than 500 places of worship in 46 states and the District of Columbia, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence and the Washington National Cathedral are joining the Newtown Foundation and States United to Prevent Gun Violence in calling all Americans across the nation to keep raising our voices for change in December 2016. A prayer composed by the Justice and Peace commission of the Diocese of Cleveland. GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION SABBATH WEEKEND Prayer 2016
Overflowing Gratitude By Sister Nancy Pawlen “The great use of life is to spend it for something which outlasts it.” — William James(1842-1910), Father of American Psychology As a young Sister working on my B.S. in Elementary Education (from 1965-1970), I was very much drawn to that quote. Reflecting on its meaning, I thought that its truth connected well with Jesus’ words: “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find life.” (Matthew, 16:25) Throughout my 50 years as an Ursuline, that quote by James and the words of Jesus have been key parts of my automatic guidance system — inspiring and encouraging me in all circumstances. Of course, there are other significant aspects of my life’s guidance system: St. Angela’s life and words, the examples of the saints, contemporaries who “pay it forward,” the unconditional love of family and friends, and the gift of my Ursuline Sisters, who share life and ministry with me. How can I not be filled with overflowing gratitude as I live this Jubilee year? I remember the children I taught in my 40+ years in education. I see the faces of teachers and music ministers with whom I served. I delight in looking through photos of past achievements, celebrations, and times of vacation. In my imagination, I hear the voices of those who taught or affirmed me. Some people have remarked that I have given up so much to live the calling of an Ursuline Sister. Looking back 50 years, I’d have to say that the blessings Jesus promised those who give up so much for “his sake” certainly have been bestowed upon me. In spending my life for others, God has given me the “abundant life” in the here and now. What a wonderful foretaste of that which is to come!
Heartfelt Gratitude By Sister Mary Alyce Koval And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’And he replied: ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’ So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East. From “Gate of the Year” by Minnie Louise Haskins I first became acquainted with this poem when I recited it as a student at Ursuline High School. At 16 years old, the only doors I knew were those that opened to homes and classrooms. 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. In my 50 years as an Ursuline Sister, I would learn very quickly to put “my hand into the Hand of God” and to “trod gladly” into the new adventures ahead of me. From my years of classroom teaching, to more than 30 years of elementary school administration, to the opportunities to serve in leadership in the Ursuline Community, to the women and children whose lives have touched me in the past seven years at Beatitude House, I reflect often on the students, teachers, Sisters and friends who have been such an integral part of the confidence with which I “trod gladly into the night.” Classroom stories, administrative challenges, community blessings, and the daily struggles of the poor are the tangible hands of God for me as I greet each “breaking of day” with thanksgiving. My heart is filled with gratitude.
It’s No Wonder By Sister Diane Toth When you have parents and grandparents who believe in serving and helping others, you have an opportunity to follow in their footsteps. Add to that a family history of centering around the church community, and the vocation has a fertile field. I am amazed at how I learned of God’s call. It happened while I was standing on a corner waiting for my mother to pick me up following an after-school meeting. It happens in ordinary moments and is quiet as a gentle breeze. The thought of being a sister popped in my head from nowhere. The call is a mystery. It is there for you if you pause and listen. Talk to God about it. God is there all the time. Listen and ask for God’s input. God will let you know how to serve. In the last 50 years, I was blessed to meet people of all ages. Working with children as a teacher, I was taught the meaning of the scripture, “Unless you become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.” As a social worker I encounter young adults and people in the final time of life’s journey. God is there in the pain and the joys. God has taken many of my ordinary experiences with people and transformed them into “Awesome encounters.” One afternoon, an older woman in a nursing home repeatedly called for help even though she did not need help. A chaplain talked to her and read scripture. When the chaplain left, the older woman again took up calling out — but in a calmer voice saying, “God loves me, God loves me.” Look for God in the eyes of others and in your own. Sister Diane is one of three Sisters celebrating their 50th anniversaries, or Golden Jubilees, as Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown in 2016.
No Time For God? Creating Space For Prayer Dear friend, Cultivating space for God in our daily lives begins with a simple seed. My hope is that this series, No Time for God? Creating Space for Prayer in Our Busy Calendar, allows the graces you receive from God daily to continue to deepen and take root in your life. It will invite you to: 1. Check the pulse of your spiritual life 2. Discern your space, place, and time for prayer 3. Build a toolbox of prayer tools 4. Create a spiritual plan for your life For the next 4 weeks, you will receive an email once a week with some food for thought, weekly reflection activities, and suggested scriptures to support you in prayer. Know that as you continue to cultivate space for God in your own life, I am praying for you! Peace, Becky Elridge Continue reading →
Prayer For Our Common Earth We lift our voices in praise– with the voice of light: shimmering in star skies and moonrise, flooding bright with sun. We give thanks to God: Mystery, Teacher, and Revealer. We lift our voices in praise– with the voice of waters: tumbling free, running deep, bringing life; moving on. We give thanks to God: Source, Life, Power. We lift our voices in praise– with the voice of living things: bird and whale song, cricket lullabies, salmon returning. We give thanks to God: Creator, Love, and Breath Father of all, Creator and ruler of the universe, You entrusted your world to us as a gift. Help us to care for it and all people, that we may live in right relationship— with You, with ourselves, with one another, and with creation. Christ our Lord, both divine and human, You lived among us and died for our sins. Help us to imitate your love for the human family by recognizing that we are all connected— to our brothers and sisters around the world, to those in poverty impacted by environmental devastation, and to future generations. Holy Spirit, giver of wisdom and love, You breathe life in us and guide us. Help us to live according to your vision, stirring to action the hearts of all— individuals and families, communities of faith, and civil and political leaders. Triune God, help us to hear the cry of those in poverty, and the cry of the earth, so that we may together care for our common home
Water With Blessing Mission Trip 2016 Sister Norma Raupple will lead a group of college women on a mission trip to the U.S./Mexico border December 30, 2016- January 7, 2017 for Water With Blessings. This is the third year she’s making the mission trip; in December 2013, Sister Norma made the trip with six of our Companions in Mission. Our Youngstown Associates adopted Water With Blessings as a project, raising $3,000 to buy water filtration kits for families in need of clean water living at the Brownsville, Texas/Matamoros, Mexico border. Our local group will meet up with Sister Larraine Lauter, a Kentucky Ursuline who founded the program, for what will be a beautiful and enriching experience. Not only does Water With Blessings help people in desperate need of clean water, it also gives the young women an opportunity for an international immersion/reflection experience with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. Our local group brought the clean water kits 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. For more information download this flier. To participate in this Mission trip contact Sister Norma Raupple at 330.261.4721 by 1 October 2016. Here is a slideshow of the last visit!
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.
Alternative Spring Break We were blessed with the presence of Kent State students who spent their spring break with us. Their energy and enthusiasm is amazing, and we hope to continue relationships born in this experience. Here is a short video that captures their energy and passion.
After the Waves, A Calm! Visit our NEWEST BLOG: Siate Piazzavole: Be Like A Piazza. Maryann, who has been a Companion in Mission with us and is now deepening her connection with us will be blogging. Visit often. Engage in dialogue and be open to change and surprise. Here is her most recent entry After the Waves, A Calm.
Thank You! Throughout the year, family and friends help the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown carry out the mission and ministry of St. Angela Merici. Your volunteerism and monetary donations assist in making a real, positive difference in the lives of thousands who are less fortunate in the Mahoning Valley. For all you do, we say thank you, and express our gratitude in this short video.
The Empty Chair For those grieving the loss of a loved one, Thanksgiving and “the holidays” can be a particularly difficult time. Anticipation of these special days begins early and so I’m posting this prayer today… A Prayer at an Empty Chair This Thanksgiving, Lord, there’ll be an empty chair at our table, an ache in our hearts and tears on our cheeks… We might shield others from our grief but we can’t hide it from you… We pray for (name your loved ones) whose loving presence we’ll miss at this homecoming time… Help us remember and tell again the stories that knit us as one with the ones we miss so much… Open our hearts to joyful memories of the love we shared with those who’ve gone before us… Let the bonds you forged so deep in our hearts grow stronger yet in remembering those who’ve left our side… Help us pray and trust that those we miss have a home in your heart and a place at your table forever and that one day we’ll be one with them once again… Teach us to lean on you and on one another for the strength we need to walk through these difficult days… Open our eyes and our hearts to the healing, the warmth and the peace of your presence… Give us quiet moments with you in prayer, with our memories and loss, with our thoughts and tears… Be with us to console us and hold us in your arms as you hold the ones we miss… Even in our grief, Lord, this is the day that you have made: help us be glad in the peace you’ve promised, the peace we pray you share with those who’ve gone before us… For ourselves, Lord, and for all who find the holidays to be a difficult time, we make this prayer… Amen.
We Remember Them The month of November is typically characterized by remembrance of the departed. Recalling our loved ones and considering our own mortality prompts deep emotions. And so… WE REMEMBER THEM. At the rising of the sun and at its going down We remember them. At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter We remember them. At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring We remember them. At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer We remember them. At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn We remember them. At the beginning of the year and when it ends We remember them. As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as We remember them. When we are weary and in need of strength We remember them. When we are lost and sick at heart We remember them. When we have joy we crave to share We remember them. When we have decisions that are difficult to make We remember them. When we have achievements that are based on theirs We remember them. As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as We remember them.
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!
LCWR Assembly 2015 At the annual assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), held August 11-14, the approximately 800 participants discussed some of the essential considerations facing religious life and its leaders under the theme of “Springs of the Great Deep Burst Forth: Meeting the Thirsts of the World.” In a reflection delivered at the opening of the assembly, former LCWR executive director Sister Janet Mock, CSJ set the context for the assembly, acknowledging the suffering endured by people throughout this past year – globally, as well as in Houston, a city recently besieged by floods. “It is within this context – in this city, in our country, our church, and our world abounding with beauty and promise and challenges beyond measure, that we, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, meet, called by grace,” she stated. LCWR has nearly 1400 members who are elected leaders of their religious orders, who represent approximately 80 percent of the 50,000 Catholic sisters in the United States. The conference develops leadership, promotes collaboration within church and society, and serves as a voice for systemic change. Video reflection
What’s In Your Basket? If you share your bread with the hungry; if you welcome the poor to your home, then your light will shine. your light will shine, and the sun will rise once more. Each summer, we spend a few days in prayer, witness, dialogue and discernment. These past few days were centered on the small places in our life together and in our ministries where we see the potential for feeding hungers. In our prayer we promised to share our bread and feed the hungers we meet in others, to welcome the poor into our home and not turn our back on our own. In our prayer and life together, we seek the gifts of wisdom and courage to do whatever we can, with whatever we have, to bring God’s love to the Mahoning Valley and to the world. And we have been missioned to use our resources to enrich the lives of all we serve,knowing that if we share the bread of our lives with the hungry, and that’s why we have many baskets for this we fill with things and food we want to share, for this we got the best baskets from amishbaskets.com. “…a tiny action of faith can inspire great movements…” [Kayla McClurg, Church of the Savior Washington D.C.] and the light of Christ will shine once more.
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!