Vol. 45, No. 1 ST. SCHOLASTICA MONASTERY, Fort Smith, AR March, 2016 Remounted Statue of St. Scholastica on Trinity Junior High School s Wall Symbolizes a Strong and Growing Relationship After fourteen years in storage, St. Scholastica s statue, removed when Trinity Junior High School built its athletic center in 2002, was remounted on the school building on November 12. It is a symbol of the Benedictine sisters educational ministry at St. Scholastica Academy and many other schools in Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and Oklahoma, and, more importantly, a symbol of the friendship and cooperation between the monastery and Trinity. This friendship blossomed when Dr. James Hattabaugh was principal and continues to develop under the new administrative team of Dr. Karen Hollenbeck, principal, and Fr. John Antony, administrator. Trinity students perform an annual pastorella at the monastery, visit the sisters in the infirmary, volunteer when needed, and strongly support the Partners in Benedictine Education ministry. They enjoy praying at the cemetery and grotto during the school year. Sisters enjoy attending Trinity events and occasionally visiting and making presentations to religion classes. In his homily to the sisters on the feast of St. Scholastica, Fr. Antony said: As administrator of Trinity Junior High, just down the hill from you, I feel very blessed every time I drive on this monastery campus. You consecrated women turn this priest s head when I look up the hill and know you are praying for me and our school. You ve done more than pray; you ve also supported us financially, and you even attend our school functions... Whenever we see you, you turn our heads to think of heaven. Secondly, your monastery is a landmark in this community. Even John Bell, the renowned Fort Smith painter, has immortalized the monastery with oil and canvas. You turn the heads of the people of Fort Smith to think of heaven. And third, you are embarking on a campaign to build a new monastery for your future. Be assured of my prayers and support for the success of this campaign. But may I also ask you a favor? Whatever you build and however your future unfolds, don t stop turning heads to heaven: that is your purpose, that is your power, and that should be your pride. Wise women know how to turn a man s head, and the wisest women, like St. Scholastica, always turn a man s head to heaven. Students and sisters look forward to the annual Posada and Pastorella at the monastery each Advent. Breaking the piñata is always a highlight of the afternoon.
A Message From the Prioress Greetings! Here we are saying goodbye to the first month of the New Year! My hope is that thus far all has been well with all of you. Today, January 28, marks one month since our Sister Cabrini bade us goodbye and went to God. We all miss her presence. Sister Audrey, who was also injured in the October 18th auto accident, is progressing slowly, but as the poet says she has miles to go. I am sure most of you have read in your diocesan papers about Pope Francis book The Name of God is Mercy and the Italian actor and comedian Roberto Benigni s endorsement. Benigni s definition of mercy really touched my heart. Mercy, he said, is not a virtue that s seated in an easy chair. Mercy is an active virtue; it has movement; it uses arms, feet, legs, knees and above all the heart. Mercy is never still. Pope Francis is very passionate and wants all Christians to become passionate in loving, serving, and forgiving one another. We surely have a good example in Pope Francis. We are still in the process of working toward building our future monastery. We are working now with our Capital Campaign consultant. We are in the beginning stages and the learning process is rather awesome. But it is also encouraging knowing that we are at new beginnings and hopeful that all will be well in the end. I am learning day after day what it means to be patient when I would rather see the end result. The holy season of Lent is upon us and our thoughts probably go to how we will observe this Lent. Perhaps we can take a note from Pope Francis and rediscover the virtue of mercy and see how we can put it into daily practice. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5) can give us some idea of how mercy can open doors for us as we enter into the passion of Jesus who was so passionate that he gave his life so that all humanity could have new life. This Lent, let us be grateful for all the graces that Jesus gives us. We, the sisters, send each of you our gratitude for your many kindnesses. We lift all of you in prayers of thanksgiving for your love and care. So, as we walk together this Lent may it bring us what we all long for, the joy of the Paschal Mystery, EASTER! St. Scholastica Vocation Contacts Help at Bake Sale Three vocation contacts, Ai Doan of Fort Smith, Nancy Vo of Little Rock, and Mary Kate Bartolotto of Fayetteville, pictured at left with Sisters Barbara Bock and Kimberly Prohaska, helped at the monastery bake sale December 12 and 13. At right, Ai and Nancy sold 2016 calendars featuring monastery artwork photographed by Monica Moore. 2 Vol. 45, No. 1 Horizons March, 2016 Horizons is published three times a year by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery P.O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913. Phone: 479-783-4147. E-mail:Monastery@stscho.org Website: www.stscho.org FAX: 479-782-4352. Anyone is welcome to be on the mailing list at no charge. Maryanne Meyerriecks...Managing Editor Sister Elise Forst, OSB...Editorial Advisor Calvert McBride...Printers Photography credits: Kara Billingsley, Sr. Kimberly Prohaska, Kathy Jarvis
HONOR ROLL OF BENEFACTORS FOR 2015 The Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery thank each of you, our benefactors and volunteers, for your generous support. You are remembered in our love and prayers. The first Tuesday of each month, a Mass is offered for you and your intentions. Benefactors listed here supported the Monastery during the year 2015. Marilou Abramshe Don & Deborah Ackerly Arlene Acuña Al & Isabel Adams Jon & Patricia Adams Mary Adams Gene & Mary Ahlert James & Sandra Ahlert Ray & Wilma Ahlert Robert & Alison Ahlert Carol Alagna Kate Althoff Walter & Lucille Ammon Estate Gayle Anglin Leo & Barbara Anhalt Anonymous (67) Emeka Anyaso Sr. Joy Anyaso Cynthia Arnn Ormalene Artho Cindy Ashley Dan & Andrea Ashley Monica Ashour Titus & Diane Ashour Assured Life Association, Englewood, CA Steve & Cherry Atwell Gerry August Merlin Augustine Alicia Austin Sue Baber Karen Bailey Mildred Baillio Concetta Baker Larry & Mary Lynn Baker Kendra Ballew Albert & Jeanie Baltz Fr. Leonard Banas Karen Banks Delores Barber Bill & Mary Ann Barborek Phyllis Barker Tom & Mary Barkhouse Katherine Barnhart-Thrift Ben & Susan Barry Mary Kate Bartalotto Ted & Carolyn Bartsch Kay Basgall Margery Bass Vivian & Cindy Bates Whitney Bates Carolyn Bauer Msgr. Henry Bauer & Rosemarie Edwards Estate Jerry Bauer Louis & Mary Bauer Victor Bauer Bob & Carol Baugh Joseph & Rosaline Baumann Frances Beck Harold & Sharon Beck Louise Beck David & Nancy Becker Heather Beene Antoinette Beland Ann Bell Debbie Bentley Don & Gail Bercher Kerry & Caroline Bercher Bernice Bergup Bernice Berkemeyer Kaye Bernard Jerry & Alice Beshoner Mary Ann Beshoner Carolyn Bettinger Keith & Kim Birkenfeld Marilyn Birkenfeld Isabelle Birnbaum Scott Blair Kenneth Blaschke J.O. & Gloria Blaty Kathleen Blessing Joe Bock & Sue Lyke Judith Bock Maurice Bock Ralph Bock Kanyin Bodeharrison Melanie Bodiak Bertha Bodine Bill & Therese Boekholder Linda Boen Shirley Boente Gracie Bolling Fred & Cindy Borchert Tony & Elizabeth Borgognoni L.B. & Beth Boughfman Mary Bourne Betty Bozeman Dale & Mona Brockman Eleanor Braddock John & Peggy Brandebura Beth Brooks Denise Brooks Doug & Carol Brown Members of Ballet Folklorico Azteca volunteered to perform at A Taste of Solidarity on November 21. The dinner was a joint effort of the sisters and the Hispanic and Anglo communities to raise money for the monastery s Guatemalan Scholarship program. Karen Brown Fr. Raymond Bruck Steve Bruck Jim & Ann Bruning Nora Bryant Regina Buergler (dec.) Bull s Office Systems, Inc. Joe (dec.) & Connie Bulmanski Donna Burch Ron & Jo Burleigh James & Becky Burnett John & Mary Burns Sue Burton Richard Michael Bushkuhl Gus Buss Raymond & Patricia Buss Gordon Buster Agnes Butto Roberta Cagle Tom & Dorothy Caldarera Carmen Caldwell Mona Caldwell Jane Calvert William & Carol Canino Cathy Cannatella Marion Cannatella Family Joan Cannon Jim & Sheila Canup Linda Carcano Maria Carcano Sam & Laurie Carman Emelia Carrington Agnes Carson Catholic Airmen Group Catholic Women s Union Paul & Magdalen Cesare Rita Chadwick Lisa Chamblee Joseph Chan Marie Chapman Arlene Childress Ann Childs Fr. Felix Chirapurathel Christ the King Church, Fort Smith Jenny & Rachel Churchman Valera Churchman Jimmy & Nancy Ciulla Norbert Clifton Deborah Coddington Nick & Carol Cole Clara Combs Estella Conatser Frances Connaughton Darryl Cook Diane Cook Dick & Rita Cook Peter Cooney Sama Cowan Cowie Wine Cellars & Vineyards Stella Cremer Catherine Crews Paul & Theresa Cronan Leona Cronin Eddie & Laura Crow Jerry & Joan Crumly William & Donna Curry Gene & Janette Dahlem Bryan & Amy Daiber Columbus & Phyllis Dalmut William & Charlene Dalton Ron & Tami Danielak William & Kathy Dawkins Charles Dawson Jennifer Deer Kyle & Katy DeJaeger Francis & Kathleen DeLorenzo Laura DeLuca Katherine de Montbuzin 3
4 Sasha, a nurse at Gentiva, also volunteers as an arts and crafts teacher. Sisters (L to R) Barbara Schroeder, Elizabeth Rossi, Ethel Marie Sonnier, and Magdalen Stanton made stained glass suncatchers with Sasha. David Denman Caytee Derby Thomas & Ida DeSalvo Tony DeSalvo John & Audrey Deusterman Rocio Diaz Larry & Bonnie Diefendorf Betty Dietz David & Lynn Dietz Keith & Lisa Dietz Kevin & Kayla Dietz Cindy Divine & Daniel Graves Danielle Dixon Ai Doan Dominic Doherty John & Mary Dolce Mike & Marsha Domino Coeta Dooley Carolyn Duclos Davlyn Duesterhaus Estelle Duffy Genevieve Duffy Jane Dugan Calvin Dunham Nancy Dupire Constance Durkin Mary Ealum Milt Earnhart Gayle Easter Greg & Betty Eckart Louise Eckart Mary Edelhuber James & Mary Edwards Steve & Robin Eggert Ed & Mary Elkins Raymond & Margaret Enderlin Josephine Enzenberger Jean Etoch Betty Etzkorn Estate Jeanne Evans Marcus & Berniece Evers Carlene Ewing Eye Group Hermina Falck Ed & Carleen Falleur Valeria Faught Fentress Mortuary Judy Fergeson Mike & Rita Ferguson Chris Fichtner & Linda Flores Margaret Fimple Ruth Findley First National Bank Margaret Fitzpatrick Patrick & Chrystel Flake James & Charlotte Fletcher Dorothy & Donna Forst Fred & Joy Forst Louis & Marge Forst Sam Forst Tom Forst Agnes Forte Candy Foster Richard Foti Lorene Fowler Nancy Frail Sharon France Sheri Fremming Margie Friedrich William & Karen Fritchie Glen & Susie Fritsche David & Wanda Fugett Dick & Kathy Fuhrman Kathy Furstenberg Mary Ellen Furstenberg Susan Gamble John & Dolores Gangluff Clara Garvey John & Sandra Gass Carol Geels Herbert & Barbara Geels Jerome Geels Gene & Susan Gerber Rene & Mary Germann Paul & Connie Gibson Mark & Haymée Giuliani Ann Givens Charles Goebel Steve & Rheaba Goebel Louis & Frances Gottsponer John Grabber Patricia Grabber Bernice Grabber-Tintes Darrell Grace Albert Gray Jennings & Betty Gray Evelyn Green Joey & Mary Ellen Greenway Carol J. Griesemer Jim & Bonnie Grimmius Sara Groves Joe & Christine Gubanski Gary Guinn Fred & Sandi Gumm Anna Gunderman Mike & Sandy Gunter Joe & Mary Gunther Emma Gutierrez Katherine Guy-Pendleton Dr. Quyen Ha John & Patricia Habberstad Dan & Alice Hadwin Gerald Hailey Antoinette Hall Elaine Hall Charles & Theresa Hamling Darlene Hammer Mark & Leslie Hampel Brisian Hankins Richard & Joe Ann Hargraves Agatha Harris Don & Niki Harrison Margaret Hart Patricia Hart Fr. T. J. Hart Delores Hartman Lucy Hartmeier Estate Sarah Hartz Jerry & Jude Hassler Kenneth & Carole Hatcher Charmaine Haunert Coleen Havener Jim & Helen Hays Del & Camille Heffley John & Pat Heinen Hedy & Ida Heinrich Jan Hellmers Bill & Agnes Hess Joy Hibbard Elizabeth Hierholzer Sue Higgs Cheyenne Hillman Frank & Ann Hilton Robert & Dayna Hilton Nellie Hinson Mark & Delphine Hittson Joe & Angela Hochstein Denis & Judy Hoelting Therese Hoelzeman George & Ida Hoff Dr. Williams Holmes, Jr. Holy Family Church, Nazareth, TX Jimmy & Mary Jan Hoobler John & Joyce Hood Betty Hoover Marjorie Horinek Cecilia Horn Carol Horner Dorothy Hosford Helen Hottenroth David & Sarah Hotzel Regina Howarth Dr. H Blane & Susan Howell Bill Howell William & Mary Hoyt Mike & Debbie Hoyt Hug Chevrolet Buick Pontiac Betsy Hug Frank & Kitty Hug John Hum Cay Hurt Judith Hurt Immaculate Conception Ladies Auxiliary, Fort Smith Immaculate Conception RCIA Group, Fort Smith Immaculate Conception Young Adult Group, Fort Smith Julie Hynes Norma Israel Fr. Pius Iwu Robert & Frances Jacimore Kathy Jarvis William Jasper Bill & Therese Jenkins Pam & Katy Johanon DeMuri & Pepina Johnson Donna Johnson George & Shirley Johnson James & Anne Marie Ellison Johnston Chester & Susan Jones Jay Jones Joyce Jones Sally Jones Shirley Jones Tim Jones Walter Jost & Ellie Brenny Margie Joyce Conrad & Paula Kaelin Lawrence Kaelin Estate Robert & Jo Ann Kale Edwin & Joann Kammerich Geraldine Kampeter Thomas & Carmelita Karacic Karri Karrant Ann Kauffman Elizabeth Kaufman Louise Kaufman Judy Keller Angela Kelly Nick & Roseann Kennedy Patrick & Alice Kennedy Jack & Jean Kennevan
Graham & Dorothy Kent Carolyn Ketter William Kidd Louise Kieffer Alberta, Mary Lou, & Rose Kiene James & Carolyn Killerlain John & Sally King Lucille King Bill Kirk Mary Ann Knaebel Knights of Columbus 12875, Charleston Knights of Columbus 5725, Clarksville Knights of Columbus 996, Fort Smith Knights of Columbus 10908, Hattieville Ed & Annette Knittig Eugene Knittig Joseph Knittig Tim & Heather Knittig Dr. Robert & Elizabeth Knox Dennis Koch Gilbert & Doris Koch Joe Don & Susie Koenigseder Kenneth & Michaella Koldys Julia Kovac Jerome & Margie Kramer Thelma Kraus Carmelita Kremers Betty Kreutzer Larry Kruse Alice Kuehler Michael & Suzanne Kusnitz Jay & Jane-Ellen Kutchka Helen Kutil Marie LaBrie Margaret Lafornara Dick & Jo Ann Lambert Charla Lane Linda Noe Lane Jerry & Judy Lange Marilyn Larson Jerry & Rosella Lasater Joe & Margo Lazzari Marcie Lazzari John & Jane Leding Bill & Nancy Lensing Dennis & Jackie Lensing Rosetta Lensing Don & Joanne Lewison Max Linares Benny Lindeman Bob & Becky Lindemann Doug & Jennifer Lindemann Rita Lipin Larry & Jan Lipsmeyer Leona Little Dennis & Bea Lock Ernest & Dana Lock Patty Jo Long Bob & Cathy Lorenz James & Jo Ann Lutz Jim & Olga Luyet Raymond & Betty Luyet Patrick & Elaine Lynch Jane Magee Magnificat Mary Ark of the Covenant, Cherokee Village Troy & Vicki Mahan Virginia Mais James & Angela Malik Betty Masingale Ann Manahan George & Joan Mangelsdorf Marianist Sisters Betty Masingale Sarah Mason Hugh & Kate Maurras Megan & Matt Mayeux Bob & Ann Mazzanti Jerry & Sharon Mazzanti Kathleen Mazzanti Tony & Louise Mazzanti Larry & Cindy McAlister Marie McCann John McCarthy Bernice McCauley Janie McCreary Bishop Andrew McDonald Estate Annette McDonald Ann McElmurry Geraldine McFarland Patty McGann Cindy McGee Rynette McGee Judy McGrath Sandra McKee Mary McKeown Sr. Lee Ann McNally Betsy McNeil Glen & Emily Mebruer MediSav Homecare Pharmacy Loretta Melson Tony & Lynn Meeks Tom & Karen Menzie Don & Marie Meyer Fred & Maryanne Meyerriecks Julianne Meyerriecks Bob & Becky Meyers Gregory Meyers Joe Meyers & Jo Ann Kyral Mary Michele Louis & Kathleen Mier Millar, Inc., Lake Village Carl & Bea Miller James & Betty Miller Mary Miller Priscilla Miller Susan Miller Lisa Milzarek Alicia Minden Denise Mohr Patricia Moix Patricio & Allison Montiel Zola Moon Rita Mooney Jim & Pat Moore Monica Moore Phillip & Uta Moore José & Teresa Morales Gloria Morara Warren & Arlyne Morey John Morgan Stephen & Jeanne Morrow Barbara Morse Ronnie & Regina Moyer Carol Mulhall Maria Mulligan Ann Mullins Mungenia Mungin Alice Nahas Andrew Nahlen Trust Leonard Nahlen T. J. & Mary Ann Nahlen John & Marie Needham Sherry Nehus Glenn & Bridget Nelson Cheryl Nesbitt Delores Neumeier Sr. Theresa Nguyen, OP Wendy Nichols Dick & Ella Rita Nicko Hank & Marcia Nicko Carl & Mary Ann Nielson Gertrude Noll Berline Nono Marie Nunn Lee & Sherry Nutt Tamara Oberbeck Ocker-Putman Funeral Home Bob & Jennie O Connor Msgr. John O Donnell Terry Olsen Jerry & Margaret Onorato Fr. John Oswald Msgr. Richard Oswald Mrs. Maurice Oubre Dr. Lee & Kathy Jo Overstreet Earl & Vickie Pabst Rocky Paladino Lisa Palafox Carol Paul Susan Pearson Mary Peck Kathy Penniston-Smith Fran Perkins Linda Peters Patricia Phillips Michael Pilcher Linda Pinkerton Catherine Pinter Irma Pittroff Cynthia Pitts Antonia Plugge Roman & Sharon Plugge Shirley Plugge Joe & Margie Plunkett Tom & Sharon Pohlmeier Celebrating holidays with Charlotte and Charmaine has become a tradition for the sisters. (L to R) Sister Madeline Bariola, Charlotte Weisenfels, Charmaine Haunert, Sisters Dolores Vincent Bauer and Kimberly Prohaska enjoy their Valentine s Day treats. 5
6 Kay Pope Rolaine Portman Post Winery John Post Matthew & Betty Post Matthew & Karla Post Suzanne Post Kyle & Jennifer Priest Thomas & Jamie Prohaska Project Compassion Jane Purtle Cecilia Ragsdale Marcus & Debbie Rainwater Karen & Christina Raley Glenn Ramaekers Rex & Vera Ramaekers Cyndi Randall Imelda Reber Mike & Roz Rector Robert & Virginia Reed Regina s Pasta Shop, Lake Village Mary Reidle Thomas Reinhart Rita Rehm Mary Reidle John & Emma Reints Religious Sisters of Mercy, Barling Religious Sisters of Mercy, Fort Smith Sandra Renfrow Joseph Reznik Rita Rhineheart Dan & Roberta Richardson Virginia Ricketts George & Marilyn Riedmueller Marie J. Ries Lucille Rietman John & Lillie Rife Larry & Joyce Ringwald River Valley Regional Food Bank Anne Roberts David & Caron Roberts Bill & Jean Anne Roddy Joan Rodemann Ana Rodriguez Louise Rogers Tom & Rosemary Rolniak Vonnda Rooks Orlan & Joan Roper Michael & Mary Ross Pete & Jeanette Rossi Br. Joel Marc Rousseau Steve Routon Dwight & Ruth Ruelle Cynthia Ruff Dorothy Ryan Beth Saad St. Benedict Church, Subiaco St. John Church, Russellville St. Joseph Church, Center Ridge St. Jude the Apostle Church, Jacksonville St. Leo Altar Society, Hartford St. Leo University Parish, Russellville St. Mary Altar Society, Hattieville St. Mary Church, Altus St. Mary Church, Mountain View St. Paul Episcopal Church, Fayetteville St. Scholastica Alumnae Association Mary Lou Sanders Florence Sands Emmy Sandusky Pauline Sanzaro Barbara Sax Tony & Claudia Scherrey Leon Schilling Kathy Schmelzer Marian Schmidt William & Mary Schmidt Ambrose & Mary Schmitz Cletus & Linda Schmitz Lawrence & Terry Schmitz Ray & Christie Schmitz Susan Schmitz Christ the King parishioner Judy Fergeson has volunteered every Monday afternoon at the retreat center for several years. Tresa Schmitz Dan & Ethel Schmucker Joseph Schmuki Al Schmeider & Judy Hoelzeman Don & Susie Schneider Mildred Schneider Marina Burros Scott Mary Jane Schreiber Cletus & Darla Schroeder Elmer Schroeder Della Allen & Teresa Schroeder Lucille Schwind Eileen Scott Kelly Seaman Patrick Seibold Carol Seim Ed & Lona Seiter J. J. & Johnette Seiter Louis & Janie Seiter Shirley Senko Sue Senyard Richard Sharbaugh Leo & Debbie Sharum Vicki Sharum James Shea Thomas Shircliff Rodney Shultz Benita Siebenmorgen Charlotte Siebenmorgen Gertrude Siebenmorgen Joe (dec.) & Margaret Siebenmorgen Michael & Susanna Siebenmorgen Richard & Paula Siebenmorgen Tray & Josephine Siegfried Gary & Katie Simmons Jean Smith Jerry & Margaret Smith Frankie & Elaine Snider Richard & Barbara Snow Robert & Cecelia Soderberg Mary Ann Soerries Bill & Emily Soller Mary Ellen Sommer Dennis & Cynthia Spahn Rose Anna Spanke Elizabeth Sparks Lewis Sparks, Jr. Dick & Peggy (dec.) Spears Dr. Thomas & Paulette Spivey Emerita Sponer Louise Sponer Rebecca Spooner Buddy & Linda Spradlin Chris & Pam Spriggs Betty Kaye Spruell Diana Squibb Valerie Stagaman Benjie & Cathy Stalcup Brenda Stanley Merley & Judy Staus Thomas Stehlik Robert & Barbara Stelle Dolores Stemper Kenny & Pat Stengel Judy Stetson Paul & Benita Stevens Ed & Gena Straub Paul & Jean Straub Alex & Sue Streett James & Von Strobel Stephen & Laura Strum James & Nancy Stultz Subiaco Abbey, Subiaco Pearl Suitt Dorothy Sullivan Joe & Elaine Sullivan Doris Swindle Judy Swirczynski Joseph & Joyce Taylor Kathryn Teeple Ronnie & Charlotte Tencleve Ralph & Becky Terwelp Mary Jo Tetreault Ravi & Anna Thiagarajan Virginia Thennes Paul Thessing Elizabth Thines Patricia Thurber Renee Tielkemeier Glenda Timmerman Mike & Cindy Toney Jeff & Mary Totaro Gloria Tran Dr. Neill Treece Trinity Junior High School Trinity Junior High School Nat. Junior Honor Society Ray & Cathy Trower Henry & Annabelle Tuck Jan Tucker John & Judy Turner Henry & Linda Udouj Charles & Elizabeth Uerling Mike Uhl Albert & Mary Ulmer Terry Upchurch Mark Urban Carrie & Sophie Vargas Julio Vargas Heather Vaughn Gertrude Vaught Marcelino & Maria Vazquez Martha Verfurth Village Tours Lou & Carole Vitale Nancy Vo Buddy & Theresa Vogler Donna Vorster Greg & Becky Vorster Joseph & Martha Vorster Mabel Walker Frances Walter Richard & Shari Walter Kevin Walters Helen Ward Sherry Ward James & Jo Ann Wardein Virginia Warden Pat & Victoria Wardlaw Al & Kay Warzecha Mike & Laurie Wegman Charles Weisenfels
Charlotte Weisenfels Ed & Dorothy Weisenfels Gus & Lona Weisenfels Dudley & Marsha Wells Ed & Sally Welters Surennah Werley Evangeline Werner Christine Wewer David & Katrina Wewers Denis & Molly Wewers Harold & Anita Wewers Joseph Wewers Lenea Wheeler Patrick & Christine Wheeler Gary & Becky White John & Madeline Whitney Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Inc. Al & Linda Wiederkehr Gary & Vickie Wiederkehr Wight Office Machines Ann Wiggins Rose Marie Wiley Rex & Sharon Wilkin Doreen Williams Greg & Doris Williams Janet Williams Carol Williamson W.J. & Mary Lou Willmann Tracy Winder Lizbeth Winford John & Linda Wink Robert & Penny Winsett Kathleen Wolf Vincent & Kay Wolf Jon & Donna Wolfe Dewey & Anne Woody Bill & Mona Wooten Earl & Fran Wooton Fr. Paul Worm Helen Wren Jennifer Wright Ed & Mary Zimmer Otto & Patricia Zimmerman James Zydzik IN MEMORY OF Lawrence & Lucy Adams Jon & Patricia Adams Rose Annen Linda Peters Mary Louise Baier Patricia Rettenmaier John & Wilma Baltz Susan Schmitz Alice Bauer Mildred Bauer Don & Karen Binz Derrick Bobbitt & Susanna Averitt Betsy Boyd Community Outreach Services, Paris Jerry & Doris Davis William & Karen Fritchie Michael & Susan Johnson Elizabeth Lensing Deborah Ponder Jenny Price Steve & Allison Pulliam Deborah Ritter Victor & Sylvia Schluterman Randy Siebenmorgen Danny & Margie Spillers Larry & Mary Elizabeth Templeton Stacy Wright Sr. Consuella Bauer Ben & Susan Barry Cher Horwedel Michael & Erika Wimberly Henry Beck & Sr. Emerita Beck Frances R. Beck Marie Beck Mary Jane Caudell Rose & John Beggs, Annette & Sam Domino, & Joey Domino Mike & Marsha Domino Pat Bentley, Stephanie & Willie Wewers& Harold Wewers Debbie Bentley Sr. Josella Birkenfeld Neil & Judy Harmon Jerry Warren Stella Blaschke Kenneth Blaschke Emil & Catherine Bock Maurice Bock Gerald & Rita Bock Maurice Bock Sr. Frances Ann Braddock Lawrence & Rose Thummel Sr. Gabriel Brandt Tereze Harris Frances McCaig Richard & Shari Walter Margaret Brown Gary & Katie Simmons Joe Bulmanski Connie Bulmanski Marilyn Clemons George & Joan Mangelsdorf Judy McGrath Kay Burrell Larry & Mary Lynn Baker Hank Butto Agnes Butto Sr. Patrick Cingolani Jerri Craven A young adult group from Immaculate Conception Church joined the sisters for evening prayer and gave an after-dinner concert in the infirmary. Josie Clifton Otto & Patricia Zimmerman Mildred Farrell Cooper Bill & Mary Cooper Deceased Members of Council 5725 Knights of Columbus 5725, Clarksville Sr. Ginger degravelle Jay & Mona Caldwell Sr. Marie Rose DeSalvo Forence Andreas DeSalvo Family Andrew DeSalvo Anne DeSalvo Henry DeSalvo Thomas & Ida DeSalvo Tony DeSalvo Family Marsha Gottsponer Brenda Granger Verdia Hann Margaret Hart Patricia Hart Delores Hartman Paula Hutchings Christina Koch & family John & Jane Leding Rebecca Lewandowski James & Jo Ann Lutz James & Angela Malik Robert & Annette May Carl & Bea Miller Matt & Betty Post Lorene Riedmueller Marion & Elizabeth Rossi St. Joseph Altar Society, Center Ridge Anna Marie Walker Charles & Betty Weaver Lisa Nincy Denny Mike & Karen Tierney Mel Dupire Nancy Dupire Sr. Christine Eckart Dwight & Suzanne Cramer Pat Fitzpatrick Tereze Harris Barbara McGuyer Earl & Vicki Pabst Shirley Plugge Edward & Marie Eckart Linda Starling Fr. Placidus Eckart Paul & Connie Gibson Sr. Simon Edelhuber Br. Joel Marc Rousseau, FFSC Srs. Romana Ermann & Dismas Mixon Anonymous Betty Etzkorn Betty Kreutzer Sr. Florentine Frederick Michael & Erika Wimberly Patsy Freemyer Richard & Joe Ann Hargraves Earl & Alice Friedrich Margie Friedrich Sr. Eleanora Fritsche Tereze Harris Adrian Furstenberg Phyllis Ewing Emmet Gadberry, Sr. Carolyn Gadberry Sr. Fidelis Marie Garafalo Luigi & Toni Jean Bersani Larry Gardner Brenda Gardner Jane Gieske & Hermina Udouj Janet Udouj Sr. Gertrude Grabber Anonymous (2) 7
8 Sisters Maria DeAngeli and Madeline Bariola prepare for the annual bake sale with lots of help from volunteers. In this picture they are preparing apple pies with volunteer Patricia Habberstad. Sr. Antonita Hain James Oswald A.J. Hambuchen Phyllis Thessing Ashli Hittson Delphine & Mark Hittson Sr. Norbert Hoelting Neil & Judy Harmon Hilda Hoyt (dec.) Janelle Lazzo Sharron Walter Hilda Hoyt Agnes Butto Frances McCaig Molly Hug Suzanne McGraw Goldie Hyland Anonymous (2) Lois Malleck Ella Mae Thummel Sr. Jerome Jacob Barbara Wilson Elizabeth Jansen Gene & Mary Ahlert Kathleen Johns & Judith Moran Maria Geels Sally Johnson Gene & Ruth Bruick Joseph & Twana Maestri Mary Maestri Meredith Maestri Robert & Anne Maestri Stephen & Christine Maestri Elizabeth J. Joiner Billye Ruth Hill Kim Passmore Joe & B.R. Williamson Bernard & Rita Keller Anonymous Robert Klein Margaret Babitzke Jerome Kramer Margie Kramer Sr. Rosetta Kuettel Shawn Clark Carlene Ewing Srs. Cordelia & Corinne Lange Chris & Pam Spriggs James Lazzari Marceline Lazzari Sr. Charlene Lindeman Geraldine Lindemann Leonard Nahlen Sr. Thomasine Litsch Linda Peters Sr. Antonia Lutz Anonymous Sr. Vivian Luyet Paul & Connie Gibson Charles & Theresa Hamling Fr. Gene Maguire Donna Johnson Polly Materniak Sharon Wilkin Sr. Concetta Mazzanti Jack & Regina Howarth Arthur & Terry Lee Leslie & Barbara Skews Joe & Marion Mazzanti Arthur & Terry Lee Tom McKeown Mary McKeown Frank Miranti Barbara Michael Richard Misplay Ron & Mary Freiburghaus Sr. Valeria Moellers Richard & Mary Ament Paul & Connie Gibson Kathleen Moffett Leonard Moffett Raymond Nahlen Vivian Bates Frances McCaig Catherine Nolte Tony & Rosemary Reith Julia Oswald James Oswald Sr. Adelma Pabst Earl & Vicki Pabst Raymond Stoecklein Virginia Paladino Rocky Paladino Margaret Parks Frances McCaig William & Mary Hoyt Sr. Xavier Perona Patricia Perona Viola Pohlmeier Evelyn & Lynn Rossi Pauline Raley Lindy & Gwen Hayden Sr. Annella Reginelli Joey & Mary Ellen Greenway Pepina & DeMuri Johnson Rose Marie Reginelli Harold Ries Marie Ries Margaret Robben Bill & Lucy Buergler Barry Coplin David & Lorraine Cravens Srs. Fredrick & Rosemary Rufener Frank, Theresa, & Scott Blair Betsy Schluterman John Schluterman Andy Schmitz & Tony & Bertha Schmitz Susan Schmitz Sr. Cabrini Schmitz Leo & Barbara Anhalt Ray & Mary Lou Schmucker Jerry & Judy Lange Sr. Helen Schneider Louise Eckart Mike & Anne Reeder Frederick Hayward Selig Nina Ruth Selig Bud Shamburger Vivian Bates Sr. Annene Siebenmorgen Charlotte Siebenmorgen Joe (dec.) & Margaret Siebenmorgen Barbara Siebenmorgen Joe & Martha Vorster Sr. Brendan Siebenmorgen Ray & Wilma Ahlert Gingham Daisy Columbus & Phyllis Dalmut John & Christina Flake Carol Geels Delores Hartman Christina Koch Dolores Land John & Jane Leding James & Jo Ann Lutz James & Angela Malik Joe & Teresa Mallett Edmund & Nita Moix Ben & Amber Pinter Catherine Pinter Family Gerald & Carol Pinter Mike & Robbie Pinter Tim & Tina Pinter Tony & Rosemary Reith Eileen Scott Joan Shofner Benita Siebenmorgen Charles Weisenfels Jonathan & Donna Wolfe Sr. Hermana Siebenmorgen Gerald Hailey Mark Miles Hilda Siebenmorgen & David Siebenmorgen Barbara Johnson Sr. Leonella Spanke Rose Anna Spanke Srs. Jovita & Marcella Stengel Dan & Andrea Ashley Dr. Lewis Sutton Donna Shaw
Tommy Trently Jennifer Trently Ronnie Udouj Penny Packard Sr. Scholastica Vogelpohl Joe & Marilyn Gunther Margie Joyce Lillian Kohler Sr. Elaine Walbe James & Patricia Adams Sr. Columba Walter Tereze Harris Sr. Richard Walter Frances McCaig Michael & Mary Walter Richard & Shari Walter Alice Hardie Walters Hank Buechli Jody Dickinson Joe & Earlene Weinsinger Rosemary Harvel Mary Ann Weisenfels Charles Weisenfels Sr. Katharine Wewer Mary Edelhuber Bennie & Nancy Galla Victoria Kendall Lawrence & Juanita Krobot John & Jane Leding James & Jo Ann Lutz Benita Siebenmorgen Bob Siebenmorgen Charlotte Siebenmorgen Joe (dec.) & Margaret Siebenmorgen Mark Siebenmorgen David & Geraldyn Spicer Charles Weisenfels Srs. Callista & Florence Yutterman David & Margaret Crawford Family Sr. Francisca Ziegel Dwight & Suzanne Cramer Cesira Zucconi & Sr. Josetta Catalani Rosemary Catalani IN HONOR OF Mary Adams Br. Joel Marc Rousseau, FFSC Sr. Rose Ashour Carol Alagna Titus & Diane Ashour Family Mary Devaney Kathleen Keller Nick Kennedy Patrick & Alice Kennedy Judy Lawrence Tamara Oberbeck Lucille Rietman St. Benedict Mothers Society, Subiaco Sr. Madeline Bariola Larry & Mary Falls Kathleen Keller Bernice Bergup, Marcella Geiss, Carmelita Karacic, & Dolores Mahoney David & Gilda Macksam Keith Birkenfeld Neil & Judy Harmon Sr. Rose Maria Birkenfeld Anonymous Jerry Warren Sr. Rachel Dietz Cathy Crouch Kathleen Keller Cathy Peppito Dixon Family Judy Lacey Donna & Greg Marie Chapman Dick & Judy Fox Family Dick & Judy Fox Hope Fredrich & Beth Sparks Sarah Hartz Elvin & Sally Frick Maggie Malloy Dick & Kathy Fuhrman Lizbeth Winford Sr. Miriam Hoffman Louise Beck Charles & Theresa Hamling Marie Ichniowski Maggie Malloy Jubilarians Fr. Pius Iwuchukwu Sr. Agatha Knittig John & Marie Needham Fr. Jerome Kodell, OSB Ray & Wilma Ahlert Fr. David McKillin Patrick & Chrystel Flake Betsy McNeil Martha Walsh John B. Meyers Scott & Cresta Livingston Jim & Laura Moore Antoinette Beland Dorothy Hosford Sr. Josita Nahlen Gene & Inez Ciechanowski Ann Gunderman T.J. & Mary Ann Nahlen Kevin & Madeline Rumker Gary & Sharon Tucker Sr. Alice O Brien Randy Lawrence Jerry Warren Grady Ollie & Peggy Olsen Maggie Malloy Sr. Kimberly Prohaska Dick & Judy Fox Wayne & Gayle Vyrostek Sr. Elizabeth Rossi Gene & Inez Ciechanowski Sharon & Gary Tucker Sr. Rosalie Ruesewald Patricia Harder Sr. Barbara Schroeder Gerald Hailey Mark Miles Sr. Stephanie Schroeder James & Evelyn Green Sisters from Our Lady of Peace Monastery Columbia, MO Barbara Michael Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery Warren & Arlyne Morey Sr. Benita Wewers Ben & Susan Barry Cher Horwedel Walter & Betty Kreutzer Danny Wewers Sr. Scholastica Vogelpohl Ben & Susan Barry Sr. Mary Ruth Wewers Debbie Bentley Paul & Connie Gibson Michael Wewers Joe & Martha Vorster Sr. Maurus Witt Dave & Diana Tetreault Bonnie Woeltje Ronald & Judith Ahlhorn Sr. Barbara Bock Jane May Sr. Michaela Marie Boucaud Fr. Richard Ahlemeyer Daughters of Wisdom, Broad Channel, NY James & Jeanette Geraghty Sr. Therese Nguyen, OP Mary Burch Peter Paul Cooney Sr. Madeline Clifton Frank, Theresa, & Scott Blair David & Wanda Fugett Gertrude Vaught Evelyn Davis Ronald Mapes Sr. Hilary Decker Heather Vaughn Volunteers from Simmons Bank participate in United Way s Day of Caring each year at St. Scholastica, hosting sing-a-longs, bringing refreshments, and visiting with the sisters. 9
Sisters who served at St. Joseph Home, North Little Rock Emily Davis Sr. Ethel Marie Sonnier Ron & Jo Burleigh Paula Martin Dorothy Sullivan Lorraine Tate Sr. Judith Timmerman Frank, Theresa, & Scott Blair Sr. Therese Nguyen, OP Voices for the Common Good Robert McAfee Sr. Pierre Vorster Anonymous Kara Bushkuhl Carol Geels Kathleen Keller Carolyn Pollan Ernest & Dana Lock Suzanne McGraw St. Benedict Mothers Society, Subiaco Tom & Sherry Shircliff Pat Thurber Peggy Weidman Maggie Malloy Sr. Adrian Wewers Dan & Andrea Ashley Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr Anonymous Tom Weickert We have tried to include all benefactors in 2015. If your name was overlooked or improperly printed, please accept our apologies and contact us to correct the error: Development Office St. Scholastica Monastery P.O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72913 Telephone: (479) 783-4147 E-mail: elise@stscho.org ANNUAL REPORT September 1, 2014 - August 31, 2015 REVENUES EXPENSES Community Ministries 427,662 18.10% Auxiliary Income 38,167 1.62% Donations and Gifts 505,929 21.41% Unrealized Loss on Investments 1,208,367 37.94% Investment Fees 23,638 0.74% Lay employees 1,008,926 31.68% Sisters Contributed Benefits 427,246 18.08% Investment Income 963,688 40.79% Community Ministries 66,944 2.10% Institutional 229,055 7.19% Housing 380,430 11.95% Sisters Personal and Medical 267,387 8.40% Total Revenues, Gains, and Other Support $2,362,692 Total Expenses and Losses $3,184,747 Net Change in Assets -$ 822,055 Using $600,000 from our Continuing Care Fund, the monastery was able to balance the operating budget, thanks to the generosity of our benefactors. In addition to the above, $43,285 was received for the Guatemalan Scholarship Program and has been, or will be, dispensed to Colegio San Benito in Esquipulas, Guatemala. 10
After Retirement, Sr. Madeline Clifton Continues to Volunteer at her Former Workplace L to R: Dr. Pamela Gaborné. Sister Madeline Clifton, OSB, Sylvia Bell (chaplain), Toni Posey, Steve Nelson (social worker), Roberta Elliott, R.N. (in front of Steve), Edith Brown, R.N. (floor charge nurse). Although Sister Madeline Clifton, CPE retired from her position as a chaplain at Mercy Fort Smith Hospital in 2007, she feels privileged to continue using her skills as a hospice and hospital volunteer every Thursday. Her warm, empathetic, spiritual presence brings comfort and healing to the sick, dying, and grieving families of all faiths. Although her primary ministry is with Mercy Hospice, she often spends mornings visiting with patients in other units. When she introduces herself, saying, I m one of the sisters, she often finds that people are so appreciative of a sister s visit, telling her stories of having been taught or cared for by sisters when they were younger. After teaching school for 20 years at St. John, St. Boniface, and Howard Schools in Fort Smith, as well as in Altus, AR and Clear Creek, MO, Sister Madeline became certified in Pastoral Education, taking courses at Mercy Hospital in Springfield and St. Joseph Hospital in Albuquerque in 1977. She worked full-time for 31 years at Mercy Fort Smith (then St. Edward s Hospital) but soon found after retiring that she was still passionate about helping dying patients and their families. It s just natural for me to enjoy something I did for so many years, Sister Madeline said. I look forward to working each Thursday, and, even though it s painful, it s still comfortable. Helping people through that period of their lives helps me understand what life is about and set good priorities. It encourages me to live at peace with myself. She brings prayer cards to patients and their families and often sings old classic hymns with them. And although the beloved songs In the Garden and Precious Lord, Take My Hand are sometimes accompanied by tears, the families are glad to have sung them and often tell stories about how those hymns carried them through other difficult times in their lives. When the patient is ready to die, it helps the family become ready, but it s also encouraging to me when I can help people prepare for death, Sister Madeline said. I enjoy praying with people and composing prayers incorporating their stories and sorrows and difficulties. They like that because it touches their hearts where they need to be touched. I sometimes ask them what they imagine heaven to be like, she added. An added bonus to her volunteering at Mercy is meeting so many people she s known and worked with over 60 years as a Benedictine sister, from former co-workers to pupils she d taught as a young sister in St. Boniface School, and knowing that she played a small part in their choosing careers as healers. Sister Michaela Marie Begins Preceptorship at Mercy Clinic Prior to entering St. Scholastica Monastery as a postulant in 2012, Sister Michaela Marie Boucaud had worked for a number of years as a nurse practitioner in New York City, both in hospitals and as a visiting nurse practitioner. After making her temporary vows last June, Sister Michaela lived in Hesychia House of Prayer where, in addition to helping the core community--sisters Louise Sharum and Andrea Loran--she studied to become recertified as a nurse practitioner. She passed her exam last December and, in February, began a period of clinical perceptorship at Mercy Clinic under the direction of Mercy s medical professionals. She looks forward to soon being able to continue St. Scholastica s tradition of health care ministry in Fort Smith. 11
Sisters Rosalie, Hilary and Alice: Volunteers in Community Ministries Sister Rosalie Ruesewald and oblate Kathy Jarvis, here pictured with Humberto Marquez, serve on the monastery s social concerns committee and work with the Hispanic community in the area. On Saturday, January 23, they received the Change Champions award from the Arkansas United Community Coalition at their state convention. On behalf of St. Scholastica Monastery, Sister Rosalie accepted the award for the sisters social justice work in the Hispanic community. Sister Hilary Decker, who is the co-director of our oblate program, has a special love for the psalms. She has given retreats and classes on the psalms for many years, even traveling to Africa on two occasions to teach communities of Benedictine sisters there. She visits Peachtree Village each week to study and pray the psalms with elderly residents of many faith traditions. Sister Alice O Brien has been involved in pro-life activities for most of her adult life, as a layperson in Indiana and in formation at Our Lady of Peace Monastery in Columbia, MO. In Fort Smith, she teaches classes to young parents at Heart to Heart Pregnancy Support Center. Her experience as a registered nurse and a mother of six adult children gives her plenty of knowledge and empathy to share with young mothers. Sister Alice has also been an RCIA sponsor for two employees. This year she is attending RCIA classes with receptionist Karen Brown. 12
In Loving Memory Sister Cabrini Schmitz, OSB entered into eternal life on December 28, 2015. At the time of her death Sister Cabrini was recovering from a serious October 18 car accident and receiving physical therapy as a resident at Ashton Place, in Barling, Arkansas, The family of Anthony and Bertha (Reitzke) Schmitz welcomed their daughter, Hilda Cecilia, into their family March 6, 1932 in Scranton, Arkansas. She was the second child of eleven children born to the Schmitz family. In her senior year at St. Scholastica Academy, she entered the monastery and made her religious profession on June 24, 1951. She received a Bachelor s Degree in English from Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, Texas and a Master s Degree in Administration from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She obtained her Masters in Journalism, from Notre Dame University in Notre Dame, Indiana. She received her Clinical Pastoral Education training at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sister Cabrini served her monastic community in a variety of ministries, but her primary work was in education and administrative positions. She taught at St. Scholastica Academy and St. Anne s in Fort Smith. She served as Administrative Assistant at St. Edward s Hospital and was Co-Founder of St. Edward s Hospice, now Mercy Hospice, Fort Smith. She served as the Director of St. Scholastica Monastery Retreat Center from 1990-2000. From 2001-2009 Sister Cabrini was Prioress of St. Scholastica Monastery. She served the Diocese of Little Rock on the Sisters Senate and the Diocesan Council of Women Religious. She wrote Women of the Church, a brief history of the DCWR (Diocesan Conference of Women Religious) for the Sesquicentennial project. Following her time as prioress she served the community as receptionist for the monastery, including assisting the monastery secretary and performing other monastic duties for the community. She was the moderator of St. Scholastica Academy Alumnae Association. Sister Cabrini is survived by her siblings, Lawrence (Terry), Agnes (Bill) Hess, Mary Ann (Mike) Hite, Cletus (Linda), Denis (Phyllis), Susan Baltz-Schmitz, Ray (Christy), Ambrose (Mary) Schmitz and several beloved nieces and nephews and her St. Scholastica Monastery community. Preceding her in death are her parents, Tony & Bertha Schmitz, brothers Justin, Leonard, (her sister-in-law, Claire) and Andrew Schmitz. The funeral Mass was celebrated on January 4, 2016 with Father Jerome Kodell, OSB presiding followed by her burial in the monastery cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Scholastica Continuing Care Fund, P. O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913. To see an online photo album commemorating Sister Cabrini s life, click here: Oblate Regina M. Buergler, 94, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away on February 15, 2016. She made her oblation on February 4, 1979 in our first group of Oblates. She was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, former President of the Catholic Business Women s Association, and former head of payroll at Harding Glass. She is survived by two nieces and two nephews. OBLATE NEWS The sisters welcomed two new oblates, Cherry and Steven Atwell, pictured at right with Sister Hilary, at their December 20 Mass and meeting. Four new enrollees (L to R): Eunice Eble, Deborah Grant, Jessie Greenwood, and Father Les Farley, our new chaplain, received their Rule books and medals. Sister Rosalie Ruesewald gave a presentation on Pope Francis encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si, at the oblates November retreat day. This spring they are discussing Brother Benet Tvedten s book, How to Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job. In March, Sister Louise Sharum will give a talk on her ministry at Hesychia House of Prayer in New Blaine. 13 13
Recent Visitors Highlight Sisters Social Concerns, in Their Home Town...and a Distant Land 14 Charolette Tidwell, director of Antioch for Youth and Family, which provides 500,000 meals a year to poor families in Fort Smith, visited her long-time friend and former teacher, Sister Pierre Vorster, on February 16. After enjoyoing dinner with the sisters, she made a presentation about her 16 year-old program and told them about Antioch s upcoming health fair, another part of her efforts to improve the lives of the people she serves. Charolette, who is now 70, attended St. John s School, an all-black Catholic school in pre-desegregation Fort Smith, along with several of her nine siblings. Although her family was very poor, her mother always found time to help others. The community service emphasis was reinforced by her local church and St. John s, where Sister Pierre, her sixth through eighth grade teacher, was both role model and mentor. Like Sister Pierre, who still supervises the groundskeepers, maintains a garden, and sits on the board of the Area Agency on Aging at the age of 93, Charolette has had a very active retirement. She wakes up at 5:30 a.m. to begin a twelve-hour work day at the Antioch community hub. In addition to managing the food pantry, she drives the elderly to doctors appointments, helps the unemployed find jobs, mentors at-risk young people, and distributes fresh vegetables to the working poor on weekends. "I grew up helping people, and it gives me a sense of purpose. I am looking to make an even greater impact." In the above photo, Charolette Tidwell (L) hugs her former teacher and mentor, Sister Pierre Vorster. In December, two school administrators from Colegio San Benito, site of St. Scholastica s Guatemalan scholarship program, came to Fort Smith to meet the sisters and learn more about the American education system so that they could improve their own programs. Gloria Portillo, San Benito s scholarship program director, and Mayra Romero, primary school director, were able to tour four Fort Smith Catholic s chools as well as University of Arkansas--Fort Smith, Subiaco Academy, Woods and Spradlin Elementary Schools, and two adult education programs. During their visit, the sisters had a chance to learn about their prayer partners, students for whom they pray and exchange letters. For many of the sisters and sponsors who have never had the opportunity to visit Guatemala, Gloria and Mayra gave a face to the scholarship program, Sister Rosalie Ruesewald, scholarship program director, said. We were received graciously everywhere we went, Portillo said. We are all members of the family of Christ and felt that solidarity with everyone we met. At each school Portillo and Romero visited, they learned about educational websites they could use with their students and innovative ways to teach academic subjects. Although San Benito doesn t have all the resources American schools have, there were many strategies that could be adapted to improve their existing programs. When we visit Guatemala, we learn so much from our hosts there as well, volunteer coordinator Kathy Jarvis said. We learn about relationships and sharing and are inspired by the depth of their faith. In the above photo (back to front) Romero, Portillo, and Sister Rosalie visit with Christ the King students.
Gracias to Our 2015 Guatemala Scholarship Partners Mary Adams Tracy & Gregory Ahlert Dr. Carlisle Alderink Father John Antony Ballet Folklorico Azteca Ballet Folklorico Salvadoreño Bardrick Family Katherine Barnhart-Thrift Lenora L. Barnwell Shawna Bell Debbie Bentley Bernice Bergup Dorothy C. Beschoner Martha & John Bieber Catherine and Darren Blazic Sharon Blentlinger Maurice Bock Marna & Eric Boltuc Karen Brown Karen & Randall Bruce Jacob Brumfield Nora Bryant Jared & Emily Bryson Tyna & Gary Burrows Ariana Caballero Cecilia & Diego Calvillo Ann Cannon Alice Ruth Carr Estate Emelia Carrington Vicki & John Casey Azucena & Apolo Castillo Mary & Jason Cauthron Lisa Chamblee Christ the King Church & School Deborah Coddington Marion Conrad Olga & Erick Cortez Cowie Winery Tina & Stephen Criswell Roxana & Miguel Devora Jennifer Didion Bernadette & Ronald Drewrey Constance Durkin Mayra Esquivel Betty Ewing Father Les Farley Josefina & Jaime Flores Candy Foster Mary Lee Frase Veronica & Nikkole Frederick Sarah Fuller Candelario Galvan Elias Galvan Jose Luis Galvan Rosy Galvan Dr. Jack & JoAnn Gedosh Carmen Geoates Joe & Janet Gilker Haymée & Mark Giuliani Patrick Giuliani Dc. Roy Goetz Carl Guhman Patricia Habberstad Joseph Hacker, Jr. Julie & John Hagen Mary Jill Hanson Audra Harper Dianne & Stephen Heinrichs Julia C. Hightower Leona M. Hoelting Viola Hoelting Dr. Karen Hollenbeck Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck Cher Horwoedel Sara Hurst Dorothy & Leslie Hutchison Immaculate Conception School Immaculate Conception Parish Liliana Infante Kathy Jarvis Paul and Holly Jarvis Rebecca Johnson Robert Johnson Margie Joyce Karri Karrant Sr. Judith Marie Keith, RSM Noah Ketter Jennifer & Mike Kimberly Kathleen King Annette & Ed Knittig Doris & Gilbert Koch Joe Korkames Dc. Charles & Elizabeth Kuehl Jane and Jay Kutchka Wendy Lambkin Gray Langston Lori & Bob Langston Keith Larkin, RPH Curt & Kay Lassiter Carolyn Lensing Rita Lipin Manteleria y Decoraciones Hernandez Lupe Martinez Hugh & Kate Maurras Megan R. & Matthew Mayeux Gladis & Jorge Mendoza Mercy Crest Edwin & Cynthia Meyer Fred & Maryanne Meyerriecks Dr. Leslie Michaelis Ana Minden Diane Minden Zola Moon Catherine and Jim Moore Robert Noble Dr. Rosario Nolasco-Schultheiss Olde Fashioned Foods Basilisa & Blas Palafox Prof. Roberta Parks Ellen & Bernie Parsons Ouida Pillstrom Dr. Claire Price Shelby Ralston Sarah Ramirez Roberto Regalado Virginia Ricketts Mary & Jim Rogers Dr. Ana Maria Romo Alondra Romero Dr. Brenda Ross Sacred Heart Church, Charleston Lesa & Rachael Schluterman St. Boniface Church & School Sebastian County Home Extension Group Father Jason Sharbaugh St. Scholastica Monastery Sisters of St. Scholastica George Schmidt Leonard & Kellie Schmitz Eileen Scott Debbie & Leo Sharum Dr. James Shea Shows Family Rudy & Janis Slusher In memory of Theresia Slusher Hauger Mary Ann Soerries Judy and John Stetson Alice Stuff Subiaco Abbey Subiaco Academy Subiaco Jazz Band Subiaco Oblates Clarine and John Terwey Jenna Thomas Gloria Tran Gloria Trinidad Trinity JHS Spanish classes Nancy Udouj Kim Vann Veronica Vasquez Chef Jacinto and Maria Vazquez Abigail Verkamp Brian & Brandy Verkamp Jennifer Verkamp Dc. Mark & Tracy Verkamp Walmart Neighborhood Market Father Patrick Watikha Wiederkehr Winery Ed Winkelman Annie Woody Donald L. Yandell Cynthia D. Yarbrough Dr. Lois Yocum Dc. Aroldo & Nora Zacarias Marielos (pictured at left) is our scholarship program s first high school graduate. Colegio San Benito s valedictorian is now studying medicine at Universidad Mariano Gálvez, Chiquimula s medical school. Subiaco Academy, one of our partners, sent its jazz band, directed by Deacon Roy Goetz (pictured at right) to entertain diners at our first Taste of Solidarity Dinner November 21. 15
NEWS BRIEFS Sisters Maria DeAngeli and Elise Forst attended a Formation Celibacy Workshop from December 6-9, at St. Meinrad, IN. Sisters Kimberly Prohaska and Barbara Bock participated in the Diocesan Vocation Retreat in Little Rock on January 8-9. During Catholic Schools Week, January 31-February 7, Sisters Kimberly Prohaska, Barbara Bock, Dolores Vincent Bauer, Ethel Marie Sonnier, and Judith Timmerman were among presenters at St. Joseph School, Paris; and Christ the King, Immaculate Conception, and Trinity Junior High Schools in Fort Smith. Several sisters attended a luncheon at St. Boniface School. Sister Maria DeAngeli attended a Prioresses Meeting at Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, IN on February 1-7. We hope you enjoyed reading this issue of Horizons online. If you would like to become an online subscriber, please e-mail Maryanne at maryanne@stscho.org If you would like to make a donation to help our spiritual direction ministry, our vocations department, to honor our five jubilarians, in memory of our deceased sisters or oblates, or for any other reason you may print and mail the form below with your donation or make an electronic payment by clicking this PayPal link : - If you are a Paypal member, your contribution will be deducted from your PayPal account. If you are not a PayPal member, you may make a credit card contribution through PayPal without registering for their service. - You may list the purpose of your donation on the review page of the PayPal form. You will see a blue link with the words donation purpose on the left side of the page. Click on that link and a comment box will appear where you may note the purpose of your gift or any prayer intentions you may have. We greatly appreciate your love and support. Name Address City, State, ZIP Telephone E-mail Optional Payment Methods Enclose a check for $, payable to St. Scholastica Monastery Please charge $ to my credit card: VISA Mastercard Discover Card number Expires / Signature 3 digit code Electronic Fund Transfer: Call the Business Office - 479-783-4147 Online payment: Visit our website, www.stscho.org I/We wish to remain anonymous. St. Scholastica Monastery is named in my/our will. Springtime Opportunities to Renew Your Spirit Abound at the Retreat Center Happy almost Spring to all! St. Scholastica Retreat Center is keeping busy. With both sponsored retreats and hosted retreats for other ministries, we have weekends filled into May. At the Silent Directed Retreat in January we welcomed a close to capacity number of retreatants. We welcomed another large group of retreatants at our Dreams retreat in February. In the near future, we have scheduled a Centering Prayer Retreat with Nick Cole March 17-20 and in April Cacki Upchurch, the Director of the Little Rock Scripture Study will present a weekend retreat, God is With Us the Good News of God s Mercy April 15-17. Remember Sr. Macrina will guide a 5-day Silent Retreat in July. A listing of retreats is available at www.stscho.org/retreats. We have been blessed this year with an increase in our private retreatants. This is a sacred place which allows you to retreat from daily life and spend a few hours or days in prayer. We are able to offer sessions with spiritual directors if you are interested in a directed retreat. The cost is reasonable and easy on the bank account. May all of you enjoy a blessed spring time. Please take time to marvel at the magnificent array of colors that God will soon be painting on our trees, shrubbery, and flowers. - Kathy Schmelzer, Center Director 16 To see the 2016 Retreat Schedule, click here: