Vol. 44, No. 1 ST. SCHOLASTICA MONASTERY, Fort Smith, AR March, 2015 Stepping Forward in Faith, the Sisters Announce Future Plans A message from the Sisters: For several years we have been considering various options for the best use of our facilities in the face of declining and aging membership. After much reflection, prayer, consultation, and discussion, we are ready to announce a three-phase plan. Phase I To provide for our elderly sisters, we have entered into a contract with Reliance Health Care, Inc. to sell 9.75 acres of land in the southeastern quadrant of our property to construct a 140 bed skilled nursing facility with a dedicated wing including 16 single occupancy rooms for sisters who qualify for nursing home care. Reliance owns 29 nursing homes in Arkansas, including Chapel Hill Nursing Home in Fort Smith. In Reliance s 16 years of operation it has received very high quality of care ratings from state regulators. Phase II In the second phase of this process, we will build a smaller monastery to better meet our current needs. It will be near the nursing home in order to allow us to maintain daily contact with our senior sisters. After construction of the nursing home is under way, we will begin planning the new monastery and a capital campaign to finance it. We will continue to lease the classroom section of the former academy building to Trinity Junior High School and will continue to operate the Retreat Center for the foreseeable future. Phase III In the third phase, we will decide what to do with our present six-story monastery. These plans will enable us to continue our Benedictine mission of work and prayer. In July, 2003, when there were 86 sisters living in St. Scholastica Monastery, we composed a mission statement to reaffirm the faith and values that brought and kept us together through 125 years of challenging ministry. We recommitted ourselves to daily prayer and seeking God together in community, and pledged to respond to the needs of the people of God in a spirit of hospitality, simplicity, and reverence for all creation. Buddy Spradlin, Financial Advisory Board member; Darryl Thomas, Reliance Director of Operations; Leo Anhalt, Financial Advisory Board member; William Stafford, architect for Reliance; Sister Maria DeAngeli; Mark Loibner, architect for monastery; and Rick Griffin, construction contractor for Reliance with the plans for the new nursing home. (On the chart, the diagram superimposed on the property is not drawn to scale.) Since 2003, we have welcomed five transfers from Our Lady of Peace Monastery in Columbia, MO and two novices who will be eligible to make their first vows in June; but in those 11 years, 51 sisters entered into eternal life. The community now numbers 42 sisters. Twenty-two are over 80 years old; one is under 50. Throughout the discernment process, our commitment to simplicity and good stewardship guided our discussion and decisions about the best use of our facilities. At the beginning of the process, most sisters hoped that our beloved 90 year-old monastery could be renovated to meet current needs. After evaluation of the building and much consideration and discussion, it became evident that this plan was not feasible. In our current location, housing costs represent 17% of the monastery budget and, with current community size, a per-capita expense of $8,360 per sister. (continued on page 2)
A Message From the Prioress We, the sisters of St. Scholastica, send to you, our friends, greetings as we move on in the New Year of 2015. Our memories were awakened on January 23 as we celebrated our one hundred thirty-six years in Arkansas. At Evening Praise Sister Elise read a bit from our history about our founding mothers first few months in their new home (cabin) in Arkansas. The piece made for interesting conversation at our evening meal, which was a banquet compared to their customary meals of beans, cornbread and molasses. My how times have changed! We are grateful to the four sisters who came from Ferdinand, Indiana, for saying yes to brave the unknown in their mission. Our community has something to share with you after years of asking your prayers for our future. You can read more details about it in the featured article of this issue of Horizons, but I want to share a bit with you also. Over the past nine years, we have been discussing the need for changes, especially in the care of our infirm sisters. We, as a community, spent several years working with REALM, a consulting team, to help us look at possible options. It was not an easy journey but we braved the troubling waters and came to a decision. We have agreed to sell a parcel of land to a health care company called Reliance. We have been in conversation with them for several months and have built a good working relationship. We have also come to the decision that we need a smaller monastery for ourselves because our numbers have diminished and the present facility is much too large. Its upkeep has become cost prohibitive. We are now celebrating the Lenten season. St. Benedict in chapter 49 of the Rule tells the monks that they should keep Lent before them always. He tells us that he knows that is difficult but we should not make resolutions that we will be unable to keep. Instead, we should pray for justice, peace, reverence, love, forgiveness, respect and dignity for all peoples. Pope Francis encourages all of us to live the Beatitudes so that those virtues will become a reality and not just words from the scriptures. Perhaps a few more minutes of prayer each day would be the best of all resolutions. We, the sisters, thank you for your prayers and support during our years of discernment for our future. I am sure, even though you did not realize it, that you were a great source of strength and perseverance for us. I pray that your Lent will be one of peace as you journey with Jesus and that these forty days of special prayer will bring all of us the joy of Easter, the Paschal Mystery!! Plans (continued from page 1) Once the decision was made that a new building is needed, the question of how best to care for our sisters currently in the infirmary was addressed. We have always felt strongly about keeping our elderly and sick sisters connected to the community as much as possible, but changes in the last few years have caused us to question whether the current thirdfloor infirmary is the best way to care for them. Some of the major concerns with the current situation include the difficulties of adapting the aging building to the needs of the sisters, of providing the specialized services and therapies needed by some, of evacuating the sisters in an emergency, and of overseeing and maintaining an adequate staff. Throughout the discernment process, we have expressed the desire to continue our ministry and outreach to the larger community. As we prepare to step in faith toward new horizons, we ask for your prayers and support. We are planning one step at a time as we begin a new phase in our rich history in God s service. The monastery s neighbors attended a meeting Sunday, February 15 and reviewed the plans for the new nursing home to be built by Reliance Health Care, Inc. 2 Vol. 44, No. 1 Horizons March, 2015 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: Sister Pat Bolling, Sister Kimberly Prohaska, Kathy Jarvis
HONOR ROLL OF BENEFACTORS FOR 2014 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 Monday of each month, a Mass is offered for you and your intentions. Benefactors listed here supported the Monastery during the year 2014. Chuck Ackerly Al & Isabel Adams Carmelita Adams Jon & Patricia Adams Mary Adams Joe & Margaret Aguzzi Gene & Mary Ahlert Jim & Sandra Ahlert Kate Althoff Walter & Lucille Ammon Estate Craig & Jamie Anderle Ann Andrews Leo & Barbara Anhalt Anonymous (59) Sr. Joy Anyaso, DMMM Ormalene Artho Monica Ashour Paul & Doris Ashour Steve & Cherry Atwell Alicia Austin Sue Baber Murl & Concetta Baker James Baillio Mildred Baillio Kendra Ballew Karen Banks Delores Barber Doug Barborek Gary & Tracy Barker Julius & Janice Bariola Tom & Mary Barkhouse Katherine Barnhart-Thrift Jo Ann Barr Ben & Susan Barry Dorothy Barton Pat Baskin Vivian Bates Barbara Batson Jerome Bauer Louis & Mary Bauer Bob Baugh Joseph & Rosaline Baumann Jean Beaulieu David & Nancy Becker Steven & Lorraine Beckham Mark & Heather Beene Debbie Bentley Anthony Benz Bernice Bergup Ivy & Charlyn Bernard Kaye Bernard Luigi & Toni Bersani Judy Bertrand Frank & Mary Ann Beshoner Harry & Mary Beshoner Patricia Bessman Carolyn Bettinger Tom & Paula Biggins Kara Bird Keith & Kim Birkenfeld Marilyn Birkenfeld Isabelle Birnbaum Jeffrey & Sara Biskup Kenneth & Stella Blaschke J.O. & Gloria Blaty Msgr. Orville Blum James & Dorothy Bock Joe Bock & Sue Lyke Kanyin Bodeharrison Melanie Bodiak Bertha Bodine Bill & Theresa Boekholder Linda Boen Lawrence & Shirley Boente Mary Bourne Gracie Bolling Richard & Ginger Bolling Mary Brown Suzanne Brown William & Sharon Brown Fr. Raymond Bruck Dick & Jane Brummel Jim & Ann Bruning Nora Bryant Jared Bryson Marsha Buergler Regina Buergler Keri Bullington Joe & Connie Bulmanski Donna Burch Whitney Burgess Ron & Jo Burleigh John & Mary Burns David & Joan Busby Mike Bushkuhl Gus Buss The sisters are grateful to Charlotte Weisenfels and Charmaine Haunert and all our infirmary volunteers for the joy they bring to the senior sisters! Fred & Cindy Borchert Catalina Botero Eleanor Shaheen Braddock John & Peggy Brandebura Barbara Brazear Henry Beitenstein Glenn Brinley & Judith Bock Beth Brooks Larry Broussard Doug & Carol Brown Margaret Brown Ray & Pat Buss Henry & Agnes Butto Tom & Dorothy Caldarera Carmen Caldwell Tommy Camp Marion Cannatella Cathy Cannatella Jim & Sheila Canup Micki Canterbury Fr. Pat Carathers Maria Carcano Walter & Theresa Carle Sam & Laurie Carman Emelia Carrington Agnes Carson Catholic Airmen Group Center for Hearing Paul & Magdalen Cesare Anna Chance Marvin Chapin Marie Chapman Mary Charlton Arlene Childress Ann Childs Christ the King Parish, Fort Smith Guillermina Clemmons Clinical Psychology Deborah Coddington Nick & Carolyn Cole Robert & Loretta Collins Estella Conatser Carol Conner Darrel Cook Diane Cook Cooper Clinic, PA Bob Cowie Brian & Susie Cram Catherine Crews Bill & Vicky Crittenden Paul & Theresa Cronan Bill & Beverly Crookham Lewis & Laura Crow Linda Crow Jerry & Joan Crumly Gene & Janette Dahlem Clara Darbonne Daughters of Charity, Little Rock Evelyn Davis Charles Dawson Theresa D Costa Kyle & Katy DeJaeger Francis & Kathleen DeLorenzo Laura DeLuca Thomas & Ida DeSalvo John & Audrey Deusterman Mary Devaney Eduardo & Rocio Diaz Linda Dickinson Larry & Bonnie Diefendorf David & Lynn Dietz Keith & Lisa Dietz Kevin & Kayla Dietz Stanley Dietz Cheryl Kay Dittmer D.H. & Danielle Dixon Dom Doherty John & Mary Dolce Mike & Marsha Domino 3
The sisters appreciate Little Rock oblates Judith Hurt and Ann McElmurry, who help us with hospitality and caring for our labyrinth! They are grateful to all their oblates and volunteer gardeners. 4 Ben & Fran Donaldson Kruger & Arleen Donelson Coeta Dooly Jack & Carolyn Duclos Estelle Duffy Norbert & Jane Dugan Mary Ealum Milt Earnhart Greg & Betty Eckart Jim & Mary Edwards Anne Marie Ellison-Johnston Laverne Elsken Josephine Enzenberger Kris Epright Laura Ernst Jean Etoch Betty Etzkorn Jerry (dec.) & Phyllis Ewing Eye Group Anthony & Louise Farris Fentress Mortuary Judy Fergeson Rita Ferguson Greg Fernicola Ruth Findlay Martha Fisher Bob & Ginger Fitzpatrick Patrick & Chrystel Flake Jerome & Annette Flusche Tom Fogarty Donna & Dorothy Forst Fred & Joy Forst Sam Forst Thomas Forst Agnes Forte Candy Foster Richard & Sondra (dec.) Foti Lorene Fowler Ed & Sharon France Dr. Gene France Claudine Franklin Maria Frantz Ed & Bettye Franz Phillip & Hope Fredrich Marjorie Friedrich William & Karen Fritchie Beth Fritsch Hedy Fuchs-Heinrich David & Wanda Fugett Janet Fuller John & Kathy Furstenberg Susan Gamble Carolyn Gangluff Clara Garvey John & Sandra Gass Butch & Mary Ann Geels Carol Geels Maria Geels Gene & Susan Gerber Stanley & Cindy Gerber Geo Signs David & Rose Giorgi Ann Givens Louis & Francie Gottsponer Gay Gomez Patricia Grabber Bernice Grabber-Tintes Richard & Clarice Grace Clara Granger Debbie Grant Mary Graves Albert Gray Carol Griesemer Bonnie Grimmius Larry Grinstead Sara Groves Joe Gubanski Fred & Sandra Gumm Joseph & Marilyn Gunther Emma Gutierrez Dr. John Ha John & Patricia Habberstad Dan & Alice Hadwin Mary Ann Halcisak Sandra Hall Betty Halliburton Charles & Theresa Hamling Mark & Leslie Hampel Sheryl Hampton Brisian Hankins Fr. Ernest Hardesty Richard & Joe Ann Hargraves Mary Harrington Don & Niki Harrison Margaret Hart Patricia Hart Delores Hartman Lucy Hartmeier Jerry & Jude Hassler Don & Colleen Havener James & Helen Hays Del & Camille Heffley Ida Heinrich Jan Helmers Suzanne Herzig Bill & Agnes Hess Joy Hibbard Elizabeth Hierholzer Sue Higgs Frank & Ann Hilton Jeff & Christine Hines Mike & Mary Ann Hite Mark & Delphine Hittson Carol Hoadley Denis & Judy Hoelting Leona Hoelting Therese Hoelzeman Mary Louise Hoffman Charles & Jean Holman Holy Family Church, Nazareth TX Holy Redeemer Mothers Society, Clarksville Jim & Mary Jan Hoobler Betty Hoover Thomas Horan Marjorie Horinek Cecilia Horn David & Sarah Hotzel Blane & Susan Howell Michael & Deborah Hoyt Hug Chevrolet Betsy Hug Kitty Hug Betty Humpert Judith Hurt Kathy Hutchison Elizabeth Hynes Julie Hynes Susan Hynes Kay Insull Norma Israel Fr. Pius Iwuchukwu Bob & Frances Jacimore Karla Jacobs Susan James Kathy Jarvis Mary Jo Jiles Johnson Dermatology Clinic DeMurl & Pepina Johnson Dr. George Johnson Ruthie Johnson Chester & Susan Jones Jay Jones Dr. Conrad & Paulette Kaelin Clark & Geraldine Kaelin Robert & Jo Ann Kale Tom & Carmelita Karacic Louise Kaufman Ramona Keizer-Hornsey Kathleen Keller Jack & Jean Kennevan Graham & Dorothy Kent Randy & Debbie Kern Carolyn Ketter William & Laurel Kidd Alberta, Mary Lou, & Rose Anna Kiene James & Carolyn Killerlain Lucille King Br. Francis Kirchner, OSB Mary Ann Knaebel Beth Knight Knights of Columbus, Charleston Knights of Columbus, Clarksville Knights of Columbus, Fort Smith Knights of Columbus, Russellville Ed & Annette Knittig Tim & Heather Knittig Joseph Knittig Dr. Robert & Beth Knox Christina Koch Dennis Koch Doris Koch Joe Don & Susie Koenigseder Lillian Kohler Kenneth & Michaela Koldys Peggy Konert Jerome & Margie Kramer Thelma Kraus Trenna Kremers Walter & Betty Kreutzer W.L. & Dolores Krewet Jane Krone Michael & Suzanne Kusnitz Margaret LaFornara Dick & Jo Ann Lambert Ruth Landers Charla Lane Linda Noe Lane Bill & Tammie Lange Jerry & Judy Lange Ken Larsen Jerry & Rosella Lasater Curt & Kay Lassiter Chris & Cindy Laursen Judy Lawrence Marceline Lazzari John & Jane Leding Jo Ann Lehnen Genevieve Lemley Bill & Nancy Lensing Junior & Carolyn Lensing Rosetta Lensing Dinh Kim Leveque Ethan & Jo Lightfoot Benny Lindeman Joe & Donna Lindeman Benny & Kay Little Jacqueline Lobb Dr. James & Meredith Long Bob & Cathy Lorenz Patricia Lucy
James & Jo Ann Lutz Joyce Mack Teresa Madden Troy & Vicki Mahan Arlene Makita-Acuña James & Angela Malik Vera Mann Liquida Manteguilla Ronald Mapes Paula Martin Betty Masingale Tim & Dottie Massanelli Kathleen Mazzanti Jane May Megan Mayeux Larry & Cindy McAlister Marie McCann Bernice McCauley Bill & Barbara McConnell Joan McCoy Ann McElmurry Geraldine McFarland Patty McGann Judy McGrath Sandra McKee Mary McKeown Fr. David McKillin, OSB Betsy McNeil Glen & Emily Mebruer MediSav Homecare Pharmacy Jim & Debbie Medley Tom & Karen Menzie Mercy Hospital Fort Smith Fred & Maryanne Meyerriecks Bob & Becky Meyers Joseph Meyers & Jo Ann Kyral Mary Michele Louis & Kathleen Mier Barbara Miller Bea & Carl Miller James & Betty Miller Sharon Mitchell Lisa Milzarek Alicia Minden Diane Minden Leo Modaff Leonard & Kathleen Moffett Denise Mohr Pat Moix Julie Moncrief John Moorcroft Amanda Moore Jim & Pat Moore Diane Moreno Warren & Arlyne Morey Stephen & Jeanne Morrow Barbara Morse Ronnie & Regina Moyer Carol Mulhall Maria Mulligan Leigh Ann Mullins Mungenia Mungin Jim & Rosa Murray Alice Nahas Leonard Nahlen T.J. & Mary Ann Nahlen National Family Pharmacy Sherry Nehus Sheri Neely Cheryl Nesbitt New Melleray Abbey, Peosta, IA Sherry Newlon Sr. Therese Nguyen, OP Dick & Ella Rita Nicko Hank & Marcia Nicko Carl & Mary Ann Nielson Gertrude Noll Marie Nunn Tamara Oberbeck Ocker-Putman Funeral Home Bob & Jennie O Connor Msgr. John O Donnell Terry Olsen Jerry & Marge Onorato Manny & Gloria Orden James Oswald Fr. John Oswald Msgr. Richard Oswald Frances Otto Lee & Kathy Jo Overstreet Rocky Paladino Karen Palmer Randy & Nancy Parrish Gean Partin Marilyn Patterson Carol Paul Nancy Peacock Susan Pearson Mary Peck Cathleen Peppito Quy & Mai Pham William & Karen Pharis Patricia Phillips Henry & Charlotte Piazza Michael & Marita Pilcher Linda Pinkerton Catherine Pinter Mike & Robbie Pinter Irma Pittroff Cynthia Pitts Joseph Plant Antonia Plugge Roman & Sharon Plugge Shirley Plugge Dan Plunkett George & Carolyn Pollan Kay Pope Joseph & Kay Popevis James & Patsy Post Matt & Betty Post Carole Pratt Kyle & Jennifer Priest Jeff Priore Project Compassion ProMed Cooper Clinic Yvette Isbell Pulley Sr. Ethel Puno, CCVI Jane Purtle Patty Rackers Francis Raible Ronald Raley Glenn Ramaekers Weldon Ramey Mike & Roz Rector Robert & Virginia Reed Michael & Anne Reeder Mary Reidle Thomas Reinhart Tony & Rosemary Reith Religious Sisters of Mercy, Barling Religious Sisters of Mercy, Fort Smith Sandra Renfrow Mary Lea Reuter Carolyn Richardson Dan & Roberta Richardson Virginia Ricketts Lucille Rietman John & Lillie Rife Larry & Joyce Ringwald River Valley Regional Food Bank River Valley Smile Center Anne Roberts Sheila Roberts Bill & Jean Ann Roddy James & Joan Rodemann Brian Rodgers Cathy Roesch Louise Rogers Joyce Roling Tom & Rosemary Rolniak Florence Roman Michael & Mary Ross Evelyn Rossi Marion & Betty Rossi Pete & Jeanette Rossi Katherine Royal Clara Jane Rubarth Dwight & Ruth Ruelle Dorothy Ryan Sacred Heart of Mary Women s Society, Barling St. John Altar Society, Russellville St. Joseph Church, Paris St. Jude Church, Jacksonville St. Leo Altar Society, Hartford St. Leo University Parish, Russellville St. Mary Church, Altus St. Paul Episcopal Church, Fayetteville St. Scholastica Alumnae Assoc. St. Vincent Morrilton Barbara Sax Francie Scheffe Claudia Scherrey Leon & Martha Nell Schilling Kathy Schmelzer Schmitz Family Ambrose & Mary Schmitz Cletus, Linda, & Mark Schmitz Lawrence & Terry Schmitz Ray & Christy Schmitz Susan Schmitz Tresa Schmitz Joe Schmuki (dec.) Dona Schnaidt Al Schneider & Judy Hoelzeman Susie Schneider Nancy Schofield Bernard & Emily Schroeder Elmer Schroeder Ray & Anita Schroeder Robert & Becky Schroeder Floyd & Dorothy Schulte Lucille Schwind Eileen Scott Patrick Seibold Ed & Lona Seiter Bob & Bernice Selig Nina Ruth Selig Frederick & Marilyn Senko Shirley Senko Sue Senyard Thanks to gift shop volunteers Annie Woody (pictured here), Kathy Furstenberg, and Gloria Tran. Using her computer skills, Annie helped set up the online gift shop. 5
Tom & Amy Sexton Chance Shamblain Leo & Debbie Sharum Pamela Sharum Steve & Paula Sharum Theresa Sherrod Lori Shields Tom & Sherry Shircliff Fr. Jack Sidler Benita Siebenmorgen Charlotte Siebenmorgen David & Brenda Siebenmorgen Richard & Paula Siebenmorgen Gary & Katie Simmons Christine Sims Rudy & Janis Slusher Ed (dec.) & Rose Smetanka Mike & Suzy Smith Jerry & Margaret Smith Jo Ann Smith Margaret Ann Smith Rev. Rob & Diana Smith Barbara Snow Mary Ann Soerries Bill & Emily Soller Marie Sonnier Hilda Spahn Rose Anna Spanke Jane Sparkman Sparks Regional Medical Center Beth Sparks Jerry & Beth Sparks Lewis Sparks, Jr. Richard & Peggy Spears Faye Ann Spitzer Dr. Thomas & Paulette Spivey Howard & Linda Spradlin Chris & Pam Spriggs Benjie & Cathy Stalcup Brenda Stanley Greg & Diane Staszak Dr. Richard Staton Russell & Joanie Stavig Mike & Donna Stec Robert & Barbara Stelle Dolores Stemper Christena Stephens Paul & Benita Stevens Mary Stevenson Gary & Henrietta Stokes Bettye Kaye Spruell William & Eugenia Straub Alex & Sue Streett James & Von Strobel Stephen & Laura Strum Alice Stuff Subiaco Abbey Pearl Suitt Dorothy Sullivan Doris Swindle Lorraine Tate Joseph & Joyce Taylor Thomas & Mary Ann Taylor Dave & Diana Tetreault Mary Jo Tetreault Virginia Thennes 6 Paul Thessing Ravi & Anna Thiagarajan Larry & Rose Thummel Patricia Thurber Michael & Karen Tierney Glenda Timmerman Barbara Titone Michael & Cyndy Toney Gloria Tran John & Quenna Tran Dr. Neill Treece Trinity Junior High Trinity Junior High Junior National Honor Society Cathy Trower Henry & Annabelle Tuck George & Jan Tucker Judy Turner Alfred Twenter Chuck & Betty Uerling Albert & Mary Ulmer Cackie Upchurch Mark Urban Sandy Vandall Efran & Maria Vargas Rosann Vaughn Gertrude Vaught Jennifer Verkamp Lou & Carol Vitale Buddy & Theresa Vogler Wayne & Gayle Vyrostek Bruce & Ruth Waits Lou Anne Walker William Walker Martha Walsh Michael & Mary Walter Sharron Walter Kevin Walters Helen Ward Pat & Vicki Wardlaw Al & Kay Warzecha Mike & Laurie Wegman Thomas Weickert Tamra Weimer Charles Weisenfels Charlotte Weisenfels Edward & Dorothy Weisenfels Gus & Lona Weisenfels Dudley & Marsha Wells Joyce Wells Evangeline Werner Western AR Anesthesia Assoc. Christine Wewer David & Katrina Wewers Harold & Anita Wewers Joe Wewers Lenea Wheeler Pat & Christine Wheeler Gary & Becky White John & Madeline Whitney Al & Linda Wiederkehr Marcella Wies Ann Wiggins Pat Willems The Williams Companies, Tulsa OK Cecilia Williams Doreen Williams Julia Williams W.J. & Mary Lou Willmann Barbara Wilson Robert & Penny Winsett Kay Winzenried Greg & Katy Wolf Jon & Donna Wolfe Annie Woody Bill & Mona Wooten Earl & Fran Wooton Fr. Paul Worm Michael & Kathleen Wortman Helen Wren Julie Yandell Fr. Gary Young, CR Annette Young-Fritz Frank & Gail Zanoff Eddie & Mary Zimmer Floyd & Nancy Zornes Jim & Delphine Zydzik IN MEMORY OF Lawrence & Lucy Adams Jon & Patricia Adams Martine Anhalt Robin Eggert Harrell Bates Leflers Fashions, Conway Set Environmental, Saint Louis Division Sr. Consuella Bauer Joe & Connie Bulmanski Ann Horne George & Joan Mangelsdorf Judy McGrath Phillip & Uta Moore Lawrence (dec.) & Lu Jane Schriver Michael & Erika Wimberly Don & Bonnie Woeltje Mildred Bawiec-Zaloudek Robert Dumboski Catherine, Marie, & Sr. Emerita Beck Frances R. Beck Stephen G. Becker Tod & Jean Holman Rose Beggs Mack & Marilyn Jo Borgognoni Bob Bennett Darrel & Judy Cox Pat Bentley Debbie Bentley Herman Berkemeyer Frances R. Beck Sr. Carmen Beshoner Jerome & Alice Beshoner Sr. Josella Birkenfeld DeNeil, Gary, & Katie Cockrell Neil & Judy Harmon Gerald & Rita Bock Steve Bock Sr. Frances Anne Braddock Larry & Rose Thummel Diana Squibb (shown here) and Judy Fergeson are regular office volunteers in the retreat center office. The sisters thank them and the many volunteers who help prepare and serve meals during retreat weekends.
Sr. Gabriel Brandt Tereze Harris Margaret Parks Pat Burke Richard & Joe Ann Hargraves Luis Carcano Linda Carcano Robert Carroll Agnes Forte Robert & Penny Winsett Cesira Zucconi & Sr. Josetta Catalani Rosemary Catalani Sr. Patrick Cingolani John Banchetti Millar, Inc., Lake Village Josie Clifton Otto & Pat Zimmerman William Croom, Jr. Olga Croom Monica Daniels Lucille Rietman Sr. Ginger degravelle Glenn Brinley & Judith Bock John & Mona Caldwell Gayle & Nancy Zembower Michael DeSalvo Thomas & Ida DeSalvo Antonette Hall Margaret Hart Delores Hartman Christina Koch Richard Dietz Dorothy Sullivan Joseph & Joyce Taylor Donaldson & Zanoff Families Frank & Gail Zanoff Elizabeth M. Duerr Christina Post Catherine & Anne Dumboski Robert Dumboski Sr. Bede Eckart Louise Eckart Charlotte Ward-Tencleve Sr. Christine Eckart Ray & Wilma Ahlert Debbie Bentley Kaye Bernard Glenn Brinley & Judith Bock Carmelite Sisters, Little Rock Jack & Carolyn Borengasser Elizabeth Brooks Dick & Jane Brummel Dwight & Suzanne Cramer Linda Donberger Greg & Betty Eckart Joe & Mary Eckart Mr. & Mrs. John Eckart Kevin Eckart Louise Eckart Margaret Fitzpatrick Dennis & Joan Fontana Carol Geels Betty Halliburton Andrea Hamilton Darlene Hammer Mary Ann Harrington Tereze Harris Delores Hartman Liza Holman Jay Jones Clark & Geraldine Kaelin Kenneth & Linda Kaelin Ramona Keizer-Hornsey Mary Kellogg Jay Layes Roselyn Layes John & Jane Leding Rosemary Lelemsis Doug & Michele Lensing Junior & Carolyn Lensing Msgr. David LeSieur James & Jo Ann Lutz James & Angela Malik Carl & Gerda Miesner James Oswald Kay Pope Janet Pranger Mary Ries Dr. Brian Rodgers St. Leo Altar Society, Hartford Doug & Anna Schwartz Eileen Scott Phyllis Simon Paul & Benita Stevens Ronnie & Charlotte Tencleve Lou Ann Trusty Frances Walter Sheron Ward Loretta Weber Pat & Christine Wheeler W. J. & Mary Lou Willmann Dwight & Suzanne Cramer Sisters Josita Nahlen and Catherine Markey and the infirmary sisters enjoy their frequent visits from Trinity Junior High School students. Junior National Honor Society students brought Christmas gifts to the sisters. Haymée Giuliani s Spanish students perform a pastorella each Christmas and are frequent visitors to the monastery. Sr. Jane Fladung John Fladung Sr. Florentine Fredrick Lawrence (dec.) & Lu Jane Schriver Michael & Erika Wimberly Sr. Eleanora Fritsche Tereze Harris Paul & Charlotte Kuester Sr. Gertrude Grabber Anonymous Shirley Graham Joanie Stavig Linda Gramlich Pamela Sharum Edward & Marie Eckart Linda Starling Mary Gratz Anonymous Fr. Placidus Eckart, OSB Paul & Connie Gibson Larry Allen Grayson Alisa Smith Sr. Simon Edelhuber Carol Griesemer Mary Ann Embry Jo Johnston Gertie Etzkorn Mary Edelhuber Harold Gunderman Frances Beck Sr. Anne Heim Claire Muller Virginia Hess Bill & Agnes Hess Sr. Norbert Hoelting DeNeil, Gary, & Katie Cockrell Neil & Judy Harmon Ann Horne Sr. Herbert Huber Bob Cooper Molly Hug Fred & Ann Goebel Sr. Roberta Hyland Jane Magee Johanna James & Christine Graham Sally Johnson Leo & Barbara Anhalt Larry & Mary Lynn Baker John & Peggy Brandebura Phil & Donna Dayer Mont & Ann Echols Leisa Gramlich Thomas & Karen Knight Eugene & Peggy Kleiss Gilbert & Doris Koch Rosetta Lensing Dick & Barbara Litzinger Betty McCaffrey John & Amy Mendenhall John & Jane Owens Penny Packard Michael & Suzanne Peterson John Schluterman 7
Eddie & Debra Smith Howard & Linda Spradlin Dick & Mary Udouj Ken & Ginny Waterson Lothar Karl Adolyn Bartels James & Susan Berres Tedd & Joyce Hamlet Garry & Marilyn Lee Jerry & Orah May Mockbee Harold & Lynda Parde Daniel & Patsy Scheer Wicks Organ Co., Highland, IL Lawrence & Annette Zehring John Keeton Jon & Patricia Adams Bernard & Rita Keller Anonymous Joyce Keller Sr. Camilla Krallman Linda Donberger Sr. Rosetta Kuettel Teresa Clark Marie LaBrie Srs. Cordelia & Corinne Lange Christina Koch Jerry & Judy Lange Sr. Teresina Lazzari Joe & Margo Lazzari Marceline Lazzari Mr. & Mrs. W.A. Leding Cecilia Sloat Charles Lensing Ray & Wilma Ahlert Allyn & Janice Donaubauer Carolyn Ketter Gilbert & Doris Koch Fred & Ann Goebel Jerry & Wincie Hendricks Bill & Donna Johnson Agatha Lensing Rosetta Lensing Louise Haley Lester Mary Randazzo Sr. Charlene Lindeman Geraldine Lindemann Lee & Sherry Nutt Chuck Lindeman Joe & Donna Lindeman Sr. Vivian Luyet Robert Dumboski Paul & Connie Gibson Dennis & Beatrice Lock Polly Materniak Sharon Wilkin Lillian Mayeux Megan Mayeux Bishop Andrew McDonald Ray & Wilma Ahlert Clara McNulty & Eva Miller Max & Juanita Nutt Sr. Valeria Moellers Henry Breitenstein Paul & Connie Gibson David & Cecilia Ragsdale Mary Safranek Tony & Claudia Scherrey Sr. Columba Moseley Maxine Bell Mary Bourne John & Jane Leding James & Jo Ann Lutz Mary Jo Tetreault Religious Sisters of Mercy, Barling Sheron Ward Lisa Ninci-Denny Maurice Bock Rosemary Nitz Dorothy Clay Al Nolte Howard & Linda Spradlin Karl Nunn Marie Nunn Sr. Adelma Pabst Merley & Judy Staus Raymond Stoecklein Sherry Paul Donald Paul Frank & Betty Vorster Sr. Xavier Perona Louis & Pat Perona Wilfred & Jo Plugge Robert & Dayna Hilton Pat Presley Ron & Judy Ahlhorn Phillip & Jane Baxter Thomas & Marie Best Hugh & Susan Carano Richard Connolly Suzanne Gallagher Rosemary Greer Michael & Mary Pat Lynch T.V. & Lou Ann Mangelsdorf Matthew & Marlene Mellis Newcomers Book Club, SW Brunswick County NC John & Helen Pannullo Don & Bonnie Woeltje Andrew, Agnes, & Frank Raible Knights of Columbus, Clarksville Scho girls Mary Burns and Annette Knittig are just two of many alumnae volunteers who help the sisters prepare for their annual bake sale. Thanks to the Scho girls and this year s bake sale chairperson, Dorothy Sullivan! 8 Sr. Annella Reginelli DeMurl & Pepina Johnson Millar, Inc., Lake Village Rosemary Reginelli Sr. Tarcisia Renz Lee & Sherry Nutt Henry Rossi Evelyn Rossi Srs. Frederick & Rosemary Rufener Frank, Theresa, & Scott Blair Beatrice Schlaf David & Patsy Louk Sr. Helen Schneider Louise Eckart Lawrence Schriver Randall Beattie Thomas Schriver Family Lawrence (dec.) & Lu Jane Schriver Samuel M. Sicard Sharon Sicard David Siebenmorgen Barbara Johnson Sr. Hermana Siebenmorgen Gerald Hailey John & Theresa Hall Joan Myers Harold & Anita Wewers Hilda Siebenmorgen Barbara Johnson Mary Ann Siebenmorgen David & Geraldyn Spicer Sisters at St. Boniface, Fort Smith, 1941-1957 Henry & Ramona Harder Raymond Soerries Dorothy Clay Srs. Jovita & Marcella Stengel Dan & Andrea Ashley Violet Stuckman Suzan Stuckman Sr. Dolorita Thompson Mary Bourne Dawn Dvoracek Carol Griesemer John & Jane Leding James & Jo Ann Lutz Religious Sisters of Mercy, Barling Sheron Ward Hermina Udouj Margie Plunkett
Sr. Scholastica Vogelpohl Lillian Kohler Pete Vorster Dorothy Sullivan Donna Vorster Sr. Columba Walter Tereze Harris Sr. Richard Walter Margaret Parks Michael & Mary Walter Richard & Shari Walter Sr. Cyrilla Wellman John & Marilyn Zeiler Ida Borgognoni Werner Mike & Marsha Domino Sr. Benita Wewers David & Katrina Wewers Sr. Mary Ruth Wewers Dan & Andrea Ashley Debbie Bentley Paul & Connie Gibson Lawrence Siebenmorgen Willie, Stephanie, & Harold Wewers Debbie Bentley John Williamson Carol Williamson Linda Winford Dick & Kathy Fuhrman Sr. Maurus Witt Mary Jo Tetreault John Woodie, Jr. Richard & Joe Ann Hargraves Jay & Mary Ann Hollowell Srs. Callista & Florence Yutterman David & Margaret Crawford Sr. Francisca Ziegel Dwight & Suzanne Cramer IN HONOR OF Sr. Rose Ashour Carol Alagna Titus & Diane Ashour Family Tamara Oberbeck Sr. Madeline Bariola Ray & Wilma Ahlert Judy Bertrand Alisa Dixon James & Karen Ewan Dick & Kathy Fuhrman Jo Ann Lehnen Agatha Lensing Mary Randazzo James & Joan Rodemann Sr. Dolores Vincent Bauer Ronald & Kathy Spotanski & Kevin & Susie Poe Lorraine Tate Ben & Linda Beland Bernice Bergup Gilda Macksam Caroline Beshoner Frank & Mary Ann Beshoner Keith Birkenfeld DeNeil, Gary, & Katie Cockrell Neil & Judy Harmon St. Boniface second grade teacher Debbie Sharum brought her students to visit the infirmary sisters for Christmas. The senior sisters enjoy visits from local Catholic schools so much! Sr. Barbara Bock Tamara Oberbeck Dick & Kathy Fuhrman Lizbeth Winford Tony Nahlen Estate John & Linda Wink Nov. Michaela Boucaud Sheila Roberts Marcella Geiss Gilda Macksam Sr. Alice O Brien Bettie Lesczynski Connie Bulmanski Phillip & Uta Moore Gregory Marie Chapman Donna Chapman Marie Chapman Sr. Rosarita Huber Gerard & Mary Devaney Dan & Stephanie Poje Sr. Madeline Clifton Frank, Theresa, & Scott Blair Gertrude Vaught Carmelita Karacic Gilda Macksam Sr. Maria DeAngeli Sarah Mason Sr. Rachel Dietz Sr. Christine Eckart (dec.) Shirley Plugge Agnes Elser Bruce & Ruth Waits Liz Esch Jerry & Wincie Hendricks Betty Etzkorn Lorraine Tate Stephanie Ferrari Sr. Elise Forst Hope Fredrich Gene & Charlotte Hatwig Fr. Ken Keller Beverly Schulte Sr. Agatha Knittig Tim & Heather Knittig Sr. Maria Liebeck, DC Bob & Ruth Wehrer Sr. Andrea Loran Anonymous Ray & Rita Mooney Dolores Mahoney Gilda Macksam Sr. Catherine Markey Patrick & Elaine Lynch John B. Meyers Scott & Cresta Livingston Sr. Josita Nahlen Mary Bourne Gene & Inez Ciechanowski Dana Nahlen Theresa Nahlen Estate Pat Presley (dec.) Joe & Connie Bulmanski Judy McGrath Sr. Elizabeth Rossi Mary Bourne Gene & Inez Ciechanowski John & Linda Wink Sr. Rosalie Ruesewald Ray & Wilma Ahlert Jo Ann Lehnen Agatha Lensing Mary Randazzo James & Joan Rodemann Mary Safranek Betsy Schluterman Mary Edelhuber Denis Schmitz Geraldine Mabry Sr. Barbara Schroeder Gerald Hailey John & Theresa Hall John & Marie Needham John & Linda Wink 9
Sr. Regina Schroeder John & Marie Needham John & Linda Wink Sr. Stephanie Schroeder Ray & Wilma Ahlert Jo Ann Lehnen Agatha Lensing Bob & Becky Lindemann Mary Randazzo James & Joan Rodemann Keith Allen Selig Nina Ruth Selig Benita Siebenmorgen Greg & Doris Williams Sr. Brendan Siebenmorgen Bertha Gottsponer Lawrence Siebenmorgen Sisters at St. Boniface, Fort Smith, 1941-1957 Henry & Ramona Harder Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery Gerald Hailey Louise Kaufman Sr. Ethel Marie Sonnier Ron & Jo Burleigh Paula Martin Louis & Kathy Mier Beth Sparks Hope Fredrich Greg & Janet Hartz Jerry Sparks Dorothy Sullivan Immaculate Conception Church Lorraine Tate Lorraine Tate Kevin & Susie Poe Nov. Judith Timmerman Frank, Theresa, & Scott Blair Susan Schmitz Bernard & Tina Von Hatten Larry & Mary Lynn Baker Sr. Pierre Vorster David & Joan Busby Kara Bushkuhl Dick & Mary Udouj Sr. Katharine Wewer (dec.) Gerard & Mary Devaney Sr. Adrian Wewers Dan & Andrea Ashley Bertha Gottsponer Beverly Schulte Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr Ron & Tami Danielak Kimbley Workman Mary Ellen Ellingberg Donald Zaloudek Robert Dumboski We have tried to include all benefactors in 2014. 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, 2013 - August 31, 2014 REVENUES EXPENSES Sisters Contributed Benefits 463,270 11.10% Community Ministries 404,235 9.69% Auxiliary Income 21,012 0.50% Donations & Gifts 944,454 22.64% Sisters Personal & Medical 305,948 14.85% Institutional 262,447 12.74% Community Ministries 72,779 3.53% Investment Fees 24,769 1.20% Investment Income 2,339,367 56.07% Housing 351,125 17.04% Lay Employees 1,043,544 50.64% Total Revenues, Gains, and Other Support $4,172,338 Total Expenses and Losses $2,060,572 Net Change in Assets $2,111,766 Income was unusually large last year because of good investment returns and the bountiful generosity of some bequests the monastery received. In addition to the above, $17,552 was received for the Guatemalan Scholarship program and has been, or will be, disbursed to Colegio San Benito in Esquipulas, Guatemala. 10
All in a Day s Work for the Sisters Although the sisters full days of prayer, work, and community life in the monastery keep them quite busy, they can often be found ministering in the larger community as well. These pictures show just a few of the ministries the sisters participate in locally. Clockwise from top left: 1) Sisters Therese Moreno, Barbara Bock, and Rosalie Ruesewald participate in a Hispanic First Communion celebration. 2) Sisters Elise Forst and Agatha Knittig make weekly visits to Medi-Home in Arkoma. 3) Sister Pierre Vorster and Novices Michaela Boucaud and Judith Timmerman visited with St. Boniface students. 4) Novice Judith is an ESL tutor at the Literacy Council. 5) Sister Therese, a full-time campus minister at University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, brought her students to the retreat center for an Awakenings weekend. 6) Sisters Barbara Bock, Rosalie, Alice O Brien, and Ethel Marie Sonnier participated in a phone bank for immigration reform. 11
Guatemala Missioners Answer Pope Francis Call to Go Forth from Your Comfort Zone by Sister Rosalie Ruesewald and Kathy Jarvis From the very start of the Partners in Benedictine Education Program( PBE), we knew that it would be more than just a scholarship program. We envisioned the program would build a bridge between the people of Arkansas and Guatemala. This bridge is not made of steel; in fact, it's invisible. But it does have strong pillars - those of Catholic social teaching - and especially of solidarity, the principle stating that we are one sacred human family. It's a bridge of friendship between people who speak two different languages, live in different parts of the Americas, and experience vastly different economic realities. There are lots of "bridge-builders" with many different skills involved in PBE. Some travel to Guatemala and others support the program from here. Virginia Ricketts, co-owner of an embroidery business, mongrammed 80 Christmas stockings for our Guatemalan students. Carl Albert State College instructor Judy Stetson set up our system of long-distance English learning. Many sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery are prayer partners, praying daily for all the children. Our generous donors, listed in the honor roll on the following page, have made it possible for us to expand this opportunity to provide 32 scholarships. Noah Ketter, a 12 year-old from Sacred Heart Church, Charleston, saved his birthday and Christmas gifts for two years to sponsor a student. Mission trips to Guatemala play an important part in PBE bridge-building. Teacher "bridge-builders" travel there to help with English instruction for our scholarship students in a yearly CAMPAMENTO ESCOLASTICO (SCHOLASTIC CAMP). This past Christmas a group from the River Valley brought music - and personalized Christmas stockings - to the orphanage where most of our scholarship students live. We asked the missioners what these trips mean to them. Here are a few of their excerpted responses: UAFS Spanish instructor Gray Langston: Since I was a child...i always pondered: Why am I so privileged to have enough food to eat, shelter and a fine education to pursue a career of my choice? When I taught at the orphanage I realized that they were grateful for just my presence...indeed they have a spirituality that belies their poverty..." José Luis Galvan, who works with children in the English Language Learners program in Bonneville, Howard, and Sutton schools: This mission was life-changing for me. It was very powerful to see how generous the poor were. It is a humbling experience for anyone. In the picture at right, José teaches the students how to play recorders. Before his trip last December, he raised enough money to purchase recorders for each school-aged child at the orphanage. 12 Rosy Galvan, Ramsey JHS teacher said: Guatemala was one of the biggest blessings in my life. I learned about unconditional love, selflessness, and perseverance. I am forever changed after each smile, each hug, each moment shared with our Guatemalan kids. Maryanne Meyerriecks, St. Scholastica Communications Director, said: Our trip was a grace-filled experience of being enveloped in love, inspired by faith, and enlightened by the Guatemalans continual ability to rejoice in the Lord. Sacred Heart Charleston, AR. Deacon Mark Verkamp (above right): The children had such love for us...it was hard to determine whether we d gone there for them or whether they were there for us. As Saint Angela Merici told her Sisters, Reflect...that in reality we have a greater need to serve the poor than they have of our service.
Haymée Giuliani, Trinity JHS teacher: Having a big classroom without borders is great. I teach my students in Fort Smith and our students in Guatemala on SKYPE; they get to see each other and help each other. What a blessing! Muldrow High School Spanish teacher Sarah Ramirez: What began as one short trip has developed into a new outlook on life, people, and love. I know I would definitely not be the same person I am today had I not gone. Mark Giuliani, Immaculate Conception Parish: I was genuinely surprised by the deep Catholic faith and generosity we encountered and it caused me to re-evaluate the priorities in my life... Veronica Vazquez, St. Theresa Parish, Little Rock: Being from Guatemala myself, I m overwhelmed by the willingness and self-giving from each one of the missioners and the Sisters from St. Scholastica... Patrick Giuliani, Subiaco student:...i came to see a love that I had not experienced before. I saw a genuine kindness and compassion...a willingness to share and to talk... Pope Francis is continually calling us out of our comfort zones to be in solidarity with the marginalized. Our missioners have willingly done that. They find a resonance with the words of Australian Father Michael Casey: Abigail Verkamp: UCA sophomore said: Somos una familia en Cristo - we are one family in Christ. The Church is the body of Christ. It spans countries, cultures and languages. When one part of the body suffers, all of it suffers and when one part of the body rejoices, we all rejoice with it! Being able to know my Guatemalan brothers and sisters in Christ is something I treasure with all of my heart....serving the poor is an invitation to self-forgetfulness and a moment of solidarity and communion with those whom many consider to be less privileged but who, mysteriously, may be spiritually richer than we are. ********** Partners in Benedictine Education 2014 Honor Roll of Donors Peggy Adair Mary Adams Kristin Ahlert Sister Rose Ashour Robert F. Balestrino, Jr. Johnny & Christie Banning Family Katherine Barnhart-Thrift Debbie Bentley Bernice Bergup Travis & Tiffany Beshears Rosalie & Richard Bobowski Judy Bock Maurice Bock Nora Bryant Jared & Emily Bryson Gary & Tyna Burrows Diego Calvillo Emelia Carrington Azucena & Apolo Castillo Lisa Chamblee Deborah Cooper Eric Cortez Dr. Bruce Cross Betty Ewing Candy Foster Mary Lee Frase Veronica Frederick Jose Luis Galvan Rosy Galvan Joe & Janet Gilker Haymée & Mark Giuliani Patrick Giuliani Dr. Jack & JoAnn Godosh Deacon Goy Goetz John & Julie Hagan Henry & Ramona Harder Andrew & Katrina Harris Tereze Harris Leona M. Hoelting Dr. Karen Hollenbeck Immaculate Conception School Kathy Jarvis Rebecca Johnson Margie Joyce Mary Karellas Noah Ketter Annette & Ed Knittig Joe Korkames Gray Langston Curt & Kay Lassiter Carolyn Lensing Rita Lipin Lupe Mares Marriage Encounter Hugh & Kate Maurras Family K. Renee Mauzy Michelle Mauzy Edwin & Cynthia Meyer Fred & Maryanne Meyerriecks Diane Minden Julie Moncrief Patricia A. Moix Catherine Moore Dr. Claire Price Ed & Stacy Ralston Sarah Ramirez Emily Erin Randall Thomas Reinhart Virginia Ricketts Lauren M. Roddy Mary & Jim Rogers Vonda Rooks Dr. Brenda Ross Sacred Heart Church, Charleston St. Scholastica Monastery, Fort Smith Leonard & Kellie Schmitz family Sister Leona Marie Selig Shirley Senko Debbie & Leo Sharum Dr. James Shea Linda Sloan Rudy & Janis Slusher Mary Ann Soerries Judy Stetson Karen & Madison Stites Subiaco Abbey Subiaco Academy Clarine Terwey Gloria Tran Gloria Trinidad Veronica Vasquez Abigail Verkamp Brian & Brandy Verkamp Jennifer Verkamp Deacon Mark & Tracy Verkamp Walmart Neighborhood Market Patricia M. White Deacon Aroldo & Nora Zacarias 13
Vocation News St. John s Russellville YCL Celebration The sisters invited Fort Smith area priests and parishioners to the opening of the Year of Consecrated Life (YCL) November 30, 2014. The sisters invited these special guests to attend mass, a tour and a festive reception following the liturgy in the monastery chapel. During the reception sisters gave presentations about the sisters history, current ministry, vocations, Retreat in Daily Life, the school of spiritual direction, the retreat center, Heyschia, Partners in Benedictine Education, Trinity Junior High School, and the Oblates. Guests had a chance to visit the monastery gift shop. We presented door prizes to all those who came to the opening of YCL event! The sisters enjoyed visiting with old friends and welcoming new friends from the River Valley. The sisters concluded the celebration with a blessing for their guests. During Catholic Schools Week, Sisters Kimberly, Dolores Vincent, Rosalie, Barbara Bock and Elizabeth and Novices Judith and Michaela visited different area schools, including Immaculate Conception, St. Boniface, St. John s in Russellville, and Trinity Junior High School. Upcoming vocation experiences at the monastery include: Come & See Weekends March 20-22, 2015 May 15-17, 2015 September 4-6, 2015 November 6-8, 2015 July 3-5, 2015 Summer Discernment Retreat August 5-9, 2015 For more information, contact Sister Kimberly at (479) 7834147 or visit www.stscho.org/vocation/ Oblate Corner An Oblate of St. Benedict is any Christian--Catholic or Protestant--affiliated with a Benedictine community for the purpose of enriching his/her Christian way of life by sharing in the spiritual life, prayers, and good works of the community. The oblate program has grown rapidly since it was established in 1979, St. Scholastica s centennial year. Oblate Directors Sisters Rose Maria Birkenfeld and Hilary Deckerla- Today, there are 195 oblates, some local, many living in different states. Some of our oblates transferred their oblation when the Sisters of Our Lady of Peace Monastery in Columbia moved to Fort Smith. Some became oblates when Benedictine sisters worked in their parishes. Sister Stephanie, who began the Springfield, MO oblate group, still keeps in touch with her oblate group through letters and visits. Not only do the oblates assist the sisters to perform good works outside the monastery; many also offer invaluable help to the sisters themselves, volunteering to help with retreat center hospitality, working in our office, cashiering at the gift shop, gardening in the labyrinth, offering spiritual direction, participating in our advisory boards, and bringing joy to our sisters in the infirmary. Several oblates have visited Guatemala to work with our scholarship students. Oblates also bring our Benedictine values to their parishes--where they serve as teachers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and parish council members. They bring our values to community service organizations, from Habitat for Humanity to Zonta to the Literacy Council and many more. The pictures that appear on the pages of our donor list show some of our oblates and other volunteers at work in the monastery and retreat center. As they live the Benedictine charism in their daily lives, they expand our network of prayer, good works, and hospitality to all. 14 If you would like to learn more about the oblate program, contact Sisters Hilary or Rose Maria at (479)783-4147.
In Loving Memory Sister Katherine Wewer, OSB, 87, entered into eternal life on January 12, 2015. The oldest of three children born to John and Katharine (Telaar) Wewer was born October 24, 1927 and grew up in Morrison Bluff, AR. She entered St. Scholastica Monastery in 1945, choosing the name of Sister Eugenia. In 1973, she asked to be released from her vows and worked as a dietician in North Little Rock. In 1979, she asked to be readmitted to St. Scholastica, making her first vows in 1981 and using her baptismal name of Katharine. Sister Katharine celebrated two silver jubilees (1945-72 and 1981-2006) and was a sister for a total of 59 years. She worked in the culinary arts at Subiaco Abbey, the monastery kitchen, and St. Joseph Home for Children in North Little Rock. She also worked as a receptionist and chauffeur in the monastery. She became a patient in the infirmary in 1992. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Caspar. She is survived by one sister, Christine Wewer, and her monastic family. The funeral Mass was celebrated on January 14, 2015 with Fr. David McKillin presiding followed by her burial in the monastery cemetery. To view more pictures of Sister Katharine, click here: Memorial donations may be made to St. Scholastica Continuing Care Fund, P. O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913. Employees Earn Longevity Certificates God has blessed the sisters with capable, dedicated employees. This year the sisters held separate departmental employee appreciation dinners, giving special recognition to nine employees who were marking 5, 10, 15, and 30 years of employment. In 2014, the five-year honorees were Perolyn Salada, infirmary; Lisa Spencer, laundry; Bill Caroll, maintenance; Joseph Cahill, information technology; Joanie Silva, housekeeping; and Randall Janes, grounds. Carmen Torres, retreat center housekeeping, received a ten-year certificate. Housekeeper Linda Pinkerton was honored for fifteen years of service and maintenance supervisor Ed Elkins received a Lisa Spencer and Carmen Torres thirty-year certificate. Congratulations to all these employees! Perolyn Salada and Sister Maria IT Department Wish List No more than 2 years old and must be working with all parts available. Tablets, Laptops, Touchscreen Monitor with Android OS, & Flat Screen Monitors LG Electronics UM65 34UM65 34-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor Wireless Devices & Accessories Networking Equipment (Routers, Switches, Etc.) USB Flash Drives, External Hard Drives, RAM (2GB Minimum) Web Cams, Power Supplies, & Battery Backups Any other technology-related items. Kitchen Rubber Spatulas 6 Salad Dressing Crocks with Dippers Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Food Processor Long and Short Tongs; small tongs for serving hors d oeuvres Small and Medium Plastic Tulip Bowls Infirmary Gowns Wash Cloths Knee-High Socks Hanes Size 9 Panties/Briefs Hanes Long Sleeve Undershirts - Medium and Large Writing Pens Retreat Center Kitchen Volunteers during retreats Labyrinth garden volunteers Contributions to the Spiritual Director Formation Scholarship Fund Kitchen Scissors Floor lamps for retreatants bed rooms A seating group for Room 110 (Once referred to as the Social Room). 15
16 NEWS BRIEFS November 2-7, 2014, Sister Kimberly Prohaska and Ravi Thiagarajan attended the Resource Center for Religious Institutes Conference in St. Louis, MO. February 3-9, Sister Maria DeAngeli, prioress, attended the Abbots and Prioresses Meeting in Cullman, AL. On February 14, Sisters Elise Forst, Barbara Bock, Dolores Vincent Bauer, and Rosalie Ruesewald and Novices Michaela Marie Boucaud and Judith Timmerman attended the diocesan gathering for the Year of Consecrated Life at the Carmelite Monastery of St. Teresa of Jesus in Little Rock. On February 24-26, Sisters Kimberly Prohaska and Barbara Bock attended a Benedictine Vocation Directors meeting in Ava, MO. 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. 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. Retreat Center News Greetings from the Retreat Center. In this issue full of gratitude and recognition, the Center Staff wishes to acknowledge each and every one of you who attend our retreats, who present at our retreats, who bring your ministries and use the Center s space, our private retreatants, volunteers, Spirituality program participants, responders to our wish list, and to all who lift us up in prayer. Without you we would simply be brick and mortar rapidly deteriorating. So to all of you we offer a loud shout-out: THANK YOU! We have Retreats in the coming months that you may wish to consider attending. On Thursday, March 19 through lunch Sunday, March 22 we are offering CENTERING PRAYER: THE JOURNEY CONTIN- UES. Nick Cole is returning to assist those who are drawn to Centering Prayer, you may already be one who uses this method or, perhaps, would like an introduction. The TRIDUUM, Thursday, April 2 through brunch Easter Sunday, is another opportunity to spend time in prayer. You may attend services of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the quiet of Holy Saturday and the joy of Easter Sunday with the Sisters here in the Monastery. The last weekend in April, Friday the 24th through lunch on Sunday the 26th a retreat is scheduled, presented by Cindy Shaw, M.A. Ministry and Father Tom Elliott. GOD KNEADS SAINTS is a retreat offering you time to reflect on your experience of being transformed from grains of wheat into the pure bread of Christ. All information regarding these retreats can be found on our website at www.stscho.org/retreats. Again from the Staff at the Retreat Center THANK YOU!