Volume 7 No 2 2006

VOLUME 7 • NO. 2 • 2006

Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis

T H E

H U M A N

F A M I L Y

MISSION STATEMENT

OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH

OF THE THIRD ORDER

OF ST. FRANCIS

Dedication to Jesus Christ involves us

intimately in the liberating and reconciling

mission—to make God more deeply known

and loved, and in so doing, draw all persons

to fuller and freer life.

Together with all our sisters and brothers

who strive for a more just world, we under-

take those activities which will promote the

material and spiritual development of the

human family.

Gathering Place

is published to keep

the public informed

of the mission and

ministry of the Sisters

of St. Joseph of the

Third Order of

St. Francis.

EDITORReneta E.Webb, Ph.D., CAE

EDITORIAL BOARDSr. Carolyn BronkSr. Judith DavidTherese Kobak

Dr. Arlene LennoxIrene McGrane

Sr. Marygrace PuchaczSr. Jane Zoltek

PROOFING STAFFSr. Mary Adalbert StalSr. Dolores Mary Koza

Sr. Louise Szerpicki

PRODUCTION & LAYOUTNewcomb Marketing Solutions/

The Printed Word

OFFICEPublic Relations Office

P.O. Box 388129Chicago, IL 60638-8129

Telephone: 1-773-581-7505Fax: 1-773-581-7545

Web site: www.ssj-tosf.orge-mail: [email protected]

Copyright by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, Inc.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

In 2006, there are over 6.5 billion people in the human family.

The amazing mystery is that we are connected to all of them in one

way or another. What each of us does as an individual has an effect on

all 6.5 billion people, regardless of geography, religion, race or any other

designation. Jesus commissioned us to “go out” to all people. That may

seem like a tall order, and sometimes we can be overwhelmed by the implications.

Take heart. The world is better for your being here because you transform your world

into a pool of love and care, just as the people who are featured in this issue of Gathering

Place. Your ministry makes me grateful to be part of the human family.

T H E H U MAN FAM I LY

VOLUME 7 • NO. 2 • 2006

Table ofContents

In response to readers’ requests,

we are including the names of the

sisters as they were known before

the return to baptismal names.

Letter from

the President 1

In the News 17

The Center is Ten!

Sister Jean Ehasz - (Agnes Therese)

2006 Peacemaker of the Year

Vocation/Formation 19

Sister Marge Kalina

Sister Lisa Alexander

Sister Jo Ann Poplar

Arlid Barrera

Perpetual Light 20

Sister Arlene Styczynski

Sister Noelle Langowski

Sister Beata Jasina

Sister Mary Cherubine Brzakowski

Sister Mary DeSales Muzyk

The Human Family 2

We all belong to the human family. Whether we think of it or not, what we are, what

we say, think and do affects all of humanity. That connection carries both blessings and

responsibilities. Believing deeply in this connection, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the

Third Order of St. Francis state that the material and spiritual development of the

human family is their mission.

The Material and Spiritual Development of the Human FamilyOur Life and Our Rule — Sr. Sharon Dillon 7An Instrument of Your Peace — Rev. Conrad Targonski, OFM 11For One of These — Sr. Marygrace Puchacz (Dismas) 13

DEPARTMENTS

FEATUREST H E H U MAN FAM I LY

1 Vol. 7 No. 2

August 2006 My Sisters and Brothers,

I chose to change my usual greeting of “Dear Friends” to reflect the theme of this Gathering Place—“the human family.” Nurtured by our common Mother, Earth, we are indeed brothers and sisters toeach other, and to the many billions that we do not (and never will) know, though we all bear thesame family name—one we have given ourselves—Homo sapiens: wise human, thinking human, orhuman who reflects.

This family,which considers itself to be wise, thinking, and reflective, has grown by leaps and bounds—exponentially, to use a scientific term.When my great, great grandmother was born, there were a littleover one billion people, and it had taken from the beginning of the human race until then (in the

1800’s) to get past one billion. By the time I was born, Mother Earth sheltered about 2.3 billion people.Andnow, in 2006, a little over a half a century later, our Earth Mother attempts to shelter and feed 6.5 billion ofus—almost three times as many as when I was born. I use the word “attempts” because sadly, 10 million ofour very young brothers and sisters are dying each year of starvation and malnutrition.

What does it mean in a family to have members starving to death? How can I eat, and enjoy a well-preparedmeal knowing that my small, frail, five-year-old sister is dying tonight, unable to find food for herself, too weakto even cry out for help? We cannot help but recall the question of our foundress,“What will become of thechildren?” At the time she asked this question, I believe no tragedy anywhere in the world could come closeto the suffering witnessed today.

We are clear in our faith that we, like Jesus, are children of the infinite God the Father. But with reflection,we know, too, that He does not walk with us in the Garden, and speak clearly, as He did in Eden. He is silentin the face of this unparalleled holocaust.And while the Scriptures still speak to us, we also know that theyclosed with the last book of the New Testament, when most of the earth was underpopulated.

And so, our intellects are confronted with facts: we are children of Mother Earth, and there are limits beyondwhich we should not go.

My hope is, that if we are true to the family name, if we are really Homo sapiens, we will find that the answersto the pressing questions of our times lie within us, cradled in the wings of the Holy Spirit. My hope is thatwe wise children of Earth, and elder brothers and sisters to teeming billions, will be undaunted by the alarm-ing realities around us, and, true to our SSJ-TOSF mission, will continue to “undertake those activities thatpromote the material and spiritual development of the human family.”

Mother Earth, the Holy Spirit, our own name Homo sapiens, and our younger brothers and sisters cry outto us to find the solutions to today’s pain caused by greed, consumerism, and a desire for power.We mustsearch deep within our hearts, be converted ourselves, and re-shape our institutions. I leave you with TomDooley’s words of wisdom for your own reflection.

I who am fed, who never yet went hungry for a day, I see the dead,the children starved for lack of bread. I see and try to pray.

I who am strong, with health and love and laughter in my soul,I see a throng of stunted children reared in wrong and wish to make them whole.

And know full well that not until I share their bitter cry, their pain and hell, can God within my spirit dwell.

—Dr.Tom Dooley

Your sister,

Jeanne Conzemius, SSJ-TOSFPresident

We all belong to the human family. That makes us all related. In some very deep way, we are

connected to one another, by genetics, by scientific factors, by psychology, by common spirit.

The ties that bind us together are stronger than the things that divide us. The ties bring with

them huge benefits of acceptance and love. The ties also imply responsibility for the other

family members, sometimes at a cost to oneself.What each one of us is, does, thinks, and says

as an individual has universal repercussions in all of humanity.

T H E H U M A N F A M I L Y

3 Vol. 7 No. 2

~ Social Psychology ~

“Six degrees of separation” is the theory that anyone on earth can be connected to any other person on the planet through achain of acquaintances with no more than five intermediaries.The theory was proposed by Stanley Milgram (1933-1984), a psychologist who taught at Yale University, Harvard University andthe City University of New York. He noted the possibility thateveryone in the world can be reached through a short chain ofsocial acquaintances. In 1967, he devised an experiment where herandomly selected people from various places around the UnitedStates. They were to send postcards to one of two targets — onein Massachusetts and one in the Midwest. The only thing thesenders knew about the “target” was the recipient’s name,occupation, and general location. They were instructed to sendthe card to a person they knew on a first name basis who theythought would be most likely, out of all their friends, to know thetarget person personally. The next person would do the same,and so on, until it was delivered to the “target.” Amazingly, 80% of the successfully delivered cards were delivered after four orfewer steps.

The influence we have on other people can, at times, seem limit-ed to our immediate environment, but through a chain ofinteractions, we influence others exponentially.

~ Conservation of Matter and Energy ~

Antoine Lavoisier (1743-1794), using mass as a measure of matter,stated: “In a chemical reaction, the sum of the mass of the reac-tant equals the sum of the mass of the products.” That began aseries of experiments that led to a companion discovery: “Thelaw of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be creat-ed or destroyed, but can change its form.”

What this means is that the total quantity of matter and energyavailable in the universe is a fixed amount and never any more or less. When a person breathes out carbon dioxide, a treeabsorbs it for photosynthesis. Using large amounts of fossil fuels increases the greenhouse gases which raise the global tempera-ture which causes glaciers to melt that cause a rise in the sea levelwhich changes the amount and pattern of precipitation. Thesechanges may increase the frequency and intensity of extremeweather events, such as floods, droughts, heat waves, hurricanesand tornados, which, in turn will have an effect on the food supply and continued sustenance of the human family.

T H E H U M A N F A M I L Y

The same matter and energy that constituted the universe at thetime of Jesus, is the same matter and energy that makes up theuniverse today. The molecules of Mount Sinai still exist in the universe. The energy of the burning bush has transferred intoother forms on this earth. The water of the Sea of Galilee hasevaporated into rain clouds somewhere in the world. The lastbreaths of our ancestors remain in our environment even afterthey are gone.We are all influenced by each other’s actions in thisworld. Each individual decision we make about how we live,affects the world and the legacy we leave behind.

~ Most Recent Common Ancestor ~

Our connection as human beings is again highlighted in the searchfor the most recent common ancestor (MRCA). The MRCA ofany set of organisms, including human beings, is the most recentindividual which is an ancestor of all of them, except itself. In1999, J.T. Chang proposed the first hypothesis about the recentcommon ancestor of all present day individuals. Three years later,he collaborated with D.L.T. Rohde and S. Olson, and estimatedthat the MRCA of all living humans may have lived within historictimes (3rd millennium BC to 1st millennium AD). Imagine, theone person from whom descended all the persons living on thisearth right now, may have lived within recent millennia. We allhave the same greatn grandmother or grandfather.

~ Our Common DNA “Switch” ~

The molecular “switch” in DNA that works its reproductive wonders is the same in every living organism. It doesn’t care whatrace or religion prevails, it doesn’t matter if the weather is hot orcold, desert or tundra, it works the same. As biochemist JamesBerger says, “The one thing a cell wants to do is become twocells.” The ability of a cell to replicate its DNA in a timely andfaithful manner is fundamental for survival. Scientists have foundthat the molecular machinery that starts the process by which abiological cell divides into two daughter cells apparently workedso well early on that evolution has conserved it across the eonsin all forms of life on earth.

We all “work” the same way. Our beginnings are guided by thesame miracle, without distinction in the human family.

T H E H U M A N F A M I L Y

5 Vol. 7 No. 2

~ The Collective Unconscious ~

In the early 1900s, Carl Jung proposed the existence of a collec-tive unconscious through which powerful complexes influenceour personal psyches. “Just as all humans share a common physi-cal heritage and predisposition toward specific physical forms (likehaving two legs, a heart, etc.) so do all humans have a commonpsychological predisposition.” Wikipedia These predispositions,Jung called archetypes. Archetypes are the DNA of the psycheand reveal themselves in dreams, art, religion, myth, and the vari-ous patterns of human behavior. The most powerful of thesearchetypes is the Self, which is distinct from the self, referring toan individual. The influence of the Self is toward health and wholeness. Jung very clearly speaks of the Self as God.

More recently, Gregg Braden, scientist and scholar released abook in 2004, The God Code, in which he poses that the name ofYahweh is encoded into the DNA of all life. He begins with thefact that nearly 95 percent of the world’s population believes inthe existence of a higher power or Supreme Being, of somedescription. Of that number, more than half refer to this poweras “God.” From whence does this belief spring? God blew thebreath of life into the human and thus the human became a livingbeing in the image of God. Every human bears the same distinc-tion, and lives by the Giver of Life.

~ Jesus and Us ~

Jesus came to this earth to share our humanity. He also came tothis earth to tell us the Good News that “the time is fulfilled, andthe kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe this goodnews.” Mark 1:15 Jesus spoke often about the “kingdom” and what“at hand” means. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my bloodlives in me, and I live in that person.” John 6:56 “Whoever does thetruth comes out into the light, so that what he is doing may plain-ly appear as done in God.” John 3:21 “...the spirit of truth ... youknow him, because he is with you, he is in you.” John 14:17 “The oneswho love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, andwe shall come to them and make a home in them.” John 14:21 “I amthe vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with mein him, bears fruit in plenty.” John 15:5

Jesus identified so closely with us, that when he chided Saul on theroad to Damascus, he asked “Saul, why are you persecuting me?”Acts 9:5 This oneness we have in Christ, draws us all together as ahuman family. We have a responsibility for each other. St. Paulpicked up on the idea of how closely we are bound to each other,

T H E H U M A N F A M I L Y

and how we need to care for each other. In his letter to theCorinthians, he says,“Now Christ’s body is yourselves, each of youwith a part to play in the whole.” 1 Corinthians 12:27

~ The Littlest Brother ~

What part do we play in the whole? Think about the floor plansyou see in shopping malls or public buildings. There is usually astar on the map saying,“You are here.” Life has placed each of usin a historical, social, genetic, geographic, and psychological cir-cumstance. Our challenge is to make that circumstance better forour having been there. The vision of faith gives us the ability tosee the world as God sees it. The power of love drives us toaction. It is only when love takes the shape of deeds that we canhave some assurance that we are heeding Jesus’ “go,” “do,” “baptize,” “repent,” “hear,” “give,” “feed,” “preach,” and “pray.”

The account of the final judgment as told in the gospel of Matthewmakes this abundantly clear. “I was hungry and you gave me food,I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you mademe welcome, lacking clothes and you clothed me, sick and you vis-ited me, in prison and you came to see me ... insofar as you didthis to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it tome.” Matthew 25:35-36,40 Our love must radiate in real terms fromwherever our “star” is located.

~ The Mission Statement ~

The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis statethat the human family is the domain of their mission activity.Wherever an SSJ-TOSF is located, there is a center of love andfaith and hope that radiates out to the human family in concretedeeds of self-sacrificing care. Every member of the congregation,as well as those who share the spirit of the congregation, declare:

T H E H U M A N F A M I L Y

Together with all our sisters and brothers

who strive for a more just world, we undertake those activities which

will promote the material and spiritual development

of the human family.

&

7 Vol. 7 No. 2

THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE

THE HUMAN FAMILY

“This is our life and our rule,” said St.

Francis when he had opened the

Gospel three times and heard, really

heard, the message of Jesus.

Bonaventure’s life of Francis goes on

to say that “Francis wrote a short,

simple rule of life for himself and his

companions. This was based on an

unshakeable foundation, the following

of the Gospel, and to this he added a

limited number of other prescrip-

tions, such as seemed necessary for

their life in common.” Bonaventure,

Major Life, Chapter 2, #8 The current Rule

and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of

the Third Order Regular of St. Francis is

true to the original spirit of St. Francis.

Its continuity is assured in the United

States by the Franciscan Federation, a

service organization that represents

nearly 90 religious congregations and provinces of Third Order Regular Franciscan sisters

and brothers in the United States, Canada and the West Indies. Sister Sharon Dillon is the

Executive Director of the Franciscan Federation.

Our LifeOur Rule

The Lord thensaid to Noah,“Go into theark, you andyour wholefamily, becauseI have foundyou righteousin this generation.

—Genesis 7:1

The human family that is part of Sr. Sharon’s

ministry consists of the more than 12,000

women and men religious in the United States

who follow the Rule of the Third Order

Regular (TOR) of St. Francis. Closer to her in

Washington, DC, is the staff of the Franciscan

Federation, and close to her heart is the Dillon

family. Each part of the human family benefits by Sr. Sharon’s loving presence.

“I entered into relationship with the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis

when I was twenty-five,” said Sr. Sharon. “I chose to visit Assisi prior to my entrance to

be certain that I wanted to embark upon a life following in this little man’s footsteps. As

a candidate, I made the Assisi pilgrimage and felt a kinship like none other. I fell in love

with everything Franciscan.”

The membership of the Franciscan Federation is now the beneficiary of that Franciscan

love. Sr. Sharon began her ministry as Executive Director in 2001. She coordinates the

services to the members of the Franciscan Federation. She assures the availability of

resources — articles, books, tapes, Franciscan art work — on Franciscan evangelical life,

the TOR Rule, and other Franciscan topics. She organizes the Annual Federation

Conference at which are honored the Peacemakers of the Year from each member con-

gregation. She encourages Franciscan study and prayer by working with Franciscan

(continued on page 9)

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Top Row: Margaret Magee, OSF,

Committee Project Coordinator;

Saundra McKeta, SMIC,

Associate Director; Sharon Dillon,

SSJ-TOSF, Executive Director

Bottom Row: Jaqueline Sosa, Intern;

Angela (Rickie) Ricciardelli, SIM,

Development Director; Sophie Pak,

Office Assistant

9 Vol. 7 No. 2

THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE

THE HUMAN FAMILY

centers of learning and renewal. She

initiates communication, networking and

collaboration within the Franciscan family.

She collaborates with other Franciscan organizations such as Franciscan Colleges and

Universities, Poor Clare Monasteries and the Franciscan Mission Service, an overseas lay

mission program. In other words, the entire family of TOR Franciscans experiences the

ministry of Sr. Sharon.

Most immediately, the staff of the Franciscan Federation experiences the spirit of Gospel

living that flows from Sr. Sharon’s leadership style. “My hope is that every person on staff

feels empowered to a ministry of service to the members,” said Sr. Sharon. One of the

staff members affirmed the reality of that hope by stating, “Being on the staff of the

Franciscan Federation is an experience of Gospel living in action.” Even in the busy-ness

of preparing for an annual conference, the staff draws together in prayer and planning, to

be what their name professes, a Franciscan federation.

Three members of the Dillon family are associates of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third

Order of St. Francis — Sr. Sharon’s parents, Bill and Carol Dillon and her sister Jennifer.

Bill and Carol were two of the first people to become associates in 1980. Jennifer spent

a year with the SSJ-TOSFs in Peru and continues her ministry now in Washington, DC.

&Our LifeOur Rule

(continued from page 8)

■

Jennifer, Carol,

Bill and

Sr. Sharon Dillon

Jesus said, “Go home toyour family andtell them howmuch the Lordhas done foryou, and howhe has hadmercy on you.”

—Mark 5:19

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Sr. Sharon began her ministry as an SSJ-

TOSF as a special education teacher at St.

Bavo Elementary School in South Bend,

Indiana. She has a bachelor’s and master’s

degree in Education, a certification in

Special Education and Physical Education and a certification in Social Restoration. With

that background, she became Recreation and Leisure Coordinator at Logan Center in

South Bend, a facility for developmentally disabled children. In 1994, she co-founded a

respite home, Chiara Home, providing temporary housing for developmentally disabled

persons while the care givers are away. At the same time, she was Vocation Coordinator

for the congregation. She completed the Franciscan Internship in Spiritual Direction,

offering Franciscan retreats and spiritual direction. She was a 1996 Special Education

Ambassador, representing the United States to the Czech Republic and Russia in the

Citizens Ambassador Program. She received the 1997 Educational Award for service to

individuals with developmental disabilities from the City of South Bend Human Rights

Commission, and the 1997 European Charity Award for the Chiara Home mission of

service to individuals with special needs from the Military Catholic Commission of

Women. Before leaving South Bend, she served as a Youth Treatment Specialist for the

Family & Children’s Center, and as a Continuity of Care Coordinator at Memorial Hospital.

Sr. Sharon brings the gift of herself

to the human family. In ever

widening circles, she truly makes

the world a better place for her

being here.

11 Vol. 7 No. 2

THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE

THE HUMAN FAMILY

War is an ache in the human family. It destroys homes,ruins resources, sets people against each other, and takesaway life. In the midst of conflict, ittakes a person grounded in the loveof God to emanate the peace Jesusgave as a gift.

“In the early days of the Order, whenBlessed Francis was traveling about inthe company of a brother who wasone of the first twelve, the lattergreeted men and women on theroads and in the fields by saying tothem: ‘May the Lord give you peace!’ The people were completely astonished, for they had never heard any other religious greet them that way.” Legend of Perugia, #67

Rev. Conrad Targonski, OFM, recently returned from atour of duty in Iraq. He spent fourteen months in thatcountry, during which he participated in the Fallujah offensive with the 7th Marine Regiment as the onlyCatholic chaplain on the front lines. Every person knewChaplain “Ski” as a man of peace, who, in the midst of theconflict, never carried a weapon and always ministeredwith compassion.“The whole experience was life changing,life enhancing,” Fr. Conrad said. “I saw uncommon valor ineveryday situations. We became a band of brothers.”

Fr. Conrad understands band of brothers in many ways. Hewas born in South Chicago, Illinois, one of five children inthe Targonski family. He attended Immaculate ConceptionSchool, taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the ThirdOrder of St. Francis. Three of his aunts were SSJ-TOSFs:Sister Marie Virgene Wozniak who currently resides inChicago, Illinois; Sister Celine Wozniak, deceased in 2003;and Postulant Agnes Wozniak, deceased in 1932. Thewhole family was steeped in a Franciscan vision of theworld as God’s creation.

An Instrument of Peace

He and all hisfamily weredevout andGod-fearing; he gave generously tothose in needand prayed toGod regularly.”

—Acts 5:19

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With this deeply religious family and a solid Catholic education, it was a small step for Fr. Conrad to enter the Franciscan Order, becoming a brother priest. “The more I seek,the more I find, and the more I find, the more I seek,” he said, quoting St. Catherine ofSiena. His Franciscan brothers supported him in his journey to be a peacemaker, theywere brother to him through the years he was a pastor in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, andwhen he decided to join the Navy Chaplain Corps in 1987. The decision was discernedcarefully. With the support of his Franciscan brothers, and his belief in holistic spirituali-ty with a strong mind and a strong body, he dedicated himself to bringing hope andcomfort to the Marines and sailors under his care.

The experiences of military life have given him new insight into the meaning of Scripture.“I understand the awe with which Jesus praised the centurian — ‘Truly, I say to you, noteven in Israel have I found such faith.’ Matthew 8:10 — because I have seen deep faith in themen and women on the battlefield,” said Fr. Conrad. “The Psalms have taken on newmeaning for me, as well. When we were coming back to the states after our time in Iraq,I remembered Psalm 126 ‘When Yahweh brought back Zion’s captives, we were like mendreaming.’ That’s what we were like on the plane.” When Fr. Conrad describes the experience of taking “only what you can carry” on deployment, it recalls how simple Jesusasked his disciples to be as they were sent forth.

Fr. Conrad trains new chaplains at the Naval Chaplain School in Rhode Island. He hopesto share his approach of being with the troops in whatever situation they may be. Hesees the role of chaplain as counseling,“clout (the unique role of the chaplain),” and con-fidentiality. As a band of brothers, the chaplain must be with the troops when they are inneed, physically and spiritually. While he was in Iraq, Chaplain “Ski” practiced what he nowpreaches. He went out on convoys. He talked to the locals. He brought a sense of peaceto those who were fearful or disturbed. “I want to be a bridgebuilder, a pontifex, just likeSt. Francis was with his visit to the sultan,” said Fr. Conrad.

There is no doubt that Fr. Conrad has been abridgebuilder. He was recently promoted toCaptain in the U.S. Navy. His band of brothers, theSisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis,and the wider human family, all share his peace.

“Together with all our Sisters and Brothers…”

13 Vol. 7 No. 2

Sister Marygrace Puchacz has been working with the developmentally disabled

since 1962. It was an interesting road that led to her present position as head of

East Bay Services for the Developmentally Disabled in Concord, California, with

five different incorporated services. It was in 1962 that a call came from Bishop

Floyd L. Begin to all the religious communities in the Diocese of Cleveland to

provide teachers for the developmentally disabled. Only two sisters in the entire

diocese volunteered, both Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis

— Sister Marygrace (Sr. Dismas) and Irene Kobak (Sr. Fidelia). Thus began St.

Emeric School in Cleveland, Ohio. After two years, Sr. Marygrace was sent to

Greenwood, Mississippi, where she continued her ministry to the disabled,

teaching 5th and 6th graders at St. Francis Mission. She also volunteered

several evenings to teach adults to read so that they could vote. It was at this

time that she received a scholarship to San Francisco State University where she

studied for a year. Following her studies she worked at St. Joseph Center for

Exceptional Children in Cleveland, Ohio, and then returned to California in 1970.

She began with a Head Start Program, the first in the state of California, working

with children of migrant workers in the Blue Goose camps of Contra Costa

County in cooperation with Catholic Charities in Oakland, California. While that

program continues even today, she moved on to a position with Catholic

Charities as Director of Services to the Mentally Retarded. The programs were

supported in part with state and federal funds, and the need called for a much

broader approach to services. So, Sr. Marygrace, with the support of her Board

of Directors, separately incorporated East Bay Services for the Developmentally

Disabled. Under this “umbrella” Sr. Marygrace was able to pursue her dream for

the developmentally disabled.“Our awesome mission is to assist those we serve

One of These

For

THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE

THE HUMAN FAMILY

(continued on page 15)

to get in touch with their own goodness,

their unlimited potential and their sacred-

ness as a person, and then to express it in

their own unique and individual way.”

To serve the human family, Sr. Marygrace

has established several services for her

human family. Respite Inn is a care giver

service providing temporary care for the deveopmentally disabled. The facility is a

beautifully appointed home with a 24 hour care giver. Bouquets of flowers, cheerful

colors and personal care surround the guest who is “on vacation” at Respite Inn. Every

effort is made to provide a safe and loving environment.

Evergreen is a multifaceted program that empowers the individual to function as a

contributing citizen with full rights and responsibilities. The Evergreen facility is an

educational center with

several different services.

C.O.R.E., Creative Out

Reach Environments, is an

adult day training and

functional skills program

that teaches basic skills by

providing classes and group

field trips with specific

learning goals. The Open Door Program prepares the individual

for integration in a community environment providing training in

everyday living skills such as grocery shopping, counting change, or

using public transportation. The Stepping Out Employment

Service Agency matches the individual with meaningful vocational

experiences that benefit the community.

Wisdom Path is a place for older adults with developmental

disabilities. The home is designed to be a place of peace, quiet

and beauty. The residents have an environment that is stimulat-

ing and safe. Meals are carefully selected. Exercise is regularly provided, and interesting

educational experiences are part of the daily routine.

Concord House and the three satellite homes provide residential services for adults 21

years and older. Each resident has a private room which they can personalize according

to their taste. They are responsible for cleaning and upkeep, and participate in preparing

meals for the “family.” Each home has a routine of laundry and housekeeping and other

living skills. The residents have a schedule of Pilates, Reiki, Swedish massage, outings,

parties, and activities. Each home is a place of beauty with inviting environments and a

“For this reason I kneelbefore theFather, fromwhom hiswhole family inheaven and onearth derivesits name.”

—Ephesians 3:14

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■ EvergreenDirector GeorgiaLee Silveirs,Assistant DirectorRegina Bailey,and SisterMarygracePuchacz.

15 Vol. 7 No. 2

homey atmosphere. It is a safe and

caring place where each person can

feel a part of the human family.

The Apartments are HUD-subsidized living for the developmentally disabled.

Each apartment has a spacious living room, a kitchen, a dining area, a bedroom,

and an ADA compliant bathroom.The apartments surround a lovely garden area

with a fountain and flowerbeds. The stairways off the walkways have lounge areas

where residents can sip coffee and read the newspaper. The residents are taught

independent living skills — how to clean their apartment, how to do laundry, how

to plan social events and the like. There is a general meeting space with south-

western decor, an exercise space on an outdoor veranda which can also be used

for gatherings, and launderettes on each floor. The same massage and thera-

peutic services available at Concord House are offered at The Apartments.

Sr. Marygrace is currently searching for a facility to house her Namasté program

which is designed for care givers. She knows that it takes physical and psycho-

logical energy to care for the developmentally disabled. The Namasté program

provides physical therapy, aroma therapy and a peaceful environment so that care

givers can replenish their energy. It is a wellness and well being program. Alegria

— unending joy — is her next project.The state

has closed hospitals that housed persons with

developmental problems. Sr. Marygrace is search-

ing for a home in Contra Costa County, Alegria,

to provide for those previously cared for in state

hospitals.

THE MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE

THE HUMAN FAMILY

For One of These

(continued from page 14)

■ Sr. Marygrace joins Shirley Eastman (far right), Director of Wisdom Path, and the residents in an outdoor luncheon.

“Therefore, aswe have opportunity, letus do good toall people,especially tothose whobelong to thefamily ofbelievers.”

—Galatians 6:10

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What does Sr. Marygrace do for the human

family? She makes life beautiful for each “one of

these.” She attends to details, making sure the

kitchen countertops are of material that is not

easily marred, or procuring land to build the

next service facility, or thinking of some delight-

ful insert in the employees’ paychecks. She is

conscientious about accounting for all the

funds, making sure they are used in the best way

for the developmentally disabled. She works as

a team with Sr. Mary Ann Leyba, CSJ, and fifty

staff members. She loves each of the 1600

persons who use the services of East Bay. Love

back from each “one of these.”

■ Sr. Marygracewith the residentsof Concord Houseand TheApartments

■ Sister Mary Ann Leyba, CSJ, Director,Residential Services, and Sister MarygracePuchacz, SSJ-TOSF, Executive Director

‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance,

the kingdom prepared for you sincethe creation of the world. For I washungry and you gave me something

to eat, I was thirsty and you gave mesomething to drink, I was a stranger

and you invited me in, I neededclothes and you clothed me, I was

sick and you looked after me, I wasin prison and you came to visit me.’Then the righteous will answer him,‘Lord, when did we see you hungry

and feed you, or thirsty and give yousomething to drink? When did we

see you a stranger and invite you in,or needing clothes and clothe you?

When did we see you sick or inprison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘I tell you thetruth, whatever you did for one of

these, the least of these brothers ofmine, you did for me.’—Matthew 25:34-40

17 Vol. 7 No. 2

The Center is Ten!

On October 4, 2006,The Center will celebrate its

tenth anniversary with a special liturgy in the

chapel of Immaculata Congregational Home,

Bartlett, Illinois. There will be a reception following

the liturgy.

At 7:00 PM that evening,

there will be a performance

by Megon McDonough, a

“talent extraordinaire.” If

you were a folk fan in the

70s, you may well have seen

Megon McDonough opening

shows for such artists as

John Denver, Harry Connick

and Steve Martin. She per-

formed in venues as varied

as The Cellar Door to

Carnegie Hall. She per-

formed in numerous theater productions including her

box office record-breaking Always ... Patsy Cline, for which

she was nominated for the Joseph Jefferson Award. She

has nine solo albums to her credit and several compilation

albums. Megon McDonough is a dynamic motivational

speaker, an accomplished comedic actress and a gifted

Sister Jean Ehasz2006 Peacemaker of the Year

Sister Jean Ehasz (Agnes Therese)

is the congregation’s 2006

Peacemaker of the Year, selected

for recognition at the annual confer-

ence of the Franciscan Federation in

Rochester, New York. Sr. Jean was

selected because she is a living exam-

ple of the SSJ-TOSF commitment to be

a “liberating and reconciling presence.”

The Franciscan Federation established the criterion for the2006 Peacemaker of the Year to honor someone who has

singer/song writer and musician. Everyone is invited to

Megon’s performance in honor of The Center’s 10th

Anniversary.

The Center is located in Bartlett, Illinois, housed at

Immaculata Congregational Home. The Center is a sacred

time and a sacred place. As Sister Ruth Baggech, founder

of The Center, explains, “When

we chose the name for this sacred

place, we imagined how meaning-

ful it would be to hear someone

say, ‘I’m going to The Center.’ A

simple statement, yet so pro-

found!” The Center sponsors

interdenominational programs

that enhance personal spiritual

life, in the form of retreats, work-

shops, seminars and personal conversations. It also

provides a quiet atmosphere for personal silence.

gifted the congregation with Franciscan peacethrough involvement in the ministry of spiritual-ity, prayer ministry and/or retreat ministry. Sr.Jean has gifted the congregation in all these cat-egories. Her nomination stated,“Sister Jean hasserved as co-director of our Franciscan Center at Marymount for the past ten years and, assuch, has been a peaceful presence in the con-gregational home and a wonderful ambassadorof peace to all who have come to the Centerfor programs. In addition, her ministerial andcongregational involvements over the yearshave always been a witness to the spirit ofpeacefulness she brought with her. Sister Jean istruly a woman who loves Franciscan spiritualityand, in particular, the charism of peace.”

Sr. Jean dedicated thirty-eight years of her ministry to edu-cation. In 1995, she spent three months of her sabbaticalyear at the Tau Center in Winona, Minnesota, deepeningher knowledge and experience of the Franciscan charism.When she returned to Garfield Heights, Ohio, she workedwith Sister Francis Therese Woznicki in providing a placefor people of faith to know God more deeply and tobecome instruments of peace in the world. “After muchprayer and discernment, I felt in my heart that God wasopening a door for me that was leading in a direction I hadnot expected,” Sr. Jean recalled. With a generous response,Sr. Jean ministers through the Franciscan Center, basedat Marymount Congregational Home in Garfield Heights,Ohio.

Sr. Jean has been a a source of inspiration and ministry tothe members of the SSJ-TOSF community as well. She hasdesigned and led prayer services and retreats for the sis-ters, and has been a fellow traveler on the spiritual journey.

Sr. Jean was honored at the annual conference of theFranciscan Federation, July 28-31, 2006, in Rochester,New York. The criteria for selecting the Peacemaker of theYear were in keeping with the theme of the conference,“Franciscan Prayer: Drinking Deeply of the Spirit.”

With gratitude, we say,“Congratulations, Sr. Jean!”

“Sister Jean is truly a woman who loves Franciscan spirituality and, in particular, the charism of peace.”

19 Vol. 7 No. 2

V O C A T I O N / F O R M A T I O N

Sister Marge Kalina

On February 11, 2006, Sister MargeKalina took the next step to full life inthe Sisters of St. Joseph of the ThirdOrder of St. Francis by pronouncingher first vows of poverty, chastity andobedience. The ceremony took place in

the chapel of St. Joseph Congregational Home in StevensPoint, Wisconsin. Sister Jeanne Conzemius, Central Boardmember, received her vows in the name of the congregation.

Sr. Marge was born in Gary, Indiana, and was raised inGriffith, Indiana, with her four sisters and two brothers.She was living in Madison,Wisconsin, while she worked inthe banking industry, first in general banking, then as a VicePresident in the Trust Department. Her relationship withthe SSJ-TOSFs began with a friendship with Sister JeanSonsalla, and developed into an Associate relationship withthe congregation in 1982. Sr. Marge became a Candidate in2003 and was accepted into the novitiate in 2004. 2006 isanother milestone on her journey to final vows and fullSSJ-TOSF life.

Sister Lisa Alexander

Sister Lisa Alexander pronounced herfinal vows as a Sister of St. Joseph ofthe Third Order of St. Francis on June10, 2006. The ceremony took place atSt. Matthew Church in Green Bay,Wisconsin. Sister Mary Alice Jarosz,

Central Board member, received her vows in the name ofthe congregation.

In 2000, after attending just one “Come and See” weekendwith the sisters and other women considering a vocationto religious life, Sr. Lisa sold her house in Florida, found ahome for her dog, and moved to Wisconsin to begin theprocess of entering the congregation. She took Jesus seriously when He said,“Go, sell what you have, and come,

follow me.” Sr. Lisa entered the novitiate in 2001, and professed first vows in 2003. Sr. Lisa now ministers at St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in both theRegistration Department and the Credit Union. She singsin the choir of St. Matthew’s Parish and volunteers in manyof the parish programs. She also volunteers in the CASA(Court Appointed Special Advocate) program of BrownCounty to assist children in need of protective services.

Sister Jo Ann Poplar

The ceremony during which Sister JoAnn Poplar pronounced her final vowstook place on August 19, 2006, in thechapel of Marymount CongregationalHome in Garfield Heights,Ohio,with a10:30 AM Mass followed by dinner.

It was fitting that the ceremony take place in the neighbor-hood where Sr. Jo Ann was born and raised. As a child, sheattended St. Monica School in Garfield Heights, and during her high school years, volunteered at MarymountHospital. Even though a few years intervened, “In 1998,I had the opportunity to observe hospital chaplaincy workat Marymount Hospital,” Sr. Jo Ann explained. “This experience reconnected me with some of my formerteachers and introduced me to other Sisters of St. Josephof the Third Order of St. Francis. Since I was already dis-cerning my call to religious life, it did not take long to feelat home with the SSJ-TOSF family.”

Sr. Jo Ann is currently working as a nurse in the ER of theBedford Memorial Hospital. She is taking classes in Clinical Pastoral Education to prepare for the ministry ofhospital chaplain.

To Have Life More Abundantly

Sister Mary Cherubine BrzakowskiBorn to this life: August 11, 1914Born to eternal life: July 4, 2006Sr. Cherubine ministered for 31 years as a teacher,mostly first grade, before she was appointed ProvincialTreasurer and Councillor. After 1990, she continued tooffer her services in the SSJ-TOSF Finance Office.

Sister Mary DeSales MuzykBorn to this life: June 29, 1917Born to eternal life: July 5, 2006Always grateful for her gift of a vocation to religious life,Sr. DeSales was a teacher for 58 years, mostly inMichigan. She spent twenty-six years at St.Bartholomew Parish in Detroit, Michigan.

Sister Noelle LangowskiBorn to this life: April 11, 1906Born to eternal life: May 17, 2006Sr. Noelle served the People of God as an elementaryteacher, high school teacher, practical nurse, coordinator,treasurer, receptionist and provider of other householdservices. She lived to be 100 years old, 83 years ofwhich were in religious life.

Sister Arlene StyczynskiBorn to this life: July 13, 1918Born to eternal life: April 20, 2006Teaching was her joy, in Illinois and in Wisconsin, as was her vocation to religious life. Sr. Arlene alwaysmade a fitting response as principal, teacher,coordinator, chauffeur, artist and person of prayer.

Sister Beata JasinaBorn to this life: April 5, 1915Born to eternal life: May 26, 2006A high school math teacer, Sr. Beata also taught industrial arts and drafting. She was generous in sharing her artistic ability and her teaching talent.

Arlid Barrera

Arlid Barrera became a Pre-Candi-date with the Sisters of St. Joseph ofthe Third Order of St. Francis onFebruary 12, 2006. She is originallyfrom Columbia, South America, theoldest of seven children. Arlid came

to the United States when she was 22 years old andbecame a US citizen. “I have known poverty and suffer-ing and challenges of being an immigrant,” Arlid said.“I always worked hard, whether in factories, teachingSpanish and English as a second language, or as a pastoralworker in the Catholic churches and Hispanic centers in North Carolina and Ohio.” Her multicultural experience, as well as her varied work experience,developed a strong commitment to work with the poorand downtrodden, and to live out the Franciscan valuesof service, care and hospitality.

Arlid is now residing at Villa St. Clare, the SSJ-TOSFHouse of Discernment in Green Bay,Wisconsin. She hasrequested to become a Candidate, the next step in herjourney toward full membership as an SSJ-TOSF.

Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSFPublic Relations OfficeP.O. Box 388129Chicago, Illinois 60638-8129www.ssj-tosf.org

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCHICAGO, IL

PERMIT #5504

on October 4, 2006with Liturgy, a reception and an evening performance

by Megon McDonough

Everyone is invited to join the celebration!contact Ruth Baggech, SSJ-TOSF for details at

[email protected]