burlingame 2009 donor report

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“Our charity must be in our hearts and from our hearts, and a charity such as Jesus Christ practiced while on earth.” — Catherine McAuley

Retreat Instructions, p 148

Dear Friends of Mercy,We founded the West Midwest Community in July 2008 by bringing together six former regional

communities – Auburn and Burlingame, Calif., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Chicago, Ill., Detroit, Mich, and Omaha, Neb. We have worked together to develop the structures and processes needed for our new

Community. Just as important, we are coming to know our members and our ministries and are seeing how our Mercy charism is being carried out with the same passion and care across our new geography, consistent with our heritage.

But our West Midwest Community is not complete without acknowledging you – the many friends and supporters who, over the years, have opened your hearts to the Sisters of Mercy and to the people we serve. You truly are extensions of the spirit of our Foundress, Catherine McAuley. Your continued heartfelt prayers and financial generosity make it possible to open many doors for the people we serve throughout the West Midwest Community and beyond.

The work of our Sisters touches thousands of lives, as you will see in the ministry stories included in this report. With the support of our generous donors, our Sisters continue to respond to the unmet needs of our times as Catherine McAuley did so many years ago.

So from our hearts to yours, please accept our thanks for all you do in the name of Mercy.

Blessings,

February 2010

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Ministry is the heart of the Sisters of Mercy. We are committed to following Jesus of the Gospel by

living the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. We teach the uneducated, care for the sick, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and help the poor.

Today, you will find us ministering in a variety of areas including parishes, schools, hospitals, administration and social services. We are working for change in areas like healthcare, immigration and the environment.

Mercy ministries represent the many ways our West Midwest Community carries out the charism of Catherine McAuley.

Mercy Sponsored/Co-Sponsored MinistriesMinistries of the West Midwest Community

Percentages of West Midwest Sisters Serving in Ministries

n Prayer

n Parish/Pastoral Care

n Education

n Volunteer/Retired

n Health Care

n Administration

n Other

n Social Services

n Housing

12%

9%4% 3% 1%

13%13%

14%

31%

EducationCatherine McAuley Center, Cedar Rapids, IACristo Rey High School, Sacramento, CAMercy Education Project, Detroit, MI Mercy Education Resource Center, Sacramento, CA Mercy High School, Burlingame, CAMercy High School, San Francisco, CAMercy High School, Farmington Hills, MIMercy High School, Omaha, NEMother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, Chicago, IL

HousingCatherine McAuley Center, Cedar Rapids, IAMercy Housing, Inc., Denver, COSt. Catherine Residence, Milwaukee, WIUnity Square, Waterloo, IA

Higher EducationCollege of Saint Mary, Omaha, NEMount Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, IASaint Xavier University, Chicago, ILUniversity of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI

HealthcareCatholic Health Initiatives, Denver, COCatholic Health Ministries / Trinity Health, Novi, MICatholic Healthcare West, San Francisco, CAMercy Health System of Chicago, Chicago, ILMercy Hospital & Medical Center, Chicago, ILMercy Hospital, Iowa City, IAMercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, IAProvena Health, Mokena, ILScripps Mercy Hospitals, Burlingame, CA

Long-term CareElder Care Alliance, Alameda, CAMercy Retirement and Care Center, Oakland, CA Mercy Villa, Omaha, NE

Spirituality/Retreat CentersKnowles Mercy Spirituality Center, Omaha, NEMercy Center, Auburn, CA. Mercy Center, Burlingame, CA

Note: Some ministries, such as healthcare systems, may have multiple locations. The city listed is the site of the headquarters or executive offices of the ministries.

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Contents: Ministries - Mercy Matters

Opening Doors to Brighter Futures

— Page 6

Sowing Seeds of Mercy in Sudan— Page 5

A Compassionate Voice for the Homeless— Page 10

Catherine McAuley CenterCelebrates 20 Years — Page 7

A Lifeline for Sudanese Refugees

— Page 8

Vocations on the Rise — Page 11

A Beacon of Hope for Milwaukee Women

— Page 9

Mercy Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 12-13

Overview of Gifts Received . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14

Donor Honor Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 15-22

Ways to Give . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23

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After the opportunity of visiting the marvelous ministries of the Sisters of Mercy in the Mukuru slum of

Nairobi, Kenya, my entrance into Sudan stood in stark contrast. From Lokichokio airport, just miles before the Sudan border, Sister Kathleen Connolly, RSM, and I boarded a Landrover driven by workers of the diocese of Torit, Sudan. We hired an armed guard and proceeded to cross the border and drive two hours on a road challenged by deep crevices and notorious bandits.

Upon reaching the diocesan compound, I established myself in Sister Kathleen’s tukul and met some of the people working in this desolate region of southern Sudan. Sister Kathleen proudly showed me her “garden” planted in front of her tukul. She also pointed out the flora, unique African fauna, the Toposa men returning and singing from their day of herding, the dramatic sunsets, the beauty of the stark hills, and the drama of the stars against the dark night. For most of the days, I spent time at St. Bakhita’s primary school for girls – grades K-8 – with students from 4 through

20 years of age. The girls were welcoming, spunky, gracious, fit, and fun. Attending one of the few schools for girls in the entire country of Sudan, they valued the privilege of going to school. They were unaware of the lack of teachers having more than a high school education, of a rather rigid British based curriculum, of stark dorms, of few textbooks or educational amenities, of a plain and limited diet, of the upward climb toward further education. They were happy

and energized. From 4-6 p.m. in oppressive heat, the older girls played volleyball, soccer, and net ball in the adjacent dirt field. (Sister Kathleen is now a soccer coach!) One afternoon we were invited to a debate between forms (grades) 7 and 8. Trained in the British style of debate, the girls stepped forward with vigor, conviction,

and prepared points. They argued whether “women should have equal rights as men;” those defending women’s rights lost 17-19! In a few weeks time they went against the neighboring boys’ school and won the debate. I could only imagine the vocal power of these young women a few years hence. On my last day in Sudan, the whole school assembled for formal greetings and entertainment. Kindergarteners recited newly learned English verses and the older girls presented tribal songs and dances. Anyone would immediately be moved to contribute to this wonderful endeavor of educating young Sudanese girls.

Upon visiting a Toposa village, we sought the assistance of a boy who could offer introduction and translation. Women and children who were quite fearful and reticent at first, soon crowded around especially to see their images in digital cameras. The women were the builders of artful huts; the men were away herding goats and cattle; the young girls seemed to be responsible for the small children; two were engaged in grinding sorghum on stone. Life seemed quite primitive. I left wondering how a continuing draught would affect these people. I could appreciate Sister Kathleen’s plan for working in health promotion with the neighboring village – an endeavor that would require a meeting of mercy and justice.

by Sister Judy Carle, RSM of Burlingame, CA

Sowing Seeds of Mercy in Sudan

Golden Jubilarian Sister Kathleen Connolly represented Mercy Beyond Borders serving as a teacher at St. Bakhita School in Narus, Sudan. She also conducted women’s health promotion workshops in surrounding villages. Sister Kathleen says she “absolutely loves going to school every day.”

www.mercybeyondborders.org

Anyone would immediately be moved to contribute to this wonderful endeavor of educating young Sudanese girls.

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In 1992, troubled by Detroit’s low graduation rate and intrigued by the book Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves

of Adolescent Girls, which focused on the challenges of middle school girls, a group of Sisters of Mercy asked: “How can we help and where is the greatest need?” Their answer: help break the cycle of illiteracy particularly prevalent in southwest Detroit by working with young girls from low-income families.They began Mercy Education Project (MEP) as an after-school tutoring program offering remedial tutoring for girls in grades 1-8. Their focus was, and still is, reading and math, but over the years, their services for girls have expanded, and the project has added programs for women 18 and older. “I am like the caged bird that has been set free,” said Nicole Simmons, when she “graduated” from Mercy Education Project with her GED in 2006. A bright, but bored, middle-schooler, Nicole eventually had dropped out of school and had a child. She attempted to complete the GED, but didn’t succeed until she came to Mercy Education Project. Today she is a junior studying criminal justice at Marygrove College. “In the Detroit community, 23 percent of the adults never made it through the 9th grade. MEP ensures that girls have the academic skills to make it to high school and to succeed,” says Amy Amador, executive director.

One of MEP’s newest summer programs for middle school girls focuses on developing leadership skills. Headquartered on the campus of the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM), Emerging Leaders provides a four-week focus on college and career exploration, academic enrichment and leadership development. The first year, 25 girls completed the program. “The girls came from families where no one has ever applied to college, and now the idea of attending college has become more real,” said Melanie Ward, program coordinator. To further reduce the cycle of illiteracy, MEP’s first executive director, Sister Canice Johnson, RSM, determined it was important to reach women whose ability to hold a job and escape poverty were hampered by illiteracy and lack of education. That

decision led to services for women, including literacy, adult basic education, GED preparation, employment skills and selected career development. MEP also offers major necessities such as child care and transportation.“We have women who come in unable to read,” said Sister Maureen Mulcrone, RSM, MEP’s director of development and marketing. “We’re proud of the fact that by the time they complete MEP’s program, more than 90 percent of our participants will pass the GED.” In the past three years, 100 percent of MEP’s GED graduates have entered college, job training and/or full employment.

Employment is another major hurdle. The Opportunity Knocking program, a partnership with

St. Mary Mercy Hospital, provides low- income women with an avenue to employment and training in healthcare. Both staff and volunteers find satisfaction in seeing girls who have been failing learn to love reading or seeing women whose sense of self is transformed. “If you volunteer at MEP, you could find yourself caught by the mission for a long, long time,” Sister Maureen said.

Opening Doors to Brighter Futures

Amy Amador, left, stays connected with Nicole Simmons, right, a 2006 MEP “grad” studying criminal justice at Marygrove College.

www.mercyed.net

One of MEP’s newest summer programs for middle school girls focuses on developing leadership skills.

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The Sisters of Mercy with community supporters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, opened the Catherine McAuley Center

in 1989 to provide services that were needed in the community at that time. In 2009, the Catherine McAuley Center celebrated its 20th anniversary and its success promoting the well-being and dignity of individuals in need and enhancing their employment opportunities through its basic education for adults and a transitional housing program for women.

In the last 20 years, the Catherine McAuley Center has provided over 2,700 students with adult basic education. The education program provides free one-on-one tutoring

at a student’s own pace. Students who enroll in the adult basic education program are often preparing for the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) test, improving basic math and language skills, or are English Language Learners (ELL). The Catherine McAuley Center also provides tutorials in basic keyboarding and computer skills as well as specialized classes for banking and citizenship throughout the year.

Sister Bernice Kurt, RSM, is a volunteer tutor at the Catherine McAuley Center. “Each time I go to the Catherine McAuley Center I feel like the boundaries of my world are stretched,” said Sister Bernice.

“The students I tutor are full of energy and try so hard to improve their lives. It is a great privilege to share with them and with the Catherine McAuley Center staff.”

In addition to adult basic education, the Catherine McAuley Center has provided a safe haven for approximately 700 women through its transitional housing program. The housing program provides unaccompanied women over 18 with a safe place to live and an individualized program

of guidance and education to help stabilize their lives.

When women enter the program, their immediate needs for shelter, food and clothing are met. They are then assessed for mental or emotional health issues, substance abuse, confinement or probation within the judicial system, family and other relation-ship issues and/or the inability to maintain employment.

The Catherine McAuley Center’s transitional housing program aims to equip women with the economic, physical, psychological and social independence to become self-sufficient.

The Catherine McAuley Center celebrates its efforts to improve the quality of life for many individuals and their families in Cedar Rapids.

www.cmc-cr.org

Catherine McAuley Center Marks 20 Years in the Cedar Rapids Community

Sister Bernice Kurt, right, visits with a student outside Catherine McAuley Center.

Sister Bernice Kurt works with one of the 2,700 students who have benefited from the one-on-one tutoring.

“The students I tutor are full of energy and try so hard to improve their lives”

— Sister Bernice Kurt

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A typical day for Sister Rosemary Floersch, RSM, begins at 5:30 a.m. and often does not end until

midnight. You might envision that this retired Catholic school teacher is spending her days only in prayer and worship. But, like many Sisters of Mercy, Sister Rosemary concluded her 46-year ministry of teaching and began a new ministry to Sudanese families in Omaha, Neb. As the founder and director of the Sudanese Outreach Project, her day is filled with numerous activities: taking women to work and children to daycare and school; going to Mass; helping with applications for green cards and citizenship; purchasing groceries; picking up the women and children from work, daycare and school; and helping children with homework. She drives family members to doctor, dental and court appointments; takes them to church; and even sees that the children get to sports practice and games. “No two days are the same,” she said.Sister Rosemary didn’t set out to start this new ministry. It began as a way for her to answer what she called “a persistent urging from God” to work with persons who are poor that she felt during the last three years of her ministry of teaching. She was introduced to the Sudanese people as a volunteer tutor at St. Richard’s School in Omaha. She learned quickly that these students and their families were in need of more than tutoring.

Most of the Sudanese families came to the United States as refugees beginning in 1997 to escape the conditions in Sudan, a country at war. They came legally, some with the help of the United Nations. Others saved their money and bought visas and passports. Others were resettled with the help of church organizations.Initially, Sister Rosemary’s service in tutoring the Sudanese families expanded to helping provide food, personal hygiene supplies, diapers and cleaning supplies. In January 2003, Sister Rosemary found that her part-time work had become a full-time ministry. By 2008, the number of families she was helping had grown to 27.To fund her ministry, she applied for and received ministry grants from the McAuley Ministry Fund. In addition, she has received donations and volunteer support from relatives, individual Sisters of Mercy and

Mercy Associates. Until the downturn in the economy, she received significant funding from her nephew, Mark Floersch, who owns an Omaha business. When he had to reduce his support, Sister Rosemary had to cut back the number of families she could help.Today, she has three families that are her primary focus. These families don’t have cars and have each lost their fathers under different circumstances.“When I started, the women didn’t know how to budget; now they are paying their bills first.” She and volunteers helped them learn how to keep a clean house. “They

used to live in huts, and now they find themselves adjusting to a whole new culture,” she said. The transition has been hard, but according to Sister Rosemary, “They’ve come a long way.” At the age of 75, Sister Rosemary admits that sometimes the long days can be tiring, but her strong calling from God to help a group in need pulls her through.“I feel it’s what God wants me to do at this time in my life,” she said. “It is gratifying to see the refugees move toward self-sufficiency. That’s my goal.”

A Lifeline for Sudanese Refugees

Sister Rosemary Floersch, RSM, picks up students each day from school. From left are: Nyasibit Kume, Sister Rosemary, Athena Lia, Nyabuoy Kume, Nyajal Kume and Nyabuoy Lia.

“It is gratifying to see the refugees move toward self-sufficiency. That’s my goal.”

— Sister Rosemary Floersch

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A Beacon of Hope for Milwaukee WomenSt. Catherine Residence was founded

by the Sisters of Mercy in 1894 at the request of the Mayor of Milwaukee,

Wisc., to house and to teach young women who came from rural areas with minimal or no job experience. The initial residence housed 25 girls and was called Mercy Home.Over the years, the primary focus became providing safe, affordable and supportive housing. Today, St. Catherine’s continues to be a beacon of hope for women who, for various reasons, find themselves in need of affordable housing and a place to get their lives back together. Since its official dedication as St. Catherine Residence in 1967, the non-profit organization has helped nearly 10,000 women, providing them with a safe “home” and supportive community while they explore options and develop competencies.

Nearly half of the women have a behavioral health illness, according to Lynne Oehlke, president and executive director. St. Catherine’s is located on the east side of Milwaukee in an upscale neighborhood. A recent $7.1 million capital campaign enabled the organization to completely renovate and upgrade the rooming facilities and build McAuley Apartments, a 46-unit building featuring one and two-bedroom apartments.

While Milwaukee has other low income public housing, the wait can be long and many women do not fit the criteria. “We are a non-profit organization and are open to a very broad spectrum of women,” Oehlke said. Most importantly, she added, “we provide the welcoming, supportive community of women who help each other get through the tough times. We also staff our desk 24/7. For women who have been abused, who are starting over or who have mental health issues, safety is a very close second, next to affordability, for the women we serve,” she said.St. Catherine’s does not provide social services. “We find that confidence builds when women open their doors, so we support residents as they access services in the community,” Oehlke said. Women are

required to set personal and professional goals and work a minimum of 10 hours a week. Everyone pays some rent. They could do that in other public housing, but St. Catherine’s staff and the women themselves create a “positive and uplifting” environment in which women can grow.According to Oehlke, the diversity of St. Catherine’s and women’s tolerance of difference is remarkable. “We serve 17 year olds aging out of foster care, young mothers with infants, women aging up to 80 years old, women who have always been poor and those who grew up wealthy,” Oehlke said. “Racially and ethnically, our diversity also is impressive.”In addition, St. Catherine’s has 25 beds underwritten by HUD for women who are homeless and who have a mental health diagnosis. All of these women share common spaces and participate in a women-helping-women environment. According to Oehlke, the Sisters of Mercy continue to play a huge role in St. Catherine’s success. Sisters serve on the board and as volunteers. Financially, they are tremendous supporters. But most important, she said, “the core values of the Sisters and of their Foundress, Catherine McAuley, anchor us on firm ground. We follow Catherine McAuley’s belief that women have tremendous abilities. This is a powerful message.”

At the groundbreaking for the McAuley Apartments are, from left, front row: Residents Trish Rhodes, Barbara White and Lori Worman; back row are: Mayor Tom Barrett, Kristie Coryell Corrao, County Executive Scott Walker and President/CEO Lynne Oehlke.

“We follow Catherine McAuley’s belief that women have tremendous abilities. This is a powerful message.” — Lynne Oehlke

www.stcatherineresidence.org

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A Compassionate Voice for the HomelessLoaves and Fishes

Executive Director Sister Libby

Fernandez, RSM, is the feisty, compassionate advocate of a marginalized and often controversial population.

She and Sacramento’s Loaves & Fishes organization hit the top of the nationwide news last spring. Oprah Winfrey’s show and many others featured the locale’s Tent City with its population of 300 homeless people as symptomatic of nationwide hard times.

Many of those who are homeless depend on Loaves and Fishes for a daily meal and other “survival services” including showers, rest rooms, counseling and a library. Described by The Sacramento Bee as “charismatic,” Sis-ter Libby has led the “Safe Ground” advocacy group of local organizations serving the homeless population.

In 1985, even before she was a Sister of Mercy, Sister Libby began volunteering at Loaves and Fishes. Founder of the Sacramento Food Bank, Father Dan Madigan, had told her, “Check out those Mercys at Loaves and Fishes!” She did and was drawn by the organization’s mission taken from Matthew 25: Feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, care for the sick and visit those in prison.

“That’s what I wanted to do,” she said. After she received her master’s degree in social work in 1990, she entered the

Sisters of Mercy in Auburn, Calif. She first worked with Mercy Housing and then 10 years ago came to Loaves and Fishes.

“Since the day I entered the Sisters of Mercy,” she said, “I’ve asked, ‘How is God calling me to serve?’ It wasn’t until Tent City became a cause that it was obvious I was called to lead the homeless and be a voice for them. This is how God wants me to serve. It is humbling, and I am honored to do what I’m asked to do by God.”

“We are all guests of God’s hospitality. People come here to Loaves and Fishes broken, but I see Christ in them, and they begin to lighten up and to make the first step.” It is no surprise Sister Libby knows each homeless person at Loaves and Fishes by name.

Sister Libby and Safe Ground were honored by the California Reinvestment Coalition on

Sept. 30, 2009 at a reception in Sacramento for their work on creative solutions to homelessness. “Being homeless, being in need, should not be a crime,” they have

insisted. For the long term, the group promotes affordable housing and “housing first” concepts which Mercy Housing has implemented in their Martin Luther King Village in West Sacramento.

To replace the closed Tent City, the Mayor’s Task Force on Safe Ground proposed a legalized campground for the homeless. Sixty Tuff Shed cottages would provide basic housing with self-governance, sanitation and a covenant of no drugs, no alcohol and no violence.

“Our homeless people have been so invisible, and people have ignored them. Through this campaign they have become visible. They feel so powerful. They have a sense of dignity and self-worth. We are all called to help someone,” she said, thinking of the 1,000 volunteers who help out at Loaves and Fishes.

She answers her own call tirelessly and asks the community to follow. “I’m so blessed to be able to do this in the name of Mercy.”

Sister Libby Fernandez is shown at the former “tent city.” She has helped draw attention to the plight of Sacramento’s homeless population.

www.sacloaves.org

“Being homeless, being in need should not be a crime.”

— Sister Libby Fernandez

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When Renée Kettering entered the West Midwest Community of the Sisters of Mercy in Farmington

Hills, Mich., she became part of a long tradition of Mercy that began in Dublin, Ireland on Sept. 24, 1827. That day, Catherine McAuley opened the first House of Mercy on Baggot Street marking the early beginnings of the Sisters of Mercy and their ministry to the poor and uneducated, which now spans the globe.

Renée’s calling to enter religious life began as a student at Mother of Mercy High School in Cincinnati. Sister Judy Eby, RSM, one of Renée’s teachers, invited Renée to consider thinking about religious life. Renée did not take the idea seriously at first.

“I had a totally different perception of what it meant to be a sister,” said Renée, who is 24. But the seed had been planted and reinforced over the years through a series of people she met and through several Mercy experiences, including Mercy Volunteer Corps at Mercy Education Project in Detroit. Ultimately, the Mercy charism of service and community motivated Renée to pursue the first step to enter religious life, becoming a candidate.

“I want to live and pray with others who have a common vision,” she said.

As a candidate, her vocation is nurtured in prayer and community by local Sisters Mary Kelley, Karen Donahue and Marie Henderson.

The desire to dedicate one’s life totally to God and the charism of foundresses like Catherine McAuley continue to attract women like Renée to religious life. In fact, the Sisters of Mercy are experiencing an increase in vocations.

In 2009, seven candidates entered the Sisters of Mercy throughout the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and 44 are in various stages of the new membership process. In addition, the Sisters

of Mercy are in active conversation with another 64 women who have expressed an interest in religious life.

“Inquiries are up incredibly from women age 18 and older,” said Sister Katherine Hill, RSM, one of the vocation ministers for the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community. “Many women find us through our website, www.sistersofmercy.org, or have experienced our charism through programs like Mercy Volunteer Corps or Mercy Challenge.”

From August 2008 to August 2009, Sisters of Mercy received 1,263 hits on VocationMatch,

a Catholic Vocation Network website. Of those, vocation ministers are following up with 243 inquirers.

“The numbers and quality of young women inquiring are very encouraging,“ said Sister Norita Cooney, RSM, president of the West Midwest Community. “The decision to enter religious life is a culmination of experiences, conversation and personal reflection.”

It often is sparked by an initial conversation with a Sister. From there, a vocation minister assists the woman to discern how and where God is calling her to best live her life for God and others. For those who think religious life is waning, think again. The young woman in the grocery line behind you might just be a Sister of Mercy!

www.mercywestmidwest.org

Vocations on the Rise as Sisters of Mercy Reach Out to Young Women

Candidates Taryn Stark, left, of San Francisco, Calif., and Renée Kettering of Detroit, Mich., are inspired by the charism of Foundress Catherine McAuley.

“I want to live and pray with others who have a common vision.”

— Candidate Renée Kettering

Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego unveils storyboards

To celebrate Foundation Day, Scripps Mercy Hospital unveiled 14 panels containing

stories of the lives and ministries of the Sisters of Mercy now in San Diego. A Mission Integration Committee, under the leadership of Sister JoCeal Young, RSM, directed the creation of the storyboards which are displayed in the lobbies of Scripps Mercy in San Diego and Chula Vista. The committee’s goal was to focus public awareness on the mission and history of the hospital and of the Sisters of Mercy who founded it.“This was the first time the hospital has celebrated Foundation Day,” said Scripps Health System board member Sister Virginia Gillis, who helped Karen McCabe, director of community benefit services, to interview the sisters. Administrative staff and friends of the sisters were invited to a Mass in the hospital chapel on Dec. 11 when

the sisters renewed their vows. Virginia explained the history of the renewal of vows by giving a short history of Catherine McAuley’s founding of the community. Booklets of the stories of the sisters will be available.The sisters whose stories are told in this project are: Sisters Rose Davis, RSM, Mary Gallagher (Irish RSM), Virginia Gillis, RSM, Francine Jackson, RSM, Maureen Kelley, RSM, Cecile Ley, RSM, Leonita Metoyer, RSM, Sheila Murphy, RSM, Krista Ramirez, RSM, and JoCeal Young RSM. 12

Mercy Matters • BurlingameSister M. Pauline Borghello, RSM

For the past 45 years, I have been an elementary teacher and/or principal. I feel that this vital

ministry helps prepare young people to develop their gifts and talents and become concerned, Christian citizens. There does not seem to be a “social evil” that cannot be lessened through the positive effects of a strong Catholic education.I have the privilege of working in a parish where the school is seen as an important ministry. In turn, the school families are very much involved in parish life. Can you tell that I love my ministry?

Mercy Hospital is 100!

Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield is celebrating 100 years in 2010 with

a year of events, stories and media. The first event was the Blessing of the Hands, Feb. 11. Clergy, administration, board members, and committee members visited employees to bless their hands and give thanks for the tremendous work that is done on a daily basis.Although the sisters are fewer, as Sister Judy Morasci, RSM, vice president of mission integration of Mercy Hospitals in Bakersfield puts it, “The role of the sisters has changed over time, but our mission hasn’t - to be here for every patient who needs us.”

Sister Virginia Gillis, center, helped with the storyboards unveiled as part of Scripps Mercy’s Foundation Day celebration.

Sister Pauline Borghello spends time with a student at St. Gabriel School in San Francisco where she serves as principal.

Burlingame Green Team Takes Action

Sisters and staff at Burlingame’s Mercy Center and Russell Hall are working together on

a green team to change attitudes and create new earth-friendly habits. Sister Pat Ryan, RSM, a long-time advocate of living sustainably, co-chairs this Green Team with Associate Catherine Regan. As team members begin to meet monthly, they are sharing information and formulating plans.Members of the West Midwest Community Justice Team kicked off a carbon footprint initiative in the fall of 2008 when they presented information about the environment, and encouraged the Community to calculate their carbon footprint and sign an earth pledge. In 2009, members of the Community also participated in the national “350” campaign and on Mercy Day 2009, the West Midwest

Leadership Team presented members of the Community with reusable shopping bags as a symbol of the Community’s focus on saving the environment. Green teams at each site are identifying and implementing ways to be earth friendly at work and at home. For their part, the sisters in the Burlingame area have already made changes to further their goal of “living in harmony with all creation.” They have bought energy-saving Prius cars for nine years. Mercy Center has purchased reusable glass coffee cups. The campus landscaping department composts garden

trimmings and is planning more native plants and fewer water-hungry, flowering annuals. The kitchen staff of the Motherhouse is looking at composting food scraps.The Green Team is considering some more radical ideas – completely replace “compostable” materials (dinnerware made from corn products or cups from recyclable paper) with reusable ones, check the school menus for food that isn’t sustainably grown, and cut down on packaging for everything from toilet paper to cheese sticks. When the efforts of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference produced far less than was hoped for, Burlingame sisters and staff are interested in seeing what can be achieved by recycling, reducing and reusing on the Burlingame campus. “We can’t turn it around alone,” said Sister Pat, “but they can’t turn it around without us.”

13

Hard Hat Tour Checks Marian Oaks Progress

Marian Care Convent in Burlingame is undergoing necessary remodeling to bring the 35 year-old structure, now called Marian

Oaks, up to date. A Hard Hat Tour and Reception brought sisters, associates, staff, construction team, architects, and donors together to view the partially-completed building and celebrate on Dec. 13, 2009.Wearing yellow hard hats, approximately 200 attendees braved a drizzle to witness the blessing of the site offered by Sister Janet Rozzano, RSM. Guests toured the soon-to-be renewed home for retired sisters and enjoyed refreshments in the Dining Room and Multipurpose Room. Sisters were curious to see a sample of a finished residential suite and the overall layout which includes a new coffee room, library and craft room, all within the footprint of the original building. The changes in the 35 year-old building were made with the goal of creating “person-centered care,” designed to keep retired sisters active, independent and healthy. The renovation has many “green” features, including energy efficient

windows and roofing, bamboo flooring and energy efficient lighting. The projected move-in date for the sisters is the spring of 2010. Among the attendees were members of the End-Users Committee, Sisters Ellen Egan, Patty Campbell, Patty Creedon, and Regina Sutton; Paula Egan; Cherie Thibodeaux; and Jean Hastie.

Sister Mary Anita Iddings, RSM, helps perform the blessing during the hard hat tour of Marian Oaks.

Mercy High Burlingame students show their “green” spirit.

14

Burlingame Major Fund Distribution

Donations that came directly to the Burlingame, Calif., Development Office

Total Donations Received Fiscal Year July 1, 2008 • June 30, 2009

$596,074

Unrestricted Fund: $113,137

Sister Retirement Fund: $26,356

Mission in Peru: $10,486

Marian Remodel: $61,577

Other Funds: $31,001

Restricted Bequests: $353,517

1.8%

10.3%

19%

5.2%

43%

4.4%

Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community Allocation of Gifts Received

Total Gifts Received Fiscal Year July 1, 2008 • June 30, 2009

$1,747,719.46

Unrestricted $373,066.84

Sisters’ Retirement $67,128.70

Mercy Ministries $421,765.33

Restricted Bequest and Legacy Funds $745,976.59

Other $139,782.00

4%

21%

8% 24%

43%

Donor Honor RollThe names listed below are benefactors who supported the works of Mercy with a cash donation to the Burlingame development office of the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community from July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009. Benefactors are listed in alphabetical order by fund of support.Every effort has been made to include all benefactors for the 2009 fiscal year in this list. We regret any omissions or errors that have been made in producing this list.

Kathy Accardo

Kathleen Addison

Joseph R. Agliolo

Pete and Theresa Aiello

Albert and Susan Alioto

Barbara Allen

Marie Amaya

Gerald T. Ames

Paul J. Andre

Catherine M. Andreucci

Phyllis Annett

Anonymous

Robert and Joyce Arata

Vern E. and Iliana Arbogast

Rita Arnold

Ernest Avellar

Margaret Azcona

John W. Bacon

Frank and Constance Baczynski

John and Micaela Baker

Frances Ball

Patricia Ballow

Louise Balthes

Bank of America Matching Gifts

Bernadette A. and Dennis Baraty

Manuel and Patricia Barba

Kathleen Barber

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Barchuk

Rita Barichievich

Lucille Bartson

Larry and Joanne Barulich

Nancy Scullion Beahm

Albin and Leona Becica

Paul H. and Patricia Beemer

Robert Begley

Frank and Susan Beigbeder

Dwayne A. and Debbie Bellow

Kathleen Beltrame

Dr. and Mrs. Ted Benaderet, D.D.S.

John Bennett

Margaret and Anthony Bentson

Fred and Bonnie Jean Bertetta, Jr.

Marie de Lourdes Bessac, O.P.

Judy and Roland Bianchi

Barbara and Charles Billings

Joan Blackmon

Annette Blanchard

Palmer Bleichner

Joyce Boddie

Sandra DeBella Bodley

Richard R. and Mary Bona

Sandy Bonick

Joe and Joanne Borg

Vicki Bornstein

Edward W. Boscacci

Joseph Botsko

Cheryl Bough

Mary Bourne

Patricia Bove

George Bozzini

Theresa Bradley

Marie Brady

Rosalinda and Thomas Brady

Arthur M. Bree

Betty Breunig

Rose Brien

Charles J. Briggs

Hubert and Julia Brinkmann

Hattie Brogden

Joseph and Leslie Bronzini

Rosemary Brooks

William and Teresa Brusher

Albert and Elizabeth Bucci

Duncan F. and Pat O’Neill Buchanan

James A. and Winifred Buckley

Vincent R. Budesa

Marie Buffalow

Ingall W. Bull

Iola Buriani

Marleen and John Burke

Hazel Burnett

Jo Ann Burris

Lorraine Burtscher

Mario Buttignol

James Caccia Plumbing, Inc.

Lilia Cady

Cafe La Scala

Calamari Club

Jack and Jeanette Calandra

Frank and Carol Caldwell

Kevin and Kathleen Callaghan

Robert M. and Joy Callicott

John D. Campbell

James and Frances Cannizzaro

Daniel and Stephanie Capodanno

Betty Carara

Anne Cardy

Arthur Carlson

Marie Carluccio

James F. and Janine Granucci Carrig

Margaret Carroll

Patricia Carson

Frances Carter

Thomas and Hellie Casey

Anonymous

Christel Casjens

Eva Castro

Walter and Loretta Cavagnaro

Doris Cavanaugh

General Fund (Unrestricted Gifts)

15

The simplest and most practical lesson I know...

is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow. Let us take one day only in hands,

at a time, merely making a resolve for tomorrow, thus

we may hope to get on taking short, careful steps,

not great strides.

— Letter to de Sales White February 28, 1841

16

General Fund cont. Sam and Ann Cerniglia

Heather Certik

Elizabeth Chadwick

Louis K. and Ivy Chan

Ronald and Mabel Chau

Sheryl Chavez

Jean Chesney

William and Althea Chesney

Chevys Restaurants

Leo S. and Lora Chin

Eugene Chung

Ida Cianci

Maria Cianci

Betty Cirelli

Keith E. and Susan Cleaver

Lorraine Clement

Romain Clerou, M.D.

Benton Clifford

Estate of Frank and Naomi Clyne

Russell Codd

Donald and Paula Collopy

Nancy and Harry Concholar

Elizabeth Cooke

Helen Cooluris

Clare C. and Charles Cooper

James E. Cooper

Robert and Lucienne Cooper

Stanley F. and Anne Cordes

Denise Cornu

Arthur and Beverly Costa

Margaret Costello

Marti and Louie Cote

Rosemary Cozzo

Katherine Creedon

Rose Crowley

Diana Cull

Jane Cunningham

Peter Curia and Cheri Van Sant

Jacquelyn Curran

Mr. and Mrs. William Curtis

Frederick Cwiekowski

Kathe and Al DaCunha

John Dabney

William Daily, M.D.

Brian J. Daniels, DDS

Paul Daniels, D.D.S.

Robert H. and Jaeileen Davidson

Virginia Day

Anne De Caire

Genoveva P. De Lemos

Catherine De Martini

M. Joanne De Vincenti, RSM

Dennis and Patricia DeConcini

Gita Dedek

Margaret Denison

Dennis and Gloria O’Brien Foundation

Diane Deutsch, Ph. D.

Patricia Devencenzi

Sarah Di Mare

Thomas and Anna Dickan

Rose Dietzen

Timothy and Lisa Diller

Harold and Beryl Dilsaver

Agnes Doherty

Mary Dominguez

Raymond Donohue

Dennis Donovan

Alfred and Liz Dossa

Bruce M. and Mary Douglas

Jacky Douglas

James B. and Kathleen Downey

Richard Duggan

Lily Duzanica

Emergency Services Restoration, Inc

Frank Enea, Jr.

John and Marie Enea

Frank English

Joselito M. and Virginia Enrico

Janice Erickson

Jane C. and Dennis Escola

Roger Essaff

Gloria Etchelet

Evo-Ora Foundation

Mary Fadhl

Pat Fahy

Walter and Kathleen Farrell

William A. and Frances Fedak

Ferdinand F. and Priscilla Fernandez

Patricia A. Ferrando

Joanne Ferretti

Carmelita Finkelstein

Michael Fiore

Gloria Fischer

Darleen J. and Daniel Fitzgerald

Augustine and Ruth Flores

Zenaida Flores

Mary Fogarty

Donald Foley

Al and Joyce Folsom

Jack and Patsy Fong

Luann Foos

Susan Foreman

Donald and Frances Frediani

Fred F. and Katherine Furrer

Marie Gahn

Dan and Jacki Gallagher

Thomas P. Galli

George P. and Helen Galloway

Rhetta Garcia

Dolores Gardner

John and Mary Ann Gatt

John Gavigan

Joanna George

Mary Frances Gerbi

Gary W. and Janet Germano

Vera Germano

Thomas Gherini

Joseph and Angie Giacalone

Frank P. Gibson

Jim and Roberta Gilmore

John Giovanzana George and Margot Giusti

Kevin and Patricia Glynn

Refugio Godinez

Patricia L. Goldman

Paul and Jeanne Gonzalez

Angelo Gori

Anne Gouailhardou

Tracey Gould

Anna Grabmayr

Robert Grassilli, Jr.

Joseph F. and Elizabeth Grech

Ben and Joan Greene

Joel Gregowski

James M. and Barbara Ann Griffin

Winona M. and Emmett Griffin

Lou and Evelyn Grubb

Mark J. Guho

Nick Guho

Mary M. Guidry

Umang and Ruth Gupta

Margaret and Stephen Gurnik, Jr.

Elizabeth Guss

Howard C. Halla

Mr. and Mrs. John Hallinan

Jeanne Halloran

John I. Hannon

Wade J. and Mary Louise Hardman

Aileen Hart

Thomas Hartley

Harry and Jean Hastie

Jerome L. and Lucille Heard

Nan Heard and Paul Krogstad

Heffner Rosenwald Howard Foundation

Charles J. Hendrickson

Bill Hermann

Wayne L. and Andrea Hess

Esther Hilferty

James Hills

Gerry Hipps

Demosthenes L. Hontalas

Thomas John Hornblower

John Hornbrook

John Hossfeld

Theodore Hostetler, M.D.

Walter D. and Paula B. Houck

Ivan J. and Philippa E. Houston

Eugenia and Ronald E. Hovland

Mary and Thomas Hunt

Joseph M. and Bernadette Hurley

Jerry Hurtubise and Catherine Huston

Thomas P. and Jane Huvane

Mary Jo Ignoffo

James M. Illig and Larry Dotz

Jo Jackson

Mary Jacobs

Janta International Company

Marguerite Jendrysik

Catherine Jobst

Nancy M. Johnson

William W. and Anna Cherylene Jordan

Joella and Percy Julien

Kathleen Kearney, RSM

Thomas and Barbara Keefer

David Keller, Jr. and Emily Wilmer

John F. and Barbara Keller

Patricia Kelly-Kim

Eleanore Kermani

Cordelia Kinney

Amelia Kissling

Raymond Koenig

Ravi and Sherrill Koopot

James and Joan Kovarik, Jr.

Richard J. and Susan Kramer

Robert and Judith Krebs

George and Alda Kroll

Kaye Kuhlmann

Linda Carey Kunnath

Delia and Andrew M. Kutches

Germain J. and Carol L’Heureux

Sheila LaPointe

V.B. Ladensohn

Cecilia Lam

Judith Lambton

Patricia Lane

Linda and Robert Langone

Dianne and Richard Langone

Helen Laubacher

Thomas and Barbara Laubacher, Jr.

Charles and Joan Lawson

Joseph P. and Billie Le Blanc

Joseph and Rebeca LeBlanc

Elizabeth Lebbert

Annamaria Lee

Joan Leehane

Farelyn Lehane

Donald C. and Mary Lehmkuhl

Arthur and Mary Lepore

Lucien and Mary Lessard

Barbara S. Levernier

Levi Strauss Foundation

Helena Lim, Pharm. D.

Gwyneth Lister

James and Sheila Littrell

Eleanor LoBue

Margo K. Logan

Harry and Mayling Low

Joellen Lucey

James and Sheila Lunny

Bernadette Lynch

Anne MacArthur

Betty Jane Mackey

Mr. Albert Maggio

Dr. and Mrs. Henry Maguire

Thomas Mahoney

Anne M. Maitland and John P. Decker

Pamela Makelke

Anonymous

James and Lori Mancuso

Girard N. and Marlene Marcotte

Maureen and Gerald Maring

Marie Marron

Betty and Clifford Martin

Anonymous

Bob and Barbara Maske

Kathleen and James Masner

Johna Maychrowitz

David Mayer

Marina and Fern Maza

Linda Mc Causland

George McDonald

Mary R. McDonald

William McDonnell

Richard E. and Joyce McGovern

Catherine McGowan

Jean McGuire

Gar and Marilyn McIndoe

Margaret McMackin

Martin Allen and Frances McVeigh

Rose Marie Meany

Lorin C. and Dorothy Medlin

Elizabeth Meehan

Harry Meisel

Pauline Merritt

Wilfred and Patricia Metoyer

Irene Mihailoff

Michael and Nancy Miller

Barbara Minetti

Patricia Moase

Norman W. and Dolores Moniz

Judy Morin

Francis and Jane Morlino

Dr. and Mrs. Philip Morrissey

Catherine Murphy

Edmund J. Murphy Jr.

Lorraine Murphy

Margaret Murphy

Maureen Rose Murphy

Betty and Noel Murray

Ellen Nakata-Harper

Connie and Gerald Nanos

Stephen Negoesco

Doris E. Newcomb

Anonymous

Charlotte Nielsen

Barbara Niewola

Marie and Carlo Noce

Stephen and Kay Nowatzki

Margaret Nusbaum

Jean M. O’Brien

Diva S. and Michael O’Connor

Mary O’Connor

Julia O’Daly

Jean and Raymond O’Neil

Dolores O’Rourke

Carl Olsen

Charles and Monica Olsen

Donald and Joanne Olson

Michael and Bernadette Osborne

J. Y. and Dorothy Otondo

Steven and Evette Otte

Joseph Padilla

Lorraine Pagan

Teresa Paglieroni, Ph. D.

Christina Papapietro

Emily Papapietro

Judy Paraventi

Dayle Parkes

John and Evangeline Lu Pek

Lita Peralta

Agnes Peters

Gene Peterson

Susan F. and Stephen W. Phelps

Betty Pommon

Frederick and Patricia Postel

Mary Jo Potter

Barbara Preece

Paul M. and Christine Prendergast

Beverly Prest

George H. Pritchard

Brenda Jo Puepke

Joe Pummill

I. Tom and Joyce Quinn

Olive Raffaelli

Nancy Reardon

Ernest and Jane Reddick

Antoinette Rego

Nancy Renault

Donald Riley

Marian Ritchie

Lorie Rizzo

Kathleen Roberts

Pam Rolph

Stan R. and Mary B. Rose

Rose M. Rosenberger

Terry Rubianes, Jr.

Mark Ruiz

Kathleen Ryan

Thompson W. and Nanette Ryan

Helen T. Saia

Joe M. and Laura M. Sando

Doris C. Santana

Dorothy Schaefer

Gertrude Scheller

Vernon C. Scherba

Richard H. and Norene Scholz

Renate Schreiner-Grundstrom

Ann B. Schultz

Barbara J. and Ralph E. Schulz

Schwab Charitable Fund

William M. and Veronica Schwarz

Don A. and Nancy Sebastiani

Linda L. Seidel

Richard J. and Maureen Seyler

Michael F. and Elaine M. Sheehan

Harold and Peggy Sherman

John V. Shields, Jr.

Jack Shim

Faust and Olga Silvestri

Vernon S. and Patricia Simmen

Mary Lou Simmermacher

Carlo and June Simonetti

John D. and Mary A. Sims

Paul Smith

Peter Allen Smith

Walter and Dolores Smith

Gerald Smithson

Rita Snyder

Maria Solorzano

Colleen Shannon Soracco

Lionel D. Spencer

17

18

General Fund cont. John L. and Barbara Ann Squeri

Mary Stasuik

William P. and Patricia Statsky

Stephen B. Steczynski

James Stephens

Stephanie Still

Marie Strain

Jeanne Sullivan

Kevin Sullivan

Lawrence R. and Victoria Growney Sullivan, Jr.

Ed and Marge Summerville

Flocerfida Sunga

Joan M. and John Swendsen

William Szehner

Samuel Tallman

Marylou Taylor

Mary Ann Thode

Bruce C. Thoeny

Robert E. and Patricia Thorsen

Susan Thourson and Jeffrey Previni

Noreen Tighe

Patricia and Marie Toohig

Charles Towner

Carleen Trares

Barbara L. Traver

Ann and Joan Travers

Frances Trimmer

Patricia Trippet

Patrick and Teresa Tsim

Albert S. Tullett, Jr.

Thomas and Irene Tupman

Lou and June Turchino

Julia R. Turner

Susan Turpin

Melanie Twohy

Carl D. and Michele Tyler

Patricia Valencia

James R. and Shirley Valenteen

Richard and Lillian Valli

Rodrigo S. and Ma. Dolores Vazquez

Fred and Elizabeth Venneman

Frank and Lena Venturelli

Flora Vetari

Allen and Dolores Vincent

Alex Von Disterlo, D.D.S.

Charles Wagner

Teresa Walker

Dorothy Walsh

Leo T. and Patricia Walsh

Edward and Jane Waters

Rose Weddell

William Weese, M.D.

Mary and Edmund Wehrle

Lorraine and Ronald Wenzler

Gary and Julianne West

Patricia West

Victor J. Westman

Mary Louise Whitcomb

Robert Wilhelm

Carole Williams

Dorothy Williams

Robert Williams

Larry Wilson and Lynda Wilson

Patricia and James Wilson

Jean Wisecarver

June Wisecarver

Janet and Thomas Wolf

Donna Wright

Laurence and Lisa Wuerstle

Paul Wuerstle

Joan Frances Young

Margaret Zarcone

Paul Zgraggen

Blas and Loraine Zlatunich

Adeline Market

Pete and Theresa Aiello

John R. Akin

Anonymous

Sonia Aquino

Gene and Maureen Bergeron

Michelle Bergeron

Barbara and Charles Billings

Alex A. and Celia Blando

M. Richardine Blue, RSM

Madonna Bolton, RSM

M. Pauline Borghello, RSM

Jeannie and Bruce Bosley

John and Theresa Brosnan

Suzanne Buckley Dunckel and Kenny Dunckel

Corita Burnham, RSM

CHW St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center

Marvin and Mary Anne Camilon

Patricia Campbell, RSM

David and Joan Cannon

Sandra Caputo

Eva Castro

Brenda Buckley Chavez

Angie Chiesa

Santina and Raoul Cobar

Judith Coulter

Mary Jane Crist

Mary Dang

Rose Davis, RSM

Denise DeSoto

Joyce DeSoto

Judith Del Bianco - Di Franco

Sarah Di Mare

James and Ann Diedrich

Marion Dillard

Agnes Doherty

George S. and Ruth C. Dolim

M. Guadalupe Dominguez, RSM

Mary Dunlea

Patrick and Anne Armento Dunn

Barbara Elordi

Jerry and Rosalind Emery

Rita Fantin, RSM

Lynda M. Fassino

Suzanne Fichera

Verdel Flores

Kathleen Flynn

James and Patricia A. Fogarty

Joely and Florenda Francisco

Toni Lynn Gallagher, RSM

Don and Virginia Garrovillo

Joan Gillard

Helen Marie Gilsdorf, RSM

Marilyn Gouailhardou, RSM

Mary and Jim Guffin

Patrick E. and Deborah F. Halleran

Maureen Hally, RSM

Chris Brady Hanson

Bernadette Hart, RSM


Nathalia Hizon

Genevieve and Raymond Holland

Elizabeth Hughes

M. Loretto Hunt, RSM

M. Anita Iddings, RSM

Cathy and W. Christopher Ihle

Bjarne M. and Jean Jensen

M. Vianney Johnson, RSM

Mary Kilgariff, RSM

Cora Kumares

The Kusseling Family

T. LaMariana

Ila Lacey

Robert and Kathy Lange

Joan and Fred Lauriente

Nancy Lavelle


Jeannine Leichner

Ed and Rose Lodi

Ann Lokke

Alfredo and Pierina Lucchesi

Raymond and Olive Madlangsakay

Noel Madlansacay

Mary Georgina Maher, RSM

Anonymous

Kathy Mathews

Rita May, RSM Marina and Fern Maza

Jim and Mira Mc Tiernan

Bernadette and George Meyer

Mary Peter McCusker, RSM

Geraldine McDonnell, RSM

Marietta McGannon, RSM

Helen McGee

JoAnn McGovern

Richard and Judy McGrath

Steve and Patricia McMahon

Elizabeth Marie Mee, RSM

Pichi and Patricia Mendoza

Mercy Associates

Mercy High School, San Francisco

Pauline Merritt

Irene Mihailoff

Marissa Mikula

Mass Card Program


Rita Barichievich

Jaryn Barker

Gael A. Beresford - Raven

Hubert and Julia Brinkmann

Rosemary Brooks

Robert and Eileen Caviglia

Belinda Chua

Gilberto E. and Teresa DeAnda

Maria Elena Enage

Darleen J. and Daniel Fitzgerald

T.C. Hagen

Deborah Hull

Jerry Hurtubise and Catherine Huston

Lara Klaman

Komes Foundation

Kaysi Mc Donald

Raymond Moresi

Anonymous

Henry Needham, Jr.

Ministry with the Poor

Peru Ministry FundNancy Abbott

Anonymous

Valerie Armento

Beverly Finigan

Marjorie J. Kerler

Kaye Kuhlmann

Robert and Kathy Lange

MRCC Spiritual Care Department

Michael R. and Gloria McClintock

Patricia Miller

Mary Helen Monroe

Carol Ann and Robert Nulk

Joanne O’Brien

Patricia O’Brien

Sarah O’Connor

Jean and Raymond O’Neil

Marilyn Panelli

St. Charles Catholic School

St. Gregory’s - Lent Soup Night

Marian Steins

Students of St. Peter’s Parish

Jerry L. and Patricia Thomas

Edward and Liz Watson

Robert W. and Linda Watson

Mass Card Program cont. M. Freda Milke, RSM

M. Lorita Moffatt, RSM

Judy Morasci, RSM

Moreno Family

Cherie Moreno

Catherine F. Murphy


Noel J. and Elizabeth Murray

Kathleen Norton

Marilyn Norton

Lynn O’Connell

Rosaleen O’Connell

Joan O’Donnell, RSM

Joan Marie O’Donnell

Sr. Mary Gemma O’Keeffe, RSM

Myra Olives

Lorraine Pagan

Melanie M. Palmer

Eileen Pazmino, RSM

David and Irene Plyer

Paul M. and Christine Prendergast

Tom and Catherine Prendergast

Lillian and Len Privitera

Brian Probst

Olive Raffaelli

Antoinette Rego

Dennis G. and Patricia Reidy

Deborah Rollfs

Robert Roney

Peter and Cathy Rydberg

Scatena Family

Patricia Simko

Carlo and June Simonetti

Oriano and Pat Simonetti

Sisters and Staff of Marian Care Center

Barbara Smith

Cecilia Smith

Cecilie Soriano

Jessie and Lynn Sotero

St. Gabriel School

St. John’s Regional Medical Center Auxiliary

Jean M. Sullivan, RSM

Shirley A. Tamoria, M.D.

Hortense Tredway

Lorna Vierra

Zoe Wan

Harold B. and Marian Ward

Dave and Christi Wharton

Douglas and Catherine Winnett

Arlene Yew

Elaine and Jim Zant

Margaret Zarcone

Sister JoCeal Young, RSM, a member of the Mercy Outreach Surgical Team, travels to Mexico to assist with free surgeries for children with cleft palates, lips and crossed eyes. She is shown here with an indigenous Family in Chiapas.

“I love going to Mexico with the MOST team for two reasons... It is a hands-on work of Mercy, caring for people who have no access to healthcare; and this team is an

extraordinary group of giving, caring people. My Spanish is good enough to be able to speak with the parents, assure them that their children are safe with us and to receive their gratitude when they see the results of our surgery.

Our challenges have increased with border security and increased paper-work requirements by the Mexican government. We even pay for work permits to get into the country! We are supported totally by philanthropy, which pays for equipment, supplies, pharmaceuticals, and some team expenses. Cost per surgery is about $250, which is far below what the same surgery would cost in the US. We are efficient and very careful to use the moneys donated to us very well.”

— Sister JoCeal Young, RSM19

20

Retirement FundEvelyn M. Ade

Janet Almeida

Gaetane M. Andrews

Barbara Arena

Tom and Joseph Aspell

Ernest Avellar

Raymond and Shirley Ballister


Judith and Eamonn Barrett

Russ and Noel Bayley


Edna Bernardo

Catherine and James Berriatua

Palmer Bleichner

Joe and Joanne Borg

Barbara Bottarini

Nancy Brown

Suzanne Buckley Dunckel and Kenny Dunckel

Donna R. Burdick

Mary Bustabade

Thomas Byrne

Lillian Canton

Joan Stark and David Caraska

Thomas and Hellie Casey

Geraldine Cernach

Clemencia Clifford

Robert and Lucienne Cooper

William Corkery

Anthony J. and Sharon Damato

John and Joyce DeMarco

John A. and Barbara Decker

David and Kathleen Delucchi

Robert and Ping Demo

Patricia Devencenzi

Anonymous

Stan and M. Teresa Distel

Mary Dohn

Suzanne Elicetche

Doris Elmore

Maria Elena Enage

Donald and Marie Therese Engh

Tony and Amelia Espinal

Mary Fabian

John and Anne Fallon

Robert and Arlene Fife

Dorothy Flanagan

Carol Florence

Verdel Flores

Rosemarie J. and William E. French

David F. and Nancy Gallagher

Lillian J. Gamez

R. William and Carolyn Gaul

Jacqueline Gavin

Jim and Roberta Gilmore

Ralph E. and Elizabeth Gowan

John L. Grandsaert

Thomas and Joyce Greene

Margaret and Stephen Gurnik, Jr.

Anthony Hampton

John I. Hannon

Joseph Harvey, Jr.

Frank and Mary Hoberg

David and Valya Hohl

Richard and Robin Hornung

Celia Hovey

Sharon Irving

Joseph and Helen Jarzynka

Joyce Jekot Smith

Wendy Jhong

Mary Ann Johnston

Susan Joly

Richard and Marie Jones

Mary Joyce

Ursula Judkins

Jean Clark Kaldahl

Ronald B. and Rebecca Kennedy

Francis and Mary Ann Kielty

Charlotte A. and Michael Killeen

Amelia Kissling

Madeline Klinger

David and Lynn Krigbaum

Annamaria Lee

Ping and Frieda Lee

Robert Leet

Louis Lesko, M.D.

Monica and James Lingle

Ed and Rose Lodi

Byron and Karen Lott

Mary Georgina Maher, RSM

Barbara Mangels

M. J. Mannion

Pamela Manwiller

Lynda Maresca

Patrick J. Mc Sweeney

Cynthia McGee

Judith McLaughlin

Jeremiah P. Moynihan

Daniel and Joan Murphy

Peter C. Murphy


Ronald Nalette

Henry Needham, Jr.

Joanne O’Brien

Nancy O’Connell

John J. O’Connor

Lorie O’Sullivan

Gwen Olsen

Louise Ondi-Seeley

Ernest A. and Alice Ornellas

Jack and Patricia Pacheco

Marilyn Panelli

Edward W. and Joan Paulus

David J. and Patty Paumier

Dolores Pierog

Jerome M. and Neva Polizzi

James and Carolyn Preston

Robert and Mary Lou Quattrin

Maryanne McDevitt Ravano

Tom B. and Pat Reed

Ann and William Regan

Catherine Regan

Peter and Margaret Regan

Florence Rial

Louis F. and Gabriella Ricci

Bert and Linda Rodriguez

Barry and Carol Rost

Marilynn and William Rusinski

Patricia J. Sack

Salome C. Samaniego

San Francisco Financial Services

Pat Seeds

Donna Serna

Slosburg Family Charitable Trust

Gerald Smithson

Thomas and Linda Tachis

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thompson

Theodore Tronoff

Albert S. Tullett, Jr.

Antonio A. Valdivia

James R. and Shirley Valenteen

Joy Walsh

Dana and Margaret Wemple

Victor J. Westman

Robert H. and Charlotte Wiard

Eleanor and Donald Woodward

Frank H. and Barbara Young

Elaine and Jim Zant

Joseph Zetah

Marlys Zetah

Sister Magdalen Hoey watches the blessing ceremony at Marian Oaks.

Bequests (Unrestricted)Sarah A. Davis

Margaret Anne Fraher Richard J. and Patricia M. Schneider

Marian Renovation Equipment and Furniture Fund

Mary Agnes Belgrade

Dennis and Gloria O’Brien Foundation

Patrick E. and Deborah F. Halleran

Francis and Judith Hartigan



Archie W. and Margaret Marshik

Cecilia Smith

John St. Clair

Cherie Thibodeaux

Marcel Viens

June Wisecarver

Catherine’s Legacy Agnes Carroll

Barbara Carey

Clarence Nelson Dean Gross

Deborah Johnson

Donald Riley

Frances Anne Dolan

Frances Millerick Helen O’Connor

Howard and Wanda Lanus Hugh and Gail Chase

John Costa

Josephine Zarate

Lorraine Pagan

Marcel Viens

Mary Dohn

Mary T. Monroe Maureen Storch

Max J. and Thelma Babin Ray and Darlene Barger

Raymond Scheller Robert and Violet Madura

Steven and Susan Wade

The Virginia Monroe Trust

Thomas Keenan Thomas Kroetch

Toni Ann Secrest

Virginia Esh

Marian Care Remodel FundBarbara Arena

Valerie Armento

Carol Baetz, RSM

Shirley Barisone


The Blanche M. Gallagher Trust

Rita Boscacci

Albert and Elizabeth Bucci

Lorraine Canton

Margaret Carroll

Frank and Evelyn Casagrande

Elio A. and Enes Ciardella

Cecilia Dolores Conant, RSM

Alexa and Travis Culwell

Jane Cunningham

Sarah Di Mare

Marion Dillard

Stan and M. Teresa Distel

Thelma Egan Pat Fahy

Joanne Ferretti

Marie Fiscalini

John FitzGerald

W. Friedkin

Patricia Anne Galli, RSM

Lillian J. Gamez

R. William and Carolyn Gaul

Tom Gibson

Anna May Hart


Bonnie Hodge

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hulsmann

Kathleen Hurley

Robert K. Jackson

Diane Johnson Bluemle

Mary Ann Johnston

Mary Jones

Jean Clark Kaldahl

Patrick and Phyllis Kinsella

Diana Kurtela

Rodney La Cour


Marcy Lehfeldt

Ed and Rose Lodi

Rita May, RSM Geraldine McConnell

Dorothy McCrea

Kathleen Medcalf

Sharon Marie Meyerkamp

Irene Mihailoff

Morning Glory Montessori

Dorothy Neikirk

Raymond O’Brien

Lorraine Pagan

Elizabeth Patton

Dorothy Peck

Peter and Irma Richmond

Donald Riley

Janet Ruffing, RSM

Kathleen Ryan

Karna Schloss Davida Silva

Sisters of Marian Care Center

M. Carmen Sugiyama, RSM

William Susong

Margaret and Barkev Tashjian

Elizabeth and Malcolm Taylor

Jean Tollini

M. LaSalette Trevillyan, RSM

Ann Haggerty Trumble

Patricia Turay

Bebe Washam

June Wisecarver

Margaret Zarcone

Dr. and Mrs. James Zemer, M.D.

“In my experience, the closer we are to the poor the more our Mercy charism comes alive! It’s such a joy now to see hundreds of Sisters, Associates and others across the U.S. participating in Mercy Beyond Borders through their prayer, fundraising efforts and creative initiatives, widening the awareness of how MBB lifts displaced women and girls in Sudan up from extreme poverty.”

— Sr Marilyn Lacey, RSM(For more info, email Marilyn at [email protected]; or read her book,

This Flowing Toward Me, Ave Maria PressNotre Dame, IN, 2009)

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OtherCarolyn Anderson-Stewart

Fatima Avila-Ohlsen

Janet Almeida

Joseph and Imogene Ames Rick and Julie Ames

Sharon Almeida

Liz Bates

Lucille Bartson

Regina Bailey

Wanda Barrera

Richard R. and Mary Bona

Cindy Burger

Jo Ann Burris

Ann and Sam Caponio

Ann Cousins

Barbara Carey

Braxton and Margaret Combs

Catherine Collins

George and Nora Contos

Maria Magdalena Caballero

Mary Louise Castillo

Norman and Sylvia Chu

Yvonne Chambers

Agnes Doherty

Dorothy Downey

Irene Donner

Julianne Dent

Patricia Dolan

Barbara Elordi

Levinia Espinas

Maria Elena Enage

Diane Fahrner

Mary Fabian

Roseann Frederick

Cathy Gilligan

Gladys Garcia

I. Yolanda Garcia

Linda Gilsdorf

Michael and Evelyn Griffin

Refugio Godinez

Vicki Gonzalez

Catherine Hyland

Julia Howard

Marina Horn

Anne Infusino-Johnson

Dora Islas

Linda Ipsen

Deborah Johnson

Ann King

Caridad and Gerard Komp

Gloria Krzyzanowski

Kaye Kuhlmann

Thomas and Barbara Keefer


Joan and Fred Lauriente

George and Cindy Meek

Jeremiah P. Moynihan

Margaret Marnell

Margaret Molina-Hinkley

Marian Monks

Peggy Mills

Robert Moran

Marilyn Norton

Joseph P O’Reilly

Julia O’Daly

Barbara Piano

Catalina Poklay

Johna Peterson

Judith Jean Maccay Phillips

Lorraine Pagan

Marilyn Panelli

Greg and Judy Quitoriano

Carl F. and Lorraine Rollandi

Catherine Regan

Cherry Ricafrente

Joan Ryan

Mary Ryan

Barbara Scheele

Colleen Shannon Soracco

Oriano and Pat Simonetti

Ruth Stark

Sherron and Lou Sandrini

Toni Ann Secrest

Cherie Thibodeaux

Kim Marie Thornhill

Patricia Turay

Shirley A. Tamoria, M.D.

Evelyn Voinovich-Dembechi

Marcel Viens

Catherine and Robert J. Wilkinson

Christine Bucey Wilde

Judith Woodley

June Wisecarver

Lucy Walsh

Suzanne Waligore

Anita Ziebe

“If we wish to sow the seeds of real hope in our world, I think Catherine McAuley would say: ‘This is the way we must do it – one person at a time: one answering of the figurative doorbell, one answering of the figurative door, one embrace of the stranger, one welcoming of the other, one sharing of our bread and milk – one person at a time.”

— Mary C. Sullivan, RSM, MAST Journal 6:3 (Summer 1996): 11-17

Ways to GiveThere are several ways you can make a gift to the Sisters of Mercy, West Midwest Community and realize a charitable tax contribution.

Gifts of CashGifts of cash are best conveyed by check made payable to the Sisters of Mercy. Please mail it in the enclosed envelope after filling in the requested information.

Tribute GiftsTribute gifts offer an opportunity to honor a relative, friend, Sister of Mercy or special occasion. Memorial gifts provide a thoughtful way to express sympathy at the time of death. Please include the name of the honoree or deceased along with your gift and the name of the person to receive an acknowledgement.

Gifts of Appreciated Stock Giving stock may provide great tax advantages depending on the length of time you have held it. You will receive a tax deduction based on the current market value and avoid capital gains on the appreciated amount.

Matching GiftsMany corporations have matching gift programs for their employees and retirees. Ask your Human Resources office if your company will match your gift to the Sisters of Mercy. Your office will provide you with the appropriate forms to send us along with your gift.

Planned or Legacy GiftsPlanned gifts are usually made in the context of the donor’s estate plans. These gifts include charitable bequests, trusts, insurance policies, charitable remainder trusts, and gift annuities. Donors who make such provisions are recognized as members of our legacy society. We encourage you to discuss these options with your attorney, tax professional or accountant.

Vehicle DonationsDonate your Vehicle for Charity By donating your vehicle to Sisters of Mercy, you can:

• Help us maintain and expand our efforts in the community

• Receive the wholesale value of your vehicle as a tax deduction.

• Avoid the possibility of receiving a low trade-in value from a dealer, or the anxiety and hassle of selling to a private party.

If you decide to donate your vehicle:• It will be picked up free of charge.• It will be sold at auction.• Proceeds go to Sisters of Mercy,

West Midwest.• You will receive a receipt entitling

you to a tax deduction.

For your vehicle donation call Donate for Charity toll-free (866) 392-4483. Don’t forget to choose Sisters of Mercy, West Midwest when asked for the name of the charity to benefit from your donation.

On-Line DonationsYou can easily and safely make a one time or recurring donation on our website using your credit card. Visit http://www.mercywestmidwest.org and select Donate from the top menu bar. Questions about donating? Please call your closest Development Office:

Burlingame, Calif: (650) 340-7408

Cedar Rapids, Iowa: (319) 364-5196

Detroit, Mich: (248) 476-8000

Omaha, Neb: (402) 393-8225

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The Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community is one of

six geographical communities that make up the Institute

of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, an international

community of sisters vowed to serve people who suffer from

poverty, sickness, and lack of education, with a special concern

for women and children. The West Midwest Community has sites

in Auburn and Burlingame, Calif., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Chicago,

Ill., Detroit, Mich., and Omaha, Neb., but Sisters respond to the

needs of the time, living and ministering in 28 states and 5 other

countries. In innovative and traditional ways, Sisters of Mercy

address human needs through collaborative efforts in education,

healthcare, housing, spiritual, pastoral and social services. The

Institute of the Sisters of Mercy is comprised of more than 4,000

Sisters and 3,000 Mercy Associates and Companions in Mercy.

The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas sponsor or co-sponsor seven

major national healthcare systems, 20 colleges and universities,

20 elementary and preschools, 39 secondary schools, and hundreds

of affordable housing developments. They also serve in programs

ranging from hospice for persons with HIV/AIDS, to adult literacy

centers and resettlement programs for refugees.

2300 Adeline Drive. • Burlingame, CA 94010

Address Service Requested

NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSISTERS OF MERCY OF THE AMERICAS

WEST MIDWESTCOMMUNITY, INC.

burlingame 2009 donor report

Documents