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Winter 2014 Vol. 3, No. 1focusing

WholeLivingPassionate Dreamers and Fearless Seers

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that we create the futureAs we move with the Spirit in giving full expressionto our giftedness as women in the ChurchSharing equally in its mission—In living a life that is simple prayerful courageous and compassionate—in proclaiming with prophetic voicethe Gospel to all people—in strengthening our corporatenessas women in community—in demonstrating our beliefin the dignity of the human personand the call to secure this dignityfor all women and men—in expressing our solidaritywith the poor and oppressed.

IN FAITH AND HOPE WE ACCEPT THE CHALLENGES

THESE BELIEFS IMPLY.

Sisters of St. Joseph • Brentwood, NY — Vision Statement

Focusing is published twice yearly in Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood NY.

C E N T R A L O F F I C ESt. Joseph’s Convent

1725 Brentwood RoadBrentwood, NY 11717

L E A D E R S H I P L I A I S O NKathleen McKinney, CSJPatricia Mahoney, CSJ

E D I T O R SMary Ryan, CSJ

Patricia Manning, CSJ

G R A P H I C D E S I G NPatricia Manning, CSJ

C O N T R I B U T O R SKate Braet, CSJ

Nancy Fackner, CSJCatherine Fitzgibbon, CSJ

Joan Gallagher, CSJNancy Hager

Katherine Hanrahan, CSJHelen Kearney, CSJ

Karan Lee, CSJMary K. McKenna, CSJ

Patricia MonahanOwen Mullaney, CSJ

Whole Living Committee Members

P H O T O G R A P H E R SPhyllis Esposito, CSJKerry Handal, CSJMarie Mackey, CSJ

Mary Ellen Vesey, CSJ

w w w . b r e n t w o o d c s j . o r g

Fall/Winter 2014 VOL. 3, NO. 1

We Believe...

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Featured in this issue

With reverence and affection, we will continue to provide loving care, comfort and support for all our Sisters who are aged and/or infirm. We pledge to provide education regarding the aging process and to seek consultation and advice from outside experts in gerontology and related fields. We endeavor to enable each Sister to continue our mission and be a sign of God’s loving presence in the world.

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F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T 4

M I N D , B O D Y , S P I R I T 5

L I v I N G W H O L E 6

A L L O P A T H I C v S . H O L I S T I C 7

D R E A M S . . . 8

G O D W I T H I N Y O U 9

S E L F - C A R E T I P S 1 0

H O M E A S C A S T L E 1 1

J U B I L E E S 1 2

F I R S T v O W S , E v E N T S 1 3

R E T I R E M E N T G U I L T 1 4

D E M E N T I A J O U R N E Y 1 5

N U T R I T I O N 1 6

H E A L T H Y L I F E S T Y L E S 1 7

I N T R O D U C I N G 1 8

I ’ L L A S K S . T E S A 1 9

U N I T I N G A L L I N G O D ’ S L O v E 2 0

P A S S I O N A T E D R E A M E R S 2 1

S I S T E R S I N T H E N E W S 2 2

7 7 Y E A R S N U N N I N G 2 3

D I N N E R D A N C E H I G H L I G H T S 2 4

The CSJ Whole Living Committee includes (standing l. to r.) S. Alice O’Shaughnessy, Dr. Richard Hess, S. Patricia Mahoney; (seated) S. Mary Ellen Vesey, S. Katherine Murphy, S. Joan Deering, Marianne Mocarski. Missing from photo are Mary T. O’Neill and Jean Lynch.

on

MARIA F. STAPLETON, CSJEditor-at-Large 1987-2013

Maria’s dedication and literary skillswill be missed.

May she continue to be with us, pray with us,

inspire us.

WholeLivingfocusing

Chapter DirectionsAs Sisters of St. Joseph living in the 21st Century, we believe in the power, presence and love of God work-ing through an evolving universe and in God’s self-communication through Jesus Christ. As women of the Church, we recommit ourselves to Jesus’ mission as we move with the Spirit to bring about God’s reign and seek to promote justice, to live lives of non-vio-lence and to respond to the needs of our time.

Cover Photo: S. Peggy Conway assistsS. St. Timothy Connolly at her 70thJubilee Celebration.

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Those of us of a certain age - most readers of this Journal - were raised in an era of rather “low tech” medicine. As children, we visited the family doctor only when absolutely necessary and

routine check-ups were unheard of. When the minor pain or com-mon cold came along we were encouraged to buck-up, take an aspirin and be better in the morning for school or the day’s work as if it were simply a matter of choice. The world of medicine has changed dra-matically in these last few decades and so has our attitude toward the importance of our self-care. However, some mindsets die hard and we have to be continually reminded that it is not self-indulgent to be proactive regarding our health. In fact, it is one of the most responsible things we can do. As we live longer, we must become mindful to take those preventive steps that will keep us as physically and mentally well as possible. Much regarding our health is within our control and for this we can be grateful.

The ever evolving insight that we are mind-body-spirit has gained much attention in the last few decades also. There is no question now that some form of daily exercise, good balanced meals, sufficient rest, satis-fying work and meaningful relationships are the ingredients of a healthy and happy life. Tending to all facets of this mind-body-spirit composite takes very deliberate attention on our part. Many of the articles in this issue of Focusing offer insights and suggestions as to how we may do our part to be the most energetic and focused laborers in the vineyard no matter what our years. Let us encourage one another in this project called wellbeing.

Sisters Pat Mahoney and Alice O’Shaughnessy (center) conduct a listening session explaining the goals of the Whole Living Committee.

The Mind, Body, Spirit Connection

Pat Mahoney, CSJ, MRE, Fordham University; MSW, Hunter College; CSW certification; Medical Social Work-er and Administrative Manager St. Vincent’s Hospital HIV Center ; Whole Living Committee

...it is not self-indulgent to be proactive regarding our health.

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Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends,

In this winter issue of Focusing, there are many articles and hints about living well, living whole. This involves integrating all aspects of our being: spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual and physical. Our culture places a great deal of emphasis on the individual’s physical well-being, healthy eating, looking “good” in the latest designer apparel and staying young, counteracting the natural aging process at all costs. Living whole invites us to look beyond the physical individual to reflect on the inherent goodness in each living thing and on our call to respect and maintain life in all forms, throughout all its stages.

The mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph is to bring God’s healing and reconciling love to all in need, uniting all in God’s love. This begins with loving ourselves, including our many relationships and all of creation. We are interconnected as members and associates in the congregation but in countless other ways with our co-ministers, the youth and adults we serve, multiple constituencies, colleagues and friends. Our relationships and connections are vast and we have the potential to make others aware of our interdependence and our responsibility to reverence and respect all of life.

Humanly, we are born to be social and relational and we yearn to belong, to be part of a larger whole. We are born of nature, part of the web of life and it is the God-centered love that holds us together. This impels us to respond to this love from the human center that feels for another, that weeps for the poor and oppressed, that has a righteous anger in the face of injustice, that forgives our enemies and shows mercy for the wounded.

Nothing exists without everything else. Such unity demands the loss of our separate selves and challenges us to think and act in ways that make greater wholes. We can only do that if we take time for solitude, simply be with the source of all love and allow God to shape and form our way of being in this world. As you read and reflect on the articles in this issue be open to the information and ideas that encourage all of us to be united in God’s love.

Helen Kearney, CSJ

Ilia Delio: The Unbearable Wholeness of Being

F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

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Living Whole

“What we are is God’s gift to us; what we become is our gift to God”

In one of the direction statements of 2011 Chapter, the Brentwood CSJs committed ourselves to: continuing to provide loving care to our aged/infirm Sisters and to provide education for all our Sisters regarding the aging process. As a means of moving toward that goal, in the spring of 2012, the council formed a Whole Living Committee. The members had ex-

perience and insight into many aspects of wellness (physical, emotional, spiritual) and wished to share them. Our initial goals were that each Sister will have an opportunity to:

• develop insight into her present health status • see connections between her present choices and her wellness - now and five years from now • embrace change if she sees it to her advantage

So, recognizing that the direction for our work would come from the Sisters themselves, we started at the last step! The committee researched several wellness surveys and pared them down to a manageable length. Then, some of us engaged in listening sessions with small and large groups of Sisters from all four counties and from the fifth through the ninth decade. Sessions involved prayer, pertinent short readings and explanation of our goals. Then the Sisters answered the anonymous printed questionnaire and wrote their comments. About 200 attended. Many of the comments and responses were similar to the ones which those of us on the Committee had articulated ourselves. Several representative responses follow.

Regarding Spiritual Wellness

Traditionally, there have been two schools of thought when looking at health and disease: allopathic and holistic health care. These two differing philosophies trace back to the ancient Greeks. The allopaths were known as “atomists” and

the holopaths were called “vitalists.”

In very simple terms, allopaths believe that health and disease come from the outside in while the holopaths believe that health and disease come from the inside out. For allopaths, disease is often caused by a germ which infects the body. For holopaths, disease is able to gain a foothold in our body when our overall immune resistance is lowered. For allopaths, the cure then comes from the outside via a medication or surgery. For holopaths, the patients’ own natural ability to heal themselves is bol-stered through nutrition, exercise, rest.

These two different approaches to our health have held sway at different times in history, each enjoying its own heyday. Holistic health care was extremely popular in the late 1800’s with many seeking the natural cures. Allopathy is seen today as con-ventional medicine and excels at acute treatment of disease. Both schools of thought have their pros and cons. However, more people are looking to stay healthy through holistic methods rather than rely on the acute treatment after disease has set in.

Allopathic vs. Holistic

Dr. riCharD heSS, NY Chi-ropractic College, doctorate; private practice Babylon Chi-ropractic Office; Whole Living Committee

• I’ve become aware of the importance of Spiritual direc-tion, and would like a list of Spiritual Directors

• I am grateful to have more time for my prayer life and retreats

• I would like to learn more about expanding conscious-ness

• I need unbiased education about changes in the Church• I would like more time for prayer together with others • I enjoy learning about different methods of prayer• I’ve heard that ‘dream work’ can help us grow emotion-

ally and spiritually

Regarding Social Wellness• Many Sisters have lost close friends, companions, family

members who knew and understood them. Most feel the loss deeply

• I have a wide, rather than close, network of friends• I am a social, friendly introvert• I’m grateful for Facebook; it helps me keep in touch with

friends at a distance• Volunteering is good for me as well as helpful to others• I am grateful for and inspired by the kindness of Sisters I live with

Regarding Physical Wellness• I like to read good articles on health• Good health has led me to gratitude and enjoyment of life• I’d like guidance in dealing with Sisters who have demen-

tia, mental illness• I’d like to learn more about effects of normal aging• I think I may need assisted living. How shall I decide?

Regarding Intellectual Wellness• Now that I have more time, I am enjoying reading• It’s stimulating to live with educators• I’d like to access different styles of learning, e.g. watching

DVDs with discussion following• I want to learn to use the computer and learn about

social media

Regarding Emotional Wellness• I’m trying to accept my lack of mobility• I don’t want to burden people• I need help in developing relationships with the sick and elderly

As you readers of Focusing become aware of the results of the survey, we are hoping that some things may strike a chord. Perhaps you have similar desires, or the ability to make some of them achievable. As the staff of Focusing have made it possible for us to reach a wider audience, we think the skills of the newly formed Technology Commit-tee will be invaluable. If any of you have the inclinations and skills to convert ‘wishes to horses’ please contact any of the members of the Whole Living Committee.

aliCe o’ShaughneSSy, CSJ, MD Marquette

Medical School, Board Certification Internal Medicine, Board Certification Hospice and Palliative Medicine; Whole Living Committee

...allopaths believe that health and disease come from the outside in while the holopaths believe that health and disease come from the inside out.

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Jean lynCh, The Mary Louis Academy faculty; Spiritual Director, Inisfada; Whole Living Com-mittee

God Gives Us Songs In Our Sleep

“When we dream, the soul transcends the limits of the body, and holds divine communication with the angels.”

Each of us is created by God a precious and unique, one of a kind “image” of God’s very own self. We each come into the world whole, blessed by God with gifts and talents and with limitless possibilities. However, during our lives we seem to lose parts of ourselves

or we simply are never given the opportunity to fully discover other parts of our unique and special gift package. We might say that our human condition limits us. Indeed, for a great vari-ety of reasons, as we grow and change we begin the process of claiming some of our gifts and disowning, discarding or putting aside others. But the TRUTH of who we are is hidden some-where very deep within ourselves and although the memory of that TRUTH may be temporar-ily difficult for us to reclaim, it is always alive and well and tucked safely into the mind and heart of God, the Giver of all good gifts.

All through our lives God calls to us - both through our life experiences and our dreams to reclaim this fullness of who we are, to take back the gifts we have been given and to allow our-selves the full range of feelings, thoughts, choices and behaviors that are our birthright. Unfor-tunately, we seem so willing to settle for what we have come to know and expect.

Fortunately, God does not settle. Given even the smallest window of opportunity, God brings before us new truths about ourselves and challenges us to see ourselves in new and different ways.

Dream work offers us an opportunity to touch the truth of our own thoughts, feelings, actions and behaviors. It invites us to bring compassion and hospitality to new or perhaps long banished parts of ourselves. It asks us to step into the world of images and symbols and to explore the questions we may never even have thought to ask ourselves in our waking hours. In the quiet of our sleep, our dreams invite us to step into God and touch for a moment the TRUTH of who we are as God sees us, and to love not just the loveable parts of ourselves but the not so loveable parts as well.

As we pray with our dreams and bring their messages to life in our everyday experiences, we move ever deeper toward God ‘s desire for us to discover our truest self. When we honor our dreams, they help us bring about subtle, gentle changes in our way of being that carry a healing, changing power through the layers of our lived experiences and infuse those experiences with Kingdom values. Is there anything that is really more important to do?!

In our busy and over scheduled lives, it is easy to forget who we are and what we are about. It is easy to ignore our own needs, while we generously care for the needs of others, needs that can seem great-er than ours. While we truly may believe St. Iraneus’ insight, that the glory of God is the person fully

alive, we can be tempted to ignore what promotes life and wholeness for ourselves. I have two favorite quotes that you also may find have resonance within you. The first is:

In search of the divine, we go everywhere.We go to places of pilgrimage,visit the temples of God,follow many paths and disciplinesand ignore our bodies.

Your body is the most sacred placeof pilgrimage you’ll ever come to.it is the dwelling place of the divine spirit;it is the true temple of God.

Go within and experiencethe glory of God within you. —The Wisdom of the Body, Yogi Amnit Desai

Our bodies speak to us in so many ways. This is an invitation to listen more closely to themessages we receive. Our aches and pains readily grab our attention and demand our care. Do we listen to their messages as we try to ease the discomfort or ache? Are we only interested in cure, to the dismissal of cause? What secrets of or insights about the whole self might be borne by such couriers?

Research on meditation and centering has shown that quieting the self, taking time to connect with the deep inner self, benefits the whole self and not simply the spiritual self and one’s relationship with God. In these spiritual exercises, our mind becomes still and rests, our soul is nourished and our physical body is also impacted in measurable ways and our stress level is reduced.

When we make efforts to connect on this deeper level, to be where we are, in the present moment, we use our time more consciously and, thus, more meaningfully. Carl Jung’s paraphrased words resonate strongly with me, “it is not so much where we are, as where we are when we are where we are.” My second favorite quote speaks a similar message:

Everyone is a house with four rooms: Mind, body, spirit, emotions. Unless we go to each room each day, even if just to keep it aired, we are not a full person.

Going to each of these rooms is giving glory to God because it makes us more whole, more fully alive. Caring for any of these rooms helps us to grow more alert, alive and appreciative of the whole of who we are. Taking a walk and being present to the air, the wind, the sun, or any part of nature around us is prayer. Stretching and moving our bodies with thanks for our flexibility and mobility is prayer. Drinking a cup of tea with attention and gratitude for the warmth, the steam, the taste, the swallowing is prayer. Being fully present with another is prayer for, as we know, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in your midst.”

It is startling to realize just how many aspects of ourselves –those important four rooms- go unnoticed by our own inattentiveness! Perhaps Gerard Manly Hopkins’ revelation that “the world is charged with the grandeur of God” will serve as both reminder and invitation to us. Each of us is charged with that same grandeur of God. What an opportunity and responsibility is ours to regularly visit each room of this incredible house of the whole, dynamic self!

The Glory of God is Within You

Mary t. o’neill, D.Minn, NY Theological Seminary; CPE, Columbia Presbyterian and Interfaith Min-istries at Rhode Island Hospital; Assistant Administrator, Dir. of Pastoral Care and Education, Calvary Hospital; VP, for Spiritual Care and Pastoral Education Catholic Health Services; Licensed in therapeu-tic massage; Whole Living Committee

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Growing into your future with health and grace and beauty doesn’t have to take all your time. It rather requires a dedication to caring

for yourself as if you were rare and precious, which you are, and regarding all life around you as equally so, which it is.” (Victoria Moran: Younger by the Day: 365 ways to Rejuvenate your Body and Revitalize your Spirit)

Healthy Eating: One important way to maintain and enhance your physical health is through healthy eating. Excellent nutrition is the backbone of main-taining good health and a strong immune response throughout the year. Be sure to get adequate amounts of vitamins: Vitamin A: Found in orange and red veg-etables such as carrots and greens such as kale. Also in meat, fish, eggs, milk and other dairy products. Vitamin C: Found in fruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts. Vitamin D: Found in egg yolk, cod liver oil and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Milk and other dairy products are often fortified with it.

Physical Fitness: Choose activities that you enjoy and can do regularly. Fitting activity into a daily routine can be easy, such as a brisk walk to and from the parking lot, bus stop, subway/railroad station. Join an exercise or Yoga class with a friend. What’s important is to be active most days of the week and make it a routine.

Reduce/Manage Stress: Stress can be brought on by emotional upset, poor diet, lack of sleep and other environmental stressors. Stress can be debilitating, using energy that should be directed

to maintain and repair the immune system. Some examples of reducing/managing stress: Take five to thirty minutes in the morning to be quiet and meditate, and/or lie down and be with yourself…gaze out the window, listen to the sounds of nature, or take a slow quiet walk. While your car is warming up, try taking a minute to quietly pay attention to your breathing. While sitting at your desk, keyboard, etc, pay attention to bodily sensations, again consciously attempting to relax and rid yourself of excess tension.

Moderation/Hydration: Don’t drink too much alcohol or eat too many sweets-it can have a major ef-fect on your immune system. Try not to do anything in excess. Dehydration affects your skin and mucus mem-branes which are the first line of defense in prevent-ing pathogens from entering our body. Drinking 6-8 ounces of water daily will help prevent dehydration.

Accept Help: Some people find it hard to accept support, preferring to be the one always offering it instead. Some may fear becoming dependent or want to maintain their self image as the “strong” and “together” one. But friends and family often want to feel they have done something for you. Let them!! Accepting help can help you. It also keeps relationships in balance.

Katherine a. MurPhy, CSJ, RN-BC, MSN, CCRN, CHPN, ANP-C; Clinical Nurse Specialist/Adult Nurse Practitioner St. Francis Hospital; Whole Living Committee

Our Home Is Our Castle

SELF-CARE TIPS

We need to be safe and comfortable. Home accidents are a major source of injuries, particularly for the elderly due to normal physiological changes. Hopefully, the fol-

lowing areas will be helpful in assuring and assessing safety in the home.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS• Emergency numbers (pharmacy , family members, doctors,

neighbors) and a list of all current medications should be kept by all telephones. It is recommended that phones be within reach in case of falls. Carrying a cell phone with you is also a good idea. For those individuals living alone a Personal Response System would be of assistance

• It is suggested keeping water heaters at 120 degrees F or lower to prevent scalding. Faucets with a single lever is also another safety precaution.

• Rooms should have enough space to walk through. Clut-ter presents a hazard, particularly for those using a cane or walker.

• Items that are used frequently should be easily accessible to avoid stretching or climbing on chairs to reach items over-head.

• Stairs (indoor and outdoor) should also be free of clutter and in good condition. All stairways should be well lighted.

• Tubs and showers should have nonskid mats or strips. Safety bars could also be installed for additional safeguarding. Non-skid mats outside the areas should be used as well.

ELECTRICAL• All appliances, lamps, outlets, switch plates and cords should

be in good working order.• When small appliances are not being used it is recommend-

ed to unplug when not in use.• Use light bulbs with the appropriate wattage for the size of

the light fixture.• If an appliance develops a different smell, makes an unusual

sound or the cord feels warm to touch, pull the plug and discontinue use immediately.

• Caution should be used in overloading electrical outlets and extension cords.

• Electrical cords should be secured well and out of walking space. Cords should not be placed under rugs or taped to carpet or floor.

• Flash lights in good working order should be left at the bed-side as well as in the kitchen. In the event of a power failure, candles should not be used.

• Electric heaters should be used with caution and purchased with an automatic shut off feature. Place heaters at least three feet from any combustible material, such as bedding and furniture. Heaters should be plugged directly into wall socket and not extension cord.

FIRE SAFETY• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms should be

placed in kitchen, hallways and near bedrooms. Devices should be checked frequently and batteries changed yearly.

• Fire extinguishers should be placed in kitchen and each floor and with obvious knowledge of use.

• When cooking always “stand by your pan” and never leave cooking food unattended.

• Always wear short or tight fitting clothing when cooking to avoid sleeves from catching fire.

• Turn pot handles inward toward back of stove to prevent accidental bumping of pan and causing a scald injury.

• Use oven mitts to protect hands and arms from burns.

• Consideration should also be given to an escape route in case of the need to evacuate.

• All fire escape windows should be clear and unob-structed.

• If a security gate is in place it should be Fire Depart-ment approved.

I trust that this information will be of assistance in keep-ing you safe at home. However, this is just a cursory guide. I would encourage additional reading using the many web sites on safety in the home.

Joan Deering, CSJ, RN, MSN, home care nurse;CSJ Health Care Coordinator; Whole Living Committee

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Sisters celebrating 70 years as Sisters of St. Joseph: (top row from left) Mary Tropeano, St. Christopher Donnelly, St. Monica Diffley;(front row from left) Anne Sheehan, Mary Albert Thompson, Grace Keavney, Winifred McKevitt, St. Timothy Connolly.

Sisters celebrating 50 and 25 years: (top row from left)Maria Attilia Mazzina, Dorothy Zachorowski, Barbara St. Peter, Susan Sabol; (second row from left) Grace Mercado, Celia Gandia (25 years), Kathleen Carberry, Alicia Soto, Kathryn Schlueter, Jane Fritz; (front row) Margaret Miller, Katherine Hanrahan, Helen Roberta Herley, Jeanne McGorry, Phyllis Esposito, Rita McCauley.

Sisters celebrating 60 years:(top row from left) Marie Scanlon, Bernadette Phillips, Marie Jensen, Alice McVey, Barbara Buckbee; (third row from left) Mary Lou Buser, Dorothy Schnell, Anne Carmel Rapillo, Mary Sivillo; (second row) Anna Desiderio, Catherine Stasi, Joan Heptig, Babs Barry, Mary Catherine Sullivan, Regina Blackwell, Rosemary Blackwell, Catherine Tracey, Peggy Ford; (front row) Anne Clancy, Evelyn Klemmer, Gloria Garcia, Joan Rogers, Dorothy Frederick.

Sisters celebrating 70, 75 and 80 years (front row from left) Mary T. Slaymaker (70), Anne Brendan Delaney (80), Rita Josephine Lisante (80),Marie Pierre Meyer (75), Alice Haigney (80).

Jubilee Celebrations, September 2013Sacred Heart Chapel

Celebration of First Vows of Sisters Virginia Murtha and Preenika Dabrera on October 19, 2013 in Sacred Heart Chapel. Sisters Helen Kearney, President, Virginia, Preenika, Mary Walsh, Formation Director.

Sacred Heart Parish in North Merrick honored two Sisters who ministered there for more than twenty years. S. Edward Joseph Murphy (100 years young) had the Outreach Center named after her and the Parish Food Pantry was named after S. Patricia Turley. S. Edward Joseph visits her birthplace in Belle Harbor with S. Agnes White.

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Exhibit A:

Our Being is what we are about /not our doing! Guess who tells us this. The Do-ers! The ones who are still in full time

job positions. Let me tell you what I have learned about retirement and what I think could work for those of us who worked our entire lives and now have the opportunity to enjoy retirement (without guilt). Opportunity does knock but we may not be able to open the door because we have a huge transition to make. Transition unfortunately requires change-and tell me who you know who loves change? So, what I have learned through this past year and a half is: Work does often define our sense of meaning. Those who work in helping professions, especially, see ourselves as needed, as helpers.

When I first retired, I thought I was going to have the opportunity to do part time work. It did not come to pass. I got sick the month after retirement. I often somatize my anxieties. After that time, I found it hard to have “free time.” I felt useless and couldn’t find my way. I thought I was not adjusting to retirement but then found a part time job 8 months later. When it was time to go to work, I became nervous. I realized how

Retirement allows Marianne Mocarski (left) to support social causes. Here she is in Benning, GA protesting at the School of the Americas.

I wasn’t used to working. I thought I hadn’t adjusted but now I realized I HAD! And so the moral of my story is: Try to prepare for retirement so you are not shocked by the “free time.”

Being guilty about enjoying “free time” is just a by-product of lives that found meaning in work.

Being guilty about enjoying “free time” is just a by- product of lives that found meaning in our work. Try to find someone who loves retirement to teach you its lessons. If you can’t, teach yourself! Go back in your memory bank, and think of all the things you thought you would like to do and see what may be possible now! Think of what you are passionate about to make whatever you choose to do during retirement an enjoyable and fruitful time!

Retirement is just another phase of life and, re-member, if we are at this phase we had to learn to make adjustments every time there was a new phase on our journey. So enjoy the change needed and just enjoy.

Retirement/Guilt

“Who is the first to know? Local community or friends? Family seems to be last. Once it’s known, then what? Protect her? Cover for her? Get help? What help?” “I don’t want to say anything, I don’t want to say anything that may get her sent away.”

“I have over whelming feelings of inadequacy, unable to help her.” “At her core she is sick. With other diseases you can still be yourself. Where is our identity located? Our personhood?”

“Intellectually you know – but emotionally it’s hard. I am always upset; I

realize I shouldn’t have said something after I’ve said it. It gets her upset

– ‘don’t come to see me if you don’t like…’ I don’t know how to handle it

myself.” “She is always so concerned about me. Her humor,

her compassion, her goodness is still there.”

“I get upset because I think others are not gentle enough – it hurts, it hurts me to see it.” “I like to see her with her understanding and kind aide – I overheard her ask ‘Why do you do this for me?’ The wonderful aide answered ‘because I love you.’” “God bless the sisters at her table they are so patient and caring.”

“How do you learn to be supportive, compassionate? Knowledge is very

important – education is needed for all – not just friends.” “We need to change

our priorities – some things are not important – we need to be sensitive. Don’t

try to bring her into your world – be with her in hers – her time frame, her

memories.” “Let her say it 10 times – don’t correct her.” “Celebrate what is –

not mourn what is gone – but travel with her in the present.”

The Words of Companions on the Dementia JourneyKate Braet, CSJ

Having worked with many of our Sisters with Dementia, I thought it was important to ask their friends to share with us their unspoken experience and insights. The following is a

compilation of those interviews.

These are words of wisdom, words of compassion from friends on a heartrending journey. Sometimes our sorrow can steal our resolve – blind us to what can be done. Some types of dementia can be reversed – some can be slowed – some cannot.

Isn’t it worth investigating early? Not denying, not disguising, but trying painfully, honestly, to treat it for what it is – a medical condition. Look at it early while there is still something there to hold on to, to build on. Some of us need ramps or elevators, walkers or wheelchairs because our legs are no longer strong. What kind of helps can be given when our memory is no longer strong?

Marianne MoCarSKi, LMSW; Formerly Little Flower Chidren and Family Services, Assistant Executive Director of Queens Foster care program and the OPWDD pro- gram for developmentally challenged adults; Whole Living Committee

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Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We need to take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good. Our health is our

most important asset. With our busy lives, even given the resources we have at hand, it is sometimes difficult to maintain good health. It seems to be more difficult if we need to recover it, once we experi-ence illness. Our challenge therefore is to strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some key areas in our daily living that will help us remain healthy and enable us to age gracefully are:

• looking around our home, our room for potential fall hazards i.e.clutter, poor lighting, throw rugs or anything else that may cause you to trip and suffer a fracture.

• if living alone make contact with one person each day and con-sider getting an emergency call device that will help keep you and make others feel more secure about your safety.

• maintaining a strong social network is healthy. Find ways to con-nect with friends, enjoy them and celebrate one another.

• making adjustments in our daily routines becomes a reality. As we age, we may have to consider alternate ways of doing food shop-ping or household chores. Ordering from a local grocery and having it delivered or engaging someone to do the cooking and heavy cleaning may become necessary.

If you are noticing changes and are in need of another opinion, your Regional would only be too happy to assist you. Let us embrace the blessings of today and our ability to live well.

Sisters Ginny Down, Elizabeth Myles, Mary Doyle, Mary Ellen Vesey, Phyllis Esposito offer support for the Sisters in their respective Regions.

Mary ellen VeSey, CSJ, MAT; B.C.C; Patient Advocate Wyckoff Heights Hospital; Hospital Chaplain Trinitas Hospital and Lutheran Medical Center ; Whole Living Committee

SiMaintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Karan lee, CSJ

In contrast to the piecemeal American nutritional approach of vitamins, minerals, calories, and superfoods, the Asian focus

on food as medicine seeks to bring balance to the body as a whole, adjusting food choices to a person’s individual condition and to the season of year. For example, during winter, warming cooking methods (roasting, baking, sauteing) and avoiding raw and cold foods is recommended, as are soups and stews. As the weather begins to warm, use a mixture of lighter styles (stir-frying, steaming, blanching, boiling, and water saute) and less chunky cuts in our soups. Enjoying the new spring vegetables and greens as they appear adds joy to our lives and aids our liver in renewing after the long winter.

Nutrition in a Wholistic Context

Choose for Health: 1) primarily unrefined grains * (45%) such as

brown rice, oats, barley, buckwheat, wheat berries, millet, quinoa;

2) plenty of vegetables (35%), choosing a variety of colors;

3) legumes: beans, lentils, peas, peanuts (5%),

4) whole fruits (not their juices) (5%) are taken in moderation;

5) Some fish, chicken and other protein sources are helpful (5%) sprouts, herbs, micro-algae, omega-3 and GLA foods and oils, and small amounts of spices (5%).

*Next best: whole wheat or whole grain breads and pastas, especially with sprouted grains.Limit: meat, eggs, cheese, butter, excess oil, nuts, and seeds.

Avoid: refined white flour and sugar ; hydrogenated, synthetic fats such as margarine; intoxicants; chemical ingredients; soft drinks; artificial sweeteners.

Growing organic, buying organic, supports the health of individuals, society (less disease, less violence, less pollution of land, water, and air), and our planet. May our prayer be: “Let all I do today be for the healing of the world; all I do today.”

For those who wish to eat healthier foods than the Standard American Diet (SAD), the following recommendations from the Longevity Diet can guide choices. As eating more wholesome food will naturally flush out toxins, proceed slowly so as not to overwhelm one’s system and bring on cold/flu-like symptoms.

May our prayer be: “Let all I do today be for the healing of the world; all I do today.

Our health is our most important asset.

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S. Angela Gannon, Coordinator for CSJ Sponsored Educational MinistriesHaving served as an educator, administrator and general superior, S. Angela understands the strengths and the needs of the Sisters’ education minis-tries today. This new role was designed for someone with her skills and background to increase shared resources, facilitate board development, and leverage funding for the Sisters’ six high schools and The Learning Connec-tion. As liaison, Angela is fostering communication and networking among teachers, administrators, support staff, board members, students and parents. Her leadership skills have earned her many awards and honors including an Honorary Doctorate, St. Francis College, Brooklyn, in recognition of educa-tional leadership in the diocese.

S. Rosemary Bellantoni, Wellness Minister, Maria Regina It has been my privilege to minister at Maria Regina in the newly created position of Well-ness Minister. There are many challenges in the work of caring for our frail elders, for both our dedicated staff and for the families who become part of our community. My role is to care for those who care for our residents. It has been a year of getting to know a compe-tent, compassionate staff that embodies our charism and the mission of Maria Regina “To bring Christ’s healing comfort and power to all.” Each member of the Maria Regina staff is part of the team that works to give the best care possible to each resident. As the Well-ness Minister, I provide a listening ear, a time apart when staff is faced with the challenges of work or personal issues. My ministry has called me to walk with families of newly admitted residents - to pray with them as they entrust their loved ones to God’s call to the fullness of life and into our care. I have been part of our on-going support group for family caregiv-ers. I have the opportunity to interact with our residents, especially our sisters – always a bright spot in my day. This challenging and life-giving ministry continues to grow and evolve as needs change and opportunities present themselves.

“I’ll ask Sister Tesa.”Katherine hanrahan, CSJ

These words are heard every day here in Long Island City, the home of Hour Children, Inc. Mothers and children, staff and neighborhood leaders say them, seeking help and information.

They are also frequently heard in the halls of New York City and State government officials, in meetings of prison superintendents and their staffs, at planning sessions of reformers and activists for women and men in prison and their children. Recently the White House honored Sister Tesa Fitzgerald as a Champion of Change, one of twelve people across the United States, for her work “on behalf of children of the incarcerated.”

What do people ask? For help in crisis, for a compassionate ear and a responsive heart, for an honest evaluation of the needs of the incarcerated and of their children and families. They ask for housing and work, for education and guidance and for clarity in evaluating the current available services for this very invisible part of our neighborhood.

Tesa’s own words describe the underlying principles of all she does. “Every person has the power to change; the undeniable and lasting love between a parent and child can be transformational; and the greatest gift you can give a child is a stable family of his own.”

Hour Children owns and/or operates My Mother’s House at St. Rita’s and the Hour Children House at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Convent in Astoria. Home to Sisters Tesa, Carole Lessard and Katherine Hanrahan, the former convents house 22 mothers with 21 children. They are the points of entry for formerly incarcerated women coming from New York State prisons or Riker’s Island with a child or reuniting with a child left with family or in foster care.

The other Hour Children residences are Sister Kathy’s House in Corona, named for S. Kathy Costello, Hour Children’s Flushing House and the two apartment buildings on 11th Street housing for 28 mothers and 33 children. The newest Hour Children House was built on 12 Street on the site of the first office and thrift shop. This new building will provide space for the administrative offices and Tesa. Built on property purchased from the Diocese of Brooklyn-St. Rita’s Parish, the building has been financed with the cooperation of federal, state and local governments. It is the second building erected by Hour Children in this manner.

Ask S. Tesa and she will make clear it is all about the children and the needs of their mothers, the women met in Bedford Hills, Taconic and Albion Correctional Facilities or in the cells of Rikers Island. Hour Children runs the Nursery program in Bedford Hills and Children’s Centers in the three facilities. The social work staff of Hour Children visit the prisons weekly to provide services and counseling to inmates and encounter families who are candidates for the residences and programs when they are ready to leave prison and begin to live and act as a family again. S. Tesa is a welcome face at planning meetings and Correctional facility training programs. She never misses an

S. Babs Barry, The Medical Insurance OfficeS. Babs helps the Sisters navigate the “alphabet soup” of federal and state insurance eligibility and keeps the Congregation updated on medical insurance programs and information about potential reimbursements for the Sisters. Helping the Sisters with applications for medical, dental and prescription drug coverage is a new world for Babs who is returning to the U.S. after ministering in the Dominican Republic for 32 years. There she served the patients of a hospital hospitality house where she tended to 20 patients a day from pre-surgical through post-surgical, helping them navigate the Dominican Republic’s medical system so they could receive the best care.

Introducing...

opportunity to visit the in-prison programs and the women they serve. They are the reason their children wait for hours and the program works many hours to address their needs.

Mentoring programs for the children of those incarcerated and for the women as they leave prison and take up the challenge of a changed life with their children are central to Hour Children. The office in Long Island City hums with the efforts to make these programs available to all who need them.

The Champions for Change award presented to Tesa on June 12, 2013 at the White House honored her for her commitment to incarcerated women and men and their children. She was accompanied to the award ceremony by staff and volunteers who run many of the programs. One of the notable facts of this event is that several of the women who stand with Tesa are former clients. They bring their life experience as well as education, training and opportunity to develop programs that work at Hour Children today.

It is a blessing and the result of patience, determination and expertise that Hour Children is actively serving this “dear neighbor” who can be invisible to other parts of our society. What else is needed? Ask S. Tesa Fitzgerald!

Cathy Liberatori, Computer Technology SpecialistThe technology specialist role was created in the Office of General Secretary to assist in advancing technological literacy as we move forward with the Congrega-tion’s 2011 Chapter Directives. Cathy’s expertise helps Sisters embrace technology as she encourages members to use the website, email and Internet. She has an MS in Computers in Education and has been teaching others to use computers and software applications since 1984. Cathy serves on the Congregation’s Technology Committee. She is also Co-Director of the CSJ Associates, women and men who commit themselves to live the CSJ Charism of inclusive love and carry on the mis-sion in their daily work and prayer.

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The Atlantic Region of the CSJ Federation held a gathering for newer/younger members at St. Joseph Villa, Hampton Bays from November 14-17, 2013. Forty CSJs were present

representing the Boston, Brentwood, Philadelphia, Springfield and St. Augustine congregations. The gathering was organized by a Planning Committee comprised of leadership and membership: Sisters Betsy Conway (Boston), Peggy Conway, Kerry Handal and Helen Kearney (Brentwood), Marie Sullivan and Carol Zinn (Philadelphia), Jeanne Branchaud and Maxyne Schneider (Springfield), Kathy Corr and Jane Stoeckerild (St. Augustine). S. Janet Gagnon from Lyon Province in Winslow, ME served as facilitator for the gathering. The hope in coming together was to remain passionate dreamers and fearless seers of new visions so as to keep the CSJ Charism alive.

In spending time learning more deeply about each congregation it became evident that no matter the geographic location the CSJ Mission is being carried out by all. When the members of the region’s leadership expressed a sense of urgency in keeping the CSJ Charism alive and moving forward it became clear that the mission needs to be carried out as one.

The sense of urgency was presented in the image of an upside down pyramid. It is a known fact that since the 1970’s the number of newer members in our CSJ Congregations has not stayed proportionate to the numbers of the preceding years. While such an image portrays the reality of numbers it does not reflect the relational power possessed by Sisters of Saint Joseph. The growing needs of our aging population do not surpass the wisdom that is so treasured among us. If we are to enflame the charism so that the fire grows, a sustainable image is called for.

An image like that of the indigenous people of the land as they

neighbor in living out the mission. As we balance our lives with ‘being’ and ‘doing’ we are aware to be mindful to not allow institutions dictate the movement of the Spirit and move from ‘corporate’ to a ‘common’ manner of relationship.

As passionate dreamers and fearless seers of new visions that keep the CSJ Charism alive we committed to remain attentive to the Spirit looking at the signs of the time and to see where our creativity and energy is being called to respond. The manner in which Janet Gagnon told the stories of Jeanne Fontbonne stirred a desire for a pilgrimage to Le Puy, to return to the beginnings and walk in the steps of our foremothers. It is the balance of being and doing that will hearten and sustain us to be sisters of the neighborhood, building relationships with our neighbors which include all of God’s good creation.

While our numbers may be fewer we still possess the critical mass to evolve our CSJ Charism in hearts, on Earth and throughout our Universe. The group’s planning committee accepted the invitation to be an on-going facilitation committee for the CSJ Atlantic Region. We will sustain the conversations in our own local congregations while staying connected as a group. As members in the Congregation of the Great Love of God, our prayer ‘that all may be one’ will deepen our manner to be active and inclusive in our love, reconciling in nature leading toward greater unity. It will surely enflame the charism and keep the fire both going and growing!

dance around the fire, moving outward in a spiral by age gives a truer representation of our reality. It is the spiral movement and the wisdom of the elders that gives energy and keeps the fire burning in younger members. It is such a movement in unison that ignites a fire in and for others. One’s spirit does not diminish with age but it is the shared spirit that will last throughout the ages. In the manner of S. Jeanne Fontbonne who did not see problems but rather saw solutions, the group pondered on how to move the CSJ Charism forward in today’s reality.

The energy level grew as the gathering moved through the days and there was renewed joy in creating the future. Those gathered did not see the diminishment of the CSJ Charism but yet another transformation of it as needed in our times. The tradition to ‘divide the city’ is still relevant as we look to journey with our dear

Joan gallagher, CSJ

Passionate Dreamers and Fearless Seers

S. Joan Gallagher, center, represented the Brentwood Congregation at the Atlantic Region of the Federation.

PatriCia Monahan

This year’s sabbatical program “Awakening to Our Place in the Universe Story” with the Sisters of St. Joseph of LaGrange Park, IL was the gift of a lifetime. It enabled

me to set aside daily routines for eight weeks to study, reflect, share and contemplate the Universe as a single unfolding revelatory event that celebrates the communion of all in the mystery of Love. Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ puts it this way, “the incomprehensible mystery of God is love beyond imagining.”

The alienation of humanity from the natural world has divorced it from intimacy with other beings and deprives it of the joy of mutual presence throughout the Universe.

The charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, uniting all in God’s love, is embedded in our cosmic identity. All activity is Universe activity. Our call to “a profound love of God and love of neighbor without disctinction” is governed by the themes of the Universe. Thomas Berry, a cos-mic mystic, called all institutions, professions, programs, and activities to be judged primarily by the extent to which they inhibit, ignore or foster a mutually enhancing human-Earth relationship. There are many gifts but the same Spirit—teachers, healers, preachers, sociologists, theologians, and a variety of other ministries. One and all are called to the Great Work of reflecting critically upon our relationship within the community of life by means of story (old and new) and shared dream experiences. The Direction Statement of Chapter 2011 emphasizes that “the call to ecological conversion is part of our develop-ing spiritual vision of the 21st century and understanding of its theological underpinnings will deepen our aware-ness of our interconnection with all creation and the unity of all things in God.”

Ecological conversion is an invitation to deepen our understanding of the spiritual dynamics of the Universe revealed through our own empirical insights into the sacred heart of the Universe...into the Body of Christ. Everything emerges out of incomprehensible mystery from the original flaring forth some 14 billion years ago; the human is integral to the story from the beginning; and self-reflective consciousness awakens into communion with love beyond imagining. Indeed, the great diversity of things in their unity is where we glimpse the Divine.

Uniting All in God’s Love

How do we, mere mortals, embody love beyond imagining at this moment in time? Thomas Berry suggests that human-ity has choices. First, we can continue forward believing that science or God will make things right. This worldview is likely headed toward extinction of the human species and major destruction of the life systems of the planet. Second, we can back away from reality refusing to acknowledge that our hu-man mode of being is destroying Earth—that we are separate and immortal and that Earth is finite—our God-given natural resource. In other words, our destiny is elsewhere— hu-man consciousness will evolve beyond nature. Our withering planet is testament to that worldview. Finally Berry advises, we turn around and walk forward into the Universe Story and recover our cosmic DNA.

How do we do that? It’s a question of story and we are be-tween origin stories. A paradigm shift of immense magnitude is occurring at this moment in time. Its evolution is character-ized by the governing themes of differentiation, interiority, and communion which address the intentionality of all existence.

Differentiation (diversity, complexity and articulation) characterizes the Universe from its flaring forth—from hydrogen to hummingbirds to humans. Everything is ineffably unique. Subjectivity—(presence, identity, and interiority) reveals the inner dimension of things—the inner capacity for self-manifestation, not just their physi-cal reality. Brian Swimme reminds us that “Rocks had to become human to sing.” Communion—(interrelatedness, interdependence, kinship) is the essence of existence. Nothing exists without everything else. “The ultimate aim of the Universe is the fullness differentiation, the deepest subjectivity, the most intimate communion.”

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nanCy FaCKner CSJ

Immigration Reform is about human beings. There are stories of

people who have died at our borders trying to reach freedom. It is about families broken up, parents deported, children left, never able to say good-bye. It is about “Dreamers” living in the shadows. We hear stories of pain, suffer-ing, cruelty and at the same time stories of faith, hope and an absolute confi-dence that the Light of Christ does indeed shine in

Our Journey to Immigration Reform

our darkest moments. The Sisters of St. Joseph and Associates are committed to Comprehensive Immigration Reform Now. Throughout the year we have participated in many advocacy efforts in collaboration with NETWORK, LCWR, USCCB and many local coalitions working for Justice and Peace. Together, we made our voices heard by: prayer and fasting, contacting our Local Representatives, giving Public Witness at vigils and rallies in Brooklyn, NYC and Brentwood, participating in The Interfaith Pilgrimage 4 Reform on Long Island...

Our God has indeed been with us every step of our journey. Together, let us continue to embrace the challenge to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters and to build a land, a nation, where all are welcome !

Sisters in the NewsS. Rose Torma was presented with the Pelican Award by the Boy Scouts for her support of their work.

S. Margaret Conway of The Mary Louis Academy assisted Sisters Agnes White and Patricia Chelius in obtaining donations from Best Buy for their schools in Rockaway and Belle Harbor after the Sandy storm. They received 20 laptops and additional supplies of notebooks, crayons and class room items.

S. Elizabeth Johnson was one of the presenters at the Passionist’s series on the Vatican Council - 50 Years later. It was held in Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica.

S. Mary Anne Ricioppo,who died in the 55th year of her religious life, spent 45 years in Transfiguration Parish. There she was teacher, mentor and friend. She ministered to countless immigrant families. Hooper St. was renamed in her honor. It is now named Sister Mary Marcellus Way (her religious name).

S. Dolores Crepeau was nominated Hometown Hero in the Daily News.

A new addition to Saint Joseph’s Convent has brought joy to the Sisters. The Development Office with the help of S. Owen Mullaney applied for and received a Grant from SOAR (Save

Our Aging Religious) to renovate the kitchen facilities on the third floor in the Convent. Two anonymous donors also contributed to this endeavor. The wall between the two small rooms presently in use, was broken down to enlarge the kitchen into one large room. Cabinets at a lower level, providing easy access were installed. The refrigerator, micro and other equipment are readily available. The room is wheelchair accessible. The Congregation, using retirement funds, renovated the kitchen on the fourth floor.

I have spent 77 years nun-ning but as many as 10 more considering whether

I’d choose to do this. Well, I so chose! My choice was inves-tigated by a Mistress, head honcho for those starting to nun. She did not think I had a thing known as common sense which seemed to be something that nunning was built on. This

Reflections On 77 Years Of Nunning

requirement disappeared with my first teaching job. The Mistress and I knew my true vocation was to be a teacher so we forgot about CS. I delighted in teaching and in the students and went right up the teaching ladder until it included even the Eighth Grade. The Mistress, now Assistant Reverend Mother, decided I might do well in our mission in Puerto Rico. What a wonderful adventure! I taught Chemistry, Biology, Algebra, and tutored Calculus. I clung to God and loved it all. When I returned to the States I earned Masters degrees at St. John’s University in English Lit and in Theology and a par-tial Masters in Science. Science contributed to my spiritual life. I was thrilled to go with Marie Curie in imagination as she went to her pitchblende shed and saw the petrie dishes shining with what had to be radium. I laughed as I saluted Robert Hall who wrested aluminum from its ore and made the airplane so important.

At one stage of our Congregation’s growth in age and grace, we were influenced by Vatican II’s open-ing the Church windows. More came in than fresh air. Discernment was difficult. As a Congregation we had to discern together. That is why we’re still alive today, union in discerning.

Sisters Agnes Claudia Allen, Maria Rypkema and Fran McGlynn enjoy the new kitchen environ-ment.

Renovation Provides Relaxation

Now is the TimeWe are the spaceFor the HolyTo rise in our midst. —S. MKMCK, CSJ

Another big step was the decision to use our Bap-tismal names. I went from Sister Mary Philothea to just plain Mary Kathryn McKenna. (Philo-Greek for love and Theo for God) Philo was known as “the love of friendship.” That’s probably why I made friends so easily and kept them. In St. Anthony’s HS in Huntington I became a full fledged nun teacher. It was the heyday for me. When I reached the age of retirement, I did so with confidence for many of those whom I had taught became my men-tors. Now they teach me things like: the Power of the Biblical Myths and Their Truths, the NOW of Eternity, the unknowable depth of Silence and the importance of staying awake. When I come up from the computer at night, I sing veree softly: It’s my Compline Time. Jan Novotka’s music helps me greet the darkness:

Consciousness Waking!Holy and wholeCreation stirringEvolving anew!

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St. Joseph’s Convent1725 Brentwood Rd.Brentwood, NY 11717

Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage

PAIDBreNtwOOD, NY

PerMIt NO. 10

Highlights of thePartners in Ministry

Dinner DanceOctober 24, 2013

at the Village Club at

Lake Success

S. Helen Kearney (above) with Honorees Mary Ellen and James Minogue,(below) Sisters Kathleen McKinney, Honoree Mary Ellen Kane and S. Helen.

Honoree Frank Hager (standing) with Director of Development S. Rose Viceconte, his wife Lynne and (seated) his sisters Therese and Rose.

Barbara Townsend (left) was the emcee for the evening.