Lenten Reflections by Bridget Bearss, RSCJ

Artwork and Reflection by Bridget Bearss, RSCJ

Let us make room for God

during this Lenten Season

by choosing not to do some things (Fasting) and

choosing to do other things (Feasting) 

Fast from harsh or mean words

Feast on words that encourage and support others

Fast from anger,

Feast on patience

Fast from worry,

Feast on God's love and care

Fast from sadness and depression,

Feast on joy and peace of mind

Fast from complaining

Feast on appreciation and gratitude

Fast from bitterness

Feast on forgiveness

Fast from resentment

Feast on acceptance

Fast from jealousy,

Feast on being oneself

Fast from self-centeredness

Feast on compassion for others

Fast from excess

Feast on moderation

Fast from acquiring

Feast on generosity

Fast from apathy

Feast on caring

Fast from discouragement,

Feast on hope

Fast from judging others

Feast on finding Christ in them

The above reflection by Bridget Bearss, RSCJ can be found on Looking Out My Window.  Sr. Bearss is Head of School at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills, MI and will be speaking at the 39th AASH Biennial Conference being hosted in Omaha, NE on April 12, 2013. 

Treasure Coast AASH Gather for First Friday Mass & Lunch

Alums gather for lunch at the Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club
after First Friday Mass in Vero Beach, Florida

For the second year in a row, I traveled to Vero Beach, Florida to attend the First Friday Mass and Lunch on March 1st with the Sacred Heart Alums who are members of the Treasure Coast AASH.  The group meets the first Friday of every month from December through April for Noon Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Afterwards a luncheon is usually hosted at a different club in the area. This is a great way to meet up with the locals and snowbirds alike.  

Patricia Leary Dowling, NC'56 was the sponsor for our no host lunch at the Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club. A scrumptious lunch was served and during dessert Mariclare Nicholson Beggy, MC'62, President of the Treasure Coast AASH made general announcements and then introduced me.  It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces especially my Sacred Heart friends from Chicago.  I wish to thank Mary Fran Peez Griffith, GP '44 who so graciously chauffeured me to the luncheon.  It was a spectacular day and so meaningful to spend it with fellow alumnae. 

 

Our New Pope Francis I

St. Francis Assisi

How befitting that yesterday amidst all the excitement of the news of our New Pope that I should receive an email with a link to the following poem by Vashel Lindsay - American Poems.

St. Francis of Assisi

Would I might wake St. Francis in you all,

Brother of birds and trees, God's Troubadour,

Blinded with weeping for the sad and poor;

Our wealth undone, all strict Franciscan men,

Come, let us chant the canticle again

Of mother earth and the enduring sun.

God make each soul the lonely leper's slave;

God make us saints, and brave.

- A poem by Vachel Lindsay - American Poems

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, SJ was born on December 17, 1936. He is the first Jesuit and the first from his country to be elected Pope on March 13, 2013. Taking the regnal name of Francis, after St. Francis Assisi. Pope Francis I is the first Pope born in the Americas and the first non-European Pope in history.

Of special note is that St. Madeleine Sophie Barat's brother Louis was a Jesuit priest. It is well known that her older brother Louis had a positive influence and served as her mentor.  He taught Sophie as a young girl and prepared her for religious life.  To read more about St. Madeleine Sophie - click here.

It was an honor to listen to Sr. Clare Pratt, RSCJ former Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart give commentary during the ABC News broadcast as we awaited the news of our New Pope. Last evening on the late news Cokie Roberts an alumna of Stone Ridge and ABC Correspondent was recapping the events on Nightline. So very proud of our Sacred Heart family!

Clare Pratt, RSCJ - Commentator on ABC News During Papal Conclave in Rome

Clare Pratt, RSCJ
Former Superior General 2000-2008

News from U.S. Provincial Team....

The U.S. Provincial Team asked me to share with you that Clare Pratt, RSCJ has been asked to be live on air with Diane Sawyer as a commentator throughout the papal conclave. We are not sure when the commentary will begin, who else will be commenting or how often it will be on, but we thought that you would want to know in order to tune in to ABC, particularly for their morning coverage.  Obviously, this opportunity is both an honor and a huge responsibility.

The following was posted to the RSCJ.org website this morning. 

Friends of the Society of the Sacred Heart might recognize one or more of the people providing commentary for ABC News during the papal conclave this week. Clare Pratt, RSCJ, will occasionally be on air with Diane Sawyer throughout the time the Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church are sequestered to elect a new leader of the worldwide Church. She will also be available to provide information and perspective during the days following the announcement of the next Pope.

As with so many details about the conclave, it is unclear at this time how often Sister Pratt will appear, or for how long. She is one of several experts that ABC News has available for commentary. Sacred Heart alumna Cokie Roberts is an ABC News Contributor and will be involved in the coverage from Rome.

A native of Washington, DC, Sister Clare Pratt was the first American to lead the international Society of the Sacred Heart as superior general, 2000-2008. She also served as a member of the U.S. provincial leadership team, 1988-93. Currently, she serves as the community director for Oakwood Retirement Center in Atherton, California, where many Religious of the Sacred Heart in prayer ministry live. Sister Pratt is a graduate of Sacred Heart schools: Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, in Bethesda, Maryland, as well as Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, Purchase, New York and Newton College of the Sacred Heart, Newton, Massachusetts. Her masters in religious education came from LaSalle College, Philadelphia.

The U.S. provincial team invites prayer for this historic and important moment in the life of the Church.

For further info on the ABC News Special Coverage "The Papal Conclave Choosing the New Pope" click here.

Elaine Stritch Documentary

Elaine Stritch, BH'43

A documentary on the incredible life and career of Elaine Stritch is in the works.  Currently there is a campaign to raise funds to finish the documentary titled "Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me" which is being produced by Chiemi Karasawa who founded Isotope Films in 2005 to develop and produce content based on true stories.  The film has been accepted for a world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.  If you wish to learn more and help with the funding of the film - click here.  

Elaine graduated in 1943 from the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Detroit, Michigan (Lawrence Avenue) and currently resides in New York.  She is most recently known for her television appearances on NBC's 30 Rock playing Jack Donaghy's (Actor Alec Baldwin) mother Colleen.

Click here for Video clip.

Joan Curley, Newton College of the Sacred Heart Alum Author

Joan Hanlon Curley, NC'57 ~ Children's Book Author

LUCIAN'S BOAT The Story of a Boy's Life by the Sea is a simple, elegant story about growing up, and the cyclical nature of time. It was inspired by a painting called "Low Tide" by Tom Cardamone. It is a story of growth, and the continuing cycle of renewal in children’s dreams for the future. This story can inspire children, parents and others who touch children's lives to discover the world again and watch as children's dreams today become tomorrow's reality.

Joan Hanlon Curley is a graduate of Newton College of the Sacred Heart ('57) where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She received a Master’s of Education Degree from Boston University. Curley continued to earn graduate credits at Tufts University, Salem State College and the University of Guam. She is twice the past President of the Naples Press Club and is currently Treasurer of the Circumnavigators Club, Naples Chapter. The author has received numerous awards including the Woman of the Year Award from the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Massachusetts. For their outstanding service to the people of Guam, she and her husband have been awarded a commission from the Governor of Guam to become a member of the Ancient Order of the Chamorri. Curley has had a lengthy career in education, serving as a fifth grade teacher, a guidance counselor and a school principal. She is originally from the North Shore of Boston and Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The author has traveled extensively – circumnavigating the globe twice -- and has lived in Bermuda, Guam, and Cairo, Egypt. She currently lives in Naples, Florida where she is active in many community organizations. This is Curley’s seventh book.  

Additional book titles by Joan J. Curley. NC'57  include: "All Boats have Pretzels"; "Lili, the Orphan Hen"; "Tanika and the Kiskadee"; "Tarek and the Talking Egyptian Horn"; "The Dandelion Slayers".

Sacred Heart Alums Gather in Naples, Florida

February 23, 2012 ~ The Southwest Florida Associated Alumnae of the Sacred Heart hosted their 20th annual luncheon in Naples, Florida at the Imperial Golf Club this past Saturday.  Fifty-nine Sacred Heart alums some of whom came with their sister, or sister-in-law, and/or college roommate spent a lovely afternoon having lunch and enjoying each others company. It was the 20^th year in a row that Sacred Heart alums have been gathering for lunch and fellowship in the Naples area. After the luncheon expenses are paid all extra monies are sent to the Society of the Sacred Heart for the RSCJ retirement fund.  

We enjoyed time socializing and then just before lunch was served I was asked to say grace.  I started by reading a portion of one of the daily reflections written about St. Philippine. Later while we enjoyed our desert a microphone was passed from table to table so that all in the room could introduce themselves and give a brief history of the schools they attended and what they were doing now.  A big thank you to Pat O’Rourke Leary (City House ’59 and Maryville ’63) who brought a beautiful Mater Statue to be given away at the end of our luncheon.  

Co-chairs Carla Grieve (Maryville College '62) and Lynn Shunk (Barat College '56) are to be congratulated for organizing this luncheon every year.  Mark your calendars for February 22, 2014 and plan to join us next year! 

Sacred Heart Alumna Author - NEWORK: WorkLife. Transition. Balance. by Katherine Kammer, RA'65

Katherine Kammer,  RA'65 ~ Blog and More Info

Whether you are a young alum about to graduate, in a transition, or interested in a promotion you will find Kit Kammer's book NEWORK: WorkLIfe ~ Transition ~ Balance  very helpful.  She provides the tools, tips and techniques required for making a career transition in the 21st century.

Katherine (Kit) N. Kammer, MSA, CMF, is an international leadership, team and career coach, author, and speaker. Kit is an alumna of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans (The Rosary). For more than 20 years she has helped thousands of individuals realize their performance potential and achieve their dream jobs. Kit has been featured on television, radio, and in newspaper articles. In 1993, she founded Kammer and Associates, Inc., a boutique consulting firm based in Atlanta. Kit served as past president of the Atlanta Chapter, Association of Career Professionals International. She believes in service to her community and profession, is a lyric soprano and a laughter club leader.

For further info on Katherine Kammer and her recently published book - click here.

Dame Maggie Smith of Downton Abbey Interview on 60 Minutes ~ SH Alumna Show Producer

Dame Maggie Smith as Lady Grantham Dowager of Downton Abbey
60 Minutes interview and Season Finale airs Sunday, February 17th

Deirdre Naphin Curran, WA '83 is a producer with 60 Minutes and recently produced the segment featuring Actress Maggie Smith to be aired tonight (Sunday, February 17th) on CBS.  

Dame Maggie Smith a well known British actor is cast as the Dowager Lady Grantham on the new hit PBS series Downton Abbey. The season finale will be aired Sunday, February 17th.  In her 60 Minutes interview with Steve Kroft, Smith admits to never watching the show.  The 78-yr.-old actor says she may watch the series someday, but for now she doesn’t, because watching will only make her agonize over her performance.  “Because it's frustrating. I always see things that I would like to do differently and think, ‘Oh, why in the name of God did I do that?’”  To view an excerpt of her interview on 60 Minutes - click here.

Happy Valentine's Day from AASH

Artwork by Bridget Bearss, RSCJ

"Let us open our hearts to confidence, to the spirit of Joy" ~ St. Madeleine Sophie Barat

Wishing all our Sacred Heart Community a Happy Valentine's Day and a very blessed Lenten season!

L'Esprit de Sacre Coeur ~ Tenth Anniversary

L'Esprit honored Care for Real
as their 2013 Goal Award Recipient

Saturday, February 9, 2013 Sacred Heart Schools Chicago celebrated their Tenth Anniversary of L'Esprit de Sacre Coeur with a Carnivale theme.  Nat Wilburn, Head of School introduced former Head of School, Sr. Susan Maxwell, RSCJ who was in town and gave a very beautiful blessing before dinner.  Sr. Maxwell read in part the following reflection (below) by Sr. Maureen Glavin, RSCJ and explained that the U.S. Conference of Bishops has named the month of February - the month of Philippine as part of their observance of the Year of Faith.  

Kudos go to Maria Cieciura, Michelle Krage and Claire O'Grady who did a fantastic job as Co-chairs of the event.  The night was filled with lively entertainment, a delicious dinner, and auction items that created a lot of excitement, as well as revenue for the school.

Editors Note: If you wish to read the entire collection of reflections on St. Rose Philippine Duchesne this month ~ please click here.  To see more photos of the L'Esprit Tenth Anniversary hosted at the Fairmont Hotel  ~ click here.

Reflections on St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

Philippine: Woman With A Global Heart Philippine Duchesne had what I like to call a Global Heart. Because of this, I find Philippine to be a particularly inviting model for our 21st century world. A global heart is simple enough to understand: it is a heart that has moved from lingering lovingly in an ego-centric place, through a group-centric place (my tribe, my race, my social group, etc.), to a world-centric place. A global heart has shifted the focus of interest and compassion from “me” to “us” to “all of us”! This development describes an emergence of consciousness and compassion into ever-expanding circles of whom is defined as “one’s neighbor” or into ever-expanding circles of people with whom one is capable of truly empathizing. A global heart has an inclusive, wide tent and a porous boundary! Philippine Duchesne was constantly expanding the borders and boundaries of her heart. As a child she yearned to reach out to the poor of Grenoble, as an adolescent and young nun she dreamed of working with native peoples across the ocean, and as an old woman she longed to travel to the Rocky Mountains and beyond—even to China. Philippine courageously crossed borders and boundaries that were not just geographic or political; she crossed borders and boundaries of social class, language, culture and customs. Philippine’s circle of compassion was as wide as the world. Her deep desire was to bring the Love of God, which she had come to know so intimately, to those in the world she thought were most removed from it. Philippine had a Global Heart. So what of us? How broad is the tent of our own inclusion? How wide is the circle of our compassion? How porous are the boundaries of our hearts? For whom do our hearts hurt? If the answer is too narrow or parochial, it is useful to know HOW Philippine’s Heart BECAME so GLOBAL. How? She opened her heart and spent copious amounts of time allowing God’s Love, through Christ, to fill her, to form her and, ultimately, to transform her. Her Heart thus became increasingly beautifully revelatory of Christ’s Heart. And AS Christ’s Heart, her heart encompassed the globe.  Maureen Glavin, RSCJ

Day of Reflection at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

In preparation for the Lenten Season, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Alumnae Association hosted a Day of Reflection on Saturday, February 9th.  The theme chosen was Women of Forgiveness and Reconciliation facilitated by Lyn Osiek, RSCJ.  Sr. Osiek is currently Archivist, U.S. Province, Society of the Sacred Heart and former Professor of Scripture, Catholic Theological Union.  

It was a lovely morning and the experience was shared with a diverse group of women attendees including: mothers of current students; mothers and friends of alumnae; alumnae from as far away as New Jersey and Minnesota; and four RSCJ; Lyn Osiek, Patricia Reiss, Maria Cimperman, and Agnes Chimbayo. 

Sr. Lyn Osiek, RSCJ will be co-conducting a Pilgrimage retreat November 2- 12 with Sister Marianne Race, CSJ - for further details on this trip click here.

Below is a prayer that was in our packet.  

Prayer for the Beginning of Lent

I want, Lord, actually, I need for this to be a good Lent.

I need to start again with you.  I want to be refreshed.

It is time for me to take a spiritual inventory:

to count my sins and number your mercies.

You offer me a season of grace, Lord and my heart needs what you so freely give.

I have been here before so many times.

Like New Year's resolutions, my Lenten promises often fade away

before the ashes are brushed from my brow.

So, I offer you my past broken Lenten vows

and pray for your strong arm to keep me faithful this year

to my prayer, my fasting and my works of mercy.

I offer you all of my past false starts, and pray you will walk this Lenten path

with me from Ash Wednesday to Eater Sunday.

I offer you in advance whatever my Lenten failures might be, Lord, 

and pray that when I stumble your Spirit will pick me up, dust me off

and set me back on the path marked out for me, the path I pledged.

I offer you my ego, Lord, and pray I take no pride in being faithful this Lent:

sustain me in what I cannot do alone -- just one day at a time.

Help me pray, a day at a time, to sacrifice a day at a time,

to be merciful a day at a time.

As I walk this Lenten journey with your Church, Lord,

open me to the needs of others.

Whenever, wherever I might be merciful,

make me generous to others as you have been to me.

One day at a time, Lord, you and me, with the Church, in the grace of your Holy Spirit.

The Concord Pastor

Duchesne Academy Omaha - Virtual Tour of the New Addition

As the 39th Biennial AASH Conference is about to be hosted April 10-14, 2013 in Omaha, Nebraska Sheila Haggas, Head of School and the current students of Duchesne Academy are looking forward to showing off the newly constructed five story addition to all Sacred Heart alums.

 White Carrara Marble panel featuring the Sacred Heart Seal inset originally
designed by Daprato Rigali Studios for Barat College ~ Lake Forest, IL
was beautiful restored and is now located at Duchesne Academy Omaha

In the above video look for the white Carrara Marble panel with Sacred Heart seal inset.  This was originally part of an altar and produced by Daprato Rigali Studios. The altar may have come from the Sacred Heart Academy on Taylor Street (Holy Family Parish) and later was moved to Barat College of the Sacred Heart - Lake Forest, IL.  The marble panel was found in the basement of Dougherty Dormitory before demolition in 2007.  It now looks stunning in its new home!

This year marks the 80th Anniversary of AASH.  If you have never attended a conference before you should consider coming.  Bring your daughter/son, sister/ brother (yes there are Sacred Heart men!) spouse and/or a college roommate.  The reunion with alums from all over the U.S. will be enriching. Past attendees have said that getting together with fellow Sacred Heart alums is socially, spiritually  and intellectually stimulating.  Suzy Kratochvil, Conference Chair and her committee have put together an awesome program. So please plan to join us as we Celebrate our Legacy in the Heartland!  For further info, on the events, honorees and registration details click here.  

AASH - Esprit de Coeur Winter 2013 Call to Conference Issue

Esprit de Coeur Magazine - PDF copy

More about the cover of the Winter 2013 / Call to Conference issue below.

PRESIDENTS of alumnae chapters of Sacred Heart colleges and academies,
attending meetings  of the Associated Alumnae of the Sacred Heart in 1933.

Pictured above from left to right: Back Row - Miss Elizabeth Herberman, New York City; Mrs. Austin King, Rochester, N.Y., Mrs. Vincent Carroll, Philadelphia, PA., Miss Elvira Mejia of San Francisco. 
Second row - Mrs. E. P. Hammond, Grosse Pointe, MI.; Mrs. George Reardon, Kenwood, Albany, N.Y.; Mrs. John B. Bremner, Chicago and Lake Forest, IL.; Mrs. Geoffrey Kimball, City House, St. Louis. 
Third Row - Mrs. Frank L. Markey, Manhattanville, N.Y.; Miss Alice Maginis, Boston, Mass.;  Mrs. Walter Keenan, The Rosary, New Orleans, LA.; Miss Margaret La Farge, Norotan, CN.; Mrs. C. S. Tuttle, Sacred Heart St. Charles, MO.
Front Row -  Miss Anita Mulgrew, New York City; Miss Marjorie Gauen, Villa Duchesne, St. Louis; Mrs. George S. McLaughlin, Providence, R.I.; Mrs. L.F. Crofoot, Omaha; Mrs. Walter Ibold, Clifton College, Cincinnati.

Dear Alums…

This issue of Esprit de Coeur has details of the upcoming 39^th Biennial Call to Conference being hosted in Omaha April 10-14.  Suzy Kratochvil, Conference Chair and her committee, as well as the alumnae and current students, faculty, staff and administrators of Duchesne Academy are eager to welcome you to their beautiful school.  Duchesne has just completed a state of the art five-story addition connected to the original building built in 1881. And, since we are celebrating our 80^th year anniversary, it is most fitting that this issue is filled with many stories of Duchesne alumnae  - past and present – to help bring our history alive, as we Celebrate our Legacy in the Heartland.  And speaking of Legacy, read about the heartwarming generosity of Shelagh Mary O’Dwyer, Point Grey ’38 on page 13.

About the cover, it was in 1933 the Very Reverend Mother Manuela Vicente, Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart when solicited for a little word about the first reunion, sent the motto “Pietas, Caritas, Magnanimitas”.   And during the initial meeting, the Very Reverend Robert S. Johnston, S.J., President of St. Louis University gave the opening address. In part he stated; “When we inspect the programme to learn the subjects of the “Papers” for this convention, we find that the titles are “Federation,” “Spirit,” “Service.” The mere choice of subjects so appropriate and so vital seems in itself a guarantee of the success of the Convention.  And their initial letters, F S S, offer at least a passing suggestion of a holy phrase, - “F.SS.,” “Filiae Sacratissimi,” “Daughters of the Most Sacred.” 

After the first meeting was hosted, AASH president Sara Chambers Polk wrote to Mother Mary Reid stating, “We think it is of vital importance for the success of our undertaking that each individual member be made to realize that she is an integral part of the Association, a link in the chain, and we can only be strong as our links are strong.”

We count on your financial support to help us stay financially strong and continue to improve the services we offer as an association so that we will flourish for the next 80 years.   I’d like to suggest that in honor of this momentous and special anniversary year, please consider a gift to AASH either in honor or memory of a loved one –someone you wish to recognize and show your appreciation  and gratitude - perhaps a parent, a friend, a sibling, RSCJ, mentor. Remember to check out our website for the list of corporations with Matching Gift Programs. Your dollars may be doubled or tripled, so check it out.

A very special note of gratitude to the following:

·       Beth Lowry Speck, AASH Past President and Nominating Chair along with her committee for putting together a very talented slate of nominees for the next biennium. 

·       Patricia Kolojeski, Cor Unum Chair and her committee for the stellar selection of award recipients. 

·       To the Estate and Friends of Shelagh Mary O’Dwyer, who made a Legacy Gift of $95,000.

·      And last, but not least, to the many alums who, at the end of the year, so generously responded to our annual appeal.

In this issue you will note that a very special award was created this year - the Janet Erskine Stuart Spirit Award recognizes individuals who through their work continue to strengthen the spiritual and educational mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart.  A reminder that the Society of the Sacred Heart will host their 5^th Spirituality Forum, Janet Erskine Stuart: Spirituality and Education for the 21^st Century, will be held July 10-14, 2013 at Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton, CA.  Details and a link to register can be found on the AASH website.

I look forward to seeing you in Omaha!

To continue reading more about the history of AASH and its first meeting in 1933 visit my blog often, subscribe (upper right hand corner) or follow me on twitter - click here

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne: Religious, Educator, Pioneer, Saint

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has named St. Rose Philippine Duchesne as the Year of Faith Saint for February.  To celebrate, members of the Sacred Heart family are sharing reflections, homilies, poems and prayers - something different each day of the month.  The Society of the Sacred Heart invite you to join them by visiting their site each day.  Click here to learn more.

To read the series of reflections, homilies, poems and prayers already posted - click here.