spacer
spacer
News
SNJM Sisters Participate in Conference on History of Women Religious
At the Conference on the History of Women Religious (CHWR) in June, Susan M. Maloney, SNJM, PhD (Southern CA) presented two papers on her biographical research on Anita M. Caspary, IHM. The first paper dealt with the historical significance of Caspary’s life as the only woman in U.S. history to hold the positions of mother general of a Catholic order of Sisters and the founding president of an ecumenical community. The second presentation discussed the transitions in the spirituality of Caspary. Linda Fuselier, SNJM (South Bay), Fran Kearney, SNJM (San Francisco) and Rosemary Everett, SNJM (South Bay) also attended the four-day conference.
CHWR is a group of approximately 400 scholars and archivists from the fields of history, religious studies, women’s studies and sociology. International membership includes scholars from the U.S., Canada, Australia, England, Ireland, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, France, Japan and China. The group meets triennially to discuss new research in the field.
In conjunction with the conference, Santa Clara University opened a special exhibit featuring selections from the professional papers of keynote speaker Sandra Schneiders, IHM. Among Sandra’s resources were books written by Elizabeth Liebert, SNJM (East Bay) and Mary Boys, SNJM (Seattle). Learn more about the special exhibit at: https://www.scu.edu/library/asc/exhibits/schneiders
SNJM Associates Honored with Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross Award
Densy Chandra, Associate, third from right, and Greg Chandra, Associate, second from right.
Southern California Associates Densy and Greg Chandra were among four San Bernardino Diocese recipients of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross Award, the highest honor bestowed upon laypersons by the Vatican. Greg and Densy are active in many parish and diocesan ministries including building and development, Asian-Pacific ministry and social concerns. Densy served as a national delegate to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Asian Pacific Ministry for more than 10 years. She is the coordinator of the Diocesan Migration Mass. The couple belongs to the Equestrian Order of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher, which provides for the needs of the Church in the Holy Land. They are also regional advocates for Catholic Relief Services.
Celebrating Barbara Bray, SNJM
Photo caption: L-R: Jo Anne Quinlivan, SNJM; Barbara Bray, SNJM; Bishop Emeritus John Cummins; Cynthia Canning, SNJM and Donna Maynard, SNJM.
Over 100 administrators and staff members of the Oakland Diocesan Chancery Office gathered for a luncheon on June 22 to honor and thank Barbara Bray, SNJM (East Bay) as she retires from her ministry as Superintendent of Schools. Bishop Emeritus John Cummins offered the invocation. Bishop Michael Barber and Assistant Superintendent Linda Basman spoke in glowing and grateful terms of Barbara’s gifts of servant leadership, her creation of a “community of schools” in the Diocese and her mission-driven and child-centered service during her 38 years of educational ministry in Oakland. She served as principal in two parish schools, assistant superintendent and superintendent.
“Meet Me at the Villa” Fundraiser
Villa Maria del Mar retreat center in Santa Cruz, CA held their “Meet Me at the Villa” fundraiser on May 18 which included a reception and dinner for 135 guests. There was an auction of golf packages and travel that raised additional funds for the Villa. It was great fun for all. Learn more about the Villa at: http://www.villamariadelmar.org/
Joan Byrne, SNJM Honored by New York State
In recognition of her 40 years of service to DePaul Housing Management of Albany, NY, Joan Byrne, SNJM received the “2016 Outstanding Contribution by a Senior” award from the New York State Office for the Aging. Sr. Joan also received a citation from the New York State Assembly, presented by Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy, and a “Proclamation Honoring Sister Joan Byrne” from New York State Senator Neil D. Breslin. Click here to read the New York State proclamation honoring Sr. Joan.
Strawberry Day in California
On May 10, 1868, six foundresses arrived in San Francisco after a long journey from Longueuil. The Sisters of Mercy welcomed them with strawberries and cream. This was a special treat for the Canadian Sisters, who were not accustomed to having strawberries so early in the year. We honor the arrival of these foundresses every year on Strawberry Day by sharing strawberries with students and colleagues.
Linda Riggers, SNJM Receives Loeken Award
Linda Riggers, SNJM, at right, with Kim Ficele-Bowen, chair of the Holy Names Academy International Language Department and a Spanish teacher, who received the Distinguished Teacher Award.
Holy Names Academy, Seattle bestowed its Loeken Award on its registrar, Linda Riggers, SNJM, at a recent assembly. The award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has gone the extra mile in service to the Academy. In the Attendance Office, Sr. Linda lives the mission of the school in many ways through her attentive care to the needs of each student.
“The Water Nun” Anna Keim, SNJM Featured in Pasadena Star News
Dubbing her the “water nun,” the Pasadena Star News celebrates the passion of Anna Keim, SNJM for teaching Ramona Convent Secondary School, Alhambra students about justice and free, clean water. Read more at: http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/environment-and-nature/20150621/nun-at-alhambra-catholic-school-teaches-water-conservation-bashes-bottled-water
Ramona Convent Secondary School’s Homelessness Solidarity Retreat
Sixteen Ramona students recently attended Ramona’s first Homelessness Solidarity Retreat, designed by Anna Keim, SNJM. Students listened to a presentation on homelessness by Judy Vaughn, CSJ, director of Alexandria House in Los Angeles. Sr. Judy brought a guest speaker who shared her own experience of homelessness. The students spent the night in cardboard boxes on the tennis courts at Ramona and got up at 5 a.m. to serve breakfast to the homeless at the Midnight Mission on Skid Row in downtown L.A.
Final Vow Ceremony for Anna Keim, SNJM
Final Vow Ceremony for Anna Keim, SNJM: Anna Keim, SNJM, second from right
Photos from the Final Vow ceremony for Anna Keim, SNJM are available to view on our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151705257358808.1073741826. 159027698807&type=3. You do not need to have a Facebook account to view them.