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Edition No. 71 — June 14, 2018 
Youngest 10% Members 
Host  Collation and Conversation
Saint Joseph Villa
by Pat Mensing SSJ
On Saturday, May 12, 2018, over 80 Villa sisters joined 12 sisters from the Youngest 10% of the Congregation for an afternoon dubbed  Collation and Conversation . The goal of the event, which was organized by the Core Committee of the 10% cohort, was for the two groups of the Congregation to be able to spend time with each other in prayer and to get to know each other.  Sister Maureen MacElderry SSJ , Congregational Liaison for the Villa, noted that the event was highly anticipated, saying that the Villa sisters were anxious to attend the social and talk with  the younger sisters .

The time opened with introductions of the 12 sisters to the Villa sisters, followed by a prayer created by  Sister Marie O’Hagan SSJ . The prayer was based on both the Gospel passage of the Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth and the theme of providing hospitality and a shelter for each other. The prayer time ended with an anointing of the sisters’ hands with oil while offering a prayer for each sister as they were anointed. 

Following the prayer there was an opportunity for all present to share the  collation of assorted pastries, soft pretzel nuggets, iced tea and lemonade, as well as have time to talk with the groups gathered around the tables and couches around the community room. As the Villa sisters left the social, they were given gift bags which contained a maxim card and a maxim button. 
Both groups enjoyed the time spent together.  Sister Ceil Cavanaugh SSJ said, “the energy and joy pouring out of the room [as the sisters left] was palpable.”  Sister Cathy McGowan SSJ concurred: “It was a great gathering. We are standing on the shoulders of great women. How blessed we are!” 

The following week, Maureen received written notes from two of the Villa sisters. One note read, “It is inspiring to hear of the charism that our younger members so graciously carry on.” Another wrote, “The prayer was inspiring and the refreshments delicious!” Maureen noted, “Looks like we may have a tradition started!” 
Photos courtesy Maureen MacElderry SSJ
Seniors Make a Difference
Presentation on Sustainable Development Goals
Sister Colleen Dauerbach SSJ
May 31, 2018
The UN has articulated targets to reduce global inequality, by 2030, including a focus on achieving and sustaining income growth for the bottom 40 percent of the world’s population through social, economic and political inclusion and equal opportunities within countries, and through adopting fiscal, wage and social protection policies — 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Pope Francis reminds us, “The fight against poverty is not merely a technical economic problem, but above all a moral one, calling for global solidarity and the development of more equitable approaches to the concrete needs and aspirations of individuals and peoples worldwide.”

In March, of this year  Sister Colleen Dauerbach SSJ attended the UN meeting where the Sustainable Goals were discussed. One of the major focuses was equality for women throughout the world.

The group,  Seniors Make A Difference , under the direction of  Sister Eileen Dorothy Maguire SSJ , gathered on May 31, 2018, for Colleen’s presentation on the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The reason we are taking a look at these goals today,” explained Colleen, “ is because they are well incorporated into our Generous Promise — focusing on a corporate voice, the unmet needs, the vulnerable, the marginalized, women and children and flourishing of Earth. It is quite amazing to me that there is a tool available —  the 17 goals — that will help us take a look at and continue living out our Generous Promise.”

Colleen summarized the 17 goals, emphasizing Goal #5—  Gender Equality  — an issue that has been emphasized through our C/SSJ Federation.

After Colleen’s presentation, the group had time for reflection and discussion about ways to support the struggle to bring greater economic equality to all people. May we listen and respond to the challenge to create the global common good.

To find out more about Goal #5 and other Sustainable Development Goals, visit:  http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment
Eileen Dorothy Maguire SSJ, standing, greets the sisters and associates.
Colleen explained the 17 goals, emphasizing Goal #5— Gender Equality — an issue that has been emphasized through our C/SSJ Federation.
Ryan Killeen, Ph.D.
First Lay President 
Norwood-Fontbonne Academy
Ryan Killeen, Ph.D., has been appointed as the new President of Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, effective July 1, 2018. Dr. Killeen succeeds  Sister Mary Helen Beirne SSJ as leader of the Academy. “We feel confident that Dr. Killeen will bless Norwood-Fontbonne Academy with his vision and creativity, leading the school community to ever greater excellence imbued with the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph,” said 
Sister Anne Myers SSJ , Congregational President. 

Dr. Killeen, a native of New Jersey, presently serves as principal of St. Paul School, Princeton, New Jersey. He has experience in both elementary and secondary educational settings. No stranger to the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Dr. Killeen graduated from St. Rose Elementary School and St. Rose High School, Belmar, New Jersey. He credits the Congregation and their mission for shaping his spiritual and personal formation, and for fostering his educational philosophy and world view. “I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to return to my roots in ministry with the Sisters of Saint Joseph,” said Dr. Killeen. “I am honored to lead the vibrant, innovative community of Norwood-Fontbonne Academy.”
Pictured from left: Ryan Killeen, Ph.D. and Anne Myers SSJ
SEPTA Key Cards
June 13, 2018
SEPTA has introduced a new fare payment system called SEPTA Key. For riders under 65, this is a new method of payment. For those 65 and older, it is a new form of identification that seniors may obtain to take advantage of the Seniors Ride Free Program. 

Through this program seniors ride without cost on all SEPTA buses, the Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Subway, trolleys and the Norristown High Speed Line; and for $1 on regional rail line rides within Pennsylvania.

The photo ID will allow seniors to simply “tap-and-go.” The SEPTA Key Senior Card will be valid for four (4) years from the date of issuance. The expiration date is noted on the front of Card.

Three members of State Senator Art Haywood’s staff came to the Motherhouse on Wednesday, June 13, for sisters of the 4 th  Senatorial District, who are 65 years or older, to have their picture ID taken and processed for the SEPTA Key Senior ID Card.
"Rooted in the mission of Christ, ours is the same mission which continually unfolds in the Church, 'That all may be one as you, Father, are in me, and I in you. I pray that they may be one in us.' (Jn 17:21)."
                                        — SSJ Constitutions #17
Editor, Sister Carole Pollock SSJ | 215.248.7269 | cpollock@ssjphila.org | http://ssjphila.org/home/