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FELICIAN SISTERS OF NORTH AMERICA

JUNE 30, 2023

The following article was submitted by Sister Catherine Marie-Elizabeth Rotterman regarding her Response to Love experience:

Hello again from the Formation House! My second ministry and community living experience was spent at Our Lady of Nazareth Convent and Response to Love Center in Buffalo, NY. My six-week stay on the East Side of Buffalo was another opportunity to learn about community life, explore possible ministries, and continue to discern my call as a Felician Sister. 

While I learned a great deal about community life during my time with S Catherine Raczkowski, S Johnice Rzadkiewicz, S Rose Szymanski, and Sara (their adorable German Shepherd), what I keep coming back to is a shift in my understanding of simple living and a vow of poverty. The sisters live and work in a neighborhood that is much poorer than other places I have lived and their desire to be close to the people spills over into every part of their life. While I know poverty goes beyond the material element, it did feel like a challenge to be more grateful for and more generous with my own gifts and resources. 

The sisters also all share the same ministry, which has also helped my understanding of community and mission. I’ve grown in my sense of mission and ministry over the course of my formation, shifting from a job or position focused understanding to something a bit bigger. The sisters modeled for me in a particular way what a life given fully over to a mission or ministry could look like.

Being from the Buffalo area, I had heard about Response to Love Center before - but this was actually my first time being there. Each week allowed me the chance to experience a different aspect of the ministry. I volunteered in the Intake room, working with clients to write up their grocery list for the food pantry to fill. I worked in the dining room packaging meals and distributing desserts and fresh produce. I assisted with Phil’s Room, where clients can receive new clothes of their choosing at different points throughout the year. I shadowed the ESL and GED classes, even joining the students for a field trip to a job fair in the city. I also contributed to the Response to the Word Series, offering a reflection on my time at the Center for Pentecost Sunday.  

Each piece of the ministry offered a chance to meet the people who come to the Center for some of their basic needs. It was humbling to receive such openness from some of the clients when they were shopping in Phil’s room. I was moved by the generosity of those who took only what they needed so there would be enough for someone else. I was challenged to remember that even those who are more difficult are still part of the body of Christ. I lit up when clients came in with smiles and greetings on cold, rainy days. I enjoyed getting to know the staff and volunteers who each contribute their particular gifts to the mission of Response to Love Center through different ministries. 

My second ministry and community living experience was certainly an opportunity for learning and growth. I am so grateful for the sisters, staff, volunteers, and clients who welcomed me during my brief stay. 

Sister Catherine Marie-Elizabeth Rotterman

Honoring and Celebrating Our Employees

Sisters at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo, NY, paused on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, to recognize and celebrate milestone anniversaries of their dedicated co-workers. The festivities began with a warm welcome from Sister Mary Therese Chmura, local minister. Sister Therese acknowledged the hard work and sincere efforts of the entire staff, highlighting the invaluable contributions of each department and in particular the honorees—Beth Ann Haseley, Administrator; Maria Heftka, Life Enrichment Coordinator; Kiesha Toney, LPN; Shateea Davis, CNA; Tracey Brown and Alicia Neely, Nurse Aides; Felicia Malone Maynard, Housekeeping; and Kyle Drum, Maintenance.

Following a plentiful and delicious catered luncheon and the opportunity to engage informally with one another, Sister Therese acknowledged each honoree individually with a certificate of appreciation and her personal expression of gratitude. Each recipient then shared a happy memory of their IHM experience. All honorees were observing five years of service.

The celebration ended with a door prize raffle, the gift of more happy memories, and the sincere wishes and grateful prayers of the sisters for God’s continued blessings on all those who bless their lives every day with their dedicated service. May their lives and time here at IHM continue to be fruitful and self-enriching.

O Mary, secure our hearts, within your own so holy . . .

Steeped in rich tradition and emulating Mother Angela’s deep devotion to Mary, the sisters at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo, NY, gathered for morning prayer on Saturday, June 17, 2023, to renew and deepen their own devotion to Mary. Following the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, each sister offered her own heart to Mary as a token of her love and desire to “radiate the virtues of Mary’s Immaculate Heart especially her meekness and mercy.” (Bl. Mary Angela)

The celebration continued at the noon meal as the sisters enjoyed making their own sundaes, compliments of SM Therese Chmura, local minister, and the leadership team.

Mary, our Mother, intercede for your daughters

Handy Hats

In Buffalo, the sisters ended the month of May with some very useful hats. Each sister customized their hat with different colors, flowers and ribbons. Now they have a place to put pins and needles. Sister Marcia was excited to get a new pincushion for her needlework. All the hats were made out of recycled items: old CD's, yogurt cups, scrap material and repurposed flowers...voilà, a hat pincushion!

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Thursday, June 22, 2023, was certainly a beautiful day in East Buffalo as our neighbors who are enrolled in the ESL classes at Response to Love Center paid a return visit to the sisters at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent. 

Having painted lovely flowerpots in their art class and planted impatiens in each pot, the students were eager to share their handiwork with the sisters. Cheerful chattering filled the room as the students enjoyed conversing with the sisters in English. The sisters were very impressed with the growing confidence of the students as they spoke in English. 

Accompanying the students were John Kozinski, Career Advisor; Caitlin Denecke, GED teacher; and Joan Reeverts and Natalie Howes, ESL teachers. Everyone is looking forward to the next visit.

In St. Catherine Laboure’s church bulletin, Revered Dan Maurer, pastor, expressed his sentiments, along with those of Fr. Joe Sioli and Sister Mary Faith Balawejder, when he thanked everyone who helped to organize and everyone who attended the “farewell” reception honoring Fr. Joe, Sister Faith and himself on Sunday, June 18. After a noon Sunday liturgy offered by Father Dan in St. Louise de Marillac Church, a reception was held in the church hall. Many parishioners shared stories or remembrances of the good done because of their presence and ministry. Cards, gifts and promises of continued prayer were shared. Parishioners also enjoyed visiting with Sister Mary Justice Przybocki and Sister Michelle Marie Stachowicz who had also served at the parish and school previously.

Sister Faith in St. Louise de Marillac Church, St. Catherine Laboure’ Parish

Sister Faith expressed her thoughts on leaving ministry in the parish in this way: “A minstrel is one who sings love songs then moves on to sing for others in another place. That image was shared in one of my scripture classes given by the late Fr. Demetrius Dumm, OSB. It’s a wonderful description of who a religious sister is and what she does. I have enjoyed singing God’s love songs close to 12 years at St. Louise (now St. Catherine Laboure’) Parish as a listener, connector, spiritual/pastoral guide, visitor to the sick, lector, bereavement companion…It is time now to move on due to some health issues and other considerations and continue singing my love songs in another way.. The relationships formed here will continue in my heart."

Sister also indicated that as of July 1, another kind of milestone transition will take place. Sister will be the last (at least for now) of many Felicians who served in the parish since its foundation on May 25, 1961. The school opened in September 1963. Sister Faith praised and blessed the Lord for allowing Felician Sisters to serve faithfully and she promised to pray for continued blessings on the parish.

Sister Faith (middle) with her sister, Dolly Stample (left) and cousin Theresa Galant (right)

Sister Mary Justice Przybocki, Sister Faith and Sister Michelle Marie Stachowicz

Sunday, June 25, 2023 was quite memorable for the Felician associates of western Pennsylvania. It was the day they had their pictures taken by the photographer for the official Felician Family album. It provided opportunity for dialogue with the Felician Sisters who gathered to have their pictures taken also. All then delighted in a presentation offered by Sister Virginia Marie Klonowski on prayer and participated in a session of Lectio Divina based on Sunday’s Gospel reading, Matthew 10: 26-33. Finally, they took part in a brainstorming session to discuss next year’s associate theme, possible topic, speakers and activities.

In her presentation Sister Virginia Marie shared the story of a little boy’s experience with prayer and highlighted prayer as relationship with God. She spoke of its personal nature and comfort with favorite ways of praying. She explained the meaning and the practice of Lectio Divina. Associates Jackie Bercik and her friend, Sandy Foody, Patti Lorenzi, Barb Marshall, Marie McCullough, Ginny McCloskey, Marcia Simon, Bob Sonoski , Michael Matta, associate inquirer, Sisters M. Justice Przybocki, M. Faith Balawejder, and Virginia Marie entered into a fourfold reading of the Word. Each time there was opportunity for sharing after a reflective pause. Sr. Virginia Marie offered praise and thanks to God for graces received and closed with the Our Father. After the session, several associates shared their thoughts, comments and asked further questions.

Ginny McCloskey said: “Very reflective and thought provoking. I felt God was present with everyone there. Marcia Simon said: It was a good opportunity…to learn a new way to connect to Him and His word.” Michael Matta shared: “This lesson taught me to allow God to speak to me.” Barb Marshall wrote: “I have to remember to read slowly and attentively so words will stay in my heart.” Marie McCullough shared how the experience moved from her head during the first reading to her heart by the last reading.

The associates thanked Sr. Virginia Marie, enjoyed each other’s company, brainstormed ideas for next year, and ended with prayer for all the intentions that they mentioned.

The sisters of Immaculate Conception Convent in Lodi, NJ are always delighted when Chef Marcin Puzio harvests fresh veggies and herbs from the rooftop garden. He is able to do so periodically throughout the summertime.

The veggies are turned into delicious salads and served with homemade dressings. The dressings are flavored with herbs from the garden.

The fresh produce always smells so good and tastes even better!

The Felician Associates in Enfield, CT renewed their Associate Commitment on June16, 2023, Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, following Evening Praise. 

Each associate received a corsage in the afternoon during the preparation time before the ceremony. During the ceremony, the associates handed Sister Joan Marie Swierzb, associate director, their written plan of action for the following year and received a candle from Sister Anita Marie Louise Taddonio, local minister.

Associates joined the sisters and friars for supper and enjoyed their company. Plans for a July 11 cookout and meetings every third Saturday of the month were shared.