Sisters, Servants of the

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Malvern, Pennsylvania

Mission Advancement

where Mission Matters

Beginning this month, we are delighted to introduce a new feature in our Constant Contact newsletter: a poem written by an IHM sister. Throughout the years, the IHMs have published numerous collections of poetry that reflect on God, faith, creation, community, and the sacred moments woven into everyday life. Their verses invite readers to pause, reflect, and discover God's presence in both the extraordinary and the ordinary.

This month, we remember and celebrate the poetic voice of Sister Marie Hubert Kealy (December 13, 1935 – August 21, 2025). In this brief reflection on September, she captures nature's gentle transition from summer's fullness to autumn's rest, reminding us of God's renewing presence in creation.

"September rains
wash out the dust and heat,

flush away spent summer ---

then,

bright Nature can refresh the Earth

with ripeness and long shadows

that wrap it up for rest"

— S. Marie Hubert Kealy

Published in Magnificat 2012

A Lifetime of Faith, Family, and Gratitude:
Doreen Heath's connection to the IHM

Sister Ann Heath (left) standing next to her sister, Doreen Heath, a proud supporter and dedicated donor of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

For Doreen Heath, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary have been a constant and meaningful presence throughout her life. From her earliest school days to her continued involvement with the congregation today, Doreen's connection to the IHMs is rooted in faith, family, and gratitude for their lasting impact. She attended SS. Cyril & Philomena Catholic School in East Lansdowne, PA, where the IHM sisters taught her for eight years and later continued her education at Archbishop Prendergast High School. Her family's support of the congregation ran deep, and that connection became even more personal when her sister, Sister Ann Heath, IHM, entered religious life.

Some of Doreen's most treasured memories center on her family's involvement with the sisters. She recalls how, when Camilla Hall first opened in 1960, her father volunteered to drive sisters from East Lansdowne to visit the new residence during a cold and snowy winter. "Every time I look at the hill in front of Camilla Hall, I think of that experience," she says. "It's a memory that has stayed with me all these years."

Recently, she shared another memory to be treasured when she saw the relocated Mary’s Grotto under construction on the Immaculata campus. She said the sight of the Grotto transported her to Lourdes and expressed her gratitude for its relocation and restoration, as well as for the IHM sisters who founded Immaculata University and created this special place for prayer and peace.

Over the years, Doreen's relationship with the IHMs extended far beyond the classroom. As a former choir director, she appreciated the sisters' encouragement and support, often benefiting from the music and resources they generously shared. She also formed many lasting friendships with individual sisters and found inspiration in the congregation's spiritual life. Among her most meaningful experiences have been attending Christmas Midnight Mass and the Easter Vigil. "They are the most beautiful spiritual experiences," Doreen shares. "God is the center of everything the sisters do and that we can model in our own lives." Looking back, she credits the IHMs with preparing her not only for a career, but for life itself. "You learned how to do your work with excellence. In some way, you're just well prepared for life."

Today, Doreen's support of the IHM Sisters is an expression of gratitude for the women who nurtured her faith, shaped her education, and modeled lives of service. Her sister, Sister Ann Heath, sees those same qualities reflected in Doreen herself. "My sister exemplifies a person of 'kind and generous spirit' (Galatians 5:22)," Sister Ann says. "She believes deeply in the role of education and values fostering peace through her words and actions. She is clearly a blessing to me and to those privileged to be in her circle of life." Together, the sisters who taught her and the sister she loves have helped shape a lifelong connection to the IHM mission. For Doreen, that mission continues to represent faith, excellence, generosity, and God's redeeming love. As she reflects on a lifetime of connection to the congregation, she sums it up simply: "I've just never seen a more generous group of people who are so committed to others."

Sister Monica Therese Sicilia

Growing up in a large and loving family, Sister Monica always felt God's gentle invitation to a life of prayer, community, and service. From an early age, she sensed a calling to dedicate her life to God, a call that has continued to unfold in beautiful and unexpected ways. Looking back, she describes her relationship with God as a "living, breathing dialogue" that deepens with each passing day. Sustained by faith and the certainty that God's grace is always sufficient, she continues to respond each day with a joyful "yes" to wherever God leads her.

Throughout her years as an IHM sister, Sister Monica has embraced a variety of ministries that have shaped both her faith and her leadership. She began her ministry in education, teaching first, third, and fifth grades. Those years left a lasting impression, as she discovered that children have an extraordinary capacity to love unconditionally. The lessons she learned through her students continue to guide her today, reminding her that God's call to love is simple, genuine, and ever present. From the classroom, she moved into school administration and later served at Immaculata University as an Instructor of Interactive Digital Media and Design and as Vice President for Marketing and Communications.

Today, Sister Monica serves on the IHM General Leadership Team, where she supports the sisters and helps advance programs that strengthen the congregation's mission. She considers each day an opportunity to be a vessel of God's peace, hope, and redeeming love. Whether assisting fellow sisters, collaborating on community initiatives, or accompanying others on their faith journey, she remains deeply grateful for the privilege of serving wherever she is needed most.

Outside of ministry, Sister Monica finds joy in spending time with her family, especially during visits to the Pocono Mountains. She treasures God's presence in nature, art, and music, enjoys listening to audiobooks, and values the time she shares with the sisters at Camilla Hall. Through every chapter of her life, Sister Monica's faith, gratitude, and commitment to service continue to inspire those around her as she lives out her vocation with humility, compassion, and joy.

Celebrate Fall at Camilla Hall

Celebrate all the joys of autumn with us on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the beautiful grounds of Camilla Hall for our annual Oktoberfest and Craft Fair!



Enjoy a fun-filled day featuring unique crafts, delicious food, homemade baked goods, children's games, exciting prizes, and themed and sports baskets. Gather your family and friends, enjoy the crisp autumn air, indulge in seasonal treats, and discover one-of-a-kind treasures from our craft vendors all while supporting the (retired) IHM sisters who call Camilla Hall home. We look forward to celebrating this favorite fall tradition with you! For event details and everything you need to plan your day, please visit the Camilla Hall Oktoberfest website.

Christmas Concert

Celebrate the joy and wonder of the Christmas season with us on Saturday, December 13, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Chapel, located inside Villa Maria House of Studies. Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful Christmas music featuring Bob Grove, the Villa Maria Vocalise Choir, and the Malvern Preparatory School Men's Chorus. Following the concert, guests of all ages are invited to enjoy hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, and a special visit from Santa. Mark your calendars and join us for this festive community celebration. Tickets will be available beginning November 1, so stay tuned!

Annual Report Hot off the Press

The 2025-2026 Annual Report has been mailed to all donors who gave in the last fiscal year! This special publication recognizes the generosity of all donors who supported Camilla Hall between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

If you gave during this time period and have not yet received your copy, contact Maureen Cislo at 610-647-2160, ext. 1926, and she will be happy to assist you.

If we have your email address on file, you have received the Annual Report electronically. Please watch for it in your inbox and be sure to check your junk or spam folders if it does not appear in your inbox.

You may also view the 2025-2026 Annual Report online here.

As part of our commitment to being good stewards of both our financial resources and the environment, we are increasingly utilizing digital communications. Delivering the Annual Report electronically reduces printing and mailing expenses, allowing more of our other resources to be directed toward the care and well-being of our retired and infirm sisters at Camilla Hall.

Thank you for your continued generosity and partnership in our mission. Your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our Sisters every day.

Mary's Grotto Ready for Visitors

Thanks to the generosity of everyone who supported the Mary's Grotto Relocation & Reconstruction Project, this sacred space is now complete and ready to welcome visitors. Located on the grounds of Immaculata University, just outside the Lettiere Center, Mary's Grotto has been thoughtfully designed as a peaceful place for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Guests attending the Camilla Hall Oktoberfest & Craft Fair on October 10 are invited to visit Mary's Grotto and experience this beautiful addition to the campus. Visitors are welcome to walk along the accessible pathways and spend time in prayer and reflection while enjoying the serene surroundings.

As the newly planted landscape continues to become established, the orange safety fencing will temporarily remain around portions of the site. Visitors may walk on the pathway throughout Mary's Grotto, but we kindly ask that everyone remain on the designated walkway and avoid the newly seeded areas to help the landscape become fully established.

Mary's Grotto stands as a lasting testament to the faith and generosity of the many benefactors who helped make this project possible. We hope all who visit Immaculata University will stop by, pray, reflect, and enjoy this beautiful sacred space for years to come.

Donations are graciously accepted any anytime by clicking here.

Late Summer Fun for our Sisters!

As the summer season was winding down, our sisters at Camilla Hall were doing anything but that! It all started with their "Start of the New Year", which is when the sisters celebrate the beginning of the new school year. This coincided with a performance from the Visiting Angels band, who all enjoyed.

Chef Appreciation Week

From September 14-18, the sisters enjoyed a deliciously exciting addition to their lunchtime experience: Chef Appreciation Week. Each day, a different chef from the Camilla Hall kitchen was honored and showcased, featuring one of their signature dishes for the sisters to enjoy. The week provided a wonderful opportunity to recognize the chefs' talent, creativity, and dedication while treating the sisters to a variety of special culinary delights. Such highlights consisted of:

Monday featured Production Manager Frankie Miles, who has been working in the food industry for nearly 25 years, serving his delicious Asian Ramen with Shrimp.

Wednesday featured Executive Chef Larry Brickhouse, who has been working at Camilla for the last three years, serving his tender braised short rib over polenta cake.

Tuesday featured Chef Berta Ujpan Garcia (pictured middle) serving up her famous Ensalada Rusa. Chef Berta has been working at Camilla for three years, starting as a prep cook helping prepare specially modified meals for sisters with specific dietary needs.

Mike and Dawn Kuhn of Advocates Outreach, Inc. showing their love and support for the sisters at Camilla Hall by honoring Dawn's late mother who was a dedicated volunteer.

Pizza and Ice Cream: What a Duo!

During Chef Appreciation Week, the sisters were also treated to ice cream generously provided by Dawn Kuhn of Advocates Outreach, Inc., a longtime supporter of Camilla Hall and a generous sponsor of our upcoming Oktoberfest & Craft Fair. In addition, Gentili's Pizza & Steaks who provided their signature slices, hosted a special "Dine & Donate" three-day fundraiser in honor of Gloria Jean Pizii Ford, Dawn's mother, who was a volunteer at Camilla, where they donated 10% of all proceeds to Camilla Hall.

We are deeply grateful to Dawn, Advocates Outreach, Inc. Gentili's Pizza & Steaks, and all our generous benefactors whose kindness and support continue to enrich the lives of our sisters. We are especially grateful to see Gloria Jean's legacy of generosity carried forward through Dawn's continued support of Camilla Hall.

Goat Babies Flock to Camilla

The sisters at Camilla Hall enjoyed a truly unforgettable visit when the adorable goat babies from Snyder Family Farm stopped by to spend the day. There were smiles, laughter, and plenty of cuddles as the friendly little goats made their way around the grounds, bringing joy to everyone they met.

Based in Dover, PA, Snyder Family Farm is a family-owned traveling petting zoo that shares the fun and educational experience of interacting with farm animals at community events throughout the region. We are deeply grateful to the Snyder Family for their kindness and generosity in bringing their goat babies to Camilla Hall and helping to create such a special day for our sisters.

Your IRA Can Benefit our Sisters and You

Dear Friends,

Working alongside the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I see firsthand the profound dedication, compassion, and joyful faith they bring to every ministry—from educating young minds to supporting communities in need. Supporting our retired sisters at Camilla Hall is a deeply personal way to honor a lifetime of selfless service, ensuring they receive the dignity, love, and care they so richly deserve. By making a gift through your IRA, you actively share this mission and ensure our sisters' compassionate work continues to touch lives for generations to come. As you prepare your taxes this year, think about how your IRA can be utilized to give a gift that could actually help you save!

• If you are over 70 1/2 years old, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) up to $100,000 per year from your IRA to charitable organizations without that amount counting toward your taxable income.

• If you have an IRA and are 73 or older as of January 1,2023, you need to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). You can avoid taxes on transfers of up to $111,000 and REDUCE your taxable income – all in one transaction!

Contact your IRA administrator if you would like to direct a portion of your QCD or IRA to Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Your generosity has a profound impact on the lives for our retired sisters who reside at Camilla Hall so that they age with the respect, dignity, and highest quality of healthcare services they deserve. Your funding can also be directed to the various missions our sisters serve in education and vocation.

Note: Our legal title is Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and our tax ID number is: 23-1352569. Please speak with a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Maureen Cislo

Director of Mission Advancement

610-647-2160 ext. 1926

Talk to the One Who Knows and Loves You

Trusting in God is a great attitude of faith, and being prayerful is, too.

One day, my grandmother received a visit from a family friend and her 2-year-old daughter. The young mother and daughter made my grandmother a box of homemade chocolates. The toddler delighted in pointing to each chocolate in the box and saying to my grandmother, “For you! For you! For you!”

Did that mother need the help of her 2-year-old to make those chocolates? No! She was teaching her child how to care for other people. She was also taking the opportunity to bond with her daughter – as working together often does.



Similarly, when we pray, God is giving us the privilege of working with Him. He’s teaching us how to care for others, and He is bonding with us.

“God has too many other things to worry about; I don’t want to bother him with my small issues,” some say.

Read the full article here

On September 21, the world observed the International Day of Peace, a time to reflect on the importance of peace in our communities, our nation, and our world. More than the absence of conflict, peace is built through acts of compassion, understanding, justice, and care for one another.

For the IHMs, the pursuit of peace has long been deeply rooted in the Gospel and in the Congregation's mission of love, service, and unity. Inspired by the example of Jesus and guided by the spirit of Mary, the Sisters have strived to foster peace through education, pastoral ministry, healthcare, social outreach, and prayer.

In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, the International Day of Peace reminds us that each person has the power to be an instrument of God's peace. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, a commitment to justice, or prayers for those in need, even the smallest actions can help build a more peaceful and compassionate world.

As we reflect on this year's observation, we join the IHMs in praying for peace in our hearts, in our homes, and among all nations. Through faith, service, and love, may we each do our part to help create a world that reflects God's hope and healing for all.

Office of IHM Mission Advancement

230 IHM Drive

Malvern, PA 19355

missionadv@ihmimm.org