IHM Catholic Education Newsletter

APRIL 2024

Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Animated by the IHM Charism of Love, Creative Hope and Fidelity ... Embracing the Mission as Joyful Bearers of God's Redeeming Love!!

One of my favorite days of the Easter Octave is Tuesday and the Gospel, John 20: 11- 18. John tells us of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, crying because she fears she has lost Jesus forever. Angels ask her about her tears, and she shares her distress. She turns around and Jesus is there, but she does not recognize him and asks Jesus if He knows where the body is. She is looking for a dead body and totally misses the Risen Christ! Then, my favorite part, Jesus says, "Mary"! At the sound of Jesus giving voice to Mary's name, her recognition is immediate and complete. Another Gospel during the Octave, telling us of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, is also a favorite of mine. Again, Jesus is present yet unrecognized, seemingly for hours. Late in the day, the disciples welcome an outsider into their home, and as this stranger breaks the bread, Jesus is seen for who He truly is.

Both of these readings beg me to ask myself: "What is it that I need to acknowledge the presence of Jesus in own life, in the people I meet each day, in the needs of strangers as well as those I love, and in the joys and the pains that fill the hearts of all I encounter?" Please join me in prayer that we hear Jesus say our own names, as Mary did, and that as we approach Jesus in the Eucharist, we are open to graces given to SEE and HEAR Jesus in everyone we meet.


Easter peace,

Sister Mary Sue, IHM

IHM CHARISM CONNECTION

The Cross of Jesus Christ
Plentiful Redemption

The spirituality of the IHM Sisters very much aligns with the Redemptorist spirituality established by the founder of the Redemptorists, St. Alphonsus Liguori. The CROSS is a pivotal moment in salvation history as it reflects the vulnerability of our human existence. We have a God who knows so well our sufferings and challenges!

In the words of Brother Dan Hall C.Ss.R. :

"We could be dealing with a health issue, a family crisis, or isolation and abandonment. At some point, we all look to the heavens and cry, “Why, God? Why is this happening to me?” The Way of the Cross reminds us that God entered into our suffering. I may not understand my pain, but I know Jesus is in it with me. Suffering may be a universal experience, but it will not last forever...Walking with Jesus on the Way of the Cross is not comfortable. But it’s a journey where light glimmers in the darkness and hopes emerge from our despair. We know the story ends with a victorious sunrise on Easter morning."

IHM Virtue of the Month

The Love of Neighbor

Highlights from the Mission

IHM EdCamp 2024 - A Wonderful Gathering of Intentional Student-Centered Educators!

A Saturday in the Classroom!

IHM EdCamp 2024 hosted 115 educators who gathered to learn and to share professional best practices!

See you in 2025!

Welcome Educators!

Teachers at Work!

Lifelong Learners at work!

AI for Administrators

Teachers with a Growth Mindset
Colleagues in Learning
CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Sister James Anne Ferrick

Sister James Anne will be presented with the Brother Edwin Anselm Award at the 101st West Catholic Alumni Communion Breakfast on Sunday April 21, 2024! 

This award recognizes a graduate who is a person who exemplifies Catholic values and beliefs, a proven “loyal son or daughter of West Catholic" who has achieved outstanding success in a chosen field of endeavor and has contributed significantly to West Catholic in any form.


St. Laurence School


We are IHM proud of Sister Regina Matulka, IHM and her school community who have completed successfully the process for Middle States Association Reaccreditation!

Sister Regina Matulka - Offer congratulations here!

Our IHM pride continues as we celebrate with President Barbara Lettiere and Immaculata University the successful completion of their 2024 Self-Study for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Accreditation!

" We are stewards not masters of our earth. Each of us has a personal responsibility to care for the precious gift of God's Creation." - Pope Francis

Care for Our Common Home

Planet vs. Plastics is the theme for this year's Earth Day!



Find Your Earth Day

Tool-Kit Here!

IHM SISTERS ANNUAL
 NUN RUN
REGISTER NOW!

The IHM Sisters are delighted to once again hold the annual IHM Nun Run! Please join us!

5K Run / 3K Walk

Saturday, June 1, 2024

8:30am Start 

Registration Information here!

Check out our IHM educational resources: www.ihmeducation.org

Envision a World without

Human Trafficking

As we pray with Pope Francis' April monthly intention for the dignity of women, we share with you the website, Alliance to End Human Trafficking, which works to end human trafficking through providing educational resources, giving presentations, raising awareness, and engaging in advocacy at the state and federal level. This organization works to support survivors of human trafficking in healing and thriving through direct services such as providing shelter, counseling, spiritual support, job placement, and educational scholarships. Please click below to learn more.


APRIL


7 Divine Mercy Sunday


8 The Annunciation of the Lord

(Transferred from 3/25)


22 EARTH DAY!


25 St. Mark the Evangelist

Immaculata has been preparing students for leadership and service for more than 100 years, and our students graduate with a strong sense of professional accountability, responsibility and openness to lifelong learning. Many Immaculata students participate in valuable internships and work study programs as part of their academic programs.

IHM Social Media

The IHMs are now even more social! In addition to our IHM website, we have social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! We invite you to take a moment to check out all the IHM Social Media profiles and opt to Like, Follow or Share our posts with friends and family.

Join us on:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHMSisters.Immaculata

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ihmimmaculata

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihmimmaculata



Pope Francis' April Prayer Intention

For the Dignity of Women


During April, Catholics are asked to pray that “the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture.” The prayer intention includes praying for an end to the discrimination many women face in different parts of the world.

 

The Church celebrates the Easter season (also known as “Eastertide”) for 50 days, culminating with the feast of Pentecost

Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Proclaiming the Gospel Message in the Spirit of Jesus the Redeemer